Disclaimer: I have been told –at gunpoint, no less- that I must say the usual characters and world of Harry Potter don't belong to me. Oh, and that I'm not making anything from this. Is that everything? Nope! It all belongs to JKR; I'm just a measly fan writing for the hell of it. Now that I've said that maybe her "guards" will stop showing up everywhere! j/k. She wouldn't be that mean to fans…would she?

A/N: If you have just clicked on this chapter and didn't notice before, please go back and read chapter 9! I have posted two chapters today to make up for not posting earlier this week! So, please go back and read chapter 9 if you haven't already! Thanks, guys!

Chapter 10- The Best of Friends

Dear Harry,

I don't know exactly what to say to you right now, especially since I have never really written to you with your care on my mind. It's difficult to express feelings and emotions to you because I know you won't really understand what I mean. But please bear with me as I write this letter for it will hopefully bear light on why I am the way I am.

I know I haven't been the best aunt—the most loving aunt—to you, but I must confess that I was jealous of you, especially after you discovered you were a wizard. Jealous because I longed to be a part of that world. Jealous because you could reveal your true identity to everyone without having to fear what they would say.

Although I chose to hide my magical abilities when I first received my letter, I regretted my decision later. Your mother first wrote to me about her horrible experiences when she first went to Hogwarts, but things changed during her second year that made me regret everything that happened after that.

During your mother's first year, she felt alone because most of the students had friends before they went to Hogwarts. She always felt alone and the other students avoided her because she was muggleborn. Being the bookworm she was, she turned to books and her studies in hopes of finding comfort in the pages. But it didn't help much. She didn't have any friends and people shunned her for being so serious about school.

Then, at the end of the school year on the train back to London, the most remarkable thing happened: she made a friend. Though her friend was quite odd in her ways, she and your mum shared some things in common. One of the most significant characteristics they shared was that neither of them had any friends because they were so different from their classmates.

Your mum became fast friends with this girl; she even stayed over at our house a few times that summer. When your mum started school again, she wrote back that she was happy and school was wonderful. She proved that having a friend made a world of difference through her vast improvements on explanations of school and the wizarding world.

In her third year, the letters revealed that she and her best friend had made another friend. In year four, their group expanded to include two more girls and the other students in her class respected her. By the end of her fifth year, she wrote of how happy she was in the wizarding world and at that school. People respected her, regardless of her background, and the younger students looked up to her.

I didn't believe her at all because I figured she was trying to cover up the pain and ridicule she endured at Hogwarts. But that all changed the summer before her last year when she received her school letter. When she discovered that she had made Head Girl, her eyes shone with true happiness, and I suddenly envied her. I knew then that she really was happy in her world. In your world. Then, she began dating your father and her happiness grew, and along with it my envy grew, especially after I met your father. I envied her because he loved her so much, no matter where she came from.

I lost touch with your mother after she graduated because she chose to stay in the magical world. Her letters home went to our mum and dad, so I only knew what they told me. I convinced myself that I didn't need her in my life and that I hated her. But I was wrong.

When she died, I was heartbroken. I sought out her friends to ask them the details of her life after school, but none could be found. I discovered that most of her friends had been attacked or killed by Lord Voldemort or his followers. Only one friend remained: the friend she made at the end of her first year. If you truly want to find out anything about your mum at school, find Sybill Trelawney and ask her. She and your mum were the best of friends throughout school.

I know you may never forgive me for everything I did, but I felt I owed it to you to tell you that your mum was happy in your world and you deserve to be as well.

Aunt Petunia

o-o-o-o-o

Harry sat on his bed the morning after his birthday and stared at the letter, the silence of the sleeping house keeping him still as he read the letter over again. He didn't want to believe that his mum's best friend had been someone he knew, especially not his former Divination professor. He sighed as he finally set the letter on his desk, placing his glasses on top of it to keep it from blowing away in the cool morning breeze from the window. He tiptoed out of the room and down the hall to the bathroom for a shower, hoping no one woke before he had thought about the letter. As he closed the door behind himself, he wondered why his aunt had sent the letter. He continued to ponder this through his shower and on his way back to his room, where he dressed quickly and quietly for the day. As he fixed the collar on his navy polo, a knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. He turned to the door as it opened and Ginny's smiling face popped in.

"Good morning, Harry," she remarked as he quickly placed his glasses on his face and smiled back at her.

"Good morning," he started, "You're up early." She chuckled and rolled her eyes as she motioned him to follow her.

"We're going to Diagon Alley today," she began, "And then Mum said we are going somewhere special." Harry followed her down the stairs and toward the kitchen as he thought of the changes made in his life since the morning before and Ginny continued to talk about whatever was on her mind.

"Harry?" she piped in as they entered the kitchen and sat at the table with Mrs. Weasley, Ron, and Hermione, "Are you alright?" He forced a smile on his face and nodded.

"Yeah," he remarked, "So we're going to Diagon Alley this morning?"

"That's why we're all up early," Ron replied as he stifled a yawn. Harry nodded and bit into the sausage Mrs. Weasley placed on his plate.

"Why do we have to go so early in the morning?" Ron asked as he shoveled the last of his eggs into his mouth.

"Eat with your mouth closed, Ronald," Hermione hissed.

"The headmaster asked if I could arrange a visit for all of you for today," Mrs. Weasley answered in a neutral tone, "And I agreed." Harry hid a smile behind his cup of tea as he suddenly remembered the details from the night before as the other three stared at Mrs. Weasley in confusion.

"But, where are we going today?" Ron questioned as Mrs. Weasley smiled.

"It's a surprise," she stated as she turned to the sink, "Now, hurry up dears. We haven't much time." Harry quickly finished his breakfast and took his plate to the sink where Mrs. Weasley turned at him and they shared a knowing smile. She nodded to him and patted his shoulder before turning back to the dishes. The other three followed his lead and handed their dishes to Mrs. Weasley until all of their dishes were being washed by magic in the sink.

"Alright," Mrs. Weasley ordered, "I want all of you to finish getting ready and meet me in the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron in fifteen minutes."

"But how are we getting there?" Ron asked as the matron smiled at him.

"Apparate," she stated, "And Ginny, make sure you do side-along apparition with someone. I'll see the four of you soon." With a small pop, Mrs. Weasley disappeared. Harry turned to the others and grinned, excited about the day's events and eager to see his family's home.

o-o-o-o-o

"I can't wait to finish here," Harry announced excitedly as he, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny strolled down Diagon Alley soon after meeting Mrs. Weasley behind the Leaky Cauldron. She had ordered them to go to Gringott's first and then to the shops for their school supplies before meeting her at the twins' joke shop.

"Are you feeling alright, Harry?" Hermione questioned as Harry nodded and suppressed his smile, suddenly remembering that he wasn't supposed to know where they were going that afternoon.

"Of course, 'Mione," he stated, "I just…I'm excited to find out where we're going this afternoon. Aren't you?"

"Not really," Ginny answered as they approached the massive white building, "I mean, for all we know Mum is taking us to Hogsmeade for a visit." Harry smirked and followed his friends into Gringott's before being led into a cart by a goblin and down to the vaults. They stopped at the Weasley family vault where Ron and Ginny loaded their moneybags with galleons and sickles. Then, the four were led to Harry's vault where he noticed that the amount had greatly diminished in the account. He quickly scooped up the small pile on the pedestal in the center of the vault and smiled back at the other three who bore looks of confusion on their faces. He chose to ignore it as they traveled by cart back to the lobby of Gringott's. The other three walked toward the entrance while Harry hung back and quickly talked to Griphook to turn over the key for his school account. After he had completed everything he needed to do at Gringott's, he left the white marble building and was immediately surrounded by his three close friends.

"Harry," Hermione started as they stood on the white marble steps of the wizarding bank, "What happened to your account?" Harry shrugged as he tried to leave but found Ginny's hand on his arm, stopping his movements.

"What's going on, Harry?" Ginny pressed as Harry looked around for a quiet place to talk before spotting a secluded park nearby.

"Not here," he stated quietly to them as he started for the bushes, "Follow me." As one, the four moved quickly to the quiet area. Harry cast a silencing charm around them once they were in the park and turned to his friends' eager faces.

"We're friends, right?" he started. The three looked at him in confusion as the nodded.

"The best of friends, Harry," Hermione answered as Ron and Ginny nodded in agreement.

"So, anything I say to you has to remain between us," he remarked, "At least until the end of the war."

"Of course, Harry," Ginny replied as he nodded to her and looked at all of his friends before sighing and motioning them to sit down. The four of them lowered themselves to the grass in silence as Hermione, Ron, and Ginny stared at Harry expectedly.

"The reason why my vault had so little in it is that the funds have been moved," Harry announced.

"What for, Harry?" Ginny asked.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Hermione stated, "I thought you might have done something stupid." Harry glared at her for a second before turning to Ginny.

"I received a very special gift last night," he explained, "from my parents. When they first heard there was a spy among the Order, they created a will and left it with Dumbledore until I came of age in the wizarding world. The will left everything to me."

"But that doesn't explain why your vault was nearly empty, Harry," Ginny remarked as Hermione looked at him with a knowing look.

"Because it was moved to your parents' vault," Hermione announced. Harry nodded as Hermione grinned.

"But, what about your vault?" Ron pressed.

"It was a school vault," Harry clarified, "They set up a separate account for me so that I would have funds for school only and so I would find true friends. They knew my life would be difficult if they left and they wanted to make sure I was provided for without having people befriend me just for my money."

"It had to be a lot of money, then," Ginny voiced, "for them to do that." Harry nodded and looked at her.

"It is a lot," he remarked, "Plus the other details of my inheritance."

"What did it say?" Hermione asked curiously before looking at him in fear, "Oh, Harry, I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry or sound-"

"It's alright, 'Mione," Harry replied, "I know how you feel. I asked the same question when I heard there was an inheritance." He looked at all three of his friends for a moment before sighing heavily and closing his eyes. He opened his eyes and stared at them.

"Over ten million galleons are in the Potter Family Vault," he announced to his shocked friends, "Plus the interest from the businesses I am now a shareholder of."

"Blimey, Harry!" Ron exclaimed breathlessly, "What are you going to do with all of that money?"

"I don't know yet," Harry truthfully replied, "I'm still trying to grasp that I own so much."

"What businesses are you getting interest from?" Hermione asked.

"Gladrags," Harry started, "and a couple of businesses in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I won't own the notes and stocks in those until I finish at Hogwarts, but the interest in them is placed in my vault now and has been placed there each time over the past years."

"Bloody Hell, Harry!" Ron stated, "What businesses in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade?" Harry smiled at Hermione and sighed.

"The Obscurus Books publishing company here, Florean Fortesque's, and the apothecary," he announced, "and I own Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade."

"Madam Puddifoot's?" Ginny questioned as he turned to her.

"My mum's idea," he remarked.

"That's fantastic, Harry," Hermione stated, "Congratulations." Harry rose and they all followed as he looked at Hermione.

"That's not all of it, either," he announced, "You'll see this afternoon."

"Is that what the surprise is?" Ginny questioned with excitement radiating from her eyes. Harry nodded and removed the silencing charm before motioning them back to Diagon Alley.

"Come on," he ordered kindly, "The sooner we finish here, the sooner we can leave." The four of them quickly walked back to Diagon Alley where they bought their new books and supplies at the various stores around Diagon Alley before rushing to the twins' shop to meet the matron of the Weasley family. Soon, they were greeted by two matching red heads with large grins on their faces.

"Harry!" one called out, "It's positively spiffing to see you!"

"Absolutely wonderful!" the other responded, "We wondered when you would come see the smart investment you made!" Both of the Weasley twins grabbed Harry by an arm and marched him toward the back room of the store.

"And what are we," Ron started as the other three followed the twins and Harry to the back, "Chopped Billywig?" At once, both twins stopped and looked at the youngest Weasley son with smirks on their faces.

"Why, yes, Ickle-Ronniekins," the twin to Harry's right replied, "Now that you mention it, you are that." Ron rolled his eyes, his ears turning bright crimson, as Ginny and Hermione both placed their hands on their hips and glared at the identitical boys.

"George," Ginny snapped, "you shouldn't be so mean to your brother! He's a very important person in his own way!" The twins let go of Harry and stared at the youngest Weasley child in shock.

"How did you know which one of us is which?" they asked spontaneously as Ginny smirked at them.

"That's for me to know and for you to figure out," she responded as the twins looked at each other and gulped.

"How could she tell-" George started.

"-when Mum can't tell?" Fred finished. Together, they shrugged and motioned warily for all four of the Hogwarts students to follow them into the back. As one, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny followed the twins into the spacious and outlandishly decorated back room. There they found Mrs. Weasley sipping her tea from an outrageous orange teacup and holding a lurid lime green saucer. When the four entered the room, she set the cup and saucer on the banana-shaped table and rose from the violent violet armchair.

"Are you finished already?" she questioned with a smile. The four nodded as she motioned them toward the bright blue fireplace.

"Harry," she remarked, "I hope you don't mind, but I invited the twins to join us this afternoon." Harry smiled and shook his head.

"It's not a problem, Mum," he announced, "The more, the merrier."

"Alright," she began as she held out the radiant ruby red pot of floo powder, "now, remember to say Potter Manor very clearly. Harry, dear, why don't you go first since it's your home? Then, you can floo call us when we can come in." Harry smiled and took a handful of the green powder before stepping into the empty fireplace.

"See the rest of you soon!" he stated with a wink to the others, "Potter Manor." He let go of the powder and instantly felt the familiar traverses of the floo as he anxiously waited for the moment he would see his family home for the first time.

A/N: I know I'm horrible to end it there before I got them to the Manor, but I knew it wouldn't fit here! I promise, you will hear more of the manor in the next chapter! Until then, here are my usual thank you's! MALD

Reviews for Chapter 8
gothica122- You made me smile again with your review, especially the last part of it. My days have been quite testing for the last few days, so a smile is a wonderful thing! I'm glad you enjoyed the letters and the fact that I made Neville Head Boy. It was a spur of the moment thing since I didn't plan on disclosing who the Head Boy was. But, I figured that after the discussion and lecture from Ginny, it would fit perfectly in the story. Neville just needs more confidence, and I fully plan on giving him that. hee hee! Thanks for reviewing, dear! You know how to make my day!

phoenix-feather373- Yeah, like I said, Madam Puddifoot's was Lily's idea. I thought it was fitting that she would want something as sappy as that. It's a girl-thing. I figured it would bring laughter from people since that's where Harry's first, worst, and last date happened to be. Isn't that ironic? hee hee. Anyway, I'm glad that I still surprise you! That's my job. Have you checked out my profile to see my info. on Ginger? It might shock you more, but I promise it'll be worth it in the end! Thanks for reading!

Lovegood Loves Good- I thought long and hard about this before I wrote it because I knew I would be asked why he was mad since no one would be able to tell him. However, Remus and Dumbledore would both be able to tell him his parents were wealthy and owned Potter Manor even if they couldn't tell him. They may have been trying to keep him from danger, but even letting it slip that they owned Madam Puddifoot's would've sufficed. Oh well! I digress! Thanks for reading again, and (as always) thanks for reviewing!

Lord Leon Towasoki- Thanks for the review! I know you don't want to ruin the surprise by checking out my profile for new information, and I completely understand. It was just a suggestion to those who wanted to find out. Trust me, they are in for a shocker! Hee hee! I love keeping readers on their toes. Of course, I might have to work it in the story somehow...Anyway, thanks again for reading!

nandhp- Thanks for always reviewing and always reading the story! I'm really happy to see some of my regulars on here! It reminds me of work: my regulars at work are great and always act the same. Thanks for being a "regular" on here!

iceprincess421- Hee hee! I definitely have to read some of your stuff now if you're this funny in your reviews! How is your "HP and the Power Unknown", humorwise? Is there a lot in the story? I need a pick-me-up right now, and your humor could do that for me! As always, thanks for the laughs, the review, and for sticking with me! You've been promoted to a "regular"! hee hee!

shannyauburn- I know exactly what you mean about your story/stories! I actually have a good start on book 6 of my series (I have ten 12-pg. single-spaced chapters right now) and I love the plot for that book, but it's the other six books I'm worried about. I cast the series aside so I could concentrate on school and fanfics until (just two months ago) a major catastrophe hit me. I was devastated over the situation, and it knocked me before I could recover. The catastrophe has made me see life in a different light, especially since it proved to me that I don't need to make up a bunch of stuff to make money. My own life experiences could make me millions, especially because of the irony and humor quality of it all. So, I guess you could say that I finally found my muse and need to work on my outlines for the series. I'm waiting until I finish my fanfics and school first, though. Anyway, thanks for always being there and for always reviewing! How are your personal writings coming?

jayley- I'm glad you liked the letters! I knew that Lily's letter would bring tears because she would be like a typical mother. So, I had to counteract it with a funny letter (a.k.a., James). Although his would still bring tears, it had to bring laughter too. So, I worked on that for awhile. -gasps- I didn't realize that I put in something so religious. Oops! -blushes- That's what I get for growing up in an Episcopal family! I knew that line came from somewhere, but I couldn't remember where. And I thought it fit perfectly for Lily. Anyway, my sincere apologies if it offended you (or anyone else). How was camp, by the way? Thanks for the review, at any rate, and thanks for always being there!

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As always, thanks for keeping my confidence up and for reading the story! MALD