Growth

Even though Harry Potter wasn't sure what to make of magic, at least now he knew how he can use it to get a better life. Just like he had used it years before, before he knew he was a wizard.

As Harry was sitting on the Hogwarts express, he thought about the four boys who only wanted to know him because he was famous, the-boy-who-lived. That's what the boys said. Harry had no idea what they were talking about. All he knew was he didn't like the boys, one had actually threatened him the moment Harry said he didn't want to get to know people who went out of their way to look for him just because he was famous. He had no idea why he was famous. He figured he would talk to a teacher once he settled into Hogwarts. Harry knew right then he had to deal with the blond boy but also the others. Harry just knew they would cause trouble for him, in some form or another.

'Well, if they disappeared like the Dursley's did, then they must have been turned into trees. But there are no tree's on the train. I wonder what happened to them? When the Dursley's were turned into tree's they ended up planted in the front garden of number four. The nasty boy from the orphanage also ended up a tree in the garden of the orphanage. The man that had tried to hurt one of the young girls also ended up in the garden, but he ended up a spiky bush, that was so ugly no one wanted it there. Someone finally dug it out and then set it on fire.'

Harry thought about all those that had turned into some type of tree or bush. He now knew it was magic. Naturally, he would never tell anyone what he could do, but he hoped he could find something at the school that would help him understand how he could do what could. He didn't want to accidentally turn someone into a tree. He knew people had fights or arguments all the time. It didn't mean they were bad people. He would need to really concentrate, not just to make sure he didn't turn innocent people into tree's, he also had to listen to that thing inside him that always let him know when something bad was going to happen.

The only other people who came to the compartment Harry was in was a boy who lost his toad and a girl that was helping him. Because of how he was thought of, Harry never introduced himself, he just said he hadn't seen a toad and they left. Now he was just sitting alone, reading some of his textbooks. Being new to magic and the wizarding world, he didn't want to be behind and hoped just reading his books will help.

When he left the train, he heard a voice calling for first years and saw other kids who looked to be his age making their way to the big man with the bushy beard. The man's name was Hagrid and he was going to get them to Hogwarts, in boats. So, Harry climbed into one of the boats behind the boy with the toad.

A tall witch explained about the sorting, but Harry could tell she looked confused. He wondered if she noticed the missing boys, the ones Harry used magic on. It did make him wonder just where those boys ended up. If they ended up as tress or shrubs like the others, then it made him curious if he would find out where they were. He shrugged then decided to not worry about them. It was time to see just what Hogwarts was all about.

Harry listened to the sorting hat's song and one thing he noticed was the staff and a lot of the older students seemed surprised. Harry wasn't sure why, the hat said it was now safer than it had ever been before and Hogwarts would finally be united.

Harry watched the sorting with interest, just as everyone else was. One thing he did notice though was one of the teachers. The man with greasy hair was glaring at him and Harry had no idea why, especially since he never met the man before. One thing Harry did get though, a feeling, a strong feeling that the man hated him and wanted to hurt him. He always trusted the feelings he got, it had saved him many times.

Harry tried not to react as the greasy haired man disappeared. He knew no one seemed to have noticed that the man disappeared. The staff and students were busy watching the sorting or talking quietly to their friends.

When Harry's name was called almost everyone began to whisper and point. He heard the-boy-who-lived, a lot. He ignored it and sat on the stool.

'A very interesting mind Mr Potter. You could go into any house. You have traits that would suit any of the four houses. That has never happened before. One trait does come across stronger than the others though.'

'Does that mean that trait is how you will work out which house I will be sorted into?'

'Yes, "Hufflepuff" 'You have very strong feelings about loyalty.'

'I do, thank you hat,' Harry took the hat off and walked down to the Hufflepuff table. He ended up sitting next to the boy who lost his toad. He found out the boys name was Neville Longbottom, who seemed to be very shy.

Right after the sorting and the food appeared, the other Hufflepuff's all introduced themselves to Harry. He introduced everyone to Neville. He wanted them to know that it was rude to introduce yourself to one person but not the other. Most of them instantly apologised. The ones that didn't were the ones that Harry would not be associating with.

Harry didn't talk much, but he was watchful and he was listening. He wanted to see if there might be other nasty kids who he might have to avoid. So far, all the Hufflepuff's seemed okay. The Gryffindor's looked like normal kids, the same with the Ravenclaw's. The Slytherin students were a different matter. Harry could tell that at least half were dangerous, some just plain nasty. He had to suppress his gift. He couldn't have so many disappearing, not when there where others would see. He would work on them when he knew everyone would be asleep.

As Harry ate, he continued to look around and listen. He did get a sense of danger from another staff member. He also got a sense that the headmaster was not what he appears to be. Harry would need to keep an eye on the old man. But the teacher who was wearing the turban was dangerous, he could feel it. Harry knew he would need to deal with him and soon.

Harry was talking to Neville as they followed the prefects to the Hufflepuff rooms. But he was also concentrating on his gift and the professor that Harry knew was dangerous would now end up being a tree or bush.

As Harry lay in bed that first night, he was curious as to where the two teachers ended up. He had seen the forest on the grounds of Hogwarts and figured that's where they were. As for the boys from the train, he believed they ended up somewhere beside the train tracks. Whenever Harry used his gift, the people always ended up planted somewhere close to where he was. That was as far as Harry could determine. Now though, he could put them out of his mind and just be a normal school boy. He would keep an eye on everyone just to make sure there were no other bad people and he would keep an eye on the headmaster. He seemed friendly enough but Harry had seen friendly people before and they turned out to be bad and dangerous.

By the time the prefects of Hufflepuff showed the first years how to get to the great hall for breakfast, all of them noticed a bunch of people in blue robes.

'There aurors,' Neville said quietly.

'What are aurors?' Harry asked.

'Dark wizard catchers. My parent's were aurors, a long time ago. Gran still has some of their robes at the house.'

'So, they go after anyone that uses dark magic?'

'Yes, along with people that kill or hurt others using light magic.'

'So good magic can hurt someone?'

'Yes, or so I've heard. We'll learn all that here but we have to wait until then.'

'Why do you think they're here?' Harry asked. He knew why but he acted like he had no idea.

'I don't know, except something dangerous must have happened for aurors to be here.'

'I doubt we'll be told so we might as well have some breakfast then go to our first class. How will we know where to go or what class we have?'

'Professor sprout will be handing out your schedules very soon,' Cedric said.

'Thanks, I wasn't sure how it all worked,' Harry gave the older boy a smile then began to dish up his breakfast. Harry knew the aurors were at Hogwarts due to two staff members disappearing and they were probably trying to figure out where the four boys where. Their parents would have put them on the train, yet they never left the train, as far as anyone knew. Only Harry knew what happened to them and that would forever remain a secret, his secret.

Cedric had spoken with Professor Sprout, she had Cedric direct all her Hufflepuff's into an old unused classroom. It was then that she handed out the class schedules.

'Normally, I would hand these out at the Hufflepuff table then you would head off to class but for now, all classes have been cancelled while the aurors investigate. Now, as to what they are investigating. Four students and two professors seemed to have disappeared. The four students were put on the train by their parents, yet they never got off the train and the lady with the cart always does a search of the train in case a student leaves something behind. Those boys were not there. I need to ask if any of you saw these boys. They are Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle, Vincent Crabbe and Ron Weasley?'

Harry put up his hand, 'I saw them. They came into where I was sitting because they heard I was on the train. The blond boy, I don't know his name, he threatened me. He was with two other boys. I ignored them and they left. A red headed boy came in and asked if I remembered when I got my scar. I told him to get lost. I didn't see them after that. The only other kids I saw was Neville who was looking for his toad and a girl with him.'

'Hermione Granger, she went into Gryffindor,' Neville said shyly.

'Did you happen to see which way they went Mr Potter?'

'The red head went towards the front of the train. The blond one went towards the back. Once they were out of sight, I don't know where they went.'

'Would you remember how long after the train began it's journey that you saw the boys?'

'About fifteen or twenty minutes later.'

'Thank you for that. I will pass it along. Since classes are cancelled, I wish for all the first years to spend today reading the first two chapters of all your course books. If you need help, the prefects will be there to help you. You can use the library, your house rooms or even go outside if you wish. Please stay in only those areas while the aurors are here.'

'Um, do you want to sit outside and read our books?' Neville asked shyly.

'Yeah, I'd like that. Let's get our books.' Harry said.

Neville and Harry sat outside with their books, some of the other first year's joined them. Ernie McMillan and Justin Finch-Fletchley, along with a few girls from Hufflepuff. Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott and Sally-Anne Perks.

'My aunt is here. She said there doesn't appear to be any danger but they are confused about where those boys and two teachers went,' Susan said.

'Is your aunt an auror?' Harry asked, 'Neville told me about aurors.'

'She was an auror, now she's the head of the department of magical law enforcement.'

'She's basically in charge of everyone that has to do with our laws,' Neville said.

'A very important woman,' Harry said giving Susan a small smile who nodded as she smiled back.

Even though the first years that were sitting under the tree were supposed to read their text books, they couldn't help asking questions. Harry, Justin and Sally who were raised in the muggle world asked the most questions. Harry found out that Neville's parents had been tortured so they have brain damage. He was raised by his grandmother. Harry also found out that Susan's family had been killed around the same time as Harry's parents. She was raised by her aunt. Hannah asked where Harry went to live.

'At first I was with these mean people, I don't remember them though. I ended up in a home for orphans. Sometimes we get fostered to people, it doesn't always work so we get sent back. I've been at the home now for five years.'

'Um, Harry, do you know about that night?' Neville asked cautiously.

'I'm not sure what you mean. The blond boy that came said I was famous and called me the-boy-who-lived, yet I have no idea why. I don't even know my parents names. It was strange, people kept staring at me when I went shopping for my stuff and I heard them say my name, a lot. Actually, that's funny. I never knew my last name until I got the letter from Hogwarts. The neighbours of the mean people I lived with said they heard my name was Harry, but that's all they knew.'

Neville glanced at Susan who nodded, 'I need to speak to my aunt, be right back,' Susan got up and hurried away.

'Do you know why I'm famous and why people seem to know me, or want to know me?' Harry asked as he looked at the others still sitting near him.

'We do, or we know some but I think it's best if an adult explained. They would know more than us and be able to explain. Also, for now, don't tell anyone where you live.' Neville said.

'Why?' Harry asked as he stared not just at Neville, but the others as well who glanced at each other.

'Um, wait until Susan returns first,' Hannah said.

Harry could tell the others were serious but they also seemed worried. He nodded and shrugged before they decided it was time to read their books.

It was only a few minutes later that Susan returned, with her aunt, 'Harry, this is my aunt, Madam Bones. She needs to speak with you. You can trust her Harry.'

'Um, okay,' Harry shrugged then walked away with the woman, 'Is something wrong Ma'am?'

'Plenty but it's nothing you did. I knew your mother, Lily, she was a wonderful woman. I also knew your father, we worked together. He was an auror, junior to me, his name was James. Your full name is Harry James Potter. Lily Evans was your mother's name until she married your father. Your parents were murdered by a dark wizard who also tried to kill you. The scar on your head is where the killing curse hit you. The spell rebounded off you and onto him, making him disappear. You are the only person to ever survive the killing curse and are known as the-boy-who-lived.'

'That's why people kept staring at me or at my scar. But thanks for telling me my parents names.'

'You're welcome. I'm also working on some plans so you will not return to the muggle world. It would be very dangerous for you Mr Potter. The man that killed your parents had supporters called death eaters. They killed or tortured many people. Not all of them ended up in jail. As far as they are concerned, you destroyed their lives by vanquishing their dark lord. I plan to speak with a distant relative of your father's, to ask her if she wishes to take you in. Her sisters were death eaters but she is not and I know that for a fact. If for any reason she does not wish to take you, which I doubt, then I will be asking for custody. I want you to keep all this to yourself until everything is finalised. I told Susan to tell the others not to say anything about what you said. If the wrong people found out, they could try to fight for custody and not all of those people are good people.'

'I understand Ma'am. I did read a little about the war but I haven't really had time to read all the books I got. Since there were muggles around, I couldn't get my books out of my trunk.'

'You'll have time now and I'm sure you will find many books in the Hogwarts library that will explain more. Now one more thing before I return to my investigation. If the headmaster or deputy headmistress asks about your home life, say it's fine. Be evasive and do not mention the fact you are no longer with your aunt.'

'My aunt, the mean woman I remember, that was my aunt?'

'Yes, your mother's sister but a muggle, not a witch. Many tried to prevent you being placed with her but the headmaster explained about blood wards that would keep you safe.'

'But I wasn't safe. The woman, my aunt, she hit me over the head with a fry pan. The mean man threw me in the cupboard and broke my arm. A neighbour heard my screams. I was taken away in an ambulance, that was the last time I saw them.'

'I will make sure you never see them again but this is why I said to be evasive. The headmaster wants you with your blood family, I will make sure you end up with good people.'

Harry gave the woman a small smile, 'Thank you Ma'am. But the Dursley's disappeared right after I was taken away, no one ever found them, anyway, thanks again Ma'am.'

'You're welcome. Now go enjoy the day with your friends. If you need to know anything, ask Susan. She's been having history lessons with me since she was eight. I word of advice, self study history of magic as the ghost that teaches here is useless.'

'I will, thank you,' Harry walked back over to his house mates and sat down, 'Blimey, that was a shock to hear.'

'Now you know why people stare at you. There are stories about you as the-boy-who-lived. You were supposedly raised in a big castle with magical creatures around you and learnt magic from a young age,' Susan said.

'You would fight dark wizards and dragons in your spare time,' Ernie said with a shrug.

'These stories have basically made you out to be a big hero who is still helping the wizarding world,' Hannah said.

'I'm just Harry,' Harry shrugged.

'We know the truth now Harry,' Neville said with a smile.

'Yeah. Madam Bones said until everything is finalised, we can't mention anything about where I live.'

'We've all agreed to keep this quiet as we know just how dangerous it can be,' Ernie said.

'I'll read up on since we've got some time. Madam Bones said there would be books in the library.'

'There is, so how about we all head up there now, get some books on top of our class books?' Hannah suggested.

It was a week later that Madam Bones returned to Hogwarts. With the help of Professor Sprout, they were able to sneak Harry out of Hogwarts where he met Andromeda and Ted Tonks. Andromeda was James Potter's second cousin and had tried to gain custody of Harry when James and Lily died. Due to Albus Dumbledore's reputation, he was able to prevent anyone but Lily's muggle sister from having custody.

Harry really liked Ted and Andromeda. He also liked their daughter who liked to be called Tonks. He never got any feelings of danger which told him these people would be safe to live with. They spent the day together to get to know each other and worked it for Harry to come home with their daughter for Christmas. They would have his room ready for him.

Once it was all finalised and with all files hidden under the fidelius charm along with the information that the Dursley's disappeared years ago. If they were ever found, they would be arrested. Once they had all that together, Andromeda and Amelia informed the headmaster and deputy headmistress.

Albus didn't show it at first, but when Andromeda and Amelia left, he was furious. But he knew there was nothing he could do. Andromeda and Ted Tonks were blood family to Harry and now had full and sole custody. He had hoped to get Harry close to Ronald Weasley but that boy disappeared and still no one had any idea what happened to the boys or to the two members of the staff. He was already under scrutiny due to the disappearance of two teachers but also because one of those teachers kept causing problems and kept harassing students. Amelia and Andromeda had a lot of support inside the ministry. He could not afford to draw more attention to himself.

Minerva McGonagall wasn't sure what was going on. One thing she did know, Albus had lied to her. He said Harry was with family and he was treated well. Madam Bones and Andromeda Tonks explained more about Harry's life for the short time he was with the Dursley's, he had been in an orphanage ever since. She realised how much danger Harry Potter had been in for years and if anyone in the wizarding world had a suspicion that the boy wasn't with his blood family, any of the death eaters that got out of going to Azkaban could have found him and killed him.

It was time she spoke with Albus so he would know how she no longer supported him due to the lies he had told to her and other.

The staff gathered for a meeting to discuss when the students should begin classes, all of them asked where the headmaster was. A house elf was asked to speak with the headmaster about the meeting. The house elf returned to explained that he wasn't in his office. Minerva asked the house elf to speak with the rest of the house elves so they could find out where the headmaster was.

No one would find Albus Dumbledore because he was now a short ugly tree deep inside the forbidden forest.

Once Madam Bones explained about who put him with his mean aunt and uncle, Harry wanted to know more about the man. He already knew the man was not to be trusted. He decided to use his gift so he wouldn't lose his new family.

It was two days later that a group of people turned up. The students were once again sitting outside with their books. Many were just having fun but some were studying their books.

Harry instantly noticed that one man stood out because the boy who threatened him on the train looked just like him. Neville and Susan had explained that Lucius Malfoy was really a death eater but money changed hands and he got away with his crimes. Harry once again used his gift. Now the two male Malfoy's were some type of bush or tree.

It was announced at dinner that night that until they found Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall was now the headmistress.

'Um, Cedric, is there usually so much going on at Hogwarts?' Harry asked.

'No, you get your normal fights and arguments, with some landing in the hospital. This is so not normal Harry.'

'Okay, thanks,' Harry turned back to his other friends, 'I wonder if those people will be found or if anything else will happen.'

'It's just wait and see. At least we can begin our classes tomorrow,' Susan said.

'Yeah, I'm looking forward to it.'

From that moment on until Christmas, Harry never had to use his gift. He spent two weeks with the Tonks family, at his new home and knew he would finally have a good life.

The rest of the first year was normal in every way. Harry only used his gift on three older Slytherin boys. He did that on the train home. He saw them hurting a first year boy from Ravenclaw. The boy was curled up, crying yet the other boys kept hurting him and calling him terrible names. Harry realised his gift might get used a lot, he hoped not but he would keep watch and keep listening. He knew there would always be good people and bad people, but Harry only planned to use his gift on the ones that would hurt innocent kids, just like he had been innocent when the Dursley's hurt him. He took care of them and he would take care of others, if they hurt kids. He really hoped his gift wouldn't need to be used, but he also knew how some people acted and did things that was wrong. He knew he would have to use it, which was why he was never going to tell anyone about his little gift.

Harry had a new family and he had made some great friends. His life was already better than what it had been and he would make sure no one or nothing ever ruined his happiness.

The end: