Grey
Living with the Dursleys has very few perks. But one of the said perks is that you'll be left alone. And that's exactly what Harry needed. To be left alone. Harry closed the book he was reading. Fortunately for him, Sirius provided him with all the books he wanted. Mostly all the 5th year books. For the first time, Harry started reading his syllabus before Hogwarts. He always thought he was weak in theory but no he was just lazy. The only thing Harry lacked here is that he didn't get to train, although he exercised daily. His hands are itching to try out some new spells that he learned over this one month. Harry doesn't want to admit but that little speech of Ignotus at the end of their meeting is still playing rounds inside his head.
Harry sighed as he got up from his bed. His eyes fell upon the very book that he already finished about 5 times now. "The tales of Beedle the bard". Deathly Hallows is a fascinating subject. There's a reason Harry kept his mouth shut about it during his meeting with Dumbledore. But should he spend more of his time searching for them? No, he won't. Harry's priority is Voldemort. Everything else can wait. The ministry doesn't agree with him in this matter. Sirius was frantic about it in his letter. The ministry concluded the trial of Barty Crouch Jr in a hurry and he was given a dementor's kiss shortly after. Minister Fudge himself was in big denial. According to Sirius, they think all this was a ploy set by Dumbledore and him to remove the current minister. There are already countless articles published every day on the said matter. Though this time the focus is more on Dumbledore than himself. Harry was thankful for it.
Changing into his joggers, Harry went outside. Nothing good comes from brooding anyway. The streets around private drive are mostly empty with only a few people can be seen nearby. Lately, his body felt strangely energetic, his body was also hit with a sudden growth spurt according to his aunt Petunia. He almost grew over 5 inches in only a month. Now almost 5 feet 8 inches, Harry could already tell that he had finally beaten Ron in height. Hermione and Ron exchanged several letters with him. Hermione for most of the part asked whether he was okay after the graveyard fiasco and Ron as usual talked casually about other subjects, avoiding serious topics. Harry liked that. It was kinda fresh. Deep in his thoughts, Harry reached the park before he knew it. Stretching his body, Harry started his regular push-ups and drills. His body is craving it almost. What changed? Even Harry wonders that himself. Voldemort's soul affected him much more than he thought. Even Dumbledore agreed with him when he told about it in his letter to him.
After finishing his workout, Harry took a quick shower and began to pack his belongings. Tonight he'll be leaving for Sirius's home. Dumbledore said someone will come to pick him up as the threat of Voldemort is there. This might become his last stay here in Dursleys. Harry came here to sort his thoughts. And he did exactly that. Harry can feel it himself that he changed. Changed for the good. That graveyard fiasco and aftermath made him realize just where he's standing in this game. He's just a pawn. A pawn who let himself be used by both parties. Undoubtedly Albus Dumbledore and Voldemort are the kings. Harry knew that much. Dumbledore used him for his gain just like Voldemort. His motives might be for his good but still manipulating him to do his bidding was all Dumbledore did. In all his 4 years of Hogwarts, Harry never got a normal year. Directly or indirectly Harry got pushed around. Harry had enough of this. This game of chess is going to be interesting. Because a new player has arrived.
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Grimmauld Place, the great house of blacks, never felt dear to Sirius. After all, Sirius spent most of his youth in Potter manor along with James. Still a small part of him adores this house. Watching the family tapestry, Sirius can only lamest about how far the house black has fallen. His grandfather might be turning in his grave. Once the proud family of his boasted to all about their prowess both magically and politically. His eyes fell on the top of the tapestry, "Toujours Pur", his family's motto. Sirius shakes his head. His eyes once again retraced all the names only to stop at Dorea Black née Potter. A small smile came to his face. Sirius never told Harry about this, that Harry too is related to him. He too shares black blood.
Thinking of Harry, guilt surged inside him. If only he could turn back the time and stop himself from pursuing wormtail that day, Harry would have lived a better life. Sirius still remembers the antics of toddler Harry. He has always been an intelligent and bright child. Many would tell the same about Harry even at the age of one. When Sirius met Harry in his third year, Sirius could only recognize his face. The similarity of him with his dad. His eyes though were different, much different from the vibrant green eyes of his childhood or his mother. Harry was small and awkward, in contrast to James at his age. Even then Sirius saw the potential that Harry carries. Only at the age of one, Harry performed accidental magic almost daily. Both Lily and James faced a great deal of trouble because of it. It's only natural as it was their first time parenting. He saw that when Harry alone defeated hundreds of dementors alone at the age of thirteen. And now Harry already faced Voldemort on his own and came back alive. Not many even adults can boast about the same. Sirius wanted Harry to spend all his summer vacation with him. But Harry refused. Harry told him in his letter that he needed some private time. Sirius tried to argue that Harry can get all that in Grimmauld place too but to no avail. Harry was right. Dumbledore for some reason brought the whole Weasley family to the Grimmauld place too. Sirius didn't care about the people living in this house but he only wanted to spend more time with his godson. Never mind they still have half of the vacation to catch up.
A loud thud and vibration in his ring notified him of Harry's arrival. Sirius almost ran to the door. There he is. Harry Potter, his godson. Much taller than he last saw him. His body too seemed like it went through a massive growth spurt. But one thing that startled him was his eyes. It was the same eyes of that one-year-old Harry. Bright and vibrant green. With a small smile, Harry hugged him. Sirius breaking away from his thoughts hugged him back. Harry followed to greet others too but a bit modestly. He only hugged Hermione and gave a side hug to Mrs. Weasley. Who immediately dragged him towards the food table without much delay. Sirius shook his head in amusement. His gaze fell to his side to one of his best friends, Remus, who had a thoughtful look on his face.
"Remus" Sirius called out to him. Making him jerk away from thoughts. "What's wrong ?"
"Nothing" Remus only smiled half-heartedly at him and with a shake of his head entered the kitchen.
Sirius followed suit.
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They didn't even reach the table before Dumbledore arrived along with the remaining order of the phoenix. Dumbledore did mention the meeting to him, but Sirius almost forgot about it.
Sirius watched as Harry stood up in his chair to greet Dumbledore. Though Sirius didn't miss his blank face and strained smile. Harry is reserved around Dumbledore, that's for sure.
Dumbledore pat Harry on the shoulder as he addressed the room.
"I think you all know why we are here today," Dumbledore said while looking around the room.
Molly immediately ushered Harry and the other children to go upstairs. Sirius wanted to protest but stopped when he saw Harry's nod. Harry said something quietly to Dumbledore before leaving the room.
Lately, the ministry of magic is quite vocal about opposing Dumbledore. Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge used his influence over the Daily Prophet to slander Dumbledore's reputation. That already made Dumbledore resign from his Supreme mugwump position. They targeted Harry too but mostly about how Harry Potter is being used by Dumbledore for his ambition. The general public opinion though is divided. Many still think that the Ministry failed to safeguard student's lives once again while many others believe in Fudge's tale too.
The meeting started with a serious note as Dumbledore described how far Fudge can go to discreet Dumbledore. Fudge is paranoid actually that he thinks Dumbledore is after his seat. Many in the meetings gave their opinion on what can be done about it. Sirius stood quietly in a corner, these things don't concern him much. Sirius patiently waited for the real topic to begin.
"Lastly, about Voldemort, we have received input that lately the dark lord has already begun his searching for that thing." Snape beside Dumbledore nodded in agreement. Sirius twitched his nose. "Because of that, I think we now need to patrol around the ministry. We will take shifts just like we used to do before." A murmur spread around the room. Dumbledore held his hand up for silence. "Voldemort may soon attack the ministry and we need to stop him from getting that thing at all cost." Murmurs further spread after Dumbledore is finished speaking.
"That thing" Dumbledore advised them to not mention it openly. Sirius heaved a sigh. Everything started because of that thing. The prophecy. And now Voldemort is after that thing.
"Should we tell Harry about it?" before Sirius could speak the same, Remus beat him into it.
"No, Let's not put more burden on him. We will tell him when the time is right." Dumbledore replied. Many nodded. Sirius hesitated but he knew that Dumbledore is right. The rest of the meeting passed like a blur. Only past the dinner time did Dumbledore conclude the meeting. Dumbledore though talked with Harry briefly before leaving.
Dinner too passed in a hurry and silence. Only after the dinner did Sirius get Harry alone. Standing in front of the same tapestry, Sirius again took a good look at Harry. Harry looks different. Much different than the nervous and clumsy Harry, Sirius saw last year. Harry seems confident. Standing across him Harry looked right in his eyes.
"How are you, Harry?" Sirius finally asked. Harry smiled at him. A genuine smile.
"I'm fine, Sirius." Harry answered. "Much better actually."
"That's good," Sirius said after a moment of silence.
"Harry do you know, what is this?" Sirius asked while watching him looking at the tapestry.
"A family tree of Black, I guess." Sirius nodded. Sirius then traced his family lining with his right hand and stopped right at Dorea Potter nèe Black. He watched in silence as Harry's eyes widened as he looked at the name.
"Yes Harry, that's your grandmother Dorea Potter, formerly Black married to your grandfather Charlus Potter." Sirius explained.
"What happened to them?" Harry's voice was low when he asked it.
"They were killed. Just a month before you are born." His godson closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened his eyes Sirius could see that Harry's eyes were a little watery.
"They were wonderful people. Some of the best I've ever seen in my life. You know Harry, I spent all my 7 years of Hogwarts holiday with them. There was a time I considered Potter Manor as my home, not this. Voldemort and his cronies destroyed it while they were searching for you and your parents." Sirius's voice cracked remembering old memories.
"Harry, I don't know what happened out there in the graveyard. I don't even want to know. What I know is that you are alive and well." Sirius didn't dare to look at Harry. "When Remus informed me about the incident, for a moment I thought I'd lost everything. I almost apparated outside Hogwarts to see you myself. But then Remus again sent his Patronus telling me that you are alive. You don't know just how I felt at that moment." Sirius paused. At last, Sirius turned to look at Harry. "You are the last remaining family of mine, Harry. Whatever may happen, do remember I'm here for you."
Sirius watched with bated breath as Harry crossed the gap between them and hugged him lightly.
"I know Sirius," Harry whispered in a low enough voice that Sirius almost didn't hear it.
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Harry felt light. He shared the whole story with Sirius minus his death part. He still didn't dare to tell Sirius about Ignotus. Harry knows he can trust Sirius more than anyone. The only person who'd go to any length for him. Unlike others. Harry almost asked him about the meeting too. But Harry stopped himself. Harry didn't want to hear it. Why would he? Since that day Harry decided that he'll play this game of his own accord. Not Dumbledore's. Whatever Dumbledore and the order of the phoenix planning must be related to him. That Harry knows for sure. There's no harm in association with them, but from now on Harry will keep his distance. His foremost importance is his training. And Harry asked Sirius about this.
Sirius immediately granted him access to the Black Library. The real black library. Harry didn't tell Hermione about this. She would be mad. But what can he do? Only those with black blood can enter the hidden section of the library according to Sirius. Harry read his usual books in front of others while keeping black library books limited to his rooms only. Those books are quite knowledgeable. Though about half of them are dark, Harry still tried to learn the basics of all the spells. Just like the imposter, Moody said "No spell is dark unless it's used for dark purposes." Too bad Harry can't train with his wand yet. Harry thought about asking Sirius about it but he didn't. It'd be very suspicious.
Three weeks have passed in a blur. Harry spent most of his time reading books. He didn't forget to spend his time with his friends and Sirius too. Hermione was happy when she heard that Harry already started reading 5th year books. Ron for his part didn't mind his recent study habit unless Harry doesn't skip his evening chess match. Harry gave his Triwizard money to the twins and they told him that this would be his best investment. Harry never really doubted them. Harry can't wait to see the result. They already received their Hogwarts letter for the fifth year. Both Hermione and Ron have been made prefects. Harry happily congratulated them. After all, this is what Harry wanted. He'll have more free time. Mrs. Weasley as usual took extra care of him. Almost giving him twice the food he can eat every time. Remus and Tonks too visited the house once in a while. Harry talked with his former professor about some theoretical doubts he had while reading the books though not explicitly.
Harry also tried to look into Sirius's case too. Getting him a trial is pretty hard right now according to Dumbledore. The ministry is volatile and they can even sentence Sirius outright without giving him a trial just like last time. Dumbledore advised him to wait for the ministry to get stable. Harry reluctantly agreed.
Today Mrs. Weasley will take them to Diagon alley for their pre-Hogwarts shopping. Some of the order members too will be there for their safety. Finishing his breakfast quickly Harry joined others near the floo network.
Floo network never really liked Harry as he arrived almost upside down again. Though it was better than last time. They directly went to Gringotts straight. Filling his money pouch with much needed Galleons, Harry exited the bank. Diagon Alley is as usual busy but Harry could feel the little tension the general public has. Harry immediately put a hat on his head that hid his scar and half of his face unless he looked up.
Harry was standing outside the Flourish and Blotts when he saw something. His eyes widened.
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Thomas Gibbon is happy. Like he was just before that fateful day. Finally, the dark lord came back. Many didn't believe him when he said that the dark lord will return one day. Now those scums are cursing their luck for not believing him. His lord recognized his loyalty and gave him a promotion, now he's counted amongst the top death eaters. Gibbon smiled as he strode through the Diagon Alley. The dark lord has given him a mission and he has to report to Travers his findings of that shop. Gibbon adjusted his hat once again as he crossed Flourish and Blotts. People are busy as usual. Kids and Hogwarts students can be seen here and there. Poor things, they don't even know what's coming for them. With another dark smile, Gibbon hastened his pace.
Just as he reached Knockturn alley, he noticed something unusual. There's no sign of Travers. Gibbon immediately cast a glance to his sides.
"Gibbon, here" Gibbon turned towards the voice. Travers motioned him to follow. Soon both of them entered deeper parts of the alley. Just as Gibbon thought about asking where they were going, Travers whispered in a low voice, "I think we are being followed. Do as I say."
Without saying a word, Gibbon did what he was told.
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"Ron" spotting him Harry called out to his friend. "I think I forgot my pouch at Gringotts. Tell Mrs. Weasley, if she searches for me." Without waiting for his response Harry ran ahead. Swiftly putting on his invisibility cloak when no one was looking, Harry followed the man. The very same man Harry saw that day in the graveyard. Just by luck, Harry noticed the side scar while the man was adjusting his hat. No doubt he's a death eater. Harry recognized that the man was going towards Knockturn Alley. Grabbing his wand in his hand under the cloak, Harry silently followed him.
Harry watched as another man came out of one of the houses and joined the death eater. Both of them entered deeper into the alley. That made Harry a bit suspicious. Harry quickly closed the distance a bit, getting to the audible zone of them.
"I think we are being followed." Harry's mouth went dry. How? How did they know? Harry hurriedly put some distance between them. Harry watched in bated breath as both cast spell after spell. His eyes widened.
A small scream echoed.
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Gibbon smiled once again as he saw their perpetrator. Travers was right. When both of them aimed right where Travers told him, his spell hit right at the target. A girl. A girl around the age of fifteen or sixteen.
"Do you know this girl?" Travers asked as he finished binding the girl in a rope. Gibbon shook his head in denial.
"What to do with her, then?" Travers again asked, this time Gibbon smiled.
Gibbon looked at Travers. A clear glint in his eyes. Travers rolled his eyes at him.
"Dirty old bastard, do as you want, unlike you, I don't fancy kids." Travers left him alone as Gibbon opened the belt in his pants.
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Harry gripped his wand. Harry has seen this girl. She's a Slytherin as far as Harry could remember. But why did she follow these goons? It also seems like they are not even acquaintances. Slytherin or not, nobody deserves this.
Harry clenched his jaws while aiming his wand right at the man.
"Stupefy" Harry whispered. His wand vibrated. A bright red spell emerged from his wand and hit the man right on his chest sending him flying in the air. The man landed right in front of his friend, alerting him of his presence. In his haste, Harry didn't even notice that his hand was poking out of the cloak. Only a second later, a bright yellow spell came toward him. Harry ducked under his cloak and jumped to his right. What just happened? Did he put that much power into that stupefy? No, he didn't. Harry again looked at his wand. His wand is still shaking, almost like it doesn't want to remain in his hand any longer. Breaking out of his stupor, Harry immediately brought his focus to the fight. Initially, Harry thought that a silent stupefy would knock that man down but this is getting troublesome. Fighting another death eater in Knockturn alley alone isn't what many would wish for. Shaking his head again, Harry gripped his wand tight.
"Bombarda" this time Harry yelled. The death eater managed to jump out of its way as it collided with the ground. A loud bang echoed with dust and debris sent flying from the impact. Again Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing. The spell created a small crater in the ground. Just like Harry the death eater also looks at the crater with wide eyes.
Just a moment later, a barrage of spells came grazing towards him. Harry created a shield in haste. Pouring much of his power into it. To his shock yet again almost a dozen spells crashed into his shield. His shield didn't even budge. Harry instantly sent his own set of spells. Mostly minor cutting hexes and stunning spells. The man replicated Harry's move to create a shield of his own. Unlike his expectations, his shield didn't last more than two spells and several cutting hexes cut through his body. The man screamed.
"Who the fuck are you?" The man cursed. "Reveal yourself, you coward."
Harry stopped in his tracks. A cruel smile emerged from his lips. Harry put his cloak down in his pocket as he walked directly in front of the man. The man's eyes widened as Harry put down his hat from his head.
"Potter" the disbelief in his voice made Harry smirk a bit more.
"Who else do you expect?" Harry replied. "Your master said that night that I'm his nemesis. So here I am. Doing my job." Harry laughed. He laughed hard.
That is when something happened. Harry's right hand jerked as he heard something from behind. Someone else is here. At the same time, the man raised his wand at him.
"Reducto" someone yelled.
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She didn't know why she came down here. The only thing she knows is that she heard a loud blast and she ran towards the sound.
She should've just stayed back in the Diagon Alley. It's her friend that suggested that she knows a place where she could find what she was looking for. Just as she entered the shop, she didn't notice that her friend almost vanished. Only when she did find the thing in the shop did she notice that there was no sign of her friend. As much as she thinks she's familiar with Knockturn alley, something about it always creeped her out. She searched for a bit when she heard a loud bang from nearby. She immediately ran towards the spot.
The first thing she saw as she reached the spot was her friend bound in rope, lying alone on the cold stone floor. She tried to undo it but a bright flash forced her to close her eyes. When she managed to open it, her eyes opened wide.
A pool of blood splashed around her as a headless man crashed into the wall right in front of her. A silent scream escaped from her mouth.
Gathering herself, she immediately levitated her friend and dashed out of the alley. When she looked back, the last thing she saw was a black wand vanishing into the thin air.
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Panting heavily Harry forced himself to stand. Fortunately for him, Harry managed to slip past some Aurors and guards as he entered Diagon alley. Finding himself a secluded spot Harry put his cloak back. His breathing was heavy. Harry struggled to breathe.
Did he just kill a man? Harry killed a death eater to be precise. When the man raised his wand, Harry without even thinking sent a reducto at him. He watched in dread as his shield cracked in an instant and the spell hit him right in his face, blasting it away like some kind of balloon. Just what the heck is wrong with him. No, just what the heck is wrong with his wand. Almost all of his spells are bloody overpowered. Harry didn't even know why and how. Taking a deep breath Harry tried to push away those dreadful pictures from his mind.
Harry again took out his wand, gripping it tightly. Unlike before his wand isn't vibrating but Harry could feel that something is odd about his wand lately. His dear wand almost felt repulsive. Harry poured his magic into his wand again. Not only does it start vibrating, It also grows hotter. Harry cast a quick scourgify. He needs to do something about this. Another thing that nagged him was that girl who rescued that bounded girl. Harry didn't get to see her face. Judging by her shoulder-length straight blonde hair, Harry swears there's a Slytherin girl with similar hairstyle or hair color at least. But as much as he racked his brain, Harry couldn't recall the name. What done is done anyway. Harry helped himself to stand. Straightening his dress, Harry went directly to Flourish and Blotts. As he reached them, Mrs. Weasley immediately scolded him for not informing her. The news of the Knockturn alley has already reached here. Harry can see the Aurors and guards running here and there. People too are running towards floo gates and apparition points. Harry could even see some order members nearby.
Mrs. Weasley without wasting any time led them towards floo networks. Giving his surroundings another glance, Harry threw his floo powder.
A/N:
I told you, this will be fast paced. I kinda cut this chapter short bcuz I didn't want to drag it any longer. More things are coming in the next chapter. Also y'all going to see her soon don't worry.
About Harry, his magic is currently pretty volatile (less than crypto thou). That being said, it's mostly pretty much inspired by 'The awakening power' from sib-ff. One of the first fics I've read on this site. Though it'll be much more different (there'll be less drama, so don't worry).
Lastly, Huge thanks to everyone for their positive response. I know more harsh criticism is coming but yeah I'll try my best.