Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters and most of the settings in this story. The honour belongs solely to JK Rowling. I suspect that I do not even own half of the plot, as this has been influenced by the numerous fanfics I've read.

Authors Note: Thanks for the good reviews! I was so happy. So I decided to upload the next chapter earlier than anticipated. Not a lot of activity in this chapter, but it is important as it sets up things for later on.

Chapter 2: Harry's Reflection

Harry was troubled, lying on the cold patch of earth behind the large hydrangea bush he discovered last year as an excellent hiding place. Of course, as a hiding place it was useless now, as whenever Harry went missing, this was the first place the Dursleys looked. In fact, just two days ago, Dudley Dursley thought it would be fun to lean out the window and drop a bucket of ice cold water down on top of Harry's head, whilst he was sleeping in the bushes. This particular event led to an angry Harry jumping up and running inside after Dudley. Dudley might be strong, but his enormous size made him slow and Harry, being light and quick was able to catch up to Dudley in no time. Before Harry could do anything, however, his Aunt Petunia walked in quite irate about mud being splashed all over the house. Needless to say, Harry was sent to his bedroom immediately and deprived of supper.

So why does Harry still use this particular spot? Well, he still finds it a convenient place to listen to the news, as Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia have a tendency to glare at him when he tries to sit in the lounge room with them. Besides, he can easily view the activity around the neighbourhood without being seen. With Voldemort's return, Harry was very paranoid, and with good reason. Voldemort may have wanted him dead when he was a baby, but he knew that Voldemort's desire for Harry's demise had grown exponentially. After thwarting Voldemort yet again a few weeks ago, it was personal.

At present, Harry was neither listening to the news nor watching the activity of the neighbourhood. You see, the weather was scorching and the bushes were cool … and the Dursleys were out. They had left earlier in the day when Harry was on one of his walks around the neighbourhood and had conveniently forgotten to tell him they were going. He was locked out. He assumed that they didn't want to leave him alone in the house where he could destroy it with his criminal behaviour. Harry snorted at this thought. The only one who was criminal at the Dursleys was Dudley. Dudley was still stalking the neighbourhood, looking for more innocent young kids to prey on. His latest victim until a few days ago was still Mark Evans, who Dudley had first started picking on last year. That is, until Dudley returned home one night as white as a sheet. Harry knew it had something to do with Mark, as Dudley had left him alone since, but as to what Mark did to scare Dudley so, he had no idea, and Dudley wasn't talking.

Harry was trying to enjoy a brief moment of solitude before the return of his most hated relatives, when the constant nagging and berating would re-emerge. His wish for tranquillity never eventuated, as his thoughts, as they always do these days, reverted to one Sirius Black, Harry's beloved godfather who died merely weeks ago. Harry blamed Snape for tormenting Sirius throughout the year, Dumbledore for insisting that Sirius remain virtually imprisoned, hell, he even put a small portion of blame on Hermione for liking that horrible elf. But mostly, Harry blamed himself. If he hadn't have been to blasted stupid, rushing off like that to the Department of Mysteries, Sirius would still be alive today.

Harry's reverie was cut short by an owl soaring towards him, getting ready to deliver a letter. The owl perched on the bush next to Harry, and lifted a leg, indicating to Harry to take the letter, which he did. After sending the owl away (it was looking rather annoyed as Harry didn't have any refreshments to give the owl at the time), Harry opened his letter.

Dear Harry,

I hope this missive finds you in good health.

I trust by now you would have received your OWL results. Congratulations on such a great effort, especially considering everything you've had to contend with over the past few years. I understand that the only thing standing in your way of becoming an Auror is your potions grade. I have taken the liberty of arranging some tutoring for you. If you can display the necessary competency in potions by the end of the summer, you will be able to study Advanced Potions in your sixth year. Your tutor would reside at Number 11 Privet Drive for the duration.

Should you choose to accept this offer, please respond at your earliest convenience.

Yours Sincerely,

Professor A. Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry was astounded. He had given up on the idea of becoming an Auror a while back, when he discovered that he would need to obtain an 'O' for potions. He knew that he had no hope of getting such a high grade, especially with a teacher who loathes him so completely. Harry has been at a loss as to what he could do in the future (assuming he'd survive that is, with that pesky prophecy hanging overhead). Now he had the chance of becoming an Auror like he dreamed of. Not a huge chance, he'd still need to reach 'O' standard, but still a chance. It would be hard work of course (school over summer, what a drag!), but maybe if Dumbledore had arranged a more suitable tutor. Harry couldn't believe for a second that the tutor would be Snape. He's much too busy with the Order and would never accept a job which could cause him to spend more time with Harry.

But what about the Dursley's? They would never agree to have one of 'his kind' in the neighbourhood, encouraging his 'abnormality' by teaching him how to make enlarging potions that causes a persons tongue to grow to an enormous size, for example. But then, they wouldn't have to know, would they? He could come up with some sort of cover story as to where he went each day, couldn't he? Surely the Dursley's would want Harry gone as much as possible. He could say that he found a job! That would be a perfect excuse as he would have to be gone at specific times every day. The Dursley's would insist that Harry give them his pay as reimbursement for he's 'keep', but that's okay, he could just exchange some of his galleons in Gringotts for muggle money, and give them that. It would be worth it.

Convinced, Harry laid back down on the ground, waiting his relatives return. As soon as he could get inside, he had a reply of acceptance to write.

For the first time since Harry returned home from Hogwarts, he smiled.

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