Warning – This chapter will contain physical abuse.

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For weeks Harry had been having unusual dreams. Not dreams of torture or of the death of his godfather, or even of his parents, but dreams of a manor he had never seen before. Hallways leading to various rooms; the library, a study, a kitchen, the banquet area, countless bedrooms and rooms filled with valuable trinkets.

After the Battle at the Department of Mysteries he had relived Sirius' death night after night. Though after his sixteenth birthday at the end of July those nightmares faded, and his nights were filled with these new dreams. Now weeks until the new start of term all he was dreaming of was this manor. The detail in the dreams drastically increased, he suddenly was able to see the text of books, the patterns on the cloth, even the grain on the wood.

But now he wasn't dreaming, no, sixteen-year-old – Savior of the Wizarding World, was crammed back into his cupboard nursing his busted cheek and trying to not agitate the cuts on his back. It had been three days since his Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley had left and while Harry had become accustomed to the abuse that came daily from his Uncle since his first summer home from Hogwarts, the first time the beefy hand had connected with his son's face Petunia bundled her little Duddydums and left.

He had lost his job at Grunnings; the drill company had been making cuts and despite how long he'd work there they had cut him and others to save their bottom line. He had spent the afternoon at the local tavern, coming home piss drunk and angry. Dudley had whined for the newest toy and Vernon had snapped. Petunia's screeches of anger were still ringing in his ears.

Despite as many times as Harry had been on the receiving end of the physical abuse, from all three members of his family, his heart ached for his cousin. The look of betrayal as his head snapped back, Dudley looked so stunned and so sad.

When Vernon had woke the next morning to find his wife and sons' things gone he had left the house for hours, the growing pit of anxiety in Harry's stomach was making him nervous and out of paranoia he had sent Hedwig to Luna's and while he hadn't heard from her since the disastrous trip to the Ministry he knew his winged partner would be safe there.

Leaning his head back against the wood Harry's mind wandered to his friends. He hadn't heard from anyone since they had parted at the Ministry; Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had been whisked away by an alarmed Mister Weasley. A different Auror had taken Neville to his Gran and Luna to her father and Harry had been escorted to the Dursley's by Shacklebolt himself. Dumbledore had barely said anything to him having gone straight to Minister Fudge who, among many others present, was visibly shaken at the return of the Dark Lord.

'Another one of my visions that had been wrong,' Harry thought bitterly.

There was movement above him, slow steps down the stairs followed by a bang against the wall, then silence, Harry couldn't breathe. It was too late for his Uncle to be up, he usually would have passed out by now, but Harry could hear grumbling on the other side of cupboard door and knew his night would only be getting worse.

The door flung open and it took a second for Harry's eyes to adjust to the light; but there stood his Uncle, swaying back and forth on his feet and his eyes heavily lidded, he reeked of liquor as he had earlier when he took a few swipes at Harry, the lacerations on his back were from the rake his Uncle had snatched from the front yard on his way in.

Without uttering a word his Uncle grabbed his upper arm and dragged him out of the cupboard, wiggling against the grasp Harry had only a moment to wonder what would happen before he was tossed into the living room, landing heavily on the end table effectively smashing the vase, the table, and possibly a rib or two.

Vernon grumbled a few incoherent words and as Harry was just catching his breath Vernon's right hand came across his face. A few kicks to his stomach and tightening fingers around his neck Harry groaned, his body ached, every breath he took pained him, and his vision was starting to blur at the edges. Harry wondered how long either of them could last.

Luckily, a few moments later Vernon staggered backwards, panting in the corner chair and Harry was relieved to see the beefy form slouch over. He finally passed out for the night.

Wincing, Harry limped his way to the downstairs bathroom, grateful that he could get himself cleaned up; he knew now that his Uncle would be out until morning.

Frowning at how he looked, the cuts and bruises that marred most of his body, Harry wished for freedom. He wished that the Dumbledore had never sent him to the Dursleys' and that Sirius was still alive. Clenching his eyes tight as the tears began to fall Harry cried, cried for his missing family, for the pain and suffering this family had caused him, and wished somehow, someway, it would be better.

He let himself have a few minutes of pity before he slowly made his way back to his cupboard, as much as he wished he could be in his old room, he knew that his Uncle would be furious if he was anywhere else.

He snagged an apple from the kitchen and bit into it with a moan as the crisp, tangy flavor hit his tongue. Having not ate anything since the previous day he was taking a risk with an apple, but he'd flirt with death so many times before, once more wouldn't kill him.

Tossing the apple into the trash he looked in the living room where his Uncle was still hunched over on the chair, deciding it was best if he left everything as it was he made his way into the ever so small cupboard under the stairs angling his body as best as he could so the pain was minimal but he was still able to get some sleep.

It was moments later that Harry found himself in a restless sleep back in the manor, wandering aimlessly through the halls.

He had spent most of his time in the library looking at the various text that filled the shelves. The library was huge, it was two floors with a long table running down the middle of the first floor, circular staircases gave for easy access between levels. Candles and warm lights illuminated the corners and Harry felt mesmerized by his findings, he made a mental note to apologize to Hermione for all teasing he had ever directed at her regarding her love for books. There were rows of defense books, light magic, dark magic, advance transfiguration and countless books on potions, over half the first floor was dedicated to potions; the ingredients, techniques, cauldrons, and everything in between.

A faint ringing sounded, and Harry cocked his head to the side trying to pinpoint where it was coming from, he hadn't heard sound before in any of his dreams and his heart raced with mild anxiety.

Though as the ringing increased in volume parts of the manor began to disappear and with that Harry realized the sound was not coming from the manor but from the Dursley residence. Closing his eyes Harry concentrated on his cupboard and once he opened them, he found himself in the familiar tight space, phone ringing and his Uncle clattering around, swearing, and breaking a few valuables along the way.

Harry couldn't make out what was being said but he didn't have to wait long until the door swung open and his Uncle was staring down at him. He breath stunk of alcohol and Harry had to control the urge to gag.

"Boy, I have to go out. I want this house spotless and dinner ready by the time I come back," jerking him through the door Harry had to bite the inside of his cheek to refrain from crying out as all of his injuries protested at the careless movement.

Vernon grunted and pushed Harry toward the living room as he heaved himself up the stairs. Waiting until he heard the shower running Harry concentrated on his breathing, he had broken out in a sweat at the aggressive movement and his body was protesting. His progress was slow and neither him nor his Uncle acknowledged each other as the older man left, Harry's only guess to where he was going was to get smashed once again.

It was midafternoon before Harry had the house to be cleaned to his Uncle's standard. He was out of breath, vision swimming, and his body ached, but he wagered that he would have enough time to clean up. He had a few glasses of water and a slice of bread, having ate around the blueish tint on the corner.

Taking one stair at a time he stumbled into the bathroom, turning on the water to the shower to a reasonable temperature he managed to wash himself up without making it look like he had ever been in the bathroom, he was tired, he was exhausted, he didn't want to be there.

'Some blood protection, it can't even protect me from them,' Harry stopped and stared at the doorknob of the bathroom door.

'I have blood protection because of my Aunt, but,' Harry licked his lips as his mind raced.

'My Aunt isn't here, Dudley isn't here, any protection I was getting from my blood relatives has left. I'm not protected here,' Harry's heart started racing and he limped his way to Dudley's second bedroom. Picking the lock in a matter of minutes Harry grinned as it opened with a click.

Harry knew he didn't have much time to leave before his Uncle would be home. Snapping open his trunk he made sure that everything was still in the same place as it had been when his Uncle shoved it in the room at the end of term. Pocketing his sack of Galleon's and slipping his wand up his sleeve he made sure Hedwig's cage was strapped on top and was able to cover it and trunk with his Invisibility Cloak before he headed back downstairs and out the front door.

Peeking out the front door Harry was relieved that the neighborhood was quiet, most neighbors were very ritualistic and came home right around dinner time so Harry knew that not many people would see him leave.

It was a strange level of anxiety that Harry was experiencing as he made his way to the park where Dudley and him had seen the dementor before his third year, he knew the alleyway tend to be deserted which would be a safer place to call the Knight Bus.

As he approached a secluded area the aches and pains in his body were slowing him and with a huff, he set his trunk down, peeled off his cloak, and sat. His green eyes darted around to check once more that no one was nearby and with a wave of his wand a loud screech was heard from his right.

The door creaked open and the familiar, cheerful smile of Stan greeted Harry.

"'ello Harry! Where are 'ye headed today?" Harry's smiled faltered, he hadn't thought that far. Diagon Alley was too obvious, same with Hogsmeade.

"Um, do you have any recommendation of somewhere that," Harry mulled over exactly what he wanted, "is more secluded and less busy than the Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade?" Something about the way Harry had said it tipped Stan off to his distressed and the older man tapped his lip with his finger.

Snapping, he flashed Harry a big grin.

"I know of the perfect place mate, find a seat and hang on!" Hobbling to the first available seat Harry took note that the bus was empty except for himself.

It was over an hour of weaving in and out of traffic that they had arrived, and Harry had convinced himself that at one point the bus had apparated from one point to the next. With the screech of the bus halting Harry peered out the window to a small town.

"This is Upper Flagley, 'arry. The main place 'ye want ter stay will be Potts Inn a few doors down. Mainly the elderly resides here, 's a wizardin' community," Harry nodded and dumped the necessary Galleon's in Stans outstretched hand, as he made his way down the steps, he turned back at Stan who was watching him carefully.

"Thank you, Stan, if you could not mention to anyone where you saw me, I would really appreciate it," Stan tipped his hat at him and winked and then in the blink of an eye, was gone.

Turning to Flagley, Harry's first mission was to find a place to stay. He thought he'd have enough money to get a room but without Gringotts he wasn't sure how he'd get more.

Flagley was small with only a few shops lining the main street; a handful of people were milling about, and none seemed to pay him any mind as he took in the various buildings. There was a bookstore, a coffee shop, an Optometrist, and a few clothing shops; spotting the Potts Inn, Harry made a beeline for the entrance taking note of the vacancies sign next to the front door.

A young girl was at the front desk, she had a pencil between her lips and her brows were furrowed as she looked over the scattered papers in front of her. Her long, brown hair was pinned back, and she was wearing a flowered blouse; she kept pushing her glasses up on the bridge of her nose and as Harry sat his trunk down her head snapped up and she flushed.

"Hi there! Welcome to Potts Inn. My name is Sophia, how can I help you today?" she frantically pushed the papers to the side and Harry gave her a reassuring smile, he sensed she was a bit disorganized.

"Hi Sophia, I need a room for two weeks," Harry tried not to snicker as she flustered about looking for the guest sheet.

"We have a room available Mister?" she scratched some information down on the check-in log and Harry's mind went blank.

"Evans, Harry Evans," she nodded and had him fill out some basic information and he breathed a sigh of relief that he had enough money to cover his stay.

Motioning with her head she led him down the hall and up a flight of stairs to room 213, pressing the key into the palm of his hand she prattled on about places to eat and where to shop.

"Whoops, sorry Mister Evans, my mother always said that I talk too much to guests, but I can't help it! If you need anything I'll be at the front desk, enjoy your stay!" Harry waved goodbye and relished at the silence that met him as he opened the door.

The room was larger than what he had at the Dursleys, there was a queen-sized bed in the middle flanked by end tables; a desk was pushed up under the window overlooking the street he had arrived on, there was a closet, a bathroom, and dresser that Harry made good use of and unpacked what little clothes he had. The room was shades of blue and gave Harry a calm feeling.

Sitting on the bed Harry laid backwards and for the first time all summer he felt completely at ease. Which, with a madman after him, seemed so surreal. Though as Harry thought about it, Voldemort had been unusually quiet since the end of term. Harry would occasionally feel emotions that weren't his own, but he hadn't had any nightmares or visions.

Harry's mind wandered to the Dursley's, knowing by now that his Uncle would have been home and furious, or perhaps grateful, of his absence. He wondered if the Order was aware, if Dumbledore had sent out a search party for him, he assumed that unless he was missing from the start of term that the Daily Prophet wouldn't get wind of his disappearance.

Briefly he thought of Ron and Hermione and he had to control his mounting frustration tethered to his best friends. No owls from them, neither reaching out to see how he was coping after Sirius' death, absolute silence.

Snickering, he could only imagine their reaction to his decision to flee; Hermione would have lectured him until she was blue in the face while Ron would have been undermining her and giving him the thumbs up.

Falling to sleep had come easier than it had most nights and Harry barely had the time to pull the covers up to his chin before he slipped into unconsciousness.

The following two days Harry had barely left the room, he had spent most of his time sleeping and for the few hours he was awake he was skimming over the summer assignments that he had to complete. It was the first year he wasn't going to scrawl a bunch of garbage on the train ride to the castle.

It was the third day in Flagley that Harry finally decided to explore the town, if anything, he was motivated by his empty stash of snacks in his trunk and that he had cleaned out the complimentary food that had been provided in his room. Most of the bruises and pain had faded to a dull throb and while he wasn't completely healed, he was able to move somewhat normally.

Tossing on one of his few outfits that hadn't come from Dudley and wasn't torn in random places Harry made his way to Sophia who looked just as frazzled as the afternoon he had arrived.

"Hi Sophia," she mustn't have expected anyone because his voice startled her and the papers she had been carrying went up in the air.

"Oh, hi Mister Evans!" she seemed flustered as she rushed to collect the papers on the floor, Harry noted that she had three pens sticking out from her bun on top her head. Reaching down he collected the few pages that had went his way.

"I hope that you've been enjoying your stay! What can I help you with?" putting the papers on the desk she focused on him, seemingly trying to look more collected than she was.

"I was wondering if you perhaps had a map of the area. I wanted to do some exploring and possibly find something to eat," rustling through the papers she made a triumph cry when she found what she was looking for, thrusting it into his outstretched hand she groped around her hair until she found one of the pens.

"I'd recommend Arties' for lunch, their food is fabulous and reasonably priced," she circled the building which was a few doors down and continued to explain the best places to go.

"Marco and Murphy is a good place to shop, Spaulding's is the local bookstore," as Sophia continued to list more places, Harry's map became more marked on.

Ten minutes later Harry was walking down the street skimming over places he should stop by, he was lucky that he spotted a bank on the map and made his way there first, not before patting his pocket with his Gringotts key in it.

The bank was noticeably different than the one in Diagon Alley; there were only a handful of goblins lining the walls and two were already engaged in transactions. Heading towards the furthermost goblin available Harry waited patiently to be noticed.

As most goblins had similar features this one had a very visible white scar run down its cheek, as dark eyes met his own green ones a flick of its wrist motioned for Harry to step forward.

"I'm Lockhead, how may I be of service," placing his key in front of him Harry was unsure of how to proceed.

"I'm here visiting and didn't withdrawal any Galleon's before I left, this is my first time outside of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade," the goblin snatched up the key and after a quick once over gave Harry a hard stare.

"Well, Mister Potter, you're able to withdrawal funds from our branch, have you considered a transaction pad?" Harry was confused and without saying it, Lockhead knew.

For the next hour Lockhead went through what a transaction pad was, how it was similar to Muggle checks, how to fill it out, the importance of a signature, and when Lockhead had realized Harry was completely unaware of the banking features he went over everything with the teen.

Harry left the bank feeling overwhelmed but appreciative of the time the goblin had spent with him. Harry was now able to purchase items with his pad, check his valet balances, transfer funds when needed, and withdrawal money from any local machine. Lockhead had explained that they took some ideas that Muggles had and integrated them with the growing modernization in the wizarding world.

Harry spent the rest of the day shopping, which was such a usual activity that many of the employees were happy to point out items and make suggestions. One guy was ecstatic that he was looking for a whole new wardrobe and while he tried to convince Harry that leather would fit his form, Harry flushed at the image and politely declined, both had settled on a suitable style that fit Harry's taste. From slacks, to shirts, to underwear and socks, to winter clothing and items he could enjoy for the remainder of the season, Harry marveled at his purchase. It didn't help either that the gentleman who had helped put together his wardrobe, Eric, had eyed him multiple times in a way that made Harry blush.

Munching on a sandwich Harry enjoyed window shopping more than he thought he would. He marveled that no one had recognized him, and he truly enjoyed the taste of freedom.

It wasn't until after dinner that Harry arrived back in his room and put away his new attire. He was more than happy to toss all his old, torn up clothes into the bags to throw away later. Opting to spend some time on his homework he managed to finish two of the essays for Transfiguration and questionnaire for Charms, it was nearing midnight before he finally found himself asleep.

In his dream, Harry was able to wander the manor as he had been since the beginning. Faintly he could hear something and as nothing began to shimmer or fade, he figured that the sound was coming from within the dream.

Slowly making his way down one of the larger hallways he approached a door that he hadn't explored before but the sound he was hearing was coming from the other side. Pushing the door open slowly he peered inside and gaped at what he saw.

Sitting in the middle of the room was a man, probably in his mid to late thirties, playing a piano in front of a roaring fire. Harry could only see him from behind and noted that the man was dressed casually, slacks and a fitted shirt, his brown hair was combed over, and his fingers glided over the keys.

Pushing the door open further to get a better look Harry hadn't anticipated that the door would make a loud creak and when the man stopped playing, turned and made eye contact with Harry, both froze.

Panicked, Harry fled.

Running down the hallway he could vaguely hear the man calling after him, but Harry was scared. It was the first time someone else had been in his dream, and Harry just knew that the man was real.

Unsure of how to wake himself Harry slipped into the library and hid among a row of books. Clenching his eyes shut tight he concentrated hard on waking up in Flagley. The door to the library open and closed and Harry could make out footsteps coming his direction. Pinching himself his eyes snapped open.

Jolting forward Harry was happy to see that he was back in his room. Peeling himself from the bed as he had sweated through the sheets, he glanced at the clock next to him. Half past six flashed at him and Harry decided that he had slept enough to be up and proceeded to shower and change.

Harry made his way to Spaulding's and as the man opened the door at ten Harry was quick to step inside. He wanted more insight on his dreams. The man seemed mildly amused at his eagerness to browse the shelves.

"How can I help you today, son? Not too many kids willing to spend summer holidays inside with books," his amused tone sparked Harry's irritation but he tamed his annoyance.

"I'm actually looking for books about dreams and what they could mean," for a moment Harry saw that man look surprised.

"Well, we don't have many, but this section here," he waved for Harry to follow, "is what we'll have. Most of it is related to the Divination field of study," Harry wasn't sure what he was anticipating finding but there were dozens of books in the section.

"Thanks," nodding the man walked over to the entrance where the checkout counter was.

Harry spent the remainder of the day, and the following three days at the bookstore. 'Hermione would be so proud,' Harry thought dryly.

None of the books had any information on realistic dreams and what they could mean. Some passages indicated that he could be foreseeing his future life or that he was dying soon. The bookstore owner, Mister Spaulding, had finally introduced himself the second day that Harry had spent most of the day in his shop.

Mister Spaulding had been nice enough to try and help Harry with his research but admitted quite embarrassedly that he had struggled and disliked Divination while he was in school, Harry could easily relate, and both shared a hearty laugh.

It was a week before he was to head back to Hogwarts that he had his first sighting of someone that he knew. He was at his regular table in the bookstore and from where he was sitting, he could see out the front windows at the passerby's, at one point he looked up and his stomached dropped. Across the street was a family that Harry knew all too well, the family trait of platinum blonde hair stuck out and while they weren't coming near him, the Malfoy's were in the vicinity.

Rushing to clean up his space Harry made it to the front where Mister Spaulding was watching him with curious eyes and Harry groaned as the Malfoy family was making their way towards the bookshop. Not knowing anything better to do Harry rushed behind the counter and hid next to Mister Spaulding who had the better sense of ignoring him as the door chimed and the family walked in.

"What brings you in today?" Harry's heart was racing, and he could only hope that Mister Spaulding wouldn't call out his action.

"We were wondering if anyone happened to come in here of late?" it was the dainty voice of missus Malfoy and Harry's curiosity peaked, they were searching for someone, but who.

"Ah, no one since this morning. One of the neighbor's girls had come in picking up a potions manual for her mother, are you looking for someone particular?" The owner had kept his tone light and Harry could only picture the Malfoy sneer.

"No, thank you for your help," so far Harry had only heard the parents and the teen couldn't help but wonder where the youngest Malfoy was.

"Draco darling, we must go if we're to make the portkey," Draco, who had wandered towards the back of the store sighed.

"Coming mother," and with that, the Malfoy family had left, and Harry let out the breath that he had been holding, Mister Spaulding peered down at him.

"Not a fan?" Harry shrugged.

"I'm out of town and wasn't really wanting to bump into anyone while I was here," Harry said as casually as he could muster. Walking towards his stack of books Harry reasoned he could read for another hour or so.

"I know who you are," Harry froze, turning slowly, Harry's green eyes met the older man's dark blues.

"I was wondering what the famous Harry Potter could be doing here in Flagley. I've read all the articles about what happened at the beginning of summer, how the Dark Lord has returned," a flash of sadness etched over the man's face making him look older than he was.

"I don't blame you for hiding, for taking a breather and enjoying being a kid," the man had the decency to look embarrassed.

There was an awkward pause before Mister Spaulding pointed to his new shipment of books.

"I ordered more about dreams, hopefully these will help you figure out what you've been dreaming about," Harry waved his gratitude as he dived into the new set of books.

The following morning Harry was no closer to figuring out what his dreams meant. He hadn't seen the man playing the piano, but Harry had become extra cautious in his exploration.

The days leading up to September first rushed by and Harry found himself sad that he would be leaving the small town of Flagley. Mister Spaulding took him to dinner his last night after Harry had purchased every book that he had read and those that the owner had shipped in. The man had tried to refuse but Harry had been stubborn, he finally convinced the man by explaining that he had a few Ravenclaw friends that would enjoy something new to read.

So, nine in the morning on September first had Harry standing in Mister Spaulding's back office in front of the floo. The man had told him that it would take him to Kings Cross Station and at Harry's confused look the man explained how the floo system had been put in at the station years ago to help families.

Grabbing a handful of floo powder Harry thanked Mister Spaulding once more before the green light surrounded him and he shouted, 'Kings Cross Station.'

In typical Harry fashion landing was as painful as ever but Harry commended himself that he managed to get to the correct location. Picking himself up off the ground he wiped the soot from his trousers and looked around. He was towards the back of the train, further down from where he'd normally enter via the Muggle entrance.

It was probably the earliest that Harry had ever been, the Dursley's, while keen on his departure, always managed to get him there at the last minute.

Walking down the line Harry went to enter the train when a familiar blonde hair caught his eye.

"Luna!" said girl turned her head from where she was sitting, a slight smile on her face as Harry made his way towards her.

"Hello Harry, how was your summer? I sent Hedwig to Hogwarts this morning when daddy brought me here," Harry embraced the younger girl in a warm hug.

"Thanks for watching her Luna, she wouldn't have been safe with me this summer," nodding her head as if Harry told her something she already knew.

Both teens made their way onto the Hogwarts Express and found a compartment in the middle of the train. As they got comfortable and waited for the rest of the students to arrive Harry and Luna chatted amicably about their summers. Luna was explaining how she and her father had sought out a group of Wackspurts that had been causing their neighbors distress.

Harry was still very unsure of the invisible Wackspurts but indulged the girl, nonetheless.

"You seem happier Harry, especially after we last saw each other," Luna said softly. Memories of Sirius dying flashed before him and Harry felt a pit of guilt settle in his stomach as he realized that only for a brief time he'd thought of his godfather while in Flagley.

"I spent some time by myself this summer, and it did some good," Harry didn't feel like explaining the details of his trip, not now, not yet.

"Was there anything in the papers about my disappearance?" the Daily Prophet had to be specially ordered to Flagley, so Harry had spent two weeks unaware of any drama in the news.

"No, nothing," Luna hesitated, "Professor Dumbledore stopped by a few days after you had sent me Hedwig asking if I knew where you had been, I told him we hadn't talked since we were at the Ministry," she eyed him carefully.

Harry nodded, all which was true.

"I can imagine the lecture I'll receive once we get back to Hogwarts," both chuckled but jumped when the door to the compartment snapped open. There stood Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Neville, all who looked relieved to see him.

"Harry!" the many choruses of his name rang out.

It was Hermione who had got to Harry first and wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly in a hug. Once she finally let go Ron was next who clapped him on the back while giving him a nod. Ginny opted for a hug as did Neville and it was short minutes before the group was settled and small conversation went between the teenagers.

As the Hogwarts Express finally jolted forwards Hermione turned on him.

"What happened Harry? Dumbledore stopped by asking if we had heard from you and where you went! You know how dangerous it is right now, what were you thinking?" Harry had known she would lay into him and only by a thread was he able to control his frustration, they knew bits and pieces of his experience at the Dursleys, they knew it was hell.

"The Dursley's left 'mione, and so I left too," Hermione frowned and when she looked like she was about to say more Ginny nudged her from the side.

"Well good riddance mate, you look like you enjoyed the time away from them," Hermione shot the boy a glare and Ron held up his hands in a surrender fashion.

"I'm just saying any time away from those Muggles is for the best!" seeing a row about to start Neville was quick to open to door for the trolley lady to say hello and offer up her assortment of snacks and treats.

As usual the group binged on a bit of everything and the next handful of hours were spent playing games and listening to everyone's vacation stories. Harry still wasn't too inclined to open about where he was and instead explained that he had been doing research about dreams.

The five believed that was due to his nightmares from Voldemort and Harry didn't correct them, Ron groaned that he had been doing more studying then relaxing all while Neville and Hermione commended him.

Pulling out his Herbology assignment Harry waved it over to Neville asking the boy if he wouldn't mind looking over what he had written.

Ron paled commenting that there wasn't any homework for Herbology; Hermione's eyes narrowed as Ginny and Luna both laughed.

Pulling out his own parchment and quill Harry watched as Ron scribbled down the means of an essay and no matter how much he whined and pouted none of the group was willing to give him the answers.

Stretching Harry made his way to the door and headed for the bathroom which was further back in train. Passing by various students some said their greetings while others were consumed with homework, eating, or the rare few who found themselves sleeping.

Nearing the restroom Harry's stomach did a flip as he noticed that Malfoy and a few other Slytherins were standing in the doorway, expecting some sort of spectacle he crept by doing his best to go unnoticed.

Malfoy's head turned and the boys locked eyes for a moment and the taller boy nodded his head in a curt gesture.

"Potter," controlling his surprise, Harry floundered.

"Uh, Malfoy," continuing past Harry couldn't shake what an odd exchange that was.

Making quick work of his business in the restroom Harry hurried back to his compartment, noticing that Malfoy and the other Slytherin's were gone. Opening the door to his own compartment something must have shown on his face because the group had gone silent and pinned him with worried looks.

"What happened mate," Ron stood up and ushered him to his seat and Harry tried to wave off their concerned looks.

"It was Malfoy," Ron's eyes narrowed and before he could angrily retort Harry quickly finished, "He was, nothing, no rude remarks, not scathing looks, just acknowledge me and went about his business," Ron deflated while Hermione looked at him curiously.

"I wouldn't let your guard down mate," Ron said, Neville nodded in agreement. Ginny had gone back to her book while Luna kept staring out the window with a smile.

"I could be his magical maturity," Hermione finally spoke and that had everyone looking at her with a befuddlement.

"Magical maturity is what happens when a witch or wizard turn sixteen. Their magic reaches their full potential and it's possible that when it happens it can change the person as well. Sixteen is an important age for many witches and wizards. Heir's to family lineage come into their responsibilities and magical creatures typically go through physical and additional magical changes," Hermione stated factually, Harry just gaped at his female friend, he had no idea.

"So, Malfoy could have had a magical boost?" Hermione nodded.

"Since he's an only child he would have had his heir inheritance too, from what I've read it usually requires more accountability from their parents," Ron nodded to confirm what she was saying.

"Even though there's seven of us Bill is the Weasley's heir, when he turned sixteen my parents explained what that meant for him," Harry pondered what he had been told.

"My gran explained to me that I have control of the Longbottom finances since my parents passed away, you're not a legal adult in the wizarding world until you're eighteen but it's been found that between sixteen and eighteen witches and wizards can adjust into their responsibilities rather than be forced to understand right at eighteen," Neville interjected, face pinching as he mentioned his parents.

There was a moment of silence among the group members as each were lost in their respective thoughts.

Harry had no idea about what it meant to turn sixteen in the wizarding world and briefly he wondered if he had a magical boost. He was distracted by Hermione and Ron putting on their robes, both securing their Prefect pins before heading to the door.

Harry had no idea either had been given the position. Feeling bitter that his friends had hid something from him he turned to face the window, only briefly acknowledging their absence with a low hm.

"Professor Dumbledore said it was best that we didn't talk to one another, to give each other space," Neville commented softly from his side.

"So, no one knew they had been selected as Prefect? Or did he mean just not to talk with me?" Harry spat out the last bit, his temper flared and the light above them flickered.

The three flushed.

"Harry, Dumbledore has your best interests at heart, you suffered a traum- "Harry shot Ginny a look and the girl snapped her mouth shut.

"I'm tired of everyone thinking that they know my best interests, I watched my godfather die in front of me. I wasn't able to protect my mind from Voldemort, I wasn't able to save Sirius," the light bulb above them shattered and Harry's fists clenched.

Everyone was silent.

Luna pointed her wand to the shattered pieces and murmured a quiet Repark and the compartment lit up once more.

Ginny shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Neville shot Harry a worried look. Luna just smiled and reached forward to lightly touch his clenched fist. Threading their fingers together she gave his hand a squeeze.

The rest of the train ride was quiet as each were lost in their own thoughts. Both Ron and Hermione rejoined them as the train neared Hogwarts. Hermione kept shooting worried looks to Harry after Ginny had murmured something in her ear.

As the train stopped students were quick to exit, from afar Harry could see Hagrid usher the first years to the boat. He didn't see Harry but that didn't both him much. Joining the other students to the carriages it was only a short ride before Harry found himself walking through the main doors.

Feeling the tension ebb from his body Harry found himself laughing with his classmates as they took their respective seats at the Gryffindor table, Hermione and Ron flanked both his sides while Neville and Ginny were in front of him. Harry could make out the Creevey brothers further down and Seamus and Dean were in reach as well.

Dumbledore stood up and the hall immediately quietened. Giving his usual remarks about the new wave of incoming students Dumbledore waved his hand and the doors leading into the Great Hall opened.

In traditional fashion Professor McGonagall lead the incoming students down to the front of the Great Hall. The first thing Harry noticed was that there weren't many students, by his count only twenty-five, substantially less than normal.

"Welcome students," Professor McGonagall paused, and gave one of her rare smiles, "when I call your name please come forward and have the hat placed on your head."

Harry could feel the nervous energy from the first years from where he was sitting as he felt the trill of anticipation at new students being sorted.

"Lescot, Eugene!" A boy with rounded cheeks and bright blue eyes hurried to the chair and it was moments after the hat was placed on his head that it shouted out,

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

The night proceeded with students being sorted and by Harry's count Gryffindor had gained eight new first years, Hufflepuff seven, Ravenclaw five, and Slytherin five.

Professor McGonagall congratulated the students on their house placements but as she went to reach for the hat when the hat did something unexpected, it sang again.

In darkest times of thee

A house replacement can be.

Changing of the tide,

Can ensure new friends abide.

Come forth at my request, the following students who must be readdressed.

It was the moment after the hat had stopped singing that the hall was silent. Scanning the Professor table Harry could see that everyone was stunned, even Dumbledore who had tried to mask his shock, was looking at the Sorting Hat closely.

"Chang, Cho!" the hat cried out. Harry's eyes snapped to Cho who was looking at her head of house with confusion, Professor Flitwick was looking at Dumbledore who nodded.

Harry could barely hear Hermione who was telling those who were listening that a resorting had only happened twice in Hogwarts's history according to Hogwarts: A History, his eyes were fixated on the hat up front.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" Harry gaped and knew from the stunned silence that blanketed over the Great Hall that he wasn't the only one who was shocked.

"Granger, Hermione!" a sharp intake of breath was the only sound that Hermione had uttered as she made her way up to the sorting hat.

It had only taken a minute.

"RAVENCLAW!" The claps were light, Harry was convinced he saw Professor Flitwick shoot McGonagall a smug grin; Harry felt the anxious pit in his stomach grow.

"Goyle, Greggory!" the buzzing in his ear was drowning out what was happening. Licking his dry lips, his eyes darted to the Slytherin table.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" Harry wasn't as shocked as others around him were, Goyle was fiercely loyal to his friends and he was made for Hufflepuff. Sneaking a glance at Malfoy he was surprised that the blonde hair boy was looking relaxed.

Crabbe was sorted into Hufflepuff as was Neville, and a second year Ravenclaw was sorted into Gryffindor. Malfoy had been called up but like it had happened first year the hat had barely touched his head before it cried out Slytherin.

The hat called out names in random. It would call out a third year and then a seventh year, it would call out a boy then three girls. Some would stay in their current houses while others would change.

After Colin Creevey had been sorted into Ravenclaw the hat went silent. For a moment Harry had believe he was saved from resorting. Though as McGonagall approached the hat with her outstretched hand, she had almost had the hat in her grasp when it called out one last name.

"Potter, Harry!" Harry gulped and shakily stood.

Avoiding the looks and ignoring the whispers Harry walked to the front of the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall had tried to make eye contact with him, but Harry's eyes were strictly fixed on the ground, he knew what was about to happen.

Palms sweating and heart racing Harry sat on the stool once more, a second later his vision was obscured by the brim of the hat.

Mister Potter it has been a long time. Harry tried to smile but it had come out more like a grimace.

I know you don't wish to be here Mister Potter, but things have changed, things are in motion. What I said your first year here still stands. Gripping the edge of the stool tightly Harry's heart was racing.

It is for the best Mister Potter. With one last breath Harry opened his eyes.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The hall went silent.

x.x.x.x.x

Thank you for reading the first chapter!

Till we read again,

Fennekitten.