Harry Potter and The Secret of The Heirs
Prologue
'Now this bell tolling softly for another says to me, thou must die'
The bells were tolling.
The church tower appeared as though bewitched. It was all that remained of the old medieval church that had been destroyed over and over again by constant war and bickering of the people. They had not wanted to rebuild the church; most of them did not even want to step anywhere near it. They were frightened of the bells. The inscription said it all. They were just plain scared. There was no way to ring the bells, either.
Yet the bells tolled.
Local villagers knew what the tolling meant they were all aware of the superstition, surrounding the enchanted old church tower. The bells would toll all night. They no longer bothered to go and search for the bodies. It was rarely one of their people anyhow, and even if they searched high and low they could never find the body. But they knew what had happened. The inscription told them. And even though it was rarely one of them, it did not stop children from running to their parents for comfort, nor did it stop them from cringing every time they heard a bell after they had left the village.
The bells were tolling.
*~*
Miles away a young man awoke with a start. The pain was intense; he clutched at his forehead in agony. The world around him was dark. All that was there was a sound of agony. The pain overwhelmed him. The vision was haunting.
*~*
The traitor was running. He had escaped from those guarding him, only by a small stroke of luck. He knew he had to run fast and hard to escape, but where could he go. He had walked into a trap and they had caught him. They had thrown him in a cell, and then questioned him for hours on end. He refused to talk. Then they had tortured him, deprived him of food and water and still he refused to talk. Finally they had cursed him. He tried to resist, however the temptation was too strong. He had told them everything. He had not wanted to, however he had been weak, unable to resist. It would not matter now. His master would be disappointed in him. His master would kill him, or send others to kill him. His only hope was to escape and find a safe hideout. If only he knew where he was. He could hear bells tolling; perhaps he could run towards them.
Perhaps death would be a better option. If his pursuers captured him, they would kill him, it may not be painless, but at least it would be quick. If they did not kill him, he would be placed in prison, where he would serve a life sentence. Another form of torture. If his followers found him, they would torture him, his death would not be painless, nor would it be quick.
He stopped to take a breath. He looked around. They were behind him, in front and on either side of him. He was surrounded. He began to scream. One of his pursuers leant over and kissed him.
The local villagers could not hear the scream of the man, nor the deadly silence that followed it.
The bells were tolling.
*~*
The traitor's master sensed something was wrong.
He knew that fool of a servant would betray him. He was weak and spineless.
'If only I had not been so stupid as to confide in him, but then he was the least suspected accomplice.'
Thoughts plagued the master's brain.
There was nothing he could do about it now; he would just have to be careful for a little while longer before the time came to strike.
Suddenly, he felt a sharp, stabbing pain attack his body. He was in overwhelming agony. It felt like part of him was dying.
He vowed revenge.
Chapter One
A Time of New Beginnings.
Harry looked glum as he greeted the Dursley's at Kings Cross Station. He had not been looking forward to spending this summer with them, but he was not yet of age. He had to stay with them or stay with his godfather, Sirius. Now while it was possible for him to stay with Sirius, he had wanted time to become reacquainted with his family, and to put his affairs in order. So off to Privet Drive again for Harry, hopefully for the last time.
His aunt made some scathing remark about how disappointed they were that Harry had not managed to get himself killed this year. The remark didn't bother Harry, he was used to the constant abuse from his aunt and uncle, but what stunned him was Dudley's response.
'Lay off him,' he yelled at his parents. 'How would you like it if you two had died and his parents had treated me like you treat Harry? You've never even thought of how your sister would feel about they way you treat even if Harry is a wizard. There, I'm not afraid to say it. My cousin is a wizard and I'm proud of it. I'll even make a badge and wear it around all the time that says; My cousin is a wizard! What do you think of that?'
Dudley was rebelling. He was sick of his parents. Whether or not he meant what he said Harry did not know. He only wondered at the reason for the sudden outburst.
Both Vernon and Petunia were shocked. The thought had obviously never crossed their minds. However little they liked Lily and James, Petunia knew that there was no way that they would have treated Dudley this way. They didn't know what to say. Harry broke the silence by taking the opportunity to raise an idea that had come to his head.
'Aunt Petunia, are there any jobs I could do for you to earn some pocket money this summer. On top of my ordinary chores, that is. And I would work cheaply as you have been so kind to put me up for so long.'
Harry felt like gagging at the thought of how kind they've been, but he felt that he should probably earn some money; his fortune wasn't going to keep growing if he kept spending.
To Harry's surprise Petunia muttered that she might have some work that both he and Dudley could do to earn some extra money, and learn how to work together to achieve something. She did comment that she wouldn't pay either of them very much though, given that they were both lazy. Apparently Dudley's teachers had commented on the fact that Dudley did not like teamwork too much. At least he had lost a lot of weight. I guess that's what liking girls did for you. Dudley looked great.
Girls.
Harry's thoughts wandered to Cho and then to Ginny and finally to Lavender. Cho had been devastated following Cedric's death, but had asked Harry out anyway. He was extremely nervous about the whole affair. Harry just didn't feel secure around her at all. The whole time they spent together in Hogsmeade Harry just felt guilty about Cedric dying. He finally told Cho that he just couldn't be with her because of Cedric. Cho looked as if her heart had been broken but had come around to see that Harry was right; things just couldn't work between them.
Ginny, well that was different. She had run after Harry for as long as he could remember, but it had just been a crush. Harry finally had seen Ginny in a different light, other than just his best friend's sister who had a little crush on him. They had been dating for about a month, when Ginny had told him she didn't love him and that she had realised that she had just been infatuated with the idea of Harry Potter. She loved him dearly but only as a friend. He should have seen it coming. She told him that she was sorry, she had never wanted to lead him on, but she had come to realise that it had just been a crush. He was such a good friend, and she didn't want to loose him but she realised that she didn't love him.
That had hurt.
Harry had initially been heartbroken. It had taken him a long time to muster the courage to kiss her and tell her how he thought he felt. Then, after her 'confession' it had taken Harry some time, a glimpse of Ginny with another student, a glimpse of a stunningly pretty girl and a long time spent crying in Hermione's arms to realise that he didn't love her either. He had just been infatuated by how quickly she had matured into a stunningly beautiful young lady. Harry realised that this had stemmed from the fact that Ginny reminded him of his mother. Well not reminded so much, but looked like her in the photos Hagrid had given him. He must remember to ask his aunt for any photos she might have. He felt a need to see them; he missed his parents so much.
And Lavender, well she was very pretty and Harry found himself spending many hours dreaming about her.
Well to be honest dreaming about the way she had kissed him at the Valedictory Ball. That's what it had taken for her to get Harry to notice her.
Harry had grown up a lot during the time that had elapsed since Voldemort returned. He had discovered girls, and it was actually this discovery of girls that had brought he and Dudley together. Last summer, Dudley had been forever pestering him to make him a love potion; Harry's standard response was along the lines of 'You know I'm not allowed to do magic away from school, I'm still underage.' But Dudley wasn't so sure, as Harry's green eyes glistened with a hint of mischief when he replied, and Dudley thought that if Harry had the chance, he might just perform some magic, without the authorities knowing, and if he was nice enough Dudley might just reap the benefits.
Soon they arrived at Privet Drive, when Harry finally pulled himself out of his dream state. He was certain there would be plenty of time to daydream about what had happened the past few weeks. Truthfully he had been on edge since the night he had had that vision of Voldemort clutching in agony. Harry hadn't known what to make of the vision, nor did he fully understand all the events that had unfolded that evening. He knew the result of it meant that Sirius was now free, but Harry wondered at the cost. Voldemort had seemed enraged, determined to seek revenge and what Harry feared, and had told no one, was the Voldemort would seek his revenge on Harry. Sirius had asked Harry to be patient and reassured him that when Harry came to stay they could sit down and discuss everything, but warned him that if his scar hurt again to owl Dumbledore immediately. Harry had thought that this implied that he wasn't able to look after himself properly. Basically that meant Sirius would owl him when he was ready for Harry to come and stay with him, but until then Harry should only bother Sirius if it was something extremely important. Hence Harry would just have to put up with Privet Drive until then.
On reaching his room Harry owled his friends to let them know he had arrived safely and got settled in for what could be a long wait. He hoped that Ron and Hermione could work things out over summer; he really didn't care to spend the best part of the year acting as a go between the pair of them.
*~*
A week later, Harry was feeling stronger, from the amount of physical exercise he and Dudley had been doing. He had enjoyed the time working with Dudley, the boys having spent most of the time reflecting on life at boarding school and of the two girls who had captured the young men's hearts. However Dudley remained selfish and spoilt, and ended up supplying company for Harry, instead of actually doing much work. Taking a break from the English sun, Harry wandered inside for a drink, when two owls flew in with letters for Harry. Harry recognised one as the owl he had bought Sirius, when he had been pardoned and the other was possibly a school owl. Harry thought he had better read the school one first.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dear Mr Potter, I am writing to inform you that you have been selected as Head Boy for the coming school year. It is a responsibility, which I know you will not take lightly. Your mother and father would be extremely proud of you. If you wish to accept this position please reply with this owl immediately. The Head Girl upon acceptance of the position will be Hermione Granger. Your fellow seventh year prefects will remain unchanged, however to remind you they are: Harry Potter and Hermione Granger from Gryffindor House Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson from Slytherin House Susan Bones and Justin Finch-Fletchley from Hufflepuff House Terry Boot and Padma Patil from Ravenclaw House I await your return owl, Yours Sincerely Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Head Boy?
Harry hadn't even considered the possibility. He was ecstatic. He almost couldn't believe it. And Hermione Head Girl. It was wonderful. 'Thank God Ron's Quidditch captain' He thought. He quickly ran and grabbed a parchment and replied in the affirmative to Professor McGonagall's letter before she had time to consider that he may not be the most appropriate appointment. Harry ran around the house yelling;
'Everyone, I just got a letter, I'm Head Boy'
Dudley wasn't surprised. Somehow he had always sensed that his cousin would achieve. Perhaps that's why he didn't like him very much. He ran up to Harry and gave him a congratulatory hug. Harry didn't quite know what had hit him. Harry felt awkward, this was totally out of character.
Then Harry was completely shocked by his aunt and uncle's reaction.
'You, Head Boy?' Petunia asked.
Harry nodded.
Petunia ran up and hugged him.
'This is so wonderful, we'll take you out to dinner tonight to celebrate. Somewhere fancy.'
As Harry looked at her face, it was absolutely beaming with pride. He wondered whether or not this turn around was because of what Dudley had said, because he had been making an effort to get along with them, because they knew that he wasn't staying long, or because someone had fed the entire a household a potion or placed them under the Imperius Curse. Harry decided he didn't care; he was going to enjoy the time while it lasted.
While everyone was rushing around getting ready for dinner, Harry opened his letter from Sirius. It's contents just added to his excitement.
Dear Harry, I have had time to sort everything out; your room is ready and awaits your arrival. I assume you have quite a few things to bring with you, so instead of coming to get you on my bike, I will borrow my sister's car and come and get you. Is Monday fine? Please send a reply as soon as possible, so that I can make the arrangements. I hope that everything else is going well, we will talk when you arrive. Love
Sirius
Harry went and asked his aunt straight away if it was all right. She replied that she thought it would be fine, as long as they could meet Sirius first, and he would have to stay for dinner. The look on her face said otherwise though. When Harry walked out of the room though he noticed a sad look on her face.
'Could his aunt really be upset he was going?' Harry wondered.
The thought would have been inconceivable to Harry a few years ago, but now the Dursley's seemed somehow changed. He must remember to come and visit them after he had left. Harry scribbled off a quick reply saying that that would be fine, except Sirius would be expected to stay for dinner. Harry laughed thinking of Sirius's face when he reads that. Sirius had never thought much of the Dursley's, but that had stemmed from what Lily had told him about Petunia and Vernon.
'At any rate' Harry thought, ' it would make for an entertaining meal, and it was only two nights off.
Dinner that night was also an interesting affair. They went to a fancy place in the village and Petunia was introducing Harry to everyone she knew.
'This is Harry, our nephew. You know he's Head Boy at his school this year! We're taking him out to celebrate.'
Harry was just waiting for someone to reply,
'Oh yes Petunia, you must be so proud, Head Boy of a correctional institute, what did he have to do to get that? Have the least number of detentions?'
Strangely enough, no one made that remark, although that is where everyone had thought he had been they must have respected Petunia enough not to comment and just congratulated the Dursley's on having brought up the two boys so well.
The meal itself was delicious, although his aunt and uncle seemed to be going out of their way to be nice to him. They asked him questions about the subjects he was taking, his friends, his responsibilities as Head Boy and his final exams at the end of the year. They didn't even flinch when Dudley once again brought up the suggestion of Harry brewing him a love potion.
'Surely they won't expel the Head Boy!' Dudley had joked.
His aunt and uncle had joined in, and then commented that Dudley shouldn't have to resort to magic to get a girl. He was handsome enough to get a girl the traditional way.
'Perhaps' he thought, 'they don't really want me to go. Maybe I should stay. Dumbledore seemed to think it was safe. But then I won't get to know Sirius well and he is my godfather. It would hurt him so much, he was so excited that night when I agreed to go and live with him. And I want to learn more about my parents. I will go with Sirius, there are things I need to do and Sirius will be able to help.'
Even so, later that night, Harry couldn't help but feel a little guilt about leaving them. They hadn't exactly been generous, but at least they'd kept a roof over his head.
'I'll get those photos of my mum tomorrow' he thought.
And with that thought he slept peacefully without the visions plaguing him for the first time since Sirius had been cleared.
Prologue
'Now this bell tolling softly for another says to me, thou must die'
The bells were tolling.
The church tower appeared as though bewitched. It was all that remained of the old medieval church that had been destroyed over and over again by constant war and bickering of the people. They had not wanted to rebuild the church; most of them did not even want to step anywhere near it. They were frightened of the bells. The inscription said it all. They were just plain scared. There was no way to ring the bells, either.
Yet the bells tolled.
Local villagers knew what the tolling meant they were all aware of the superstition, surrounding the enchanted old church tower. The bells would toll all night. They no longer bothered to go and search for the bodies. It was rarely one of their people anyhow, and even if they searched high and low they could never find the body. But they knew what had happened. The inscription told them. And even though it was rarely one of them, it did not stop children from running to their parents for comfort, nor did it stop them from cringing every time they heard a bell after they had left the village.
The bells were tolling.
*~*
Miles away a young man awoke with a start. The pain was intense; he clutched at his forehead in agony. The world around him was dark. All that was there was a sound of agony. The pain overwhelmed him. The vision was haunting.
*~*
The traitor was running. He had escaped from those guarding him, only by a small stroke of luck. He knew he had to run fast and hard to escape, but where could he go. He had walked into a trap and they had caught him. They had thrown him in a cell, and then questioned him for hours on end. He refused to talk. Then they had tortured him, deprived him of food and water and still he refused to talk. Finally they had cursed him. He tried to resist, however the temptation was too strong. He had told them everything. He had not wanted to, however he had been weak, unable to resist. It would not matter now. His master would be disappointed in him. His master would kill him, or send others to kill him. His only hope was to escape and find a safe hideout. If only he knew where he was. He could hear bells tolling; perhaps he could run towards them.
Perhaps death would be a better option. If his pursuers captured him, they would kill him, it may not be painless, but at least it would be quick. If they did not kill him, he would be placed in prison, where he would serve a life sentence. Another form of torture. If his followers found him, they would torture him, his death would not be painless, nor would it be quick.
He stopped to take a breath. He looked around. They were behind him, in front and on either side of him. He was surrounded. He began to scream. One of his pursuers leant over and kissed him.
The local villagers could not hear the scream of the man, nor the deadly silence that followed it.
The bells were tolling.
*~*
The traitor's master sensed something was wrong.
He knew that fool of a servant would betray him. He was weak and spineless.
'If only I had not been so stupid as to confide in him, but then he was the least suspected accomplice.'
Thoughts plagued the master's brain.
There was nothing he could do about it now; he would just have to be careful for a little while longer before the time came to strike.
Suddenly, he felt a sharp, stabbing pain attack his body. He was in overwhelming agony. It felt like part of him was dying.
He vowed revenge.
Chapter One
A Time of New Beginnings.
Harry looked glum as he greeted the Dursley's at Kings Cross Station. He had not been looking forward to spending this summer with them, but he was not yet of age. He had to stay with them or stay with his godfather, Sirius. Now while it was possible for him to stay with Sirius, he had wanted time to become reacquainted with his family, and to put his affairs in order. So off to Privet Drive again for Harry, hopefully for the last time.
His aunt made some scathing remark about how disappointed they were that Harry had not managed to get himself killed this year. The remark didn't bother Harry, he was used to the constant abuse from his aunt and uncle, but what stunned him was Dudley's response.
'Lay off him,' he yelled at his parents. 'How would you like it if you two had died and his parents had treated me like you treat Harry? You've never even thought of how your sister would feel about they way you treat even if Harry is a wizard. There, I'm not afraid to say it. My cousin is a wizard and I'm proud of it. I'll even make a badge and wear it around all the time that says; My cousin is a wizard! What do you think of that?'
Dudley was rebelling. He was sick of his parents. Whether or not he meant what he said Harry did not know. He only wondered at the reason for the sudden outburst.
Both Vernon and Petunia were shocked. The thought had obviously never crossed their minds. However little they liked Lily and James, Petunia knew that there was no way that they would have treated Dudley this way. They didn't know what to say. Harry broke the silence by taking the opportunity to raise an idea that had come to his head.
'Aunt Petunia, are there any jobs I could do for you to earn some pocket money this summer. On top of my ordinary chores, that is. And I would work cheaply as you have been so kind to put me up for so long.'
Harry felt like gagging at the thought of how kind they've been, but he felt that he should probably earn some money; his fortune wasn't going to keep growing if he kept spending.
To Harry's surprise Petunia muttered that she might have some work that both he and Dudley could do to earn some extra money, and learn how to work together to achieve something. She did comment that she wouldn't pay either of them very much though, given that they were both lazy. Apparently Dudley's teachers had commented on the fact that Dudley did not like teamwork too much. At least he had lost a lot of weight. I guess that's what liking girls did for you. Dudley looked great.
Girls.
Harry's thoughts wandered to Cho and then to Ginny and finally to Lavender. Cho had been devastated following Cedric's death, but had asked Harry out anyway. He was extremely nervous about the whole affair. Harry just didn't feel secure around her at all. The whole time they spent together in Hogsmeade Harry just felt guilty about Cedric dying. He finally told Cho that he just couldn't be with her because of Cedric. Cho looked as if her heart had been broken but had come around to see that Harry was right; things just couldn't work between them.
Ginny, well that was different. She had run after Harry for as long as he could remember, but it had just been a crush. Harry finally had seen Ginny in a different light, other than just his best friend's sister who had a little crush on him. They had been dating for about a month, when Ginny had told him she didn't love him and that she had realised that she had just been infatuated with the idea of Harry Potter. She loved him dearly but only as a friend. He should have seen it coming. She told him that she was sorry, she had never wanted to lead him on, but she had come to realise that it had just been a crush. He was such a good friend, and she didn't want to loose him but she realised that she didn't love him.
That had hurt.
Harry had initially been heartbroken. It had taken him a long time to muster the courage to kiss her and tell her how he thought he felt. Then, after her 'confession' it had taken Harry some time, a glimpse of Ginny with another student, a glimpse of a stunningly pretty girl and a long time spent crying in Hermione's arms to realise that he didn't love her either. He had just been infatuated by how quickly she had matured into a stunningly beautiful young lady. Harry realised that this had stemmed from the fact that Ginny reminded him of his mother. Well not reminded so much, but looked like her in the photos Hagrid had given him. He must remember to ask his aunt for any photos she might have. He felt a need to see them; he missed his parents so much.
And Lavender, well she was very pretty and Harry found himself spending many hours dreaming about her.
Well to be honest dreaming about the way she had kissed him at the Valedictory Ball. That's what it had taken for her to get Harry to notice her.
Harry had grown up a lot during the time that had elapsed since Voldemort returned. He had discovered girls, and it was actually this discovery of girls that had brought he and Dudley together. Last summer, Dudley had been forever pestering him to make him a love potion; Harry's standard response was along the lines of 'You know I'm not allowed to do magic away from school, I'm still underage.' But Dudley wasn't so sure, as Harry's green eyes glistened with a hint of mischief when he replied, and Dudley thought that if Harry had the chance, he might just perform some magic, without the authorities knowing, and if he was nice enough Dudley might just reap the benefits.
Soon they arrived at Privet Drive, when Harry finally pulled himself out of his dream state. He was certain there would be plenty of time to daydream about what had happened the past few weeks. Truthfully he had been on edge since the night he had had that vision of Voldemort clutching in agony. Harry hadn't known what to make of the vision, nor did he fully understand all the events that had unfolded that evening. He knew the result of it meant that Sirius was now free, but Harry wondered at the cost. Voldemort had seemed enraged, determined to seek revenge and what Harry feared, and had told no one, was the Voldemort would seek his revenge on Harry. Sirius had asked Harry to be patient and reassured him that when Harry came to stay they could sit down and discuss everything, but warned him that if his scar hurt again to owl Dumbledore immediately. Harry had thought that this implied that he wasn't able to look after himself properly. Basically that meant Sirius would owl him when he was ready for Harry to come and stay with him, but until then Harry should only bother Sirius if it was something extremely important. Hence Harry would just have to put up with Privet Drive until then.
On reaching his room Harry owled his friends to let them know he had arrived safely and got settled in for what could be a long wait. He hoped that Ron and Hermione could work things out over summer; he really didn't care to spend the best part of the year acting as a go between the pair of them.
*~*
A week later, Harry was feeling stronger, from the amount of physical exercise he and Dudley had been doing. He had enjoyed the time working with Dudley, the boys having spent most of the time reflecting on life at boarding school and of the two girls who had captured the young men's hearts. However Dudley remained selfish and spoilt, and ended up supplying company for Harry, instead of actually doing much work. Taking a break from the English sun, Harry wandered inside for a drink, when two owls flew in with letters for Harry. Harry recognised one as the owl he had bought Sirius, when he had been pardoned and the other was possibly a school owl. Harry thought he had better read the school one first.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dear Mr Potter, I am writing to inform you that you have been selected as Head Boy for the coming school year. It is a responsibility, which I know you will not take lightly. Your mother and father would be extremely proud of you. If you wish to accept this position please reply with this owl immediately. The Head Girl upon acceptance of the position will be Hermione Granger. Your fellow seventh year prefects will remain unchanged, however to remind you they are: Harry Potter and Hermione Granger from Gryffindor House Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson from Slytherin House Susan Bones and Justin Finch-Fletchley from Hufflepuff House Terry Boot and Padma Patil from Ravenclaw House I await your return owl, Yours Sincerely Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Head Boy?
Harry hadn't even considered the possibility. He was ecstatic. He almost couldn't believe it. And Hermione Head Girl. It was wonderful. 'Thank God Ron's Quidditch captain' He thought. He quickly ran and grabbed a parchment and replied in the affirmative to Professor McGonagall's letter before she had time to consider that he may not be the most appropriate appointment. Harry ran around the house yelling;
'Everyone, I just got a letter, I'm Head Boy'
Dudley wasn't surprised. Somehow he had always sensed that his cousin would achieve. Perhaps that's why he didn't like him very much. He ran up to Harry and gave him a congratulatory hug. Harry didn't quite know what had hit him. Harry felt awkward, this was totally out of character.
Then Harry was completely shocked by his aunt and uncle's reaction.
'You, Head Boy?' Petunia asked.
Harry nodded.
Petunia ran up and hugged him.
'This is so wonderful, we'll take you out to dinner tonight to celebrate. Somewhere fancy.'
As Harry looked at her face, it was absolutely beaming with pride. He wondered whether or not this turn around was because of what Dudley had said, because he had been making an effort to get along with them, because they knew that he wasn't staying long, or because someone had fed the entire a household a potion or placed them under the Imperius Curse. Harry decided he didn't care; he was going to enjoy the time while it lasted.
While everyone was rushing around getting ready for dinner, Harry opened his letter from Sirius. It's contents just added to his excitement.
Dear Harry, I have had time to sort everything out; your room is ready and awaits your arrival. I assume you have quite a few things to bring with you, so instead of coming to get you on my bike, I will borrow my sister's car and come and get you. Is Monday fine? Please send a reply as soon as possible, so that I can make the arrangements. I hope that everything else is going well, we will talk when you arrive. Love
Sirius
Harry went and asked his aunt straight away if it was all right. She replied that she thought it would be fine, as long as they could meet Sirius first, and he would have to stay for dinner. The look on her face said otherwise though. When Harry walked out of the room though he noticed a sad look on her face.
'Could his aunt really be upset he was going?' Harry wondered.
The thought would have been inconceivable to Harry a few years ago, but now the Dursley's seemed somehow changed. He must remember to come and visit them after he had left. Harry scribbled off a quick reply saying that that would be fine, except Sirius would be expected to stay for dinner. Harry laughed thinking of Sirius's face when he reads that. Sirius had never thought much of the Dursley's, but that had stemmed from what Lily had told him about Petunia and Vernon.
'At any rate' Harry thought, ' it would make for an entertaining meal, and it was only two nights off.
Dinner that night was also an interesting affair. They went to a fancy place in the village and Petunia was introducing Harry to everyone she knew.
'This is Harry, our nephew. You know he's Head Boy at his school this year! We're taking him out to celebrate.'
Harry was just waiting for someone to reply,
'Oh yes Petunia, you must be so proud, Head Boy of a correctional institute, what did he have to do to get that? Have the least number of detentions?'
Strangely enough, no one made that remark, although that is where everyone had thought he had been they must have respected Petunia enough not to comment and just congratulated the Dursley's on having brought up the two boys so well.
The meal itself was delicious, although his aunt and uncle seemed to be going out of their way to be nice to him. They asked him questions about the subjects he was taking, his friends, his responsibilities as Head Boy and his final exams at the end of the year. They didn't even flinch when Dudley once again brought up the suggestion of Harry brewing him a love potion.
'Surely they won't expel the Head Boy!' Dudley had joked.
His aunt and uncle had joined in, and then commented that Dudley shouldn't have to resort to magic to get a girl. He was handsome enough to get a girl the traditional way.
'Perhaps' he thought, 'they don't really want me to go. Maybe I should stay. Dumbledore seemed to think it was safe. But then I won't get to know Sirius well and he is my godfather. It would hurt him so much, he was so excited that night when I agreed to go and live with him. And I want to learn more about my parents. I will go with Sirius, there are things I need to do and Sirius will be able to help.'
Even so, later that night, Harry couldn't help but feel a little guilt about leaving them. They hadn't exactly been generous, but at least they'd kept a roof over his head.
'I'll get those photos of my mum tomorrow' he thought.
And with that thought he slept peacefully without the visions plaguing him for the first time since Sirius had been cleared.