Helpful Visit

by Nik4

Dumbledore stops by Privet Drive to check the security wards and is surprised at how the Dursley's treat Harry. There are a few other plot twists in here. Please read and review.

1. Part 1

Title: Helpful Visit

By: Nik

email: Xfilehpgal03@aol.com

Rated: pg-13 for suggested violence but nothing detailed I also have no idea where this

story is going so bear with me

Summary: Dumbledore comes and checks the protections and wards around Privet Drive.

And gets involved when he sees how the Dursleys treat Harry.

Disclaimer: I don't own them, all charactors in here are property of JKR.

Authors Notes: I'll be dropping in a few notes every now and then. Some areas I had to

do research so those chapters will have some Works cited either at beginning of chapter

or after refering to items. in parenthesis.

Author Notes 2: I know I'm not a brillant writer, especially with actions around coversations,

but this is for fun so only good comments please. I guess you can also send hate mail, but I just

won't read it. anything between ** are thoughts. Also I'm an American so I use mostly

American terms. Anyway enjoy.

Helpful Visit

by Nik

Chapter One

Black Eye and Burn

To say Severus Snape was happy at that moment, though he rarely even is, was a down right

understatement. He found himself stalking down a muggle neighborhood, dressed as a muggle,

going to the home of his childhood nemesis son's house whom he despised just barely less than

his father.

Dumbledore who was happily walking beside Snape, dressed as a muggle as well, had pretty

much asked Snape to stop by the house, along with him, so that they could make sure the security,

wards and protection charms was still well placed. It was a scolding hot afternoon as well.

***

Harry Potter was working in the hot scolding sun. He was already tanned from working outside

for the past couple weeks. Today he had been outside since dawn. His aunt had joined a garden

club that was having a contest on who had the best garden of the summer, and she had lovingly

handed the work to Harry. He just finished pulling the last of the weeds out of the garden patch

along the fence that ended at the sidewalk.

His face was red with sunburns, a black eye that Uncle Vernon gave him, and sweat all over his

arms and his shirt sticking to his back and chest. He laid on his side in the grass with the sun

beating down on him. He closed his eyes to rest his tired body. Lately he hasn't been able to

sleep over the past several nights, which has left him sleepy during the days. So he soon fell

into a light doze.

He woke up, however, when he felt like someone was watching him. He opened his eyes and

looked at two people standing on the sidewalk. One was smiling with his bright blue eyes

twinkling at him, and the other had dark greasy hair a death glare on him. Harry slowly got up and

winced and sucked in a breath when he bent to brush grass and dirt off himself. The one with

greasy hair stopped glaring and was watching Harry closely.

"Professor Dumbledore, sir, Professor Snape, what are you doing here?" Harry asked in

wide-eyed shock.

"Just tightening up some security around your relatives home, which we just finished, and also

to stop by to see how you are doing?" Dumbledore replied looking slightly more serious.

Harry looked at the suns position to get an idea of the time, *er… mid-afternoon, I think*, then

turned back to Dumbledore "Well the Dursleys' are not here right now if you would like to come in,

they are at a party right now probably won't be back for another hour or two."

"Yes, that would be delightful," Dumbledore said as he walked up to Harry and lightly put a hand on

his shoulder while walking toward the house. Snape however, still watching Harry saw him slightly

flinch, whether from pain or the touch he couldn't tell, and walked stiffly to the house, before he himself

headed in himself.

Once they were inside Harry asked if they were hungry or thirsty. After they refused he brought them

into the lounge. He then explained that he was going to change and wash his face and hands, and then

he'd be back down. Once Harry went upstairs Snape turned to Dumbledore.

"Does he seem in pain to you, as well?" he asked.

"Yes, I did get that impression you saw his black eye, I gather?" Dumbledore asked his smile fading and

Snape gave a quick nod.

"Where do you think he got it, fight with other kids?" Snape asked sitting in a chair.

"I not sure about that, I hope I'm wrong on where I'm thinking he got it," Dumbledore said his face more

solemn than before, as he sat down on the sofa. They sat in silence until Harry came back down and sat

next to Dumbledore on the sofa. Dumbledore then started the conversation.

"How have you been doing since the third task, Harry, are doing alright?"

"Honestly sir, I've been doing better, I'm not having as many nightmares, but only because I haven't

slept much either, my appetite has changed. And according to Uncle Vernon I'm not as spitey as last

summer." * and is glad about that* Harry added to himself.

"Do you blame yourself over anything that has happened?" Dumbledore asked with complete seriousness.

"At first I did, but I had a dream where Cedric came to me and told me to stop blaming myself, and that

he didn't blame me for what happened."

"Potter, how did you get that black eye?" Snape asked sternly not taking an eye off Harry.

"I-I got punched, sir," Harry whispered looking directly back.

"By whom?" Snape asked.

Harry opened his mouth slightly and murmured something.

"What, Harry?" Dumbledore asked

"Uncle Vernon, sir," Harry said looking down at his hands.

Dumbledore and Snape exchanged a quick look. Then looked back at Harry.

"What for, Harry?" Snape asked.

Harry snapped his eyes back at Snape with the use of his first name.

"I woke him up in the middle of the night, two nights ago, I had a nightmare woke up screaming," Harry said.

"You don't sound surprised or upset about this, that's not all he's done is it," Snape said not exactly asking.

"No," Harry said shifting stiffly and looking at his hands again.

"You seem to be in more pain," Dumbledore said.

Harry didn't speak or move. He looked up at Dumbledore and then to Snape.

"Take off your shirt," Snape said pointedly standing up. Harry looked slightly ready to panic at Snape.

"No," Harry whispered.

"Take it off or I'll remove it for you. I doubt the Headmaster would even stop me," Snape snarled and

Harry looked to Dumbledore.

"Go ahead, Harry," Dumbledore said getting up as well and stood next to Snape.

Harry, seeing he had no way out, got up and turned his back to them. He carefully pulled his shirt over

his head, but kept it over his arms.

Dumbledore and Snape held their breaths when they saw his back. Not only because of how thin he was.

He also had a large burnt area in a shape of a...

"Did he use a muggle iron, when you had that nightmare, Harry?" Dumbledore asked not worrying of hiding

his anger.

"An iron yes, but not for the nightmare, I was making Uncle Vernon's and Dudley's breakfast, while Aunt

Petunia was ironing, anyway I cooked some bacon to long and burnt the toast. So Uncle Vernon got made

and decided to burn me as well. Obviously taking the iron from Aunt Petunia," Harry explained.

"Have they always done things like this, Potter," Snape asked.

"Well they have always been rough, but they rarely ever left a mark till I got back this summer anyway,

but I have been locked up and starved," Harry said shifting his feet nervously, putting his shirt back on.

"How long, Harry," Dumbledore, said putting his hands on Harry's shoulder and turning him around.

"How long has this been going on?"

Chapter two

Dumbledore's Stand

"Since I was three professor, when I turned my cup of water into apple juice, that's the first time I

remember doing magic in front of them, they don't like magic and are afraid of having people find out I

could do it. I didn't even know I was a wizard until Hagrid came and got me," Harry explained solemnly.

"Yes, Hagrid told me about that, I figured your Aunt and Uncle didn't think you were ready to know

the truth," Dumbledore said.

"You remember things from when you were three, Potter," Snape with a hint of surprise in his voice.

"I remember anything that had a strong consequence professor," Harry said in a whisper. "Even bits

and pieces of the night when my parent died, granted mostly through dreams, and I didn't realize what it

was until Hagrid got me."

Dumbledore and Snape shared a quick glance, then looked back to Harry.

"We have just check the security around Private Drive, however that security makes no difference if

you aren't safe with your own family. I am going to have to speak with your relatives strictly on this matter.

However I'm not going to leave you here alone, without any protection from them if they don't keep their

end of the bargain," Dumbledore explained as he turned to Professor Snape. "Severus would you go and

fetch Madam Pomfrey, as well as Minerva, oh and bring a camera."

"Yes, headmaster," Snape said pulling out a locket around his neck. He clutched it and spoke "Hogwarts"

and promptly disappeared

"Harry turned to Dumbledore.

"What bargain, sir?"

"You'll see when your relatives get home," Dumbledore explained looking around the lounge his eyes

taking in the atmosphere of the house for the first time closely. Looking at the pictures of the Dursleys,

mainly of Dudley eating something, and his eyes rested on the television set. Dumbledore's eyes filled with

a cheery sparkle again.

"You know I don't think I've sat down and watched a TV show in quite sometime."

"Your welcome to watch anything on the tub, sir," Harry said looking around for the remote. Usually it

was on the coffee table, but it wasn't there, or on the sofa seats, or armrests.

"That'd be quite wonderful, you looking for something?" Dumbledore asked when he saw Harry stick

his hands in the seat cracks, and removed the cushions and put them back neatly when he didn't see anything.

Harry then stood up scratching his head.

"Just the remote, I last saw Dudley use it before... ah I know," Harry said heading to the easy chair in

front of the TV. He stuck his hand in the crack and pulled out a heavily sat on, crunched up, alien object

with buttons missing and some hanging on by wires. Harry looked at it closely.

"Good news professor, I found the remote, the bad news is someone will have to bury the poor thing,"

Harry said dramatically, he then looked at the headmaster. "We can still watch TV, we'll just use the TV dial."

Harry then turned around and turned on the TV and channel surfed for a while. Finally after twenty

channels he found a movie in black and white he seen, in a muggle history class, that the headmaster would

enjoy. Luckily it had just started and was going through the opening credits.

"Here you are professor you'll probably like it, its called The Wizard of Oz it's based on the muggle book

by L. Frank Baum called The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It supposed to represent the struggles of the late

1800's and early 1900's American life. From immigration, to struggles with Europe and the troubles the

farmers had." (I'm not making this up either here is a website where you can get more info if you are interested

in looking this up, http://www2.h-net.msu.edu/~rural/threads/discoz.html the author pretty much used the

yellow brick road, munchkins, Emerald city, wicked witch, ruby slippers and so on to represent important

History events). Harry paused and thought about what he said. "At least that's the muggle representation,

do you know if it's actually a book a wizard wrote to help muggles believe the wizard world is make believe?"

Harry asked as he sat down next to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore grinned at Harry's thoughtful and questioning face.

"Though I have read the book, several times in fact, it is a muggle book and it does represent the history

event in America, thought it was quite ingenious myself," Dumbledore said as they both turned back to the

screen as the opening credits ended and Dorothy was seen running down the country road with Todo.

Several minutes later the doorbell rang and Harry got up to look out the window. *Great why's he here?*

Turning back around he headed to the hallway that lead to the door.

"Stay here sir, I'll be right back," Harry said as he rushed to the door. He opened it and found Piers Polkiss

standing on the stoop.

"Hello freak face your back, Dudley home?" Piers asked looking like he was going to have fun with

punching bag.

"No Piers… he isn't here, he's at a party... I'll let him know you stopped by... good-bye," Harry said

making a point to pause between each phrase. Then started closing the door, unfortunately Piers put his

foot in front of the door keeping it from closing the last four inches. Seeing what Piers was doing. Harry,

using his highly skilled seeker reflexes, stuck his foot on the other side of the door as leverage. While Harry

couldn't close the door, Piers couldn't open it. However Harry had the brains as well.

"So home alone, how about a fun energetic round of boxing," Piers growled at Harry.

"I could, but why bother, say Piers do you know that phone in the hall by the door here?" Harry paused

while Piers nodded.

"Well the Durleys are gone right now, and so your not welcome to be here unless they let you in. I could

use the phone right now that's in easy reach and call the police, on how your trying to break an entry, you'll

be arrested and taken to jail, and the Dursleys aren't here to stop me," Harry said with a slight grin.

"You wouldn't do that once I'd tell the Dursleys what you've done. They'd beat the shit out of you," Piers

said looking slightly worried.

"True, but it'd be worth it to put a criminal record on you..." He didn't have to bother finishing because

Piers hightailed and ran off without looking back.

Harry snickered as he shut and locked the door. He turned around when he heard laughter, to see the

headmaster leaning against the hall wall. With his eyes glittering and laughing.

"Nicely done Harry," Dumbledore said grinning down at Harry.

"Thank you sir, but he's an idiot," Harry said grinning back at him.

"Why's that, Harry," Dumbledore asked slightly confused.

Harry pointed to the antique stand up phone, with the earpiece on a cord and no buttons or dial, on the

small hall table.

"Because for one it's not plugged in and two even if it was plugged in that phone is so old it used to contact

an operator who transferred your call, it wouldn't work anymore," Harry explained. (A/N okay the second

one I think those phones can still work and go directly to operators, but I'm not certain, either way it fits

nicely. If you do by chance know let me know I'm now curious about it and I'll change that line if need be.)

"Uncle Vernon had that in his family for a couple generations, its the only old thing I know of they won't get

rid of." Just then somebody knocked on the door. Harry turned around and looked through the peephole.

Opening the door this time to Professors Snape, McGonagal and Madam Pomfrey.

"Come on in," Harry said.

"Ah Minerva, Poppy thank you for coming," Dumbledore said as they were ushered into the lounge after

Harry closed the door.

As they were settling in the lounge Snape pulled out a camera and began to put film in and checked the

lens and flash. Both Professor McGonagal and Madam Pomfrey was watching the TV with slight interest,

apparently Dorothy's house had landed in Oz and was being questioned by the Good Witch of the North.

*"Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"*

Harry saw Snape hear that line and look at TV, with a slight bit of interest as well.

"What is that, Mr. Potter?" Professor McGonagal asked not taking her eyes off the screen.

"It's a television set, professor. Muggles use it to entertain themselves by watching plays that have been

recorded on film. This particular one is called The Wizard of Oz," Harry turned to Dumbledore, "should I

turn it off sir?"

"Go ahead, Harry, I'll just have the movie played at the school sometime this year," Dumbledore said

grinning at the site of McGonagal, Snape, and Madam Pomfrey starring at the screen without blinking. So

Harry quickly turned it off before he got yelled at for being in the way. Unfortunately they were already deeply

involved with the program.

"Why'd you do that?" Professor McGonagal asked glaring at him.

"Well make sure to play the whole thing at school this term Minerva," Dumbledore said stepping next to

Harry. "Is the camera ready, Severus?"

Snape was finished handed the camera to Dumbledore.

"Now Harry, we can't bring a lawsuit on your relatives, however pictures of your bruises may persuade

them to watch their actions. So if you wouldn't mind we'll need a picture of your face and back, before

Madam Pomfrey takes care of your bruises," Dumbledore said as Harry pulled his shirt off again. With a look

at Harry's ribs Snape spoke up.

"Headmaster you should also take a shot of his stomach and ribs to show how much he's been starved,"

"Good idea," Dumbledore agreed then looked Harry directly in the eye. "Do you have any other bruises or

even scars that you haven't told us about, yet?"

"I don't think so sir, most of the time they ignore me, except when they are angry then they normally pull

my hair," Harry said honestly keeping eye contact with Dumbledore.

Dumbledore nodded and took 3 photos of each bruise and chest. When Harry turned around, he heard

Madam Pomfrey gasp and McGonagal exclaim.

"Oh my Albus," she looked like she wanted to hug and protect Harry.

"Don't worry, Minerva, they aren't getting away with this," Dumbledore said taking the last of the pictures.

Then turned to Madam Pomfrey.

"Okay, Poppy go ahead and pester him,"

Madam Pomfrey had her wand out and had his black eye fixed before Dumbledore even finished speaking.

Just as she was getting ready to do Harry's back, they all heard the front door open.

"HARRY POTTER, GET OUT HERE AND CARRY THE PARTY DISHES IN NOW!" screeched his

aunt. They then heard heavy footprints coming closer and soon Harry's cousin Dudley walked in and stopped

when he saw all the people standing behind Harry, and had a panic attack.

"Mum, MUMMY! HARRY HAS PEOPLE HERE!" Dudley exclaimed backing up covering his rump with

his hands. Then they all heard two people run toward the room. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia ran in and

saw three people standing in a circle around the backside of their shirtless nephew, both men in muggle cloths,

and two women in witches robes and one holding a wand.

"What do you think your doing boy, inviting your freak group into my house, you will get it you little ungrateful

freak!" Uncle Vernon spat going a complete shade of magenta.

Harry of course wasn't worried about getting punished especially with Dumbledore standing right behind

him. In fact Dumbledore walked right past the group around Harry. Asking Madam Pomfrey to continue

without looking away. After a flick of Pomfrey wand the iron burn was gone and she patted Harry's shoulder

to let him know to put his shirt on. The wizard group and muggle group watched Dumbledore closely. Even

though the wizard group couldn't see Dumbledore face, they could tell by his walk and stance they could tell

that the cheerful wizard was gone. He staring down the Dursleys so intently and hard that even Voldemort

would've thrown down his wand and surrendered to the light side.

Harry saw his cousin cower behind his aunt and uncle, he was to wide for just one of them. And for once

they were quiet and even shaking by the power they were sensing from Dumbledore.

Dumbledore stopped four feet in front of the Dursleys.

"Petunia and Vernon Dursley, I am ashamed and disgusted of you...Thirteen years ago I give you a young

sweet boy for you to love and raise along with your own. I am very upset at what I hear and even sense that

has gone on in this house. I'm telling you right now, if you don't straighten your act on how you treat nephew

then I will get a hold of the police on the abuse and neglect you've done. And that would be after Harry's

godfather comes and I'll tell you now, you don't want to get him angry, he doesn't forgive as easily as I do.

Then I'll have the Ministry of Magic involve. As I told you thirteen years ago, Harry is an important, and famous

wizard there will be no mercy for you once in the hands of the Ministry. We now have photos of evidence to the

abuse and neglect. And if need be shall be used against you."

"I doubt you know this, but Lord Voldemort, who killed Lily and James and try to kill Harry, is back and

after Harry. There are protections around Privet Drive Protecting you from dark wizards, but only while Harry

is here during the summer break. If we have to take Harry away, you would be the first people Voldemort would

attack. And to make sure that Harry is treated better we are leaving a cat here for a couple days, then we'll send

a dog for the rest of the summer. If you so much as threaten Harry, the cat or dog will summon a witch or wizard

who will come take Harry and bring him straight to me. And if that happens in comes the godfather, the police,

and the ministry, then finally Voldemort..." Dumbledore looked directly at Petunia and Vernon. "Do you

understand what I'm saying?"

Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, who were white as ghosts, slowly nodded.

"Alright come in and sit at the sofa, while we set some ground rule," Dumbledore said stepping aside to usher

them in. Once the Dursleys sat in the sofa Dumbledore turned to Professor McGonagal.

"Minerva, please go summon the cat, you may leave after doing so," Dumbledore said winking.

"Yes, Albus," Minerva said giving a slight nod. Then went out to the hall and open and shut the front door.

Then a few seconds later a gray tiger stripped cat came back in and sat next to where Harry was standing.

"Now this cats name is Lemon Drop," Dumbledore explained. Harry looked down at 'Lemon Drop' and saw

it glare at Dumbledore. "I expect you to treat Harry as your son, let him eat the same amount of food as you, give

the same amount of chores for them to share, be civil to Harry, and talk to him about our world through his eyes

not yours. Go with him to Diagon Alley and take him to school in September. If he does do something wrong

you may discipline but within reasonable limits, so treat him the same as Dudley and we'll get along fine,"

Dumbledore finished then he turned to Harry.

"Is there anything you'd like to add, Harry?"

"Just a few things sir," Harry said and turned to the Dursleys and was sort of shocked of having their

undivided attention. "Let Hedwig out of her cage so she can fly and I can send mail, then unlock my stuff from

the cupboard, and for goodness sake let me do my homework, where and when I want to, and not in the middle

of the night under my bedcovers. Finally, I'd like to have a real birthday with all my friends from school," Harry

said and paused. "I think that is about it."

"Headmaster," Snape spoke up. "Also suggest they get Potter his own cloths and not castoffs from the

other boy."

"Do you hear all that?" Dumbledore asked then all the Dursleys even Dudley nodded.

"Good, now Lemon Drop and when the dog gets here are Harry's responsibility. They both eat people

food and only touch and pet them if they come to you. You aren't to feed or water them that will be Harry's

job, understand?" The Dursleys nodded.

"Good we'll be leaving, now," Dumbledore said. " I expect an owl from all of you, once a week on what

you've done and how you've treated Harry. If they match up with Harry's I'll leave you be," Dumbledore

picked up the camera and lead Snape and Madam Pomfrey.

Chapter Three

Dudley's reading

Everyone in the room was dead silent. The Dursleys looking at Harry, and for the first time he couldn't

read their expressions. However they were no longer pale, though Dudley was pretty shaken. Uncle Vernon

was the first to recover.

"Who was that, boy...er Harry?" Uncle Vernon corrected when Lemon Drop hissed at him.

"My headmaster at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore," Harry explained. "Uncle Vernon please give me the keys

for the cupboard and Hedwig's cage." Harry reminded his uncle.

"Right," Uncle Vernon said digging into his pocket for his keys. After messing with them for a couple minutes,

he pulled one key off.

"I only have one key for the cupboard, the one for your owl is at my office, you can go ahead and break it,"

Uncle Vernon said handing the key to Harry.

"Fine," Harry said taking the key. When looked down at the key in his hand he saw Lemon Drop and saw

her looking at him expectantly and glaring. He knew of course what she was trying to get through to him. He

turned back to the Dursleys. "By the way, Lemon Drop doesn't really like her name much, even though she

isn't staying for long we'll go ahead and change it to ...er," he looked down at her and saw her glare lose some

of it's focus. Yet she was still stiff. "Minnie, I guess, does that suit you better?" He saw 'Minnie' relax and give

a quick nod.

"You can talk to her?" Aunt Petunia exclaimed.

"Well that's why she's here isn't she to see how we get along, she's understanding you as well, I just got to

read her body language to see what she wants. She'll go directly to Dumbledore with a full report of the next

couple days, until the dog gets here as well. Now I'm going upstairs let me know when supper is ready," Harry

said walking out into the hall with the cat following him. He went and unlocked the cupboard. Then pulled his

trunk out. Making sure the cupboard was unlocked and he had the key, he then carried his trunk upstairs. He

dragged the trunk into his room; Minnie still following him the whole way, then went to the window and opened

it. He stuck his head and arm out the window and dropped the key in the garbage bin, two stories below him.

Leaving the window open, he turned to Hedwig. She was looking excitedly at him. He could almost see her

grinning, almost. He laughed at her.

"You heard everything didn't you?" and laughed harder when she hooted back.

"Okay, I'll get you out," Harry said lifting the padlock lightly to judge the lock. "I'll be back, Hedwig," he got

up to get one of Aunt Petunias hair pins, but jumped when her saw Professor McGonagal standing just in the

room. She quickly shut the door and pulled out her wand.

"Thank you for changing that horrid name, Mr. Potter I'll go ahead and unlock the cage," she quickly

"Alohamora," the lock. Once it was unlocked, Harry pulled off the lock and opened the cage. Once it was

open Hedwig flew straight to Harry's shoulder. Rubbing his check with the side of her face and nibbled his ear.

"Your welcome, Hedwig, but Professor McGonagal unlocked your cage not I," Harry said petting her wing.

She then surprised Professor McGonagal and went to her shoulder as well and gave her a quick nibble, as well.

"Your welcome, little one," McGonagal said slightly smiling. Then Hedwig went back to Harry and perched

on his arm and started hooting.

"No Hedwig, I don't have any letters now, just go stretch your wings and get something to eat. I'll some

letters for you later." Harry promised as Hedwig nibbled his finger one last time before flying out the window.

"You have a very affectionate owl, Mr. Potter, and do you communicate with her all the time?" McGonagal

asked.

"I know professor I'm very grateful for her, and no we don't talk like we're doing now, we just understand

one another I should say." Harry said. "Like how I read your animagus forms body language downstairs."

"That's still a wonderful skill being able to read animals for their thoughts. Some muggles even have that

ability and it's something to be seriously cherished," McGonagal said slight praising and lecturing.

"Yes, professor,"

She then turned back into her animagus form. Harry saw she was looking around. He then pulled his trunk

on his bed so he could finally unpack. He pulled his books out and put them on his desk along with parchment

and quills. Then he pulled out his wand and invisibility cloak, as well as candy he bought on the Hogwarts

Express. As well as letters from his friends and godfather. He set those on the bed. He then got down on his

knees and pulled out a lose floorboard and was surprised to see rock cages that he got from Hagrid for his

birthday last year. They were still hard and they weren't moldy or mushy. In fact he could swear they almost

seemed harder. He picked them up and went back to the window and threw them in the trash bin outside and

laughed when he heard a clunk sound. He then put the letters, candy, cloak, and wand in. Then he put

floorboard back in place. He then closed his trunk and put it under his bed.

When he finished he sat back on his bed, he looked to Minnie who was looking around. She also had a

questioning look on her face.

"Are you looking for something Minnie?" he said practicing the name. She looked pointedly at the bed then

back at Harry.

"Something about my bed?" Harry asked looking confused.

Minnie then pointed her paw at the bed and then back at herself. Harry eyes widened realizing her question.

"Where are you sleeping?" Harry asked and Minnie nodded. Harry looked around then saw his dresser and

realized he'd probably get new clothes. So he opened the bottom drawer to if there was anything he didn't

want to get fur over. He had several sweaters there and pulled out two sweaters from Mrs. Weasley. So he

then laid out the rest of his sweaters on top of the others in the drawer and left it open and backed up then

turned to Minnie.

"Will that work fine?" Harry asked she jumped in the drawer and tested it out and purred.

"I take that as a yes, you know I never liked cats to much, you just might change my outlook on cats..."

Minnie then turned and hissed at him "or not."

Just then there was a slight knock on his door.

*Oh my gosh they knocked,* Harry thought as he opened the door wide open and saw Dudley standing

there nervously.

"Can I speak with you?" Dudley asked with a hint of fright in his voice.

"Alright come in," Harry said stepping aside to let Dudley wobble in. Then he shut the door. He turned

around and saw Dudley standing in the middle of the room, shifting feet nervously.

"You can sit down," Harry said as he sat on his bed. Slowly Dudley sat on the seat at his desk. Harry

noticed Minnie watching Dudley's every move.

"What was all that downstairs, they won't say a thing," Dudley asked.

"Mainly all that was about things changing around here Dudley, pretty much about the abuse and neglect

your parents have done to me," Harry said.

"What abuse and neglect, I don't understand," Dudley said honestly.

"Your kidding me right, Dudley, your parents are paying a lot of money for you to go to Smeltings, why

don't you take advantage of that?" Harry said and then got up to go over to the bookshelf where Dudley

kept his books he has never read. He had several novels, British, American and European Classics and many

education and pleasure reading books. Dudley saw Harry reach for a book on a shelf.

"Did you read those?" Dudley asked somewhat angry. Harry turned around with a thick book in his hand;

Dudley didn't even try to read the title.

"Yes, actually I did, since they were in here and you didn't read them, and since I've been locked in here

several times, I needed something to do," Harry said shrugging. He then walked to Dudley and handed the

book to him.

"What is this?" Dudley asked still not reading the title.

"It's called a dictionary Dudley, don't you know what it is?" Harry asked annoyed. Harry heard Minnie snort.

"Look up abuse in there, then neglect, we're going to play school alright I'll be the teacher you be the student

you do know the alphabet right?" Harry asked.

"Yes, I do, but what's a dictionary?" Dudley asked shifting.

"Oh here I'll do it," Harry said exasperated. "I'll read it to you and everything, but you will use your own

brain," Harry grabbed the book from Dudley.

"Okay quick lesson this is a Webster's Dictionary. A man named Noah Webster who was the first American

lexicographer-"

"Lexi what?"

"Lexicographer it means he wrote dictionary's... please hold your questions. He was the first lexicographer

of the American English language. He wrote the first dictionary called American Dictionary of the English

Language in 1828 it held 12,000 more words and 40,000 more definitions in the world and has been added

onto to this day. Due to the new slang and new words being invented," Harry finished and snorted at both

Dudley's and Minnie's shocked open mouth faces.

"You both will catch flies like that," they both closed their mouths, "By the way Dudley why do you have an

American Dictionary, this one's a continuation and is a Second Class College Edition American Dictionary,

(yeah long title huh, it's the one I'm using now) some of their words are different from ours."

"I had an American pen pal for a while we exchanged dictionaries if we came across words we didn't know.

I never wrote back though plus I couldn't read there writing," Dudley said. "How'd you know all that anyway?

About Webber?"

"Webster," Harry corrected, "it's in the introduction. Now let me look up abuse," Harry started flipping

through the pages till he found it. He read to himself the definitions first.

"Okay Abuse there are three definitions, but we only need two. One to hurt by treating badly and Two to use

insulting, coarse, or bad language about or to; scold harshly or revile," Harry paused and looked up to Dudley.

"Give me one instance Dudley for both of these that your mum and dad has done to me. How have they hurt

me and insulted me?"

Dudley was quiet as he started to think. It looked like to Harry he didn't think to often. Soon Dudley started

speaking.

"The other day when Dad punched you for the breakfast, and they have always insulted you, calling you

stupid, dumb, idiot, freak, and other names I won't mention," Dudley said thoughtfully.

Harry was somewhat surprised at the well thought out answer and at how fast he understood.

"Very good Dudley, lets look up neglect now," Again Harry sifted through till he found neglect.

"Okay again three definitions two we need, one to ignore or disregard, and two to fail to take care for or

attend to.

"Alright, Dudley, again give me one reason for each definition," Harry said shutting the book and lying it

one the bed.

"How they don't talk to you except to order you around like a slave or how they refuse to feed you and

also when they locked you in here and when they made you sleep in the cupboard until you received your

school letter," Dudley explained again looking slightly pleased with himself.

"Very good Dudley, now I noticed you felt proud when you understood those. If you read, study and learn.

You'd always feel that proud," Harry said smiling slightly.

"Could you teach me?" Dudley asked wide-eyed.

"Teach you what?" Harry asked his smile dropping.

"To read," Dudley said hopefully.

"You don't know how?" Harry said slightly horrified, what did he know about teaching someone to read,

where is Hermione when you need her. "Have you told your parents about this?" Harry saw Minnie paying

close attention at this question.

"Just a little, and yes they do know, but mum says I don't have to read, that she'll read for me, but I'm

getting tired of depending on her," Dudley said. Harry looked at Minnie for a second and back to his cousin.

"I'll try Dudley, but I need to talk to some friends," Harry explained standing up then Dudley stood up as

well grabbed Harry around the midarms and chest giving him a lung crunching hug.

"Oh, thank you Harry," Dudley exclaimed and ran out the room.

Harry gasped slightly after Dudley closed the door. After catching his breath he turned to Minnie.

"Professor, how do I teach him to read, I don't know how to teach at all," Minnie jumped out of the

dresser drawer then turned into Professor McGonagal.

"Mr. Potter, what I just saw you do, teaching about a dictionary was very well done, teaching to read

is slightly harder. I don't do it personally so I suggest you write to Miss. Granger, Mrs. Weasley, you may

also write to Albus about this, since I tend to tell him about it as well, they might have some suggestions for

you. The only problem is that you two are going your separate ways in a month in a half. That's a very short

time but it might be a good jump starts he needs." She then turned back into a cat when Aunt Petunia

called Dudley and Harry to dinner and followed Harry downstairs.

Chapter 3b

Letters to

Dear Hermione,

I'm doing much better than the last couple summers. Dumbledore came and threatened the Dursleys

about the way they treated me. So now they got to treat me the same as Dudley or Snuffles, the police,

and the ministry will get involved. He left Professor McGonagal here for a couple days until Snuffles gets

here. (She's in her animagus form)

By the way Dudley and I talked last night about some things he didn't understand when Dumbledore

came. I sat him down and read the definitions of 'abuse' and 'neglect' and had him match some instances

between his parents and myself. Through it I found out he can't read well. He asked me to teach him. Do

you have any suggestions on how I can go about doing this? I'd appreciate it very much

Yours Truly,

Harry

Dear Ron and Mrs. Weasley,

You'd be proud of Dumbledore. He came and knocked some sense into the Dursleys (by mainly

threatening). They now have to treat me the same as Dudley or else he'd get a hold of the Snuffles,

the police, and the ministry. He left Professor McGonagal form to watch here until he can get Snuffles

here, to keep an eye on the Dursleys.

Through this I can now send mail (obviously) and do homework when I want.

Dudley even came to afterwards to ask me about things he didn't understand. Through the conversation

I fond out he can't read much. He asked me to teach him. Could you by give any suggestions on how to

do this? I'd by greatly appreciate.

Yours Truly,

Harry

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

Thank you in taking the time in talking sense into the Dursleys. I'm not sure about Aunt Petunia

or Uncle Vernon yet (though I got my trunk and Hedwig's free obviously). Dudley however came to

me and asked me what you talking about. He didn't understand what abuse and neglect meant, so

I sat him down and read the definitions from a Webster's American Dictionary to him, then had him

describe one example for each of the definitions.

Surprisingly through this conversation I found out Dudley can't read much. He asked if I could

teach him, I agreed of coarse, but I don't know how to do it. Do you have any suggestions I could use?

I'd be most grateful.

Yours Truly,

Harry

Chapter Four

Letters from and Lesson Plan

Dear Harry,

That's great how Dumbledore managed to get them to start treating you civilly (even

if he had to threaten them). I hope to get all the details soon, and don't leave anything

out!

My summer is going fine, I decided not to go to Bulgeria this summer for many reasons.

Mainly because I'm not liking Viktor the same way, so it'd be pointless going there and

leading him on. I've been working in my parents office as their receptionist. (Cindy their

usual receptionist is pregnant and due anytime now). So I'll be at the office a lot.

I think it's great how you're agreeing to teach your cousin to read. The first thing you

should do is find what he's good at and his best style of learning.

Some kids learn better with songs, or games, or other such activities. These are some best

ways he could start over.

Start out with writing as well, he may not write to good either and might help him

pay more attention with what he's doing.

Here's a list of what order you should teach him:

1.Have him go through the alphabet first orally 25 times

2. Oh, my mother still has the alphabet flash cards she used for me. Start off with

showing them in order (so he can learn what the letter looks like), then skip each letter,

then mix them up.

3.Then write the alphabet 50 times long-handed (don't worry to much on

penmanship)

4.Once he can write them. Start going over the letter sounds with him. Start in

alphabet order (you can use the flash cards again for the sounds) after you go over them

several times. (Remember some letters has more that one sound).

5.Worksheets are coming (I'll put them under both your names.) It'll have words

1 to 5 letters long.

6.Now you'll hate me, go to the library and check out some easy books for

children. Then work your way up.

Try not to get to frustrated with him. It'll help you to know that he wants to learn since

he asked you to help him. So he's willing to work to learn to read. Though before you begin

you should explain what you expect from him. That way you both know where you

stand in this.

Of course if you give up and it's not going well, then there should be adult reading

classes he could probably sign up.

Anyway good luck and let me know how it's going.

Love,

Hermione

Dear Harry,

Mum and I are writing back on the same letter, she'll be writing last since she has lots of ideas

for teaching Dudley to read. She thinks that it is sweet how you're helping him. Anyway what's

this I'm reading about Dumbledore threatening the Dursleys? Mum's happy, but what'd he do stick

his wand in their faces, turned them to frogs, threaten to turn them into frogs. You cruel

prat-opps mum's reading over my shoulder- why'd you go and tell me Dumbledore threaten your

relatives and give me absolutely no details to show for it. Next letter, the entire Weasley clan and I

expect every teensy detail. Right down to every time Dudley blinked.

I'll write more with Pig so mum can write now. By the way mum is knitting a sweater for

Dumbledore right now, as well as making a sweet fruitcake for him.

Hello dear, this is really sweet what your doing, helping to give someone the gift of reading it's one of the

best gifts anyone can give. All right dear, you said that he couldn't read much, which means he's having

some trouble somewhere. However I suggest that instead of finding them just start from scratch. By teaching

him the alphabet and on. Start with saying, then reading letters, then writing them. Continue with these

until he gets them down pat. Then go over the letter sounds, until he has those down pat. Then put simple

letters together starting with I, a then on to two letter words and three letter words until you get up to five

letter words then put those words into short sentences. Start with three words then continue on. Then start

him off on simple books; here are some that my kids started to read from. (Don't worry their muggle stories).

You must keep a schedule with him as well. Set a side about four to five hours a day to work with. And Harry

stay patient dear, Hogwarts wasn't built over night and you shouldn't let him get discouraged take breaks

when you find either of you getting frustrated. Let me know how it's coming along.

Love

Molly and Ron

P.S. Hey Harry, Ron again ignore that love, mum wouldn't put sincerely. Kay Bye

Dear Harry,

It was no problem I was happy to be able to help out. I felt I owed you for putting you under their roof, when I

placed you on their doorstep Professor McGonagal warned me about them. I thought she was being biased since she

grew up in the wizard world. So I owed you for not listening to my own staff, but if anything it sounds like it'll help you

and your cousin get along. Though I'm interested in finding out how Dudley went through so many years without

reading. However with you being willing to help will bring out the self-esteem I sense he'll need, but doesn't have

enough yet. Anyway teaching someone to read is always a case of finding the key to unlock his brain to the world

around you.

Yours

Albus Dumbledore

After reading the replies the next day, Harry realized two, no three things. One obviously how to teach

Dudley to read, two how lucky he was to have friends to help him, and three he had a crazy headmaster,

who not for the first time gave more questions than answers. Sometimes Harry wondered why Dumbledore

didn't just tell him to figure it out himself. *Of course he always had a strange way of doing things, as well

as a unique sense of humor*

Putting Dumbledore's message aside for now, he always had behind the scenes meaning, he looked at

Hermione's and Mrs. Weasley's letter. They pretty much matched up. So Harry made a schedule for Dudley.

From noon until four the first couple of weeks, then to five until they left for school, with a break every

couple of hours. So once he had an idea on what he was going to do. He called Dudley to his room.

"Alright, before we even start anything here is what we will be doing. For four hours the next two

weeks including weekends, we'll be starting by scratch. Tomorrow we'll start working with the alphabet

with verbally, reading letters and then writing letters. Then we'll work on the letter sounds, then start

putting the letters together, giving us words. Then onto sentences then onto books. We'll just have them

keep going until you can start reading on your own. You'll want to continue reading however; the brain

is a muscle that must be stretched when you read. The more you read the more your brain will take in.

There are billions of words that your will need to get in your mind," Harry explained.

Once Dudley understood what he was going to do he sat up straighter he wanted to do things on his

own, besides Mr. Dumbledore said he was suppose to talk with Harry and do the same things he does.

Dudley was still surprised at how smart Harry was, but then again he never actually sat down and talked

with him either. Dudley even thought that Harry seemed somewhat smarter than his parents put together.

So they were talking about things they have never told each other or anyone else for that matter. Dudley

also realized that Minnie, who was lying on the desk, wasn't as tense around him as she was yesterday.

"Harry, can I pet Minnie?" Dudley asked looking at his cousin. Harry turned to Minnie who gave a slight

nod.

"All right, but don't pick her up, and stop when she wants you to," Harry said as he watched Dudley

reach over and pet the cat.

"I always wanted a pet," Dudley said smiling as he petted Minnie's head. Harry was shocked at two

things. One was that Minnie seemed to enjoy being pet; she was moving her head into Dudley's hand

closing her eyes. As well as Dudley wanted a pet.

"If I remember right, Dudley you had a pet turtle once, but you killed it when you threw it out a closed

window, when you lost on a video game." When Harry said this Minnie's eyes went wide and she stood

up to back away from Dudley and jumped down to the bed and lay down next to where Harry was sitting.

Dudley saw this and sighed. "Strange how she understood that, but I do feel guilty about killing Donatelo,

though."

"Why'd you name him Donatelo? I thought you hated art?" Harry asked.

"No, I named him after the Donatelo on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Dudley said laughing.

"Okay that I believe, however that rat Splinter I think his name was named the turtles after artists

Michealangelo, Rafeal, Donatelo and Leonardo," Harry explained.

"When did you become so smart, I know about Leonardo and Michealangelo, gosh if mum and dad

heard you talking like this I'd have to clean their mouths out with soup to get them to talk," Dudley said

impressed.

"Where did you get the names for Minnie and Hedwig, and where did Mr. Dumbledore get the name

Lemon Drop? As sour as that cat is she's still nice I think," Dudley said, he heard the cat hiss as his cousin

laughed.

"Okay the last question Professor Dumbledore has a strong liking for candy, but also has a unique sense

of humor, right Minnie," Harry asked and the cat meowed back. Then Harry paused as he thought for a

moment. "Minnie is short for Minerva, which is the name for the Roman goddess of knowledge. Also known

as Athena in Greek mythology.

"Okay got that what about Hedwig?"

"She is a guardian over lost and orphan children, I thought that suited her," Hedwig flew to Harry's

shoulder, as he said this, nibbling his ear. "-and she likes it," Harry said petting her wing.

That night the Dursleys and Harry were sitting around the dinning room table. With Minnie eating from a

bowl, that Harry made for her. After several minutes of tense silence Dudley finally broke the silence.

"Mummy, Dad guess what?" Dudley said excitedly, everyone turned to look at Dudley.

"What is it Duddlikins?" Aunt Petunia asked cooing him.

"Harry, is going to teach me to read," Dudley said smiling.

Several things happened at once, Minnie jumped onto the table between Harry and Petunia, as Petunia

turned to glare at Harry. The final thing everyone heard was Uncle Vernon asking.

"What do you mean teach you? Can't you read?" Uncle Vernon asked Dudley wide eyed.

"No, Dad at least not much," Dudley admitted looking confused.

"Why don't I know about this, does your mother know this?" Uncle Vernon worriedly asked looking at

Dudley.

"Yes dad, but I thought you knew as well," Dudley said truthfully his eyebrows scrunched up above his eyes.

"How long have you known this, Petunia?" Uncle Vernon asked glaring at his wife.

"For several year Vernon, he doesn't need to read I can read everything to him, this boy," she gestured

to Harry, "would just go and teach Dudley all wrong. Make Dudley more confused than he is now. That

boy is to stupid to teach Dudley anything," Petunia stopped screeching when she heard Minnie hissing and

ready to pounce on her.

Uncle Vernon was just about to argue back with something, when Dudley put his hand on his fathers arm.

"Daddy can I say something first," Dudley said looking frightened that his parents were fighting over him.

"Of course, this is about you anyway so you have a say in this," Uncle Vernon said glaring at Petunia.

Dudley stood up and looked at his parents, mainly his mother, with a few glances at a Harry and Minnie,

she was still ready to pounce on Petunia.

"Mum I'm tired of having you or Harry waiting on me hand and foot, I'd like to start doing things for

myself, especially thinking. Being able to read will help me there, and mum. Harry is not stupid, in fact he's

self-taught himself lots of things after they taught him to read at school. He's very far ahead of me and he's

had public education until he was eleven. He must be even smarter than you think to learn about a whole

new world for four years. He can't possibly make my reading worse than it already is when I just know the

alphabet, my name and a few three-letter words, and if you're calling him stupid what the bloody hell does

that make me? I can barely think for myself. But from what Harry knows our world, I can't wait to hear

more from his world. In fact he even has a plan set up for my reading, which I agree with and has been agreed

upon that I work at, on my own with Harry help," Dudley said sitting down.

Harry though feeling grateful for Dudley standing up for him, was worried of the reactions of his aunt and

uncle.

"Harry…smart…Dudley, I'm not in a joking mood," Aunt Petunia screeched then calmed down again

when she heard the cat hiss.

"Petunia, knock it off, I don't feel like going to prison, because you left me out of our sons education.

Do you know how ridiculous this is? You've sat back Dudley's education for years. You're always going

how Dudley will someday be a rich doctor. How will that be if he can't write more than his name? Petunia

your keeping him tied down. Know wonder he's doesn't get good marks. I am now going to have to pull

him out of Smeltings to get him a private tutor. I wanted to see him finish Smeltings, but that won't happen

now," His face going magenta at someone other than Harry.

"Dad, I want Harry to teach me to read, he's real smart, I'll agree with the tutor, but can Harry teach me

to read. We have it all planned out," Dudley exclaimed.

"Dudley, what will happen when Harry goes back to Hogwarts?" Uncle Vernon asked.

"Don't say the name of that place, Vernon!" Aunt Petunia screeched.

"Petunia, you're the reason we're in this mess, so for the sake of your son stop being a mother hen, it is

your job for being a mother, but your taking it to far. He's got make it on his own. It's a school name not

a curse word Petunia. Sit down and help solve this problem don't make it worse!" Uncle Vernon turned

back to Dudley.

"Dudley, if your cousin and yourself went to the same school or if you were together during the evenings,

I would allow him to teach you, but it'd be best to break in a tutor sooner rather than later," Uncle Vernon

explained.

"No! I want Harry to teach me, he's been more patient with me than any of my teachers in the past, plus

I want to spend the time with him, not with someone I don't know!" Dudley said getting angry. Harry was

surprised this is the first time he's seen his cousin angry (aside from the tantrums he's done) and he hasn't

even lost his temper yet, but his cousin was scary when he was angry. "I want Harry to teach me until he

goes to school, that's all I ask!"

"No, then we'd have to unlearn what he's taught you when we get a tutor!" Uncle Vernon bellowed back.

Harry looked down at his plate when it started rattling. His plate was shaking! Looking up at his cousin

Harry realized what was happening, he grabbed Minnie around her stomach, who was looking around at

the shaking dishes on the table. Then dove under the table. He covered his head with one arm and then

covered Minnie with his body. Just when he heard the sound of glass breaking, and there was a lot of glass

breaking.

Chapter Six

Dudley's release

The dining room suddenly feel deathly quiet realizing the danger was over. Harry let go of Minnie, then

crawled out from under the table. When he got out and stood up, he looked around to see the damage.

All the glass dishes on the table were in pieces the vase that was holding the lavender flowers shattered and

water was now leaking all over the table. Even the chandelier above the table had cracked some pieces.

Suddenly Aunt Petunia jumped up and grabbed Harry by his wrists. She pulled him into the hall.

"Boy, we've warned you about using that stuff in this house, I promise you. You'll regret this, do you know

how much those dishes and the chandelier cost!" Petunia screeched, as she threw opened the cupboard and

pushed Harry in. Of course, there was no bed anymore he fell onto boots, shoes, and umbrellas. Petunia

shut the cupboard and slid the bolt into place. She turned around and heard hissing at her feet and found

the cat growling and ready to pounce.

"Go ahead and summon that wizard you pest, the sooner we're rid of the boy the better," Petunia

exclaimed just then the doorbell rang.

"Vernon get the door!" Petunia said glaring at the cat.

Uncle Vernon and Dudley came into the hallway. While Dudley looked at his mother standing in front of

the cupboard and the cat hissing and getting ready to pounce at his mum. He then turned to her.

"Where's Harry, did you put in the cupboard?" Dudley exclaimed.

"Yes, it's about time that boy controls himself," Petunia hissed to Dudley. As Uncle Vernon opened the

door to reveal Professor Dumbledore and a large black dog was standing on the stoop.

"Ah, hello Mr. Dursley, how are you this fine evening?" Dumbledore asked eyes twinkling tonight.

"Hello sir, come in, this your dog?" Mr. Dursley said bending down to pet him. The started growling and

ran past Mr. Dursley to where the cat was hissing at Petunia. The dog barked to the cat, then the cat

meowed back. Immediately the dog started growling, with his fur sticking up, at Petunia she backed slowly

away from the dog.

"Mum, they want you to let him out and they mean now," Dudley yelled.

"Where's Harry," Dumbledore asked his twinkling eyes already gone.

"Go ahead, you agreed to this," Dudley said glaring at his mum. Petunia stepped away from the cupboard

and unlocked the door. Then backed away from the door.

"Come on Mum," Dudley said as he pulled the door open to look in and saw Harry sprawled over boots

and shoes that looked very uncomfortable. "You okay, Harry?" Dudley asked putting his hand to help

pull Harry out.

"Yeah, fine," Harry said accepting the helping hand and tripped over a boot his foot got caught in while

walking out and fell on the floor in the hall. He rolled over and got attacked by a wet pink tongue.

"Hello Padfoot, missed you too," Harry said grabbing the dogs furry back to help pull himself back up.

He pulled the boot off his foot and threw it in the cupboard.

"What happened," Dumbledore asked the Dursleys.

"This way Mr. Dumbledore," Dudley explained when neither his parents spoke up. Leading them all into

the dining room. Where all the dishes were broken and shattered glass covered the table.

"They got into an argument about Dudley's reading, professor, Uncle Vernon didn't know that Dudley

couldn't read. It sounds like he'll be pulled out of school and get a private tutor. Dudley however wanted

me to teach him to read before he got a tutor. However Uncle Vernon thought I might finish teaching him

before I started school again. He didn't want Dudley to get confused if the tutor started teaching in a

different way than me. Which is understandable… anyway Dudley started getting angry and the dishes

started rattling. Yes, professor I realized what was happening. I grabbed Minnie who was on the table

and dove under the table. We heard glass breaking; when it was dead quiet I got out from under the table.

Aunt Petunia thought I did it and threw me in the cupboard," Harry explained.

"Well of course you did it, who else could it have been," Aunt Petunia screeched.

"No, Aunt Petunia, I can guarantee it wasn't me," Harry suggested.

"And how is that?" Aunt Petunia said crossing her arms.

"One have you received an owl about an underage registered wizard doing magic, or even the

Ministry of Magic coming here themselves?" Harry asked.

"Good job Harry, now spell out your findings throughout tonight," Dumbledore said grinning.

"Right sir, Dudley it was you who did the uncontrolled magic, which means you're a wizard, as

well," then Harry turned to Dumbledore.

"You knew as well didn't you, you sensed the magic from Dudley the other night, and in so doing,

through the reading and I quote your letter, 'teaching somebody to read is always a case of finding the

key to unlock his brain to the world around you'. You knew the reading would help tip his magic into

use," Harry paused then continued. "Sometimes I wonder if you're a seer, sir."

Dumbledore chuckled but answered Harry. "Sorry to disappoint you, Harry, I've just have lots of

experience in being around children and uncontrolled magic."

"I'm a wizard!" Dudley asked. "Why would I be doing magic now, also shouldn't I be going to Hogwarts

if I was?"

"Well, Dudley being able to read is a big requirement to attend Hogwarts," Dumbledore explained as he

held out a letter to Dudley. Harry saw that it had the Hogwarts crest on it. Dudley walked to Dumbledore

and accepted the letter, opened it then handed it to Harry, he then went to stand next to him to try and

read over his shoulder.

Dear Mr. Dursley

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and

Wizardry. However, due to circumstances beyond you control. You'll be joining your cousin on the

Hogwarts Express. Yet your term won't be starting until the second term following Christmas break.

This first term you will work on your reading with your cousin, then on the second term a private tutor

will be enlisted to help teach you basic math, history, spelling, and carry on reading etc. Then continue

till the end of the school year. When you go home in summer your cousin who will help teach you the

last of your basics.

Then next year you will be placed in first year and continue your education.

Congratulations

Headmaster

Albus Dumbledore

Deputy Headmistress

Minerva McGonagal," Harry finished reading

"So I'm going to Hogwarts?" Dudley asked looking at Dumbledore

"It's up to you Dudley, nobody else can decide, however your more than welcome to go,"

Dumbledore said

"Dudley, you are not going anywhere, you will stay right here, I will not have you go off and become

a freak!" Petunia said glaring at Dudley.

Dudley looked directly back at his mother then with him mouth in a straight line he spoke.

"Professor, I accept your invitation to your school. By the way mother I'm already a freak. I am a

wizard with or without training," Dudley blinked then turned to Harry. "I think you might be rubbing off on me."

"Go get your things boys," Dumbledore said as Harry turned to him confused.

"But school doesn't start until September sir."

"Harry, there have been death eater attacks ten miles from here, this place isn't as safe for you then

Hogwarts is at the moment (A/N I know that really isn't true because of the Fidellus Charm, is that

what it's called, but in this story it is, just go with it.). Now both of you pack and we'll take the Knight

bus to Kings Cross and Padfoot will lead you on to the Express," Dumbledore explained.

"Right professor, come on Dudley, I'll check what you've packed once I'm finished packing. Padfoot

come with me," Harry called the dog as they all headed upstairs.

Dumbledore stayed in the kitchen glaring mainly at Petunia. Who was trying to glare back, but wasn't

succeeding.

"I thought you understood me, when I told you what would happen if you were cruel to Harry,"

Dumbledore turned to the cat. "Minerva, please show yourself." Immediately Professor took the place of

the cat. Both Dursleys had their mouths hanging open.

"Minerva, tell me everything that's gone on after I left, and tell me what you think should be done,"

Dumbledore said.

"Well, Harry and Dudley have made up and started talking. Albus you really should sit down and have

an intellectual conversation with Harry you'll be surprised how he would be able to hold his own, in fact I

could clearly see him becoming a Professor at Hogwarts and becoming the next best headmaster after you.

Anyway her we should worry about. Mr. Dursley is now saying Harry's name and directly spoken of things

from our world. So he's changing very well. She hasn't changed much however, though she had just put

Harry in the cupboard before you came. She was mostly upset at her son wanting to read, that she snapped

when the magic happened. She also knew all along that Dudley couldn't read, she wanted to pamper and

baby him. To keep him depending on her, I suppose," Professor McGonagal said glaring at the woman.

"There is something deep going on there Albus, I suggest she sees a head doctor. She'll probably prefer

a muggle but they'll need to know about our world." McGonagal said. "Otherwise they'd think she's a looney,

like I do."

"That sounds fair, Mrs. Dursley I demand you to go to this doctor." Dumbledore said conjuring up a

quill and parchment. He wrote a name down plus the address. "This man is a therapist for nonmagical

parents of magical children. Go to him and Mr. Dursley make sure she goes or both of you will handle

the police soon, " Dumbledore said he then went to the hall and waited at the bottom of the steps.

Professor McGonagal went and waited with him at the steps.

XXX

Harry hurried into his room with Padfoot. "I'll be in my room packing, Harry can you bring some easy

books with you," Dudley called before Harry closed his door. "Yes will do, they have a library at

Hogwarts Dudley. They'll have some books that you may like." Harry said before closing his door. He

turned around and was engulfed in a hug by his godfather.

"Sirius, how are you doing?" Harry asked as he pulled away.

"I'm doing fine, what about you, Harry? I could feel your ribs in that hug," Sirius said looking at him from

an arms length.

"I'm doing better, Sirius my bruises are all fixed up, now I'd like to start packing, the sooner I'm packing,

the sooner we leave," Harry said as he bent to get his trunk and put it onto his bed. He then lifted his floor

boards pulled out his wand, cloak and letters. He pulled out his robe and money pouch from his trunk. Then

put the cloak and letters in as well as his homework, Dudley's kid books from Mrs. Weasley as well as the

flashcards in the trunk. He also went to the bookshelf and pulled out Fairytale books, little kid books, some

animal books, as well as some simple chapter books. Then put those in his trunk then shut and locked it. He

quickly put on his robe and put his wand in his pocket. He then turned to Hedwig who was resting on the

windowsill.

"Are flying or riding to Hogwarts?" Harry asked, and smiled when Hedwig flew into the cage.

"Guess your riding?" Harry said snapping the cage shut. Harry picked up the cage and went to pick up

his trunk off the bed and dragged it on the floor to the hall. He then stopped at Dudley's room on the way

to the stairs; he put down his trunk and Hedwig's cage then walked in.

"You almost ready?" Harry asked.

"Yes my cloths are packed, I'm just packing some of my games." Dudley said.

"Wait a minute, Dudley, those games won't work electricity and batteries don't work at Hogwarts. To

much magic interferes with it," Harry said.

Dudley looked at Harry. "No electricity, great just great, well I'm ready then," Dudley said picking up his

suitcase full of cloths. Then bending down to take one side of Harry's trunk.

"Hey, Harry could I get a pet, too?" Dudley asked as they headed downstairs.

"Don't see why not but we may not be going to Diagon Alley for two to four weeks, you'll have a choice

between an owl, cat or toad. I suggest you go with a cat or owl. One of the kids in my dorm has a toad

and it just keeps hoping off." Harry said as they carefully worked their way downstairs. They found

Professors Dumbledore and McGonagal waiting for them. Dudley quickly hugged his parents' good-bye.

They then went on outside to the curb where Dumbledore pulled out and stuck his wand out like he was

hailing a cab. There was then a large sonic boom then a triple-decker purple bus stood before them. Dudley

stumbled back at the sudden appearance.

"It's alright Dudley," Harry said as he stepped onto the bus followed by Dudley, Padfoot, and

Dumbledore. Harry heard McGonagal say she was going to apparate on to Hogwarts. After they paid for

their ride, and hot chocolate they sat down on a bed drinking their hot chocolate they sat down on a bed

drinking their hot chocolate. It didn't take them long to reach Kings Cross they made it there in under

twenty minutes. Once they were at Kings Cross, Dumbledore left Padfoot with Dudley and Harry. Then

Dumbledore apparated onto Hogwarts. Harry got a trolley and put his trunk, Dudley's suitcase and

Hedwig's cage on top. Padfoot lead Harry and Dudley the platform for 9 and three-quarters.

After successfully getting Dudley onto the platform, Dudley was starring open-mouthed at the steam

engine.

"Wow Harry this is so cool!" Dudley exclaimed.

"Yes, it is though it'd be even cooler if we got on the train, "Harry said as he pulled his trunk and

Hedwig's cage off the trolley.

"Grab your suitcase and follow me," Harry said when Dudley grabbed his suitcase; he followed Harry

on to the train and brought him into a compartment. Once putting their things to the side Harry close the

door and opened Hedwig's cage, she was asleep but Harry opened it anyway, then Harry laid down on

one of the seats. Dudley lay down as well on the other seat as well as his head was cattycornered from

Harry's. Then Padfoot jumped onto the foot of Harry's seat and laid down at his feet, with his head across

Harry's knees. Harry laughed

"Pretty eventful night isn't it, Padfoot?" Harry asked and laughed when Padfoot only waved his tail once.

"Yes, I agree as well," then Harry turned to Dudley. "Get some sleep it's almost eleven and we won't

get there until about breakfast time." Harry explained.

Chapter Seven

Hogwarts Express

Harry woke up several hours later. He turned to look out the window and realized it was still quite dark.

He sat up and carefully pulled his legs from under Padfoot without waking him, after getting properly seated,

he realized he wasn't hearing Dudley's snoring. He looked at Dudley, he was wide-awake looking out the

window. He hadn't noticed Harry was awake or even watching him. Harry realized that Dudley was

looking frightened.

"Dudley, are you alright?" Harry asked Dudley who jumped almost a foot and looked at Harry wide-eyed.

"Don't do that!" Dudley exclaimed clutching his chest.

"Sorry, didn't mean to care," Harry said rolling his eyes.

"Why do you care, anyway, I've been treating you like shit, and now your being nice to me, hell your

going to teach me to read with no questions asked, why?" Dudley asked.

"Yes, you have treated me like shit, and in doing so you were a shitty person, pun intended there Dudley.

But if I treat you like shit then I would become that shitty person. Besides I have always treated nice with

nice. It's bad manners to rub salt in someone's face, when they come and apologize. It makes it longer to

apologize for both parties in the long run. Besides with the reading, we agreed you putting in the effort helps

me to put in the effort. So I'm saying though we are not friends, we are cousins throwing everything in the

past into a vault that we'll deal with as we go along. We're starting out fresh just talking and sharing views.

Maybe someday we'll become friends, and yes I hope we do, but I don't think it'll be anytime soon," Harry

explained his hands folded in his lap. Dudley thought over what he said for several minutes then got a

frustrated look on his face.

"You really are smart Harry, and I'm not talking about the smart-alecky type. You have a what's it called,

certain intelligence?" Dudley said stumbling over the last phrase.

"You mean, central intelligence, Dudley," Harry said correcting him with furrowed eyebrows and shifting

uncomfortable.

"Yeah, that's it central intelligence, you take everything in and make a lesson out of every memory," Dudley

said shaking his head. "Imagine how smart I'd be if I could think for myself, I would've talked to you instead

of running away in fear."

"Dudley stop!" Harry yelled over Dudley's self-pity.

"First off, you're right, you never did think for yourself..." Harry paused as Dudley looked at him wide-eyed

his mouth hanging open, then he quickly shut it looking at his feet. "until two, no three nights ago, and came

and talked to me, and it wasn't because Dumbledore told you to. You came to me because your parents

weren't talking. You ASKED me what abuse and neglect was. Yes, I did read the definitions to you, but

you THOUGHT for yourself when you gave me examples of the definitions. Then in that conversation you

DECIDED you wanted to read for yourself. Then you DECIDED on telling your mom about reading at the

dinner table, you said to your father 'I thought you knew'. Then you gave that speech, a SPEECH Dudley,

on what you wanted to do with your reading and for yourself, and stood up for me, telling your mother I was

smart. When I was in the cupboard I heard you tell your mother to let me out. Then you brought Dumbledore

into the dining room, KNOWING he'd do something if you didn't corporate. Then you had a come back

for your mothers last insult 'By the way mother, I'm already a freak, I'm a wizard with or without training'

Then you DECIDED for yourself that you WANTED to go to Hogwarts," Harry paused again letting that sink

in.

"You see Dudley you can think for yourself, and all that was from the last three days, now think, not for me

or to me, think to yourself how much more you could think for yourself for the next year, especially now that

your not under your mothers nose," Harry said looking directly into Dudley eyes. Harry smiled when he saw

Dudley eyes unfocused and began to daydream. He closed his eyes smiling and was soon asleep. Then

Harry smile turned to a frown.

"Damn you'll make one hell of a professor."

Harry jumped as he turned to his godfather, who was curled up on his side with his eyes closed.

"You heard that, how much did you hear?" Harry asked.

"Since Dudley yelled at you for scaring him, that was brilliant Harry. He's right you do have a central

intelligence, your parents would be proud, and I am too, though I'm wondering why I never heard you talk

like this before," Sirius said sitting up.

"Well mainly because I'm usually around Hermione when I see you and being a bossy know-it-all she

pretty much takes the floor when she says something. I think someone having a central intelligence, like me

I guess, only speaks up when they know they'll be heard. And to be honest Dudley shocked me with the

central intelligence. It never crossed my mind, but now that I think about it and have a name for it. It feels

weird, it's strange to put a label on someone's thinking process, and now it's going to bug me every time

I'm awake at night," Harry said shaking his head. "I feel like my brain has been picked by a complete

stranger and put in a blender on high speed," Harry explained rubbing his temples and squinting his eyes

closed.

"Well, Harry as much as I would like to help you out with this, though I don't know what a blender is. I

can't give you any soothing words about this kind of intelligence either. Your parents were smart, but nothing

like this. I'd like to ask your permission to bring this up to Dumbledore he'll probably have some advice,

but also would enjoy an intellectual debate. He probably haven't felt challenged conversing with someone for

a long time," Sirius suggested.

"Oh yeah sure that's fine, I could learn different and interesting things, that Hermione would be jealous of,"

Harry said smiling slightly. He then frowned again and looked to Sirius.

"As much as I enjoy spending time talking with you I don't want you getting caught, could you turn back

now, your making me nervous," Harry said and Sirius turned back into Padfoot. He then curled up in a ball

at the end of the bench. Harry looked at Padfoot and laughed he looked just like a...

"Hey Padfoot can I use you as a pillow?" Harry asked.

Padfoot waved his tail once and lifted his head.

"Thank you," Harry said lying back and placing his head near Padfoots back legs. Padfoot was curled

along Harry's left side. Once Harry was comfortable, Padfoot settled down more and laid his head across

Harry's stomach. When they fell asleep their heads were resting on top of each other just along each other

stomach.

(A/N I was writing this, on a graphing paper tablet lying down on my bed. My dog (he's a shih tzu a small

16 p dog he's the runt of the litter, who's just been shaved, he looks cute!) has his head lying across my

stomach and I'm resting the tablet on his back, looked cute so I thought of doing the same with Harry and

Padfoot. Where Collin's camera when you need it?)

Harry awoke again when the train's rocking started changing rhythm. He looked out the window, to see

they were slowing down. He saw it was a couple hours past sunrise. And saw a beautiful blue sky without

a cloud in site. He looked down at his stomach to see Padfoots head still laying there asleep. Harry placed

his hand on Padfoots ear and started rubbing it slowly then into a messaging motion. Padfoot started pushing

his head into Harry's hand as he massaged harder. Padfoot kept his eyes closed, but Harry realized he was

awake. So he pulled his hand away from Padfoot.

"Come on, Padfoot, we're here," Harry said, Padfoot opened his eyes and lifted his head yawning. Then

Harry got up and went to go wake Dudley, but he was already awake and getting up, Harry turned back

to Padfoot who was slightly whining lifting his leg slightly.

"Is your leg asleep, sorry Padfoot," Harry said and started rubbing Padfoots leg to help the blood flow.

"Dudley, could you open the window, so Hedwig could fly on up to the school?" Harry asked.

"Yeah," Dudley said yawning as he opened the window Hedwig flew out. Then shut it after her.

"Just leave your things here, Dudley, they'll be taking care of," Harry said as he got up when the train

came to a stop. Padfoot jumped down and they all got off and then followed Padfoot to where a horseless

carriage was waiting for them.

At the first site of the school, Dudley exclaimed, "You never said it was castle, like a fairy tale castle at

that."

"You never asked," Harry simply said.

Dudley was watching the school get closer and closer.

Once they were up at the school Harry opened the carriage door and stepped out Dudley got out beside

his. Then in awe walked after Harry. They walked on into the school Padfoot following the whole way.

Harry lead Dudley into the Great Hall where Padfoot changed into Sirius and Dudley was even more awed,

if it was possible.

Harry looked up at the head table where Professors Dumbledore, McGonagal, and Snape was sitting

waiting for them.

"Hello you three since there's so few of us, you may sit across from us, here let me draw you chairs," and

with a wave of Dumbledore's wand, three chairs were conquered from nowhere. They walked down the rest

of the Great hall to the table.

"Thank you, professor," Harry said taking the chair in front of Dumbledore. Sirius took the seat to Harry's

right he was sitting across from Snape. Who glared at him, when he grinned back. Then Dudley sat at Harry's

left in front of Professor McGonagal.

"How was the train ride, Dudley, you seem to be glowing with pride, you didn't have at Privet Drive.

How'd you marriage that it in one night?" Dumbledore asked with interest.

Dudley and Sirius looked at a blushing Harry.

"Harry talked some sense into me, professor, I figured out he has a ce-" but Dudley was cut off by Sirius

when he saw Harry rested his head on his hand.

"Actually, Dudley, that's not proven yet, besides Harry is uncomfortable with having his thoughts labeled.

You see professor, Dudley felt bad for not being able to think for himself, but Harry pointed out the last

couple days that Dudley thought for himself. He had a huge speech involved then he pointed out how much

Dudley can think for himself now that his mother isn't watching him every second now, he did a beautiful job

professor. In fact I think we have a challenger for you to converse with," Sirius explained then smiled as he

ruffled Harry's hair. Then laughing when Harry's hair got no worse or no better.

"Really, I've been getting comments from Professor McGonagal as well she thinks you'd make a great

professor Harry. In fact she thinks you could be the next best headmaster after me, though I don't know

where she came up with me being the best," Dumbledore said smiling.

"You did?" Harry asked Professor McGonagal, she nodded and gave a slight smile. "Sirius, said I should

be a professor last night, as well, but what would I teach, the only thing I'm good at is Quidditch that's about it,

Professors Snape and McGonagal can say how terrible I am with Potions and Transfiguration." Harry

explained.

"Harry some of the best professors, have been terrible in school, why Professor McGonagal here had

trouble with transfiguration herself. I had sat her down one day and found out she was blocking her magic

unintentionally by thinking she couldn't do it. That's one of the tricks of magic, if you know can do it you'll

do it, if you think you can't than you won't. Remember in your third year, how you conquered that patronus

and used it to save Hermione, Sirius, and yourself. You did it because you knew you could," Dumbledore

explained. "Besides lately I've been thinking of starting a new class where instead of using magic, the students

use their brains to get through. They would mostly be of group discussions and defensive problem solving,

stuff of that nature. Who knows maybe you could be the perfect person for that position."

"But professor, right now you could easily form a debate club and have a student in charge. Like Hermione

would be great to lead such a group well and be open to hear two sides of the debate and follow through

with the most votes over something like school uniforms, and the keeping the Quidditch games, or creating

more games for other people to play. Then she would bring the outcome of the votes to you. So you can make

decisions to better this school through the ideas of the students," Harry said looking directly back at

Dumbledore.

Dumbledore looked at Harry for a several minutes then smiled.

"You know Harry, that is a swell idea, a debate club run by the students, I take it this is a muggle type

of club they have at their schools," Dumbledore turned to McGonagal for a split second who was enjoying

the battle of conversation with the headmaster. "I see what you mean, Minerva," then he turned back to

Harry.

"I however disagree with Hermione leading such a club, I do see her as a team captain of a side to a

debate. She'll want to get her viewpoints in, and she'd already have a decision on what should be done.

However, the leader of such a club would hear all sides of the debate, before coming to a conclusion. For

instance you knew Hagrid for four years now, and you just recently found out he's a half giant. Though you

heard the majority of people say giants are monsters, stopped and compared Hagrid with a monster, and

realized he is nothing more than a big gentle kitten. You came up with your own findings with what you heard,

learned, and most importantly what was right. Know the right thing to do is always tough. But Harry we've

seen you handle the right thing. That's how a judge decides his verdict after hearing both sides. A debate

isn't about the most votes, but the right thing to do. Which you would lead very well," Dumbledore said

Harry looked at him for several seconds taking in everything Dumbledore said.

"Wow," Harry said simply.

"Here, here," Sirius said.

"Agh, where are my manners, let's eat," Dumbledore said clapping his hands.

Important author's note, I know I said that Dudley was going to have learn to read until the second term but when I wrote this

chapter I realized it really doesn't take seven months to learn to read and write. Especially if Dudley already knows the alphabet,

how to spell and write his name and a couple three letter words. Working almost four to five hours a day for a month and a half is

plenty of time for Dudley to learn to read up to five letter words. So let's just say, he'll be tutored by Harry until school starts and

then have Remus Lupin take over once school starts... got that okay. My apology. Enjoy Nik

Chapter Eight

Learning Letters

While they were eating Harry explained what he had planned for Dudley's reading.

"Very well thought out, Harry, your cousin should be reading by this time this year starts," Dumbledore complimented.

"Professor who's been enlisted for Dudley's education this year, and when can we go to Diagon Alley?" Harry asked.

"Well Harry, Professor Lupin has been kind enough to agree to teach Dudley, this year, and as for the trip to Diagon Alley

we'll have to play it by ear. By the way Harry watch out for Peeves, since no other students are here you two will be his target.

Also Myrtle tends to come out during the summer, when no other students will see her. She may go run into the bathroom when

she sees you." Dumbledore explained.

"Professor Lupin, great you'll like him Dudley, I don't think so about Myrtle, professor, she seems to like me for some

reason," Harry explained.

"Wouldn't be surprising, now go on up to your dormitories, I expect Dudley to start this afternoon with reading, as well,

Harry since your the only one here you can choose the password just walk up to the fat lady and say the word you want for your

password," Dumbledore said.

"Yes, professor, come along Dudley," Harry said getting up.

Dudley was walking next, to Harry on the way to the common room. The ghosts, moving paintings and moving staircase,

awed him. As they were stepping off the staircase and onto the corridor that lead to the common room, Dudley asked.

"Do you think mum and dad would, still send me something."

"Why, did you forget something?" Harry asked.

"No, my birthday is tomorrow, as much as it's a surprise about me being a wizard I hope, they don't hate me," Dudley said

sadly.

"Well I'll be honest, Dudley, I don't keep track of your birthday, because it was always rotten for me. However, your dad

didn't protest about you coming, and your mother... I'm not sure about her, we'll just wait and see."

After several minutes Harry made a decision.

"I'll make you a deal, Dudley once you read your first book, I'll buy you a pet, but only if I feel you're responsible for it

otherwise you'll just enjoy the joys of reading. I don't want to pay a lot of money for something you'll throw at a closed window,"

Harry said seriously.

"Understood, but I don't think mum would like that too much," Dudley said.

Harry stopped walking and looked at Dudley.

"She's not here Dudley, you'll be here ten months out of the year, for 8 years including this one, besides she never

complained to much about Minnie. Just get a well behaved pet, they have as many personalities as people do," Harry said and

started walking to the portrait of the fat lady. Dudley hurried to catch up. Once they were in front of the portrait, Harry said a

word they would both be able to remember.

"Reading," Harry said.

The fat lady moved. "Is it term time, already?"

"No ma'am, we just arrived a month and a half early," Harry explained.

The fat lady took a closer look at the boys in front of her.

"Oh, hello Harry, Dumbledore said your cousin were coming last night, my apology dear," The fat lady said.

"That's fine, this is Dudley Dursley," Harry introduced his cousin.

"Hello," Dudley whispered.

"Hello, Dudley, I need to go over a few things with you before I let you in, the school rules still apply so no sneaking

out at night, you must be in the common room by sun down unless accompanied by a teacher, no going to the Forbidden Forrest,

and no going to the Quidditch field unless accompanied by a teacher. The Headmaster said your welcome to fly in the courtyard

but only there without a teacher. Also no visiting Hogsmeade alone, you may only go with a teacher. All right that's all, let's see

'reading' is the password, right in you go," she said opening up.

Once they were in the common room Harry went to the stairs up to head up to his dormitory.

"Stay here, Dudley I'll go get the stuff," Harry said going up the stairs.

Once he was upstairs, Harry saw an extra bed in the dormitory, 'must be for Dudley,' Harry thought as he went to his

trunk and pulled out the flashcards, a tablet of muggle paper he'd taken from Dudley's room and a pencil and eraser. He ran back

down, after pulling off his robe. He found Dudley admiring the tapestries on the castle walls.

"You know Dudley tapestry's like these tend to tell a story. These ones are mainly about the history of both Godric

Gryffinder and how he helped form this school. (A/N tapestry's do tell a story. And since it's a Gryffinder common room, it'd

makes since that it would probably tell about Gryffindor's history and his helping create the school. )

I won't go and tell you the details, you'll learn next year the History of the founders and this school, not many people

know that tapestry's tell stories. Right now, I'll let you use your imagination you should start using it. It'll help you get by once

you find out some of the things we have in the magical world," Harry said and he put his things on the table, where his friends

and himself occupy during the school year. Then he sat down and waited for Dudley to finish looking around. Once Dudley had

a good look, he sat next to Harry sitting side ways in the seat, resting his shoulder against the back, and faced Harry.

"Alright, Dudley we'll start from the beginning, last night you said, you knew your alphabet, how to spell your name,

and some three letter words. Let's run all that to make sure you aren't missing any letters," Harry said. "Say your alphabet."

Dudley said his letters rather quickly; he had them all down pat, apparently.

"Good Dudley, now spell your name," Harry said and Dudley spelled his first and last name.

"Very good, can you spell your middle name?" Dudley shook his head.

"Don't worry I didn't know my middle name, until I was 9 and I found my birth certificate," Harry explained.

"Alright, what three letter words do you know?" Harry asked.

"Dog and cat."

"Okay go ahead." Harry said.

"D-O-G, C-A-T," Dudley whispered.

"All right Dudley, can you write the alphabet," Harry asked again Dudley shock his head.

"How about your name?" Harry asked and Dudley nodded.

"Go ahead, then," Harry said moving a parchment and pencil in front of Dudley.

Dudley wrote his name rather fast right-handed, but Harry saw he was holding the pencil wrong. Dudley was hold it in

his fist and holding it place between his pinky and ring finger. Once he wrote his name, Harry took the pencil out of Dudley's

hand and placed it correctly back. Putting it along his middle finger, his forefinger and thumb holding it place. Dudley moved the

pencil a bit.

"That feels weird," Dudley said.

"That's alright, you'll be learning to write as well, and you'll get used to it. I'll see if I can get a pencil gripper from

Hermione tonight. It'll keep your fingers in position and soften the area you'll be holding until you get enough calluses built up on

your fingers to stand it," Harry explained. "Try writing your name five times to get the feel of it," Harry suggested.

Dudley wrote slower, harder and sloppier, than the first time he wrote his name. Once he finished he put his pencil down

and rubbed his fingers and lower arm, grimacing.

"That's normal, Dudley, your doing, fine," Harry said as he picked up the flashcards. On each flashcard it showed both

uppercase and lowercase letters. Harry explained they were both the same letter.

"Alright, Dudley say the alphabet, slowly, for each letter study the card I hold up, it'll be the letter you say we'll go

over it several times, then after. Going over it fifteen times, I'm going to shuffle them, then hold them up and once you guess the

letter correctly. We will work only on this today, until you'll say them as fast as your alphabet." Harry explained and held up the

card "Aa"

Dear Hermione,

Thanks for the flashcards and advice for Dudley's reading, we started today, and he's learning fast. I found out he already

knows the alphabet (though he can't write it), he can spell and write his name, He held the pencil wrong, but I corrected that.

However could you by chance get us a pencil gripper that is made for finger positions? It'll help him until he gets calluses

on his fingers.

After one day he learned to read the letters as fast as his alphabet. He'll be ready when school starts. Tomorrow we are

going to work a little on writing. Mainly to control the pencil. I'll have him make lines, dots and circle and squares. That sort of

stuff for the first 2 and a half hours. Then we'll work on the sounds the last 2 and a half hours.

By the way we're at Hogwarts, there was some Death eater attack, about ten miles from Privet Drive. Dumbledore felt

better about me being here at Hogwarts I guess, I'll tell you what happened the day Dumbledore threatened the Dursleys next

time I'll see you. Oh, hey get this apparently Dudley is a wizard; he just hasn't been aloud to come the last several years because

he couldn't read which is a requirement. I supposed to teach him until school starts and then Professor Lupin is going to come

back this year to tutor Dudley so he can catch up and start attending Hogwarts classes next year. Anyway I need to go, I have a

few more letters to write and I need to head down to the kitchen and back before sunset.

Write more later.

Harry

P.s. It sounds like a possibility that a debate club will be started. It seems like Dumbledore wants me to lead it.

Dear Ron,

Hello mate, how are you doing? I'm now residing at Hogwarts, with my cousin. You'll never believe this Dudley's a

wizard. Apparently it's a requirement to be able to read. Never thought of it before, but it makes since. Anyway we're here,

because there was a death eater attack about ten miles from Privet Drive. Dumbledore thought it'd be safer for me to be here

instead. So I'm at the school, which is great. Unfortunately, I can't fly on the Quidditch field without a teacher present. But I

can in the courtyard, but it won't be the same.

Tell your mum that Dudley is learning fast. He already knew the alphabet (though he can't write it), he can spell and

write his name, he can spell cat and dog. In the first lesson he learned how to properly hold his pencil and what the alphabet

letters look like. Tomorrow we will be working on writing and letter sounds. We'll I need to go. I'll write more later. I'll tell you

more about what happened when Dumbledore threatened the Dursleys.

Sincerely

Harry

P.S. It sounds like Professor Dumbledore is going to start a debate club. Hermione would probably enjoy that. He

wants me to run it.

Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia,

Dudley asked me today, if you would remember his birthday, he's upset as well that you might hate him for being a

wizard. I honestly didn't know what to tell him. I'm just writing you, so you could send a card and present if you want. If so

make sure the gift doesn't require electricity or batteries. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Harry

Once Harry handed the letters to Hedwig he asked her to stop by the Dursleys first. Then asked Hedwig to handle the

other two together when she got back. He looked out the window to see the sun about to set. He quickly ran down to the

common room. Where Dudley was watching the evening fire.

"Dudley, I'll be back," Harry said walking out the portrait door. He ran all the way down to talk to a house elf.

Chapter Nine

The Chest

The next morning Harry woke up with Dudley shaking him.

"I'm hungry, Harry," Dudley said.

"So go to breakfast," Harry said putting his pillow over his head.

Dudley whined. "I don't know the way, I'll get lost," Dudley said removing Harry's pillow.

"Then wait until I'm up voluntarily," Harry said flipping his back to Dudley.

"Harry it's almost ten," Dudley whined

"So we'll have a joint breakfast and lunch, give me another hour, I didn't sleep well," Harry said, slightly

annoyed, and then like a bolt of lightening Harry sat straight up. "Er, wait I'll be down in a moment," Dudley

went on downstairs.

The truth is Harry had a nightmare last night, though he couldn't remember it last night when he first awoke.

However he did now, he had to speak to Dumbledore.

Before fourth year he remembered the home where Voldemort was. Last night Voldemort was in the

same house, he wanted Wormtail to find something. It sounded like it was supposed to be some sort of

chest that's supposed to be here at Hogwarts.

Harry quickly changed and hurried downstairs.

"Dudley we need to hurry downstairs I need to find Dumbledore, immediately," Harry said as he headed

out of the common room with Dudley hurrying to keep up.

"Harry, slow down," Dudley said. "What's wrong?"

"Not now, Dudley I'm in a hurry," Harry said. "Hurry it up or I'll leave you behind."

"Gees, Harry what crawled up you?" Dudley asked puffing.

"Voldemort, now move it."

Several minutes later they were in the Great Hall. They only saw Sirius eating at the head table. Harry

yelled across the hall.

"Sirius, where's Dumbledore?!"

"In his office I think," Sirius hollered back. He watched with a frown as Harry ran out of the hall at top speed.

"What's with Harry?" Sirius yelled to Dudley who was half way to the staff table.

"Something about, Voldemort," Dudley said and stopped when Sirius jumped up from the table and

turned to Padfoot and jumped over the table and ran after Harry at top speed. Once he made it to the

gargoyle, Harry was trying to guess the password. Padfoot turned back into Sirius.

"Earwax flavored, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Bean," Sirius spoke up stepping next to Harry, who was

sweating and panting from running all the way from the Great Hall.

"Thanks," Harry said stepping on the revolving stairs case followed by Sirius.

"What's this about, Voldemort, Harry?" Sirius asked.

"I'll tell you along with, Dumbledore," Harry said. "I had a dream."

Once they were at the top of the stairs, Harry knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Harry pushed on the door open and stepped in followed by Sirius who closed the door. Harry saw

Dumbledore writing behind his desk and look up.

"Hello, Harry, how are you doing?" Dumbledore asked.

"Sir, I had a dream last night," Harry said not bothering to answering his question.

"Well come sit down, and tell me," Dumbledore said conquering two chairs in front of his desk. Once

Harry and Sirius sat down he started.

"I first woke up last night from a nightmare with my scar hurting, however I couldn't remember what I saw.

So I decided I was going to tell you at breakfast, however I fell back to sleep later and either remember it

or it continued. Voldemort and Wormtail were in the same room, that I saw him in last year, the one in a

house somewhere. Anyway it sounds like Voldemort is sending Wormtail here in search of a chest. He

didn't describe it, or give it a name, or where it was exactly just told Wormtail to find it," Harry paused.

"Do you know what Voldemort is wanting?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore looked at Harry for a few seconds.

"Yes, Harry I think I do, you see the night your parents was killed there was a dark chest found near

your mothers body. We haven't opened it, we've been trying to figure out what it is before we open it.

We don't want to release anything evil if something terrible in it." Dumbledore said.

"Do you have any idea to what it could be, and why would you have it? I figured that the Ministry

would've confiscated everything at the house," Harry said furrowing his eyebrows.

"No we haven't been able to figure it out, you are also right, then Ministry did confiscate everything,

however Hagrid saw it when he went to fetch you, before the Ministry knew anything of Voldemort

attacking your parents. Hagrid immediately gave it to me, after we dropped you off at the Durleys, Hagrid

never trusted the Ministry after they expelled him," Dumbledore explained.

"That's smart of him, don't blame him really, have you ever told the Ministry you have it?" Harry asked.

"We were going to after we figured out what it was, however we still haven't figure out what it is,"

Dumbledore said.

"Professor, would Professor Snape know, he's a spy for you. Well I'm guessing anyway, does he have

any idea's," Harry asked.

"No, he doesn't know, he claims the other death eaters, and I'd like to know, how you knew he was a

spy," Dumbledore asked starring at Harry over his half moon glasses.

"Well I saw the dark mark on him, when he showed it to Fudge in the hospital wing, plus after Fudge

left you asked him if he was ready for what you were asking him to do. He looked slightly worried and

walked out the wing with his hand over his dark mark. I mainly guessed with those clues, but apparently I

was right. I know I shouldn't looked further into your plans, but while I was thinking about the tournament.

I felt better knowing, that you were listening to me, and setting out your pawns into the beginning of a war.

It helped kept me somewhat sane," Harry said.

"No, Harry, I actually wanted you to hear that, after all the insults Fudge throw at you. I didn't want you

looking into those insults, and help give you something else to think about," Dumbledore explained.

"Is there anything else?" Dumbledore asked.

"Just about a million things sir, but just a few more for now. Have you found the Marauders Map from

Moody's things yet?" Harry asked.

"Yes, in fact, I'll be giving it back later on. We'll be needling it now that Peter is coming.'

"Are you going to try and catch him? If so he'd prove that Sirius is innocent and Voldemort is back, and

also that metal hand he has, could that make him more powerful or stronger?" Harry asked.

"Yes, we will try and catch him, the hand only makes him stronger so we'll have to dismember him before

we catch him. Just in case do you know the dismemberment charm, Harry," Dumbledore asked.

"Yes, sir, learned it when I was preparing for the third task," Harry said.

"Good, good," Dumbledore said nodding.

"Alright professor just two more questions."

"Yes, Harry,"

"I was wondering if we could have a regular schedule of battle of wills, I'd be interested in what you

have to say, professor," Harry said.

"Why of course, I like to know what else you can concoct in that brain of yours, on two conditions."

Dumbledore said eyes sparkling.

"Yes, sir?" Harry asked.

"One you come to such meetings with what is already in your brain, in other words no studying before

hand, and two you be the leader of the first Hogwarts Debate Club." Dumbledore said smiling.

"Agreed," Harry said grinning.

"How about we meet every Tuesday and Thursday night at seven if it goes past sunset I'll take you back

to your common room, then when school comes around we'll change if for your class schedule."

"That's fine sir, where shall it be?" Harry asked.

"How about in the teachers lounge you do know where that is right?" Dumbledore asked and Harry nodded.

"You had you one last question am I correct."

"Yes, sir, could I see this chest that Voldemort wants?" Harry asked. Dumbledore thought for a few seconds.

"Why not, come along," Dumbledore said getting up.

"I'm going to go see to Dudley, don't want him to be alone if Wormtail could be here," Sirius said as he

headed to the Great Hall.

Dumbledore and Harry went into, Dumbledore sitting area behind the desk. Dumbledore went and

pulled on a book on a bookshelf and the shelf moved to the side revealing a passageway. They then followed

it on down to a small room where some more books, charts, and maps were. Then he went to a tapestry of

the Hogwarts Crest. Dumbledore placed his hand on the crest and it opened in the middle like drapes being

pulled loosely to the sides taking the stone wall along with it. And sitting on a table sat a little black chest with

the emblem of a snake.

"So this crest belonged to Slytherin, could it be like the chamber of secrets, could only the heir control it?"

Harry asked.

"It could be, however we ran a muggle test on it, we had a friend carbon date a piece of wood, we have a

magic spell for magical objects. But this doesn't seem to have any magic powers. On the chest that is."

Dumbledore explained. "It's about 515 years old. An heir could've made it but we still aren't sure."

"Have you found out anything else about it?" Harry asked.

"Not, much more everything we've been doing has been through muggle intelligence," Dumbledore said

shaking his head.

"So far as you know it has no magical meaning, why not open it?" Harry asked.

"Do you know the story of Pandora's Box, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"Er, yes sir, I've read two versions. The Greek gods gave Pandora a box and was told never to open it. One

day Pandora was curious and opens it. She let out several plagues on mankind's physical body and his mind.

She then quickly shut it leaving the only good gift from the gods, the gift of hope. The other version was said

that the box held all good things, but then let out everything but hope." Harry said thinking for a minute. "So

you're thinking, that there could be something evil in there. Since Pandora's Box was a muggle object, more

than likely a muggle object could hold something evil that might get out if you open it. Sir, Pandora had a lock

on the box, where she had to keep turning it to keep it locked. This doesn't have a lock or something like

that to signify that it is evil besides the snake, in lots of religions the snake represents something bad and the

devil. But there is one religion I heard of not sure where they are exactly. Where they handle snakes to prove

their loyalty to God. If they were unworthy or unrighteous the snakes would bite the handler. (No offence

intended to anybody who handles snakes) That snake could signify that only worthy and righteous people

can handle the box. I'm not all good with family lines now, but not all of Slytherin's heirs were evil. Obviously,

because Voldemort's mother fell in love with a muggle. She was the heir and apparently liked muggles to fell in

love with one. So it proves not all of the heirs are evil. You say the chest is 515 years?" Harry asked.

"That's right," Dumbledore said slightly grinning

"So that be the year 1480," Harry said then he paused. "Do you have any yearbooks from then?" Harry asked.

"Of course, they are all in the library," Dumbledore said.

"Sir, may I have permission to look into this, by the way have you looked into it the ways I've mentioned?"

Harry asked.

"We have looked for the past ten years of the date, but not quite the angle your looking at. Your more than

welcome to look and let me know if you find anything." Dumbledore said turning away. Then the crest and

walls closed over the table and chest. They then started to head down to lunch.

"Permission to speak freely, sir," Harry said.

"Yes, Harry?" Dumbledore said.

"I honestly don't feel like that box is evil, I think it depends who's hands it is in, I think it would probably

be a benefit to a side and an enemy to the other." Harry said.

"What makes you think that Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

Harry thought until they got out of the office.

"Honestly, sir I'm not sure, I just have a strong feeling that it could help us."

When they got to the Great Hall, Dudley and Sirius was talking waiting patiently for them, with food

already on the table.

As soon as everyone was sitting down they started eating. Once they had eaten their meals everyone

started to get up.

"Oh, don't go yet, there's something else coming," Harry said smiling as everyone sat back down looking

at him.

Several minutes later they heard a pop and Dobby appeared with a two layer round chocolate icing cake.

With 15 candles placed around some writing that said 'Happy Birthday Dudley.' Of course Dudley only

read his name and his eyes went wide.

"Happy Birthday, Harry Potter's cousin Dud'ey," Dobby exclaimed placing the cake in front of Dudley and

getting ready to pop away, but Harry stopped him.

"Dobby, you made this cake, your welcome to stay, and eat some," Harry said grabbing Dobby fingers

before he popped away. Dobby's eyes started getting teary, then turned to Dumbledore.

"May Dobby stay and have some cake, Dumbledore, sir?" Dobby asked hopefully.

"Of course, Dobby in fact I insist you do," Dumbledore smiled. Dobby hugged Dumbledore as well as

Harry and sat next to Harry, grinning widely.

"Make a wish, Dudley," Harry said.

"Does it really work, here?" Dudley asked Harry.

"Blow and find out," Dumbledore suggested grinning.

Dudley thought for several seconds, and then blew out the candles out. Immediately, they heard an owl

enter, above them. They all looked up and saw Hedwig flying toward them with a package. She landed in front

of Harry. She was screeching a little bit, and a little fussy. Harry quickly took the package from her and handed

it to Dudley. She seemed to be ticked, but Harry couldn't tell why. He turned and watched Dudley open

the small box and pulled out a letter. He opened it then handed it to Harry and looked over his shoulder.

"Dear Dudley,

No matter what, I am always proud to say you're my son. Your mother has nothing to say right now. She's

so upset that I had to put her in a Psychology ward for several weeks. But even if she doesn't snap out of this.

I'll always love you. This gift I'm giving to you belonged to my family for several generations, I'm now passing

it on to you. I hope you enjoy it.

Love,

Your Father

Harry finished reading and looked to Dudley. He was grinning.

"My dad still loves me," Dudley said he looked like a lot of weight was taken off his shoulders. Hedwig

was still hooting slightly

"Is that what you wished for?" Harry asked and Dudley nodded then turned to the package inside was a

very nice antique pocket watch.

"Oh, wow," Dudley said. Harry laughed at Dudley faced then yelped when his finger was pinched a little

hard. He turned to see Hedwig glaring at him.

"What is it, why are you glaring at me?" Harry asked.

Then Hedwig lifted up her wing to show a spot, where her feathers were burnt off and blistering skin

was showing on her side that was covered by the wing.

"Shit, what'd she do to you?" Harry said grabbing his glass of ice water grabbed all the ice in one

handful and put it on the plate in front of him for the cake. Then seeing no napkins ripped a piece off his

shirt and dipped it into the cold water and placed it on her burn. She screeched in pain.

"Well, I'm sorry, but we need to get the swelling down, you already have a 2nd degree burn. If it gets

worse, you'll scar terribly and no feathers will grow back." Harry turned to Dumbledore. "Is Madam Pomfrey

here?"

"No, Harry, what happened how did she get burn?" Dumbledore asked.

"Did Aunt Petunia attack you Hedwig?" Harry asked as he put more cold water on the cloth.

Hedwig hooted.

"How did she burn you?" Harry asked. He then followed her eyesight to the candles on the cake then

she hooted.

"She burnt you with a candle?" Harry asked and Hedwig hooted again.

"So that's why she is in the psychology ward," Harry asked and she hooted once again.

"Good, the bloody bitch," Harry said under his breath.

"Harry!" Sirius said warning.

"What, she's gone to far, I'm able to at least fight for myself if I wanted to, but she obviously attacked

Hedwig who can't fight back! She's a coward, bloody hell, I have a right to be mad, and she tried to kill my

pet. So don't lecture me on language right now," Harry exclaimed.

"Sir, is there something else I can use on her, some ointment or something?" Harry asked.

"Dobby can help her, Harry Potter, Dobby is used to burns, sir. Dobby handled the burns he had before,"

Dobby volunteered.

"Alright, would you, Dobby," Harry asked.

"May the headmaster put Hedwig to sleep? I'll hurt more if Hedwig awake. She'll need to stay still."

Dobby turned to the headmaster.

"Do you understand that Hedwig, we'll put you to sleep until the burn is gone, then we'll wake you again,"

Harry said and she hooted.

"Stupify," Dumbledore said and Harry caught Hedwig as she was falling back. He then cradled her like a

baby holding her in his arm. Her eyes unfocused holding the wound towards Dobby, Harry watched as

Dobby made Hedwig's burn sizzle and smoke for several minutes. Then watched as the burn slowly fades.

Finally it was gone and left healthy skin, where feathers would grow back.

"Thanks, Dobby," Harry said amazed.

"Your welcome, Harry Potter," Dobby said grinning.

"Enervate," Dumbledore said then Hedwig's eyes focused. She woke up in Harry's arm. However she

was so tired and comfy she fell back to sleep.

Chapter Ten

Right after lunch, Harry walked Dudley to the library. While holding Hedwig in his arm like a baby. Harry

got a yearbook from 1480 and went to find a book on the past dark wizards. He found Dark Wizards of

the Past 1000 years. Plus a book he found called Hogwarts in 15th Century. He checked all three out. He

held the books in one arm, and Hedwig in the other.

"Why are you studying in the summer, Harry?" Dudley asked.

"Okay, Dudley let's make something clear, I'm not studying, and it's not pleasure reading. It's research.

Here my friends and I lived and work differently than any other witch or wizard. Don't ask anymore questions,

until you know your ready for the answer," Harry said.

"Gees, Harry no need to get personal, what's so important, that you must-" Dudley stopped at the glare

Harry gave him.

"Dudley, hush up. It is personal, you have just joined the wizarding world at the beginning of a war between

dark and light magic. Lord Voldemort is terrorizing the muggles as we speak. The weight of the world in the

hands of everyone at this school, from me to Sirius, to Dumbledore and all because of some idiot who hates

his muggle father. He's throwing all that hate to the entire world now; you'd consider him worse than Hitler.

Hitler killed Jews, homosexuals, and a few other groups. He was also aiming for world domination. Voldemort

wants world domination, immortality, and to be the most powerful and feared wizard. He wants to kill all the

muggle, half bloods, and everybody who fights for the light side. The bastard is incapable of feeling, so this is

personal, I'm just trying to make, your world a better and safer place, Dudley. Don't question anything I do,

because it's for the world, and I have no choice. I'm the number one target he is after, that's why we're here,

because he can't come easily on these grounds. Now if you don't mind, no more questions. Let's go,"

Harry explained then he settled calmed down. "By the way Dudley if you see a rat with a silver paw let

me know, Ron lost his rat and he wants it back. Don't handle him though, he's a nasty bugger, just tell

one of the adults or me and say were you saw the rat," Harry said calmly changing the topic.

"Right, ask no questions unless ready any kind of answer," Dudley said. "Then tell someone if I see a

rat with a silver paw."

Once they got back to the common room, Harry laid Hedwig down on the bed.

After that days, reading and writing lesson. Harry was first studying the students and staff at Hogwarts

in 1480, mainly at the Slytherins and Gryfindors. He then looked through the memorial moments. It looked

like a couple things happened. Finally his eye caught something there was a picture of Godric Gryfindor

talking to a student. That looked to be in Slytherin. Judging by the badge on the student's robes. Harry

didn't see a header or description around the picture. He studied the student with long dark hair, and then

saw he had a prefect badge. Harry put a scrap of parchment on the page as a bookmark and opened the

book to Slytherin prefects. There were three Slytherin prefects two males and one female. He canceled

out the female then saw only one of the males has long dark hair. He looked at the boys picture then the

info beneath. Christopher Reed, 6th year Slytherin Prefect, part of Dueling Club, Book Club, History

Club, and Foreign Language Club.

Harry had a strange feeling about this Christopher Reed. 'Why would Godric Gryfindor travel 500 years

in the future to talk to a Slytherin?' Quickly Harry went through the Dark Wizards of the 15 and 16 century,

but didn't see a Christopher Reed. He then looked in Hogwarts 15th Century. He figured Gryfindor

showing up out of nowhere would be listed. Sure enough he looked in the index under Godric Gryfindor

page 561. Harry turned to the page 561.

'Godric Gryfindor traveled to the future and stopped only to talk to a Slytherin boy named Christopher

Reed. Reed refuses to say what Gryfindor said to him, but as soon as Gryfindor had finished speaking

with him; he left and apparently never came back. Date October 31, 1840.'

Harry started to get an idea in his head. He looked at the grandfather clock in the common room. He

then started to walk out then stopped.

"Dudley do you remember the way to the Great Hall?" Harry asked

"Not, yet" Dudley said.

"Okay," Harry returned to the table for the books and then turned back to the portrait door. "Do, you

want to go with me then, I need to go to the library again, then I'll be going down to the Great Hall," Harry

said.

When they got to the library, Harry looked under family trees, and heirs of Slytherin, as well as heirs of

Gryfindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. He looked in each index under Reed, Christopher. He found the

connection! He looked at his watch. It still doesn't work.

"Dudley what time is it?" Harry asked curiously. Dudley looked at his digital watch.

"6:45," Dudley said.

"Wow, two and a half hours, and on my own, that's a record." Harry whispered.

"Record?" Dudley asked confused.

"Never mind, let's go to the Great Hall," Harry said checking out one of the heir books. He then hurried

down into the Great Hall. Once there, Harry hurried to the head table and slammed down his pile of books.

"Evening everybody, what's for dinner?" Harry asked as everyone looked at him strangely. Professor

Snape and McGonagal where eating with them as well.

"Dudley, why's he so cheerful?" Sirius asked cautiously.

"Don't know he's on some kind of book high, we just came from the library, he was looking for something,

and he seems to have found it," Dudley said confused.

"Thank you Dudley, for the commentary of the book high, I'll take it from here, may I run by what I found

with you after dinner, I think I found something to look at, from a different angle," Harry said.

"Of coarse, Harry, we'll continue after supper, you mind if we bring everyone else in, they've been looking

into it as well, also you and your cousin must stay together outside the common room until Wormtail is

caught," Dumbledore said.

"No sir, it's fine," Harry said.

So they all ate supper, then went on with supper.

After dinner everyone went up to the headmasters office. Once everyone was settled Harry opened the

yearbook to the page the page of Godric Gryfindor.

"Okay, before I say anything else, this is just a partially proven theory," Harry said. "This is the yearbook

from 1480. Under the memorial events there's a picture of Godric Gryfindor speaking to a 6th year Slytherin

Prefect. His name is Christopher Reed. There was no caption around the photo so I looked under this

Hogwarts of 15th Century. It said that Gryfindor stepped into the future to talk to Christopher Reed, before

he left again. Christopher refused to say what Gryfindor said. So I asked myself why would Gryfindor come

500 years in the future to talk to Reed, a Slytherin? Then it hit me he was an heir of Slytherin. But that wasn't

the case so I looked under Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryfindor heirs as well. Apparently he was Gryfindor's

heir. I'm thinking maybe Gryfindor gave the chest idea to Christopher Reed, it was supposed to be a

weapon against the Dark Wizards, during dinner I looked in it further. So in Dark Wizards of the Past 1000

Years, Reed fought against Lord Demise and won according to the legend. Christopher uses a black chest

to help draw strength out of the Lord Demise. Then battled in a dual and won. Only the heirs of the founders

are able to use the chest, however, we need to find a heir to Gryfindor, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw," Harry said

and everyone was speechless. (Okay I know it wasn't that hard of a mystery, and you'd think Dumbledore

would've been able to solve it, remember they were searching in the wrong direction. They were looking

into it being evil. Also, I suck at writing mystery type stuff, so it was a simple thing.)

"That sounds very thorough, tell me Harry, who's the Gryfindor Heir?" Dumbledore asked grinning.

Harry quickly looked through the heir book to the last page, and he gasped.

"I-I- er I am, sir" Harry said surprised.

"Headmaster, does that mean that the chest, was at the house, and is that why he's after me, I am the

heir of Gryfindor?" Harry asked.

"It sounds like from what I gather, the box protects the last heir, and yes Harry that's why Voldemort is

after you. He apparently didn't know your parents having the box. It probably weakened him, to help lower

the intensity of the killing curse and bounced off you to him in his weakened state causing him to lose his

body," Dumbledore said.

Everyone was quiet taking in the explanation. Suddenly Harry started laughing. They all turned to look at

him.

"Harry, have you cracked, old boy?" Sirius asked.

"No, sorry, this has been the most eventful summer, I've ever had and it's only the Monday of the

third week," Harry said gathering himself.

"How ironic?' Snape said calmly.

"Quite sir," Harry said posing back at him.

Chapter Eleven

Hello Wormtail

On the way back to the Gryfindor tower, both boys were silent. Once they got to the common room,

Harry went to the dormitory. Harry saw Hedwig was awake, but still quite weak.

"Hello, Hedwig, you feeling better?" Harry asked and she hooted lightly.

"You look tired, your welcome to sleep, some more," Harry said and she shock her head.

Harry quickly changed to his pajamas, and then headed to his bed where she was now resting all tense,

on the left side of the bed. Then Harry gently got in on the right making sure not to move her. As soon as he

was settled, she got closer and leaned on his arm slightly. When he lifted his arm she leaned in closer along

his waist, he finally placed his hand around her wing and a little of her back. She covered her legs with her

feathers and rested comfortably without the tension.

"I'm sorry Hedwig, you'll never deliver the Dursleys anything ever again, I promise," Harry said as she

fell asleep again. Several minutes later Harry was wide-awake thinking of the last several days. Dudley

soon came into the room seeing Harry watching Hedwig sleep.

Dudley changed then got in bed. A few quiet moments later Dudley spoke up.

"Harry?"

"Yeah," Harry said still watching Hedwig.

"I'm sorry about what mum did to her," Dudley said.

Harry furrowed his eyebrows then lifted his head to look at Dudley.

"Why are you sorry, she should be the one apologizing not you, besides you should never apologize for

someone else's actions," Harry said resting his head back down.

"Are you going to yell at her or anything?" Dudley asked.

"I'd love to send her a howler, however I don't want her attacking another owl." Harry said closing his eyes.

"What's a howler, and what's all this about a Reed character and you being heir, and defeating Voldemort?"

Dudley asked.

"I'll tell you tomorrow, it'll take to long and I'm tired," Harry said.

"Alright, night Harry."

"Night."

After Dudley's lesson the next day Harry told Dudley all about Voldemort and the link to the chest. Then

after dinner Harry meet up with Dumbledore in the teacher's lounge.

"Hello, Harry, how are the lessons with Dudley coming?" Dumbledore asked.

"Very well, sir, we just started writing some letters and got halfway through the alphabet with letter

sounds. He's got A-M down and he's written A-E 25 times today, he's learning fast it'll probably be a

week before I start letting him read," Harry said.

"Good, good. Now tell me Harry, you don't seem to shocked about being an heir, why is that?"

Dumbledore asked

"I'm not sure sir, to be honest I never truly thought about it, I knew there had to be a reason for Voldemort

wanting to kill me but wasn't sure, then being the heir had made sense, I just must be learning to expect the

unexpected about myself. What I don't understand though is how Voldemort found out about the chest.

Sounds like only the heirs of Gryfindor knew of the chest. Mum and dad died with the secret. They haven't

told Sirius or you. So there's no way Wormtail could've known, so he couldn't have to Voldemort," Harry said.

"Well, Harry keep in mind that Voldemort though of nothing else but that Halloween night for the past

fourteen years, Voldemort is a very smart being, he probably had the entire night memorized. He probably

did some research when he remembered the chest being there. Harry you were able to find this out in one

day. He had fourteen years, and no date to start on." Dumbledore said.

"Professor, remember how I said I had a feeling that the chest wasn't evil. Why would I know that? I was

to young to remember the chest and I obviously was to young to remember hearing my parents talk about it,

I barely remember their voices as it is?" Harry said.

Dumbledore thought for a couple moments then pulled out his wand. With a flick of the wand a glass with

a yellowish white liquid was floating in front of Harry.

"Harry, take a sniff, then take one sip from the glass, when your done tell me if it tastes familiar,"

Dumbledore said.

Harry grabbed the glass that was floating in midair. He then took a long sniff of something sweet, and then

tasted a sip, holding the liquid in his mouth a couple seconds. His eyes went wide as he swallowed.

"That's delicious, and yes I recognize the taste, but I'm not sure where," Harry said.

"As far as I know you've had that three times. Once at your first Christmas Eve dinner, then New

Years Eve, and on your first birthday. What your holding in your hand is eggnog; your mother let you have

it on special occasions. Do you know why you recognize that Harry, after only a handful of times you've had

it, and you don't remember the nights you drank it?"

Harry tried to think of an answer but came up with nothing. So he shook his head.

"According to Professor McGonagal you already know the brain is a muscle. Well like every other muscle

in your body. You must train the muscles to do things like writing, walking and jumping. With babies they train

their brain to store memories by using senses, since they don't recognize language much. Through touch, taste,

smell, hearing, and seeing. That's why babies always put things in their mouths to taste it, and that's why

now we know what items like copper, plastic, gold, and metal taste like from the memories when we were

babies. You recognized the chest, though you weren't sure why, I sounds like the chest was stored in your

nursery. You probably have seen it several times when you were in there." Dumbledore said watching Harry

and grinning, when Harry started eyeballing the eggnog. He then laughed.

"Go ahead, Harry you may finish-" Dumbledore didn't finish he just continued laughing as Harry finished

off the glass, then put it away leaving an eggnog mustache. Harry wiped his mouth on his sleeve.

"That was good," Harry said smiling then his smile turned to a frown. "Professor is there anyway of sending

a howler without using an owl? And what is going to happen to Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia?"

"No, Harry there isn't though even though she would deserve every word of one. I suggest not to do

such a thing Harry she's on the very tip of insanity. We are hoping to stop her from going further. As for

your uncle Minerva claims that he had indeed changed but wasn't given a chance to prove himself. He may

have left the bruises before; he's was also the one changing for the better. I also suggest you not send

Hedwig no more," Dumbledore said.

"Don't plan to sir, I don't want her to end up as Christmas dinner," Harry said.

Couple Hours Later

Dumbledore brought Harry back to Gryfindor tower. He didn't see Dudley in the common room. When he

got up to the dormitory it was empty as well. He saw the bathroom door was open with the lights out. He

then saw Hedwig standing awake on her perch at his desk. He crossed to her and checked her patch of skin.

Which still looked very healthy.

"Do you know where Dudley is?" Harry asked her she hooted then jumped onto his shoulder. "He's lost in

the castle is he?" and she hooted again. Then he started to go down to the common room. She nipped hard on

his ear when he headed for the portrait door. So he stopped.

"Ouch, Hedwig, what was that for?" Harry asked rubbing his ear. He looked over at her outstretched wing

pointing to the window with the moon outside.

"Oh, you know the rules huh, well do you think you could get a message to Sirius?" Harry asked he then

moved her from his shoulder, with her hooting and onto the table with Dudley's work. Harry got a pencil and

paper and wrote.

Sirius

Dudley isn't here. I think he's lost in the school. Come to Gryfindor common room. I'd like to go with you

Harry

P.W. Reading

Harry gave the note to Hedwig who flew off to take the message to Sirius.

Once Sirius came and picked up Harry. Sirius turned into Padfoot to follow Dudley's strongest trail. At

first it seemed like Dudley was headed for the Great Hall, but as they followed the trail it took them down to

the dungeons three floors below the Great Hall. They soon stopped when they heard whimpering nearby.

Padfoot and Harry peeped around a corner to see Wormtail holding a wand on Dudley. Wormtails back was

toward them and Dudley looked at them he was backed against the wall. Padfoot changed back to Sirius

and pulled out his wand along with Harry and they both stepped around the corner with their wands aimed.

"Come now, where's that cousin of yours and the chest?" Wormtail asked.

"The cousin is here, and the chest is nowhere important to you," Harry said. Wormtail jumped around to

see Sirius and Harry aiming their wands at him.

"Er, hello Sirius er Harry, nice to see you my friends," Wormtail stuttered slightly.

"Throw your wand down you traitor," Sirius said.

"No, I don't think-,"

"Stupefy." Sirius said.

"Expelliarmus. " Harry said.

Wormtails wand headed for Harry as Wormtail fell on his back.

After making sure Wormtail was out Harry turned to Dudley.

"You okay?"



Chapter Twelve

Sirius and Harry levitated Wormtail up to Dumbledore's office. With Dudley quietly following. Once at

the Gargoyle, Harry gave the password and they all rode up to the office. Once they were at the door. Sirius

reached up to knock, but the door opened to reveal Dumbledore gesturing them all in.

Dumbledore first asked how they caught Wormtail. So Harry explained how he couldn't find Dudley in

the tower, then sent Hedwig for Sirius and the followed his trail using Padfoots nose. Then came upon

Wormtail cornering Dudley asking where Harry and the chest were. Then how they disarmed Wormtail.

After Harry's story of events, Dumbledore took Sirius' and Dudley's.

Dudley explained that he was headed for the Great Hall to get a snack, but got lost. He came across a rat

with a silver paw. Remembering what Harry said about his friend's rat, he said "Great I found Harry's rat,

now I got to find Harry," that's how Wormtail realized Harry was at Hogwarts. He turned to a man with a

silver hand and with a wand held out at him. Soon after Harry and Sirius showed up.

Once Dumbledore got all their accounts he then took out his wand and muttered 'emovera ilversa imbla'

(obviously I don't know Latin, however I used Pig Latin for the spells brownie points if you know what that

says ;-P ) and put an animagus ward around the office. Then a well-healed stumped limb replaced Wormtail's

silver arm. Then he went to the fireplace to call Professor Snape to bring the Veritaserum Potion, and then

Dumbledore called McGonagal and asked her to come up. Finally Dumbledore asked Sirius to change to

Padfoot as he contacted Cornelius Fudge.

"Hello, professor, how are you this fine evening?" Fudge asked.

It's going quite well, Cornelius, could it be possible to have you come over to the school. I have some

news you'll be interested in," Dumbledore hinted.

"Why, of course, Albus, never to busy for you. I'll be right over," after Dumbledore stepped away from

the fireplace, the minister came right through. After brushing off his robes, he looked around and saw the two

teenagers and a dog along with a thin man lying on the floor with no right arm. He immediately became

suspicious and glared at Harry, for several seconds before facing Dumbledore.

"What's going on Albus?" Fudge demanded as Professors Snape and McGonagal entered.

"You'll see, Cornelius, lemon drop," Dumbledore offered calmly as Snape put three drops of truth potion

below Wormtails tongue. Then Snape enervated him after taking off part of the spells. Leaving his neck and

up free and his body paralyzed.

Once Wormtail was awake. Dumbledore pulled some chairs but only Fudge took a seat.

"Say your name and other preferences you go by."

"Peter Pettigrew also known as Wormtail," Wormtail said his face twitching.

"Not this again, Albus, Peter is dead, he was killed by Sirius Black right after the Potters were killed!"

Cornelius yelled.

"Cornelius, sit down! I forbid you to talk further until we've finished this interrogation. If you want I'll even

let you ask questions after, I'm finished," Dumbledore said sternly and with the power that Cornelius

immediately obeyed.

Dumbledore lead the interrogation with the entire story of the illegal animagus, being Potters secret keeper,

betraying the Potters to Voldemort, framing Sirius Black, hiding from death eaters. When they got to the part

of how Harry let Sirius walk freely toward the castle, Cornelius glared at Harry who was standing three feet

from him. Harry just stared directly back until Fudge turned back to Wormtail. Wormtail continue to say,

how he escaped, found his master, helped bring him back to life with Harry's blood forcibly taken, flesh from

the willing servant, and a bone of the father.

After the interrogation Fudge got up angrily and started pacing, before stopping in front of Harry glaring.

"Do you know, what you have done to my chances of staying in office?" Fudge hollered Harry crossed

his arms and answered calmly back.

"Do you realize what denying what the boy who lived witnessed, is all your own blinding fear. Thinking

that covering your eyes with your hands is the best way to make sure doesn't see you or the world. That

playing peek-a-boo with Voldemort was a suggestion by a fourteen-year-old boy. Who has faced Voldemort

four times and lived to tell about it. Yes, I honestly see how your mind is still thinking, put the blame

on the spell brained boy who lived will clean your record. That very well could be, but Dumbledore has

the eyes of the entire wizarding world, unlike you throwing your power around showing the public that you

did something to make the world safe. When all you did was make the public safety worse. I suppose your

going to blame us for your lack of actions on Voldemort as well." Harry said calmly, and then started

struggling when the minister grabbed his upper arms, pulling Harry off the floor with his legs dangling. Fudge

pulled Harry close to his face.

"Listen up boy-" the minister was cut off.

"Cornelius, let the boy go!" Dumbledore threatened. Fudge looked to see Dumbledore's wand pointed at

him.

"Albus, you can't threaten me I'm the minister."

"And I'm the headmaster of this school. I have the right to protect the students under my care through any

force necessary. If there are bruises on his arms you will be charged with the assault of a student, and the

school governors will not take pity of the harm on the boy who lived." Dumbledore continued to threaten.

After one last tight squeeze on Harry's arms. Fudge dropped Harry hard. Harry slowly backed away rubbing

his arms where the minister grabbed him.

"Harry, show me your arms," Dumbledore said his wand lowered but still in hand. Harry rolled up his

sleeves glaring at Fudge.

Everyone in the room saw some bruises forming in the shape of hands. Where Fudge's hands were.

"Minerva, take Harry up to the Gryfindor tower, take pictures of his arms, don't fix them, they'll be needed

for the school governors to see tomorrow." Dumbledore said all humor completely gone for the night. Then

Dumbledore turned back to Cornelius.

"Cornelius, returning the truth with bodily injury is a terrible trait. If the denial of Voldemort doesn't boot

you out of office. Then this assault of a student will, you have definitely blew your seat at the Ministry."

Chapter Thirteen

Professor McGonagal accompanied the boys to Gryfindor tower. After she conjured a camera she took

pictures of the bruises. As she was leaving Harry spoke up.

"Professor?" Harry questioned.

"Yes, Mr. Potter?"

"I'm wondering if Fudge could use these events against us?" Harry said. "Like he could get Dumbledore

fired for threatening him."

"Mr. Potter you must realize that the headmaster loves this school and all of the students. Those two things

are the most important things in his life. When he sees either one threatened he does whatever it takes to

protect anything he holds dear. Professor Dumbledore, the other teachers, even the students and house-elves

would die to protect this school. If he must be fired for doing what is right, he'll quietly step down." Professor

McGonagal said.

"I just don't want him fired over me, professor, in fact I'm not really hurting. You've seen for yourself that

I've had worse, shouldn't it be my decision if I should bring charges against the Minister?" Harry asked.

"Honestly, Mr. Potter, Dumbledore has been trying to get Fudge out of office, I'm guessing that

Dumbledore will use this assault as a way to kick him out. I can tell that you don't like Cornelius Fudge in

office. Well we can get someone else to take his place, and by law professors are required to report

physical actions against or students. Then the school board carries on the charges after a meeting to discuss

where the consequences will go for this problem. They'll decide whether or not Fudge goes to trial."

Professor McGonagal said. "Get some sleep Mr. Potter I believe we will probably go to a meeting directly

after breakfast."

The next day Harry awoke to an owl hooting, and it wasn't Hedwig. Harry looked above him to see Pig

flying around. Immediately Harry sprang out of bed, he still hadn't sent Ron and Hermione's letter yet.

Grabbing Pig with one quick swipe. Harry read Ron's letter.

Harry,

Hey, are you there? Are you okay? Do I need to send Dumbledore? Hermione even over and is staying

with us, she's worried and so am I. Mum's about ready to attack your relatives, if you don't write. And soon.

Ron & Hermione

Quickly Harry wrote another letter to be sent with the other two.

Dear Ron and Hermione,

Hey sorry it took so long. I sent Hedwig back to Privet Drive the day before Dudley's birthday. Aunt

Petunia attacked her. She's been healing since. I'm doing fine I learned a lot that I've got to tell you the next

we meet. Well get this I'm the heir of Gryfindor. I found out in the book of the Heirs of Gryfindor at the library.

Sirius and I also captured Wormtail tonight. He cornered Dudley in the dungeons. Afterwards we took him to

Dumbledore's office and interrogated him with Fudge in the room.

Fudge started to accuse me saying it was my fault that he'd lose his seat in office. I told him that he'd done it

to himself when he refused to listen to the boy who lived. He got mad and grabbed my arms pulling me off my

feet. You should've seen Dumbledore; he's holding assault of a student of Fudge's head now. Says that the

school governors would tear him out of office faster than his denial of Voldemort will. I'll tell you more

lately, something's are hush, hush.

Harry

Harry tied all three letters to Pigs leg and he flew off to deliver the letters. Harry looked over to find

Dudley's bed empty. 'Probably in the common room or in the Great Hall.' So Harry quickly dressed and

headed downstairs. Harry stopped at the balcony. He saw Dudley looking at a small book. He saw Dudley

making sounds for the letters in the words. Though he only knew half the alphabet. Harry walked down the

stairs. Then he sat next to Dudley who looked up startled.

"You know Dudley, you may be ready to start reading words tomorrow. We'll just get the rest of your letter

sounds today. You're doing a very good job of catching up Dudley, it's only been a week and you are about

to read words. I hope you've decided what kind of pet you want, you'll be getting one as soon as we get to

Diagon Alley." Harry said complimenting.

"Still stuck on an owl or cat," Dudley said.

"It may help when you go pick your animal out. When I want and picked out Hedwig it was because of a

connection that clicked at the shop." Harry explained. "Anyway let's eat breakfast and get the meeting over

with, as soon as we finish the sooner we'll get you to read." They got up and went to the Great Hall.

Once they got to the Great Hall they found more people than usual. Professors Dumbledore, Snape,

McGonagal, and Padfoot were there. However so were Professors Flitwick, Sprout, as well as Remus

Lupin and Mr. Weasley. Plus Minister Fudge and 9 wizards and witches he didn't know, whom he guessed

was the school governors.

Harry hurried over and welcomed his professors. Especially Professor Lupin and Mr. Weasley.

"Harry, what are you doing, here? Why aren't you at the Dursley's and why's your cousin here?" Mr.

Weasley asked quickly giving Harry a relived hug. Harry explained about there being death eater attacks near

Privet Drive and of Hedwig being injured on her last run and still recovering.

"Molly, Ron, and Hermione, oh heck everyone at the house has been worried sick. I caught the twin

sending some pastries to your aunt and uncle. Ron and Hermione wanted to take a taxi to Privet Drive...

oh well at least your safe," Mr. Weasley said patting Harry's shoulder.

Harry started to feel guilty for worrying the Weasleys after all there was a tower full of owls he could've

used. He decided to change the subject.

"So what are you doing here, Mr. Weasley?" Harry asked.

"I'm here because the Minister assaulted a student and I'm a school governor, though I'm not sure

who's been assaulted yet, and since it's summer not to many students would be here," Mr. Weasley finished

then looked at Harry putting two and two together. "It's you isn't it." Mr. Weasley said more as a statement

than a question.

"Yes, Mr. Weasley." Harry said trying to read Mr. Weasley's expression.

"Right, then," Mr. Weasley seemed to have a determined look then.

Soon after everyone has eaten Dumbledore told everyone to follow him. Harry quickly caught a glimpse

of Fudge following Dumbledore and the school governors following Fudge. Then the professors, Dudley, the

Marauders and Harry following behind. They were soon taken to a round courtroom a tower of the castle.

Once everyone got through the doors Dumbledore spoke up.

"Who shall take charge of this meeting?"

"I will," Mr. Weasley said loudly and quickly, once the other governors agreed Mr. Weasley took charge.

"Governors take your seats," Mr. Weasley said and after the governors took their seats Harry could see

the room clearly. There was one table at the head of the room in a shape of a half moon. The governors sat

in chairs around the arc leaving one chair in the center for Mr. Weasley. Then there were two chairs along the

diameter of the table about five feet apart with two benches behind the chairs.

"Minister please take the seat on your left and the student assaulted take the seat on the right. Everyone else

have a seat in a bench behind the person your a witness for or supporting." Mr. Weasley explained, after

everyone had settled behind Harry.

Soon Mr. Weasley called the meeting to order. They started off with saying their names. Everyone

gasped when Harry introduced himself. Then both parties explained what happened. Fudge got to speak

first. (Okay I'm terrible with timelines so just think of it going along with Harry's view point of his school years).

"Every year the stories coming out of this boys mouth become, queerer and queerer. The first time I meet

Mr. Potter he ran away from home after blowing up his aunt claiming it was an accident, then he claimed at

the end of third that Sirius Black was innocent. In fourth year he claimed that you-know-who kidnapped him

during the third task at the triwizard tournament and was back to power, then he accused me of denying

everything he's said and said I'd use his spelled brain (spell as in seizure, an no offence to Epileptics or

anybody with seizure disorders, I happen to have Epilepsy too) as an excuse for my denial, I wrongfully

admit to losing control and letting my anger out on the boy, and give Harry my apology," Fudge said turning

to Harry.

"Denied, minister," Harry simply said.

"Why's that Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"One because he's trying to suck up to you people, not me, plus everything he said proves he is in denial.

I ask you to hear my side, before you take what he says on stone tablet." Harry said.

"Granted, continue please Harry," Mr. Weasley said hiding a smile.

"Yes, sir, and thank you," Harry took a deep breath to gather his thoughts, before starting his story.

"First off, I'm curious who here had performed some wandless magic whenever they were angry and

scared?" Everyone was still until Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley raised their hands. Then every other witch

and wizard in the room raised their hand. "Okay, thank you, now the night I blew up my aunt I was angry.

She was insulting my father calling him a dead beat, and she called my mother the bitch of the family who

had a pup that was deformed and retarded that should've been drowned the moment I was placed on the

Dursley's doorstep. In fact Dudley," Harry gestured to his cousin, "can back up this story if need be, anyway

I blew her up in rage. I got my trunk and packed then took the knight bus to the Leaky Cauldron, where

Minister Fudge was waiting for me. He waved the 'little accident' at the time. Then throughout my third year

Gryfindor tower got invaded by Sirius Black. Everyone including me thought he was trying to kill me. My

best friend Ron Weasley had a rat named Scabbers. We thought Hermione Granger's cat ate Scabbers; she's

my other best friend. One night we went to see Hagrid his hippogriff was about to be executed. So we wanted

to comfort him Hermione was making tea when she found Scabbers hiding in a sugar dish. Ron took

Scabbers back and we headed back up to the school. Sirius Black dragged Ron into a passageway under

the Whomping Willow. Hermione and I followed after them. At first we thought Sirius was going to kill us, then

Professor Lupin showed up. He and Sirius proved to us that Scabbers was an animagus, and was really Peter

Pettigrew. So Peter confused to being the secret keeper, who betrayed my parents. Then he managed

to get away in his rat form on the way back to the castle. I tried to explain it all to the Minister, however

he wouldn't listen claiming I was under some spell, or was brainwashed by Sirius Black. Anyway moving

on, once Wormtail got away he went back to Voldemort," Harry saw most of the governors' flinch,

except for Mr. Weasley, "and helped kidnapped Bertha Jorkins. Through her, Voldemort found out that

Hogwarts was having the Tri-wizard Tournament. He sent a loyal servant in using polyjuice potion to

impersonate Professor Moody. The servant's name was Barty Crouch Jr," Harry paused and gathered his

thoughts while everyone gasped in surprise.

"Didn't he die?" a woman named Margie White asked.

Harry quickly explained how Mrs. Crouch impersonated her son and died in prison impersonating her son.

"Anyway, Crouch put my name in the Goblet under another school. So anyway on the third task Crouch

took the Cup to the maze and turned it into a portkey. Both Cedric Diggory and I agreed to take the cup

together making it a tied victory for Hogwarts. We ended up at a graveyard where Peter killed Cedric and

performed a ritual to bring Voldemort back to power," again Harry paused at the gasps. "I dueled with

Voldemort, then quickly ran and grabbed Cedric's dead body and the portkey taking it back to Hogwarts,

we found out who Crouch was the spy, when he dragged me away from Professor Dumbledore. Then he

confused to everything under a truth potion. However when the MINISTER went to question Crouch, he

brought a dementor along, the dementor attacked Crouch with a kiss before Fudge could question him.

When we explained what I saw he started quoting the article from Rita Skeeter. Talking about spells and me

being crazy. He just said in his testimony and I quote 'I'd use his spelled brain as an excuse for my denial,' He

just admitted to thinking I have spells." Harry said putting in that point and looked at Fudge.

"Strike one, minister,"

"Of all the-," Fudge said growing upset.

"Hold it minister I'm not finished..." Harry turned back to the governors.

"Don't tell me-.." Fudge was cut off again.

"Minister, Harry has the floor, you may have a defense once he is through. Carry on Harry," Mr. Weasley

said.

"Finally, last night Peter was in the castle and I stupefied him and brought him to Dumbledore's office.

Dumbledore called the minister and brought him to Hogwarts. Fudge listened to everything Peter said,

pretty much what I just said, one he was finished Fudge said 'do you know what you have done to my

chances of staying in office?' then I said. 'do you realize that denying what the boy-who-lived witnessed, is

all your blinding fear, and the best way to hide from Voldemort is by the peek-a-boo method, if you can't

see him he won't see you, and have it be suggested to you by a fourteen year old boy.' Then I said that

'Showing the public you did something by putting Black prison, when all you did was make the public safety

worse, and that he'd would probably blame that on me as well, then he got mad and grabbed my arms. He

pulled me roughly off my feet then started to tell me off when Dumbledore pulled his wand on Fudge for

assaulting a student. I still have the bruises," Harry said rolling up his sleeves. He showed the bruises, even

as going as far as going around the table and showing them to all the governors close up, then looked at the

minister. "For the assault of a defenseless fourteen, almost fifteen year old boy, Stike two, minister." Then

Harry took his seat again.

"Now let's go back to the Minister's first line last night, 'do you know what you have done to my chances

of staying in office?' He's saying that he wants the title for being the Minister of Magic, but he isn't willing to

do the work or handle the responsibilities that comes with the job, Strike three minister and your out of office,"

Harry said.

"Got anything to say in your defense Minister? No, then any more questions?" Mr. Weasley asked but the

minister wasn't paying attention he was just sitting and glaring at Harry.

Harry however quickly turned to Dumbledore who was sitting behind him on a bench.

"Sir, this isn't a trial right, it's just a meeting for the next course of action isn't it?" Harry asked whispering.

"That's correct," Dumbledore whispered back.

Once Harry turned back Margie spoke up.

"You say, Sirius Black is innocent, do you know where he is, Harry?" she asked.

"We are not here to discuss Sirius Black, ma'am, we are here about the assault from the minister," Harry said.

"Could either one of you show any evidences for both your stories?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"I-er," Fudge stumbled.

"No, offense sir, I just showed you the bodily evidence, plus four other witnesses. That's enough

evidence" Harry glanced at Dumbledore who nodded. "Plus we have Peter in custody, so I demand a trial

on assault for the minister and for negligence over his duties to the wizarding world, along with the reopening

of Sirius Black's trial and start one for Peter Pettigrew, and I demand to represent Sirius Black and my

own trial, and I refuse to say anymore" Harry said.

Suddenly Fudge spoke up. "What trial Sirius Black never had a trial?" everyone at the table gasped.

"Okay change the sport to softball Strike four, your out." Harry said smiling.

"What do you mean no trial?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"I refuse to say another word," Fudge said clasping his mouth shut.

Then Mr. Weasley turned to the other governors.

"All those in favor of continuing the minister to trial?" Mr. Weasley raised his hand along with all the

other governors.

"All those against," no one moved. "Right, Minister Fudge, we are taking you to trial. After the ministry

opens Sirius Black's case." Mr. Weasley said and hitting a mallet (is that right?) on the table.

"But this will get into the hands of Rita Skeeter she'll be blowing this out of proportion," Fudge exclaimed.

"Strike five, minister, I thought you believed everything Rita wrote? Besides so what she back washed

Dumbledore and myself, why shouldn't you?" Harry asked.

"Because, I'm the minister of magic, one of the most famous wizards of our day," Fudge said.

"As Professor Lockhart once told me 'fame is a fickle friend, celebrity is as celebrity does. He was a goof

at the time, but the line fits don't you think," Harry said.

"You've gotten a big mouth, mouthing off your elders," Fudge said glaring.

"I only mouth off to someone that's wrong and doesn't listen to reason, minister," Harry paused. "Like I

said last night your putting all the blame on my spellful mind, that you just admitted you never truly believed."

"Well that's lovely, but we'll stop now, I would like to point out minister that a fourteen year old boy has a

much better speech prepared. He also seems to have a very intelligent mind. He must not be affected by

those spells often. Spells tend to impair a person's speaking ability. (Okay that is true but not every person

has that happen. My speech had gotten worse after every seizure I've had, it effects everyone differently.

I know about five people with seizure disorders 4 of them has a little speech problem.) I don't think you

should listen to everything you read. I'm also upset in what I hear about Voldemort rising and you denying it

to the public. Your in for a rough time minister." Mr. Weasley said then turned to Harry.

"You all shall be updated on the trial dates, and Mr. Potter, we'll get the ministry ready for the case on

Black," Mr. Weasley said.

"Now hold it, school governor I'm the minister you can't take over the ministry," Fudge exclaimed but

Harry spoke back.

"Actually, sir, with you being under investigation, you can no longer control the ministry. However the

person who starts representing your case gains control of the lawful decisions," Harry said smiling.

"Oh, s**t," Fudge whispered.

"I agree, it sounds like you left me a fine mess," Mr. Weasley said.

Chapter Fourteen

The next week came by in a blur. Dudley was now reading up to four letter words. Sirius was happy about

getting free and Hagrid wrote saying his task was a success. That he would be back in two days.

Harry came down to breakfast and saw Dudley whispering to Professor Dumbledore who nodded. Then

Sirius saw Harry.

"Ah, Harry join us will you," Sirius said obviously to get Dudley's and Dumbledore's attention. As soon as

Harry sat down Dumbledore spoke up.

"Harry, I think it's time for Dudley to read a book, besides Remus has agreed to take you and Dudley to

Diagon Alley the day after tomorrow," Dumbledore said gesturing to Remus who has stayed at Hogwarts

since the meeting wanting to help Harry get Sirius free.

"Er, right," Remus said quickly.

"I haven't gotten my letter yet, sir, plus we'll need a list for Dudley won't we?" Harry asked.

"You both will get your list before you leave for Diagon Alley, I thought you might enjoy doing something

outside the castle on your birthday." Dumbledore explained.

"Well that would be nice," Harry said.

"Then it's settled, now hotcakes Harry?"



Two Days Later...

Harry and Dudley walked down to breakfast together. After several minutes Remus came into the Great

Hall carrying two letters. He passed them to the owners, who both read from their own letters.

Harry went through his standard list and stopped at his dark arts books.

Secrets of Dueling by Sharon Bella

Defensive Defense of the Dark Arts by Clicka Charo

Defensive Muggle Fighting by Clicka Charo

"Wow, pretty unique books for DADA," Harry said.

Dudley read his letter out loud and asked for help from Harry every now and then. The only thing Dudley

needed was an unmarked uniform since he wasn't going to be sorted until he starts his first year of magic.

(Just picture Harry's first uniform in the movie before he was sorted. A black tie with the Hogwarts Crest).

And of course some pencils, paper, erasers, some quills, ink, and parchment. Plus a choice of and owl, cat,

or toad.

When Harry didn't hear a list for books, he asked Remus about it.

"That's because we'll be covering so many books that I'll be providing them all. We have to catch up with

almost 6 years of education in one. So we'll have lots to do Dudley. So eat up and we'll go," Remus said.

After flooing to Diagon Alley, Dudley became wide eye looking at every person, every shop, and just

every item. The first place they stopped at was Gringotts. After giving the vault key to the goblin and getting

in a cart. Harry said to Dudley.

"Brace yourself."

"Wh-" but Dudley was cut off as the cart lurched and speed underground.

Soon they stopped at Harry's vault and Harry was glad to see that Dudley was too sick to notice Harry's

money. As soon as Harry got a pouch full of galleons, sickles, and knuts. He hurried back to the cart. As

soon as they got back to ground level Dudley ran out of Gringotts to open air. Harry and Remus chuckled

after him. After Dudley's stomach settled Harry went and bought some more school robes, then stopped by

the bookstore to get his schoolbooks, plus a few pleasure-reading books. He found some books by muggle

authors and he saw two interesting titles and covers by Sandra Brown, Unspeakable and Standoff he pulled

them out and read the previews (All of these authors, stories, and previews were taken from real books that

do not belong to me, The third story is my number one favorite book and hero even more than Harry Potter.)

Unspeakable---

See no evil

Carl Herbold is a cold-blooded psychopath who loves violence, a murderer who has just escaped the

penitentiary where he was serving a life sentence. Bent on revenge, his is on his way back to where he began-

Blewer County, Texas

Hear no evil

Born deaf, lately widowed, Anna Corbett fights to keep the ranch that is her son's birthright, unaware

that she is at the center of Carl Herbold's horrific scheme- and that her world of silence and self-imposed

isolation is about to explode.

Speak no evil

A drifter, whose casual air belies his troubled past, Jack Sawyer arrives at Anna's ranch asking for work,

while hoping to protect the innocent woman and her son from Herbold's rage. But Sawyer can no longer out

run the secrets that stalk him- or the day of reckoning awaiting them all...

Standoff

TV reporter Tiel McCoy is driving down nterstate 20 on her way to New Mexico for a well-earned

vacation. But her itinerary is rewritten when she hears on the radio that the teenage daughter of well-known

Fort Worth multimillionaire Russell Dendy has been kidnapped. At least that's the official report. In truth

Sabra Dendy is pregnant and has run away with her boyfriend, Ronnie Davison. After calling her editor, Tiel

abandons her holiday plans in favor of pursuing the story.

Then in a town called Rojo Flats, during an innocuous visit to a convenience store, Tiel will come up close

and personal with the barrel of a gun, the desperate young lovers- and the scoop of a lifetime.

In the electrifying standoff that follow, she will meet and grow to trust a strangely farmilier local rancher

whom fate has also sent to the scene of the crime. She will learn why the two young runaways fear the wealthy

father of one of them even more than the FBI... and why, casting off a reporter's impartiality, she must defend

them agaisnt a world bent on their destruction.

Harry was now interested after reading the previews then his eye caught on one other book.

The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley. Harry quickly read the preview again.

The Mark of Zorro

The Classic Adventure that Launched a Legend!

Old California, in a bygone era of sprawling haciendas and haughty caballeros, suffers beneath the

whiplash of oppression. Missions are pillaged, native peasants are abused, and innocent men and women

are prosecuted by the corrupt governor and his army.

But a champion of freedom rides the highways. His identity hidden behind a mask, the laughing outlaw

Zorro defies the tyrant's might. A deadly marksman and a demon swordsman, his flashing blade leaves

behind... The Mark of Zorro.

Harry remembered trying to watch the Disney's show Zorro starring Guy Williams. However, the

Dursley's always stuffed him in the closet. What he did see though, entertained him a lot. Especially the

sword fighting scenes. When he was a kid he used to imagine what it be like to have Zorro save him from

his tyrants Aunt and Uncle. Of course, Hagrid fit the description of Zorro pretty well. A big scary unknown

man came to him in the black of night carrying a pink umbrella and threatened the Durleys leaving the mark

of a pig on Dudley. With all his face covered by black and a long enough to be a cape. Suddenly it clicked.

Hagrid was his El Zorro. The fox that whisked him away from the Dursleys...his hero.

Remus and Dudley watched Harry stare at a black book with a red Z on the cover. Remus could tell

that Harry was thinking deeply. Then watched as Harry got wide eyed over an idea. Harry snapped

around to Remus.

"Something wrong, Harry?" Remus asked though he wasn't really too worried considering to Harry's

thoughtful face.

"Professor, when's Hagrid's birthday?" Harry asked.

"I'm not exactly sure why?" Remus asked now confused.

"I have a gift for him," Harry said smiling and grabbed another large print edition. That one for Hagrid

apparently and the paperback for himself.

Harry paid for the books. Then they went so he could stock up of his school supplies and potion supplies.

Then both boys got fitted for robes and finally to Dudley's eagerness the pet shop. Harry told Dudley to

take his time and pick the animal he feels a connection to.

After a half hour of searching Dudley stopped at a black kitten with green eyes. She was lying on her side,

looking out the cage with her eyes slightly open. However as soon as she saw Dudley she opened her

eyes completely, got up and leaned against the front of her carrier with her paws. Looking expectantly at

Dudley. Dudley stopped moving down the line as soon as he saw her. They were both staring at each

other. The connection was so strong Harry and Remus saw and felt it. Harry could also tell that Dudley

was shocked at the magic he felt. Suddenly Dudley turned and ran out of the shop.

Harry and Remus looked at each other. Harry pulled out his pouch and handed it to Remus. Harry then

lifted the cage with the black kitten and gave to Remus.

"Can you purchase her, see if she has a name, and meet us outside, I'll go see to Dudley," Harry said

walking out the shop. He immediately found his cousin, in shock from the shop, standing in front of Draco

Malfoy.

"Watch, where your going, mudblood!" Malfoy sneered disgustedly and Dudley just stood in the same

spot. They began to draw attention from the people around them.

"Hello, Malfoy, something wrong?" Harry asked.

"If it isn't dead meat Potter, you hanging out with Pigs as well now?" Malfoy sneered, Harry heard the

people around them gasp and whisper 'Harry Potter'.

"Where'd you purchase this nasty mudblood blob?" Malfoy asked.

"Must of been down the street from where you purchased that Ken doll, plastic hair," Harry retorted.

As soon as Malfoy stopped trying to figure out what a Ken doll was, he was about to argue back.

When Remus stepped out of the pet shop carrying the black kitten in her cage. He walked over.

"Malfoy, you remember Professor Lupin don't you, he's going to be tutoring at Hogwarts this year." Harry

said grinning.

Malfoy sneered and walked away.

Harry turned back to Remus and Dudley. Dudley slowly and carefully took the kitten out of the cage.

While Harry looked at the crowd starring openly at him.

"Good afternoon people may I help you with something?" Harry asked then everyone quickly stopped

their trance and started to separate. When Harry turned back to Dudley and Remus again Dudley was

holding the kitten.

"What's the scoop on her?" Harry asked.

"She's a five week old kitten, her name's Coal, and seems to like it. She's not magical and doesn't have

any special powers-," Remus however was cut off.

"No powers? What about this strange feeling in my gut?" Dudley asked.

"That's unconditional love you feel, Dudley, nothing more than that," Harry explained.

"Unconditional love? Never heard of it," Dudley said.

"It means what it says. Your feeling the love for something other than yourself, and nothing will change

what you feel. For instance, Coal's leg could be cut off tomorrow, and you'd still love her the same as

today," Harry said. "And the feeling is being returned by Coal, she'd love you even if you lost a leg, you

both are just feeling each others love, pretty much... understand?"

"Yeah I think so," Dudley said and Harry watched as Dudley's porky face lit up.

"You mean like how Dad still loves me even though he found out I'm a wizard?" Dudley asked thoughtfully.

"That's correct," Harry said.

"But mum doesn't," Dudley said sadly

"Dudley, your mum is sick, she had to see a shrink. And to be honest Dudley, lately I've been thinking

about why she didn't help your reading. I think she knew you were a wizard," Harry said and both

Dudley and Remus stared at him open mouthed.

"How would she know?" Dudley asked.

"I've been asking myself, why she never taught you to read. I think I remember her going over reading

with you when we were about three. (A/N: I had a friend who came here from England in the seventh

grade, she said they went to school between ages 3-16 in Great Britain, if this is wrong let me know,

here in US they teach us alphabet around 4 or 5 then write alphabet, spell our names at 5 or 6. Then read

at 6 or 7. We go to school from 4-17 or 5-18 here). She's been saying your teachers taught you wrong and

sat you down to confuse your reading. She probably just figure that she would have a good excuse to keep

you from going to Hogwarts if you can't read," Harry paused. "I don't know, how they let you through

muggle school- oh, wait, Aunt Petunia always made me do your homework, since homework was 75-85%

of your grade, you always got C's or B's in your classes because your lack of test scores would only make

a difference. How did you pass, Smeltings, er wait you bullied the other kids right?" Harry asked then

Dudley nodded

"Well it'd be the same thing then," Harry said. "But it all could be a coincidence, she could just be wanting

you to depend on her. But the more I think about it the whole knowing your wizard thing fits, too."

"I don't recall ever doing magic, Harry, how would she have known?" Dudley asked.

"Maybe you did things when you were younger, and not remember, she probably even told Uncle

Vernon I did some of the things, trying to hide it from him and you," Harry suggested.

"What does she have against magic?" Dudley asked.

"I'm not sure Dudley, you'll have to ask her," Harry said then Remus spoke up.

"Well let's head on back to Hogwarts, boys. I have a meeting with Dumbledore," so they quickly flooed

back to Hogwarts.

As soon as they all jumped into the common room. Harry and Dudley dropped their packages on the

table and let Coal out of her cage to explore the common room.

"The headmaster will want to speak with you both at 4 o'clock sharp in the Great Hall."

"We'll be there," Dudley quickly said. Harry looked at Dudley then glanced at Remus suspiciously.

"What about?" Harry asked.

"I believe he wants us to sit down and completely set a study plan for Dudley, like the finer details of

what to teach him and what you'll be teaching him next summer, Harry so you can be ready," Remus said.

"Oh, okay then," Harry said as he went and sat on the sofa. He looked at the clock and saw it read 2:00.

"Dudley, grab a couple of books and try reading them here on the sofa," Harry said.

Harry heard Dudley shuffle some things at the table and swished over. Harry felt and deep incline in the

sofa to his left. He quickly balanced himself. He helped Dudley sound out the words every now and then.

Dudley reread the books until he could read the books without any messed up words, Harry then said he

could stop. He also felt his pant leg move, he looked down and saw Coal putting her front paws on his leg.

Harry bent down and picked her up in one hand he placed her in his lap. He petted her a couple minutes

then she crawled over to Dudley whose hand she licked. They laughed when she attacked her tail. It was

taping on the couch to her right, she saw it flick in the corner of her eye and then pounced and missed her

tail when she jumped and ended up behind her. Harry got up and got a new quill, he didn't want her to get

poisoned by ink, and sat back down. He flicked the feather around as she chased, attacked, and chewed it.

He then handed the feather to Dudley. They were passing the time laughing and playing with her.

At 3:35 Hedwig flew to Harry, landing on the armrest next to him and screeched at him while glaring at Coal.

Harry started laughing more.

"It's alright girl, she isn't mine, and she's Dudley's. You know you're my only girl."

Hedwig stopped screeching, and hooted then reached forward to nibble his ear.

"Your forgiven, want to meet Coal properly? No attacking her for a meal. Dudley please tell Coal the

same, we should have them be friends, immediately. Not have them fight on two ends of the food chain."

Harry said.

After warning Coal, Dudley set her on the middle cushion. Harry moved Hedwig to the other side of the

cushion as well. Both Harry and Dudley were ready to defend their companions if need be. Both Coal and

Hedwig sized each other up. Coal then started crawling to Hedwig and rubbed her head against Hedwig

slightly. Then Hedwig wrapped a wing around Coal. Both Harry and Dudley let out a breath that they have

been holding. Once they separated the two pets. Dudley held Coal and Harry had Hedwig on his shoulder

as they walked down to the Great Hall.

As soon as they walked into the Great Hall there was a thunderous commotion.

"SURPRISE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!!" Harry gaped open mouthed, and then closed it as

confetti fell all over him and Hedwig. She got aggravated and flew his shoulder, shrugging some of confetti

all over Harry. Harry just looked around at the transformed Great Hall; there were rainbows in the ceiling

enchanted to spell out Happy Birthday. The only table (the head table) was covered with red and gold party

hats, plates, presents, and a full sheet cake with a picture of him catching a snitch on the cake. He then saw

all the quests Ron, Hermione, Sirius (as Padfoot), Remus, all the Weasleys including Bill and Charlie,

Hagrid, Dumbledore, McGonagal, Snape (though he doesn't look to cheerful), Madam Pomfrey, plus his

dorm mates Dean Seamus, and Neville, Nearly Headless Nick, and my gosh is that Moaning Myrtle?! Harry

was speechless and frozen. Dudley pushed Harry with one hand, since the other held Coal.

Everyone was smiling and quietly waiting for his first response after the shock. However, they weren't

getting any.

Finally, Snape spoke up.

"For once, Mr. Potter, your speechless this summer," Snape said and everyone who was at Hogwarts

during the summer including Harry laughed. Everyone else looked confuse, yet smiled anyway.

"Wow, a party? For me?" Harry whispered.

"For you mate, you didn't wonder why you get no note or card this morning?" Harry whispered.

"No, I guess it slipped my mind from the trip to Diagon Alley." Harry said then he smiled.

"Good afternoon everybody, I huh thank you for coming," Harry said as Ron and Hermione came over.

Ron and Harry high fived, then Hermione gave him a quick hug. They then pulled him over too the cake. On

the cake were 15 flames, though no candles. They stopped in front of it. A camera started flying around

taking picture of the three in front of the cake.

"Make a wish, Harry," Hermione said holding his arm in her hand.

"For what? I've got Ron and you, what else do I need?" Harry asked putting his arms around both there

shoulders, then smiled as a picture was taken, both Hermione and Ron blushed and smiled lightly to each

other then back to Harry.

"Then wish for someone else or a miracle," Hermione laughed.

Harry paused and thought of something, let go of his friends and bent closer to the cake. He then blew

all the candles out in one breath. Then everyone felt a slight breeze for a second, which disappeared as

quickly as it started.

"Well what'd you wish for?" Ron asked.

"No, Ron he can't tell or it won't come true," Hermione said laughing.

"Only if you believe it, I'll you both later," Harry said whispering.

Dobby then appeared ready to cut the cake.

"And you may stay Dobby, did you make this cake yourself?" Harry asked.

"Yes, Harry Potter, Dobby made all himself," Dobby said standing proudly and smiling.

"Thanks Dobby, I insist you stay for the party as well," Harry smiled back to Dobby.

"Will do, sir," Dobby said cutting into the cake. After everybody had a piece of white cake and a scoop

of ice cream. Everyone sat around the table talking and laughing. Harry finally went and opened his presents

after everyone had encouraged him. After opening his presents. Almost everyone left who wasn't staying at

Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione took Harry aside and said that Dumbledore said they could stay at Hogwarts

with him the rest of the summer.

Couple hours later the Weasley's, except for Ron, bid farewell to Harry. Mrs. Weasley hugged him first

and after everyone else said good-bye; she hugged both him and Ron at the same time.

"Both of you be good for Dumbledore, and be careful," Mrs. Weasley said sternly, though she was smiling.

She then hugged Hermione and to Dudley's surprises him as well.

Once the Weasleys were gone Harry went straight to Hagrid, since he hadn't been able to say more than

a few words to Hagrid during the party. Hagrid pulled Harry into a big bear hug.

"Hallo, Harry, I heard what the muggles did to ya, ya all right," Hagrid asked looking over Harry's person.

Harry smiled and answered back. "I'm doing better, Hagrid and I've missed you, and Hogwarts really isn't

the same without you."

Hagrid laughed as he wiped away tears.

"Thanks Harry it's good to be back, I'm gonna head on back to me hut. Fang ill prob'ly miss and need

exercised Stop by tomorrow after breakfast, I'll have some rock cakes and tea. You bring along Ron and

Hermione... and your cousin is welcome." Hagrid said looking over at the group talking with Dumbledore.

"Will do Hagrid." Harry said smiling then walked beside Hagrid until he passed the group.

"Good night everyone," Hagrid said to the group and everyone gave a good night back as he left.

"Harry, did you enjoy you party?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Yes sir, whose idea was it? I owe them a thank you," Harry said.

"It's your cousin's idea mostly," Dumbledore said smiling toward Dudley who was standing shyly just

beyond the group.

"You, Dudley, thank you, why'd you do this?" Harry asked.

"Mainly because your teaching me to read, it's a small thank you, plus we made a deal and I planned to

follow through," Dudley said softly.

"Well thank you, Dudley," Harry said then he turned to the headmaster.

"Sir, do you by chance know Hagrid's birthday is?" Harry asked.

"Indeed it was three weeks ago on July 9th," Dumbledore said.

"S**t," Harry exclaimed.

"Harry!" both Ron and Hermione said for different reasons. Ron was shocked and laughing, while

Hermione scowled at Harry's language.

Dumbledore just laughed and said.

"Not to worry, he won't hold it against you, especially when you just found a gift today."

"How-," Harry stopped then shock his head. "Never mind, I'll just give it to him tomorrow." He then

turned to Hermione, Ron, and Dudley. "Hagrid says we can see him in his hut tomorrow. He'll have some

tea and rocks for us."

Chapter Fifteen

That evening Ron, Hermione and Harry were talking in front of the fire. Harry explained what happened

with the Dursley's when Dumbledore came and what has changed at Privet Drive. Even saying that his aunt

may of known about Dudley being a wizard. After that Hermione asked why there was a school governors

meeting, and that Ron's father was putting in more hours at the ministry after the meeting and he wasn't

saying why, or what the meeting was even about.

So Harry went ahead and explained about the chest, him finding out that only an heir can use it. How

Voldemort sent Wormtail after it, how Sirius and him caught Wormtail, how they brought the Minister into

the questioning, and how Fudge accused Harry for his ruined reputation, and what he said back and how

Fudge assaulted and tried to threaten him. Then he said that Dumbledore taken Fudge to the school

governors. Harry explained how Ron's dad took charge and will help the trial for Sirius, Wormtail, and the

Minister get underway. Harry smiled as Ron sat straighter and cheered proudly for his father.

"Can you believe it my dad's the acting Minister of Magic, oh wow," Ron said excitedly, and then he

calmed immediately. "Why didn't we know about it, if fact why isn't anything in the paper yet?"

"I think because Dumbledore needs to change a few things for an article. We can't tell the people yet that

Sirius caught Wormtail and brought him to us. We need to set a few things before the press finds out." Harry

said.

Hermione was still thinking to Harry's tail however.

"Fudge attacked, you?" Hermione asked slightly worried.

"Yes he did," Harry said rolling his sleeves up and showing mostly greenish yellow bruise.

"That's sick but it's wicked, Harry, does it hurt?" Ron asked leaning over to get a closer look at the bruise.

"Just a little," Harry said laughing as Ron grabbed his arm and rolled it around to get an even better look.

"What is it with boys and bruises, cuts, and scars?" Hermione asked looking sickly at Harry's arm.

"Gosh, where do you want us to start, Hermione?" Ron asked as both Harry and Ron laughed.

"They're interesting because they tell a story, plus they help build a persons character," Harry said.

"Okay, I think I get the story, but what do you mean character?" Hermione asked slightly confused.

"Like it helps to learn about your strengths and weaknesses. Like how a baby does something against it's

mothers warning. Like getting to close to the stove. A baby touches it for an instant and gets burned. They

learn two things from the burn. Stay away from the stove and listen to mama. It strengthens their understanding

of their world making them realize they aren't invincible," Harry explained.

Both Ron and Hermione were silent for a moment taking it all in. They then both reacted differently to

Harry's suddenly thoughtful mind.

"Oh no not another Hermione," Ron said sighing.

"Oh my gosh, Harry, you have a central intelligence," Hermione said gasping. "I knew you were smart, but

my gosh, is this what Snape meant earlier when he said you were speechless, it must also be why

Dumbledore is making you the debate club leader... what wrong Harry?" Hermione asked as Harry started

to look uncomfortable.

"I don't like giving my thought process a label, it sounds like I have a computer chip wedged in my brain.

Dudley said it as well on the Hogwarts Express. It made me just as uncomfortable then as well," Harry said

then he got up.

"I know you didn't know, and I'm not mad, just don't label my thoughts okay. I'm going to bed," Harry

said heading for the stairs.

"Hey, Harry?" Ron called getting up and following Harry.

"Yeah Ron," Harry said turning around.

"How about a label for me, so I can brag about it instead?" Ron said smiling and joking.

"Are you sure, because dimwit is highly over used," Harry contoured smiling.

"Yeah, maybe you're right, how about giving me all the reasons I'm a dimwit, anyway," Ron said slinging

an arm around Harry's neck and slightly leaning on him. Hermione stayed in front of the fire thinking what

Harry said about labeling his mind and snickering at the 'boys' conversation on the way to the dormitory.

With Ron interrupting each phrase before Harry finished.

"Remember when you-"

"That's just a rumor,"

"How about when-"

"Whoever says that is a liar,"

"Don't forget the time,"

"Wasn't me, come on Harry give me a reason already,"

"Oh, did I mention,"

"Hey, you saw Bill and Charlie, right?" Ron asked suddenly.

"Yes, but why the change in subject?" Harry asked.

"Because, I have no more excuses."

The next morning after breakfast Ron, Hermione and Harry headed to Hagrids hut, while Dudley wanted

to explore the castle. Of coarse Harry honestly knew Dudley was just to scared of Hagrid and Ron, (though

he seemed quite friendly with Hermione) but he didn't say anything. Harry was carrying a brown package

with double twisted twine.

"So what'd you get Hagrid?" Ron asked.

"Ron, you'll see in a minute," Hermione said exasperated.

"Okay, what'd you wish for Harry, you haven't said yet," Ron asked curiously.

"Ron!" Hermione hissed.

"Hey, he said he'd tell us," Ron said.

"Your right, I wished that Hagrid would like my present," Harry said smiling as Hermione giggled at

Ron's expression.

"Okay, Harry enough of the circle of conversation about the present, the suspense is killing me," Ron

complained they were now about ten feet from Hagrid's hut.

"Great, what would you like on your headstone?" Harry asked innocently.

"How about 'kiss my arse, Potter'" Ron suggested and by now they were at the door and Hermione

knocked. They heard a couple thumped footsteps and the door opened. Showing Hagrids smiling face.

"Hallo, you three, no Dudley, oh well, probably scared of me anyway," Hagrid said ushering them in.

Tea was already warm and waiting for them. So Hagrid poured each a cup and offered a rock cake to

them, which they refused. They spent some time catching up on the past summer. Ron said that the twins

had gotten money from somewhere and were blowing stuff up in their room. That his parents were mostly

worried that a death eater gave them the money and they might be in debt to one. *Opps hadn't thought

of that, I guess I'll owl Mrs. Weasley and the twins tonight* Harry thought grimacing slightly. He didn't

realize that Hermione caught his grimace and smiled. Harry then quickly coughed slightly clearing his throat.

"Er, Hagrid, I have something for you," Harry said holding out the package.

"Ah, Harry you didn't have to," Hagrid said taking the package with tears in his eyes.

He carefully removed the brown paper and read the title out loud.

"The Mark of Zo- er unique name," Hagrid said laughing.

"Zorro, it's Spanish for fox," Hermione said and gave a questioning look to Harry.

"Zorro," Hagrid said saying the name.

"Hagrid, I want you to promise to read that, I'm reading it as well in fact, I've read two chapters. There

are a lot of Spanish or muggle words in it if you need help ask Hermione or me. Now it's a book written

by a muggle author. So it has Muggle California history in it. There is a preface you must read or you may

not understand the book. As soon as you've finished let me know. So I can explain why I gave you this

book," Harry explained.

"Promise Harry, I haven't sat and read a book in a while, I think I'd enjoy it," Hagrid said then read the

preview out loud.

"What's a hacienda and a caballero?" Hagrid asked.

"A caballero is a Spanish gentleman and a hacienda is a large Spanish manor," Harry explained.

"I have a Spanish dictionary in my trunk if you would like to borrow it," Hermione suggested.

"Yes, that'd probably be a good idea," Hagrid agreed.

Hermione looked to Harry.

"I love watching Zorro on TV, never even thought about it being a book," Hermione said.

"Actually the author Johnston McCulley had sent in chapters to a magazine called All Story Weekly, and

was sent in five parts as Zorro's popularity grew in print, it prompted Grossat & Dunlap to republish The

Mark of Zorro in a hard cover edition. It was originally called The Curse of Capistrano in the magazine. In

fact so far the book is more violent than the television programs. Of coarse at the time the TV could only

show rated G programs." Harry said carrying on.

Hagrid opened the book to the preface and read the first paragraph to himself then chuckled.

"Quoting the book, almost word for word even," Hagrid said.

Hermione and Ron laughed as Harry grinned slightly

"You've got to let me read the book when you done," Hermione spoke up as Ron rolled his eyes.

"Sure you could read it once I'm done, or even use your own bookmark and read whenever I don't,"

Harry said.

"And we can compare view points of the book," Hermione said smiling.

"Sounds good to me," Harry said.

"Hey what about me?" Ron asked.

"Read," both Harry and Hermione simply said together.

"Well what am I suppose to read, those muggle books I wouldn't understand," Ron protested.

"It'd give you an insight into the muggle world, you'd also learn to understand our jokes better." Hermione

said.

"Why couldn't you just explain your jokes to me?" Ron asked.

"Because it takes the humor out of a joke if someone has to explain to you," Harry explained.

"Give me an example of a muggle joke, that I wouldn't understand, go on," Ron challenged.

Harry looked at Hermione for a second then Hermione spoke up looking back at Ron.

"Why was the blonde fired from her job at the M&M factory?"

Ron scrunched up his face "What's an M&M?"

Hermione turned back to Harry to see if he knew the answer.

"Yeah, I've heard this one before, because she threw away all the M&M's that had a W printed on

them. You realize that one isn't funny," Harry said.

"True, but I was going for the simplicity of it," Hermione said.

"Okay I get what your saying, but what's M&M?" Ron asked

"It's a muggle candy," Hermione said.

"Would you like to take the idiot test Hermione?" Harry asked smiling. She then grinned back.

"Alright, Harry, I'm game, in fact we should get some muggle board games it help entertain us this summer

in the common room, anyway go ahead."

"Not a bad idea, Hermione, anyway there's a one story house in the country where everything is blue. Now

I'm going to ask you some questions for this house. What color is the sofa?"

"Blue,"

"What color is the door?"

"Blue,"

"And the fridge?"

"Blue,"

"The walls?"

"Blue,"

"The stairs?"

"Blue,"

"No, it's a one story house, there are no stairs, congratulations Hermione you're a 100% idiot," Harry said

smiling holding his hand out and shaking her hand. Going a bit further he ran outside to grab a handful of

dandelions, ran back in and handed the yellow weeds to Hermione and stood her up out of her seat.

"Hermione Granger, is the next Miss Idiot, please give us your first walk," Harry faked commentary in his

fist like a microphone; he laughed as Hermione played along. Holding the weeds along her arm as she

walked around the table blowing kisses to Harry, Ron, and Hagrid. Pretending she's crying.

"Oh thank you, you really like me," Hermione said as both Harry and herself laughed harder at Ron and

Hagrids confused faces.

"See Ron another muggle joke, you didn't understand," Harry said.

"Actually we understand the Miss, the kisses, and speech, but we're wondering if you wanted any tea

with your sugar next time," Ron said.