- Thank you, all you reader's who reviewed my story.
- Now I have some news dealing with the updates. I shall be starting school in a few days, and I may not be able to update as often. Until I get set into my schedule and figure out when I can update, I am uncertain as to when updates will be. When I figure it out I shall inform you.
/ / - Personal thoughts
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Harry woke up to sunlight shining on his face through his dorm window. He slowly opened his eyes to see a beautiful morning outside. Harry smiled and stretched in his bed, then got out of bed. Not bothering to put on his glasses since he didn't need them anymore .He grabbed his things to take a quick shower. After finishing Harry decided to wear a black shirt and pants for the day. He tied his long hair into a ponytail with an elastic band which now clearly showed his famous scar; ever since his birthday his hair was now shoulder-length and straight, no longer messy or untamed. He was very pleased himself when looked into the mirror, his physical changes were slightly noticeable. Now that he didn't have to wear his glasses, his eyes shined brightly and he actually was liked his hair the way it was now. After looking satisfied with himself, Harry walked to his nightstand and grabbed the phoenix amulet and put it on. Over the past two days Harry's memories of what happened the day after his birthday were starting to come back to him, though only fragments he was able to fill in the blanks with what Dumbledore told him. Now that he remembering everything that happened that night, Harry was a little afraid of what was happening to him. But for some reason, which Harry could figure out he was certain that nothing was wrong about it. So Harry decided that he would think about it later.
After leaving the common room he went to the Great Hall to get a quick breakfast, than headed to library to continue his research to find something on what happened to him. But so far over the pass two days he has found absolutely nothing, and it was really starting to irritate him. Today Harry was going to borrow a few books from the restricted section with his invisibility cloak when Madam Pince wasn't looking.
After grabbing three books that caught his attention from the restricted section, Harry put the in the cloak so Madam Pince didn't see him leaving with them. When he got back to the common room he sat in a remote corner of the room, incase a professor came in. The first book didn't really have anything that Harry was looking for, but it was informative about mediation and seeing ones really self, which intrigued him. Harry decided that maybe later he could try it; maybe it could help him understand his 'other' form. Unfortunately his patience was wearing very thin with trying to find some kind of information that will help him. Today though his frustration was starting to get the better of him, as he was looking at the last book still finding nothing. Harry slammed the book closed, making a loud echo run through the room. Feeling very annoyed Harry slouched in the chair he was sitting in and closed his eyes to try and relax. As Harry sat there, he heard the same phoenix song that he heard during his birthday and brush of wind on his face. Harry opened his eyes to see Fawkes perched on the armrest of the chair he was sitting in. Fawkes continued singing the melody and Harry started falling asleep. As Harry dreamed a gentle voice started speaking:
There shall come a time
When the world will be covered in darkness by a great evil
But its reign will fall and rise by
The light of the stag and flower
The one shall have the mark of the storm upon him
He will know no blood kin that has love for him, except one in time
He will be alone in his life till that day
His coming of age, will be his change
His ancestor of old, will aid him
The Lord of Light shall return
When the voice stop speaking, Harry woke up from his apparent hap. /That song was beautiful, wait a minute it's the same one I heard during my birthday, but where did those words come from. / Wondered Harry as Fawkes continued singing the phoenix song. After a few minutes Harry was so relaxed from the song that he fell asleep, with Fawkes watching over him. In Harry's dream he was in standing in a black void, fill with a gentle silver mist moving along the ground. As Harry walked around wondering what was going to happen, he could hear faintly a sound entering his hearing range. He could hear the same phoenix song that he heard earlier; only this time there were no words. In the distance he could see a small dot of light steady growing. As it continued to grow a flying creature could be seen in it coming closer. When the flying creature came into view, Harry nearly fell over in shock it came into view. The creature was the same silver and gold phoenix from his dream on his birthday. The phoenix stopped moving towards him, and was flying about a foot in front of him. Harry could only stare at the phoenix, but as he looked at it he felt safe with it there.
Suddenly Harry woke up to something hitting his face. When he opened his eyes to see what did it, he saw Pig, Ron's tiny owl was flying around the room. Harry groaned from being awakened in such a rude way, he looked down in his lap to see a letter address to him. Harry immediately recognized Ron's messy handwriting, and opened the letter and read it.
Dear Harry,
Hey Harry, how are you doing? I read in the Daily Prophet that Sirius was cleared of all charges. That great, now he doesn't have to run and hide anymore. You know you had me and Hermione really worried, when my Dad told us that, that muggle house you lived in disappeared. Especially Hermione was worried about you, when we got the news. We didn't find out about happened to you until almost three days later, she was hysterical during those days. Hermione is staying at my house till the term starts. You can come over if you want. And if you can't, we were planning on getting our supplies on Aug. 28, maybe we can see you than, and you can explain what happened. Write back right after you read this.
Ron
Harry could only feel guilty that he hadn't written to his friends since everything happened. Harry told Pig to wait while he went to write a reply to Ron's letter, of course Pig zipped around the common room happily. After Harry got some parchment he quickly wrote his reply
Dear Ron and Hermione,
I'm perfectly fine. Both of you worry too much you know. By the way, Sirius is here at Hogwarts working for Dumbledore. But no one is telling me what he's doing. It's great having him here and cleared of all charges, now I don't have to worry about him being caught. I'm sorry I can't come over, but I can meet you guys at Diagon Alley on Aug. 28. How about we meet in front of Gringotts around 10 am? Tell Hermione not to worry about me. I'll be seeing you guys on Aug. 28.
Harry
Once he finished he tied it to Pig's leg. Pig jumped up into the air once Harry was done tying the letter, and rocketed around the room. At that moment the portrait hole opened, and Dumbledore and Sirius stepped in. Pig being so excited nearly plodded into Sirius head if he didn't move at the last second and missed Dumbledore's face by a fraction of an inch, but he didn't flinch instead he just smiled at the tiny owl that just flew out of the window.
"What the bloody hell was that?" shouted Sirius get off the floor after dodging Pig's flying. Both Harry and Dumbledore chuckled at Sirius' surprised face.
"That Sirius was Pig. You remember don't you, the tiny hyperactive owl you gave Ron." replied Harry pointing to the window that Pig just flew out of.
"Oh yeah I remember now. By the way, what was that about?" asked Sirius taking a seat next to Harry, while Dumbledore took a seat opposite of Sirius.
"That was Ron asking me if I could go to Diagon Alley on the 28th." answered Harry to Sirius' question.
"And what was you reply?" asked Dumbledore, with a twinkle in his eyes.
"I said I would meet them there." replied Harry, hoping that neither men would say otherwise. To Harry's great relief they didn't.
"Good. I think it would do you good to at least get out of the castle for a little awhile. Don't you agree?" asked Dumbledore. Harry only smiled and nodded.
Once they were done discussing what they were going to do when Harry goes to Diagon Alley, Harry could sense that their conversation was about to become serious. "Harry there is a reason that we've come up here." said Dumbledore in a firm tone, confirming Harry's suspicions. "I've already informed Sirius here of what happened the night that you arrived. And I am still a little curious on a few things that happened." continued Dumbledore looking at Harry. Harry was starting to get nervous, he was certain that what Dumbledore was probably wondering about the supposed hair change and being able to apparate to the castle. / Oh no. What should I tell him? Should I probably tell him that I remember everything, but leave out knowing about my hair change. Especially since it happened on my birthday. Yes, I think that I'll stick with that story for now, until I find out more about what's happening to me. / Thought Harry quickly to himself.
"Yes, I've been thinking about that too. And I've also been trying to remember what happened to me that night and I think I pretty much can recall everything." replied Harry trying his best to sound convincing.
"And what does your memory tell you?" asked Dumbledore eyeing Harry trying to see if there was anything he was hiding.
"That everything that you told me and what happened was true. But I'm still confused about the change in my hair and how I was able to apparate not just me but the entire Dursley house?" wondered Harry. He told himself that he was answering truthfully, at least partly and he was still genuinely curious about him being able to apparate. Dumbledore just smiled at Harry's honesty and curiosity, but could sense that there was still something that he wasn't telling him. However he put it in the back of his mind, and would think about it later, so he gave his theory on how everything happened.
"Well, Harry, I do have a theory on those two things. Would you like to hear them." replied Dumbledore to Harry's curiosity. Harry only nodded showing that he was ready for whatever answer he was about to get. "Well, I believe what you experience was a very powerful magical surge of some sort. Magical surges as you might have guessed are exactly what they sound like, which is a huge surge of magical energy. It usually occurs when the wizard or witch is very angry." Said Dumbledore looking at Harry making sure the information he was taking in was satisfactory. When he nodded showing that understood, Dumbledore continued, "As for how you were able to apparate through the wards of the school. My guess is that, when you wanted to appear here you had to fight with the wards to finally land here. That's why the school grounds shook just before you arrived; they were trying to prevent you from landing here. But seeing that you were having a magical surge at the time and you were determined to get here. You were able to how shall we say, 'punched a hole in the wall' but don't worry after arriving the hole sealed itself up apparently." Sensing that Harry was worried that he might have caused a permanent breach in the protection wards. After seeing Harry relax from the news that there was no damage.
"That's a relief. I hate to be the reason, why people are able to apparate on to the school grounds." Harry stated, relaxing after hearing what Professor Dumbledore said. "Okay, the magical surge explains how I was able to apparate here. But what about what my aunt said about my hair changing?" asked Harry trying to sound like he didn't have a clue on what that was about.
"Well, Harry that is still a little confusing. But I surmise that maybe when you were experiencing the magical surge, the amount of energy that was flowing through you was enormous. Now because the energy was so large, it was physically showing on your body. And the way it was showing, was the change in your hair." said Dumbledore after explaining how he thinks everything happened. Harry sat there deep in thought, trying to see if what Professor Dumbledore said sounded like a reasonable explanation. After saying that he agreed with his professor's theory, Harry was happy to see Sirius just accepted everything. For the rest of the afternoon the three stayed in the common room and talk, the things they talked about ranged from quidditch to who they had a crush on during school, which Harry absolutely stayed out of and ignored Sirius every time he asked him. During their conversation they challenged each other playing wizards chess, which both Professor Dumbledore and Sirius slaughtered Harry every time.
Harry woke up when the sun was just rising over the horizon, and was feeling very happy this morning. Last night he didn't have any nightmares about the third task or Voldemort, and today he was going to see his best friends Ron and Hermione. Harry quickly changed into some running shorts and shirt and grabbed his shoes to go jogging around the lake. For the past two weeks in the morning, Harry started exercising by jogging around the lake and doing push-ups and sit-ups. However during the day Harry just relaxed and explored the castle finding secret passages with Sirius. Ever since Sirius was cleared, he was been spending as much time as possible with Harry talking about the good old days terrorizing the Slytherins and showing him all the secret passages he knew. During his time with Harry, he would drop subtle hints suggesting that he and his friends should become pranksters, which Harry was more than willingly to become. And during the afternoon Harry flew on his broom and practiced his quidditch seeker skills. He figured that if his magic couldn't help him in a fight against Voldemort, maybe at least a good physical body will help in throwing a few good punches or at the very least help in escaping. In the first week, Harry's body wasn't quite use to the stain he was putting it under, but he was determined. Now this past week, Harry wasn't even that tired when he did his exercise routine, instead he was feeling slightly better physically. He noticed that with what little he was doing he did develop a small amount of muscle and it was giving him a better physique even though he was still thin. After finishing his morning exercise routine, Harry quickly showered and changed into some comfortable black pants and shirt and shoes. When it was about quarter to ten, Harry went to Professor Dumbledore's office to use his fireplace and floo to Diagon Alley.
After exiting the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry quickly looked around to see if maybe the Weasleys and Hermione arrived earlier. Seeing that they hadn't arrived yet Harry decided to wait at Gringotts for them to arrive. As walked down the alley he noticed that most of the people there were students and their parents buying their supplies. When Harry reached Gringotts he thought maybe he should go get some money out of his vault, since he knew the Weasleys were exactly always timely. After deciding that it would be all right, Harry went to one of the available goblins and asked to be taken to his vault. Harry never really enjoyed the cart ride to his vault, nor did he like it after getting some money out. As Harry just a few feet from the main door, he could hear two worried voices that he was all too familiar with.
There in front of him was Hermione and Ron waiting for him, and all Harry could do was smile at seeing two friends look worriedly around the alley for him. Hermione seemed the one more worried out of the two of them as she asked rather loudly to Ron, "Where can he be? He said he would here? What if something happened to him? What if…" But Ron cut her off before she could finish her next question,
"Hermione, calm down and relax. Yes I'm a little worried about Harry too; it's not like him to be late. But we've never known him to completely forget about meeting us somewhere." asked Ron calmly, but his eyes did show some worry and fear.
"Yeah you're right." said Hermione after taking a few slow and deep breaths. "But I've been really worried about him, ever since he was attacked at his relative's home." continued Hermione who was a lot more calmer than before.
"Yes, I know. I've been worried also. Why don't we wait for another few minutes and if he doesn't show up, we'll go find my dad and tell him? Okay?" Ron suggested trying to comfort Hermione's worry and fear. Harry was finding it a little hard not to giggle, at seeing his friends worry far too much about him. He also found it funny that in his 4 to 5 minutes of standing there behind them, they still haven't noticed him. Finally seeing that he kept them waiting long enough, he decided to make his presence known. He walked up behind them to where he was only two feet away, noticing they still haven't seen him, so he decided maybe a verbal announcement might catch their attention.
"You know, you two guys worry far too much about me." said Harry finally, holding back his giggling. Both Ron and Hermione jumped from being startled by their friend and quickly turned around.
"Harry!" both practically screamed after hearing what the person behind them said, assuming it was Harry. But after turning around and looking at the person, their faces immediately went from surprise to confusion. When they turned around they expected to see Harry but instead there behind them was a person they have never seen before. Both of them just stared at the young tall man about the age of 15 or 16 yrs old with black hair tied back into a ponytail and green eyes standing in front of them.
"Oh sorry. We thought you were someone else." This came from Ron, staring at Harry not recognizing him. Harry on the other hand was shocked, here he was standing in front of his two best friends for four years and they don't recognize him. He quickly looked down at himself to see if anything different about him besides the obvious things that he knew of. Sudden Harry realized why they don't recognize him, he never told them that he didn't need his glasses anymore and his hair was now longer and straighter. He noticed that his skin color was lightly dark than his usual pale appearance. But what really surprised him was that even though he probably did look different, he thought they would his eye color and his scar of all things. With all of this now coming to mind, Harry couldn't help himself by laugh audibly and lean against one of the columns in front of Gringotts.
As Harry was laughing and supporting himself against the column, both Ron and Hermione were looking at him strangely. / Who is this guy? He must be some kind of lunatic. / Thought Ron deciding whether or not to go somewhere else before this guy does something. / Why is this guy laughing? This guy is strange, although he is sort a cute. And for some reason with him laughing at us, I don't feel the least bit nervous. Actually the laugh reminds of Harry. / Thought Hermione as to surveyed the young man. At that moment Harry straightened himself upright and looked at his friends and just smiled widely. / Why does that smile look so familiar? And his emerald eyes just sparkle with that smile… Wait a minute? His eyes? / Wondered Hermione, till she suddenly realized who the person in front of her was. As Harry watched them, he noticed Hermione face went from confusion to surprise, and he knew she figured out who he was.
"Well, I see that you figured out who I am, Hermione." said Harry looking at Hermione and smiling. Till suddenly Harry was tackled by a tight hug from Hermione, but he was quick enough to stop himself from falling to the ground. Both Harry and Ron were surprised at Hermione's suddenly action, especially Harry but he didn't try to push her away. Ron on the other hand was shocked that Hermione was suddenly hugging some stranger they just meet, till he himself realized who she was hugging.
"Is really you, Harry?" asked Hermione after releasing Harry a bit but still keeping her arms on him and looking at him closely.
"Yes, Hermione it's me." replied Harry happily, completely forgetting that he and Hermione are still holding each other. "Hey Ron, how's your summer been?" asked Harry directing his attention to his apparently stunned friend.
"Fine. Fine. Um, how was yours Harry?" asked Ron slowly coming out of his shock, and finally noticing the Harry and Hermione are still holding each other. "Um, are you two going to stay like that all day?" asked Ron eyeing his two friends. Right after Ron asked his second question, both Harry and Hermione looked at each other realized why he asked that last question and jumped apart. Both were blessing the same color of red as Ron's hair.
"No." both said looking completely embarrassed. All Ron could do was cough to hide his laugh.
"My summer has been pretty good, since I'm staying up at school." Harry answered to Ron's first question. After about two minutes of silence, Harry broke it. "How about we start our shopping?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, lets go." replied Hermione. Harry and Ron nodded. Ron already had his money, only Hermione had to change her muggle money to wizard money. After getting her money changed they decided to get their books first. As they were walking to Flourish and Blotts, Harry was able to finally get a good look at Hermione and Ron. Both have changed during the summer. Ron was now 5'11'' just a few inches taller than him, and had developed some muscle, which Harry guessed was probably from practicing quidditch at home. Since he heard that Ron wanted to try out for the team. Hermione had also got a little taller, she was now just an inch or two short than him. Her hair had gotten straighter and was no longer bushy. Hermione had also developed into quite a young lady, which Harry had a hard time not looking at. He tried not to be too obvious, and fortunately they arrived at their destination to take his mind off Hermione.
When they enter the bookstore they separated to look for their books individually. After they got all their required books and paid for it, they went to restock their potions supplies. After refilling their potions supplies, Harry said he needed some new robes since he grew a few inches this summer. While Ron and Hermione were inside waiting for Harry, Ron told them that Fred and George got him a brand new dark blue dress robe. He couldn't figure out why his brothers did it, but Harry hid his smile since he told them to buy Ron a new dress robe. When Harry finished he needed to get Hedwig some owl treats, so Ron and Hermione also went to get treats for their pets. Once done Harry and Ron wanted to go to the Quidditch shop and look around, while Hermione said she would just wait outside. After thirty minutes of waiting outside, Hermione was getting a little impatient so she went in to see what was taking so long. She rolled her eyes when she saw her two friends nearly drooling over the new broom on display the, Lightningbolt 3000. Which from the display she was able to read, that is was basically the same as a Firebolt only it was two and a half times faster. Of course she didn't see what the big deal was, but she knew if she started commenting on it, Ron would start to argue. So she just kept quiet.
Once they were done they decided to eat some ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. After they got their ice cream and they settled at a table outside the shop. Ron looked at Harry, and he knew what coming, he had expected to come sooner or later. "All right Harry, spill. What happened at your relative's house, and why do you look so… so different?"
Harry took a deep breath and started his story. As Harry telling his story, he noticed both Ron and Hermione were on the edge of their seats wanting to hear every single detail. He told them about the strange occurrence on the night of his birthday, although he carefully left out his uncle beating him and discovering his hair changed the next morning. When he told them about the dream, both showed worry, but when Harry told them that less an a few minutes after sending the letter the attack occurred. When they heard that both were shocked, but Harry continued his story. He told them that he dueled with the Death Eaters, and got two of them but missed one. But what really shocked his friends was when he told them about his magical surge, and that he had transported himself and the entire Dursley house on the grounds of Hogwarts. Harry felt that he probably shouldn't tell them about his hair changing again and the apparent white aura and glowing eyes. Seeing as that he didn't tell Professor Dumbledore, he decided that it would be best no one found out until, he found something. After finishing Harry waited for Ron and Hermione to make their usual comments, which they provided after about two minutes of complete silence. They discusses what else might have happened and Harry informed them of Professor Dumbledore's theory, and the two agreed that it was the most reasonable explanation. However Harry was entirely convince of his theory, but he didn't say anything.
The trio spent the rest of the day talking about anything that interested them. Ron asked Harry if he knew who the DADA professor was going to be. Unfortunately Harry didn't know who it was going to be, but they hoped that it wasn't Snape. During the day Harry finally got to see the rest of the Weasley family, and Mrs. Weasley gave Harry a tight hug that nearly suffocated him. They greeted each other warmly and talked for a little bit before they continued their shopping. While Harry was talking to Mrs. Weasley he noticed that Ginny had grown a bit, but was still a little shy around him and blushed every time he looked at her. At one point Fred and George pulled Harry to the side thanking Harry again for his wonderful donation to their joke shop. It was late into the afternoon by the time, Harry, Ron, and Hermione decided to head back home. After Harry got back into his dorm room and put everything away, he decided that dinner would be good. As Harry walked down to the Great Hall, he was feeling the best he had in days and had the biggest smile on his face.
A/N: ATTENTION. I'm sure you've noticed that there appears to be something between Harry and Hermione. You readers are going to determine where this 'relationship' goes. All right this is my question, do you want something "more" to happen between Harry and Hermione, or just keep as a good friendship and nothing more? Because I only made them notice the changes that the other went through. Put your answer on the review or email me if you want to. But just as a warning, if there is a 'go' for HP and HG. I'm not the best at romance stuff, but I will try if you readers are want there to be something between the two characters.
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