A/N: Hello! *waves* I'm in a better mood, although I don't believe he's gone...so there! *sticks tongue out* All right, well I'm happy at least a couple people reviewed, although one was rather rude. Never mind that. I'm not arrogant enough to argue with her/him.... Oh, and I'm not exactly sure when the OWLS come, but since his letter usually comes on his birthday, that's when I plan on them coming AND, I have absolutely no idea when they actually get out of school, but I get out in June, so I'm assuming they do too?? For the sake of the story, I'm saying June 20th, alright?...Anyways....On with the story!!!
Disclaimer: I own nothing... nada... zip.. except the plot....and if any characters you don't recognize pop up, then I own them too, unless I say otherwise.
Symbols: '...'= thoughts
```` = dreams
~~~~~~~
"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." *Marcus Aelius Aurelius*
"Often the test of courage is not to die but to live."
*Conte Vittorio Alfieri*
~~~~~~~~
*July 10th*
```````
Harry was walking down the long hallway of the Ministry. The security guards had left, the ceiling was no longer flashing with gold. His footsteps rung eerily in the deafly quiet hall.
The fountain in the middle was still cracked from the battle over a month ago. He stared at it, the wizard and witch crumbled, the house elf's eyes still looking adoringly-
He turned his head away and began to jog towards the door that appeared at the end of the hall. It was the same door he had seen in his dreams all last year-
He whipped the door open and ran in. He didn't see the many different doors as he had seen so many other times...but now he saw the veil-the black veil swaying delicately like a dance in the breeze. He shivered involuntarily.
A voice echoed off the silent walls.
"We are waiting, Harry." He moved forward and stretched out his hand into the veil. It was a bone chilling cold, reaching to the farthest vein in his body. He looked at his outstretched hand and pulled away as though he was electrocuted.
Someone had been pulling on his hand, trying to get out. And as he looked at his hand in horror, he noticed it had begun to decay.
`````````
Harry sat up bolt right in his bed, breathing heavily. He closed his eyes and tried to hear the voice and what he had felt. It was an odd feeling, one he was sure he had felt before. Was it knowing he could do something?
But what it was, he wasn't sure of. He got up from his bed and crossed his room to his window. He leaned against he wall and stared out the window with a kind of longing he had been accustomed to for his entire life.
He had thought about what lay behind the veil during all his lonely hours at the Dursley's house. He had racked his mind, pushed himself to find some answers about it. And he couldn't shake off the feeling that whatever lay behind the veil was connected with his dreams. But as he stared moodily out the window at the full moon, he didn't dare trust his dreams anymore. Not since they had damaged enough already.
'There has to be a way through," Harry thought determinedly. 'Somehow I've got to be able to help Sirius.' He sat back down on his bed and buried his head in his hands. 'There has to be a way. But how am I suppose to get behind that veil unnoticed and come back alive?'
He lifted his head from his hands and ran a hand through his chin length black hair. He sighed as he glanced at the clock; 2:55 a.m. Knowing he'd never be able to get back to sleep, Harry picked up the book Sirius and Remus had bought him for the previous Christmas, "Practical Defensive Magic and It's Use Against the Dark Arts", and silently flipped through impatiently before setting the book down.
Being supposedly restricted to his house and being allowed to practice magic had given Harry more then enough time to master all the spells since he had received the book with relative ease. He set the book down next to him on the bed and cautiously picked up the ancient book that had laid underneath. He lifted lifted it onto his lap and flipped to the page he had marked.
He had bought this book in the most peculiar shop he had ever seen. And to top off the odd sign that had hung crooked over the entrance and the dusty windows that seemed to not have been cleaned in years, was the fact that he had never seen the store before despite his many travels to Diagon Alley. And when he had entered out of pure curiosity, the shop owner seemed so enthusiastic to see a customer, that she brought out anything related to what he'd ask for. This book in his hands was one of the many he had gotten in his yearning to well equip himself in case of any danger in the upcoming year.
He pushed his glasses up on his nose and traced a finger under the sentence he began to read. A moving person demonstrated the curse to the right of the explanation and he followed their moves carefully. He got up and moved his wand around a bit before muttering the spell.
"Duplicado," He said quietly, hoping not to disturb his relatives, though he didn't really care if he did. Nothing happened the first time. Frowning, he rechecked the movements again before repeating the words.
This time, Harry grinned as a form emerged from his wand and stood before him. He had the exact appearance and physique as the real Harry. Harry compared their glasses, the hair length which turned out exactly the same. He'd managed to duplicate himself.
Harry had had a terrible time that summer for more then one reason. But a main reason had been the constant watch he had gained from the Order of the Phoenix. He had grown overly annoyed when he had learned a spell to detect trackers on himself, and had found that the Order knew exactly where he was at all times. So, Harry learned how to throw the trackers off for a matter of time in order to sneak out for walks or learn spells he knew none of the Order would be pleased knowing he had learned them.
Unfortunately, Harry's main target had been Dudley. And after many attempts to throw the trackers off, they had finally caught on and could tell if he had changed their protection for him onto his cousin within a couple of hours.
It didn't really bother Harry, as he could endure the reprimands from his friends, and everyone else. But they had threatened to take away his wand for the summer, something he knew they would never do, but knowing the threat to restrict him from doing magic was strong. So, duplicating himself, Harry reasoned, would give them no chance to figuring him out. He just had to make sure that he didn't use it too much in case they caught on. He didn't want to loose his ability to outsmart the Order for this one time.
After a few more spells, Harry saw that the sun was beginning to rise and Hedwig had returned. He opened the window and allowed his owl to fly onto his shoulder. He was surprised to see that she had two letter tied to her leg, but he wasted no time in taking them off and reading both.
Harry-
HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO TELL YOU NOT TO SWITCH OFF YOU'RE TRACKERS?
Everyone was worried sick, especially Ron and I. Even if you think you're safe, doesn't necessarily mean you are. You know that if you keep this up, they seriously will restrict your magic. They're talking about it now as we speak. You're just lucky you have enough sense to switch it back when you're done.
Anyways, we're coming to collect you from your relative's house tomorrow. Ron says to be ready by 12. I'll see you then, and in the mean time, don't even think about leaving the house again.
Love,
Hermione
Harry sighed and began reading the other letter which was in the untidy scrawl of his other best friend, Ron.
Harry-
Hey mate. You really got Hermione in hysterics again. I suppose she's told you I'm worried about you too, eh? Well, sure I am, but I'm sure you got it under control. Anyways, Hermione says that we have to send this off soon with Hedwig so it'll reach you in time. So I wanted to tell you to be ready at 12. We're coming to get you finally.
See you in a bit
~Ron
Harry looked at his clock. It was only 5 a.m. he rubbed his eyes wearily. Despite his protests that he didn't need anymore sleep, the teenage boy laid down in his bed and drifted off into sleep.
~~~~~
Harry woke up startled to find Remus shaking him awake. He looked tired, as Harry had often seen him. Harry shook his head and glanced at the clock which had previously been so early in the morning. It was now 12:30. He groaned.
"Sorry, lost track of time," he mumbled as he lifted himself out of bed. He heard a giggle from behind him and spun around to see Tonks laughing behind her hand at him. He looked down and blushed. He was only wearing his shorts from the previous day and no shirt. He quickly walked to the closet and retrieved a shirt. He hastily shoved it over his head and turned to face everyone in the room.
It seemed to be the same people that had picked him up the previous year, although this time, it was only Tonks, Remus, Moody, and Mr. Weasly. They watched him curiously.
"Ron said that you're an early riser," Mr. Weasly said as he glanced at the clock by Harry's bedside with a look of excitement at the digital device.
"Yeah, well, stupid dreams, you know," He said vaguely, waving his hand and watching the contents from around the room file into his trunk in mild amusement.
"Imagine that, and to think all that packing could have taken me hours," he said grinning at the adults. But his smile faltered at the surprised faces around him.
"Harry, how much exactly have you been practicing magic over the summer?" Tonks asked him. He shrugged and pocketed his wand which he had left on his beside table the previous time he used it.
"Just a couple of times," he said nervously staring at the doorway. He didn't want to stay at Privet Drive any longer and the stunned silence was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
"Well, come on, Harry. It's time to get you back," Remus said putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Where are we going anyways?" He asked. Tonks grinned and began to push him out the door.
"To never never land, Dorothy."
~~~~~~~
A/N: *groans*. What a terrible chapter. I'm so sorry...Anyways, just for the record, yes I do know my movies, but in case some of you don't get it, Tonks is a witch and therefore just got her muggle movies mixed-up. It's my pathetic attempt at humor in this story, so bear with me. I'm going on vacation on Saturday for about a week, but I plan on writing as much as I can. So look for the next chapter within the next couple of weeks at most.
PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!! I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER!
Sirius: Yes, just review so she doesn't start crying again!
*hugs Sirius*
Sirius: I-need-a-air!
Thanks to the following reviewers:
Tap Dancing Widow: *sigh* I was afraid of that. I tried to lighten this chapter up a bit, and I'm hoping it didn't come off as boring as I thought it was. Thanks so much for reviewing though! I really appreciate it!
Phoenix Tears: Sorry, the title must be a coincidence. But honestly, if you want to compare our stories, that's fine. Just don't leave comments like that because it doesn't encourage me at all. And just to remind you, this is not competition. It's just stories we write, so stop acting like I'm actually trying to compete with you. Anyways, if you have any actual helpful criticism that might help me write better, then please feel free to leave it in a review. But don't leave arrogant comments like that. Thanks for the review.
Disclaimer: I own nothing... nada... zip.. except the plot....and if any characters you don't recognize pop up, then I own them too, unless I say otherwise.
Symbols: '...'= thoughts
```` = dreams
~~~~~~~
"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." *Marcus Aelius Aurelius*
"Often the test of courage is not to die but to live."
*Conte Vittorio Alfieri*
~~~~~~~~
*July 10th*
```````
Harry was walking down the long hallway of the Ministry. The security guards had left, the ceiling was no longer flashing with gold. His footsteps rung eerily in the deafly quiet hall.
The fountain in the middle was still cracked from the battle over a month ago. He stared at it, the wizard and witch crumbled, the house elf's eyes still looking adoringly-
He turned his head away and began to jog towards the door that appeared at the end of the hall. It was the same door he had seen in his dreams all last year-
He whipped the door open and ran in. He didn't see the many different doors as he had seen so many other times...but now he saw the veil-the black veil swaying delicately like a dance in the breeze. He shivered involuntarily.
A voice echoed off the silent walls.
"We are waiting, Harry." He moved forward and stretched out his hand into the veil. It was a bone chilling cold, reaching to the farthest vein in his body. He looked at his outstretched hand and pulled away as though he was electrocuted.
Someone had been pulling on his hand, trying to get out. And as he looked at his hand in horror, he noticed it had begun to decay.
`````````
Harry sat up bolt right in his bed, breathing heavily. He closed his eyes and tried to hear the voice and what he had felt. It was an odd feeling, one he was sure he had felt before. Was it knowing he could do something?
But what it was, he wasn't sure of. He got up from his bed and crossed his room to his window. He leaned against he wall and stared out the window with a kind of longing he had been accustomed to for his entire life.
He had thought about what lay behind the veil during all his lonely hours at the Dursley's house. He had racked his mind, pushed himself to find some answers about it. And he couldn't shake off the feeling that whatever lay behind the veil was connected with his dreams. But as he stared moodily out the window at the full moon, he didn't dare trust his dreams anymore. Not since they had damaged enough already.
'There has to be a way through," Harry thought determinedly. 'Somehow I've got to be able to help Sirius.' He sat back down on his bed and buried his head in his hands. 'There has to be a way. But how am I suppose to get behind that veil unnoticed and come back alive?'
He lifted his head from his hands and ran a hand through his chin length black hair. He sighed as he glanced at the clock; 2:55 a.m. Knowing he'd never be able to get back to sleep, Harry picked up the book Sirius and Remus had bought him for the previous Christmas, "Practical Defensive Magic and It's Use Against the Dark Arts", and silently flipped through impatiently before setting the book down.
Being supposedly restricted to his house and being allowed to practice magic had given Harry more then enough time to master all the spells since he had received the book with relative ease. He set the book down next to him on the bed and cautiously picked up the ancient book that had laid underneath. He lifted lifted it onto his lap and flipped to the page he had marked.
He had bought this book in the most peculiar shop he had ever seen. And to top off the odd sign that had hung crooked over the entrance and the dusty windows that seemed to not have been cleaned in years, was the fact that he had never seen the store before despite his many travels to Diagon Alley. And when he had entered out of pure curiosity, the shop owner seemed so enthusiastic to see a customer, that she brought out anything related to what he'd ask for. This book in his hands was one of the many he had gotten in his yearning to well equip himself in case of any danger in the upcoming year.
He pushed his glasses up on his nose and traced a finger under the sentence he began to read. A moving person demonstrated the curse to the right of the explanation and he followed their moves carefully. He got up and moved his wand around a bit before muttering the spell.
"Duplicado," He said quietly, hoping not to disturb his relatives, though he didn't really care if he did. Nothing happened the first time. Frowning, he rechecked the movements again before repeating the words.
This time, Harry grinned as a form emerged from his wand and stood before him. He had the exact appearance and physique as the real Harry. Harry compared their glasses, the hair length which turned out exactly the same. He'd managed to duplicate himself.
Harry had had a terrible time that summer for more then one reason. But a main reason had been the constant watch he had gained from the Order of the Phoenix. He had grown overly annoyed when he had learned a spell to detect trackers on himself, and had found that the Order knew exactly where he was at all times. So, Harry learned how to throw the trackers off for a matter of time in order to sneak out for walks or learn spells he knew none of the Order would be pleased knowing he had learned them.
Unfortunately, Harry's main target had been Dudley. And after many attempts to throw the trackers off, they had finally caught on and could tell if he had changed their protection for him onto his cousin within a couple of hours.
It didn't really bother Harry, as he could endure the reprimands from his friends, and everyone else. But they had threatened to take away his wand for the summer, something he knew they would never do, but knowing the threat to restrict him from doing magic was strong. So, duplicating himself, Harry reasoned, would give them no chance to figuring him out. He just had to make sure that he didn't use it too much in case they caught on. He didn't want to loose his ability to outsmart the Order for this one time.
After a few more spells, Harry saw that the sun was beginning to rise and Hedwig had returned. He opened the window and allowed his owl to fly onto his shoulder. He was surprised to see that she had two letter tied to her leg, but he wasted no time in taking them off and reading both.
Harry-
HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO TELL YOU NOT TO SWITCH OFF YOU'RE TRACKERS?
Everyone was worried sick, especially Ron and I. Even if you think you're safe, doesn't necessarily mean you are. You know that if you keep this up, they seriously will restrict your magic. They're talking about it now as we speak. You're just lucky you have enough sense to switch it back when you're done.
Anyways, we're coming to collect you from your relative's house tomorrow. Ron says to be ready by 12. I'll see you then, and in the mean time, don't even think about leaving the house again.
Love,
Hermione
Harry sighed and began reading the other letter which was in the untidy scrawl of his other best friend, Ron.
Harry-
Hey mate. You really got Hermione in hysterics again. I suppose she's told you I'm worried about you too, eh? Well, sure I am, but I'm sure you got it under control. Anyways, Hermione says that we have to send this off soon with Hedwig so it'll reach you in time. So I wanted to tell you to be ready at 12. We're coming to get you finally.
See you in a bit
~Ron
Harry looked at his clock. It was only 5 a.m. he rubbed his eyes wearily. Despite his protests that he didn't need anymore sleep, the teenage boy laid down in his bed and drifted off into sleep.
~~~~~
Harry woke up startled to find Remus shaking him awake. He looked tired, as Harry had often seen him. Harry shook his head and glanced at the clock which had previously been so early in the morning. It was now 12:30. He groaned.
"Sorry, lost track of time," he mumbled as he lifted himself out of bed. He heard a giggle from behind him and spun around to see Tonks laughing behind her hand at him. He looked down and blushed. He was only wearing his shorts from the previous day and no shirt. He quickly walked to the closet and retrieved a shirt. He hastily shoved it over his head and turned to face everyone in the room.
It seemed to be the same people that had picked him up the previous year, although this time, it was only Tonks, Remus, Moody, and Mr. Weasly. They watched him curiously.
"Ron said that you're an early riser," Mr. Weasly said as he glanced at the clock by Harry's bedside with a look of excitement at the digital device.
"Yeah, well, stupid dreams, you know," He said vaguely, waving his hand and watching the contents from around the room file into his trunk in mild amusement.
"Imagine that, and to think all that packing could have taken me hours," he said grinning at the adults. But his smile faltered at the surprised faces around him.
"Harry, how much exactly have you been practicing magic over the summer?" Tonks asked him. He shrugged and pocketed his wand which he had left on his beside table the previous time he used it.
"Just a couple of times," he said nervously staring at the doorway. He didn't want to stay at Privet Drive any longer and the stunned silence was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
"Well, come on, Harry. It's time to get you back," Remus said putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Where are we going anyways?" He asked. Tonks grinned and began to push him out the door.
"To never never land, Dorothy."
~~~~~~~
A/N: *groans*. What a terrible chapter. I'm so sorry...Anyways, just for the record, yes I do know my movies, but in case some of you don't get it, Tonks is a witch and therefore just got her muggle movies mixed-up. It's my pathetic attempt at humor in this story, so bear with me. I'm going on vacation on Saturday for about a week, but I plan on writing as much as I can. So look for the next chapter within the next couple of weeks at most.
PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!! I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER!
Sirius: Yes, just review so she doesn't start crying again!
*hugs Sirius*
Sirius: I-need-a-air!
Thanks to the following reviewers:
Tap Dancing Widow: *sigh* I was afraid of that. I tried to lighten this chapter up a bit, and I'm hoping it didn't come off as boring as I thought it was. Thanks so much for reviewing though! I really appreciate it!
Phoenix Tears: Sorry, the title must be a coincidence. But honestly, if you want to compare our stories, that's fine. Just don't leave comments like that because it doesn't encourage me at all. And just to remind you, this is not competition. It's just stories we write, so stop acting like I'm actually trying to compete with you. Anyways, if you have any actual helpful criticism that might help me write better, then please feel free to leave it in a review. But don't leave arrogant comments like that. Thanks for the review.