Disclaimer: not mine.

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Chapter 8 begins..

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It was a stormy night on Hollow's eve, and the full moon.. hehe just kidding and now the really chappie begins.

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Actually it was raining. It was muggy and humid and the glass of ice water in Harry's hand had lost the ice and was sweating profusely.

Harry was sweating too. Besides the fact that he had just been out running, Harry was nervous and breathing irregularly.

"Hello, Harry Potter. I am Albus Dumbledore." Harry heard the words without understanding them. In one ear and out the other..

Albus Dumbledore! Where had Harry heard that name before! It sounded extremely familiar yet where would he have heard the name of a wizard? Certainly, his aunt or uncle had never talked of him. The letter! Yes Harry was certain that the name was on the invitation to Hogwarts he had received before his birthday! "Albus Dumbledore", Harry remembered, "Order of Merlin.First Class". and then some other titles... But what had been right before the name? Headleader? Headmister? Headmaster! Yes! Harry was almost certain that was it.

"Albus Dumbledore" Harry muttered, still thinking. "Are you headmaster of Hogwarts?"

Dumbledore was surprised. "Yes, I am" he responded studying Harry. He did look like James, as Hagrid had said. He was gangly looking but his eyes showed him as softer, more profound. Dumbledore's eyes fell to the scar on Harry's forehead. Although Albus had learned much about the connection between Harry's scar and that which gave it to him, he wasn't sure of the effect the curse gave to Harry's magical abilities. Dumbledore just hoped that Harry's great potential was used in a positive manner.

Harry jerked Dumbledore out of his thoughts. "I'm not going," Harry responded, sounding more sure than he was. Now suddenly with this old man in the foyer, magic didn't seem so scary after all. Obviously, Harry thought, not every wizard dies a premature death like his parents. The man before him was proof to that. Plus this man didn't seem like the type of person who would go murder or hurt another living thing. He seemed rather gentle and nice, Harry thought.

"Not going .. to Hogwarts?" Dumbledore ventured.

Harry sighed. "No, I'm sorry, it sounds great." Harry said to be polite, "but it's just not for me." It wasn't the best excuse, but Harry didn't want to tell the man that he had been scared of magic.

Dumbledore laughed. It was a hearty and good-natured laugh. "Hogwarts" Dumbledore said, still laughing, "Not quite for Harry Potter?"

"Harry Dursley".. Harry muttered in an inaudible breath.

"Harry, dear" Dumbledore said, stepping into the kitchen and pulling out a chair. Sitting down he said, "Let me tell you something."

Harry felt that he should be scared. At the least, Harry felt that he shouldn't listen to the old man because Harry knew he was going to tell him something that was going to persuade Harry to leave. But Harry also felt excited. Perhaps the man, Dumbledore, was going to tell him about magic or flying, or answer one of his questions about his parents!

"I think you know this already, Harry, but your parents went to Hogwarts." Harry nodded. "They were very good students", Dumbledore said, "And they loved magic. They loved you too. I think they would have wanted you to follow in their footsteps, and I know they wouldn't have wanted you to pass up the opportunity to go to Hogwarts. It's a very good school, the very best school of witchcraft and wizardry."

Now Harry was worried for a different reason. "But I don't know how to be a witch!" Harry said exasperated.

"Of course not", Dumbledore said chuckling, "You'll learn that at school. You'll learn how to be a wizard., Harry, witches are female. But I wouldn't worry if I were you. You are already a very good wizard. You've done magic that even I can not do."

Harry was still concerned. Harry had talked to snakes on two occasions, and he had made the lid of the garbage can move without his touching it. Was that amazing magic? "But I haven't hardly done any magic in my life!" Harry exclaimed, "Except for I made a lid fly once, and I can talk to."

"It was before you can remember." Dumbledore interrupted. "When you were just a baby." Harry could feel Dumbledore's eyes looking at his scar again. Again Harry, had that feeling of familiarity with the old man. In fact, Harry was sure he had met him before. It was more than just recognition of a name; Harry knew he had seen this person before.

"When I was a baby." Harry repeated. He was so confused. Now suddenly, it made so much sense to go to Hogwarts. After all, his parents had, and they apparently loved it. He would probably get to fly, and meet other people who wanted to fly and could do magic. If Harry stayed with his aunt and uncle, he would always seem a little out of place. Plus, if Harry really didn't like it, then he could just come back home. Harry was excited that he had made his decision. He could already feel himself flying ..

"Can you fly?" Harry asked suddenly. What if flying wasn't part of Hogwarts?

"Oh most certainly. There are all different types of levitation and transportation and apparition in the magical community. There's even a sport that is played on broomsticks! In fact, your father, Harry, was quite good at it."

There was a long pause, in which Harry was thinking of many things.

"So, Harry, do you still want to stay at here?" Dumbledore asked, although he already knew the answer.

"Well, um, Mr. Dumbledore, if it's still ok, then maybe, would it be alright, if I did go?"

Dumbledore beamed. "Of course!! We would love it if you would come, Harry!" Dumbledore laughed.

"But if I don't like it..." Harry offered, "Then can I come back home?"

"I promise you, Harry, that you'll love everything about Hogwarts." Dumbledore said, still smiling.

"But."

"But if you don't," Dumbledore said, "Then I promise that you can come back here."

"Oh good!" Harry said, suddenly excited. He paused. "So.. What happens next?" he asked.

"What happens next?" Dumbledore asked rhetorically. "We leave! It's August 30th, Harry! Term starts in two days and you don't have any of your things! We're going to have to leave right away if we want to reach Diagon Alley today!"

Dumbledore was excited, but Harry's heart dropped. Leave today? Right now? But he wouldn't be able to say goodbye to any of his friends. to Dennis and Peirs. and he wouldn't see them for a whole year! Suddenly Harry thought of another concern. His parents. His mum and dad would be furious if Harry went to Hogwarts. Plus they would be worried about him all the time. What woud Dudley think of him if he persued magic. Everyone in Harry's family hated magic. Would they hate him too then?

"So go gather up your things, Harry. You'll probably need to bring all of your clothes and your toiletries. And students like to bring their own pillows and pictures from home. You can bring books, games, really whatever you want. Once we have gone shopping, though, you won't use most of your muggle things again. Ok Harry? Are you alright?"

"Yes yes" Harry responded, snapping out of his trance, "I was just wondering. um.. maybe. . I'll go pack now. In a suitcase?"

"A trunk would be preferred."

"I don't have a trunk." Harry responded, getting up and heading for the stairs.

"Well then sure a suitcase is fine."

"I'll be down soon then, ok?"

"Sure, I'll just step out for a minute. I've other business to attend to."

Harry watched in amazement as Dumbledore disappeared with a soft pop. He went upstairs to get his things in order, wondering if this was such a good idea after all.

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Woo-hoo! More later- I mean ill update this like asap tomorrow Byebye

Emily

R/R