A/N: Ok, here's the mass update. Six chapters for your reading pleasure, that's over 13,000 words!
Thanks for the reviews. It's because of your reviews that I'm uploading so many instead just one, so give yourself a big pat on the back :)
Enjoy!
20. A Meeting and a Change in Plans
Harry broke out of his trance, sweating. Despite the brief trip into Voldemort's head, Harry had a pretty good idea about what was being planned. The "pieces" that the man reported as found must be the pieces of the Orb of Tomsduval, the object that will take time to restore. Voldemort was planning another attack on Hogwarts, and for a second Harry panicked before he remembered that the man said it would take sometime between six months to a year for the Orb to be restored. Harry privately thought it would probably be closer to a year, but he thought Voldemort looming over you can work wonders. Harry knew he had to warn Hogwarts, to warn Dumbledore. But not wanting to do anything rash, and with the benefit of time on his side, Harry returned to his flat and spent the rest of the day in deep thought.
Two days later, Harry set out first thing in the morning and took the long port route to the city of Bristol. At the owl post there, he spoke to the manager and was swiftly reunited with his beloved Hedwig. Knowing that people would be looking for Harry, he could not risk using Hedwig to send and receive mail; she was too recognizable, and it wouldn't take a wizard of Dumbledore's ability long to track her back to Harry. So, he had "rented" Hedwig to the owl post in Bristol. Hedwig was overjoyed to see Harry, and she fluttered around excitedly before settling on his arm.
"Hello there girl," Harry said affectionately. He offered her an owl treat, and then took her outside. They played for an hour before Harry called her down. "I need you to deliver this letter to Dumbledore," he said, tying a letter to Hedwig's leg. "No reply needed." Hedwig seemed to nod, before giving Harry one last nip on the ear and flying off. Harry smiled as he watched Hedwig fly away, and then headed back to the portkey station. It was a long way home.
One week after sending Hedwig off, Harry ported to the magical district of Coventry. It was small, consisting of only the station, a Gringott's branch (they were everywhere), three shops, and a tavern. Harry entered the tavern and found a seat facing the entrance. He ordered a butterbeer and waited. Fifteen minutes later, an aged man with a long, white beard entered the tavern and sat at a table, also facing the entrance. He was immediately recognizable, and several of the patrons greeted him. He ordered pumpkin juice from the waitress, than sat quietly, occasionally looking up as people entered the door. Harry waiting five minutes, watching for anything out of the ordinary. Finally, butterbeer in hand, he approached the table. "Professor Dumbledore," Harry said.
Dumbledore looked at Harry with a smile, but without recognition in his eyes. "Hello," he said with a friendly smile.
"May I sit down?"
"Ah, perhaps later. I'm sorry, but I'm currently waiting on someone," Dumbledore said apologetically.
"He's just arrived," Harry said with a grin, and then sat down. Dumbledore regarded him with confusion, then a smile slowly made its way to his lips.
"Harry?" he whispered. Harry nodded, then pointed to his forehead. For a split second, his scar appeared. Dumbledore looked pleased. "I see you've improved your Metamorphagus skills significantly. It's good to see you, Mr.-"
"Harrington. Sean Harrington", Harry finished, also pleased, for two reasons. It wasn't often that his old headmaster was fooled, and more importantly, Harry found that simply changing his most recognizable features (the hair, glasses, eye color, and scar) was sufficient to hide his identity. Harry was happy he wouldn't have to do other changes to his face, like to his nose or cheekbones, since he wasn't sure he could maintain all the changes to his face at once. Harry got right to the point. "I asked you to meet me here to warn you. For awhile now, I've been peeking into Voldemort's activities, and I've found something worrisome," Harry said.
"How do you know that your visions are authentic?"
"You were right when you said Voldemort transferred some of his powers. In addition to Parseltongue, Voldemort gave me his legilimency and occlumency abilities." Dumbledore nodded in acceptance. Harry continued, "Voldemort has found all the pieces to the Orb of Tomsduval. He intends to restore it, and then use it to attack Hogwarts again. He was told that the restoration would take six to twelve months time."
Dumbledore looked grave at Harry's news. "That is very worrisome news indeed. Thank you, Mr. Harrington. I will set up some additional wards and ask for Ministry assistance in protecting Hogwarts."
"There's more. I," Harry said, pausing. "I want to come back to Hogwarts." Noticing Dumbledore's look of surprise, Harry continued quickly. "For two reasons. One: I want to be there to help protect Hogwarts. Two: if he does attack, this will be my best chance to confront him. These past months he's rarely left his lair, and I've never been able to find out where he's going until it's too late," Harry said bitterly.
Dumbledore looked at him with his customary twinkle. "Mr. Harrington, nothing would make me happier then for your return to Hogwarts. I know the students would love to have you back."
But Harry shook his head. "Harry Potter won't be going to Hogwarts; Sean Harrington will. If Voldemort knows Harry Potter has returned, he might try something."
Dumbledore looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "The trick will be coming up with a convincing cover story…" he mused.
"I have a few ideas about that," Harry said, interrupting. "Perhaps I could be hired as the gameskeeper's assistant? Or someone to help Filch, as unpleasant as that would be. I've never seen any people in the kitchens, just House Elves, but maybe I could work in the background somewhere."
Dumbledore shook his head. "Harry, I know I've failed you in so many ways. I mean to make it up to you as best as I can. One thing I can do, as Headmaster of Hogwarts, is to make sure you get a full education. You will return as a student."
Harry's surprise showed on his face. "But how? I don't want to take anyone's place..."
"Don't worry, Mr. Harrington. You won't. You will be Hogwarts' latest transfer student."
"Transfer student? Hogwarts has transfer students?"
Dumbledore nodded. "As you know, the name of a child who is to be accepted to Hogwarts is written in a magical book when they are born. However, not all the selected children attend Hogwarts. Some cannot afford the high price of a Hogwarts education, and we only have so many scholarships to offer. And sometimes the child's family moves, and the new location is not agreeable."
"Scholarships?" Harry said, surprised again. "Hogwarts has scholarships?"
"Of course, Mr. Potter. You yourself are a recipient of a scholarship, as was Tom Riddle. There are other programs as well. For example, the Weasley's benefit from a subsidy for the children of Ministry employees."
Harry nodded. "If not all the children attend Hogwarts, then where do they go?"
"There are three comprehensive schools in Europe. Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. There are two more in America, and two in Asia. These seven schools are called comprehensive because they comprise first through seventh year students, and cover all aspects of a magical education." Dumbledore explained. "However, not all magical children go to comprehensive schools; you'll notice there are only about three hundred students at Hogwarts. There are innumerous smaller, 'trade' schools. These schools cover only specific parts of magic, such as potions, charms, etc."
Harry nodded, very interested in this aspect of the wizarding world that he never knew about.
"We shall say you are an orphan, accepted to Hogwarts but unable to afford it. You have been going to various trade schools, where your exceptional abilities and intelligence earned you ten OWLs. Your achievement was brought to my attention over the summer by one of your headmasters, and I offered you a scholarship, which you accepted. You shall be the first transfer student at Hogwarts in twelve years."
Harry smiled broadly; he would much rather be a transfer student than carry Filch's mops around for a whole year. "I love the idea."
"It won't be easy, Mr. Harrington," Dumbledore warned. "You have missed six months of your sixth year; you will be behind your old classmates, and you will have to work very hard to catch up, especially with NEWTs in your seventh year." Dumbledore paused. "I have many things to prepare, and you have many decisions to make. Let us agree to meet again in two weeks time. In the meantime, you need to decide which year you want to enter: sixth year where you'll be ahead, or seventh year where you'll be behind. Consider which House you would like to be in, as I can charm the Hat to do as you wish, and which classes you want to take."
Harry nodded. "I will contact you with a meeting place and time." Harry stood. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," he said, before exiting the tavern.
"No, thank you, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore whispered.
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Two weeks later, it was all decided. Harry would enter Hogwarts as a seventh year. He was confident that his training would help him in the practical aspects, such as Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. He was worried about some of the more knowledge-based subjects, but he would work hard over the remaining months before term started. Dumbledore brought him a listing of the subjects covered in the last six months of sixth year, as well as homework assignments and tests (with answers) to help him prepared for seventh year. They agreed that Harry would be in Gryffindor again; he was a Gryffindor at heart, and it feel too odd to be wearing another House's colors. They chose his classes for next year, and time permitting, Harry would work ahead as much as he could during the remaining summer months. Finally, together they finalized his cover story as an orphan who attended several trade schools before his scholarship. There was one final issue that Dumbledore wanted to address. "What about your friends? Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley?"
"What about them?"
"Will you tell them who you really are?"
"No."
"You won't reconsider? Their friendship and support will be invaluable," Dumbledore said gently.
"No. I do not want to involve them in this," Harry said firmly.
Dumbledore sighed, as if expecting Harry's answer. "Very well then, but I have prepared something just in case you change your mind, or accidentally reveal your identity," he said, passing a parchment over to Harry. "Since our last meeting, I have been working on this spell, which will be tied to your scars appearance. When cast on a person, he or she will be unable to say 'Harry' in reference to you as long as your scar is hidden. No matter what they think or mean to say, the word 'Harry' will not escape their lips."* Dumbledore looked very pleased with himself. "I would suggest trying it now, on me, but as you are underage…"
Harry grinned. "Not a problem," he said. Drawing his wand, Harry read the spell aloud and cast it on Dumbledore.
A look of surprise flickered across Dumbledore's face until he saw the ring that was camouflaged on Harry's wand. Dumbledore looked at Harry and smiled. "That is a very complex spell. I would not have expected you to be able to cast it successfully on your first try, even had you stayed at Hogwarts. I see you've put your time to good use." Harry nodded. "Is there something else?" Dumbledore asked when he noticed Harry's uncertain look.
"Well, there is one thing that I haven't been able to practice effectively," Harry said.
"Whatever it is, I shall do everything in my power to help you."
"I need some practical experience dueling. It's hard to get the feel of dueling when your targets don't fire back."
Dumbledore chuckled and then thought a moment. "It would be suspicious if I were to ask an Order member or a teacher to give you special dueling lessons." Harry looked disappointed. "However," Dumbledore continued, "there is nothing that prevents me from giving you lessons. Once you return to Hogwarts, we shall arrange weekly lessons together. How does that sound?"
Harry smiled broadly. "That sounds perfect!" he said.
"You are indeed a resourceful young man, Mr. Harrington," Dumbledore said in admiration. "Ah good, I tried to say Mr. Harrington, but only Mr. Harrington came out." Dumbledore chuckled when he heard his own words. "Good!" he repeated. "Then I shall see you at the Sorting Ceremony, Mr. Harrington." Harry nodded, and they went their separate ways.
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The remainder of the summer was spent reviewing the materials he had missed over sixth year. It was, of course, impossible to cover six months of classes in two months. Harry started by reviewing the final exams for each of his subjects, then researching through his books to find the answers. He skimmed critical topics, but he knew he wouldn't be able to understand them all, and accepted that he would be behind. Harry was pleased that his birthday finally arrived; although he received no presents, Harry was finally seventeen; the restriction on underage magic no longer applied. Harry removed the ring from his second wand and put it in a safe place (who knows if he might have use for it later), and he was able to practice with both of his wands without fear of a Ministry owl flying through the window.
The decisions that Dumbledore asked of Harry were difficult. Harry considered returning as a sixth year; it would be much easier academically. But Harry knew he would feel uncomfortable with all his old friends in seventh year. His decision whether or not to stay in Gryffindor was also difficult. He knew it would be harder to maintain his "Sean" image in Gryffindor; he could imagine how easy it would be to lapse into being Harry Potter and bring up events that Sean would have no knowledge about. But in the end, Harry knew he had to believe that he would survive, that he would defeat Voldemort. And if that came to pass, Harry wanted to graduate with his old friends in his old house, not as a sixth-year Hufflepuff.
As September 1st arrived, Harry began to put closure to his life in Boroughbridge. He gave his notice to Mr. Weir, and told Mr. Leonard that he would be leaving. Mr. Weir and Dave took him to a nice lunch on his last day of work. Harry packed up his little flat and took one last walk around Boroughbridge and Harrogate, his home for the last nine months. Harry was sad to be leaving, and extremely anxious about returning to Hogwarts. Finally, the morning of September 1st, Harry said his farewell to Mr. Leonard and, all his things packed neatly in his magically-lightened trunk, ported over to Hogsmeade. Harry considered taking the Hogwarts Express, but in the end, Harry thought he would feel more comfortable being introduced at Hogwarts' Sorting Ceremony. Harry took the walk to the school slowly, savoring every moment, remembering every detail. The students had already arrived by the time Harry ported over, so he had the walk to himself. Arriving at the familiar doors, Harry entered the castle and was met by Dumbledore himself. They exchanged greetings, and then a couple of House Elves took his trunk.
"Welcome back, Mr. Harrington," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Harry said.
"The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin. You are to wait in the back of the Hall. Once the first years have been sorted, I will announce Hogwarts' first transfer student in twelve years, and then sort you."
Harry nodded, then walked into the Great Hall and took his spot against the wall. Harry was filled with a great warmth; he felt like he was home. The first years, huddled in the center of the Great Hall, looked so tiny and scared; he remembered his first Sorting Ceremony fondly. Harry scanned the Gryffindor table, seeing his old friends. His heart leapt at the sight of Ron and Hermione, and he was delighted when he spotted Hermione's Head Girl badge. He longed to run over to them and congratulate her and take his normal seat, which he noticed was empty. But he held back, he wasn't Harry Potter anymore. Instead, Sean Harrington leaned against the wall and watched as the Sorting Ceremony began.
*as part of the spell, harry specifies which name he wants to be referred by, so Harry is replaced by Sean and Potter by Harrington.