Things Change: Chapter 1
Harry woke to the sound of construction outside his bedroom window; the Dursleys were putting in a pool for Dudley and his friends, which was ironic because Dudley was afraid of water. Harry was sure the Dursleys would never use it and was looking forward to improving his own swimming abilities over the summer.
It was two weeks into the summer and Hermione and Ron had already written asking when he'd be able to leave the Dursleys. Harry had to ask Dumbledore before he could reply and was impatiently awaiting his owl. Ron's family was leaving for their beach house in a week and they wanted Harry to come with them. Hermione had already gotten permission and was hoping Harry'd be allowed to come.
After listening to the workers for about half an hour, Harry decided to get up. Actually it was a group decision as Petunia had almost knocked the door down banging for him to come cook breakfast. Harry pulled himself out of bed which, he realized, was getting a little short for him, and looked in his wardrobe mirror. A tall, dark-haired, soon-to-be seventeen year old looked back at him. He had gotten a job at the local gym as soon as school finished, wanting to work out so he'd be in good shape for the quidditch season coming up. He was made captain of the team after the older students graduated.
At the gym, Harry demonstrated how to use the machines to beginners. Not only did the job give him the chance to buff up, he was also making enough money to buy some things he'd been wanting for a while. Harry had gotten contacts, which took a little getting used to but suited him well. He'd also gotten a lot of new clothes, including many pairs of jeans, which actually fit him, and lots of shirts. Someone had told him his style was sort of skater-punk. Not knowing what to do with his hair, he'd gone with what it already was, messy, and spiked it in a stylishly, messy way.
Harry would have bought furniture and a new bed for his room but considering he only lived at the Dursleys two months out of the year, it was kind of pointless.
"Get down here now!" Petunia bellowed, snapping Harry out of his daydream. Knowing he was gonna catch it if he didn't come down soon Harry threw some baggy, but not Dudley style, jeans on with a Linkin Park t-shirt and spiked some gel into his hair before thumping down the stairs to the kitchen.
"The pancakes are in the pan, flip them over. If they're burnt, it's your fault." Harry flipped them and found thankfully they weren't. "Has the post come yet, I'm expecting my gun magazine." Vernon Dursley slouched into the room and sat down at the table. "Harry go get the mail." "Yes Uncle Vernon" said Harry as he left the stove and went into the hall.
* Later that day, Harry was headed to the skate park at the mall. He found skateboarding helped him relax, not as much as flying but it came close. Sort of like a muggle substitute. The other guys here had kind of taken him under their wings and taught him some moves. They didn't know much about him except that he'd shown up at the park one day with a new board and asked if he could watch their moves for a while. He hadn't been hard to teach, he had good technique and was balanced. They asked if he snowboarded or something because when beginners take sharp turns they usually overbalance and fall off, but Harry leaned into the turns just like a pro. Harry had dodged most of their questions by saying he went to a private boarding school and spent a lot of his time in the summer at the gym. He liked these guys but he obviously couldn't tell them the truth about why they'd never seen him before. After two hours practising/relaxing at the skate park, Harry headed for the gym. Another cool thing about his job was that he could work out for free whenever he wanted. Harry had totally taken advantage of that opportunity; he was always looking for ways to spend more time away from the Dursleys.
* Harry headed for the bathroom for a long hot shower. As the hot water pelted his body Harry thought about things. Would Dumbledore owl him soon with his response? Would he be in shape for this year's quidditch season? Would Dudley have to walk sideways through doorways if he gained one more pound? Should he get a tattoo or maybe a piercing? Would his marks go down with extra quidditch training and the advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts classes he would be taking? Would Draco be as much of a pain in the ass as he was last year? Would Dudley stop banging on the door or would he have to get out?
Harry left the bathroom in a towel and went to his room, there he towelled off and got into bed. He looked at the clock, it was only eleven. He decided to put off his homework anyways, for some reason he just couldn't keep his eyes open.
*
After another fight with the Durlseys Harry couldn't wait to leave with the Weasleys on vacation. Just as he was thinking this, an owl Harry recognized as a school owl flew in his window. Harry ripped open the letter as the owl flew off.
Harry, I am sorry but I cannot give you permission to leave the Dursleys this year. You will understand that with the return of Voldemort it is not safe for you to be away from home. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Albus Dumbledore
Harry knew Ron would not be happy so when he wrote to tell him he couldn't come he made it sound as if he wasn't too worried when actually he was dreading spending another six weeks in Privet Drive.
*
After his shift at the gym Harry headed towards the stake park. His friends: Ryan, Tyler, Brad, Josh, and Luke were sitting on the benches. "Hey Harry" "What's up Luke?" "We're going to a club tonight, wanna come?" "Sure what time?" "We'll meet you at ten." "Oh Harry this is Blaise. I don't think you've ever met.
"Blaise?" "Potter?" "Oh you know each other?" Harry and Blaise just stared at each other. "Uh yeah we go to the same school," said Harry. "Blaise can I talk to you for a minute?" Harry and Blaise separated from the group. "What are you doing here?" "You skateboard Potter?" "Why are you hanging out with muggles? Or is this some sinister death-eater plot?" "Just because I'm in Slytherin doesn't automatically make me a death- eater." Maybe it was just his nature but Harry wanted to believe Blaise. "Hmm, well maybe you can help me master the half-pipe." Harry smiled and as they were walking back to their friends Blaise commented, "I like your new look Harry."
*
Thump.thump.thump. Harry woke to see a furry grey blob throwing itself at his window. He put in his contacts and got up to let Errol in. After he was relieved of his package Errol flopped over on Harry's bed. Harry picked him up and place him next to Hedwig on her perch, then ripped open his letter.
Harry, I am very sorry that you can't come with us on vacation. We will all miss having you with us, but I completely agree with Dumbledore, it isn't safe. Anyways have a good summer. Love Hermione P.S.-Ron will write you as soon as he calms down. He thinks Dumbledore is over-reacting.
Harry smiled and set the letters aside. The Dursleys wouldn't be up for hours yet so he decided to go for a swim in the newly finished pool. After a quick ten laps Harry decided swimming in a pool was a hell of a lot easier than a freezing cold lake.
*
On his way to work Harry passed a hairdresser. Maybe on the way back.
*
Harry still didn't know if he liked it. While the girl had been doing it she had assured him it looked great with his dark hair. Maybe he'd wear it to the club and if his friends didn't like it he'd dye it black again. Harry had gotten the tips of his hair frosted. He wasn't sure what to wear so he put on a black t-shirt with a Blink 182 logo on it and his newest jeans, then he spiked his hair and went downstairs in time to see Vernon denying that anyone named Harry Potter had ever lived there and pushing his friends out the door. "Oh hey Harry," said Josh as the door was slammed in his face. Harry grabbed his jacket, glared at Vernon and left. As he got outside he said, "Sorry guys my uncle's a bit of an ass." "Aren't all parents?" commented Josh.
They walked downtown to a club called 'The Phoenix' and went in. Once they were inside they could barely see or hear a thing, it was completely dark with the exception of the bar and scattered strobe lights. Harry and his friends made their way to the bar where Blaise had already ordered their drinks. Ryan and Tyler showed up with their girlfriends: Jen and Erin. Jen introduced her friend Holly. "She just moved here from America and goes to boarding school too," shouted Jen. Harry and Holly both said hello but it was too loud to say more than a few words.
Over the course of the night Harry got asked to dance a few times and even asked Holly to dance, but it wasn't until they went back to Brad's house that they really got to talk. "I love Blink 182." "Cool, they're like my favourite band." "Did you know two of the members put together this band called 'Boxcar Racer'?" "Yeah I have their CD." "So what school do you go to?" "Uh it's called.St. Brutus's." Harry thought he'd better change the subject but before he could think of anything. "Holly, Jen and I are going now, want a ride?" asked Erin. "Sorry Harry I have to go, see ya at the skate park, can't wait to see your moves," said Holly as she picked up her coat. "Bye," said Harry and looked up at the clock, it was past two. "I better go too guys, later."
As Harry was walking home he realized his birthday was in a week. What with working at the gym, skateboarding with his friends, lounging in the new pool that the Dursleys never used and going to parties, the summer was going by a lot quicker than he'd thought it would.
AUTHOR NOTES: I didn't realize how short my chapters were until I saw them on ffnet so from now on ill be putting 2 together to form each chapter. The asterisks (stars) show that time has passed (just in case you were confused). I'm gonna go write the next chapter now so it should be up soon. Keep Reviewin' ya know I luv it! Jen
Harry woke to the sound of construction outside his bedroom window; the Dursleys were putting in a pool for Dudley and his friends, which was ironic because Dudley was afraid of water. Harry was sure the Dursleys would never use it and was looking forward to improving his own swimming abilities over the summer.
It was two weeks into the summer and Hermione and Ron had already written asking when he'd be able to leave the Dursleys. Harry had to ask Dumbledore before he could reply and was impatiently awaiting his owl. Ron's family was leaving for their beach house in a week and they wanted Harry to come with them. Hermione had already gotten permission and was hoping Harry'd be allowed to come.
After listening to the workers for about half an hour, Harry decided to get up. Actually it was a group decision as Petunia had almost knocked the door down banging for him to come cook breakfast. Harry pulled himself out of bed which, he realized, was getting a little short for him, and looked in his wardrobe mirror. A tall, dark-haired, soon-to-be seventeen year old looked back at him. He had gotten a job at the local gym as soon as school finished, wanting to work out so he'd be in good shape for the quidditch season coming up. He was made captain of the team after the older students graduated.
At the gym, Harry demonstrated how to use the machines to beginners. Not only did the job give him the chance to buff up, he was also making enough money to buy some things he'd been wanting for a while. Harry had gotten contacts, which took a little getting used to but suited him well. He'd also gotten a lot of new clothes, including many pairs of jeans, which actually fit him, and lots of shirts. Someone had told him his style was sort of skater-punk. Not knowing what to do with his hair, he'd gone with what it already was, messy, and spiked it in a stylishly, messy way.
Harry would have bought furniture and a new bed for his room but considering he only lived at the Dursleys two months out of the year, it was kind of pointless.
"Get down here now!" Petunia bellowed, snapping Harry out of his daydream. Knowing he was gonna catch it if he didn't come down soon Harry threw some baggy, but not Dudley style, jeans on with a Linkin Park t-shirt and spiked some gel into his hair before thumping down the stairs to the kitchen.
"The pancakes are in the pan, flip them over. If they're burnt, it's your fault." Harry flipped them and found thankfully they weren't. "Has the post come yet, I'm expecting my gun magazine." Vernon Dursley slouched into the room and sat down at the table. "Harry go get the mail." "Yes Uncle Vernon" said Harry as he left the stove and went into the hall.
* Later that day, Harry was headed to the skate park at the mall. He found skateboarding helped him relax, not as much as flying but it came close. Sort of like a muggle substitute. The other guys here had kind of taken him under their wings and taught him some moves. They didn't know much about him except that he'd shown up at the park one day with a new board and asked if he could watch their moves for a while. He hadn't been hard to teach, he had good technique and was balanced. They asked if he snowboarded or something because when beginners take sharp turns they usually overbalance and fall off, but Harry leaned into the turns just like a pro. Harry had dodged most of their questions by saying he went to a private boarding school and spent a lot of his time in the summer at the gym. He liked these guys but he obviously couldn't tell them the truth about why they'd never seen him before. After two hours practising/relaxing at the skate park, Harry headed for the gym. Another cool thing about his job was that he could work out for free whenever he wanted. Harry had totally taken advantage of that opportunity; he was always looking for ways to spend more time away from the Dursleys.
* Harry headed for the bathroom for a long hot shower. As the hot water pelted his body Harry thought about things. Would Dumbledore owl him soon with his response? Would he be in shape for this year's quidditch season? Would Dudley have to walk sideways through doorways if he gained one more pound? Should he get a tattoo or maybe a piercing? Would his marks go down with extra quidditch training and the advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts classes he would be taking? Would Draco be as much of a pain in the ass as he was last year? Would Dudley stop banging on the door or would he have to get out?
Harry left the bathroom in a towel and went to his room, there he towelled off and got into bed. He looked at the clock, it was only eleven. He decided to put off his homework anyways, for some reason he just couldn't keep his eyes open.
*
After another fight with the Durlseys Harry couldn't wait to leave with the Weasleys on vacation. Just as he was thinking this, an owl Harry recognized as a school owl flew in his window. Harry ripped open the letter as the owl flew off.
Harry, I am sorry but I cannot give you permission to leave the Dursleys this year. You will understand that with the return of Voldemort it is not safe for you to be away from home. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Albus Dumbledore
Harry knew Ron would not be happy so when he wrote to tell him he couldn't come he made it sound as if he wasn't too worried when actually he was dreading spending another six weeks in Privet Drive.
*
After his shift at the gym Harry headed towards the stake park. His friends: Ryan, Tyler, Brad, Josh, and Luke were sitting on the benches. "Hey Harry" "What's up Luke?" "We're going to a club tonight, wanna come?" "Sure what time?" "We'll meet you at ten." "Oh Harry this is Blaise. I don't think you've ever met.
"Blaise?" "Potter?" "Oh you know each other?" Harry and Blaise just stared at each other. "Uh yeah we go to the same school," said Harry. "Blaise can I talk to you for a minute?" Harry and Blaise separated from the group. "What are you doing here?" "You skateboard Potter?" "Why are you hanging out with muggles? Or is this some sinister death-eater plot?" "Just because I'm in Slytherin doesn't automatically make me a death- eater." Maybe it was just his nature but Harry wanted to believe Blaise. "Hmm, well maybe you can help me master the half-pipe." Harry smiled and as they were walking back to their friends Blaise commented, "I like your new look Harry."
*
Thump.thump.thump. Harry woke to see a furry grey blob throwing itself at his window. He put in his contacts and got up to let Errol in. After he was relieved of his package Errol flopped over on Harry's bed. Harry picked him up and place him next to Hedwig on her perch, then ripped open his letter.
Harry, I am very sorry that you can't come with us on vacation. We will all miss having you with us, but I completely agree with Dumbledore, it isn't safe. Anyways have a good summer. Love Hermione P.S.-Ron will write you as soon as he calms down. He thinks Dumbledore is over-reacting.
Harry smiled and set the letters aside. The Dursleys wouldn't be up for hours yet so he decided to go for a swim in the newly finished pool. After a quick ten laps Harry decided swimming in a pool was a hell of a lot easier than a freezing cold lake.
*
On his way to work Harry passed a hairdresser. Maybe on the way back.
*
Harry still didn't know if he liked it. While the girl had been doing it she had assured him it looked great with his dark hair. Maybe he'd wear it to the club and if his friends didn't like it he'd dye it black again. Harry had gotten the tips of his hair frosted. He wasn't sure what to wear so he put on a black t-shirt with a Blink 182 logo on it and his newest jeans, then he spiked his hair and went downstairs in time to see Vernon denying that anyone named Harry Potter had ever lived there and pushing his friends out the door. "Oh hey Harry," said Josh as the door was slammed in his face. Harry grabbed his jacket, glared at Vernon and left. As he got outside he said, "Sorry guys my uncle's a bit of an ass." "Aren't all parents?" commented Josh.
They walked downtown to a club called 'The Phoenix' and went in. Once they were inside they could barely see or hear a thing, it was completely dark with the exception of the bar and scattered strobe lights. Harry and his friends made their way to the bar where Blaise had already ordered their drinks. Ryan and Tyler showed up with their girlfriends: Jen and Erin. Jen introduced her friend Holly. "She just moved here from America and goes to boarding school too," shouted Jen. Harry and Holly both said hello but it was too loud to say more than a few words.
Over the course of the night Harry got asked to dance a few times and even asked Holly to dance, but it wasn't until they went back to Brad's house that they really got to talk. "I love Blink 182." "Cool, they're like my favourite band." "Did you know two of the members put together this band called 'Boxcar Racer'?" "Yeah I have their CD." "So what school do you go to?" "Uh it's called.St. Brutus's." Harry thought he'd better change the subject but before he could think of anything. "Holly, Jen and I are going now, want a ride?" asked Erin. "Sorry Harry I have to go, see ya at the skate park, can't wait to see your moves," said Holly as she picked up her coat. "Bye," said Harry and looked up at the clock, it was past two. "I better go too guys, later."
As Harry was walking home he realized his birthday was in a week. What with working at the gym, skateboarding with his friends, lounging in the new pool that the Dursleys never used and going to parties, the summer was going by a lot quicker than he'd thought it would.
AUTHOR NOTES: I didn't realize how short my chapters were until I saw them on ffnet so from now on ill be putting 2 together to form each chapter. The asterisks (stars) show that time has passed (just in case you were confused). I'm gonna go write the next chapter now so it should be up soon. Keep Reviewin' ya know I luv it! Jen