Disclaimer: I claim no ownership to any of the writing.
It had been weeks since Harry's Birthday now and his aunt and uncle had made every moment miserable, getting revenge for him having them in their house. There was only one more week left before Harry would be going back to Hogwarts for his seventh and final year.
It was about mid-day and Harry was in the garden weeding in the hot August sun, Aunt Petunia thought it another fitting punishment to give him. Harry was almost done when something hit him on the back of the head. A school owl had dropped off his annual Hogwarts letter. Harry decided to take a break from weeding to read the letter:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump,
International Confederation of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
As your head-of-house, it is my honor to inform you that you have been chosen for Head-Boy, effective with the start of the new term on September 1st. This is a responsibility I know you will not take lightly, as your record and accomplishments with 'Dumbledore's Army' show. You will have the same responsibilities as a prefect, upholding school rules and regulations, also jointly leading the regular meetings with the Head-Girl, and a few more which will be discussed at the beginning of the term.
As Head-Boy you will have full access to the school, with a few exceptions of course. You will also no longer be living in Griffindor tower, there are special living quarters prepared for Head-Boy and Head-Girl.
Congratulations Harry!
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
(Enclosed is a list of the necessary school supplies)
Harry couldn't believe his eyes, so he reread the letter once…twice…and then a third time. He had been made Head-Boy and was no longer going to be living in Griffindor Tower. More privacy would allow him to train and study more to grow stronger, but also now he had more responsibilities which would cut down the amount of free time he had. It was an even trade off Harry supposed since though he would have less time it would be better spent. Harry then opened the envelope back up to take out the list of supplies he would need and also took out his Head-Boy badge. He looked over the list it was the same as last years but now level 7 and also one additional book "Preparing for N.E.W.T.S." 'Great yet another thing going on this year' Harry thought.
His thoughts were soon interrupted by his Aunt's high pitched voice "What are you doing just sitting there boy! Get back to work! Then when you're done with that, you can come in and clean the kitchen!" Aunt Petunia yelled out into the back yard.
"Yes, mam" Harry replied turning back to the garden to finish his work. His aunt and uncle continued to give him chores till around 9 that night when they decided to go to bed, if they could yell at him in their sleep they would have given him even more chores. Harry trudged up to his room and collapsed on his bed. 'I hate it here. I can't wait to leave.' Harry thought, then idea hit him 'Why wait?' and with that Harry began running around the room waving his things into his trunk, 'wandless-magic really comes in handy' He thought with a grin. When Harry was finished packing he then walked over to the mirror on his dresser and began to concentrate. Soon Harry's scar was gone, his skin tan, his eyes blue, and his hair short and spiked. 'This'll make a good disguise' he thought proudly to himself. His metamorphism complete, trunk packed and in his arms, with Hedwig and her cage on top of it and his wand in his pocket, Harry was ready. He left his room and headed downstairs and out the front door making as little noise as possible. Once outside Harry made his way down the road a ways before taking his wand out and tapping the curb. With a loud bang the familiar Purple Knight Bus was there, Harry got aboard paid to be taken to the Leaky cauldron and laid down on one of the beds. 'My plan's working perfectly! No one has recognized me and soon I'll be at the Leaky Cauldron where I can get a room till it's time to take the Hogwart's Express' Harry thought to himself with a smile.
A little while later the bus stopped outside the Leaky Cauldron.
"Here we are, The Leaky Cauldron, Mr.?" Stan inquired.
"David Viceroy" Harry answered, picking a name out of thin air. Actually he rather liked the name and his new look; from now on Harry's alternate personality would be David Viceroy.
"Well Mr. Viceroy, we're here," Stan said. 'David' then grabbed his trunk and owl, and got off the bus and made his way into the leaky cauldron. Once inside he set his stuff down off to the right of the door and headed to the bar to talk to the owner.
"Excuse me but do you have a spare room I can rent for the next week?" 'David' asked.
"Yes I do, give me a moment and I'll show you to your room" Tom replied as 'David' strangely handed him the exact amount of money for the room without being told.
A few moments later when Tom had a free moment he led 'David' upstairs and opened the door to his room. "Hope you enjoy your stay…" Tom paused, in a manner to ask his name.
"David Viceroy" Harry answered.
"Well David, Enjoy your stay and goodnight" Tom said as he closed the door.
Once Harry, or 'David', had settled in he lay down on the bed and fell asleep with a smile on his face, his plan had worked.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The next morning Harry went down for breakfast and then headed to Gringotts to withdraw some money, a rather large amount of money actually. He then began buying all the school supplies he would need starting with potion ingredients at the Apothecary. After that Harry decided to go into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. The store was not very busy at all 'Lots of people will be showing up in the next couple of days, getting ready for Hogwarts.' Harry Thought. Madam Malkin came out from the backroom with a handful of robes. She then noticed Harry and headed over to him
"May I help you?" She asked. "Mr.?"
"David Viceroy" Harry answered "I just need some new robes for Hogwarts"
"Alright then, please go stand on the footstool over there and I'll be with you in a second." She said before heading off to take care of the robes she had brought out.
Harry did as she said and stood on the footstool. While he was waiting he looked around the store and a particular robe caught his eye. It was an old robe, faded black, and covered in dust from over the years. There was something familiar about it though, so Harry got off the stool and went over to examine it closer. Harry then realized why it seemed familiar, it was a Sergus Robe, Harry couldn't believe it, and these were thought to have been lost forever. If what Harry read was correct, this robe could change into any kind of clothing you wanted therefore making disguising yourself much easier also it could be used as an invisibility cloak. All you had to do was simply think what you wanted it to do and it would do it.
"I thought I told you to stand on the footstool," Madam Malkin said.
"Sorry. I'd like to buy this robe along with my school robes" he said.
"Well if you really want that old thing ok" she said before taking taking his measurements with a magical tape measurer which did all the work itself.
A little while later Madam Malkin had his robes done and Harry paid for his things before going back to his room at the leaky cauldron. Harry put away all his things he had just bought except for Sergus' Robe. Harry walked over in front of the mirror in his room and tried it on. He then thought of a few outfits and the robe transformed into each one just as he had pictured it in his mind, it even had the items he pictured in his pockets. The robe was definitely worth the money he had paid for it, and then some. There was only one problem each of the outfits reflected the robes age and poor condition. Harry would have to do a few charms on it before it would be in top condition. That wouldn't be a problem though, Harry was sure he could find a book of charms in Flourish and Blotts. He would have to go there after lunch.
A few minutes later Harry in his 'David' disguise headed downstairs and order lunch and sat down in a private booth. Harry was half way through his lunch when he over heard some wizards in the booth next to him talking.
"Did you hear? Harry Potter's missing" one of them said in a deep voice.
"Your kidding!" another exclaimed in a high voice. "Harry Potter's missing. What do they know? Is it You-Know-Who's doing?"
"It could be. The Ministry hasn't found out anything. All that's known is that he disappeared sometime last night. Not a trace of him left behind; all his things are gone. There's no sign of struggle or anything."
"When do you think he'll be found?" a third wizard said.
"I don't know, but Dumbledore's looking for him too. So I doubt it'll be that long" the first wizard replied.
The three wizards continued talking but Harry wasn't paying attention to what they were saying. 'Well news sure does travel fast' Harry thought 'wonder how everyone's reaction when I 're-appear' in a few days.' With that Harry finished his lunch and set out for Flourish and Blotts. Harry found the book he was looking for rather quickly, turns out it's one he remembers seeing in Mrs. Weasley's collection. ' No doubt with Fred and George's jokes she got good use of it' he thought. Once Harry had found it he decided to look around and see if he could find any other books he could use, perhaps containing some curse, hex, and of course healing charms. Harry also needed to buy his schoolbooks as well.
Harry was looking through some books in the back when he noticed one hidden behind all the others. It was rather dusty and seemed to have been forgotten back there for years. Harry Reached back and grabbed the book and then blew the dust off of it, nearly coughing up a lung in the process after the dust had cleared Harry saw the book's title 'Elemental Magic'. Harry opened up the book read the intro and looked at the table of contents. With this book Harry could learn to control the elements, earth, fire, water, air, and even lightning. Harry flipped through book and his excitement quickly faded, the book was quite large and it all looked very difficult. 'No wonder it's been back there for who knows how long. This is very difficult magic.' Harry thought with a frown. 'But that also makes it rare and powerful. This might just be what I need to defeat Voldemort!' Harry thought with a grin, he would by the book and try his hardest to learn the magic contained within its pages. Then something interrupted his thoughts, a faint sound. It sounded like someone was crying. Harry Went to the very back of the store to see who it was and was surprised to see it was Hermione. 'Why is she crying?' Harry thought with a sad expression on his face, Harry hated to see her cry. Harry then decided to walk up to her and find out what was wrong.
"What's wrong 'M..Miss?" Harry said catching himself, he had almost said 'Mione but remembered he's there as David.
"Uh…Nothing" Hermione said quickly wiping the tears from her eyes and straightening herself up.
"Then why were you crying? I know it's none of my business, I just wanted to know why you're back here crying." Harry said in the best comforting voice he could manage.
Hermione hesitated but then decided to tell this stranger why she was crying. "A friend of mine has disappeared" she began "And I'm afraid something bad has happened to him."
"How long has he been missing?" Harry asked.
"Since last night" Hermione answered.
"Then why are you so worried he hasn't even been missing a day. I'm sure he'll show up soon," Harry said trying to comfort her.
"You don't understand. My friend is Harry Potter, and Voldemort has been back for over 2 years now" Hermione explained, but she also noticed that this stranger didn't even flinch at Voldemort's name like most others do.
"I see now. Well either way I think he'll be fine. After all I hear Dumbledore is looking for him too. He'll be found and I'm sure he'll be ok." Harry said putting a comforting hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"Thanks…" Hermione paused waiting for his name.
"David, David Viceroy." Harry answered. "And your welcome, Miss?"
"Hermione, Hermione Granger" Hermione answered.
"Well Hermione, do you mind if I call you 'Mione? How about we get our books and then go get some ice cream? My treat" Harry said with a smile.
"Ok David, but please don't call me 'Mione, that's what Harry use to call me" Hermione said frowning.
"You mean calls you, don't worry he'll be ok" Harry assured her.
'David' and Hermione then bought their books and Hermione noticed the large, old, and still dusty book David bought, but she hadn't seen the title of it. But judging by the amount David paid for the book, it was expensive and important. After that they then went to get their ice cream and sat down on a bench to eat.
"So Hermione, how has your summer been?" Harry asked feeling a bit of déjà vu.
"It's been ok, I guess. I got to go Italy for a couple of weeks, which was the highlight of my summer. Other than that I've been stuck at home and now my friend has disappeared" Hermione answered.
"That good, huh?" Harry said with sarcasm very clear in his voice.
"Yeah" Hermione said quietly looking down at the ground.
"Cheer up things will be ok, I promise you" Harry said lifting her chin and smiling at her.
"Thanks, I needed to hear that" Hermione said smiling back.
"Well it's true. I mean after all it is Harry Potter, from what I've heard he's been through a lot, hasn't he?" Harry assured her.
"Your right, I don't need to worry about him." Hermione said, this time more convinced it was the truth.
After that David and Hermione enjoyed the rest of the day in each other's company and had dinner at the Leaky Cauldron. They walked up and down Diagon Alley talking about anything and everything, except 'David's past. Harry avoided that topic as best he could because he hadn't thought up a fake history to use, he would have to do that later because it would only be a matter of time before Hermione would insist he tell her and Harry would have to be prepared. They talked till it was starting to get late and the sun was setting.
"Isn't it time you got home Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Actually I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron till school starts" Hermione replied "But it is getting late."
"Well I'll walk you to your room then, I'm heading that ways anyway. I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron too, though only for a couple of days." Harry said.
"All right then" Hermione said as he offered her his arm and they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron and up to Hermione's door.
"Well goodnight Hermione, it was a pleasure spending the day with you perhaps we could do it again tomorrow" Harry said as Hermione opened her door.
"I would like that David. See you tomorrow then, Goodnight" Hermione said before closing the door.
Harry walked down to his room down the hall, smiling while thinking of the day. This was much better than having stayed with the Dursleys. Harry went in his room and lay down for another night of dreamless restful sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The next morning Harry (as David) and Hermione had breakfast together and then headed out into Diagon Alley, they were going to check out a few stores they had gone in yet, starting with a Quidditch shop. Harry noticed the latest broom model, The Lightning Bolt, and went over to read the sign next to it. From what the sign said, this model is the fastest ever made, and possibly the fastest broom that can be made. The model is only for the most advanced Quidditch players.
"I wonder if I could ride it?" 'David' thought out loud.
"Don't be silly David, I doubt even Harry could ride that. I've heard none of the professional Quidditch players will ride it. It looks like they went to far making that and it's gonna hurt them. At least they only made ten of them, so they won't loose too much money." Hermione told 'David.'
"Wow look at the price it cost 5 times more than a Firebolt!" 'David' exclaimed.
"C'mon lets go to the shop across from here, I need to get some quills and ink" Hermione said grabbing 'David's arm and dragging him away from the Lightning Bolt display.
Harry and Hermione went in the store and bought their quills, parchment, and ink. Harry also bought a new trunk, which was much like Moody's except it had ten keyholes, the last 3 being to rooms. The trunk also had multiple lightening charms on it so it would feel as light as a feather even when completely full. Also once bought only the owner could see the extra keyholes. When Harry saw it he knew he had to have it, it could prove very useful and had many possibilities.
'David' and Hermione walked around for a while longer, after taking their stuff back to their rooms, and then had lunch together.
"So what do you want to do this afternoon?" he asked.
"Well my friend, Ron, is coming today to get his school supplies and he's gonna update me on what his father knows about Harry's Disappearance. So I'll probably be spending the afternoon with Ron. Your welcome to hang out with us" she answered.
"That's ok. I have things to do this afternoon, perhaps I'll see you tomorrow." 'David' said as he finished his lunch and got up from the table. "Goodbye" he said as he headed upstairs to his room.
Harry walked into his room and over to the mirror in the corner. He would have to change his appearance again if he wanted to go into Diagon Alley again, and avoid his friends. Harry grabbed Sergus' robe and the book he had bought, then quickly performed the cleaning and repairing charms then put on the robe. He then walked back over to the mirror and tried to think of a new appearance, Harry thought of a couple but quickly dismissed them because he recognized them as classmates. Then he thought of the one he wanted and concentrated on it as his body changed and the robe did too. His hair had grown down to his shoulders and still was black, his face was now slightly pale, his shoulders wider, and he was now 6'5". Sergus' robe had turned into a long black trench coat, with straps inside for him to place his future purchase. Harry then muttered a charm to fix his eyes so he wouldn't need his glasses anymore. With his new disguise Harry was ready to go into Diagon Alley.
A few moments later Harry was downstairs heading to back door and Diagon Alley, when he noticed out of the corner of his eye two seventh years staring at him mouths slightly open. 'Perhaps this new appearance draws too much attention' Harry thought and then headed into Diagon Alley. He made his way to the Quidditch shop and noticed a few people staring at him, 'my appearance is intimidating I admit but does it deserve all these stairs' he wondered, then it hit him 'I must look like a dark wizard, one of Voldemort's death eaters, or something.' This would be the first and last time Harry would use this disguise harry decided, 'it draws too much attention and scares people' he thought.
Harry went in the shop and bought a Lightning bolt which made his money pouch considerably lighter. In fact, after purchasing the new trunk, the elemental magic book, and the Lightning Bolt along with all his school supplies, Harry was going to need to make another trip to Gringotts. Harry put the new broom in the straps inside his trench coat and headed out of the store, noticing it was a lot emptier than it had been. Harry then saw why, a group of 5 aurors were walking down the alley straight towards him. 'Uh oh they really do think I'm a death eater' he thought.
"You there, Stop! Put your wand down and your hands in the air" One of the aurors said.
Harry was not about to be arrested so he took off running and as soon as he could he ducked down into an alley and changed into his animagus form. Actually to be honest one of them he now had 3, 2 of them he had learned purely out of sentimental value, a stag and a large black dog. When the aurors made it into the alley they ran past the black dog sitting there and down the alley searching for the 'dark wizard' they had gotten reports of. Their search would be in vain, because Harry had made his way to the leaky cauldron and to his room, less than a minute later as 'David.'
'Perhaps Harry should show himself tomorrow because all this disguising and being chased isn't much fun' he thought to himself. He decided that tomorrow he would go down check out as David, then an hour or two later he would check in as Harry. Harry then realized just what he'd be in for tomorrow people would want to know where he had disappeared to; the whole wizarding world would want to know. Harry had a big problem just how would he get out of this one, what excuse can he use? Harry thought about that till he dozed off and slept the rest of the day and night.
A/N sorry it took me so long to update. If you have a suggestion as to what Harry should say to explain his disappearance tell me, because I haven't decided yet. Well I hope you like the story so far.
R/R