Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. All rights are owned by either J. K. Rowling or various others. I am in no way trying to claim them as my own.
DO
YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC
WRITTEN BY: TIMIDONE
Lovin'
Spoonful---Do You Believe In Magic
Do you believe in magic in a young girl's heart
How the music can free her' whenever it starts
And it's magic' if the music is groovy
It makes you feel happy like an old'time movie
I'll tell you about the magic' and it'll free your soul
But it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll
If you believe in magic don't bother to choose
If it's jug band music or rhythm and blues
Just go and listen it'll start with a smile
It won't wipe off your face no matter how hard you try
Your feet start tapping and you can't seem to find
How you got there' so just blow your mind
If you believe in magic' come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe' if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow' sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing' baby' then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me
Yeah' do you believe in magic
Yeah' believe in the magic of a young girl's soul
Believe in the magic of rock and roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free
Ohh' talking 'bout magic
Do you believe like I believe Do you believe in magic
Do you believe like I believe Do you believe' believer
Do you believe like I believe Do you believe in magic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One
The First Request
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Some people say that there is no such thing as magic. Personally I don't agree. It's been some years since I have experienced this phenomenon first hand."
Harry Potter was looking extremely bored. He took to staying away from his house at 4 Privet Drive Little Whinding, Surrey. 'The things I do for a little entertainment,' he thought. Harry had bought a ticket to see the leading muggle expert on witchcraft and wizardry, Matthew Jenkins. Harry wondered what he would do if he actually met a real live witch or wizard. He wondered at the reaction that a spell such as SERPENSORTIA or a potion like POLYJUICE would invoke. He began to chuckle to himself, until he was elbowed in the side by a matronly looking woman. Harry gave her an apologetic look and resumed listing to the speaker.
"What I am basically saying is that all of us, no matter how young or old have some sort of magic inside of us. All we have to do is believe in it. It gives me much pleasure to tell you that I have just finished a book entitled 'MAGIC IN YOU'. I have copies here for sale as well as at many large book retailers. If you buy form me today I will be more than happy to autograph them for you. Harry was extremely amused. This man reminded him of Gilderoy Lockhart, his extremely vain ex-DADA professor.
'That's it," Harry thought. 'This man is a complete phony. I have to get out of here.'
Harry pushed his way thru the crowd, trying to make his way out. Everyone else was surging forward trying to get a copy of the book and this phony's autograph. As he was making his way towards the exit, he thought he saw someone that he knew. He moved towards them and saw that it was in fact Charlie Weasley. Harry continued making his way towards him and soon he was right in front of Harry. Harry tapped Charlie on the shoulder and narrowly missed a fist being thrown at him.
"Damn Charlie, what in the bloody hell do you think you are doing?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Harry? What are you doing here?" Charlie looked around like he was searching for someone or something. He quickly grabbed Harry by the arm and steered him out of the arena. He didn't stop until they were at least a block away.
"Ok Charlie, tell me what's going on. First you almost knock me out, and then you move me bodily half way down the street." Harry was rubbing his arm and staring at Charlie.
Charlie started to say something; and then thought better of it. He did this several times before he blew out a harsh breath.
"Bloody hell Harry, why do you have to be here? I suppose I should tell you, seeing as you will piece it all together tomorrow any way. You see we are here to see if Jenkins is the real deal or not. It seems as if he has made a name for himself here in the muggle world and also in the wizarding world."
"What do you mean we?" asked Harry.
"Aurors, Harry. Myself and the other aurors."
"Ok I understand that; but why did you say I will figure it out tomorrow anyway?"
"Because," said Charlie, "I also report to the Order and since you are being taken there tomorrow you would hear all about this anyway."
"Really?" Harry asked excitedly. "I am going to Head Quarters?"
"Well, between Hermione and Ron, they convinced Dumbledore to let you come. They used a very good argument too."
Harry looked at him puzzled, and Charlie laughed.
"Considering that you own Head Quarters they felt it was only proper that you be there, while everyone else is."
"What do you mean I own Head Quarters?" Harry asked. "Its Sirius' place, not mine."
"Of course it's yours Harry. When Sirius passed on, all of his possessions passed on to you and Remus Lupin; and the house was specifically deeded to you."
Harry took a few moments to digest this information. He still hadn't gotten over losing his god father last year. It hurt so much. He also blamed himself for his death. If he hadn't have gone to rescue Harry, Sirius would still be alive and well. Harry was embarrassed when he realized that he was excited to be going. He then remembered that Charlie had said they were investigating Matthew Jenkins.
"So is he a phony?"
"Who?"
"Jenkins, that's who."
"Oh yeah, sorry he sure is. Not one ounce of magic was used tonight or any other night that we were on reconnaissance. He was just doing old parlor tricks."
"Charlie!" a voice was yelling. "Where in the bloody hell are you?"
"Over here Oliver."
"Oliver?" Harry asked. "Oliver Wood? He only just graduated. How is he an Auror already? I thought it took years of training."
Charlie nodded. "It does Harry; but what most people don't realize is that you begin your training in your seventh year. They only take the best and the brightest. Oliver was one of those. Don't tell anyone I told you this. I would be in a lot of trouble if this got out."
Harry agreed not to tell anyone and snuck away before Oliver could see him. He over heard Oliver asking Charlie what he left; but didn't stick around to hear the answer. He was going to Grimmauld place tomorrow. He would see his friends. He would actually to be able to celebrate his birthday with his 'Family'. The rest of this summer was going to be brilliant.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Harry woke with a smile on his face. He was ready to go. As soon as he had gotten home last night he began to pack. He made sure he had all of his Hogwarts supplies. He stacked everything by the door and made one last sweep of the room. He took everything that he had wanted. He was not coming back here next summer, not when he had a home of his own.
He went about his day, not letting on to Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon that he was leaving. He knew that if they thought he would be even a little happy they would forbid him from going. They would do anything to make him miserable.
At around noon the doorbell rang. Harry held his breath hoping that it was someone coming to pick him up. Soon he heard his Uncle Vernon bellowing for him to go to the door. Harry's face lit up in a great smile as he made his way to the front door. The smile left his face however, when he saw who had come to fetch him.
"Mr. Potter, hurry and pack your things, you are to spend the rest of the summer at Grimmauld," said Professor Severus Snape.
Uncle Vernon was staring rudely at Snape, who was dressed in very fashionable muggle clothing.
"What are you staring at?" he asked Harry's uncle.
"Your…Your…," Vernon was stuttering.
"Just spit it out man," Snape said forcibly.
Vernon was seething with anger. How dare this man speak to him that way?
"Your one of those freaks aren't you? You know the ones who he goes to school with."
"I can assure you my good man I am not a freak, I am a wizard and a very good one. Also unlike Harry I am of age and can do magic. I suggest you stop staring and help your nephew with his things."
Harry had been trying to hold in a laugh; but was unsuccessful. He started by snickering; until it turned until a full grown belly laugh.
Professor Snapes head snapped towards him, the scowl that he and Ron figured was permanent plastered on his face. "Potter, I thought I told you to go get packed, we are leaving."
"I am already done sir."
"What do you mean? Why are you already packed? Planning on going somewhere?" he sneered.
"No Professor Snape," Harry said. "I ran into Charlie Weasley last night; and he told me what Ron and Hermione have done for me."
"Yes Weasley and Granger have convinced everyone to allow you to join them at Head Quarters. I still am not happy about this and be sure that I will be speaking to Professor Dumbledore. Very well Potter, go get your things."
"It will take me a couple of trips professor. Could you possibly help me?"
"Fine, fine," snarled Snape.
When they arrived at Harry's room Snape was surprised at the bareness of it. He didn't say anything though; because he didn't want to ruin his reputation of being an insufferable git.
"Potter, why do you have so much packed? You should only have your school stuff and a couple of changes of clothes."
"Professor Snape, I am not coming back here. Since I have found out that I own Grimmauld Place, I decided to stay there permanently." Harry stated this with an air of confidence that he rarely showed around Professor Snape.
Snape didn't say anything he merely nodded and helped Harry carry his stuff down the stairs. He would be sure to mention this newest revelation to Dumbledore. He supposed that Harry had the right to do as he pleased; but he realized that they would have to be working around the clock now to protect him.
Harry waved goodbye to his uncle Vernon and followed his potions master to the end of the block. Snape made sure that there was no one around and pulled what looked like a muggle cell phone out of his pocket. He told Harry to grab on and at exactly 1:30 he and professor Snape were transported outside of Grimmauld Place. Harry felt that he would never get used to using a portkey. The pull that he felt behind his navel when it was activated and the loss of balance when you would arrive at your destination always made him nauseous. Harry couldn't wait to get his apparition license.
~~~~~~~~~~
When he entered the house he realized that there was no portrait of Sirius' mom. He assumed that someone had finally figured out how to remove her from the wall. He hoped that they remembered to burn it. He realized that the house looked much brighter than it did before. He glanced into different rooms and realized that last years complete cleaning and overhaul of the house was complete and it looked much homier.
"I will leave you here Potter. I am sure that you will be able to make yourself at home." Snape said.
He left thru the front door. Harry was sure that he was going right to Hogwarts to apprise Dumbledore of the new situation.
No one had heard Harry enter so he took a minute to get his bearings. He was in awe. He actually owned this. For only the second time in his life, he felt as if he was home. Harry's moment of quiet reflection was soon interrupted by high pitched screams. He realized it was Hermione and Ginny running towards him. He put out his hands to stop them from knocking him over; but he was a little too late.
"Umm, Ginny, Mione, do you think you could get off of me now?" Harry asked.
Laughing they each stood up and then helped him up as well. They each gave him more subdued hugs and began talking at once.
"What the hell are you two so excited about? Did Madam Malkin's come out with a new set of dress robes or something?"
"Well, Ron I would definitely say it would be the 'or something' that got these two worked up." Harry said laughter in his voice.
"Well I'll be. If it isn't Harry Potter in the flesh. How you doing mate?" Ron embraced Harry in a hug. They didn't even care anymore what people thought when they embraced. They were best friends, and that was all that mattered. "Come thru to the kitchen, mums in there making some food and I am sure that she will be more than happy to fatten you up."
Harry noticed the two girls giggling in the background and turned to ask them what was so funny, when Nymphadora Tonks came out from the kitchen.
"Wow!" she exclaimed. "Is that you Harry. Where did those muscles come from? I see you filled out some since last school year."
Harry blushed. She was right he spent almost every free moment he had exercising in some way. He hadn't noticed how much better he looked but obviously Hermione and Ginny did, as they were still giggling behind their hands. Harry became even more embarrassed and muttered a hello to Tonks. He then made a hasty retreat for the kitchen."
"Harry, s nice to see you again," said Molly Weasley in her most motherly voice. "Look at you all skin and bones." This comment sparked much more giggling until Mrs., Weasley glared at the girls clearly telling them to shush. "Well sit down and I will have you some food in just a second."
Harry gladly sat down and allowed Mrs. Weasley to mother him. He never knew his own mother and looked upon her as a surrogate. 'This is my family," he thought. "I'm home."
Harry finished the food that Mrs. Weasley had given him and began to fill Ron and Hermione in on his plans. He also thanked them for pushing for his release from the Dursley's.
"No problem, Harry," Hermione said. "You are our family and should be here with us."
Ron nodded, never being one for many words.
They spent the reminder of the day updating each other on what had happened this summer.
Harry mentioned seeing Charlie last night. He didn't tell them that Oliver was an Auror though. He wasn't sure if it was public knowledge or not; and told them that they were investigating Matthew Jenkins.
"That muggle quack?" Hermione asked. "My mum was asking me about him. Supposedly he claims that he is the real deal. What did Charlie find out?"
"He told me that this guy was a muggle through and through. The magic that he does is purely parlor tricks."
Hermione nodded. "Of course they are. The man wouldn't know real magic if he was hit by a Bat Bogey Hex."
Ron and Harry burst out laughing remembering when Ginny had cursed Malfoy, quite brilliantly.
They told him of the meetings that they were now allowed to sit in on; but not participate in.
"It's so frustrating sometimes," Hermione said. "I know that they are all adults; but they treat us like we know nothing. Like we haven't faced much more than most of them have in their lifetimes. They never let us offer our opinions or point out their mistakes. They told us that if we interrupted the meetings we would be banished form them."
Ron nodded all throughout her speech. He was laughing to himself though. He was amazed that Hermione could talk so much. He was also amazed at how beautiful she had become. They had become a couple immediately after the Ministry of Magic debacle. They hadn't told anyone yet; but they were pretty sure that the occupants of Grimmauld place knew. They had waited to tell everyone until they told Harry.
Ron had the honor of telling him.
"Harry I need to tell you something…"
"If you're going to tell me that you and Hermione finally realized that you were meant for each other, save it. I can tell just by looking at you two."
Ron and Hermione both blushed at that.
Harry was surprised to see Hermione there since school was still several weeks away and she usually traveled with her parents during the summer holidays. He said as much to Hermione, and she explained that her parents went to America for the summer to participate in a Dental convention. It didn't end until after vacation and they had asked Dumbledore if he knew of place that she could stay. He offered the use of Head Quarters as the Weasleys planned to stay there as well. Her parents agreed and she has been there ever since.
"I still miss them,' she was saying. "I do get owls from them and am in constant contact them; but I wouldn't give this up for the life of me." She leaned in closer to Ron as she said this and his arm immediately pulled her closer. Harry began to feel a little out of place. He mumbled something about leaving them alone; and went in search of other pursuits. He soon found himself in Sirius' room and grieved for his god father once again.
Harry sat down on Sirius' bed and looked around the room. It was filled with pictures of the Marauders and Lily. Here were memories of his parents and their friends, and he had no part in that. He had no memories of his own, so he got lost in Sirius'.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry was lulled out of sleep by a persistent knocking on the door.
"Go away aunt Petunia, I'm tired," Harry said. Pulling the covers over his head he snuggled deeper into the bed.
"I think I have just been insulted," a voice said, that was nothing like his Aunt Petunia.
Harry sat up and looked around the room. He realized that he was not at 4 Privet Drive anymore. He was home number 12 Grimmauld Place. Ron got tired of knocking and strode into the room.
"Nice nap Harry?" he asked.
Harry just nodded still not fully awake. He in fact didn't want to wake up. He was having a dream about the first marauders. He wanted to snuggle back down and watch his father and godfather in action. He reluctantly crawled out of the bed, and followed Ron downstairs. It was time for dinner.
Dinner was a lively affair. It always was here. You never knew who would be stopping by for a bite to eat. Harry was quiet for most of the meal. He just soaked up the atmosphere. He was thinking once again how nice it was to be with his family. There was no mistaking it, this hodgepodge of people were his family.
"Harry why are you sitting there with that dopey grin on your face?" Ron asked.
Harry chuckled. "I was just thinking that I must have one of the strangest families around."
At their questioning glances he waved his arms around the room.
"You," he said pointing at everyone, "Are my family, each and every one of you."
Everyone stared at Harry for a moment. He could see a tear in most of the women's eyes. The men were just smiling. Yep family.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That evening after everyone was done with their meal and had cleaned up, every one sat around just shooting the breeze. Harry was engrossed in a game of wizard's chess, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. As he turned around a smile automatically found its way to his mouth.
"Remus," he exclaimed. He then threw his arms around the only surviving Marauder, not including Wormtail, his parents' betrayer.
Remus Lupin returned the hug and gestured for Harry to follow him into the other room. He looked at Harry apprehensively. "Harry," he said. "I need to ask you a favor."
"Me? What could I possibly do for you?"
"I need a place to stay for awhile Harry. Could you spare a ………"
"Remus don't you even finish that thought. This is your home as much as it is mine. You know you are always welcome to stay."
"The problem is Harry," Remus didn't think that he could be anymore embarrassed, "I need to ask you for two rooms, one for me and one for Althea."
Harry was puzzled before he could ask who Althea was, Lupin gestured the girl over.
"Harry Potter, I would like for you to meet Althea Black, Sirius' daughter."
"What….." stammered Harry, "Sirius' daughter? She's my age Remus. Did he know? Why am I just finding out about this?"
Remus went on to explain. "When Sirius had passed, there was a letter included with his final wishes. He asked that it be sent on to a particular address. Just last week I received a letter from a young woman saying that she was Sirius Blacks daughter and that she just found out about her father. I of course was suspicious and went to investigate. I had asked for her address so I could come and speak to her. She gave it to me and I immediately departed for Chester a town in the British Isles. I found my way to her home and met with her and her uncle from her mother's side. He was very elderly and was having a hard time taking care of Althea. He told me that he and Althea were the last of the Mc Henrys in his line. Her mother Juliet Mc Henry had passed away several years ago. Althea was born several months before Sirius was locked in Azkaban. He knew about her of course; but was unable to have a relationship with her until he escaped. Even then he didn't want to put her in danger and just wrote her a quick note, explaining that he was now out and hoped to clear his name so he could see her. She sent a reply telling him that she knows he was innocent and that no one knows of her true parentage. She begged him to come and hide out at her home. That's where he disappeared to in between your third and fourth year. When he returned here he was planning on reuniting with Althea soon but that didn't come to pass. Her uncle has asked that we watch out for her. She was never allowed a chance to go to Hogwarts; but instead has been taking private tuition in her home. She was recently tested in her O.W.L'S. and if she scored satisfactorily enough she will be joining you in your year at Hogwarts."
Harry was dumbstruck. After this explanation he looked once again at Althea. He wasn't sure what he was feeling; but whenever he looked at her he got a funny feeling in his stomach. It felt like butterflies had taken up residence and didn't plan on leaving for awhile. He thought she was pretty of course. Who wouldn't? She had long dark tresses. They were almost black and bright blue eyes. He could see some of Sirius in her; but he was sure she mostly took after her mother. He wanted to immediately protect her. He wanted to pretend it was like a brother wanting to protect his sister; but he knew that wasn't the case.
He cleared his throat and extended a slightly shaking hand to her.
"Hello Althea, I am Harry and welcome home. This house is ours. That's right yours and mine, and you will always be welcome."
Althea timidly took his hand and then brushed her lips across his cheek.
"Thank you, Harry Potter. My father spoke about you a lot. He wanted us to meet; but didn't want to endanger either of our lives. I am glad to finally meet you; but I am sorry of the circumstances. Also thank you for the invitation to stay. Yes that's what it is Harry and invitation. This is your home. My father wanted you to have a place that you could always return to. He left me many other things. I do not need this too. This is yours and yours alone."
Harry could see that she was going to be extremely stubborn on this issue and decided to acquiesce. He reiterated his invitation to stay for as long as she liked. He took her to one of the unused rooms and told her to make herself comfortable. She was to decorate anyway she pleased. She looked extremely tired so Harry left her saying that he would make sure she met everyone the next day.
Harry went back to Sirius room. He decided to claim this one as his own. He then lay on the bed, marveling about how full his life truly was. Today he received a family and this evening he added one more. His last thought before falling into a restful sleep was 'Life couldn't get any better.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N When I started writing this Fic, the only thing I had in my head was the title, 'Do you believe in magic'. Every word after that came out of nowhere. I don't even remember writing most of it. I also wanted to say that the main theme in this chapter is family. In my opinion family is the one thing that Harry always wanted. I am giving it to him. I hope you all enjoy this Fic as much as I am enjoying reading it. Please read and review.