Harry Potter and the Princesses for Magic
Author's Note: Hey everyone! Thank you all who read my story and reviewed! I totally appreciate it. For this chapter, Harry'll be getting his license and going to Remus' house and Remus will find out something about Harry that he never knew before. So read and review me about what you think!
Chapter 3
A Mentor
Harry woke up with a headache. He got up and limped to his window, remembering his broken ankle and the parade the day before. Out the window was a sunny morning with birds flying everywhere and squirrels running about.
Just look at the birds and squirrels, he thought to himself. So free, free from all chaos of Lord Voldemort and whatnot. They don't have to worry about saving the world, or thinking anyone is against them. To think, I might be just as free when I'm on the open road.....
That day Harry started his Driver's Education classes which were at a local community center. Uncle Vernon brought him and Dudley to an old building in the corner of Community Crescent and Waterlot Road, which in big red letters with chipped paint read the name: Little Whinging Community Center. Right after asking the secretary at the entrance where the classes were, they went to the 2nd floor of the building, where their classes would be held.
"I'll pick you both up in an hour and a half," said Uncle Vernon. "Your class is the 2nd last room on your right."
As Uncle Vernon left them, Harry walked with Dudley down the long hallway of tiled flooring and walls painted in bright colours to the 2nd last room on their right. The door was a bright shade of green and on a sign taped onto the door it said in large letters: DRIVER'S EDUCATION CLASS. Harry opened the door slowly, nervous of what they'd find inside.
Once the door was opened, Harry found out it was a large bright-coloured classroom with a chalkboard that went all around the room, except for the wall on the right with giant windows. There were even desks all lined up in singular rows. Hung everywhere around the room were signs and posters that said, 'Drive safe!', 'A safe driver is a good driver' and such. A few 16-year-olds were already sitting and talking in their desks. A large, bulky man at the front welcomed them in.
"Hello!" he said in a large voice. "Are you Dudley Dursley and Harry Potter?"
"Yep," answered Dudley bluntly.
"You're the last additions to our class. You may sit down."
Dudley sat at the back of the room with his friends including Ed, Fred and Ned, who were taking the driving course as well. Harry took a seat closer to the front and close to the windows, which was surrounded by no one else but a shy teenage boy with freckles and blond hair with a comic book on his desk.
"Hello," greeted Harry.
"Good day!" said the boy in an Australian accent, with a forced smile.
"I'm Harry," he said, with his hand out.
"Hi, I'm Dave," said the boy, quickly shaking Harry's hand.
"Are you from Australia?" asked Harry.
"Oh yeah, I'm from Down Under. I'm here visiting my Grams, and my dad signed me up for the class. I don't know why, I don't think I really need it."
"Why not?" asked Harry
"Oh, just personal reasons. Hey, do you like comic books?"
"They're all right, but I don't read them often."
"Well, I got this new issue of-"
As Dave excitedly picked up his comic book to show Harry, a magazine slipped out of it and landed on the desk without Dave knowing. Harry gave it a glance and realized it was a wizard magazine called Quidditch Weekly. Dave was a wizard! Harry's eyes were fixed on the magazine in interest (that Dave was a wizard and for the Quidditch tips).
"-and- Harry? What are you- OH DEAR!"
Dave noticed that Harry was looking at his wizard magazine and he quickly tucked it into his comic book.
"It's nothing, really. My sister's a bit mad, so she collects those magazines-"
Harry sat closer to him.
"You're a wizard, aren't you?" he whispered into Dave's ear. Dave looked back in complete horror.
"O-oh, of c-course not! W-wizards, d-d-don't believe in those th-things-"
"It's okay if you're a wizard, Dave."
"B-bu-t-t I-"
"Dave," said Harry, pretty sure Dave was lying to him, "I'm a wizard too."
Dave's eyes widened as he sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness!" he sighed, holding his hand to his heart. "I almost thought I gave it away to a Muggle. My mum would have killed me if that happened. So you're a wizard?"
"Yep, I go to Hogwarts."
"I go to McLocklin's Academy in Australia. Wait a second, you're name's Harry and- you're Harry Potter!"
"You've found out," sighed Harry. "Yes, I'm Harry Potter, scar and everything."
"My goodness, I never thought I'd meet you!" said Dave, completely thrilled, and was even panting a bit from it. "I just can't - What happened to your foot?"
Dave was looking at the cast on Harry's foot, which was still on.
"Oh, that's a long story."
"Anyway, I heard you're a great Seeker!"
"I guess so. I was going to be banned from Quidditch, but they relieved me of it."
"Banned from Quidditch? That's horrible, but I'm glad you're relieved from that. I love Quidditch, you know. At first I thought I'd be completely scared on a broom, but it's actually really fun, and so is Quidditch! I'm not on any of my school's teams though, but I'm pretty good at being a Chaser. You see, that's why I thought I didn't need a driver's license, I would ride a broom. My dad, being a Muggle and all, wants me to have a license."
"You're dad's a Muggle? Are you Muggle-born?"
"No, my mum's a witch."
"I know someone who's dad's a Muggle and his mum's a witch."
"So, you really saw You-Know-Who rise again?" asked Dave with wide eyes, looking very curious.
"Yeah, it happened a year ago."
"I was so amazed at that interview in the Quibbler. My mum doesn't really like the Quibbler, although I just had to read that interview. It sounded amazing.... Have you seen He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named any other times?"
"Lots of times. I saw him... a month and a half ago...."
It wasn't easy for Harry to say that. The night he saw Voldemort was the night Sirius died, and his encounter with Voldemort was awful.
"I can't believe you've confronted him so many times," said Dave looking so impressed. "Me, the first sight of him, I'd freak. To think, all those times and you've lived to tell the tales!"
"Did you hear about the war in Sicily?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, I heard about that! Freaky, I tell you. The leaders are so cool too."
"What leaders?" asked Harry, thinking he could finally find out who were the leaders trying to defeat Voldemort.
"They're-"
"Okay class, it's time to start," stated the bulky man up front. "I'm Mr. Drivedale and I'll be teaching you Driver's Ed. I'll pass you all the manuals and we'll start on the first chapter."
Mr. Drivedale passed around all the manuals that they'd be able to keep. They discussed the first chapter that day, and by the end of the class, Harry was really excited to be getting his license. He became friends with Dave and chatted with him every class, although they were always interrupted when Dave was about to mention who were the leaders of the war. Their friendship made the lessons a lot more enjoyable, and made the final test less frightening.
After a week, Harry had learned all to know about driving. He practically memorized the manual, and he tried to study so hard for the test. On the day of the driver's test, Harry was very nervous.
Uncle Vernon dropped off the two at the community center where they went up to the class to do their written test. Pencils and tests turned upside down were laid on each desk. Harry sat right next to Dave, who was muttering to himself reviews of everything in the manual and was looking quite anxious.
"Hi Dave!" greeted Harry.
"Oh hello, Harry," said Dave, quite tense. "Did you study last night?"
"I practically memorized the whole thing," answered Harry. "Dave, don't worry. You'll do fine!"
"How do you know that?" asked Dave. "There could be a trick question on the test and-"
"My uncle told my cousin and I that they don't do that, and it's pretty standard. As I said, you'll do fine!"
"I hope so."
"Everyone, turn over your papers and start your tests," declared Mr. Drivedale.
Everyone at the same time turned over their tests. Harry picked up his pencil and quickly wrote his name at the top. He skimmed down at the questions, which came to him very quickly. He jotted down all the answers, pausing to fix a few of them, and then turned the test back over.
After a while, Mr. Drivedale told them that time was up and picked up all the tests. While he corrected them, everyone else talked to their friends (while Dudley and his friends chucked paper at everybody else). Harry spoke to Dave, who was breathing deeply.
"That wasn't so bad," sighed Dave.
"Of course it wasn't! You'll do great."
"I hope so. By the way, I got the new issue for Quidditch Weekly today. They have all these new models straight from the Wizard World Italy! They're marvelous, especially my favourite. It's called the Stella Velocita 29, and it's awesome."
"I know," said Harry. "I have it."
Dave's jaw dropped in shock.
"Y-y-you have one?" stuttered Dave, looking amazed. "I-I just can't believe it. I heard you had the Nimbus 2000 and then the Firebolt, but I never thought that you'd have that one too.... You're so lucky when it comes to brooms. By the way, what happened to your brooms anyway?"
"I broke one in a Quidditch match in my 3rd year," said Harry. "The other one was locked up in the school when I was banned from Quidditch. How do you know so much about me?"
"They feature you a few times in Quidditch Weekly," responded Dave.
Wow, I'm in Quidditch Weekly, thought Harry. He was finally being recognized for something other than trying to battle Lord Voldemort. He really wanted to see one of the articles about him though.
"So, are you going to be getting your Firebolt back?" asked Dave.
"I got a letter stating that I'd get it back, but I don't think I could ever ride it."
Harry paused, and thought about the Firebolt. He could remember exactly what happened when he received it, that Hermione made him give it to Professor McGonagoll for checking, and how he wanted one so badly when in Diagon Alley. Then he thought about Sirius...... how he used his own money, even if he was in hiding.... poor Sirius....
"Uhm... Why can't you ride it?" asked Dave curiously.
"Oh, someone gave it to me, but they died this year," told Harry, looking down. "I just couldn't bear to fly that broom again not thinking about....about that person."
"Gee, I'm really sorry about that. Who was it?"
"I-I can't exactly tell you," said Harry, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"Oh all right. Hey look! Mr. Drivedale's passing the tests back!"
Mr. Drivedale was indeed giving back all the tests, as many looked at their marks with various expressions. Some were so happy they jumped in their seats, and some were so furious that they almost ripped up the tests (including Dudley in the back). Mr. Drivedale went to Harry and Dave, and passed them their tests.
"Congrats," said Mr. Drivedale, handing them their tests. "You both did great."
Harry took his test and looked at the mark. He got 29/30! He was so proud of himself that he did wonderful on his test. Dave jumped for joy when he looked at his test.
"Harry! I got 30 on 30! I did perfect!"
"That's awesome! I got 29 on 30."
"That's so cool! We rock!"
Both of them gave each other high fives. Harry's hands trembled as he held the paper in his hands. Now all they had to do was do the actual driving for their driving test.
All of the students went to the parking lot, where they would start their driving tests. They were huddled in a bunch, talking to one another and waiting for their turns. Harry walked with Dave outside, who was shivering to bits.
"Harry, I'm freaked out!" said Dave, shivering a bit more.
"Calm down, Dave! You studied and everything. Actually, you probably know more of the manual than all the others. You'll do fine, just like how great you did on the test."
"I really hope you're right."
A car with the sign: 'Little Whinging's Community Center Driving School' on its roof pulled up near the curve. A teenager hopped out of the car, showing his passed driving test to his friends and rushed over to them, excited. Mr. Drivedale came out of the car and looked at his clipboard to see who would be next.
"Would Mr. Dave Clikale come to do his driving test?" called Mr. Drivedale.
"Oh no, that's me!" said Dave, clutching to Harry. "I-I'm not too sure if I-"
"Dave, I have total faith in you. Go and do your test."
"Fine," sighed Dave, walking slowly to the car and going into the driver's seat.
Harry waved goodbye, watching Dave in the car as he pushed the lever, pressed his foot onto the gas peddle and drove off into the road smoothly. He's going to do fine, thought Harry to himself. As Dave did his driving test, Harry tried to review all the things in the manual. After encouraging his new friend, he had to encourage himself, because he could feel butterflies fluttering away in his stomach.
After a long 15 minutes, Dave drove back into the parking lot, and parked and parallel parked for the test. Afterwards, he parked along the curve. Dave opened the door, clutching a little piece of paper, and glaring at it once in a while with a smile as his hand shook mercilessly. He rushed over to Harry and gave him a hug.
"Harry, I passed it with flying colours!" he said, hugging Harry very hard. "I made it! I made it!"
"That's wonderful," congratulated Harry, so happy for his friend.
Dave stepped away from Harry from their hug and showed Harry the paper confirming Dave could get his license.
"Look, I did so well!" he said, showing Harry his test.
"That's wonderful. So are you going to leave and get your license id?"
"Of course not! You were here encouraging me, so I'm going to be here encouraging you."
"Really? Thanks," said Harry, glad he had a really caring friend like Dave.
"Would Mr. Dudley Dursley come here?" asked Mr. Drivedale.
"Now it's my cousin's turn," said Harry, as he watched Dudley get into the car and after a while, drive off unsteadily.
Dave told him all about the test. Harry was starting to get a bit anxious himself about everything. Once a few minutes passed, Dudley was back in the parking lot and made an unsteady stop near the curve. Mr. Drivedale came out of the car, looking a bit dazed. Dudley, holding a piece of paper, had a frustrated expression on his face.
"He probably didn't do so well," said Harry.
"I guess so."
"Would Mr. Harry Potter come and do his driving test?" asked Mr. Drivedale, leaning his elbow on the hood of the car while looking at his clipboard.
"Now it's my turn," sighed Harry, his butterflies fluttering more intensely in his stomach.
"You're going to do great!" encouraged Dave as he gave him a pat on the back. "Good luck!"
Harry smiled in appreciation and slowly walked to the car where Mr. Drivedale was.
"Are you ready, Harry?" asked Mr. Drivedale.
"I hope so," sighed Harry.
Harry got into the car following Mr. Drivedale. He sat in the driver's seat, feeling so strange that he was there. He buckled his belt, and turned to Mr. Drivedale for instructions.
"Now Harry," said Mr. Drivedale, turning to Harry, "the driving test consists of driving out of the parking lot and driving around the neighborhood. I'll tell you which roads to turn at. We're going to finish off with some parking exercises and then the exam will be over. Any questions?"
"No sir," said Harry.
"Would that cast on your foot by any problem to your driving?" asked Mr. Drivedale.
"Oh no, it's just my ankle. It's just hard for me to walk a bit, but I'm all right."
"Whatever."
Harry adjusted the rear-view mirror. He saw the key in the ignition, and turned it slowly, turning on the car with a soft vroom. After looking around him for pedestrians in the way, Harry pushed the lever and with a long sigh of fear, started driving the car.
The car went smoothly out of the parking lot and into the roads, where he drove carefully for others in the way. He felt in control, and he loved that feeling. No wonder so many guys love driving, he thought to himself.
He remembered the time Ron and him drove to Hogwarts in a flying car, and how dramatic and exciting it was. Even so, it wasn't the same as this. First of all, Ron was driving that time, and being on the ground was a whole different experience.
Often times, Mr. Drivedale wrote on his clipboard or made little checks, which gave Harry lumps in his throat. He was doing perfectly fine, but that clipboard made him anxious. He drove down all the required roads perfectly, and finally made a turn into the parking lot. The test is almost over, he thought to himself.
"Harry, there's a vacant spot right in front of us, and I'd like you to park there," instructed Mr. Drivedale.
Giving him a nod, Harry slowly drove into the spot and parked. Once parked, he sighed in relief. He had parked perfectly and safely.
"Wonderful," said Mr. Drivedale. "Here comes the hardest part. I want you to parallel park over there."
Mr. Drivedale pointed over to a line of pylons placed horizontally on the side of the parking lot, with a large gap in between two pylons. Harry was a bit tense at what he'd have to do next. Would he be able to do it? He was having a bit of a hard time doing parallel parking, and there were so many rumours of it being so hard.
Harry, quite nervous, pulled down the parking lever, and drove back into the end pylon, and settled into the spot safely. He bit his lip in worrying if he knocked over a pylon. Mr. Drivedale got out of the car to examine how he parallel parked. After a thorough examination, he went back into the car.
"You parallel parked perfectly," stated Mr. Drivedale, marking his clipboard. "You can drive to the curve now. You're test his done."
Harry's heart leaped in excitement as he pulled the lever and got out of his parallel parking. He drove near the curve and stopped the car. He turned off the car as Mr. Drivedale handed him his driver's test:
Driver's Test Score Sheet:
Little Whinging's Community Center Driving School
Name: Harry Potter
Date: August 10th, 1996
Driving instructor: Mr. Joe Drivedale
Place: Little Whinging, Surrey
Examinations:
Signals: check
Speed: check
Driving: check
Turns: check
U-Turn: check
Stopping: check
Parking: check
Parallel-Parking: check
Rules of the Road: check
Average: Excellent
Note: Mr. Harry Potter did a wonderful job of doing his driving test. The turns and u-turns could be a bit more sharp, but that's it. Harry Potter is given permission to get his driver's license.
"You're an excellent driver," said Mr. Drivedale. "The only thing is that your turns and U-turns are a bit soft, although that might be because of the cast."
"Thank you!" said Harry.
Harry was so glad all of this was over. All he had to do now was get his actual license. Harry got out of the car and went to Dave and showed him his test.
"Dave, look!" said Harry, showing Dave his test. "I did great!"
"Congrats!" said Dave.
Just a few minutes later, Uncle Vernon drove into the parking lot to pick up Harry and Dudley. Harry was really sad that he had to leave his new friend.
"Goodbye, Harry," said Dave, looking quite sad.
"Bye," said Harry. "Do you think I could send you an owl? We could keep in touch when you're in Australia."
"I don't think so," sighed Dave. "My owl can't go that far. I guess this really is goodbye. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Dave," sighed Harry.
He couldn't believe it. He made a friend over the summer, and now he was going away where he'd never see him again. Harry wished there was another way to solve this, but there wasn't. Harry knew Hedwig couldn't fly all the way to Australia, and he was really depressed about it. He didn't want to end their friendship.
After a few more final goodbyes, Harry and Dave patted each other on the back. Harry, still holding both tests, walked with Dudley to Uncle Vernon who was getting out of the car.
"So, how did you both do?" asked Uncle Vernon excitedly.
"I did great," sighed Harry, still sad he'd never see Dave again.
"I passed," said Dudley, with a fake expression on his face.
Uncle Vernon looked suspiciously at Dudley. He didn't quite believe him.
"Give me your tests," said Uncle Vernon, his hand open.
Dudley, with a pained expression on his face, handed over both driving tests. Uncle Vernon ripped them away from him and once he looked at both exams, his eyes bulged in fury.
"You really think you're going to get a car?" shouted Uncle Vernon as he waved the two tests around. "You barely passed!"
"But Dad-"
"NO BUTS! Both of you, get in the car!"
Harry and Dudley (furious he wouldn't be getting a car) went into the car as Uncle Vernon turned it on and drove to the place where they would get their licenses. Unlike the community center, it was a new building that was modernly and simply decorated inside, with white walls, carpets and black desks. Harry and Dudley showed their tests to one of the ladies at the desks (she was very young, and strangely had the exact same voice as the cool female voice from the Ministry of Magic) and brought them over to a computer where she filled in the information necessary
Once both of them got blinding photographs of themselves, they both received their licenses, and a couple of information sheets. Harry couldn't stop looking at his license. It had an awful picture of him, as most licenses had, with his hair messed up and his glasses drooping onto his nose. As Uncle Vernon drove off home as a sky full of clouds slowly moved above the car and scenery whipped passed them, Harry felt proud of himself that this day had come.
To think, thought Harry, looking at the birds fly by, I can be just as free when I'm on the open road.....
*****
A week later, Harry was all packed up and ready to go to Remus' house. He had sent a letter telling Remus that he was allowed to visit him, and he felt extremely thrilled at every thought of seeing him. Harry had gotten a letter back from Remus saying that he would pick him up at around noon.
The Dursley family was having mixed feelings about everything. Aunt Petunia was worried, yet Uncle Vernon and Dudley were too happy for words. Harry had even heard Uncle Vernon singing a tune in the shower about it.
"Harry won't be here for the rest of the year," Uncle Vernon had sung horribly in the shower, loud enough for even Harry to hear from his room. "Harry won't be here for the rest of the year.... Harry won't be here for the rest of year... and I'll finally wake up not hearing that bloody owl!"
He was shaking with excitement the morning Remus would come to pick him up.
At noon, they all waited for Remus. Remus never told Harry how he would get there. They prepared the fireplace, remembering the time the Weasleys picked up Harry. The Dursley family ate lunch, but Harry didn't. He was too excited to eat. Right after they were putting the plates and glasses away, Dudley shouted for them to look at the window.
"Mum! Dad! You've got to see this beautiful car!" he shouted.
They all looked out the window at a magnificent silver Thunderbird with white leather interior. They fell in love with it immediately, their eyes glued to its features, its silver body shimmering in the afternoon sun. To their amazement, the beautiful car parked right in front of the house. A clean-shaven man with graying hair honked the horn.
"Harry, hop in!" he shouted.
It was Remus. Harry almost couldn't recognize. He usually looked a bit more scruffy, with very old patched clothes and such. Harry limped out the door hurriedly, not being able to wait to get into the car with Remus. Remus hopped out the convertible in one leap and leaned on the car. Harry would have hugged him, but he would have felt strange that he would be hugging an ex-professor.
"I'm so glad you're here!" said Harry, smiling uncontrollably.
"I'm glad to see you too, Harry!" said Remus.
Remus opened the trunk and Harry put all his luggage in, except for Hedwig (who he put in the back seat). The Dursley family walked slowly to the car, looking at it with amazement. The door was left wide open, though they didn't care to look back, for they couldn't stare at anything else but the Thunderbird.
"Well hello!" greeted Remus. "You must be the Dursley family. Pleased to meet you."
Remus pulled out his hand and shook hands with all of them. They all stood with their jaws dropped and eyebrows raised.
"D-d-does y-your k-k-kind get paid v-v-very m-much?" stuttered Uncle Vernon with excitement.
"Well, I'm not sure about other wizards and witches, but I do get paid very well. Chief Aurors like me have a very large wage. If you didn't know what an Auror is, it's a kind of police officer that catches extremely dangerous criminals in the wizarding world,"
he said.
They all nodded, even if they weren't really paying attention to anything Remus would be saying. He said goodbye as all of them waved back. He drove off, while the Dursleys looked at them and the car in amazement as they drove away.
"Do you want the radio on, Harry?" he asked.
"All right," he responded.
He turned on the switch to the radio, which let a Muggle tune flow out of the speakers with boy band vocals ringing in their ears. It was a British boy band playing an annoying love ballad. Remus had a disgusted expression on his face just hearing the irritating tune.
"Yuck! This is awful Muggle music!" said Remus. "I'm getting the radio fixed. I bought it from a Muggle car store. I have to buy a wizard radio when we go to Diagon Alley. But don't worry, this will do the trick."
He took out is wand and waved it around near the radio.
"Radius wizardry," he said. Suddenly, the radio was playing the Weird Sisters, a wizard band that played at the Yule Ball during Harry's 4th year. Remus was bobbing his head and singing to the song. Harry started to gently laugh, the sight was hysterical.
"So, Harry, I heard you had a broken ankle. Tell me about it."
"I was walking Dudley's new dog Champion, it's a pug. He received it on his birthday from Aunt Marge, you know, the one I blew up?"
"I think I might have heard something about that from the Ministry, although I'm not too sure if you told me your side of the story.... but go on."
"Well, Dudley told me to walk the dog so I put it on its leash and we walked around the block. Champion got loose and by the time I caught him, Dudley's friends Fred, Ned and Ed chased me until I ran into a dead end and they started beating me up. I got angry and accidentally a car headed straight for them. We were near a parking lot, you see. Then the car was heading towards me so I ran as fast as I could into the forest. The car lost track of me but then I walked backwards into a ditch, which is how I broke my ankle. Champion found me but didn't help me at all. I got up with the help of a long stick and walked back to the Dursleys."
"Yikes! I feel sorry for you."
"The day after that, I went to the doctor's and got this cast on. That day, Mr. Weasley and some other wizards came to erase the Dursleys of their memory; Fred, Ned and Ed told them about the car. They fixed everything."
"I heard Mr. Weasley got a raise. Good for him!"
"He also got another raise for helping out with the incident."
"I think we should fix that broken ankle of yours."
Remus took out his wand again, waved it and said, 'Footus healo' and suddenly the foot wasn't broken anymore. The pain immediately vanished from his ankle, and Harry could actually feel the bone in his ankle mend itself. Harry took off the cast, which slipped off easily.
"You know, next year you won't be an under-aged wizard anymore. You'll be able to do spells."
"Yeah, I heard about that."
"You know... maybe next summer you can practice some magic. We can even make some potions together!"
"That would be so neat, although whenever I do a potion, I always think of my awful Potions teacher, Professor Snape. You know him, of course."
"I remember your father, Sirius, Peter and I used to really hate him too. As much as you hate Draco Malfoy, in fact! You know what really got Sirius angry? It's when he called him 'Black'. It made him feel weird that he was addressed as a colour. He kept on saying to us, 'How would you feel if you were called Green, Orange or Yellow'?"
Harry felt uncomfortable at what Remus said. It was the first time he had mentioned Sirius, and Harry couldn't hear the name 'Sirius' without feeling horrible. Remus saw the dismal look on Harry's face.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up so early," said Remus. "We're all hurting."
"You won't believe how much I'm hurting," sighed Harry.
"Listen, the reason I wanted you to visit was so we could get to know each other a bit better, and to become friends. I know the Dursleys are treating you a lot better, but I don't think they're giving you the treatment like a mentor would."
"A mentor?"
"Yeah, a mentor! I could maybe be your mentor. It would be like I'm a friendly uncle of yours, or... or even a godfather or father figure."
Harry listened sharply at the last few words Remus said, and couldn't believe he had said them. Remus would never be his godfather or father, only Sirius and his father were. How could Remus do this to him? Harry became furious, his mood switched in a flash.
"Are you trying to replace Sirius and my father?" questioned Harry angrily at Remus.
"No, of course not! I just-"
"You are, aren't you? I can't believe you! You're trying to get me over to your house so you can be a replacement godfather? I only have one godfather and one father, and that will always be Sirius and my dad! I thought you knew that!"
"I do know that, Harry!"
"OBVIOUSLY, YOU DON'T!" shouted Harry. "Bring me back home. I don't want to go to London with you."
"Harry, please!"
"You're trying to replace Sirius and my dad!"
"Harry, please listen to me!" pleaded Remus. "I'm never going to replace Sirius or James, and you know that! What I meant to say was that I could look after you and be like a friend, almost like a godfather or father figure. I could be someone you could go to when you're having problems or something."
"Well the problem I'm having now is that you think you understand how I feel about the death of Sirius, but you don't!"
"Harry, you're completely forgetting that Sirius and James were my best friends!" scolded Remus. "Once I became a werewolf, everyone treated me differently, even my own parents! You will not believe how happy I was when I finally made friends like Sirius, James and Peter. They even went to the Shrieking Shack with me and became Animagi!
"I was so crushed when James died, and horrified when Peter went to serve Lord Voldemort. The only friend I had was Sirius, but of course, he was falsely accused and sent to Azkaban, so I had no friends! The truth is, I was so glad Sirius escaped from Azkaban. But now that he's dead, I've come back to having no friends.
"You might have lost your parents and your godfather, Harry, but you still have Hermione and Ron, who are wonderful friends. My family lives far away from me and are completely frightened whenever I walk into the room, and now my true friends are gone. You might think the Aurors and the members of the Order of the Phoenix are my friends, but they can't replace James or Sirius, or even Peter. My Grandma was the only one from my family who still loved me like a real family member, but now she's gone too."
Harry never realized that Remus had lost all his best friends, and his family was so scared of him because he was a werewolf. Last year, Harry had thought that he was so tortured and no one understood him, but now he realized that Remus had suffered too. Even though Harry had lost very many people, he still had Ron and Hermione. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost them both.
"Sorry," apologized Harry. "It's just that you seem so calm about all of this. When Sirius died, it was as if you didn't really care."
"Believe me, I cared," said Remus. "It was just hard for it to sink in. I still don't think it has really sunken in yet. I still keep on thinking that he's still at Grimmauld's
Place bullying around Kreacher."
"The truth is, I'm really glad that you're my mentor," admitted Harry. "You're the only one left who really knew my father. I really want you to be my mentor, whatever it means."
"I'm glad to hear that, but you have to stop having these tantrums. Sometimes you get out of hand with your anger."
"It's because no one understands me!" said Harry angrily. "No one knows how it's like to suffer the way I do. You don't know what I've had to put up with and survive!"
"Harry, no one's ever going to really understand you," said Remus. "You've done so many great things and have seen such horrible things that no one can compare. We all try to understand you, but not even your friends or I can help you when it comes to perfectly understanding you."
"That doesn't give anyone the right to keep me clueless about everything and treat me so strangely! The Ministry didn't even tell me that there would be a war in Sicily. Of all the people, I should know!"
"Harry, just because Voldemort tried to kill you once and is always after you because he's mad at you for what happened, doesn't mean you should have exclusive updates on everything."
"You think he's after me because he's mad at what happened when I was a baby?" questioned Harry. He doesn't know about the Prophecy, thought Harry. Harry felt that he had to tell Remus, he didn't want him thinking Harry was a raging maniac for no particular reason. "Remus, did you ever hear of a Prophecy made about Voldemort?"
"What? What Prophecy?" asked Remus, looking concerned.
"Do you remember Professor Trelawney?"
"Her, that fake Seer?"
"Yeah, her. Well in Hogs Head before I was born, she told Dumbledore of a Prophecy, about You-Know-Who. She said that when the seventh month ended, there would be a child born that could defeat him. He would have a secret power that Voldemort didn't know of, and that the child would be marked as his equal. At the end, one would be killed by the other. Remus, that child is me."
Remus literally jumped in his seat, and on the way to the highway, parked on the side of the road. He looked stunned, and was even gasping, and turned to Harry.
"A-are you serious?" questioned Remus.
"I'm serious, and that means that Voldemort isn't just mad at me. He knows I'm that child, Remus. One of his associates overheard their conversation and reported it to him. They didn't hear all of it though, and they didn't hear that he'd mark me as his equal."
"Wait a minute. Does that mean y-y-your scar-"
"Exactly. My scar is the mark that I'm he's equal."
"I-I just, I can't believe it," sighed Remus, sitting back in his seat, wide-eyed. "I never knew. Harry, I'm tremendously sorry. I never knew-"
"No one knows, except Professor Trelawney, Dumbledore, Voldemort and I. Other than that, no one else really knows about it, which lets them misjudge me and all. Remus, in the end, I'll have to be a murderer or a victim. I don't want to kill anyone, Remus, nor do I want to be killed. I'm obviously going to have that burden hovering over me my whole entire life. Did you hear me? I have to kill or be killed!"
"Harry, you'll never be a murderer," said Remus as he patted him on the back. "You'll be more of a....a warrior. I just can't believe the pressure you're under. The weight on your back.... Harry, I'd really love to be your mentor. Maybe, I could help you sort all this out-"
"Remus, I really appreciate it. When I had Sirius around, it was like having a father all over again. Actually, I don't even know how it's like to have a father, so it was a great experience for me. The truth is, I want to have a father figure, I just don't want to forget about Sirius. You understand, right?"
"Of course I understand. I think though, that you need to calm down on your anger. Dumbledore told me about your..... your temper-tantrum in his office."
"Is that what he calls it? Remus, I was going through so much stress and anger that I couldn't help myself! No one understands the anger I have, and everyone thinks I'm an angry maniac. I'm not! They treat me like a stuck-up child! I'm 16 years old now! I want to be treated more like an adult!"
"If you want to be treated like an adult, than act like one! Harry, not even adults have fits like you. No matter how angry you get, you have to bottle it up until you're alone. Afterwards, you can relieve your stress by punching a pillow or something."
"Don't talk to me about anger management!" shouted Harry. "No one understands the actual anger and sadness I'm going through!"
"Harry, I already told you that; no one ever will understand you completely. That's why you have to calm down and keep your anger to yourself. Showing your anger will just give people more barbaric thoughts about you. Did you know there are even people who are scared of people like you? I wouldn't suggest ruining any relationships with others over an angry fit. Harry, you're becoming an adult, act like one!
"Well, the truth is, it really isn't your fault about your mood swings."
"They're not mood swings!" barked Harry.
"Whatever you're feeling, it's because of puberty. You're going to go through a lot of emotional ups and downs. I should have expected this, actually. I was like this too, and so was Sirius and James, at 16 years old. Just... you just have to try and control it... just try..."
Harry turned around and thought about the things that he had just been told. He did need to act like an adult, but how could he keep his anger bottled up like that? Last year, Ron and Hermione did seem a bit shocked at how he was shouting at them about not telling him about anything, and the truth is, Remus was completely right. He was sixteen now, and he needed to act like an adult, puberty or not.
"Fine," sighed Harry. "It'll be hard, but I'll try. You're absolutely right, I need to calm down my anger. But, it's just so hard!"
"I know, Harry. Just hearing what you're going to have to deal with, you'll be under so much anger you'll feel like you won't be able to control it. You'll get used to not releasing so much anger eventually, but it will be hard. You are going to experience a lot of emotions. Just try your best at handling them."
"I really don't want to scare others or ruin any relationships."
"No one does," said Remus. He quickly looked at his watch. "We should be on our way."
Remus quickly pushed down the lever of the car, turned it on and drove off into the road. Harry could tell Remus was breathing in deeply. Should he have told Remus about the Prophecy? Harry leaned his shoulder onto the edge of the car and let his messy hair flow in the ripping wind. Remembering the feeling he had when he got his license, he suddenly realized something: how did Remus know how to drive a car?
"Remus, how'd you know how to drive a car?" asked Harry curiously. "You're a full-grown wizard."
"I decided to get a car," said Remus, glaring back at Harry, sounding a bit more kinder from the scolding and lecturing he had just done. "I drove in one once, and I loved the feel of being in one, especially convertibles. I've always wanted a Muggle convertible, but I never had the money. After getting my grandmother's fortune and my promotion, I decided to get a license and buy a convertible. You're of age to drive, aren't you? Did you get your license yet?"
"Yeah, I just got it a week ago."
"Harry, that's wonderful! Since you have your license, I'll let you drive the Thunderbird a few times at your stay."
"You mean it? I can drive your Thunderbird?"
"Of course!"
Harry wanted to dance with excitement. He was going to drive a Ford Thunderbird! How many teenagers his age would get a chance to drive one? He could just imagine being behind that wheel.
"Since we're getting into a more vivid conversation, do you have a crush on any girls?"
Harry was shocked at this, and quite uncomfortable. It had come up so quickly, and it was such a personal question. He turned red in the face, shy to answer his question. He didn't know what to say at all. He felt a little too embarrassed to say that he liked Cho Chang, even after they broke up.
"Well...er...uhm...no..." he said in a shy voice.
"Well, I used to have a crush on this girl when I was about your age. I was madly in love with this girl named Naomi Crint. She had beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous long blonde hair. She worked in the Ministry after Hogwarts. I dated her for about 2 years but we broke up. She didn't like the idea of me being a werewolf. It was always a problem, but it became a bigger problem with time. We broke up, and shortly after she became a victim of Lord Voldemort. So sad..."
"She was killed by Lord Voldemort?"
"Oh yes, and many others from Hogwarts were. I was extremely sad, I grieved so much. I was, so, so sad...."
"So, are you still single?
"Yes, I'm afraid so. I just couldn't make myself date again after what happened to Naomi."
"Do you think you'll ever date again?"
"Maybe. By the way, there's a family that lives next door to me. They're Korean. You'll probably like their daughter. She's a bit of a cutie herself."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah!"
Harry smiled. It was until supper time when they got to London. Remus had a very big Victorian-style house that was white with gray panels and tiles. The house looked so comfortable and welcoming. It was three times the size of the Dursleys' house. Next to Remus' house was a long brick bungalow.
"Harry, welcome to my home! That house over there belongs to the Korean family. I'll let you meet them."
They walked over to the house and pushed the doorbell. Harry shoved his hands into his pockets, nervous to meet the neighbors. The family quickly came to the door, and Harry was shocked to see who it was.
"Harry, I'd like you to meet the Chang family, and this is their daughter, Cho."
Harry felt butterflies in his stomach. Cho gave him a big smile.
"Hi Harry!" she said.
"H- h- hello, Cho," he said in a very shy voice.
"Why, it's the famous Harry Potter! Wouldn't you like to come in?" asked the father.
"Of course," said Remus.
They walked into their lovely home, which was very Oriental. They stayed there for dinner, and had rice and other Korean delicacies at the meal.
As Remus and Cho's parents talked right after finishing their dinner, Cho tapped Harry on the shoulder. Harry quickly turned around, though he could feel his cheeks becoming warm.
"Harry, could I speak to you in private?" asked Cho nicely.
"I- uh- Sure..." responded Harry.
"Follow me."
Cho led Harry by the hand into a hallway where their parents, nor Remus could see them. Harry wondered curiously what Cho wanted to tell him. Cho let out a long sigh and spoke.
"Harry, I wanted to speak about our previous dates," said Cho.
She might take me back! thought Harry happily.
"Yeah, we can talk about that," said Harry.
"Well, I thought about our break-up and everything and I realized how silly I was being a bit silly. I apologize."
Wow, she's apologizing, thought Harry, as he listened closely to her.
"I forgive you, but it was partly my fault too," said Harry.
"Wow Harry, I'm so glad you understand. But I brought you here to tell you... that... uhm... if you want to go on another date, just ask."
She smiled and walked back into the living room where the Changs and Remus were talking. Harry smiled to himself that his crush over the summer didn't seem so ridiculous after all. Harry quickly got out of the hallway and went back to his seat in the living room.
After 8 o'clock in the evening, Harry went to Remus' house. It was decorated very nicely, with a modern style. The foyer was a nice tan colour with black marble table and oval mirror, with a cupboard for coats, and a brown mat. There was an earth-toned marble floor. Harry thought it quite lovely. As he entered the house, he saw a lot more examples of modern decor, with black leather couches and glass tables in the living room and a lovely fireplace with white border. Although here and there, he could see antiques and grandma-like items.
"I redecorated it a bit," said Remus, as he showed him the house. "My grandmother was very sweet, but she didn't have great taste in house decor."
Remus gave him a complete tour of the household. The tour stopped at his room
which was painted blue, with green carpeting, a desk, cabinets, a large mirror and a shelf. There was also a Queen-sized bed. Harry fell in love with it.
"Would you like me to help you unpack, Harry?"
"Sure!"
They started unpacking, as they talked about their first years at Hogwarts, Remus' times with his father and godfather, about Hogwarts and many other things.
"Harry?" asked Remus, looking up from a luggage he was unpacking into a few of the drawers.
"Yes?" answered Harry, slipping some of the emptied suit cases under his bed.
"Why don't you tell me about that crush you have on Cho Chang?"
"Excuse me?"
"Harry, I could see it in your eyes. You weren't telling the truth before. Don't worry, it's okay."
"Yeah, I guess. It's was kind of uncomfortable to tell you. You see, I already dated her before and it didn't work out, and...."
"Yeah, I completely understand," said Remus with a wink. "Well, I guess we're all unpacked. Could you hold on for a second?"
"Sure," said Harry, as Remus sped off into another room, and came back with a mirror, the second mirror that Sirius kept when he gave the other one to Harry, and a large wooden box.
"I thought you should have them," sighed Remus, handing it to Harry.
At the look of the mirror, Harry's eyes began to water and his lip trembled. He wanted his godfather back so much. He didn't know what the box was for though.
"Thanks," he said, wiping away a few of the tears that dropped onto his cheeks.
"I thought you needed it. Grimmauld Place now belongs to the Order of the Phoenix."
"Did he have a will?" asked Harry.
"No, he didn't. Of course, you can have anything you want from there. If anyone should deserve to inherit his things, it would be you, Harry."
"I could never take anything from there. It would hurt too much. What's the box for?"
"It's to put all your things of Sirius in, you know, the mirrors, letters, that knife to open doors, and even that album of your parents. You could put them all in there."
"Thanks, I really appreciate it."
"Your welcome. Harry, are you all right?"
Harry was starting to cry a lot more, as he clutched his new belongings tightly to him.
"It's just- His death could have been prevented. If only I used those mirrors, he might be alive to this day. It's all my fault!"
"Oh Harry, of course it isn't!" said Remus. Finally getting up the courage, Remus gave Harry a hug. Harry felt a bit strange getting a hug from Remus, but it made him feel a bit better.
"Thanks for that," said Harry. "I needed it. But if it wasn't for-"
"Harry, the only one we can blame are Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, especially Bellatrix Lestrange. It isn't your fault."
"Yes it is!"
"You tried to do the right thing. You would have never known what would happen. The truth is, I don't exactly know your side of the story, but I would like to know. You can tell me in the morning, all right?"
"All right. It's so unfair! He never even got a funeral! I never got to say goodbye!"
"I'm sad too, Harry, but we have to be strong. I think you should get some rest now. Good night."
"Good night."
As Remus left the room, Harry laid the mirrors into the box and slipped it under his bed. He put on his pajamas, crept under the covers and slept. He was so glad that he now had Remus as a father figure, but he just couldn't stop thinking about Sirius. Maybe it really wasn't my fault he died, thought Harry to himself, but he still felt like he had something to do with it. His life would never be the same without Sirius.
Author's Note: OK, that's up for the 3rd chapter. The next chapter is called "Friends and Fun in Diagon Alley". Basically what the title is: Harry goes to Diagon Alley and meets up with his friends. Though Harry will get huge news that will change the course of his whole entire year, and maybe life! So PPPPPLLLLLLEEEEAAAASSSEEE REVIEW!!!! I appreciate EVERY SINGLE review I get (well, maybe not flames).
Author's Note: Hey everyone! Thank you all who read my story and reviewed! I totally appreciate it. For this chapter, Harry'll be getting his license and going to Remus' house and Remus will find out something about Harry that he never knew before. So read and review me about what you think!
Chapter 3
A Mentor
Harry woke up with a headache. He got up and limped to his window, remembering his broken ankle and the parade the day before. Out the window was a sunny morning with birds flying everywhere and squirrels running about.
Just look at the birds and squirrels, he thought to himself. So free, free from all chaos of Lord Voldemort and whatnot. They don't have to worry about saving the world, or thinking anyone is against them. To think, I might be just as free when I'm on the open road.....
That day Harry started his Driver's Education classes which were at a local community center. Uncle Vernon brought him and Dudley to an old building in the corner of Community Crescent and Waterlot Road, which in big red letters with chipped paint read the name: Little Whinging Community Center. Right after asking the secretary at the entrance where the classes were, they went to the 2nd floor of the building, where their classes would be held.
"I'll pick you both up in an hour and a half," said Uncle Vernon. "Your class is the 2nd last room on your right."
As Uncle Vernon left them, Harry walked with Dudley down the long hallway of tiled flooring and walls painted in bright colours to the 2nd last room on their right. The door was a bright shade of green and on a sign taped onto the door it said in large letters: DRIVER'S EDUCATION CLASS. Harry opened the door slowly, nervous of what they'd find inside.
Once the door was opened, Harry found out it was a large bright-coloured classroom with a chalkboard that went all around the room, except for the wall on the right with giant windows. There were even desks all lined up in singular rows. Hung everywhere around the room were signs and posters that said, 'Drive safe!', 'A safe driver is a good driver' and such. A few 16-year-olds were already sitting and talking in their desks. A large, bulky man at the front welcomed them in.
"Hello!" he said in a large voice. "Are you Dudley Dursley and Harry Potter?"
"Yep," answered Dudley bluntly.
"You're the last additions to our class. You may sit down."
Dudley sat at the back of the room with his friends including Ed, Fred and Ned, who were taking the driving course as well. Harry took a seat closer to the front and close to the windows, which was surrounded by no one else but a shy teenage boy with freckles and blond hair with a comic book on his desk.
"Hello," greeted Harry.
"Good day!" said the boy in an Australian accent, with a forced smile.
"I'm Harry," he said, with his hand out.
"Hi, I'm Dave," said the boy, quickly shaking Harry's hand.
"Are you from Australia?" asked Harry.
"Oh yeah, I'm from Down Under. I'm here visiting my Grams, and my dad signed me up for the class. I don't know why, I don't think I really need it."
"Why not?" asked Harry
"Oh, just personal reasons. Hey, do you like comic books?"
"They're all right, but I don't read them often."
"Well, I got this new issue of-"
As Dave excitedly picked up his comic book to show Harry, a magazine slipped out of it and landed on the desk without Dave knowing. Harry gave it a glance and realized it was a wizard magazine called Quidditch Weekly. Dave was a wizard! Harry's eyes were fixed on the magazine in interest (that Dave was a wizard and for the Quidditch tips).
"-and- Harry? What are you- OH DEAR!"
Dave noticed that Harry was looking at his wizard magazine and he quickly tucked it into his comic book.
"It's nothing, really. My sister's a bit mad, so she collects those magazines-"
Harry sat closer to him.
"You're a wizard, aren't you?" he whispered into Dave's ear. Dave looked back in complete horror.
"O-oh, of c-course not! W-wizards, d-d-don't believe in those th-things-"
"It's okay if you're a wizard, Dave."
"B-bu-t-t I-"
"Dave," said Harry, pretty sure Dave was lying to him, "I'm a wizard too."
Dave's eyes widened as he sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness!" he sighed, holding his hand to his heart. "I almost thought I gave it away to a Muggle. My mum would have killed me if that happened. So you're a wizard?"
"Yep, I go to Hogwarts."
"I go to McLocklin's Academy in Australia. Wait a second, you're name's Harry and- you're Harry Potter!"
"You've found out," sighed Harry. "Yes, I'm Harry Potter, scar and everything."
"My goodness, I never thought I'd meet you!" said Dave, completely thrilled, and was even panting a bit from it. "I just can't - What happened to your foot?"
Dave was looking at the cast on Harry's foot, which was still on.
"Oh, that's a long story."
"Anyway, I heard you're a great Seeker!"
"I guess so. I was going to be banned from Quidditch, but they relieved me of it."
"Banned from Quidditch? That's horrible, but I'm glad you're relieved from that. I love Quidditch, you know. At first I thought I'd be completely scared on a broom, but it's actually really fun, and so is Quidditch! I'm not on any of my school's teams though, but I'm pretty good at being a Chaser. You see, that's why I thought I didn't need a driver's license, I would ride a broom. My dad, being a Muggle and all, wants me to have a license."
"You're dad's a Muggle? Are you Muggle-born?"
"No, my mum's a witch."
"I know someone who's dad's a Muggle and his mum's a witch."
"So, you really saw You-Know-Who rise again?" asked Dave with wide eyes, looking very curious.
"Yeah, it happened a year ago."
"I was so amazed at that interview in the Quibbler. My mum doesn't really like the Quibbler, although I just had to read that interview. It sounded amazing.... Have you seen He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named any other times?"
"Lots of times. I saw him... a month and a half ago...."
It wasn't easy for Harry to say that. The night he saw Voldemort was the night Sirius died, and his encounter with Voldemort was awful.
"I can't believe you've confronted him so many times," said Dave looking so impressed. "Me, the first sight of him, I'd freak. To think, all those times and you've lived to tell the tales!"
"Did you hear about the war in Sicily?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, I heard about that! Freaky, I tell you. The leaders are so cool too."
"What leaders?" asked Harry, thinking he could finally find out who were the leaders trying to defeat Voldemort.
"They're-"
"Okay class, it's time to start," stated the bulky man up front. "I'm Mr. Drivedale and I'll be teaching you Driver's Ed. I'll pass you all the manuals and we'll start on the first chapter."
Mr. Drivedale passed around all the manuals that they'd be able to keep. They discussed the first chapter that day, and by the end of the class, Harry was really excited to be getting his license. He became friends with Dave and chatted with him every class, although they were always interrupted when Dave was about to mention who were the leaders of the war. Their friendship made the lessons a lot more enjoyable, and made the final test less frightening.
After a week, Harry had learned all to know about driving. He practically memorized the manual, and he tried to study so hard for the test. On the day of the driver's test, Harry was very nervous.
Uncle Vernon dropped off the two at the community center where they went up to the class to do their written test. Pencils and tests turned upside down were laid on each desk. Harry sat right next to Dave, who was muttering to himself reviews of everything in the manual and was looking quite anxious.
"Hi Dave!" greeted Harry.
"Oh hello, Harry," said Dave, quite tense. "Did you study last night?"
"I practically memorized the whole thing," answered Harry. "Dave, don't worry. You'll do fine!"
"How do you know that?" asked Dave. "There could be a trick question on the test and-"
"My uncle told my cousin and I that they don't do that, and it's pretty standard. As I said, you'll do fine!"
"I hope so."
"Everyone, turn over your papers and start your tests," declared Mr. Drivedale.
Everyone at the same time turned over their tests. Harry picked up his pencil and quickly wrote his name at the top. He skimmed down at the questions, which came to him very quickly. He jotted down all the answers, pausing to fix a few of them, and then turned the test back over.
After a while, Mr. Drivedale told them that time was up and picked up all the tests. While he corrected them, everyone else talked to their friends (while Dudley and his friends chucked paper at everybody else). Harry spoke to Dave, who was breathing deeply.
"That wasn't so bad," sighed Dave.
"Of course it wasn't! You'll do great."
"I hope so. By the way, I got the new issue for Quidditch Weekly today. They have all these new models straight from the Wizard World Italy! They're marvelous, especially my favourite. It's called the Stella Velocita 29, and it's awesome."
"I know," said Harry. "I have it."
Dave's jaw dropped in shock.
"Y-y-you have one?" stuttered Dave, looking amazed. "I-I just can't believe it. I heard you had the Nimbus 2000 and then the Firebolt, but I never thought that you'd have that one too.... You're so lucky when it comes to brooms. By the way, what happened to your brooms anyway?"
"I broke one in a Quidditch match in my 3rd year," said Harry. "The other one was locked up in the school when I was banned from Quidditch. How do you know so much about me?"
"They feature you a few times in Quidditch Weekly," responded Dave.
Wow, I'm in Quidditch Weekly, thought Harry. He was finally being recognized for something other than trying to battle Lord Voldemort. He really wanted to see one of the articles about him though.
"So, are you going to be getting your Firebolt back?" asked Dave.
"I got a letter stating that I'd get it back, but I don't think I could ever ride it."
Harry paused, and thought about the Firebolt. He could remember exactly what happened when he received it, that Hermione made him give it to Professor McGonagoll for checking, and how he wanted one so badly when in Diagon Alley. Then he thought about Sirius...... how he used his own money, even if he was in hiding.... poor Sirius....
"Uhm... Why can't you ride it?" asked Dave curiously.
"Oh, someone gave it to me, but they died this year," told Harry, looking down. "I just couldn't bear to fly that broom again not thinking about....about that person."
"Gee, I'm really sorry about that. Who was it?"
"I-I can't exactly tell you," said Harry, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"Oh all right. Hey look! Mr. Drivedale's passing the tests back!"
Mr. Drivedale was indeed giving back all the tests, as many looked at their marks with various expressions. Some were so happy they jumped in their seats, and some were so furious that they almost ripped up the tests (including Dudley in the back). Mr. Drivedale went to Harry and Dave, and passed them their tests.
"Congrats," said Mr. Drivedale, handing them their tests. "You both did great."
Harry took his test and looked at the mark. He got 29/30! He was so proud of himself that he did wonderful on his test. Dave jumped for joy when he looked at his test.
"Harry! I got 30 on 30! I did perfect!"
"That's awesome! I got 29 on 30."
"That's so cool! We rock!"
Both of them gave each other high fives. Harry's hands trembled as he held the paper in his hands. Now all they had to do was do the actual driving for their driving test.
All of the students went to the parking lot, where they would start their driving tests. They were huddled in a bunch, talking to one another and waiting for their turns. Harry walked with Dave outside, who was shivering to bits.
"Harry, I'm freaked out!" said Dave, shivering a bit more.
"Calm down, Dave! You studied and everything. Actually, you probably know more of the manual than all the others. You'll do fine, just like how great you did on the test."
"I really hope you're right."
A car with the sign: 'Little Whinging's Community Center Driving School' on its roof pulled up near the curve. A teenager hopped out of the car, showing his passed driving test to his friends and rushed over to them, excited. Mr. Drivedale came out of the car and looked at his clipboard to see who would be next.
"Would Mr. Dave Clikale come to do his driving test?" called Mr. Drivedale.
"Oh no, that's me!" said Dave, clutching to Harry. "I-I'm not too sure if I-"
"Dave, I have total faith in you. Go and do your test."
"Fine," sighed Dave, walking slowly to the car and going into the driver's seat.
Harry waved goodbye, watching Dave in the car as he pushed the lever, pressed his foot onto the gas peddle and drove off into the road smoothly. He's going to do fine, thought Harry to himself. As Dave did his driving test, Harry tried to review all the things in the manual. After encouraging his new friend, he had to encourage himself, because he could feel butterflies fluttering away in his stomach.
After a long 15 minutes, Dave drove back into the parking lot, and parked and parallel parked for the test. Afterwards, he parked along the curve. Dave opened the door, clutching a little piece of paper, and glaring at it once in a while with a smile as his hand shook mercilessly. He rushed over to Harry and gave him a hug.
"Harry, I passed it with flying colours!" he said, hugging Harry very hard. "I made it! I made it!"
"That's wonderful," congratulated Harry, so happy for his friend.
Dave stepped away from Harry from their hug and showed Harry the paper confirming Dave could get his license.
"Look, I did so well!" he said, showing Harry his test.
"That's wonderful. So are you going to leave and get your license id?"
"Of course not! You were here encouraging me, so I'm going to be here encouraging you."
"Really? Thanks," said Harry, glad he had a really caring friend like Dave.
"Would Mr. Dudley Dursley come here?" asked Mr. Drivedale.
"Now it's my cousin's turn," said Harry, as he watched Dudley get into the car and after a while, drive off unsteadily.
Dave told him all about the test. Harry was starting to get a bit anxious himself about everything. Once a few minutes passed, Dudley was back in the parking lot and made an unsteady stop near the curve. Mr. Drivedale came out of the car, looking a bit dazed. Dudley, holding a piece of paper, had a frustrated expression on his face.
"He probably didn't do so well," said Harry.
"I guess so."
"Would Mr. Harry Potter come and do his driving test?" asked Mr. Drivedale, leaning his elbow on the hood of the car while looking at his clipboard.
"Now it's my turn," sighed Harry, his butterflies fluttering more intensely in his stomach.
"You're going to do great!" encouraged Dave as he gave him a pat on the back. "Good luck!"
Harry smiled in appreciation and slowly walked to the car where Mr. Drivedale was.
"Are you ready, Harry?" asked Mr. Drivedale.
"I hope so," sighed Harry.
Harry got into the car following Mr. Drivedale. He sat in the driver's seat, feeling so strange that he was there. He buckled his belt, and turned to Mr. Drivedale for instructions.
"Now Harry," said Mr. Drivedale, turning to Harry, "the driving test consists of driving out of the parking lot and driving around the neighborhood. I'll tell you which roads to turn at. We're going to finish off with some parking exercises and then the exam will be over. Any questions?"
"No sir," said Harry.
"Would that cast on your foot by any problem to your driving?" asked Mr. Drivedale.
"Oh no, it's just my ankle. It's just hard for me to walk a bit, but I'm all right."
"Whatever."
Harry adjusted the rear-view mirror. He saw the key in the ignition, and turned it slowly, turning on the car with a soft vroom. After looking around him for pedestrians in the way, Harry pushed the lever and with a long sigh of fear, started driving the car.
The car went smoothly out of the parking lot and into the roads, where he drove carefully for others in the way. He felt in control, and he loved that feeling. No wonder so many guys love driving, he thought to himself.
He remembered the time Ron and him drove to Hogwarts in a flying car, and how dramatic and exciting it was. Even so, it wasn't the same as this. First of all, Ron was driving that time, and being on the ground was a whole different experience.
Often times, Mr. Drivedale wrote on his clipboard or made little checks, which gave Harry lumps in his throat. He was doing perfectly fine, but that clipboard made him anxious. He drove down all the required roads perfectly, and finally made a turn into the parking lot. The test is almost over, he thought to himself.
"Harry, there's a vacant spot right in front of us, and I'd like you to park there," instructed Mr. Drivedale.
Giving him a nod, Harry slowly drove into the spot and parked. Once parked, he sighed in relief. He had parked perfectly and safely.
"Wonderful," said Mr. Drivedale. "Here comes the hardest part. I want you to parallel park over there."
Mr. Drivedale pointed over to a line of pylons placed horizontally on the side of the parking lot, with a large gap in between two pylons. Harry was a bit tense at what he'd have to do next. Would he be able to do it? He was having a bit of a hard time doing parallel parking, and there were so many rumours of it being so hard.
Harry, quite nervous, pulled down the parking lever, and drove back into the end pylon, and settled into the spot safely. He bit his lip in worrying if he knocked over a pylon. Mr. Drivedale got out of the car to examine how he parallel parked. After a thorough examination, he went back into the car.
"You parallel parked perfectly," stated Mr. Drivedale, marking his clipboard. "You can drive to the curve now. You're test his done."
Harry's heart leaped in excitement as he pulled the lever and got out of his parallel parking. He drove near the curve and stopped the car. He turned off the car as Mr. Drivedale handed him his driver's test:
Driver's Test Score Sheet:
Little Whinging's Community Center Driving School
Name: Harry Potter
Date: August 10th, 1996
Driving instructor: Mr. Joe Drivedale
Place: Little Whinging, Surrey
Examinations:
Signals: check
Speed: check
Driving: check
Turns: check
U-Turn: check
Stopping: check
Parking: check
Parallel-Parking: check
Rules of the Road: check
Average: Excellent
Note: Mr. Harry Potter did a wonderful job of doing his driving test. The turns and u-turns could be a bit more sharp, but that's it. Harry Potter is given permission to get his driver's license.
"You're an excellent driver," said Mr. Drivedale. "The only thing is that your turns and U-turns are a bit soft, although that might be because of the cast."
"Thank you!" said Harry.
Harry was so glad all of this was over. All he had to do now was get his actual license. Harry got out of the car and went to Dave and showed him his test.
"Dave, look!" said Harry, showing Dave his test. "I did great!"
"Congrats!" said Dave.
Just a few minutes later, Uncle Vernon drove into the parking lot to pick up Harry and Dudley. Harry was really sad that he had to leave his new friend.
"Goodbye, Harry," said Dave, looking quite sad.
"Bye," said Harry. "Do you think I could send you an owl? We could keep in touch when you're in Australia."
"I don't think so," sighed Dave. "My owl can't go that far. I guess this really is goodbye. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Dave," sighed Harry.
He couldn't believe it. He made a friend over the summer, and now he was going away where he'd never see him again. Harry wished there was another way to solve this, but there wasn't. Harry knew Hedwig couldn't fly all the way to Australia, and he was really depressed about it. He didn't want to end their friendship.
After a few more final goodbyes, Harry and Dave patted each other on the back. Harry, still holding both tests, walked with Dudley to Uncle Vernon who was getting out of the car.
"So, how did you both do?" asked Uncle Vernon excitedly.
"I did great," sighed Harry, still sad he'd never see Dave again.
"I passed," said Dudley, with a fake expression on his face.
Uncle Vernon looked suspiciously at Dudley. He didn't quite believe him.
"Give me your tests," said Uncle Vernon, his hand open.
Dudley, with a pained expression on his face, handed over both driving tests. Uncle Vernon ripped them away from him and once he looked at both exams, his eyes bulged in fury.
"You really think you're going to get a car?" shouted Uncle Vernon as he waved the two tests around. "You barely passed!"
"But Dad-"
"NO BUTS! Both of you, get in the car!"
Harry and Dudley (furious he wouldn't be getting a car) went into the car as Uncle Vernon turned it on and drove to the place where they would get their licenses. Unlike the community center, it was a new building that was modernly and simply decorated inside, with white walls, carpets and black desks. Harry and Dudley showed their tests to one of the ladies at the desks (she was very young, and strangely had the exact same voice as the cool female voice from the Ministry of Magic) and brought them over to a computer where she filled in the information necessary
Once both of them got blinding photographs of themselves, they both received their licenses, and a couple of information sheets. Harry couldn't stop looking at his license. It had an awful picture of him, as most licenses had, with his hair messed up and his glasses drooping onto his nose. As Uncle Vernon drove off home as a sky full of clouds slowly moved above the car and scenery whipped passed them, Harry felt proud of himself that this day had come.
To think, thought Harry, looking at the birds fly by, I can be just as free when I'm on the open road.....
*****
A week later, Harry was all packed up and ready to go to Remus' house. He had sent a letter telling Remus that he was allowed to visit him, and he felt extremely thrilled at every thought of seeing him. Harry had gotten a letter back from Remus saying that he would pick him up at around noon.
The Dursley family was having mixed feelings about everything. Aunt Petunia was worried, yet Uncle Vernon and Dudley were too happy for words. Harry had even heard Uncle Vernon singing a tune in the shower about it.
"Harry won't be here for the rest of the year," Uncle Vernon had sung horribly in the shower, loud enough for even Harry to hear from his room. "Harry won't be here for the rest of the year.... Harry won't be here for the rest of year... and I'll finally wake up not hearing that bloody owl!"
He was shaking with excitement the morning Remus would come to pick him up.
At noon, they all waited for Remus. Remus never told Harry how he would get there. They prepared the fireplace, remembering the time the Weasleys picked up Harry. The Dursley family ate lunch, but Harry didn't. He was too excited to eat. Right after they were putting the plates and glasses away, Dudley shouted for them to look at the window.
"Mum! Dad! You've got to see this beautiful car!" he shouted.
They all looked out the window at a magnificent silver Thunderbird with white leather interior. They fell in love with it immediately, their eyes glued to its features, its silver body shimmering in the afternoon sun. To their amazement, the beautiful car parked right in front of the house. A clean-shaven man with graying hair honked the horn.
"Harry, hop in!" he shouted.
It was Remus. Harry almost couldn't recognize. He usually looked a bit more scruffy, with very old patched clothes and such. Harry limped out the door hurriedly, not being able to wait to get into the car with Remus. Remus hopped out the convertible in one leap and leaned on the car. Harry would have hugged him, but he would have felt strange that he would be hugging an ex-professor.
"I'm so glad you're here!" said Harry, smiling uncontrollably.
"I'm glad to see you too, Harry!" said Remus.
Remus opened the trunk and Harry put all his luggage in, except for Hedwig (who he put in the back seat). The Dursley family walked slowly to the car, looking at it with amazement. The door was left wide open, though they didn't care to look back, for they couldn't stare at anything else but the Thunderbird.
"Well hello!" greeted Remus. "You must be the Dursley family. Pleased to meet you."
Remus pulled out his hand and shook hands with all of them. They all stood with their jaws dropped and eyebrows raised.
"D-d-does y-your k-k-kind get paid v-v-very m-much?" stuttered Uncle Vernon with excitement.
"Well, I'm not sure about other wizards and witches, but I do get paid very well. Chief Aurors like me have a very large wage. If you didn't know what an Auror is, it's a kind of police officer that catches extremely dangerous criminals in the wizarding world,"
he said.
They all nodded, even if they weren't really paying attention to anything Remus would be saying. He said goodbye as all of them waved back. He drove off, while the Dursleys looked at them and the car in amazement as they drove away.
"Do you want the radio on, Harry?" he asked.
"All right," he responded.
He turned on the switch to the radio, which let a Muggle tune flow out of the speakers with boy band vocals ringing in their ears. It was a British boy band playing an annoying love ballad. Remus had a disgusted expression on his face just hearing the irritating tune.
"Yuck! This is awful Muggle music!" said Remus. "I'm getting the radio fixed. I bought it from a Muggle car store. I have to buy a wizard radio when we go to Diagon Alley. But don't worry, this will do the trick."
He took out is wand and waved it around near the radio.
"Radius wizardry," he said. Suddenly, the radio was playing the Weird Sisters, a wizard band that played at the Yule Ball during Harry's 4th year. Remus was bobbing his head and singing to the song. Harry started to gently laugh, the sight was hysterical.
"So, Harry, I heard you had a broken ankle. Tell me about it."
"I was walking Dudley's new dog Champion, it's a pug. He received it on his birthday from Aunt Marge, you know, the one I blew up?"
"I think I might have heard something about that from the Ministry, although I'm not too sure if you told me your side of the story.... but go on."
"Well, Dudley told me to walk the dog so I put it on its leash and we walked around the block. Champion got loose and by the time I caught him, Dudley's friends Fred, Ned and Ed chased me until I ran into a dead end and they started beating me up. I got angry and accidentally a car headed straight for them. We were near a parking lot, you see. Then the car was heading towards me so I ran as fast as I could into the forest. The car lost track of me but then I walked backwards into a ditch, which is how I broke my ankle. Champion found me but didn't help me at all. I got up with the help of a long stick and walked back to the Dursleys."
"Yikes! I feel sorry for you."
"The day after that, I went to the doctor's and got this cast on. That day, Mr. Weasley and some other wizards came to erase the Dursleys of their memory; Fred, Ned and Ed told them about the car. They fixed everything."
"I heard Mr. Weasley got a raise. Good for him!"
"He also got another raise for helping out with the incident."
"I think we should fix that broken ankle of yours."
Remus took out his wand again, waved it and said, 'Footus healo' and suddenly the foot wasn't broken anymore. The pain immediately vanished from his ankle, and Harry could actually feel the bone in his ankle mend itself. Harry took off the cast, which slipped off easily.
"You know, next year you won't be an under-aged wizard anymore. You'll be able to do spells."
"Yeah, I heard about that."
"You know... maybe next summer you can practice some magic. We can even make some potions together!"
"That would be so neat, although whenever I do a potion, I always think of my awful Potions teacher, Professor Snape. You know him, of course."
"I remember your father, Sirius, Peter and I used to really hate him too. As much as you hate Draco Malfoy, in fact! You know what really got Sirius angry? It's when he called him 'Black'. It made him feel weird that he was addressed as a colour. He kept on saying to us, 'How would you feel if you were called Green, Orange or Yellow'?"
Harry felt uncomfortable at what Remus said. It was the first time he had mentioned Sirius, and Harry couldn't hear the name 'Sirius' without feeling horrible. Remus saw the dismal look on Harry's face.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up so early," said Remus. "We're all hurting."
"You won't believe how much I'm hurting," sighed Harry.
"Listen, the reason I wanted you to visit was so we could get to know each other a bit better, and to become friends. I know the Dursleys are treating you a lot better, but I don't think they're giving you the treatment like a mentor would."
"A mentor?"
"Yeah, a mentor! I could maybe be your mentor. It would be like I'm a friendly uncle of yours, or... or even a godfather or father figure."
Harry listened sharply at the last few words Remus said, and couldn't believe he had said them. Remus would never be his godfather or father, only Sirius and his father were. How could Remus do this to him? Harry became furious, his mood switched in a flash.
"Are you trying to replace Sirius and my father?" questioned Harry angrily at Remus.
"No, of course not! I just-"
"You are, aren't you? I can't believe you! You're trying to get me over to your house so you can be a replacement godfather? I only have one godfather and one father, and that will always be Sirius and my dad! I thought you knew that!"
"I do know that, Harry!"
"OBVIOUSLY, YOU DON'T!" shouted Harry. "Bring me back home. I don't want to go to London with you."
"Harry, please!"
"You're trying to replace Sirius and my dad!"
"Harry, please listen to me!" pleaded Remus. "I'm never going to replace Sirius or James, and you know that! What I meant to say was that I could look after you and be like a friend, almost like a godfather or father figure. I could be someone you could go to when you're having problems or something."
"Well the problem I'm having now is that you think you understand how I feel about the death of Sirius, but you don't!"
"Harry, you're completely forgetting that Sirius and James were my best friends!" scolded Remus. "Once I became a werewolf, everyone treated me differently, even my own parents! You will not believe how happy I was when I finally made friends like Sirius, James and Peter. They even went to the Shrieking Shack with me and became Animagi!
"I was so crushed when James died, and horrified when Peter went to serve Lord Voldemort. The only friend I had was Sirius, but of course, he was falsely accused and sent to Azkaban, so I had no friends! The truth is, I was so glad Sirius escaped from Azkaban. But now that he's dead, I've come back to having no friends.
"You might have lost your parents and your godfather, Harry, but you still have Hermione and Ron, who are wonderful friends. My family lives far away from me and are completely frightened whenever I walk into the room, and now my true friends are gone. You might think the Aurors and the members of the Order of the Phoenix are my friends, but they can't replace James or Sirius, or even Peter. My Grandma was the only one from my family who still loved me like a real family member, but now she's gone too."
Harry never realized that Remus had lost all his best friends, and his family was so scared of him because he was a werewolf. Last year, Harry had thought that he was so tortured and no one understood him, but now he realized that Remus had suffered too. Even though Harry had lost very many people, he still had Ron and Hermione. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost them both.
"Sorry," apologized Harry. "It's just that you seem so calm about all of this. When Sirius died, it was as if you didn't really care."
"Believe me, I cared," said Remus. "It was just hard for it to sink in. I still don't think it has really sunken in yet. I still keep on thinking that he's still at Grimmauld's
Place bullying around Kreacher."
"The truth is, I'm really glad that you're my mentor," admitted Harry. "You're the only one left who really knew my father. I really want you to be my mentor, whatever it means."
"I'm glad to hear that, but you have to stop having these tantrums. Sometimes you get out of hand with your anger."
"It's because no one understands me!" said Harry angrily. "No one knows how it's like to suffer the way I do. You don't know what I've had to put up with and survive!"
"Harry, no one's ever going to really understand you," said Remus. "You've done so many great things and have seen such horrible things that no one can compare. We all try to understand you, but not even your friends or I can help you when it comes to perfectly understanding you."
"That doesn't give anyone the right to keep me clueless about everything and treat me so strangely! The Ministry didn't even tell me that there would be a war in Sicily. Of all the people, I should know!"
"Harry, just because Voldemort tried to kill you once and is always after you because he's mad at you for what happened, doesn't mean you should have exclusive updates on everything."
"You think he's after me because he's mad at what happened when I was a baby?" questioned Harry. He doesn't know about the Prophecy, thought Harry. Harry felt that he had to tell Remus, he didn't want him thinking Harry was a raging maniac for no particular reason. "Remus, did you ever hear of a Prophecy made about Voldemort?"
"What? What Prophecy?" asked Remus, looking concerned.
"Do you remember Professor Trelawney?"
"Her, that fake Seer?"
"Yeah, her. Well in Hogs Head before I was born, she told Dumbledore of a Prophecy, about You-Know-Who. She said that when the seventh month ended, there would be a child born that could defeat him. He would have a secret power that Voldemort didn't know of, and that the child would be marked as his equal. At the end, one would be killed by the other. Remus, that child is me."
Remus literally jumped in his seat, and on the way to the highway, parked on the side of the road. He looked stunned, and was even gasping, and turned to Harry.
"A-are you serious?" questioned Remus.
"I'm serious, and that means that Voldemort isn't just mad at me. He knows I'm that child, Remus. One of his associates overheard their conversation and reported it to him. They didn't hear all of it though, and they didn't hear that he'd mark me as his equal."
"Wait a minute. Does that mean y-y-your scar-"
"Exactly. My scar is the mark that I'm he's equal."
"I-I just, I can't believe it," sighed Remus, sitting back in his seat, wide-eyed. "I never knew. Harry, I'm tremendously sorry. I never knew-"
"No one knows, except Professor Trelawney, Dumbledore, Voldemort and I. Other than that, no one else really knows about it, which lets them misjudge me and all. Remus, in the end, I'll have to be a murderer or a victim. I don't want to kill anyone, Remus, nor do I want to be killed. I'm obviously going to have that burden hovering over me my whole entire life. Did you hear me? I have to kill or be killed!"
"Harry, you'll never be a murderer," said Remus as he patted him on the back. "You'll be more of a....a warrior. I just can't believe the pressure you're under. The weight on your back.... Harry, I'd really love to be your mentor. Maybe, I could help you sort all this out-"
"Remus, I really appreciate it. When I had Sirius around, it was like having a father all over again. Actually, I don't even know how it's like to have a father, so it was a great experience for me. The truth is, I want to have a father figure, I just don't want to forget about Sirius. You understand, right?"
"Of course I understand. I think though, that you need to calm down on your anger. Dumbledore told me about your..... your temper-tantrum in his office."
"Is that what he calls it? Remus, I was going through so much stress and anger that I couldn't help myself! No one understands the anger I have, and everyone thinks I'm an angry maniac. I'm not! They treat me like a stuck-up child! I'm 16 years old now! I want to be treated more like an adult!"
"If you want to be treated like an adult, than act like one! Harry, not even adults have fits like you. No matter how angry you get, you have to bottle it up until you're alone. Afterwards, you can relieve your stress by punching a pillow or something."
"Don't talk to me about anger management!" shouted Harry. "No one understands the actual anger and sadness I'm going through!"
"Harry, I already told you that; no one ever will understand you completely. That's why you have to calm down and keep your anger to yourself. Showing your anger will just give people more barbaric thoughts about you. Did you know there are even people who are scared of people like you? I wouldn't suggest ruining any relationships with others over an angry fit. Harry, you're becoming an adult, act like one!
"Well, the truth is, it really isn't your fault about your mood swings."
"They're not mood swings!" barked Harry.
"Whatever you're feeling, it's because of puberty. You're going to go through a lot of emotional ups and downs. I should have expected this, actually. I was like this too, and so was Sirius and James, at 16 years old. Just... you just have to try and control it... just try..."
Harry turned around and thought about the things that he had just been told. He did need to act like an adult, but how could he keep his anger bottled up like that? Last year, Ron and Hermione did seem a bit shocked at how he was shouting at them about not telling him about anything, and the truth is, Remus was completely right. He was sixteen now, and he needed to act like an adult, puberty or not.
"Fine," sighed Harry. "It'll be hard, but I'll try. You're absolutely right, I need to calm down my anger. But, it's just so hard!"
"I know, Harry. Just hearing what you're going to have to deal with, you'll be under so much anger you'll feel like you won't be able to control it. You'll get used to not releasing so much anger eventually, but it will be hard. You are going to experience a lot of emotions. Just try your best at handling them."
"I really don't want to scare others or ruin any relationships."
"No one does," said Remus. He quickly looked at his watch. "We should be on our way."
Remus quickly pushed down the lever of the car, turned it on and drove off into the road. Harry could tell Remus was breathing in deeply. Should he have told Remus about the Prophecy? Harry leaned his shoulder onto the edge of the car and let his messy hair flow in the ripping wind. Remembering the feeling he had when he got his license, he suddenly realized something: how did Remus know how to drive a car?
"Remus, how'd you know how to drive a car?" asked Harry curiously. "You're a full-grown wizard."
"I decided to get a car," said Remus, glaring back at Harry, sounding a bit more kinder from the scolding and lecturing he had just done. "I drove in one once, and I loved the feel of being in one, especially convertibles. I've always wanted a Muggle convertible, but I never had the money. After getting my grandmother's fortune and my promotion, I decided to get a license and buy a convertible. You're of age to drive, aren't you? Did you get your license yet?"
"Yeah, I just got it a week ago."
"Harry, that's wonderful! Since you have your license, I'll let you drive the Thunderbird a few times at your stay."
"You mean it? I can drive your Thunderbird?"
"Of course!"
Harry wanted to dance with excitement. He was going to drive a Ford Thunderbird! How many teenagers his age would get a chance to drive one? He could just imagine being behind that wheel.
"Since we're getting into a more vivid conversation, do you have a crush on any girls?"
Harry was shocked at this, and quite uncomfortable. It had come up so quickly, and it was such a personal question. He turned red in the face, shy to answer his question. He didn't know what to say at all. He felt a little too embarrassed to say that he liked Cho Chang, even after they broke up.
"Well...er...uhm...no..." he said in a shy voice.
"Well, I used to have a crush on this girl when I was about your age. I was madly in love with this girl named Naomi Crint. She had beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous long blonde hair. She worked in the Ministry after Hogwarts. I dated her for about 2 years but we broke up. She didn't like the idea of me being a werewolf. It was always a problem, but it became a bigger problem with time. We broke up, and shortly after she became a victim of Lord Voldemort. So sad..."
"She was killed by Lord Voldemort?"
"Oh yes, and many others from Hogwarts were. I was extremely sad, I grieved so much. I was, so, so sad...."
"So, are you still single?
"Yes, I'm afraid so. I just couldn't make myself date again after what happened to Naomi."
"Do you think you'll ever date again?"
"Maybe. By the way, there's a family that lives next door to me. They're Korean. You'll probably like their daughter. She's a bit of a cutie herself."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah!"
Harry smiled. It was until supper time when they got to London. Remus had a very big Victorian-style house that was white with gray panels and tiles. The house looked so comfortable and welcoming. It was three times the size of the Dursleys' house. Next to Remus' house was a long brick bungalow.
"Harry, welcome to my home! That house over there belongs to the Korean family. I'll let you meet them."
They walked over to the house and pushed the doorbell. Harry shoved his hands into his pockets, nervous to meet the neighbors. The family quickly came to the door, and Harry was shocked to see who it was.
"Harry, I'd like you to meet the Chang family, and this is their daughter, Cho."
Harry felt butterflies in his stomach. Cho gave him a big smile.
"Hi Harry!" she said.
"H- h- hello, Cho," he said in a very shy voice.
"Why, it's the famous Harry Potter! Wouldn't you like to come in?" asked the father.
"Of course," said Remus.
They walked into their lovely home, which was very Oriental. They stayed there for dinner, and had rice and other Korean delicacies at the meal.
As Remus and Cho's parents talked right after finishing their dinner, Cho tapped Harry on the shoulder. Harry quickly turned around, though he could feel his cheeks becoming warm.
"Harry, could I speak to you in private?" asked Cho nicely.
"I- uh- Sure..." responded Harry.
"Follow me."
Cho led Harry by the hand into a hallway where their parents, nor Remus could see them. Harry wondered curiously what Cho wanted to tell him. Cho let out a long sigh and spoke.
"Harry, I wanted to speak about our previous dates," said Cho.
She might take me back! thought Harry happily.
"Yeah, we can talk about that," said Harry.
"Well, I thought about our break-up and everything and I realized how silly I was being a bit silly. I apologize."
Wow, she's apologizing, thought Harry, as he listened closely to her.
"I forgive you, but it was partly my fault too," said Harry.
"Wow Harry, I'm so glad you understand. But I brought you here to tell you... that... uhm... if you want to go on another date, just ask."
She smiled and walked back into the living room where the Changs and Remus were talking. Harry smiled to himself that his crush over the summer didn't seem so ridiculous after all. Harry quickly got out of the hallway and went back to his seat in the living room.
After 8 o'clock in the evening, Harry went to Remus' house. It was decorated very nicely, with a modern style. The foyer was a nice tan colour with black marble table and oval mirror, with a cupboard for coats, and a brown mat. There was an earth-toned marble floor. Harry thought it quite lovely. As he entered the house, he saw a lot more examples of modern decor, with black leather couches and glass tables in the living room and a lovely fireplace with white border. Although here and there, he could see antiques and grandma-like items.
"I redecorated it a bit," said Remus, as he showed him the house. "My grandmother was very sweet, but she didn't have great taste in house decor."
Remus gave him a complete tour of the household. The tour stopped at his room
which was painted blue, with green carpeting, a desk, cabinets, a large mirror and a shelf. There was also a Queen-sized bed. Harry fell in love with it.
"Would you like me to help you unpack, Harry?"
"Sure!"
They started unpacking, as they talked about their first years at Hogwarts, Remus' times with his father and godfather, about Hogwarts and many other things.
"Harry?" asked Remus, looking up from a luggage he was unpacking into a few of the drawers.
"Yes?" answered Harry, slipping some of the emptied suit cases under his bed.
"Why don't you tell me about that crush you have on Cho Chang?"
"Excuse me?"
"Harry, I could see it in your eyes. You weren't telling the truth before. Don't worry, it's okay."
"Yeah, I guess. It's was kind of uncomfortable to tell you. You see, I already dated her before and it didn't work out, and...."
"Yeah, I completely understand," said Remus with a wink. "Well, I guess we're all unpacked. Could you hold on for a second?"
"Sure," said Harry, as Remus sped off into another room, and came back with a mirror, the second mirror that Sirius kept when he gave the other one to Harry, and a large wooden box.
"I thought you should have them," sighed Remus, handing it to Harry.
At the look of the mirror, Harry's eyes began to water and his lip trembled. He wanted his godfather back so much. He didn't know what the box was for though.
"Thanks," he said, wiping away a few of the tears that dropped onto his cheeks.
"I thought you needed it. Grimmauld Place now belongs to the Order of the Phoenix."
"Did he have a will?" asked Harry.
"No, he didn't. Of course, you can have anything you want from there. If anyone should deserve to inherit his things, it would be you, Harry."
"I could never take anything from there. It would hurt too much. What's the box for?"
"It's to put all your things of Sirius in, you know, the mirrors, letters, that knife to open doors, and even that album of your parents. You could put them all in there."
"Thanks, I really appreciate it."
"Your welcome. Harry, are you all right?"
Harry was starting to cry a lot more, as he clutched his new belongings tightly to him.
"It's just- His death could have been prevented. If only I used those mirrors, he might be alive to this day. It's all my fault!"
"Oh Harry, of course it isn't!" said Remus. Finally getting up the courage, Remus gave Harry a hug. Harry felt a bit strange getting a hug from Remus, but it made him feel a bit better.
"Thanks for that," said Harry. "I needed it. But if it wasn't for-"
"Harry, the only one we can blame are Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, especially Bellatrix Lestrange. It isn't your fault."
"Yes it is!"
"You tried to do the right thing. You would have never known what would happen. The truth is, I don't exactly know your side of the story, but I would like to know. You can tell me in the morning, all right?"
"All right. It's so unfair! He never even got a funeral! I never got to say goodbye!"
"I'm sad too, Harry, but we have to be strong. I think you should get some rest now. Good night."
"Good night."
As Remus left the room, Harry laid the mirrors into the box and slipped it under his bed. He put on his pajamas, crept under the covers and slept. He was so glad that he now had Remus as a father figure, but he just couldn't stop thinking about Sirius. Maybe it really wasn't my fault he died, thought Harry to himself, but he still felt like he had something to do with it. His life would never be the same without Sirius.
Author's Note: OK, that's up for the 3rd chapter. The next chapter is called "Friends and Fun in Diagon Alley". Basically what the title is: Harry goes to Diagon Alley and meets up with his friends. Though Harry will get huge news that will change the course of his whole entire year, and maybe life! So PPPPPLLLLLLEEEEAAAASSSEEE REVIEW!!!! I appreciate EVERY SINGLE review I get (well, maybe not flames).