Disclaimer: If I owned this story I would have a Porsche. I do not have a Porsche. I have a bike. You can sit on the handlebars if you wish.
One For All
By Natural Anthem
" Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King Jr.
Harry went gingerly but quickly down to the kitchen to begin breakfast. This morning was apparently pancake morning. Yay.
His Aunt handed him the box of batter, nodded to the ingredients he would need and left him to make breakfast.
His reactions were slightly slowed this morning and he burned his hand twice on the frying pan by the end of breakfast. His uncle scowled at him the entire time he was not engrossed in his newspaper. Dudley acted as though nothing had happened and talked with his mother about various things, including trying to get her to buy him a new video game. Harry wondered briefly if Dudley just didn't remember what had happened. He did have a rather simple mind.
As his Uncle was leaving he called Harry to him.
"Any more of this freakishness and you will be locked up in the cupboard for the rest of the summer boy.'
Harry paled a little, but brushed it off. He had just figured out that he could use magic, well wandless at least, without getting caught. It wouldn't really do him to evade the ministry but get caught by his relatives. As fun as that sounded he would pass. He would just have to make sure his relatives didn't notice any magic he did.
"Yes sir."
"Good. Bye Petunia! Bye Dudley!" Vernon yelled to his family and left.
Harry was about to walk up the stairs when his Aunt called him into the kitchen. She handed him a list of chores and ordered him to start on them immediately.
Harry gathered all the laundry around the house and put it in the machines. He lugged the vacuum out and vacuumed all the rooms and finished his morning by washing the kitchen floor by hand.
His Aunt finally allowed him to have something to eat, after denying him breakfast. He was handed a cheese sandwich and sat at the table to eat it. When he finished it was 12:30. He got up, stretched his muscles and ran to work.
He ran down Privet Drive and along Magnolia Crescent. He preferred to run or walk to work than go by a car or bus. Not that he had the option to go by car or bus. He liked to see the trees filled with birds and look up at the shaping clouds. He found he liked the smell of the outdoors much more than car exhaust.
He arrived fifteen minutes before his shift started. He went into the break room on the warehouse floor. Three girls a little older than him were already inside. The girls worked in the office that was attached to the break room.
"Hey," he said, with a smile on his face.
"Hey Harry!" the three girls chorused.
"Where were you yesterday?" asked a brunette girl.
"Not feeling very good, I'm fine now though." Harry had found it odd. The girls always seemed to try and be around him when he was at work. He couldn't understand it. He knew girls at school did that because he was famous, but these girls didn't know that. He and Ron had given up trying to understand girls a long time ago.
"Aw, what was wrong?" asked another girl. All three had worried looks on their faces. Yes. He was very glad he had stopped trying to figure out girls.
"Just a quick virus or something. Its fine now," Harry amended.
He said goodbye and went to start working. After nearly three hours of lifting he was sweaty and tired. He went over to talk to the girls in the office. They gave him some water and they started to talk about a movie the girls had recently gone to see.
Harry, having not seen a movie, in well, forever just nodded along, drank his water and soon went back to work. Harry had seen parts of movies so he used those parts he remembered to make sure that no one noticed he never saw movies. It wasn't a big deal to him, but the girls had freaked when he told them he hadn't been to any movies. So apparently it was a big deal to other people.
At seven he punched out at the clock and walked home. The breeze that brushed around him was slightly humid and unpleasant. He was sweaty from working and the breeze was encouraging his dampened t-shirt to stick to him.
He walked past Magnolia Crescent and looked at the side of the brick house where he had first seen Sirius. At the time he had been in Grim form. Harry had decided to call the giant black dog a grim. It made him think of Divination with him and Ron making fun of Trelawney's constant prediction of his death. That woman could really get annoying with the 'Oh my, this means you will die soon' thing. He grinned. One of his reasons to stay alive would be just to annoy her. Spite could be a very fun thing.
Dumbledore's words floated back into his head. 'We will arrange for you to come to the castle within a week.'
He smiled. He would be back at Hogwarts soon.
Harry decided to work on some of his homework as soon as he was home. He may not have much time to work on it once back at Hogwarts if he is supposed to be training.
He sat down at his desk and set to work on his three-foot transfiguration essay on turning everyday things into animals. It certainly was a fun essay. In the most sarcastic sense.
By dinnertime he had finished the essay and sat back in satisfaction. He walked down the stairs to dinner to find his relatives watching the news as they ate. He sat down in front of his plate of a few vegetables and a small piece of meat and listened in.
"It appears to be a gas explosion that caused the death's of the family. Authorities say the family was eating dinner when the oven exploded. Neighbors report to hearing screams and seeing a fire. One neighbor recalls seeing an oddly shaped green cloud in the sky. Authorities say they do not know what caused this green cloud. Back to you in the studio Tanya."
Harry paled. Green mark. The Dark Mark. Death Eaters killed a whole family. Maybe even Voldemort himself was there.
It had started. He remembered people talking about how during Voldemort's first reign mysterious killings were constantly reported on the muggle news. The muggles wouldn't realize all those people were really murdered by an evil wizard and his followers. The muggles would remain ignorant the whole war. While he and the other good wizards fought to save them.
'This is not good news for the gas companies. Most of these deaths will be blamed on them.' Harry thought sarcastically. His Aunt and Uncle talking pulled him out of his thoughts.
"That gas company should be sued! What if that was to happen around here. I certainly don't fancy eating dinner then suddenly being blasted to shreds by our oven," his uncle exclaimed. The real truth of what would happen if it happened to the Dursleys made Harry sick to his stomach. There was a great chance that Voldemort would come here if he knew that Harry was here.
He blocked out whatever his Aunt's response was. He could almost see it now. The four of them would be eating as they were now. Death Eaters would burst into the kitchen. Dumbledore's safety precaution would send him immediately to Hogwarts leaving his three relatives defenseless. Harry didn't like the Dursleys, but he would never wish death on them.
"Boy! What the hell is wrong with you?" His Uncle snapped, smacking him in the head. Petunia flinched as Vernon hit Harry.
"What?" Harry said, coming back to earth.
"You were staring at the wall blankly. Were you trying to call up some freakish power again?" Vernon snapped. The man had little explanation for anything weird Harry was doing than MAGIC.
"Vernon, Shh! The neighbors might hear!" Petunia said, looking around scared.
"Well Uncle Vernon I was just thinking about how those people really died and what it meant," Harry said before he could stop himself. His relatives could make him so mad at times.
"What do you mean?" Vernon said suspiciously. His eyes were narrowed and his face was turning slightly red.
"They didn't die in a gas explosion. They were murdered. Most likely by the death curse, then their house was set ablaze by the Death Eaters who killed them. The gas explosion is just what the Aurors put into the policemen's heads so the secret of the magical world would not get out," Harry finished, his voice a little louder than intended.
Vernon's face went purple with rage. Before he could say anything Petunia spoke.
"You mean that letter from you headmaster was true?"
"What letter?"
"That man said that Voldemort had returned. I remember Lily saying that Death Eaters were servants of that man," Petunia said, looking far away.
Harry stuttered. Petunia had never mentioned his mother before, much less spoke about the magical world. "Yes. He came back in June."
"Are we in danger?"
"Everyone is in danger."
Everyone in the kitchen paled. Harry was glad that they at least seemed to believe him. "Is he going to come here because of you?" Vernon asked, voice raised slightly.
"He could very well come here. He could come to any muggle home and kill the inhabitants. With me here you have protection. Without me here you haven't got a chance. He'd kill a muggle in an instant. He doesn't believe they are as superior as he or any pure blooded wizard is."
"Will he come here because of you?"
"He can't find this house because of spells put on it, so really you are safer because I am here. Voldemort likes to kill muggles for amusement."
No one spoke much during the rest of dinner. Dudley had perked up with the news started to talk about a new video game he wanted and he pointed it out to his mother. Dudley could be so shallow at times. Actually he was almost always shallow so Harry really should have seen him not taking the news hard at all coming. Dudley wouldn't care unless Voldemort unplugged the TV.
Harry left quickly after he had finished his supper and washed his dishes. He decided to read over his transfiguration essay to check for errors and to get his mind off of the killing of that family.
Harry froze midway through reading the essay. His memory flashed to the dream he had had while he was unconscious. He saw a house. He was inside the house. Men in black robes and masks rushed in the house and put the four people sitting at the kitchen table, including a little girl and boy, under the Cruciatus Curse. After the men had become apparently bored there were four flashes of green light. Harry found himself again outside the house, watching it burn. As he watched the flames he realized his scar was burning as well.
He had watched them die.
His stomach lunged. He ran into the bathroom, he had not been locked in his room, his relatives had been too shocked about the dinner discussion to lock him in. He shut the door quickly and knelt before the toilet. The contents of his dinner left him and he flushed it away.
He sat panting for a few moments; gagging again each time his memory flashed the sight of the green curses hitting the people. He got up on his shaky legs and opened the window to let some fresh air in. He walked over to the sink and turned on the cold water. He splashed his face with several handfuls and then looked his reflection in the eyes.
He had watched them die.
He had prayed he would not see any one else die at the hands of Voldemort or his Death Eaters. But deep down he knew he would. That was what war was. Thanks to his scar he was linked to Voldemort. He would probably see all the killings Voldemort did. The thought made Harry afraid to sleep. He would see people die in all his dreams now. He splashed his face again a few times and dried his face off in the towel.
He walked mutely back to his room and shut the door, leaning against it. He slid down and sat on the floor. His eyes were again drawn to the moon that was visible out his window. The hole he had bent in the bars framed the moon. It was a waxing gibbons. He wasn't quite sure why, but looking at the moon or stars always seemed to relax him, even if just a little.
Earlier in the summer he had looked in his astronomy books and figured out of how find the Dog Star. He felt a little childish looking up at the star and hoping to see it respond in some way, but even if the star didn't do anything but keep shining, it still made him smile.
He started when what seemed like a flock of owls flew into his window. He realized that Hedwig had left sometime during the day today and had returned with a package. He glanced at the desk and realized she had taken the letter he had written to Sirius too. Pig was flying around the room in excited circles while five school owls congregated on his desk. Errol had collapsed on his bed.
Harry went and removed the package from Errol first, and moved the owl to Hedwig's cage to allow him to recuperate. He removed the letters and packages from the Hogwarts owls and after a quick drink all four had left. Harry jumped and grabbed Pig with lightening fast seeker skills. Hedwig tutted as Pig again flew quickly around the room once his burden had been removed. Harry removed the parcels from Hedwig's legs and smoothed her feathers.
He looked down at the pile of things in front of him and couldn't figure out why there were so many things there at once. He blinked. It was his birthday. He had completely forgotten.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday. You will be picked up Saturday August 6th at noon for Hogwarts. Please have all of your things together.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore
Harry set down the letter and smiled. It was Sunday and he only had to stay until Saturday. It wouldn't be too bad as long as he laid low. He picked up a package of rock cakes from Hagrid and the brief note from him. Harry then picked up another letter.
Dear Harry,
Hedwig just arrived with your letter, she has very good timing. I sent her off to Hermione's, I know she doesn't have an owl and is probably waiting for Hedwig to arrive to send you your present.
I hope your scar isn't bothering you too much, I couldn't tell much from your letter. Since your lovely cousin has met me he can let your Aunt and Uncle know I do exist.
Anyway Harry HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you like the present I sent. I know it looks like a normal little mirror but say my name into it and see what happens.
Love,
Sirius
Harry smiled and put the gift aside. He would try it later; he didn't want to end up on the wrong end of a prank or something before finishing opening letters. He picked up the last letter that had come from Hogwarts.
Dear Harry,
I am sorry that our correspondence didn't continue during your fourth year. I heard so much about you from Sirius' constant talking about you and Dumbledore's news it felt like I was still. I hope that you are not upset that I slacked off. I wasn't sure that you would want to hear from some old professor anyway. I don't know if you want to be reading this letter right now but Padfoot convinced me to write it. I hope that you are willing to befriend an old werewolf, but I will not be offended if you do not write back.
Now to the main point of this letter, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Harry! Sirius and I were just talking about this day. James was so excited he fainted when they asked if he wanted to hold you. Sirius took over and held you like you were going to be taken away at any moment. I still remember holding you once we pried you from Sirius' arms.
I hope you enjoy the gift I sent. It's a book that will help you during the summer when you come to Hogwarts I'm sure. Whether you get taught it by a professor or end up having Sirius or me teach it to you.
Love,
Remus
Harry wasn't quite sure how to react to the letter from Remus. The man wanted to be his friend. When he thought about it, Remus had few people left in the world. Not many would befriend a werewolf, and half of the marauders were gone. Really all he had left was Sirius and himself. He certainly liked the man well enough. He was a bit shaken that Remus would think Harry wouldn't want to talk to him. 'Probably low self-esteem, not many would respond to him.' Harry thought. He mentally made a note to write him back.
He pulled the book out of the wrapping. It was book on how to become an Animagus. Harry smiled. He would definitely use this.
The next package Harry picked up Errol had been carrying. It was from Fred and George. It was a box of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. They wrote him thanking him for the 'generous donation' he had contributed and promised that because of his donation he would be forewarned of pranks they would play at school. Harry let out a breath. He was glad he wouldn't be the butt of any of the pranks. Fred and George were good at what they did.
A second package that poor Errol had been carrying was a box of fudge from Mrs. Weasley and a note saying telling him to take care of himself.
Hermione had sent him a necklace with a slender gold lion wrapped around a small vial of red powder. She had said it had an ancient charm on it to warn the wearer of danger by changing various colors. Red was the powder's calm color.
He picked up a piece of Honeyduke's Chocolate Ron had sent him and looked around at all the gifts he had received. He was amazed. So many people had sent him things, it was such a difference from all those years he received nothing for Christmas or his Birthday. This year, as usual, the Dursleys overlooked his birthday.
He remembered what Sirius had said in his letter about the mirror and moved the letters on the floor around until he found it. He picked it up and eyed it suspiciously. He wouldn't put it past Sirius to pull a prank; he was after all a Marauder.
Feeling foolish Harry looked into the mirror and said calmly, "Sirius Black."
The mirror blurred and a shape began to take form. Soon it cleared and Harry could see his Godfather's face clearly.
"Harry! About time!"
"Sirius! What is this?"
"This is the set of mirrors James and I charmed back in school to talk to each other. We used them to communicate during pranks and if we were in separate detentions," Sirius said with a smile.
"Wow. Ok."
"How are you? And don't tell me fine. I want to know how you really are."
"I am fantastic," Harry said sarcastically. "What?" He said when Sirius glared at him. "You told me not to tell you fine. So I didn't."
"I also want the truth."
"But that would require me to tell you I am fine."
"Harry! Tell me how you really are or I'll...oh I don't know. But don't put it past a marauder and convicted murderer, ok? Now. How are you?"
" I am good. I just finished opening gifts from everyone. And you are an innocent convicted murderer."
"Yea, but it still has a nice intimidating ring to it."
Harry laughed. "Sure, whatever you want to believe."
"How are the Dursleys treating you?" Ignoring Harry's remark after acknowledging it with a smirk.
"Normal."
"What's normal?" Sirius' eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"My new best friends I tell you," Harry said, getting annoyed at the third degree he was receiving.
"Harry..."
"Don't worry Sirius, everything is fine."
"Ok. Oy. Moony's here, and I think he is going to have a heart attack if he doesn't talk to you."
Remus' face came next to Sirius'.
"Shut up Sirius. Hey Harry," Remus looked a little nervous. Harry remembered the letter and figured that was why he was nervous. Harry smiled at him.
"Hey Remus. Having fun babysitting Sirius?"
"HAR-" Sirius was cut off by Remus' hand.
"Its like a party. Ow. Sirius, don't bite," Remus said pulling his hand away from Sirius' mouth. Sirius smiled triumphantly.
"Serves you right."
"Ug. Do I need to call Snape in or something to make you two behave?"
"Most definitely not. We are highly civilized. Do not ever threaten us like that again," said Sirius, (no pun intended) serious look on his face. Remus laughed.
"So Harry, how-"
"Don't try asking Mr. Friendly how he is. He's awfully sarcastic today."
"I said I was fine, but you wouldn't listen for your information," Harry said, faking hurt feelings. Remus was laughing. Harry looked at the clock. It was past midnight.
" Sorry to cut this conversation short, but I am dead tired and I have to get up early tomorrow. Well, now its today. Anyway, I need sleep," said Harry.
"Ok Harry, Good night!" Chorused the two Marauders.
Harry went back to his bed and lay down under the thin blanket and slowly drifted off to sleep.
His dream was horrible. As he had feared, he was watching Voldemort. Harry found himself in front of a log cottage. Smoke was rising from the chimney and lights were on in what looked like the living room.
Voldemort approached the door and five Death Eaters followed him. He laughed as the man guarded his wife, who was holding a baby.
"You can't save her. And because you tried I will torture her and the baby before they die."
The man fell immediately at the death curse. Voldemort pointed his want at the baby and shouted "Crucio!"
The baby shook and cried until it suddenly stopped, dead. The woman had screamed the whole time and had now stopped and begun to just cry.
Voldemort muttered a curse Harry didn't recognize and the woman burst into flames. The entire time Harry was asleep after seeing Voldemort kill the family all he could see was the face of the woman when she turned to him.
Athenakitty: Thank you for reviewing! Harry sweet talking the Fat Lady in the last chapter was a little bit of James showing in Harry and Harry felt it was the fastest way to get Sirius past the Fat Lady. Linky2, The Lady Griever, Serrebi: Thank you!! I never thought people would actually REVIEW my story! They improved my mood a lot!
Review! You know you want to. C'mon. I bet it would make me post more. ^_^
One For All
By Natural Anthem
" Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King Jr.
Harry went gingerly but quickly down to the kitchen to begin breakfast. This morning was apparently pancake morning. Yay.
His Aunt handed him the box of batter, nodded to the ingredients he would need and left him to make breakfast.
His reactions were slightly slowed this morning and he burned his hand twice on the frying pan by the end of breakfast. His uncle scowled at him the entire time he was not engrossed in his newspaper. Dudley acted as though nothing had happened and talked with his mother about various things, including trying to get her to buy him a new video game. Harry wondered briefly if Dudley just didn't remember what had happened. He did have a rather simple mind.
As his Uncle was leaving he called Harry to him.
"Any more of this freakishness and you will be locked up in the cupboard for the rest of the summer boy.'
Harry paled a little, but brushed it off. He had just figured out that he could use magic, well wandless at least, without getting caught. It wouldn't really do him to evade the ministry but get caught by his relatives. As fun as that sounded he would pass. He would just have to make sure his relatives didn't notice any magic he did.
"Yes sir."
"Good. Bye Petunia! Bye Dudley!" Vernon yelled to his family and left.
Harry was about to walk up the stairs when his Aunt called him into the kitchen. She handed him a list of chores and ordered him to start on them immediately.
Harry gathered all the laundry around the house and put it in the machines. He lugged the vacuum out and vacuumed all the rooms and finished his morning by washing the kitchen floor by hand.
His Aunt finally allowed him to have something to eat, after denying him breakfast. He was handed a cheese sandwich and sat at the table to eat it. When he finished it was 12:30. He got up, stretched his muscles and ran to work.
He ran down Privet Drive and along Magnolia Crescent. He preferred to run or walk to work than go by a car or bus. Not that he had the option to go by car or bus. He liked to see the trees filled with birds and look up at the shaping clouds. He found he liked the smell of the outdoors much more than car exhaust.
He arrived fifteen minutes before his shift started. He went into the break room on the warehouse floor. Three girls a little older than him were already inside. The girls worked in the office that was attached to the break room.
"Hey," he said, with a smile on his face.
"Hey Harry!" the three girls chorused.
"Where were you yesterday?" asked a brunette girl.
"Not feeling very good, I'm fine now though." Harry had found it odd. The girls always seemed to try and be around him when he was at work. He couldn't understand it. He knew girls at school did that because he was famous, but these girls didn't know that. He and Ron had given up trying to understand girls a long time ago.
"Aw, what was wrong?" asked another girl. All three had worried looks on their faces. Yes. He was very glad he had stopped trying to figure out girls.
"Just a quick virus or something. Its fine now," Harry amended.
He said goodbye and went to start working. After nearly three hours of lifting he was sweaty and tired. He went over to talk to the girls in the office. They gave him some water and they started to talk about a movie the girls had recently gone to see.
Harry, having not seen a movie, in well, forever just nodded along, drank his water and soon went back to work. Harry had seen parts of movies so he used those parts he remembered to make sure that no one noticed he never saw movies. It wasn't a big deal to him, but the girls had freaked when he told them he hadn't been to any movies. So apparently it was a big deal to other people.
At seven he punched out at the clock and walked home. The breeze that brushed around him was slightly humid and unpleasant. He was sweaty from working and the breeze was encouraging his dampened t-shirt to stick to him.
He walked past Magnolia Crescent and looked at the side of the brick house where he had first seen Sirius. At the time he had been in Grim form. Harry had decided to call the giant black dog a grim. It made him think of Divination with him and Ron making fun of Trelawney's constant prediction of his death. That woman could really get annoying with the 'Oh my, this means you will die soon' thing. He grinned. One of his reasons to stay alive would be just to annoy her. Spite could be a very fun thing.
Dumbledore's words floated back into his head. 'We will arrange for you to come to the castle within a week.'
He smiled. He would be back at Hogwarts soon.
Harry decided to work on some of his homework as soon as he was home. He may not have much time to work on it once back at Hogwarts if he is supposed to be training.
He sat down at his desk and set to work on his three-foot transfiguration essay on turning everyday things into animals. It certainly was a fun essay. In the most sarcastic sense.
By dinnertime he had finished the essay and sat back in satisfaction. He walked down the stairs to dinner to find his relatives watching the news as they ate. He sat down in front of his plate of a few vegetables and a small piece of meat and listened in.
"It appears to be a gas explosion that caused the death's of the family. Authorities say the family was eating dinner when the oven exploded. Neighbors report to hearing screams and seeing a fire. One neighbor recalls seeing an oddly shaped green cloud in the sky. Authorities say they do not know what caused this green cloud. Back to you in the studio Tanya."
Harry paled. Green mark. The Dark Mark. Death Eaters killed a whole family. Maybe even Voldemort himself was there.
It had started. He remembered people talking about how during Voldemort's first reign mysterious killings were constantly reported on the muggle news. The muggles wouldn't realize all those people were really murdered by an evil wizard and his followers. The muggles would remain ignorant the whole war. While he and the other good wizards fought to save them.
'This is not good news for the gas companies. Most of these deaths will be blamed on them.' Harry thought sarcastically. His Aunt and Uncle talking pulled him out of his thoughts.
"That gas company should be sued! What if that was to happen around here. I certainly don't fancy eating dinner then suddenly being blasted to shreds by our oven," his uncle exclaimed. The real truth of what would happen if it happened to the Dursleys made Harry sick to his stomach. There was a great chance that Voldemort would come here if he knew that Harry was here.
He blocked out whatever his Aunt's response was. He could almost see it now. The four of them would be eating as they were now. Death Eaters would burst into the kitchen. Dumbledore's safety precaution would send him immediately to Hogwarts leaving his three relatives defenseless. Harry didn't like the Dursleys, but he would never wish death on them.
"Boy! What the hell is wrong with you?" His Uncle snapped, smacking him in the head. Petunia flinched as Vernon hit Harry.
"What?" Harry said, coming back to earth.
"You were staring at the wall blankly. Were you trying to call up some freakish power again?" Vernon snapped. The man had little explanation for anything weird Harry was doing than MAGIC.
"Vernon, Shh! The neighbors might hear!" Petunia said, looking around scared.
"Well Uncle Vernon I was just thinking about how those people really died and what it meant," Harry said before he could stop himself. His relatives could make him so mad at times.
"What do you mean?" Vernon said suspiciously. His eyes were narrowed and his face was turning slightly red.
"They didn't die in a gas explosion. They were murdered. Most likely by the death curse, then their house was set ablaze by the Death Eaters who killed them. The gas explosion is just what the Aurors put into the policemen's heads so the secret of the magical world would not get out," Harry finished, his voice a little louder than intended.
Vernon's face went purple with rage. Before he could say anything Petunia spoke.
"You mean that letter from you headmaster was true?"
"What letter?"
"That man said that Voldemort had returned. I remember Lily saying that Death Eaters were servants of that man," Petunia said, looking far away.
Harry stuttered. Petunia had never mentioned his mother before, much less spoke about the magical world. "Yes. He came back in June."
"Are we in danger?"
"Everyone is in danger."
Everyone in the kitchen paled. Harry was glad that they at least seemed to believe him. "Is he going to come here because of you?" Vernon asked, voice raised slightly.
"He could very well come here. He could come to any muggle home and kill the inhabitants. With me here you have protection. Without me here you haven't got a chance. He'd kill a muggle in an instant. He doesn't believe they are as superior as he or any pure blooded wizard is."
"Will he come here because of you?"
"He can't find this house because of spells put on it, so really you are safer because I am here. Voldemort likes to kill muggles for amusement."
No one spoke much during the rest of dinner. Dudley had perked up with the news started to talk about a new video game he wanted and he pointed it out to his mother. Dudley could be so shallow at times. Actually he was almost always shallow so Harry really should have seen him not taking the news hard at all coming. Dudley wouldn't care unless Voldemort unplugged the TV.
Harry left quickly after he had finished his supper and washed his dishes. He decided to read over his transfiguration essay to check for errors and to get his mind off of the killing of that family.
Harry froze midway through reading the essay. His memory flashed to the dream he had had while he was unconscious. He saw a house. He was inside the house. Men in black robes and masks rushed in the house and put the four people sitting at the kitchen table, including a little girl and boy, under the Cruciatus Curse. After the men had become apparently bored there were four flashes of green light. Harry found himself again outside the house, watching it burn. As he watched the flames he realized his scar was burning as well.
He had watched them die.
His stomach lunged. He ran into the bathroom, he had not been locked in his room, his relatives had been too shocked about the dinner discussion to lock him in. He shut the door quickly and knelt before the toilet. The contents of his dinner left him and he flushed it away.
He sat panting for a few moments; gagging again each time his memory flashed the sight of the green curses hitting the people. He got up on his shaky legs and opened the window to let some fresh air in. He walked over to the sink and turned on the cold water. He splashed his face with several handfuls and then looked his reflection in the eyes.
He had watched them die.
He had prayed he would not see any one else die at the hands of Voldemort or his Death Eaters. But deep down he knew he would. That was what war was. Thanks to his scar he was linked to Voldemort. He would probably see all the killings Voldemort did. The thought made Harry afraid to sleep. He would see people die in all his dreams now. He splashed his face again a few times and dried his face off in the towel.
He walked mutely back to his room and shut the door, leaning against it. He slid down and sat on the floor. His eyes were again drawn to the moon that was visible out his window. The hole he had bent in the bars framed the moon. It was a waxing gibbons. He wasn't quite sure why, but looking at the moon or stars always seemed to relax him, even if just a little.
Earlier in the summer he had looked in his astronomy books and figured out of how find the Dog Star. He felt a little childish looking up at the star and hoping to see it respond in some way, but even if the star didn't do anything but keep shining, it still made him smile.
He started when what seemed like a flock of owls flew into his window. He realized that Hedwig had left sometime during the day today and had returned with a package. He glanced at the desk and realized she had taken the letter he had written to Sirius too. Pig was flying around the room in excited circles while five school owls congregated on his desk. Errol had collapsed on his bed.
Harry went and removed the package from Errol first, and moved the owl to Hedwig's cage to allow him to recuperate. He removed the letters and packages from the Hogwarts owls and after a quick drink all four had left. Harry jumped and grabbed Pig with lightening fast seeker skills. Hedwig tutted as Pig again flew quickly around the room once his burden had been removed. Harry removed the parcels from Hedwig's legs and smoothed her feathers.
He looked down at the pile of things in front of him and couldn't figure out why there were so many things there at once. He blinked. It was his birthday. He had completely forgotten.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday. You will be picked up Saturday August 6th at noon for Hogwarts. Please have all of your things together.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore
Harry set down the letter and smiled. It was Sunday and he only had to stay until Saturday. It wouldn't be too bad as long as he laid low. He picked up a package of rock cakes from Hagrid and the brief note from him. Harry then picked up another letter.
Dear Harry,
Hedwig just arrived with your letter, she has very good timing. I sent her off to Hermione's, I know she doesn't have an owl and is probably waiting for Hedwig to arrive to send you your present.
I hope your scar isn't bothering you too much, I couldn't tell much from your letter. Since your lovely cousin has met me he can let your Aunt and Uncle know I do exist.
Anyway Harry HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you like the present I sent. I know it looks like a normal little mirror but say my name into it and see what happens.
Love,
Sirius
Harry smiled and put the gift aside. He would try it later; he didn't want to end up on the wrong end of a prank or something before finishing opening letters. He picked up the last letter that had come from Hogwarts.
Dear Harry,
I am sorry that our correspondence didn't continue during your fourth year. I heard so much about you from Sirius' constant talking about you and Dumbledore's news it felt like I was still. I hope that you are not upset that I slacked off. I wasn't sure that you would want to hear from some old professor anyway. I don't know if you want to be reading this letter right now but Padfoot convinced me to write it. I hope that you are willing to befriend an old werewolf, but I will not be offended if you do not write back.
Now to the main point of this letter, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Harry! Sirius and I were just talking about this day. James was so excited he fainted when they asked if he wanted to hold you. Sirius took over and held you like you were going to be taken away at any moment. I still remember holding you once we pried you from Sirius' arms.
I hope you enjoy the gift I sent. It's a book that will help you during the summer when you come to Hogwarts I'm sure. Whether you get taught it by a professor or end up having Sirius or me teach it to you.
Love,
Remus
Harry wasn't quite sure how to react to the letter from Remus. The man wanted to be his friend. When he thought about it, Remus had few people left in the world. Not many would befriend a werewolf, and half of the marauders were gone. Really all he had left was Sirius and himself. He certainly liked the man well enough. He was a bit shaken that Remus would think Harry wouldn't want to talk to him. 'Probably low self-esteem, not many would respond to him.' Harry thought. He mentally made a note to write him back.
He pulled the book out of the wrapping. It was book on how to become an Animagus. Harry smiled. He would definitely use this.
The next package Harry picked up Errol had been carrying. It was from Fred and George. It was a box of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. They wrote him thanking him for the 'generous donation' he had contributed and promised that because of his donation he would be forewarned of pranks they would play at school. Harry let out a breath. He was glad he wouldn't be the butt of any of the pranks. Fred and George were good at what they did.
A second package that poor Errol had been carrying was a box of fudge from Mrs. Weasley and a note saying telling him to take care of himself.
Hermione had sent him a necklace with a slender gold lion wrapped around a small vial of red powder. She had said it had an ancient charm on it to warn the wearer of danger by changing various colors. Red was the powder's calm color.
He picked up a piece of Honeyduke's Chocolate Ron had sent him and looked around at all the gifts he had received. He was amazed. So many people had sent him things, it was such a difference from all those years he received nothing for Christmas or his Birthday. This year, as usual, the Dursleys overlooked his birthday.
He remembered what Sirius had said in his letter about the mirror and moved the letters on the floor around until he found it. He picked it up and eyed it suspiciously. He wouldn't put it past Sirius to pull a prank; he was after all a Marauder.
Feeling foolish Harry looked into the mirror and said calmly, "Sirius Black."
The mirror blurred and a shape began to take form. Soon it cleared and Harry could see his Godfather's face clearly.
"Harry! About time!"
"Sirius! What is this?"
"This is the set of mirrors James and I charmed back in school to talk to each other. We used them to communicate during pranks and if we were in separate detentions," Sirius said with a smile.
"Wow. Ok."
"How are you? And don't tell me fine. I want to know how you really are."
"I am fantastic," Harry said sarcastically. "What?" He said when Sirius glared at him. "You told me not to tell you fine. So I didn't."
"I also want the truth."
"But that would require me to tell you I am fine."
"Harry! Tell me how you really are or I'll...oh I don't know. But don't put it past a marauder and convicted murderer, ok? Now. How are you?"
" I am good. I just finished opening gifts from everyone. And you are an innocent convicted murderer."
"Yea, but it still has a nice intimidating ring to it."
Harry laughed. "Sure, whatever you want to believe."
"How are the Dursleys treating you?" Ignoring Harry's remark after acknowledging it with a smirk.
"Normal."
"What's normal?" Sirius' eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"My new best friends I tell you," Harry said, getting annoyed at the third degree he was receiving.
"Harry..."
"Don't worry Sirius, everything is fine."
"Ok. Oy. Moony's here, and I think he is going to have a heart attack if he doesn't talk to you."
Remus' face came next to Sirius'.
"Shut up Sirius. Hey Harry," Remus looked a little nervous. Harry remembered the letter and figured that was why he was nervous. Harry smiled at him.
"Hey Remus. Having fun babysitting Sirius?"
"HAR-" Sirius was cut off by Remus' hand.
"Its like a party. Ow. Sirius, don't bite," Remus said pulling his hand away from Sirius' mouth. Sirius smiled triumphantly.
"Serves you right."
"Ug. Do I need to call Snape in or something to make you two behave?"
"Most definitely not. We are highly civilized. Do not ever threaten us like that again," said Sirius, (no pun intended) serious look on his face. Remus laughed.
"So Harry, how-"
"Don't try asking Mr. Friendly how he is. He's awfully sarcastic today."
"I said I was fine, but you wouldn't listen for your information," Harry said, faking hurt feelings. Remus was laughing. Harry looked at the clock. It was past midnight.
" Sorry to cut this conversation short, but I am dead tired and I have to get up early tomorrow. Well, now its today. Anyway, I need sleep," said Harry.
"Ok Harry, Good night!" Chorused the two Marauders.
Harry went back to his bed and lay down under the thin blanket and slowly drifted off to sleep.
His dream was horrible. As he had feared, he was watching Voldemort. Harry found himself in front of a log cottage. Smoke was rising from the chimney and lights were on in what looked like the living room.
Voldemort approached the door and five Death Eaters followed him. He laughed as the man guarded his wife, who was holding a baby.
"You can't save her. And because you tried I will torture her and the baby before they die."
The man fell immediately at the death curse. Voldemort pointed his want at the baby and shouted "Crucio!"
The baby shook and cried until it suddenly stopped, dead. The woman had screamed the whole time and had now stopped and begun to just cry.
Voldemort muttered a curse Harry didn't recognize and the woman burst into flames. The entire time Harry was asleep after seeing Voldemort kill the family all he could see was the face of the woman when she turned to him.
Athenakitty: Thank you for reviewing! Harry sweet talking the Fat Lady in the last chapter was a little bit of James showing in Harry and Harry felt it was the fastest way to get Sirius past the Fat Lady. Linky2, The Lady Griever, Serrebi: Thank you!! I never thought people would actually REVIEW my story! They improved my mood a lot!
Review! You know you want to. C'mon. I bet it would make me post more. ^_^