Chapter 1
The fan turned slowly and hypnotically as a teenage boy lay on his bed. "16" he thought. "Would have been nice if he was here," and with that Harry Potter got up and paced around his room, trying to think of a reason to exist when everything he grew to love was being destroyed. He looked over at the pile of letter's he'd received from his friends. "They're," he thought, "the only reason anything matters." And yet, he couldn't bring himself to sit and write them, not personally anyway. He had, as the Order asked, sent news at least every three days, but it was always the same:
Every thing's ok
Harry
The light tapping on the window brought him out of his trance. Harry opened the window as Hedwig came in, along with a large barn owl. "School letters" Harry said with the glance at the wax seal. After relieved the owl of its burden, it hooted and left with a giant flap of its wings. Harry tossed them on the small pile next to his trunk.
"HARRY POTTER! GET DOWN HERE, DINNER'S READY," yelled Aunt Petunia from the kitchen.
"Coming" Harry said dolefully, not in the least bit hungry.
He went to the bathroom the wash his hands, looking at his reflection in the mirror. He had grown a little, with a shallow look in his face from lack of nourishment. His hair was just as it always had been, stubbornly untidy. His eyes, green as emeralds, seemed dark and empty. His scar gave a little twinge, reminding him of Voldemort, and then of Sirius. "Why, why, WHY?!?!" he said slamming his fist on the sink.
"NOW BOY, BEFORE WE LOCK YOU IN THE CUBBORD AGAIN!!!!!!!!" Uncle Vernon yelled.
Harry reluctantly went downstairs. As he entered the kitchen he noticed that Dudley was already stuffing his face with the roasted chicken Aunt Petunia had fixed. His Aunt and Uncle were so proud that there son was no longer, in Harry's opinion, the "pig in a wig" that he once was, now he looked more box like, and about as smart as one. The school nurse had said that he now was able to stop the diet if he continued to eat healthy. This of course was slightly good for Harry, since his Aunt was now cooking real meals instead of salad and grapefruit. Uncle Vernon was watching the 6 o'clock news, ignoring Harry entirely. Harry was used to this of course, though it still made him a little angry.
"... Our top story tonight, The Schultz and the Wilson Families were found dead and their homes tonight, both families had no visible signs of injury. The local police have not released a statement, but witnesses say they saw four men in cloaks walk into the house at 8:30 never walk out. Onto further news, the World Cup..." Harry knew of course, that this was Voldemort's doing. Things like this had been going on all summer. He wanted to do something to stop it, but there was nothing he could do. He sat down to eat, though not tasting it, he was lost in thought. How am I supposed to stop one of the most powerful wizards of all time when I can barely make a chair vanish? After dinner he went upstairs, and, not wanting to sleep, opened some of the mail he'd been neglecting. First he opened the letter and package from Ron.
Happy Birthday Mate,
Happy Birthday Harry, hope the Muggles aren't treating you too bad. I haven't heard from you much, I guess you've got too many chores, sorry mate. I would ask you to come over at the end of the summer, but Fred and George bought the family tickets to the Quidditch World Cup in Norway this year, we're also visiting Charlie. Hope you're down on yourself, remember you've got friends.
Your Friend, Ron
P.S. Percy finally apologized, mom and dad are ecstatic, I still don't like him though.
Harry looked at the gift, it looked like the jacket Fred and George had been wearing at Kings Cross when the got off the train at the beginning of summer. Out fell a note:
This is from all of us. It's 100% Dragon skin, from a Norwegian Witchback, thought you'd like it. They got me one also. Happy Birthday
Ron, Fred, and George
It was black and glossy and fit perfectly. Harry then looked over at the other parcels he'd received. He looked at the letter from Hermione.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I was talking to Ron and he said that you wouldn't be able to come over to the Burrow, so I thought "Why not let him come to my house?" So I talked to Dumbledore and he said that you were allowed to come over on the 3rd. We'll pick you up at 10:30. Have you gotten your O.W.L.'s yet? They were supposed to be here in June. Oh, and don't be down about Sirius, I know it's hard, but he wouldn't have wanted for you to be depressed. If you need someone to talk to, I'm always here.
Love, Hermione
P.S. Ron says Percy finally came back, though he doesn't seem too happy.
Harry the opened up Hermione's present. Dark Defenses, Book 2, it looked rather thick, but had in depth descriptions of every spell and hex.
I would have gotten Book 1, but after looking through it, I realized that you knew almost all of the spells, so I got you this one, enjoy!
Hermione
As he opened his other presents, he started to grin, something he hadn't done in quite some time. He got a large chocolate cake from Hagrid, Dark Defenses, Book 3 from Lupin, and a large amount of sweets from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. He then looked at his Hogwarts letters. He opened the first one, and realized that it contained his O.W.L. results.
Dear Mr. Potter
As you know, you took you Ordinary Wizard Level exams last may. These will allow you to proceed to the career choice you have chosen. Your results are as follows.
Astronomy Average Care of Magical Creatures Outstanding Charms Exceeds Expectations Defense Against the Dark Arts Outstanding Divination Dreadful Herbology Exceeds Expectations History of Magic Dreadful Potions Exceeds Expectations Transfiguration Exceeds Expectations
These are very high marks. Congratulations on a job well done.
Sincerely,
Josephine Cook Head Secretary Wizarding Examination Authority.
As happy as Harry was, he knew that his dreams of being and Auror were over, he didn't get an O in potions and knew that there was no way Snape would let him into the class, even if he did get an Outstanding.
He then opened up the normal school letter.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confederation Of Wizards)
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to welcome you back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for your sixth year. Enclosed is a list of books you will need for your N.E.W.T. level classes. Also, the headmaster has allowed you to continue taking Potions due to the large increase in your grade on your O.W.L. exam. The train leaves Platform 9 3/4 at 11:00 on September 1st. Hope to see you there
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
I can still become an Auror Harry thought Well, not all is lost It was now dark outside. He looked over at the clock 10:45. He smiled at himself, "Just three more days" he said to himself, and fell to sleep.
The next few days passed by in a haze of indifference. Uncle Vernon had fired someone at work, and Harry was forced to do chores all day. On the 2nd Harry went into the living room to ask whether or not he would be able to go to Hermione's (though he knew their not saying yes wouldn't stop him).
"Uncle Vernon?" Harry said Uncle Vernon, who seemed keen on ignoring him, jumped as though he'd sat on a tack. "WHAT DO YOU WANT BOY?!" Uncle Vernon snarled "I'm going to a friend's house for the rest of the summer. Is that OK?" Harry stated confidently. "No, you will stay in your room, and you will not leave. Do I make myself clear?" Vernon said triumphantly, knowing that he was keeping Harry unhappy. "OK, I'll just finish that letter to those friends that you met at the station. Remember, one of them had pink hair." Harry took pleasure seeing the triumphant look slide off his uncle's face and be replaced with one of fear and worry. "Wait.......you can go........just make sure they don't come here." Uncle Vernon stammered. "When are they arriving?" "Tomorrow, 10:30" Harry replied, already heading upstairs to pack his trunk. At last I can leave this place, just one more night. After packing most of his things, Harry drifted off to an uneasy sleep...
Harry was watching Sirius. "Come on, You can do better than that" Sirius said with a bark like laugh. The smile had not yet left his face when the curse hit him. His body arched gracefully in the air as time seemed to slow down. He fell back into the veil, which fluttered as if a gust of wind had just blown through it, then it settled. Bellatrix had a look of triumph on her face. But Harry knew that Sirius would jump back from the veil, ready to rejoin the fight. "SIRIUS!" Harry yelled, rushing to the archway. Then everything changed. There was someone a hooded figure directly in front of him, with red slits for eyes. Behind him he saw bodies, one had read hair, another had a large bushy head of brown hair. Then he saw what appeared to be an old man with a long beard..."Harry Potter, you will not win, you are weak, just like your parents, just like your godfather." Voldemort raised his wand. "NO!!!!" Harry awoke in a cold sweet, his scar felt like it would burst through his very skull. 4:37 flashed his watch. He laid back down, purposely making himself uncomfortable so he didn't fall asleep. He once again stared at the ceiling fan, rotating hypnotically, as the morning sun began to fill his room.
His Aunt's shrill snapped him out of his daze.
"HARRY POTTER, COME DOWN AND MAKE BREAKFAST!"
Harry got up, put on some clean clothes, brushed his teeth and went downstairs.
"Don't you DARE let that bacon burn." his aunt commanded. He of course, could care less. He hadn't ever let it burn, though Aunt Petunia still never let a morning by without telling him. This was the closest to "good morning" that he ever got. Just 3 more hours He thought to himself Then I'll be gone Harry heard his cousin come down the stairs. It was hard to miss the felling that the house was experiencing and earthquake. However, Petunia didn't seem to notice until he reached the final step.
"How's my little Dudlikins this morning" Aunt Petunia said sweetly. "I'm hungry, when's breakfast" Dudley answered "It'll be ready in a minute," she said to Dudley, then turning to Harry "Hurry up with the bacon, my baby boy is starving."
Uncle Vernon came in with his nose in the air. "Morning Petunia, what are we having for breakfast, I smell bacon." Harry turned and put toast and bacon on everyone's plate. "About time, and where my coffee, boy" Vernon said with a scowl while he opened the morning paper. Harry handed his uncle a cup of coffee and sat down, pushing his bacon with his fork. After about 15 minutes, and 2 bites of toast, Harry went upstairs. After making a final check that everything was packed, he brought his trunk downstairs. 10:00. He still had half and hour before Hermione was supposed to pick him up. He paced the living room. "Sit DOWN boy, before I change my mind about letting you go" Vernon growled. Harry gave him a look that would cut through glass, as he sat down.
Harry heard a car pull up at 10:27. He walked to the door and at the exact moment Hermione was about to knock, he swung the door wide open. Hermione practically fell into the house, very startled.
"Hello Hermione." Harry said with a grin. "Oh Harry, how've you been?" Hermione said after recovering from her stumble. Harry was suddenly being suffocated in a bushy haired hug, which Hermione let go of after hearing him choke. "I'm......fine" Harry said dryly, the smile flickering on his face. "It'll be OK Harry. Here, I don't think you've ever met my dad." Hermione then turned to the brown haired man standing behind her in the doorway. "Harry, this is my dad. Dad, this is Harry Potter" "David Granger, it's a pleasure to meet you. Hermione has told us much about you." Mr. Granger said smiling. Hermione's cheeks went pink, though Harry didn't notice. :"Pleased to meet you Mr. Grange..." Harry was interrupted by his uncle. "If you're leaving boy, get out now!" Uncle Vernon said as his eyes scowled down the hall. "Let me get your stuff and put it in the car, Harry" Mr. Granger said as he picked up Harry's trunk and put it in the trunk of his car (no pun intended). "See you next summer." Harry said as he closed the front door behind him.
As Harry headed towards the car, he realized it was a lot nicer than Uncle Vernon's company car. Then, while Hermione opened the door, she looked up a smiled at him. Harry's stomach gave a little lurch, but thought nothing of it. The trip to Hermione's house took about an hour.
"You really didn't have to come all this way to get me, I didn't want to be an inconvenience." Harry said after realizing they'd been on the road for quite some time.
"Don't worry about it Harry, it wasn't an inconvenience for us, my dad was coming this way for a meeting this morning, so I came with him." Hermione replied. "We're almost there anyway." She said smiling.
The fan turned slowly and hypnotically as a teenage boy lay on his bed. "16" he thought. "Would have been nice if he was here," and with that Harry Potter got up and paced around his room, trying to think of a reason to exist when everything he grew to love was being destroyed. He looked over at the pile of letter's he'd received from his friends. "They're," he thought, "the only reason anything matters." And yet, he couldn't bring himself to sit and write them, not personally anyway. He had, as the Order asked, sent news at least every three days, but it was always the same:
Every thing's ok
Harry
The light tapping on the window brought him out of his trance. Harry opened the window as Hedwig came in, along with a large barn owl. "School letters" Harry said with the glance at the wax seal. After relieved the owl of its burden, it hooted and left with a giant flap of its wings. Harry tossed them on the small pile next to his trunk.
"HARRY POTTER! GET DOWN HERE, DINNER'S READY," yelled Aunt Petunia from the kitchen.
"Coming" Harry said dolefully, not in the least bit hungry.
He went to the bathroom the wash his hands, looking at his reflection in the mirror. He had grown a little, with a shallow look in his face from lack of nourishment. His hair was just as it always had been, stubbornly untidy. His eyes, green as emeralds, seemed dark and empty. His scar gave a little twinge, reminding him of Voldemort, and then of Sirius. "Why, why, WHY?!?!" he said slamming his fist on the sink.
"NOW BOY, BEFORE WE LOCK YOU IN THE CUBBORD AGAIN!!!!!!!!" Uncle Vernon yelled.
Harry reluctantly went downstairs. As he entered the kitchen he noticed that Dudley was already stuffing his face with the roasted chicken Aunt Petunia had fixed. His Aunt and Uncle were so proud that there son was no longer, in Harry's opinion, the "pig in a wig" that he once was, now he looked more box like, and about as smart as one. The school nurse had said that he now was able to stop the diet if he continued to eat healthy. This of course was slightly good for Harry, since his Aunt was now cooking real meals instead of salad and grapefruit. Uncle Vernon was watching the 6 o'clock news, ignoring Harry entirely. Harry was used to this of course, though it still made him a little angry.
"... Our top story tonight, The Schultz and the Wilson Families were found dead and their homes tonight, both families had no visible signs of injury. The local police have not released a statement, but witnesses say they saw four men in cloaks walk into the house at 8:30 never walk out. Onto further news, the World Cup..." Harry knew of course, that this was Voldemort's doing. Things like this had been going on all summer. He wanted to do something to stop it, but there was nothing he could do. He sat down to eat, though not tasting it, he was lost in thought. How am I supposed to stop one of the most powerful wizards of all time when I can barely make a chair vanish? After dinner he went upstairs, and, not wanting to sleep, opened some of the mail he'd been neglecting. First he opened the letter and package from Ron.
Happy Birthday Mate,
Happy Birthday Harry, hope the Muggles aren't treating you too bad. I haven't heard from you much, I guess you've got too many chores, sorry mate. I would ask you to come over at the end of the summer, but Fred and George bought the family tickets to the Quidditch World Cup in Norway this year, we're also visiting Charlie. Hope you're down on yourself, remember you've got friends.
Your Friend, Ron
P.S. Percy finally apologized, mom and dad are ecstatic, I still don't like him though.
Harry looked at the gift, it looked like the jacket Fred and George had been wearing at Kings Cross when the got off the train at the beginning of summer. Out fell a note:
This is from all of us. It's 100% Dragon skin, from a Norwegian Witchback, thought you'd like it. They got me one also. Happy Birthday
Ron, Fred, and George
It was black and glossy and fit perfectly. Harry then looked over at the other parcels he'd received. He looked at the letter from Hermione.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I was talking to Ron and he said that you wouldn't be able to come over to the Burrow, so I thought "Why not let him come to my house?" So I talked to Dumbledore and he said that you were allowed to come over on the 3rd. We'll pick you up at 10:30. Have you gotten your O.W.L.'s yet? They were supposed to be here in June. Oh, and don't be down about Sirius, I know it's hard, but he wouldn't have wanted for you to be depressed. If you need someone to talk to, I'm always here.
Love, Hermione
P.S. Ron says Percy finally came back, though he doesn't seem too happy.
Harry the opened up Hermione's present. Dark Defenses, Book 2, it looked rather thick, but had in depth descriptions of every spell and hex.
I would have gotten Book 1, but after looking through it, I realized that you knew almost all of the spells, so I got you this one, enjoy!
Hermione
As he opened his other presents, he started to grin, something he hadn't done in quite some time. He got a large chocolate cake from Hagrid, Dark Defenses, Book 3 from Lupin, and a large amount of sweets from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. He then looked at his Hogwarts letters. He opened the first one, and realized that it contained his O.W.L. results.
Dear Mr. Potter
As you know, you took you Ordinary Wizard Level exams last may. These will allow you to proceed to the career choice you have chosen. Your results are as follows.
Astronomy Average Care of Magical Creatures Outstanding Charms Exceeds Expectations Defense Against the Dark Arts Outstanding Divination Dreadful Herbology Exceeds Expectations History of Magic Dreadful Potions Exceeds Expectations Transfiguration Exceeds Expectations
These are very high marks. Congratulations on a job well done.
Sincerely,
Josephine Cook Head Secretary Wizarding Examination Authority.
As happy as Harry was, he knew that his dreams of being and Auror were over, he didn't get an O in potions and knew that there was no way Snape would let him into the class, even if he did get an Outstanding.
He then opened up the normal school letter.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confederation Of Wizards)
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to welcome you back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for your sixth year. Enclosed is a list of books you will need for your N.E.W.T. level classes. Also, the headmaster has allowed you to continue taking Potions due to the large increase in your grade on your O.W.L. exam. The train leaves Platform 9 3/4 at 11:00 on September 1st. Hope to see you there
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
I can still become an Auror Harry thought Well, not all is lost It was now dark outside. He looked over at the clock 10:45. He smiled at himself, "Just three more days" he said to himself, and fell to sleep.
The next few days passed by in a haze of indifference. Uncle Vernon had fired someone at work, and Harry was forced to do chores all day. On the 2nd Harry went into the living room to ask whether or not he would be able to go to Hermione's (though he knew their not saying yes wouldn't stop him).
"Uncle Vernon?" Harry said Uncle Vernon, who seemed keen on ignoring him, jumped as though he'd sat on a tack. "WHAT DO YOU WANT BOY?!" Uncle Vernon snarled "I'm going to a friend's house for the rest of the summer. Is that OK?" Harry stated confidently. "No, you will stay in your room, and you will not leave. Do I make myself clear?" Vernon said triumphantly, knowing that he was keeping Harry unhappy. "OK, I'll just finish that letter to those friends that you met at the station. Remember, one of them had pink hair." Harry took pleasure seeing the triumphant look slide off his uncle's face and be replaced with one of fear and worry. "Wait.......you can go........just make sure they don't come here." Uncle Vernon stammered. "When are they arriving?" "Tomorrow, 10:30" Harry replied, already heading upstairs to pack his trunk. At last I can leave this place, just one more night. After packing most of his things, Harry drifted off to an uneasy sleep...
Harry was watching Sirius. "Come on, You can do better than that" Sirius said with a bark like laugh. The smile had not yet left his face when the curse hit him. His body arched gracefully in the air as time seemed to slow down. He fell back into the veil, which fluttered as if a gust of wind had just blown through it, then it settled. Bellatrix had a look of triumph on her face. But Harry knew that Sirius would jump back from the veil, ready to rejoin the fight. "SIRIUS!" Harry yelled, rushing to the archway. Then everything changed. There was someone a hooded figure directly in front of him, with red slits for eyes. Behind him he saw bodies, one had read hair, another had a large bushy head of brown hair. Then he saw what appeared to be an old man with a long beard..."Harry Potter, you will not win, you are weak, just like your parents, just like your godfather." Voldemort raised his wand. "NO!!!!" Harry awoke in a cold sweet, his scar felt like it would burst through his very skull. 4:37 flashed his watch. He laid back down, purposely making himself uncomfortable so he didn't fall asleep. He once again stared at the ceiling fan, rotating hypnotically, as the morning sun began to fill his room.
His Aunt's shrill snapped him out of his daze.
"HARRY POTTER, COME DOWN AND MAKE BREAKFAST!"
Harry got up, put on some clean clothes, brushed his teeth and went downstairs.
"Don't you DARE let that bacon burn." his aunt commanded. He of course, could care less. He hadn't ever let it burn, though Aunt Petunia still never let a morning by without telling him. This was the closest to "good morning" that he ever got. Just 3 more hours He thought to himself Then I'll be gone Harry heard his cousin come down the stairs. It was hard to miss the felling that the house was experiencing and earthquake. However, Petunia didn't seem to notice until he reached the final step.
"How's my little Dudlikins this morning" Aunt Petunia said sweetly. "I'm hungry, when's breakfast" Dudley answered "It'll be ready in a minute," she said to Dudley, then turning to Harry "Hurry up with the bacon, my baby boy is starving."
Uncle Vernon came in with his nose in the air. "Morning Petunia, what are we having for breakfast, I smell bacon." Harry turned and put toast and bacon on everyone's plate. "About time, and where my coffee, boy" Vernon said with a scowl while he opened the morning paper. Harry handed his uncle a cup of coffee and sat down, pushing his bacon with his fork. After about 15 minutes, and 2 bites of toast, Harry went upstairs. After making a final check that everything was packed, he brought his trunk downstairs. 10:00. He still had half and hour before Hermione was supposed to pick him up. He paced the living room. "Sit DOWN boy, before I change my mind about letting you go" Vernon growled. Harry gave him a look that would cut through glass, as he sat down.
Harry heard a car pull up at 10:27. He walked to the door and at the exact moment Hermione was about to knock, he swung the door wide open. Hermione practically fell into the house, very startled.
"Hello Hermione." Harry said with a grin. "Oh Harry, how've you been?" Hermione said after recovering from her stumble. Harry was suddenly being suffocated in a bushy haired hug, which Hermione let go of after hearing him choke. "I'm......fine" Harry said dryly, the smile flickering on his face. "It'll be OK Harry. Here, I don't think you've ever met my dad." Hermione then turned to the brown haired man standing behind her in the doorway. "Harry, this is my dad. Dad, this is Harry Potter" "David Granger, it's a pleasure to meet you. Hermione has told us much about you." Mr. Granger said smiling. Hermione's cheeks went pink, though Harry didn't notice. :"Pleased to meet you Mr. Grange..." Harry was interrupted by his uncle. "If you're leaving boy, get out now!" Uncle Vernon said as his eyes scowled down the hall. "Let me get your stuff and put it in the car, Harry" Mr. Granger said as he picked up Harry's trunk and put it in the trunk of his car (no pun intended). "See you next summer." Harry said as he closed the front door behind him.
As Harry headed towards the car, he realized it was a lot nicer than Uncle Vernon's company car. Then, while Hermione opened the door, she looked up a smiled at him. Harry's stomach gave a little lurch, but thought nothing of it. The trip to Hermione's house took about an hour.
"You really didn't have to come all this way to get me, I didn't want to be an inconvenience." Harry said after realizing they'd been on the road for quite some time.
"Don't worry about it Harry, it wasn't an inconvenience for us, my dad was coming this way for a meeting this morning, so I came with him." Hermione replied. "We're almost there anyway." She said smiling.