Harry awoke on Wednesday, his birthday, to a ruffle of feathers. He opened his eyes to see Hedwig accompanied by Pig, who was whirling around the room, Errol, who was getting a drink of water, and two owls he didn't know, but looked friendly.
He took the newspaper from one first and paid it five sickles, setting the newspaper aside for later.
Pig dropped the letter on Harry's head. Harry opened the letter to see three notes fall out. One from letter from each of his friends: Hermione, Ginny and Ron. He read Hermione's letter first.
Harry,
I know that you probably don't feel very good about last year at the Department of Mysteries. I can't say I understand how you feel, but I know that you aren't the happiest person in the world now. Please, know Harry, honestly, IT ISN'T YOUR FAULT! NOT AT ALL! Yes, Sirius took a bad fall. But you were willing to risk your life to save him and that must count for something, right? Please don't blame yourself.
I've also heard that you don't want to come to Headquarters. I won't take it personally and I'll respect that you want to be alone. But at one point, you're going to have to talk to us, so use your time wisely.
Now that I've gotten through that, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You're sixteen! Didn't you dream of this day before you knew about the wizarding world? One more year and you'd be eligible to drive car! That would be so much fun, wouldn't it?
I'm sorry about the gift. I have it here. But I wanted to give it to you in person. Ron and Ginny seemed to agree with me though. I'm sorry you don't get presents on your birthday, but I think you'll like it when you see what you've gotten.
How did you do on O.W.L.s? I got twelve! Mum and dad understood when I explained it and they were so happy for me.
I have to finish up so we can send this to you. Wish the best for you!
Love,
Hermione
Harry went from slightly angry to really happy and excited, almost. But he decided to read the next letter. It was from Ron.
Harry,
How are you, mate? Good I hope. Happy Birthday!
Listen, I won't lecture you, because I know Hermione will. But just know that no one blames you for the Department of Mysteries bit, okay?
I don't mind telling you that those brain things hurt. But it's really strange what they did. The tentacles were thoughts. And they were scarring me. While they were, I was getting a ton of knowledge. It's ridiculous! I surprised Hermione with all this intelligence I got from it. She's really happy that I "seem to have a clue" now.
I was wondering about your opinion on something. I was going to ask Hermione out. But I don't know how you feel about it. I don't expect you to answer me now. Just tell me on the train, okay? I won't go out with her if you don't want me to.
It's strange around Headquarters. Everyone popping in and out of the house. And it's just Ginny, Hermione, Bill, mum, dad and me.
Did you do okay on O.W.L.s? I got nine O.W.L.s. Mum's revolting. She's so proud I did better than Fred and George.
Percy is still a git, so don't mention him, I'll tell you later.
I have your birthday present here. Hermione said she'd explain in her letter.
I'll see you on the train.
Ron
Harry smiled as he finished the letter. He was relieved that they didn't hate him for the Department of Mysteries. But he hoped Ginny felt the same way.
Harry,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY! How are you? Are the muggles treating you okay? Is the summer going okay?
The summer here is weird. People coming and going every second of the day. Hardly anyone is here for dinner anymore. It's strange for me, growing up in a big family.
It's not your fault. I bet you love hearing that by now, don't you? No, I didn't think so. I won't lecture you.
Hermione explained that your presents are here right?
Well, there's not much to say, as I'm sure Ron and Hermione have already covered it in their letters.
I'll find you on the train. Try and sit in the same place as last year okay?
Love,
Ginny
Harry was happy they sent him letters. He was grateful that they didn't blame him either. He opened the present Errol brought from Mrs. Weasley. It was a bunch of cakes and candies. There was a note wishing him well. He was nearly skipping when he got to the next letter.
Harry,
Happy Birthday!
I hope you're well!
I thought I'd send you something
because your only sixteen once!
I think you'll like it.
Don't worry, he's harmless.
Best,
Hagrid
Harry cautiously opened the corresponding package. He silently hoped it wasn't dangerous. He opened noticed it wasn't wrapped, but had a ribbon on all sides, preventing it from opening on the journey to Number 4. Harry cut the ribbon and pulled off the lid. What he saw made him use all of his control not to yell out.
There was a snake inside the box.
Gently, he put the lid back on the box and held his hand on the box. On the front of the box, he noticed a letter. He bent down to read it, not wanting to aggravate the snake.
Harry,
This is a non-venomous snake. Don't worry.
He is a magical breed.
Someone I know had tried to cross breed a Runespoor with a non-magical snake.
Really, they only say it's magical because of the Runespoor part of it.
He has the skin of a Runespoor and the structure of a garden snake, in basics.
He is at his longest length now, about 2 feet.
You can talk to him, so he's even less harmless.
When I had him for a day, he didn't even try to bite me.
He just sat on the table and you won't believe it- read!
Well, he has no name that I'm aware of.
Happy Birthday!
Hagrid
Harry was only slightly comfortable. But he really did want to trust Hagrid. So carefully, he pulled the lid off again.
"Hello," Harry said to the snake.
It's head shot back as if stunned Harry talked to it. "Hello. I've arrived at my destination then?" asked the snake.
"Yes. My friend gave you to me. But if you do not wish to be my familiar, then you could leave. It's your choice really," Harry said, not taking his eyes off the snake.
"No, no, I'm loyal. I was born from a house pet snake. So I've got a few of her characteristics. I'll stay. I'll need a name though," said the snake.
"You could choose," said Harry.
"No, it's your decision," the snake said, it what Harry thought was a kind tone.
"Umm..." said Harry, remembering Hagrid said indicated it was a male, though unintentionally Harry assumed. "How about Hunter?"
"I like it," said the snake in an oddly cheerful voice.
"Good," said Harry. He was a bit calmer now that he had talked with Hunter. "I've got to ask you though, not to bite anyone ever," Harry said slowly. "You know that right?"
"Yes, I assumed," Hunter said lazily.
"Well, that's good. Hagrid said you were reading when you were at his house," Harry said.
"Oh, yes. I love to read," Hunter said. "Do you have any good books?" he asked.
"Yes, quite a few. But they aren't novels, more like textbooks. But they are good," Harry said.
"I'm not picky," said Hunter with what Harry thought was a smirk.
"We are at my Aunt and Uncle's house for about a month yet. You'll probably have to stay in this room the whole time," Harry said. "But once we get to Hogwarts, you can go through out the school for the most part. Mind you, you'll have to keep out of sight."
"I'm very good at that, you know," said the snake proudly. Harry smiled.
"We'll get along then," Harry said. He turned to Hedwig, doubting she could interpret Parseltongue. "This is Hunter, Hedwig. He won't hurt you. But I need to ask, could you bring him a dead mouse every night when you come back from hunting, at least until we get to Hogwarts?"
Hedwig visibly nodded, to Harry's amazement. He smiled. Luckily, Hunter was still in his box, because just then, someone knocked on the door.
Harry quickly put the lid back on. Then he walked over and opened the door to find Aunt Petunia there. "Need help?" he asked.
"Well, no-," Harry cut her off.
"You were just coming to tell me breakfast was almost ready?" he asked. She nodded.
"I'll set the table." She put on an odd, satisfied expression, which was odd to Harry. "Before we go though, I need to tell you something. You're not going to be very happy about it either," Harry said. Petunia frowned.
"What is it?" she asked, just above a whisper, in an almost scared tone.
"I got this birthday present," he said shutting the door. "From my friend. He thinks dangerous animals a cute, in basics. No! He's not dangerous." he saw the look in her eyes that said she thought they were. But the look faded, as if she trusted his word on it. "It's a snake. But I've talked to him and he won't bite anyone. I didn't even have to tell him though. He assumed."
"You can talk to snakes?" she asked, looking about to faint, though she didn't.
"Yes. It's an... ability in my world. It's really rare. But Hunter is harmless and I told him to stay in my room. Okay?" he asked.
"Okay," she said. Some of the color returned to her face as they went down to eat breakfast. Harry thought he heard her say, "I knew it!". Harry assumed she was referring to six years ago at the zoo when he made the glass in the reptile house vanish.
Breakfast zoomed by.
Harry ran back up to his bedroom as soon as the table was cleared. He had moved all of his books into the second compartment the day after he had gotten the trunk, two weeks ago. So he let Hunter out of his box and was about to descend the stairs.
"There does that lead?" asked the snake.
"This is my study," said Harry. "Did you want to come down as well? There are a lot of books," Harry told the snake.
"Please," said the snake. Harry picked up the snake and put him across his shoulders. They went down the stairs together. "Wow," the snake managed to hiss out softly. "I've never seen so many books in my life."
Harry smiled and got to studying. Ever since the day after the trunk came to Harry, he had taken to studying the whole morning, eating a small lunch, studying for two more hours and then, since he studied sword fighting, practiced moves with the different swords in the other compartment. To Harry, it was a lot of fun.
It was six o'clock before he decided to call it quits for the day. He went downstairs to help with dinner, leaving Hunter in his room. Dinner was very good, consisting of lasagna and garlic bread. The only thing bad about the meal was the presence of his Uncle.
"What are you doing all day in that room?" he asked. "I'm going to come up and inspect it after dinner," said the beefy man across the table.
"Vernon," said Petunia, but before she could continue, he cut her off.
"No Petunia, whatever he is doing in there, it's not good, and you know it," said Uncle Vernon.
"He has a new pet," Petunia said, after getting an approving glance from Harry.
"I'm training him," Harry said. "He was a birthday present, so I can't give him back."
Vernon's eyes narrowed. Then he said slowly, "What kind of pet?"
"Snake," said Petunia, not showing any fear of the pet, but of Vernon's answer.
Vernon visibly paled. Then he bellowed, "I will not have a snake living under this roof!"
"Vernon," Petunia said, "the snake will be in his room the whole time, right?"
"Yes, of course," Harry agreed.
"See? No worrying. Just-," Petunia was cut off by the large man.
"No, Petunia! I'm going to go have a look at that room!" he said getting up.
"I already looked at it this morning, Vernon, it's fine!" she raised her voice a considerable amount by the end of the sentence.
Vernon sat down. Then said in a deadly tone. "If I get wind that you are doing something you aren't supposed to be doing... you'll wish you'd never been born." Harry agreed and then, after putting his dishes in the sink, went upstairs.
What's up with Petunia? Was she defending him? What is this world coming to?
In his room, Harry found a small stack of papers on his desk. Newspapers. He'd thrown them to the side for the past few days. He read the front page from this morning.
Attacks On Muggles Won't Stop
Continually for the past few days there have been random attacks on muggles, supposedly by Death Eaters. After the sighting of You-Know-You last June, there has been attacks twice a week. But now there have been attacks every day this week thus far. There were no sightings of known Death Eaters. All of them seemed about eighteen to twenty years old, according to muggle witnesses- whose memories, of course, have been modified. Most recent attacks have been in London. Two witches were injured by an attack in Diagon Alley last night as well. No one was killed.
Wow, thought Harry, Diagon Alley? That was odd. Diagon Alley was crawling with magic folk. How could anyone get attacked there? Under that article was a headline that caught Harry's eye.
Election For Minister of Magic Updates
Fudge was kicked out? Or was it just time to get a new Minister of Magic? Either way was good, as long as Fudge didn't get back in office, in Harry's opinion. The article read:
A majority vote from the International Confederation of Wizards has relieved Cornelius Fudge of his Ministry duties starting at the end of August, when the new Minister will be in office.
The most popular nominee was who else but Albus Dumbledore? He, again, didn't accept the nomination. Accepted nominees for the position are Amelia Bones, Amos Diggory, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Arthur Weasley. Good luck to them all.
There were pictures of all of the nominees and Fudge under the article. Mr. Weasley was running for Minister of Magic? That was excellent! Harry hoped that Mr. Weasley made it.
Just then, an owl came through the window. He recognized it as the owl the Order used. The owl dropped the letter on Harry's desk and went for a drink of water. Harry read the letter.
Harry,
Hope you are well. I am going to take you to Diagon Alley to get your school supplies. I'll be there at 12:30. I have things to talk to you about as well.
Remus Lupin
Harry already had his supplies. How was he going to explain that? The truth, he supposed. He was going to say he got it in his mother's trunk and went to Diagon Alley. Lupin would probably already know any way. He decided not to owl Lupin back though, because he had to talk- probably about Sirius.
Harry used the key to open the fifth compartment to get the diaries out. He set them all on the ground, closed and lock the compartment, then opened the second compartment. Taking the diaries, he climbed into the study and arranged them on an empty shelf. He'd already finished with the first compartment the previous day. He climbed back up the ladder and into his room. Harry locked the compartment and sat on his bed, propping a book in front of him. It was a book about Occlumency (that used to be his mother's). He turned to a page and started reading.
Occlumency is a delicate art to deal with. It runs side by side with Legilimency, often crossing the invisible barrier between it. Occlumency is an art used to block one's mind from access to others. Anyone can master it, though hardly anyone bothers anymore. Legilimency is the art of gaining access to one's mind. Legilimency can be mastered by anyone, like Occlumency.
Then Harry found a part telling him a few methods on clearing his mind.
For Occlumency to be done properly, one must first clear their mind. To do that, there are many methods. One of them is to concentrate on one thing: perhaps a sheet of parchment or a wall. Preferably something that doesn't move. Also, it should be something simple. Then you focus on the one thing. How it looks and so on. Then you proceed to the following steps. Another way is to focus on nothing in particular. This is rather difficult.
Okay, thought Harry, so I won't focus on nothing. Harry focused on the part of the wall just over the thin mattress. How plain it was with its soft green color. Then he focused on putting a wall up in his mind, an impenetrable wall, just like the book had said later on. There wasn't much he could do after that besides focusing on keeping the wall up and the thoughts divided from being accessible and inaccessible. He'd have to get someone to do Legilimens on him to practice.
Harry then thought he might start preparing for Legilimency.
Legilimency is the art of gaining access to one's mind. It is difficult if the target is a skilled Occlumens. Legilimency is easier for one if the caster is a skilled Occlumens and Legilimens. That way, one would be able to cast the spell (Legilimens) and keep their mind wall up at the same time, preventing a backfire. Legilimency is done by focusing on the target and saying 'Legilimens'. The person then will be forced to surrender their most hurtful, embarrassing and other memories of the like, to the caster.
Harry couldn't very well prepare for Legilimency without casting Legilimens on someone. So by the time he was finished with Occlumency for the day, it was nearly 10:15. Harry decided to read about Animagic.
Animagic is one of the most well known forms of Ancient Magic. It is also one of the most common, although, not many people accomplish it. Animagic is the art allowing witches and wizards to transform into an animal at will. It is a many step process. First, one must take time to search inside himself for the animal that they might be. For some people, they can just sit and it comes to them when they ask themselves. For others, they have to search through memories and characteristics of themselves that point to a single animal. This could take months itself. Second, a potion needs to be brewed to help with the first transformation. It is very painful. Directions on brewing and ingredients can be found on pages 140-142. While transforming for the first time, one must realize how it feels to be the animal and how it feels to transform. Some people get caught up in awe of the feeling and don't realize anything until they are back to their usual form. Last, one must transform up to an hour after the potion is finished with. It is best if tried once a day at least to get the hang of it. Though it is painful, it gets easier and less painful each time until it becomes a mere thought before they are the animal.
Maybe he should try finding what animal he would be now? After all, he did still have over two hours before Remus arrived.
Harry still sat on the bed, the book in front of him, held up by the pillow. He closed his eyes, relaxing and thinking of what animal he could be. He couldn't be a stag, his father was a stag and he only looked like his father, but looks are only skin-deep. He didn't know if his mother was an animagus. Maybe if she were something, it would be in her diaries? Another reason to read them.
What was he like? He was determined, he guessed. But that could point to more than one animal. He cared about people and was protective of them, like with Sirius. Oh no, he thought, can't think of that now. He supposed he was curious in a few ways. Competitive perhaps. And he loved Quidditch. What would all that point to? He guessed, maybe a lion, except for the Quidditch part. Lions can't fly. But Griffins can, he reasoned with himself. Maybe just a lion, people can't be a magical creature. Yes, he was a lion.
Harry looked over at the clock. It was nearly 12:00! How could it take that long to think of an animal? Harry brushed it off and got off the bed. He should go eat lunch. Harry walked out of the room, through the hall, down the stairs and into the kitchen. Aunt Petunia was already there preparing lunch: a salad. Harry was sure not to be completely silent on the way down so he wouldn't take his aunt by surprise again. He didn't even talk, but went straight to the cupboard to get things to set the table.
A few minutes later, everyone, including Dudley, was at the table, eating. Dudley was eating the salad like there was no tomorrow, barely stopping for breath before he took another bite.
"Why the rush, dear?" Aunt Petunia asked.
"Oh, er, no reason. I'm meeting up with a friend for today, that's all," said Dudley between bites.
"Do I know your friend?" asked Uncle Vernon.
"Er, no. She goes to a school around here," said Dudley.
"She?" Aunt Petunia asked with a trace of a smile.
She? Harry thought. How did Dudley get a girl to come close to him? Perhaps it was a blind date? That's got to be it.
"Yeah, she. Gordon set me up with her," Dudley said, his face turning pink. Harry knew she hadn't seen him yet. "Well, I've got to go. You know..." Dudley trailed off as he got up from the table and walked out of the room. Harry heard the door shut after him. The room lapsed into silence.
"I have someone coming over today. You saw him at the station," Harry broke the silence. He was glad he'd finished eating. He'd probably get thrown in his room for the rest of the summer for this.
"We... we have treated you right, and... and everything, though," Vernon spluttered, getting more and more pale. "Haven't we?"
"Yes, of course, much better than previous years," Harry said. He saw the color creep back into his uncle's face. "He sent me a letter. He said he wants to talk to me about something." Petunia let out a small breath of relief. Harry got up from the table, got his and Dudley's plates and put them in the sink. Then he went up to his room.
Harry had five minutes. He looked around his room. It was much cleaner than it had been in the past. He had only one trunk, Lily's of course, out. He put his own in the study. The only other things out were the keys to his trunk, parchment, a quill, ink, Hedwig's cage, and a few newspapers. He had put the clothes he took out of the fourth compartment in the closet in the bedroom.
"Boy! Get down here!" he heard his uncle call from below. Harry nodded to himself and abandoned his room to go downstairs.
"Happy birthday, Harry," he heard as soon as he stepped off the stairs. Harry smiled and looked at Remus. He was wearing muggle clothes that, unlike some people at the Quidditch Cup in fourth year, matched and looked normal. His hair seemed to have even more gray touches to it than the last time he saw him. One hand was in his pocket, Harry knew grasping his wand, though Harry couldn't figure out why he would need it in the house.
"Thanks, Professor," Harry said smiling.
"Harry, I haven't been your professor for quite some time now," he said, still smiling.
"Would you rather me call you Moony?" Harry asked. He was partly being sarcastic, but apparently Lupin didn't catch that.
"Actually, yeah," Lupin said.
"Moony it is then. Would you like to go up to my room?" Harry said, fully aware that Vernon hadn't left the room.
"Sure," said Lupin. They made their way up to Harry's room. They got up to his room and Lupin was silently stunned at the neatness of the place.
"I've been keeping everything in my trunk this summer," Harry said.
"Really? That explains it. It's almost too neat in here," Remus said with a laugh. "What's in the box?" he asked.
"I don't know if he's still there, hang on." The lid had been off so Harry didn't know if Hunter would have wanted to move around. He assumed he would. But he hadn't. He was curled up in the bottom of the box listening to the conversation. "It's Hunter. I got him from Hagrid. He's a snake," said Harry, lifting Hunter out of the box.
"A snake? Figures Hagrid would give you something potentially dangerous. What kind of snake is Hunter?" Lupin asked.
"One of Hagrid's friends tried to cross breed a non-magical snake with a Runespoor. Otherwise, he's non-magical. I'm not sure what kind of non-magical snake though. Hunter told me that he wouldn't bite anyone though unless on my command," Harry said.
"I forgot you were a Parselmouth. That's kind of cool actually," Lupin said.
"I suppose," Harry said.
"Harry," the Hunter hissed. "I don't know why, but I can tell where loyalties lie. It's not a Runespoor trait, or a non-magical one, but I can. Moony, is that his name?" Harry nodded. "He is loyal to the light side. I approve of him. Plus, he sounds nice."
"What did he say?" Remus asked, noticing the comprehension on Harry's face while Hunter talked.
"He just told me he can tell where loyalties lie. He knows you are loyal to the light and he approves of you," Harry said with a smile.
"Tell Hunter I said thanks," Remus said with a smile as well.
"Moony says thanks," Harry hissed to the snake.
"No problem," said Hunter.
"He says no problem," Harry said. Harry put Hunter on his bed. "What did you want to talk about?" Harry asked.
"For one thing, your birthday," Remus said, handing Harry a neatly wrapped package he hadn't noticed before.
"Thanks," Harry said before unwrapping the gift. He pulled off all of the paper to reveal a stone basin.
"It's a pensieve. You can use it to sort thoughts. I think you've seen Dumbledore's before," Remus said. "You can't really use it until you get back to school though."
"Yeah. Thanks a lot," Harry said. Remus handed him a small booklet.
"That's to explain how to use it better than I could," Remus said truthfully.
"I'm sure I'll use it this year," Harry said. "I know there's something else you wanted to talk about," he said.
"Right you are," Lupin pulled out a folded up piece of paper from his pocket. "It's Sirius's will. He made it as soon as he joined the Order." He handed it to Harry. There was a master list and then many envelopes. He found one that said his name on it and opened it.
Harry,
Hello Harry. If you are reading this then I'm dead. I'm writing this just after I joined the Order. How far from now that is I don't know. But if it helps, I joined the summer before your fifth year.
Well, I'm leaving you 1/4 of the Black fortune, which is a considerable amount. Chance is that it's already in your Gringotts vault by now. In the case that you don't want it, give it to the Weasley's, Tonks or Moony, okay?
I'm also giving you a few things from the Marauders. One thing is a map of Hogsmeade. It's another version of the Marauders' Map. Same password. I'm also giving you James's multi-compartment trunk that I got just after he and Lily died. I don't know what ever happened to Lily's though, I'm sorry. I'm sure you'll figure out how to open it though. I'm also giving you a great amount of photos of the Marauders and Lily and her friends. I hope you like them all. The Map is in the front of one of the photo albums by the way.
I'm also making Moony your godfather I asked him just a few days ago. He doesn't want to replace me, so go easy on him. Remember, he was your dad's best friend too.
The last thing I'm giving you is my motorcycle. When you are of age, you can use it. While I'm writing this letter, it's at Headquaters in the back room. I think Molly might find out with all of the cleaning. I don't know what they'll do with it after that. Maybe they'll find better storage for while.
I need to apologize for the letters that I've been giving you recently. They have been useless to you. Telling you not to do anything rash and so on and nothing of value, really. But all of us were under Dumbledore's orders not to mention anything, as I'm sure you know by now.
I have something to tell you as well. It's about your godmother. I forget what her name is because I haven't seen her since you were born and before that just since we left Hogwarts. Her first name's Lorry. I think her last name starts with a C but I might be mistaken. I'm not sure if she's alive still. I think she is. There are photos of her in the albums I'm giving you.
I'm sorry I haven't been able to get to know you as well as I should have. I hope you understand what the situation was.
Live your life to the fullest, Harry. Don't sulk over me. Don't block me out of your thoughts every time you think of me. I know I did that with Lily and James and have a feeling you'd do the same thing. Just know that I had a great life and that I was extremely happy to be able to know you, if just for a short time.
Sirius
Harry didn't cry, but he was very sad to read the letter. Moony had waited until Harry was done. "That was... I don't know exactly what that was right now," Harry said.
Lupin nodded in understanding. "All of the things you inherited are in your Gringotts vault. Well, except for me being your godfather now and the motorcycle. Listen, I don't want to replace Sirius. But I'd like to carry out his wishes and just be there for you when you need me, okay?"
Harry smiled sadly. "Yeah."
"Did you want to go get your things out of your vault?" Lupin asked.
"Sure. I just need to get my key out of my trunk." He grabbed the set of keys off of his desk and knelt down to the trunk, opening the second compartment. Lupin stared at Harry, not realizing that it was a seven-compartment trunk. "I'll be right back. You can come down if you want." Harry got up and climbed into the trunk. Lupin caught what it was and went in after Harry did.
"Is this Lily's trunk?" he asked, eye's wide.
"Yeah. Petunia had it in her closet ever since my parents died. She decided to give it to me this summer. It's really odd how they've been acting," Harry added as an after thought. "They've been really tolerant of me being in the same house as them. Petunia got all depressed when she gave this to me. It was probably because she was remembering her sister…" Harry trailed off.
Lupin was looking at the shelves with pictures. "I forgot about these," he said quietly. "I remember this day," he pointed to a picture of seven people in the Gryffindor common room. "It was during the winter holidays. Almost everyone in Gryffindor tower left except for us. There's James, Peter, Sirius, Lily, Andrea, Lorry, and me. Lorry and Andrea were Lily's friends. Andrea was Sirius's cousin, Andromeda. Well, we were all playing games that night. Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle, things that teenagers would do. It was a lot of fun. I think that was about the time when Lily started to like James. You see, she was dared to kiss him for thirty seconds. Sirius was counting, but didn't tell them when to stop. He was barely whispering the number. They really kissed for about three minutes before Lily noticed that it was a bit long. She cursed Sirius's hair pink for that." Harry chuckled and Lupin smiled. "That was a lot of fun."
"Maybe you could tell me more when we get back?" Harry asked.
"Sure. Let's get going," Lupin said and they made their way out of the trunk, Harry got his key. He put Hunter in the box and the box on his desk, hoping no one would find him while he was gone.
"How are we going to get there?" Harry asked.
"Floo. The house is temporarily connected. It's safer now than it was earlier this year though," Lupin said, pulling out a bag of Floo Powder from his pocket. "Diagon Alley then."
Harry grabbed a handful of the dust and threw it into the fire Lupin had started. Emerald fire engulfed the orange and Harry stepped in saying, "Diagon Alley!" very clearly. Instantly there was a rushed feeling he felt and he saw many grates go by before he stopped at a particularly dark room. It was the Leaky Cauldron. He stepped out of the fireplace and waited for Lupin to arrive, which took about a minute.
"Gringotts then," Moony said as he brushed the soot off of his clothes. They walked to Gringotts, talking very little. They arrived at Gringotts and gave the key to Griphook. He then escorted them to the vault on a rickety cart. Harry saw Lupin gripping the side of the cart firmly, as to prevent himself from falling out.
"Here we are then, Harry," Lupin said, stepping out of the cart eagerly. Griphook unlocked the vault and Harry stepped inside. Instantly, Harry noticed the pile of galleons, sickels and knuts was much larger than his previous visit earlier in the summer. He also saw the trunk and photo albums in the nearest corner of the vault. "You should wait until we get back to your relative's house to look through these," Lupin said to him.
"Yeah. I suppose I should," Harry agreed.
"I'll shrink these so they're easier to carry back," Lupin said. Harry nodded in agreement. Lupin did and Harry, as he could fit all of the albums and the trunk in his palm, just put them in his pocket.
"Should we get your school things now?" Moony asked.
Without hesitating Harry said, "No. I've already gotten all of the books. I went to Diagon Alley a while back. The rest were in my mum's trunk."
"You should have taken someone with you before. Well then, let's head back to the Leaky Cauldron. Did you want to get a butterbeer before we leave?" Lupin asked.
"Sure," Harry said. They headed back to the Leaky Cauldron. When they got there, they ordered two butterbeers from Tom.
"So, Harry, what have you been doing this summer?" Lupin asked.
"Just studying," Harry said plainly.
"What are you studying?" asked Moony.
"Ancient Magic," Harry said, taking a swig from his newly arrived butterbeer.
"Really? Can you do any of it?" Remus asked.
"I can do Wandless Magic," Harry answered. "It's untraceable, so I've been practicing a bit."
"What can you do with Wandless Magic?" Lupin asked.
"Almost all of the spells I've learned so far and some of the one's that I'm going to learn this year. It's much easier for me without a wand," Harry added.
Moony looked amazed. "Wizards that can do Wandless Magic are really rare. You say you can do already do some of the ones for this year as well? That's remarkable. I wonder if they'll let you go through exams without a wand..." he trailed off.
"That would be good," Harry said. "Do you know who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is going to be?" Harry had just thought of this for some unknown reason.
"No, Dumbledore is having trouble finding people to take the job. I would volunteer, but being a werewolf, I don't think it's safe for the students," Remus said with a touch of sadness.
"I really don't think the students mind though. You're the best Defense teacher we've ever had," Harry said truthfully.
"No, I doubt that," Remus said, equally truthfully.
"You are though. Let's go over them all. First year we had a pathetic teacher and he had," he lowered his voice in courtesy of other people, "Voldemort on the back of his head. Second year, we had an idiot. Third year we had the best Defense teacher ever. Fourth year we had a Death Eater that posed as an Auror. Fifth year we had Umbridge," Harry shivered at the thought.
"I suppose. Anyway, I'm going to suggest someone to Dumbledore tomorrow. She's really nice. She was really good at Defense in school too," Lupin said. He looked at his watch, "We should go. Then we can look at those photo albums." Harry paid for the butterbeers and they left through the Floo to "Privet Drive." It had apparently been added temporarily.
Once they were there, they went straight to Harry's room. Harry took out the trunk and photo albums. Remus put them in their right size and Harry instantly reached for one. He opened to the first page. It read, The Marauders Seventh Year. Harry flipped to the second page.
The second page held two pictures. The first one was of the Marauders. The second seemed to be the Marauders and their girlfriends. James was with Lily. Sirius was with a tall girl with pale skin, dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Remus was with a slender girl with tan skin, light brown hair and blue eyes. Peter was with a short girl with pale skin, black hair, and dark brown eyes.
"This is Lorry," Remus said pointing to the girl next to Sirius. "She was going out with Sirius until the end of the year. The girl next to me is Andrea. She was my girlfriend until a half year after we finished school. She, Lorry and Lily were best friends. They were all really smart too. The girl next to Peter," Lupin said his name with disgust, "Agatha, I think her name was. She was in Slytherin. We should have noticed then what Peter was. He usually went out with girls in Slytherin. He claimed they were really nice and didn't know why they were in Slytherin. Anyway, he went out with her until just before the winter holidays." Harry nodded and flipped the page over to find a picture of Snape after a prank.
Lupin smiled to himself. "That was the first prank of the year. How they got the picture I don't know. Snape had run into Lily on accident and didn't apologize. So James and Sirius took the liberty of turning his robes to Gryffindor colors for the day. It was the smallest prank they ever did, if my memory is correct."
"I might have to take this picture out of the albums and stick it to my potions text. Snivellus shouldn't see it anyway, as I'm not in his class," Harry said this with almost a dreamy expression on his face. Lupin laughed.
"Snape, Harry," he said, turning the page.
There was a picture of James and Sirius playing at a Quidditch game against Slytherin.
"I didn't know-," Harry was cut off by Remus.
"Sirius played Quidditch? Yeah, he was beater. He was very good at it too. That's where he took our most of his feeling against his family. At this game James caught the snitch in five minutes. Gryffindor won that by almost two hundred. It was the last game of the season. This was the last time Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup for a while. With Charlie Weasley maybe…" Remus mused.
Harry nodded and flipped the page to see another group picture with many pictures surrounding only consisting of two people in each. Everyone was all dressed up in costumes. It was a sight to see, actually. All of the couples had matching costumes.
"That was the Halloween Ball. I don't know why they don't have it anymore… Anyway, your mum was a princess and James was her prince, of course. Sirius and Lorry were muggles. That was mostly to make Sirius's relatives that attended Hogwarts at the time, angry. Peter and Naomi were Quidditch players. I was a cowboy and Andrea was a cowgirl. That was a great time. Sirius turned Snape's costume, which was one of a prince, to a pauper's, claiming that he copied James. It was hilarious," Moony said, laughing.
"Do you know if there's going to be a Halloween Ball this year?" Harry asked.
"No. But I was thinking of suggesting it to Dumbledore. I'll claim people need a chance to relax. Merlin knows it's true. Maybe I'll talk him into a Christmas one as well," Remus mused. "Well, I imagine you want to check out James's trunk too. Maybe I'll leave now." Harry closed the album.
"I suppose," Harry said. "Could you come back another time this summer?" he asked, standing up as Lupin did.
"We'll see," Lupin smiled. They started walking out of the room. "I'm going to leave you some Floo Powder. But it's only in case of emergency. Plus, you'll have to go to Mrs. Figg's to use it," he said and handed Harry a small bag. They were now in the sitting room. "Well, best be off. Keep writing and I'll see about coming back in the middle of August. Happy Birthday."
"Thanks," Harry said. Lupin took out a bag of his own Floo Powder and tossed a handful into the recently ignited fireplace. "Number 12 Grimmauld Place," he said, stepping into the emerald flames and disappearing from Harry's sight. Harry sighed and headed up to his room.
When he got there, he opened the compartment to the study section of his trunk and climbed in. There, he took everything he would need for his school year and put it in the first compartment of the trunk. He then moved everything that was in the first compartment to respective places with in the trunk. It seemed an easier thing to do.
It was nearing dinnertime when he was finished sorting everything out. So he thought he'd stop until at least after dinner.
Dinner blew by quickly and Harry was back in his room going through all of this dad's things. It seemed the contents in the first compartment of the trunk were in the same nature as the other; letters and school things.
The second compartment consisted of things having to do with the Marauders. There were a few journals. All had titles beginning with 'The Marauders Pranks' and then it would say the year they were in when they happened. Harry went through a few pages in 'Year Six' of the journals. The pranks they pulled were remarkable and some of them were really awful.
The third compartment was a common room sort of place. It had a fireplace, couches, armchairs, a table and games to play like Exploding Snap and Wizards' Chess. It was dressed in Gryffindor colors and was very welcoming to Harry. It took everything for him not to sit in there and move on to the next part of the trunk.
The fourth compartment was a kitchen type place. It was complete with a dining room as well. He took a small bag of chips out of the cupboard to find they tasted like they were bought just yesterday. When he went back for more, he found that the cupboard restocked itself to have another bag of chips in its place. Though odd, Harry grabbed another bag of chips and made his way out of the trunk and to the fifth compartment.
It had an area that was similar to a woodland with birds and small animals. Harry was amazed to see things living in the trunk. He figured that this area could be used by the Marauders to exercise when they somehow couldn't or wouldn't get out of the castle. It could also be used for flying practice or even meditation because it was a calm place to be.
The sixth trunk had a bedroom just like Lily's was. It was almost exact, in fact.
The last compartment was a library. He was surprised that it was James and not Lily that had a library in their trunk. From what he heard, it was his mother that was the prefect. Though, James had been Head Boy.
Harry got out of the trunk to see it was about ten o'clock at night. Maybe tomorrow he would study. He checked on Hunter and found him eating a mouse Hedwig had kindly brought him. Not long after he exited the trunk, he felt tired and after clearing his mind, drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Author's Notes
Sexy Slytherin SweetieI hope that answered your question about why Petunia might've been depressed. In case you just skimmed through, which I am guilty of having doing a few times, It was because she was remembering her sister. What wasn't said was that she was remembering times when they got along- before Lily found out she was a witch. About despising Harry. She did. Ever since the threat at the station, she's been a bit more… tolerable of him. She's realized that he isn't a completely horrible freak. Just a mildly horrible one… And lastly, about the trunk. She gave it to him mostly because of the threat. She remembered the trunk and decided that she should give it to him. She'd have more room in her closet… I hope that's cleared up. Thanks a whole bunch for reading and reviewing my story! Slytherin's are the best aren't they? I'm one myself…
Everyone else if there is anyone else- thanks for reading my story.
Please, if you could, take a minute and review my story. Answer a question or two… What could I do better? Did I do something completely and totally wrong? Would you like me to continue? Did you like my story so far?