Moving Forward

A question: Anyone curious as to what Dumbledore has been doing since Harry's disappearance?

(Harry's Perspective)

Remus and I spent a good hour in the library looking for a name. It finally was decided to name her Hedwig. I really was amazed at the variety of books there were here. Remus asked if I would help with some of the books, but I managed on my own.

Once I had found a name for Hedwig, I decided to read some of the other books that were around. Remus said that he needed to check on some things, and to be careful. He said, "if you want something out of your reach, come and get your mother or me."

I had agreed, but I really didn't want to be a burden. So far I had read a book called Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling and The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk . While the first and second were kind of boring, Standard book of spells was interesting because it simply stated how to do the spells. I was struggling with a word when mom came in.

"I would have thought you had gone to bed," She said. At first I thought she was mad, but she was smiling. "Come on, you can come down tomorrow and read till your hearts content. Well, only if you promise to eat as well." I smiled, I was glad I now had a mom.

She walked me to bed, asking if I had ever found a name. I told her about calling the owl Hedwig and how many names we went through before that. As we got to my room, she tucked me in. I actually had someone to tuck me in. I was scared to go to sleep, because this might all be a dream.

When I woke up in the morning, I kept my eyes closed. 'it was a dream, hopefully Aunt Petunia will leave me alone for a couple more minutes,' I thought to myself. Aunt Petunia's voice never came. I slowly opened my eyes to the room I was in last night. I quickly got up and went to find mom. I found her in the hall and ran up to her and gave her a hug, tears running down my face.

She seemed surprised when I latched onto her leg. "Harry, if you keep that up, I'm going to lose my balance and fall," mom said. I let go quickly and she noticed my tears. "What's wrong Harry?"

"I thought I dreamed everything yesterday," as I sniffed. "I was sure I was going to wake up and be with the Dursleys again."

She grabbed me in a tight hug, "you won't go back to that place Harry, no matter what."

After a minute or so, though I wasn't complaining, she said, "you need a bath Harry." I had to agree with her, I hadn't bathed since I arrived. Mom showed me where the bathroom was, towels and stuff. Once I had showered and got dressed, I met mom and Remus downstairs for breakfast. Padfoot barked when I came in the room, attracting the attention of mom.

"Thank you Padfoot," mom said. "Harry, eat what you like." Again the table was filled with food. I filled my plate and ate quickly, until mom said, "slow down Harry, you'll choke if you eat that fast." I slowed down and carried on a conversation while we ate.

Mom said she was almost finished fixing the last of the protection, and asked Remus to help. When asked what my plans were I said, "I am going to look at some more books if that's alright." They both agreed and said they would be busy until lunch.

After about an hour in the library, I decided to explore the house. I started upstairs and worked my way down. Padfoot followed me while I explored, I arrived in the sitting room and started playing with Padfoot. At one point I happened to look under couch and saw a piece of wood lying there.

I reached and pulled it out. It was about eleven inches or so. I decided to try what the book said, pointing at the couch I said, "Wingardium Leviosa." The couch shook a little bit before stopping. According to the book I should have started with a feather, but it worked a little. I returned to the library to see if I could perform anymore spells.

As soon as sat down, Padfoot took off somewhere. I didn't really pay much attention as I quickly became engrossed in this new idea. I stayed in there until Remus came and got me for lunch. He noticed the stick in my hand and asked, "where did you find that?"

I told him I found it under the couch while I was playing with Padfoot. He didn't seem surprised when I told him, just said, "take good care of that Harry. That wand belonged to your father." With this new information, I began asking questions about what my father was like. Mom and Remus answered most of my questions, though mom seemed a little sad while we were talking.

After lunch, mom said she was a little tired and was going to have a nap, Remus offered to show me how to perform the spells I was working on.

Years passed, Remus and mom told me about Hogwarts, where I was to get my official wizard training, and taught me various things to help me keep out of trouble. I also learned to play chess and a game called go, Remus had learned about it awhile ago and found it quite addicting. Mom home schooled me because there were people who would want to do us harm, and they were actively searching for us.

As I became more skilled, Remus and mom showed me how to cloak myself like a chameleon with a spell. We went back to Diagon Alley a few more times, to buy new clothing for the three of us. I enjoyed my time with my family, it was nice to be welcomed.

A couple years after Padfoot had arrived, Mom and Remus explained who he really was. They told me how Peter Pettigrew, the man Sirius had supposedly killed, had betrayed them. While they were unsure what had happened to him, they were fairly sure they that he left the country.

Mom showed me a skill called Occlumency, which would be useful for both memorization and defending my mind against outside invasion. The summer before I was supposed to go to Hogwarts, I received my letter the day before my birthday. It read:

Mr. Potter,

You have been accepted to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry beginning the next school year. Enclosed is a list of materials that you will require for your time at Hogwarts.

Please send your owl with your response no later than August first.

Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress

The list was:

Three sets of plain work robes (black)

One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

One winter cloak (black, silver with fastenings)

The Standard Book of Spells Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshott

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

I quickly ran and showed mom my letter. She was smiling, but not surprised. "You've been on the list since you were born, it doesn't come as any surprise that you got in."

Remus said that he would take me tomorrow, and we would celebrate that night.

I awoke the next morning pretty early. I was so excited to be going to Hogwarts, it would be so much fun being around others my own age. While I enjoyed being with my family, it would be nice to have some friends my own age. I got dressed and went down for breakfast. I ate quickly, hoping to get to Diagon Alley to buy my school supplies. Mom laughed, "slow down Harry, you'll have to wait on Remus to finish before you can go."

I still finished quickly and sat waiting on Remus. Everyone laughed at my impatience, but I really didn't care. Once he finished, we walked outside to take the knight bus. I don't like the knight bus, it jerks around too much. Once we arrived at the Leaky Caldron, we meet a giant of a man.

"Hello Hagrid."

"Remus 'ld chap, how it going?"

"Fine, just escorting Harry to Diagon Alley."

Well, Dumbledore ask that I give this to 'owever brought Harry Potter. Her you go."

I really didn't like that this Hagrid used my name. Once he did, every head turned towards me. While Remus had explained that I was known for doing something extraordinary when I was young, causing the fall of Voldemort, he didn't mention anything about the hero worship that these people did. At least Remus was as surprised by the reaction as I was. I spent a good hour shaking hands with people who wanted to thank me. I even met one of my Professors, Professor Quirrell.

Once we made it to the entrance to the alley, with Hagrid's help, we entered. I tried to look amazed at the sights, as no one knew I had already been there before. We walked with Hagrid to Gringotts, while most people gave us odd looks.

We stood in line behind Hagrid, who apparently was there to get something for Dumbledore. We all rode down, stopping at my vault first. I wasn't fazed by the amount that was in there, mom had told me they had left money aside for me to use in case of their deaths. Once I finished, we continued down to another vault. At this one, the goblin ran a finger along the center causing it to melt into the side walls.

Hagrid reached in a grabbed a small package, smaller than my fist, and placed it in one of his many pockets. We left Gringotts shortly after that. After saying good-bye to Hagrid, we went in to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.

One of the attendants asked, "Hogwarts dear?" To which I nodded. Another boy was there getting fitted.

"You going to be a first year?" This boy drawled as if bored.

I nodded, deciding to say as little as possible.

"I see, my mother is buying my books and my father is looking at brooms. It's a shame that the rules won't allow first years to have them, father says it's a shame. Where are your parents?"

"My mother was unavailable and my father died when I was young."

He looked at me, "sorry. He was our kind right?"

"He was a wizard yes."

Before the boy could say anything else, the attendant told him, "your done." He gave a brief nod before he left. Once I had finished, we went to Flourish & Blotts to pick up my school books. We quickly got the books from the front counter, but Remus said I could pick a couple of books of my choosing. I wandered through the shelves until I ran into someone, literally.

"I'm sorry, I should have watched where I was going," I said. I had knocked over a girl who had been reading, Hogwarts: A History. She had bushy brown hair and brown eyes. She gave a sheepish smile.

"that's quite alright," she said as I helped her up, "you weren't the only one not paying attention." She held out her hand, "I'm Hermione Granger."

"Harry Potter, pleasure to meet you Hermione." I noticed that she didn't react to my name, which meant she hadn't been raised in the wizard world. We talked about what type of things we were interested in, books seemed to be a similar interest. About an hour later, we were at the counter with our purchases. Remus gave me a look that clearly said, 'wait till I tell Sirius about this'. I gave him a dark look as we left. I told Hermione that I would send her an owl in a couple of days.

We made our way to Ollivander's, apparently this had been the Granger's second stop after getting money. We walked in and the place had the feeling of power waiting to be used. We stood waiting for less than a minute before an old man appeared.

"Ah yes, I have been expecting you Mr. Potter. Your here for your wand?" When I nodded he continued, "very good. Which is your wand hand?"

"Either," I replied.

"That is most impressive." He began measuring various things on me as he told me about his shop. After awhile, he wasn't even hold the tape, it went on it's own.

He stopped the tape and handed me a wand which he quickly snatched away. We went through half the store, Ollivander looking happier by the wand. Finally he stopped at a wand and murmured, "I wonder." He brought the wand out and said, "holly, 11", supple, single phoenix feather."

The second he placed it in my hand, I knew that this was the one. I waved it through the air and it gave off red and gold sparks. Mr. Ollivander seemed perplexed. "Very curious."

"What's very curious sir?"

He looked at me, "that wand has a core from the same source as you-know-who's wand. What is even more curious, is that I recently decided to soak it in basilisk venom and phoenix tears, much like I did for your father. This has made your wand much more powerful than the ordinary wand students in Hogwarts have. I believe we can expect great things from you."

I paid him and we returned home. Remus went to talk with Sirius, while I went to talk to mom. I told her about the trip and the odd thing Mr. Ollivander had said. She said, "you have been using your father's wand for awhile. It stands to reason that you would be more advanced than most everyone else your age."

We headed down to dinner. The second I saw Sirius, I knew Remus had told him about my encounter with Hermione. Once we had started eating, Sirius said, "so Lily, did Harry tell you that he ran into a girl at Diagon Alley today?"

Mom played along, "no he didn't what happened?"

Remus chimed in, "he was just looking through some books when he ran right into a girl knocking her over."

Mom glared at me, though I could tell she found it funny, "I hope you helped her back up like a gentleman."

"Oh he did, and he was very polite, very Sirius in apologizing," Remus said with a smirk.

"Exactly what is that supposed to Moony," Sirius said.

"That he flirted," Mom put in.

"Hey, I'm right here," I yelled. They all laughed at my outburst.

The days leading up to my departure to Hogwarts were a little depressing, Mom and Sirius were going to be trying to find Wormtail, Remus would be here in case I needed anything. Remus and mom took me to platform 9 and ¾ about an hour early. I met up with Hermione and introduce my mom. After they left, We got on the train towards the back.

"You didn't tell me you were famous Harry," said Hermione once we were out of earshot.

I sighed, "does it matter? I wasn't aware that I was famous till Hagrid let my name slip in the Leaky Caldron."

"No I suppose it doesn't. You are written about in several books by the way." We talked about the books I was in, none of which said where I had been. When Hermione brought up that some said my mom had been killed, I said, "she was badly injured and thought I was dead. When she found out I was alive, she came and got me."

About ten minutes later, the door opened and a slightly round boy asked, "mind if I sit with you?"

We both welcomed him. He introduced himself as Neville Longbottom. He did a double take when he found out I was 'the-boy-who-lived'. He asked if that bothered me, to which I replied, "yes!" He laughed and said that was good. Apparently he had been taught that those who were wary of power's allure were the ones who should have it.

We talked until the train started moving. We went on about what we thought our favorite classes would be. After awhile, the food cart came by and asked if we wanted anything. Hermione said no, Neville said he had locked his money in his trunk, so he wouldn't lose it. So I bought plenty for everyone and we dumped it into the empty seat.

About an hour into the ride, the boy I had met in Diagon Alley came in and said, "I've heard Harry Potter's in this compartment."

Deciding to have some fun I said to Hermione, "are you Harry Potter?" She shook her head no, as she struggled no to laugh. Turning to Neville I asked, "oh you must be Harry Potter." Neville couldn't seem to decide whether to laugh or not, but said no.

Turning to the boy in the door I said, "then you must be Harry Potter, a pleasure to meet you." I grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously. "I can't tell you how much of an honor it is to finally meet you."

The boy pulled away, "I'm not Harry Potter, I'm Draco Malfoy."

Using an expression I learned from Sirius, which looked like I was utterly confused, I said, "well if their not Harry Potter, and your not Harry Potter. Then I guess that leave me." I smiled as if I was a halfwit. "Thank you for clearing that up."

Draco Malfoy glared at me and said, "yes I suppose you are. If you would like I can show you the ropes around here," he held out his hand.

Continuing my idiot persona I said, "well that's real nice, but" I dropped any pretense, "you want me as an ally, you have to earn it."

Draco seemed surprised at this. "You won't just take me at my word?"

"Not the way you started off. I remember you in Diagon Alley, when you didn't know who I was. Your attitude then told me more about you than you could realize." Sitting back in my seat, I continued, "prejudice is something I don't tolerate. I could tell that you hate anyone not like you."

Draco snarled, "fine, but I would be careful who I associate with if I were you." He pointed towards Hermione, "you should stay clear of Mud-"

I slammed him in to the wall outside, drawing a lot of attention. Leveling my wand at him I said, "if you so much as start that word in my presence again, you will find out how much damage I can inflict before you die." Malfoy was looking at me in fear and then fled.

I walked back in and shut the door. I worked on the calming techniques Sirius had taught me. After a couple of minutes, I noticed Neville and Hermione staring at me. "What?"

"Why did you act like that Harry? Your going to get in trouble before we even get to Hogwarts," asked Hermione.

"He was about to use a really foul slur about people who have non-magic parents. That same slur was said to my mother when she went to school, and I won't tolerate it."

Hermione nodded but said nothing. Neville asked, "what exactly could you have done to him Harry? We haven't learned anything yet."

I shrugged, "but he didn't know that. Besides, I read a lot of books before I got here, it seemed the best idea."

Neville asked if I, we once Hermione chimed in, would help him. We agreed and sat talking about the various benefits of each house would be. We decided to try and all get in the same house. Since Hermione was going to be sorted first, it would be up to her to get into a good house.

Once we arrived at the station, We were told to leave our belongings on the train and exit. Once outside we heard, "Fir' y'ers! All Fir' y'ers over here!" I saw Hagrid gathering up everyone. Once we were all gathered, we got into boats and sailed across the lake to Hogwarts. Once we got our first sight, I knew what my family meant about it being impressive.

Once we were back on land, we were taken to the main doors and Hagrid turned us over to Professor McGonagall. She seemed as strict as Sirius said. Once we were taken into the great hall, we saw the rest of our classmates and all our teachers. McGonagall sat out a stool and placed a hat on it. The brim of the hat opened and it 'sang':

Oh you may not think me pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!

Everyone clapped and it bowed to the four houses. The first name was called out as we waited our turn. Soon enough it was Hermione's turn. I waited with baited breath to find out which house I would be going into.

(Should I stick him somewhere else? Hmmm…)

"Gryffindor," The hat cried at last. Neville and I breathed a sigh of relief. The rest were sorted until it was Neville's turn. Knowing that Neville would be pushing for Gryffindor, I was more relaxed. Sure enough, "Gryffindor was called out shortly later.

After awhile, it was my turn. I heard people whispering about me as I blocked them out. Once the hat was on my head, everything descended into darkness. I heard a voice say, "hello? Are you in there child?"

"I'm Here."

"You need to relax your shields child, otherwise I can't sort you."

"Send me where you placed Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom."

The hat seemed surprised, "but that's not how it's done."

"By the choices we make are we defined."

"Very well, I can tell arguing will get me no where." "Gryffindor," The last was shouted. The Gryffindor table stood and shouted, including a pair of twins shouting, "we got Potter," over and over.

Draco Malfoy was sorted into Slytherin and the sorting ended soon after. Dumbledore, who mom said to be wary of, started off the feast. Once it was started, I was asked the odd question, but decided to keep most answers short.

I realized that many would be upset with my demeanor, but years of secrets made me fearful of anyone who saw me as the boy-who-lived, the exception being Neville. Once we had been fed, Dumbledore made some announcements that I didn't pay attention to and had us sing the school song. I decided that I wouldn't participate and created a silent area around my head.

Once I saw Dumbledore clap, I figured it must be over. Removing the silence charm I heard, "students you are dismissed to your common rooms."

Before I could move two feet I heard, "Mr. Potter, stay behind." Turning I saw Professor McGonagall standing waiting for me. Nodding to Hermione and Neville, I went over to the professor. She escorted me out of the room and down a few halls. Eventually we arrived at a statue and McGonagall said a password.

From what Sirius and Remus had told me, I was going to the headmaster's office. I quickly raised my shields to maximum and prepared for the worst.

A/n: Thank you for the reviews!