Chapter 1 : Silent Depression.
It was one of those blistering hot days, children down the street were splashing through the sprinkler, others were washing their car. It was the end of August, the kids in the sprinkler were desperately trying to forget that they were to be going back to school in a week. They weren't the only ones thinking along those lines.
A teenage boy in a baggy shirt and torn jeans was watching them from his window. His black hair was messy but that was normal, his muscle stood out even through his baggy shirt, and his vibrant green eyes stood out brightly against his black framed glasses, though they did not hold the carefree, happy, spark in them like when he was younger. Now he just didn't care about anything, not the fact that he was going back to school, nor that he was finally going to be able to be rid of this house.
Harry Potter had had enough. After watching his godfather get killed in his fifth year at school, and having to fight off Voldemort again in his sixth year, he had finally had enough. The door swung open and his Aunt walked in. Harry turned away from the window, no longer caring about the children, and he faced his Aunt Petunia.
She looked at him disapprovingly and said. "Your friends are here to see you." She glared at his as he gave her a uncomprehending stare. "You have to go down stairs to see them. Otherwise they might start something." She said slowly, as though she was speaking to a slow child.
Harry stood up, and thought angrily. 'Ever since that incident after the fifth year they have to come in and check on me.' He headed down stairs, as he went he thought back to the end of his fifth year, his ranting at Professor Dumbledore.
**Flashback**
" I DON"T CARE!" Harry yelled at the portraits, snatching up a lunascope and throwing it into the fireplace. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH, I'VE SEEN ENOUGH, I WANT OUT, I WANT IT TO END, I DON'T CARE NYMORE-"
**End Flashback**
He had meant it too. Even now he knew he wasn't going to take it any more. Without noticing, his fingers had found the two half moon scars on his wrists. He looked down at them when he felt the smooth skin. He entered the living room and stood at the doorway, not realizing his friends were there, staring at him. He remembered how he got those scares, just after he had gotten back from his fifth year.
** Flashback**
He leapt up as his Aunt slammed the door in his face and locked it. He pounded on the door relentlessly. He heard her walk away, but he continued to slammed his fists on the door until blood ran down his arms. He pulled his arms down after what seemed for hours of pounding and slid to the floor. He sighed and looked over at the food she had brought him, dinner. Some low fat food, she was no doubt making Dudley eat too. He scanned the rest of the tray, a glass of water, spoon, fork, napkin, and a knife.
He turned away from the tray, but a moment later turned back. He stared at the knife for a long time before finally picking it up. He turned it over in his hands, staring at it. He ran a finger along it's edge, not very sharp, for it was only a butter knife. He looked around the room before his eyes settled on the window. He climbed to his feet and walked over to it. He threw open the window and stared at the ground. Angrily he turned from the window, and threw the knife across the room. He slumped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling.
His hand brushed the top of his bedside stand, he sat up suddenly, and ripped the drawer open. He dug through the things and pulled out a pair of scissors. He ran his finger over the edge. It was sharp. He smiled to himself, the first real smile in weeks.
He glanced at the time, if he did it now no one would find him until dinner. He had plenty of time. He sat on the floor and threw open his trunk. He pulled out a pen and parchment and started writing a note.
To all,
I thank you very much, you've always been there for me when I needed you. I am truly sorry for having to put you through this. But I can't take it anymore. Professor Dumbledore will have to find someone else to fight against Voldemort. I can no longer fight him. I meant all of what I told Professor Dumbledore in his office. If anyone will ever be able to even remotely began to understand why I've down this, it will be him. Its because of me Sirius is gone, and I can't live with that. You may all be mad but I hope you can forgive me. I have fought with Voldemort six times in my life, twice I have lost those who were my parents. (Biological parent or Godparent). I've been through so much more then any wizard has ever been through in their life, and I have lost so much more. I'm putting you all in danger by you just knowing me. Six times I have endangered my best friends!
Ron, Hermione, my two best friends. You have been with me for everything and yet you haven't. I've put your life, even your schooling, in danger so many times. You could have gotten expelled so many times just for being my friend, all of this by Umbridge of course. But what if Professor Dumbledore is no longer Headmaster and we get someone worst then Umbridge? I can't have you put your wizarding/witching on the line for me. I just won't let it happen.
Hagrid, take care of your brother. He understands much more then I ever though he would. Try to show the students something exciting yet safe in your class. Something everyone can see, and don't let any of those Slytherins insult you. Have Fluffy attack anyone who tries to replace you at Hogwarts. Watch out for Ron and Hermione for me. They could stand for a little protection now and then.
Mr. And Mrs. Weasly, you both have been very dear to me, another set of parents I could run to when ever I needed you. And even if I didn't need you, you were still there. I can never thank you enough for everything you have ever done for me.
Fred and Gorge, I want you to continue with your joke shop. I have left for you a few ideas that I though would be interesting to try out. But you'll have to figure out how to make them of course, I wouldn't be able to make it half as well as you two would. Its all in my black muggle notebook in my trunk. I hope you'll be able to make them, it seems that I have no talent in making any of your prank things. Take care of the shop, don't let it fail.
Remus Lupin, one of my father's best friend. I'm sure my dad never did anything like this but I'm tired of having to live up to his legend. Make sure if you ever meet up with that worm Peter again, make him pay for all he's done. Don't let that wolf bring you down. I've never said it out loud but I forgive you for what happened in my third year. I can tell that you still feel guilty. Whenever you think I'm not paying attention to you, you tend to give me these guilty looks and the moment I look up its gone from your face. Just remember there may be a bit of wolf in you but there is always a bit of you in that wolf.
Professor Dumbledore, it may have been your biggest mistake but I forgive you. You've always known what I was going through and I never said thanks. Take care of all the students and teachers at Hogwarts. That school can't function without you.
All my teachers, thank you for the best education I've ever received in my life. Professor Mcgonagall thank you for having me meet Wood, you were the one who truly introduced me to Quidditch. And I know you would do anything to help me become an Auror. Professor Snape, only one thanks to you. You made my school life horrible. You should have been more mature and just buried the anger towards my father and given me a chance. I wonder how things would have turned out if I was in Slytherin, would you have been more forgiving? I doubt it, you're too much of a hothead. But thanks anyway, for helping me become who I am. Because it's life's little twists and turns and bumps and bruises that make you who you are.
Finally the Dursleys, no doubt you will be happy that I am gone. I only wish you the best, you are after all family. Over the years you have made my life a living hell. I forgive you for that too. Now you won't be plagued with my oddity anymore. Just remember Aunt Petunia, she was your sister.
Because of the way things turned out I don't know who I am anymore. I can't tell anymore who I really am and who everyone else believes me to be. I've always hated being the center of the attention, I was famous for something I didn't even do. If it wasn't for my mother I wouldn't even be here. If it was my choice on who got all the attention, I would choose Ron. But not the way I got the fame, no if it were me making all the decisions it would be Ron who would become famous, maybe by saving someone's life or something. But it would be him, always Ron, he was the best friend anyone could have, I'm almost sorry for having to leave. I want you to divide up all my things between Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid. I want the picture book Hagrid made me to go to Remus, if you don't mind Hagrid. I'll miss you all very much and I know I'll see you again some day.
Love always and forever,
Harry Potter
Harry laid down his pen, and looked at the long note. He was surprised that it was even that long, but just looking at it, almost made him regret what he was about to do. Then he remembered the real reason he was doing this and placed the note firmly on his bed. He looked around the room once more, then he found a comfortable place on the floor. No doubt Aunt Petunia will be mad if it stains. He thought to himself as he picked up the scissors.
Slowly almost as if he was in a dream he took the scissors' blade to his wrist. He dropped the scissors to the floor as red blood poured from the deep cut on his wrists. He looked outside once more, determined to see the daylight one last time as the blackness pulled at him. Happily he slipped in to the welcoming darkness.
**End Flashback**
Harry walked over to the chair in the corner, his friends still staring at him. He had completely forgotten that fateful day, that it was the third day since he had talked to anyone from the order or any of his friends. They had burst open the front door and waltzed right passed the Dursleys and up into his room. Where they found him, bloody and half dead.
"Harry?" Hermione's voice broke Harry out of his thoughts, he dimly looked at her as she stared at him worriedly. He suddenly became aware of how close they were sitting, and rose an eyebrow in their direction. Hermione blushed slightly and said. "Harry, do you want to go with us to Diagon ally?"
Harry shrugged and said. "Up to my Aunt." He pointed to the wall beside the doorway into the living room, and Aunt Petunia's face appeared around the corner. She gave him visibly forced smile and said. "If you want to, dear." He head disappeared around the corner, but not before they all had the chance to see her send Harry a glare. Hermione stood up and walked across the room, she pulled Harry to his feet.
Ron stood right behind her, and said. "Did you get the list of books we need? I only just got mine today." Harry shook his head, just as an owl came swooping in from the chimney. Ron laughed as the owl dropped it's burden on Harry's head, and flew back up the chimney. Together, he and Hermione, grabbed one of Harry's arms and headed out the front door. On the curb was half of the order waiting for them in a familiar car. The three piled in and Harry was sudden struck with how he had been in the car before. Once when Mr. Weasly had been bitten by a snake in his fifth year, another time to go to Sirius' funeral and the last time he was in it was when he had been kidnapped by deatheaters in his sixth year. Harry shifted closer to the corner and spent the entire car ride staring out the window.
They pulled up to the Leaky Cauldron and got out, Tonks, Lupin, Moody, Mrs. Weasly and Mr. Weasly, out of habit, made a protective ring around Harry, Hermione, and Ron. They went in to the Leaky Cauldron and within minutes they were standing in front of the wall that was dissolving before their eyes. The stepped through the opening and in to the crowded Diagon ally. The protective circle around Harry had dissipated due to the rush of the crowd.
Suddenly Harry was knocked to the ground by someone. He looked over at the person who had also fallen, another teenage boy wizard. His blond hair glistened in the sun, and Harry didn't recognize him when he raised his eyes to meet Harry. The look he gave him was slightly frightening. A scared, worried, and broken look was something he had only seen in the mirror. The look was quickly replaced with a familiar sneer that could only belong to Draco Malfoy.
"Well if it isn't Potter and his little goodie-goodie friends. I'd love to stay and chat but your insanity might be catching. I'd watch out, Weasly, if I were you. Hanging out with a mudblood and a lunatic!" And with that he stood up, and dusted himself off. Harry looked up at him, still sitting on the floor and watched Malfoy throw a terrified glance over his shoulder. Before giving them all a glare and hurrying away. Hermione had both her hands on Ron's shoulders, who was trying to go after Malfoy.
"Don't worry about him. We'll get him later." She whispered in his ear. Together they both looked down, worriedly at Harry, who was staring at his friends. Harry climbed to his feet as Hermione asked. "Harry, are you all right?"
Harry glance in the direction Malfoy had fled and said. "Yeah, I'm all right."
He lead the way into the Flourish and Blotts. Harry quickly separated himself from the other two and went searching for a few books that weren't on his list. He picked up a book of curses and hexes and headed down another aisle. He picked up a copy of "Wizards and Witches Who've Made Up Their Own Spells" By Felix Payne.
"Harry! There you are!" Ron's voice called over the others. Harry nearly dropped his books as he turned around. "I've got the books we need!" He said as he handed Harry three books over someone's head. Harry gave Ron a forced smile and followed him to the checkout. He stood behind Ron and Hermione and made sure to hide his two extra books.
They walked out of the store, Harry had successfully kept the two books hidden from Ron and Hermione's view. They were walking down the street together, when they were called over by Lupin. He, Tonks, Moody, Mrs. Weasly and Mr. Weasly were all sitting in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, eating ice cream.
"Did you get your books?" Mrs. Weasly asked as the three sat down on the only empty seats left. Moody looked over at Harry, his magical eye spinning out of control before stopping on Harry's bag. Harry stared at Moody, as if daring him to say something. Moody smiled slowly and winked, Harry breathed a small sigh of relief. He was definitely not ready to handle the questions he was sure to get from everyone. Harry turned back to the conversation between the others and listened in.
"Yeah! I passed my Apparition test! It really was very hard to do!" Hermione was saying.
Harry smiled softly to himself. He had learned how to apparate in his sixth year, along with becoming an Animagus. He can transform himself into a winged lion and he is now working on becoming a dragon, which is much harder because dragons are stubborn and dangerous creatures. He had no doubt that Hermione would be extremely jealous if she found out that he was an Animagus. He drew himself into his thoughts, going over the last time he had tried to do it. He nearly burned down the woods he was hiding in, and he had not completely transformed him self. He still had a human head, and one of his legs was human but had dragon scales all over it. Now that he was seventeen he had not gotten in trouble for doing magic outside of school.
"Harry? When are you going to take your apparition test?" Hermione's voice broke through his thoughts. Harry looked up, everyone's eyes were on him.
"I'm not sure." He said slowly. "I've never had the time to go, and plus I don't know where to go."
Mr. Weasly smiled and said. "If you want I can take you tomorrow. If you've been studying." Harry nodded and zoned out again as the conversation turned away from apparition.
Harry looked up startled when the others stood up suddenly. They were talking about going to the Quidditch store. Harry followed silently as they entered the store. He looked through the Quidditch posters the entire time, he had no reason to look at anything else, he had all he needed for his broom back in his trunk. They left the store every one, but Hermione and Harry had a bag from the store. Harry saw a sign in the distance and headed that way, ignoring the other's protests.
Harry reached the store, with the others in tow, and opened the door. He looked at all the gags and pranks along the walls. Two red head twins entered the room from a side door. Saying to a young customer, "Now don't put that in water until you are completely ready to use it." The young boy nodded eagerly and left the store.
"Harry! Ron! Mum! Dad! What are you all doing here?" One of the twins asked loudly. "Fred! Why else would they be here? They're getting things from our shop!" The other said to his twin, then he turned to Harry and the others and asked sweetly. "Hi, guys! Anything I can help you with?"
Ron looked around the shop, and said. "Well since I'm here. I do need some things for school." He smiled as he headed to one wall. Hermione followed him as the others spread out in the store. Mr. and Mrs. Weasly took to talking to George and Harry waved Fred over.
"Hey, what's up?" He asked cheerfully.
Harry followed him as he walked over to the register. "Hey I see you finally was able to make my exploding beetles." He said as he pointed to a jar of squirming beetles.
"Yeah, that took us a while. It was hard to keep the bugs alive long enough. The spell kept killing 'em." Fred said with a chuckle. Then he grew serious. "Are you sure you don't want any profit from them, it was your idea."
Harry shook his head and said. "No, I've told you, I don't want any profit. It may have been my idea but it was your patience that made it possible."
Fred clapped a hand on his shoulder and said. "You really got everything all sorted out don't you? Well if you need any help in anything don't be afraid to ask me or Gorge. We are indebted to you."
Harry smiled and said. "All right, I'll remember that. Thanks."
"Harry, time to go." Lupin called to him. "Fred, George. I wish you good selling today."
Harry turned back to Fred and said. "See you later." He followed the others out of the store and back in the direction of the Leaky Cauldron. They left Diagon ally and went through the small bar, and back outside. They clambered into the car and headed back to Harry's Aunt and Uncle's house. Harry went back to looking out the window, lost in his own thoughts as they sped through the city.
They arrived at the house quickly and Harry climbed out of the car and said. "Goodbye. I'll see you at Hogwarts." The others said their goodbye and Harry walked up the driveway as they drove away. Harry opened the door and headed up stairs, immediately. Harry tossed his bag onto his bed and headed outside into the back yard. He walked to the farthest corner of the yard and settled down underneath his favorite tree.
It was one of those blistering hot days, children down the street were splashing through the sprinkler, others were washing their car. It was the end of August, the kids in the sprinkler were desperately trying to forget that they were to be going back to school in a week. They weren't the only ones thinking along those lines.
A teenage boy in a baggy shirt and torn jeans was watching them from his window. His black hair was messy but that was normal, his muscle stood out even through his baggy shirt, and his vibrant green eyes stood out brightly against his black framed glasses, though they did not hold the carefree, happy, spark in them like when he was younger. Now he just didn't care about anything, not the fact that he was going back to school, nor that he was finally going to be able to be rid of this house.
Harry Potter had had enough. After watching his godfather get killed in his fifth year at school, and having to fight off Voldemort again in his sixth year, he had finally had enough. The door swung open and his Aunt walked in. Harry turned away from the window, no longer caring about the children, and he faced his Aunt Petunia.
She looked at him disapprovingly and said. "Your friends are here to see you." She glared at his as he gave her a uncomprehending stare. "You have to go down stairs to see them. Otherwise they might start something." She said slowly, as though she was speaking to a slow child.
Harry stood up, and thought angrily. 'Ever since that incident after the fifth year they have to come in and check on me.' He headed down stairs, as he went he thought back to the end of his fifth year, his ranting at Professor Dumbledore.
**Flashback**
" I DON"T CARE!" Harry yelled at the portraits, snatching up a lunascope and throwing it into the fireplace. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH, I'VE SEEN ENOUGH, I WANT OUT, I WANT IT TO END, I DON'T CARE NYMORE-"
**End Flashback**
He had meant it too. Even now he knew he wasn't going to take it any more. Without noticing, his fingers had found the two half moon scars on his wrists. He looked down at them when he felt the smooth skin. He entered the living room and stood at the doorway, not realizing his friends were there, staring at him. He remembered how he got those scares, just after he had gotten back from his fifth year.
** Flashback**
He leapt up as his Aunt slammed the door in his face and locked it. He pounded on the door relentlessly. He heard her walk away, but he continued to slammed his fists on the door until blood ran down his arms. He pulled his arms down after what seemed for hours of pounding and slid to the floor. He sighed and looked over at the food she had brought him, dinner. Some low fat food, she was no doubt making Dudley eat too. He scanned the rest of the tray, a glass of water, spoon, fork, napkin, and a knife.
He turned away from the tray, but a moment later turned back. He stared at the knife for a long time before finally picking it up. He turned it over in his hands, staring at it. He ran a finger along it's edge, not very sharp, for it was only a butter knife. He looked around the room before his eyes settled on the window. He climbed to his feet and walked over to it. He threw open the window and stared at the ground. Angrily he turned from the window, and threw the knife across the room. He slumped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling.
His hand brushed the top of his bedside stand, he sat up suddenly, and ripped the drawer open. He dug through the things and pulled out a pair of scissors. He ran his finger over the edge. It was sharp. He smiled to himself, the first real smile in weeks.
He glanced at the time, if he did it now no one would find him until dinner. He had plenty of time. He sat on the floor and threw open his trunk. He pulled out a pen and parchment and started writing a note.
To all,
I thank you very much, you've always been there for me when I needed you. I am truly sorry for having to put you through this. But I can't take it anymore. Professor Dumbledore will have to find someone else to fight against Voldemort. I can no longer fight him. I meant all of what I told Professor Dumbledore in his office. If anyone will ever be able to even remotely began to understand why I've down this, it will be him. Its because of me Sirius is gone, and I can't live with that. You may all be mad but I hope you can forgive me. I have fought with Voldemort six times in my life, twice I have lost those who were my parents. (Biological parent or Godparent). I've been through so much more then any wizard has ever been through in their life, and I have lost so much more. I'm putting you all in danger by you just knowing me. Six times I have endangered my best friends!
Ron, Hermione, my two best friends. You have been with me for everything and yet you haven't. I've put your life, even your schooling, in danger so many times. You could have gotten expelled so many times just for being my friend, all of this by Umbridge of course. But what if Professor Dumbledore is no longer Headmaster and we get someone worst then Umbridge? I can't have you put your wizarding/witching on the line for me. I just won't let it happen.
Hagrid, take care of your brother. He understands much more then I ever though he would. Try to show the students something exciting yet safe in your class. Something everyone can see, and don't let any of those Slytherins insult you. Have Fluffy attack anyone who tries to replace you at Hogwarts. Watch out for Ron and Hermione for me. They could stand for a little protection now and then.
Mr. And Mrs. Weasly, you both have been very dear to me, another set of parents I could run to when ever I needed you. And even if I didn't need you, you were still there. I can never thank you enough for everything you have ever done for me.
Fred and Gorge, I want you to continue with your joke shop. I have left for you a few ideas that I though would be interesting to try out. But you'll have to figure out how to make them of course, I wouldn't be able to make it half as well as you two would. Its all in my black muggle notebook in my trunk. I hope you'll be able to make them, it seems that I have no talent in making any of your prank things. Take care of the shop, don't let it fail.
Remus Lupin, one of my father's best friend. I'm sure my dad never did anything like this but I'm tired of having to live up to his legend. Make sure if you ever meet up with that worm Peter again, make him pay for all he's done. Don't let that wolf bring you down. I've never said it out loud but I forgive you for what happened in my third year. I can tell that you still feel guilty. Whenever you think I'm not paying attention to you, you tend to give me these guilty looks and the moment I look up its gone from your face. Just remember there may be a bit of wolf in you but there is always a bit of you in that wolf.
Professor Dumbledore, it may have been your biggest mistake but I forgive you. You've always known what I was going through and I never said thanks. Take care of all the students and teachers at Hogwarts. That school can't function without you.
All my teachers, thank you for the best education I've ever received in my life. Professor Mcgonagall thank you for having me meet Wood, you were the one who truly introduced me to Quidditch. And I know you would do anything to help me become an Auror. Professor Snape, only one thanks to you. You made my school life horrible. You should have been more mature and just buried the anger towards my father and given me a chance. I wonder how things would have turned out if I was in Slytherin, would you have been more forgiving? I doubt it, you're too much of a hothead. But thanks anyway, for helping me become who I am. Because it's life's little twists and turns and bumps and bruises that make you who you are.
Finally the Dursleys, no doubt you will be happy that I am gone. I only wish you the best, you are after all family. Over the years you have made my life a living hell. I forgive you for that too. Now you won't be plagued with my oddity anymore. Just remember Aunt Petunia, she was your sister.
Because of the way things turned out I don't know who I am anymore. I can't tell anymore who I really am and who everyone else believes me to be. I've always hated being the center of the attention, I was famous for something I didn't even do. If it wasn't for my mother I wouldn't even be here. If it was my choice on who got all the attention, I would choose Ron. But not the way I got the fame, no if it were me making all the decisions it would be Ron who would become famous, maybe by saving someone's life or something. But it would be him, always Ron, he was the best friend anyone could have, I'm almost sorry for having to leave. I want you to divide up all my things between Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid. I want the picture book Hagrid made me to go to Remus, if you don't mind Hagrid. I'll miss you all very much and I know I'll see you again some day.
Love always and forever,
Harry Potter
Harry laid down his pen, and looked at the long note. He was surprised that it was even that long, but just looking at it, almost made him regret what he was about to do. Then he remembered the real reason he was doing this and placed the note firmly on his bed. He looked around the room once more, then he found a comfortable place on the floor. No doubt Aunt Petunia will be mad if it stains. He thought to himself as he picked up the scissors.
Slowly almost as if he was in a dream he took the scissors' blade to his wrist. He dropped the scissors to the floor as red blood poured from the deep cut on his wrists. He looked outside once more, determined to see the daylight one last time as the blackness pulled at him. Happily he slipped in to the welcoming darkness.
**End Flashback**
Harry walked over to the chair in the corner, his friends still staring at him. He had completely forgotten that fateful day, that it was the third day since he had talked to anyone from the order or any of his friends. They had burst open the front door and waltzed right passed the Dursleys and up into his room. Where they found him, bloody and half dead.
"Harry?" Hermione's voice broke Harry out of his thoughts, he dimly looked at her as she stared at him worriedly. He suddenly became aware of how close they were sitting, and rose an eyebrow in their direction. Hermione blushed slightly and said. "Harry, do you want to go with us to Diagon ally?"
Harry shrugged and said. "Up to my Aunt." He pointed to the wall beside the doorway into the living room, and Aunt Petunia's face appeared around the corner. She gave him visibly forced smile and said. "If you want to, dear." He head disappeared around the corner, but not before they all had the chance to see her send Harry a glare. Hermione stood up and walked across the room, she pulled Harry to his feet.
Ron stood right behind her, and said. "Did you get the list of books we need? I only just got mine today." Harry shook his head, just as an owl came swooping in from the chimney. Ron laughed as the owl dropped it's burden on Harry's head, and flew back up the chimney. Together, he and Hermione, grabbed one of Harry's arms and headed out the front door. On the curb was half of the order waiting for them in a familiar car. The three piled in and Harry was sudden struck with how he had been in the car before. Once when Mr. Weasly had been bitten by a snake in his fifth year, another time to go to Sirius' funeral and the last time he was in it was when he had been kidnapped by deatheaters in his sixth year. Harry shifted closer to the corner and spent the entire car ride staring out the window.
They pulled up to the Leaky Cauldron and got out, Tonks, Lupin, Moody, Mrs. Weasly and Mr. Weasly, out of habit, made a protective ring around Harry, Hermione, and Ron. They went in to the Leaky Cauldron and within minutes they were standing in front of the wall that was dissolving before their eyes. The stepped through the opening and in to the crowded Diagon ally. The protective circle around Harry had dissipated due to the rush of the crowd.
Suddenly Harry was knocked to the ground by someone. He looked over at the person who had also fallen, another teenage boy wizard. His blond hair glistened in the sun, and Harry didn't recognize him when he raised his eyes to meet Harry. The look he gave him was slightly frightening. A scared, worried, and broken look was something he had only seen in the mirror. The look was quickly replaced with a familiar sneer that could only belong to Draco Malfoy.
"Well if it isn't Potter and his little goodie-goodie friends. I'd love to stay and chat but your insanity might be catching. I'd watch out, Weasly, if I were you. Hanging out with a mudblood and a lunatic!" And with that he stood up, and dusted himself off. Harry looked up at him, still sitting on the floor and watched Malfoy throw a terrified glance over his shoulder. Before giving them all a glare and hurrying away. Hermione had both her hands on Ron's shoulders, who was trying to go after Malfoy.
"Don't worry about him. We'll get him later." She whispered in his ear. Together they both looked down, worriedly at Harry, who was staring at his friends. Harry climbed to his feet as Hermione asked. "Harry, are you all right?"
Harry glance in the direction Malfoy had fled and said. "Yeah, I'm all right."
He lead the way into the Flourish and Blotts. Harry quickly separated himself from the other two and went searching for a few books that weren't on his list. He picked up a book of curses and hexes and headed down another aisle. He picked up a copy of "Wizards and Witches Who've Made Up Their Own Spells" By Felix Payne.
"Harry! There you are!" Ron's voice called over the others. Harry nearly dropped his books as he turned around. "I've got the books we need!" He said as he handed Harry three books over someone's head. Harry gave Ron a forced smile and followed him to the checkout. He stood behind Ron and Hermione and made sure to hide his two extra books.
They walked out of the store, Harry had successfully kept the two books hidden from Ron and Hermione's view. They were walking down the street together, when they were called over by Lupin. He, Tonks, Moody, Mrs. Weasly and Mr. Weasly were all sitting in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, eating ice cream.
"Did you get your books?" Mrs. Weasly asked as the three sat down on the only empty seats left. Moody looked over at Harry, his magical eye spinning out of control before stopping on Harry's bag. Harry stared at Moody, as if daring him to say something. Moody smiled slowly and winked, Harry breathed a small sigh of relief. He was definitely not ready to handle the questions he was sure to get from everyone. Harry turned back to the conversation between the others and listened in.
"Yeah! I passed my Apparition test! It really was very hard to do!" Hermione was saying.
Harry smiled softly to himself. He had learned how to apparate in his sixth year, along with becoming an Animagus. He can transform himself into a winged lion and he is now working on becoming a dragon, which is much harder because dragons are stubborn and dangerous creatures. He had no doubt that Hermione would be extremely jealous if she found out that he was an Animagus. He drew himself into his thoughts, going over the last time he had tried to do it. He nearly burned down the woods he was hiding in, and he had not completely transformed him self. He still had a human head, and one of his legs was human but had dragon scales all over it. Now that he was seventeen he had not gotten in trouble for doing magic outside of school.
"Harry? When are you going to take your apparition test?" Hermione's voice broke through his thoughts. Harry looked up, everyone's eyes were on him.
"I'm not sure." He said slowly. "I've never had the time to go, and plus I don't know where to go."
Mr. Weasly smiled and said. "If you want I can take you tomorrow. If you've been studying." Harry nodded and zoned out again as the conversation turned away from apparition.
Harry looked up startled when the others stood up suddenly. They were talking about going to the Quidditch store. Harry followed silently as they entered the store. He looked through the Quidditch posters the entire time, he had no reason to look at anything else, he had all he needed for his broom back in his trunk. They left the store every one, but Hermione and Harry had a bag from the store. Harry saw a sign in the distance and headed that way, ignoring the other's protests.
Harry reached the store, with the others in tow, and opened the door. He looked at all the gags and pranks along the walls. Two red head twins entered the room from a side door. Saying to a young customer, "Now don't put that in water until you are completely ready to use it." The young boy nodded eagerly and left the store.
"Harry! Ron! Mum! Dad! What are you all doing here?" One of the twins asked loudly. "Fred! Why else would they be here? They're getting things from our shop!" The other said to his twin, then he turned to Harry and the others and asked sweetly. "Hi, guys! Anything I can help you with?"
Ron looked around the shop, and said. "Well since I'm here. I do need some things for school." He smiled as he headed to one wall. Hermione followed him as the others spread out in the store. Mr. and Mrs. Weasly took to talking to George and Harry waved Fred over.
"Hey, what's up?" He asked cheerfully.
Harry followed him as he walked over to the register. "Hey I see you finally was able to make my exploding beetles." He said as he pointed to a jar of squirming beetles.
"Yeah, that took us a while. It was hard to keep the bugs alive long enough. The spell kept killing 'em." Fred said with a chuckle. Then he grew serious. "Are you sure you don't want any profit from them, it was your idea."
Harry shook his head and said. "No, I've told you, I don't want any profit. It may have been my idea but it was your patience that made it possible."
Fred clapped a hand on his shoulder and said. "You really got everything all sorted out don't you? Well if you need any help in anything don't be afraid to ask me or Gorge. We are indebted to you."
Harry smiled and said. "All right, I'll remember that. Thanks."
"Harry, time to go." Lupin called to him. "Fred, George. I wish you good selling today."
Harry turned back to Fred and said. "See you later." He followed the others out of the store and back in the direction of the Leaky Cauldron. They left Diagon ally and went through the small bar, and back outside. They clambered into the car and headed back to Harry's Aunt and Uncle's house. Harry went back to looking out the window, lost in his own thoughts as they sped through the city.
They arrived at the house quickly and Harry climbed out of the car and said. "Goodbye. I'll see you at Hogwarts." The others said their goodbye and Harry walked up the driveway as they drove away. Harry opened the door and headed up stairs, immediately. Harry tossed his bag onto his bed and headed outside into the back yard. He walked to the farthest corner of the yard and settled down underneath his favorite tree.