Harry stirred awake in his four-poster bed, as he began to stretch he became painfully aware of his sore muscles. Lying there a minute, he began to go over last night's dreams in his head. No visions of Voldemort just Sirius falling through the veil, the Dursley's murder, and the Longbottom's being killed, for once he would like to have normal dreams.

Noticing the sun was just peaking into the room trough the stone window, he decided to climb out of bed and get an early start on his day. Harry gently got out of bed trying to ignore his aching muscles. He again did as many push-ups and sit-ups as his body would allow. He slowly got up from the floor and staggered over to his clothes, picking out an oversized white t-shirt and gray athletic shorts, he got dressed. Harry made his way through the castle out towards the lake and began his jog.

The morning was overcast and the wind coming off of the lake was cool and revitalizing as he began his routine. Harry's mind began to wonder as his pace quickened. He thought of all the things he hoped to accomplish this summer and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his friends. He finished his run out of breath but feeling invigorated. He had only just realized that he had done more running that jogging this time and made a mental note to increase his distance the next day.

After tackling the staircases up to the fat lady, Harry made his way to his trunk in his room. Searching the contents he found what he was looking for. An old piece of blank parchment, or so it would seem to an outsider he then touched the parchment with the tip of his wand.

" I solemnly swear I am up to no good," He announce with a half cocked smiled on his face.

The seemingly innocent paper came to life. The few little dots moving around on it were a stark contrast to when school was in session and it was very easy to locate everyone in the castle and grounds. Harry glanced over the map a few time before searching out the prefects bathroom.

Harry made his way down the corridor towards the door to the bathroom; reaching it he glanced at the map to show him the password. The password "enlighten" sparkled on the page in bold letters.

Harry then headed inside to the bathtub or small swimming pool as many would say it was. Turning on all the faucets until he came to one that was perfumed to smell like a fresh towel or freshly washed sheets. Deciding on that one, he let the bath finish filling up with water and the slowly immersed himself in it. He sat there for a while just letting the hot water wash over his body soothing his aching muscles.

After he was feeling considerably better he decided make a couple of laps around the pool. Once again he found himself increasing his speed and before he knew it he was out of breath again. Deciding he was finished with his bath, Harry clasped both hands to the side of the tub hoisting himself up and out of the water. His Quidditch toned body made this a simple task. Harry quickly made his way over to the towels remembering that sometimes Moaning Myrtle like to hide out in the spouts and spy on unsuspecting bathers.

Harry headed back into his room and returned his map back safely in his trunk. Before shutting the lid Harry simply touched his wand to the parchment and said

"Mischief Managed"

As he was shutting the lid to his trunk, his stomach gave a loud rumble painfully reminding Harry that he had not yet eaten any breakfast. Figuring that now would be a good time to try and visit Dobby, Harry made his way to the entrance to the kitchens that was hidden behind the picture of the fruit bowl. He tickled the pear and the entrance was revealed.

Walking into the kitchen only a few steps Harry was hit hard on the legs by something and it seemed to be trying to cut the circulation to his lower body off. Looking down on his attacker, Harry was none to surprised to see Dobby hanging on to him for dear life. Dobby was a sight to see in his four hats and five different colored socks on his body all on his tiny little frame. Hermione would be pleased to see that he efforts to provide clothing to the house-elves were at least being used by one of them.

Smiling at the spectacle before him Harry managed to speak through the increasing pain in his lower half "Hello Dobby"

Anyone that might have been watching would have though Harry had given the bizarre elf a medal, "Harry Potter I is hearing you are in the castle and was hoping you is stopping by to see Dobby. I is very honored you remembered my name with you being the great Harry Potter ". Dobby now released the wizard he admired so much and gave a bow that had his nose only a small fraction from the floor.

"Of course I was Dobby you are my friend" Harry stated in a way that he hoped Dobby would understand that he thought of him more as an equal, than a servant.

"Such an honor to be called friend by the Greatest wizard in the world" Dobby excitedly jumped around the entryway like he was a clown in a parade. Every step Harry took Dobby would be bouncing circles around him.

"I wouldn't go that far Dobby I'm just a normal kid," Harry said, while he made his way further into the kitchen.

"Harry Potter not normal, no Harry Potter is very powerful, more powerful than Harry Potter even knows" Dobby said smiling up at him.

Harry tried to overlook the compliments from Dobby since they made him feel terribly uncomfortable, "Uh well, I just wanted to thank you for bringing food to my room. I was wondering could you bring a morning and afternoon snack as well? I figure while I am here I may as well enjoy the great food" Harry smiled down at the little elf.

"I would be honored Harry Potter Sir" Dobby could barely contain his enthusiasm as he bounced frantically around the room gathering ingredients.

Taking that as a good sign he decided to make a quick exit, "Thank you Dobby I will see you later"

"Good-bye Harry Potter Sir" Dobby said as he peeked his head out from beneath a cabinet.

Harry made his way back to his room to catch up on a little reading. As he lay in his soft bed he began to doze off into sleep. An hour later he awoke with a stiff neck. He looked at his clock and realized that he was running late to meet the professors. He jumped out of his bed and flung himself down the staircases. He climbed the stairs to Dumbledore's office and was glad to see that they had not left yet.

"We were wondering if you were going to show. I was just about to ask Fawkes if he would mind finding you. You haven't changed your mind about the interview, have you?" Dumbledore's eye's seemed to search Harry for an answer.

"No, I agreed to it. I won't go back on my word." Harry's voice was clear and sharp.

Dumbledore clapped his hands together and began to make his way from behind the desk. "Well then, let's be off"

The Headmaster made his way out the door followed by the two professors and lastly a very nervous Harry. Harry, Dumbledore, Hagrid and Professor McGonagall made their way through the school to the Great Hall for Harry's interview with Rita Skeeter.

The group sat at the head table and made conversation about what the interview may consist of and some suggestions on the answers. Rita entered the great hall a little while later with her photographer Bozo following close behind as if something were going to attack him. They made there way down the main isle to Harry and the others.

Rita noticed the group starring oddly at her photographer and decided to answer their unasked questions.

"It seem you pet squid has a particular interest in my photographer. The thing tried to pull the oaf into the water while he was taking pictures of it. Maybe he will heed my warnings next time." At that she turned around and gave Bozo a cold glare and the scared man appeared to gain back his composer.

Rita turned back to the head table and focused her attention on Harry, "Harry I was pleasantly surprised to have the Headmaster tell me you wished for me to do another interview with you. Considering our History you are being very gracious." Harry gave the elaborately dressed reporter a courteous nod but really all he wanted to do was run out of the room screaming.

"Well we shall leave you to the interview, Miss Skeeter I am sure you will stay in the guidelines we talked about for this interview" Dumbledore gave the reporter a stern and menacing look. He stood waiting her reply with his eyes boring into her.

"Of course Headmaster you know I only seek the truth" Skeeter said as she bowed to the now departing headmaster of Hogwarts.

Harry was very nervous but it must have been showing more than he thought because Rita picked up on it.

"Do not worry Harry, I would not dare go against Dumbledore now that the truth about He-who-must-not-be-named is out," She cleared her throat and began to unload her things. He noticed her pull out the Quick Quotes Quill and immediately stiffened.

" You are NOT using that thing!" Harry stated as she began drawing out different things.

" Okay, it will make more work for me but I guess all in all I understand" she replied.

She started out the interview with some of the more personal questions.

How do you feel about the muggles that raised you? Sad that they were killed, no one deserves to die by the hands of Voldemort (Harry insisted that she print his real name, and she promised to talk to the editor about it).

How are you coping with loss of so many loved ones? I try to focus my grief and anger at the ones responsible for their deaths.

Are you involved romantically with anyone? NO.

What are your plans for the future? I haven't thought to far ahead, but career wise I think I would like to become an Auror.

Harry answered them as short and to the point as possible. He than answered her question regarding the position of Minister of Magic just as he had promised Dumbledore.

Harry started to get up from the table and leave when Rita caught him by the arm and pulled him over to the make shift photography studio. Harry winced inside as he gave in. He knew that they would need pictures but Harry was never really comfortable with his fame and the thought of pictures made his insides crawl. Mercifully, Rita and Bozo were quick with the photo session and began packing their things. Rita looked at her watch and was glad to see that she would have plenty of time to write the story when she got back to her flat. They said their final good byes and Harry watched as they were escorted of the school grounds. Harry still had a fear that he was going to regret that interview, even if it did bring him and his friends the right to use magic. He wondered to himself if the price would be worth it.

Feeling completely mentally exhausted, he decided he needed another run to clear his mind. Harry tried to push all the doubt and fears from the interview out of his mind and just focus on his breathing and footsteps. He ran until his legs began to protest, throbbing hard with every step. He decided that was going to have to be enough for now and began to make his way back up to Gryffindor Tower. Harry opens the door to his room and received a big surprise. There in his room, instead of the other boys' beds was training equipment. Not just any kind of equipment but the best he had ever seen. There was a machine for any type of work out imaginable. He paced the room looking at everything when he noticed a noted attached to the one nearest his bed. Harry grabbed the note and began to read:

Here are some wonderful muggle exercise machines. Enjoy them; I have a friend of yours arriving in the morning to start working with you on your magic. I would train with you on these wonderful items but I dare say I would hurt myself or my pride by trying!

Albus

Harry grinned to himself and placed the note on his bedside table before returning to his new toys. Glancing around the room, He decided to work his upper body first as his legs were still refusing to abolish the pain they were emitting. After spending over an hour trying out all the different machines at least once, He determined to continue his work out with his daily sit-ups and push-up. This time as he finished them he felt a satisfying burn all the way down his torso and on his upper arms.

Heading down to eat dinner, His thought again rested on his friends. He would love to see their faces when they found out they would be allowed to use magic in a matter of days. He could picture their expression as clear as if they were standing in front of him. He made his way to the empty table in the great hall and sat down. His plate of food appeared before him. He took in the smell and his stomach gave a rumble. It didn't take long to finish the entire plate and another one full of food appear in front of him. He nearly completed that plate also before he felt completely full. He laughed to himself as he thought about how he could have given Ron a run for his money the way he ate that.

He started to make his way up to Dumbledore's office where he would do training on his Occlumency with the Professor. Harry felt he was really progressing in Occlumency; he could keep his shields up for extended periods of time and only feel the gentle probing of the Headmaster occasionally.

After a quick hot shower and a Changing into his nightclothes. Harry gently climbed into his bed cleared his mind. It took less than a minute for his exhausted body to fall into an unfathomable sleep.