Chapter 2: Beginning A New

Harry awoke the next morning to the soft knocking on his door.

"Harry, it's time for breakfast," an excited Dudley exclaimed. Harry looked quizzically at the door. Was he hearing things? Did his cousin just invite him to breakfast?

"Harry?" a touch of concern in Dudley's voice.

"Coming Dud's," an even more confused Harry responded. Within the past week Uncle Vernon and Dudley had become overly accommodating towards Harry. There was even a moment at dinner a few nights prior that Harry and Aunt Petunia gave each others looks of confusion over the behavioral change. Harry just assumed that Mad Eye and Remus had given them quite the talking too. He threw on a T-shirt and running pants and made his way down towards the kitchen.

"Ah Harry my boy, how are you feeling this morning?" A chipper Uncle Vernon asked as Harry entered the kitchen.

"Uh, alright I guess," Harry said. For the first time in a while Harry did actually feel okay. The night before was a cleansing experience of sorts he had let everything go and he felt good about it, but he made a mental note to not let it happen that often.

"Eggs Harry?" asked Dudley.

"Um, yes please," Harry said unsure of what to expect. A plate filled to the brim of eggs, beacon, toast and sausage was placed before him. Harry's eyes shoot back up towards Uncle Vernon who also had a huge plate in front of him.

"Don't worry about waiting for Dudley and Petunia, he's still on his diet and she eats like a bird," Uncle Vernon said while stuffing his mouth full of food. Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing but rather then argue he was going to have as much food as possible before he woke up from whatever dream he was in. It was a quite breakfast and Harry was already on his second helping before Uncle Vernon broke the silence.

"Well Petunia, I think we should take Harry and Dudley shopping tomorrow. They're going to need more clothing for school and both seem to be growing out of their present cloths." Harry hadn't notice but his T-shirt and running pants did look a tad small for him.

"Uncle Vernon . . ." Harry spoke quietly. "I don't have any money, I'd have to stop by the wizards bank in London." He thought for sure the mention of his magical world would cause Uncle Vernon's new attitude to change, but he did not want to go to the store and not be able to get anything.

"Don't worry about a thing, consider it an early birthday present," said Uncle Vernon. Harry nearly choked on the last bite of food he was eating. Did Uncle Vernon just say birthday present? In all his time at the Dursley's he had never received a present of any kind, Christmas or birthday. Harry felt a little uneasy and decided to head back upstairs and get some studying done.

"Well thank you very much Uncle Vernon. What time should I be ready tomorrow?" asked Harry.

"Oh I'd say about 10, does that sound good to you Petunia?" asked Uncle Vernon to a still surprised Aunt Petunia, all she could do was nod her head. "Wonderful . . . oh don't worry about your plate Harry, Dudley can get it." Harry just shrugged his shoulders and headed towards the stairs. He started to climb them when he heard his Aunt begin to question Uncle Vernon on his behavior towards Harry.

"Vernon what has gotten into you? Why are you being so nice to the boy?" asked Aunt Petunia.

"Petunia we only have to deal with him for a couple more weeks, and then only one more summer and he's out of our lives forever." A giddy Uncle Vernon squealed. Now Harry understood what was going on, and just as he felt himself getting mad about it a thought crept into his head. He could use this to his advantage, see how far the kindness will go and tomorrow will be a perfect time to test his theory out. Now happy with himself Harry continued up the stairs and into his room.

He opened the door to find a marvelous red phoenix perched beside Hedwig, clutching what looked like a letter from Dumbledore. "Fawkes, why did Dumbledore send you?" Harry asked as he began to reach for the letter. As soon as Harry touched it he felt the familiar tug on his bellybutton. Dumbledore had sent a portkey and before Harry knew it he was lying on the floor of the Headmasters office.

"Hello Harry," said Dumbledore. "Sorry I couldn't warn you about the portkey. I was hoping you might be able to open the letter before it became active, but obviously you didn't have time," Dumbledore said, glancing towards Harry's bare feet.

"Uh yeah I just finished breakfast," Harry said as he grew a little red in the cheeks. There was an awkward silence that followed, Harry had not seen Dumbledore since his talk with him in this very room two weeks prior. Harry still hadn't worked out his feeling for his Headmaster, at some points he was mad and others extremely sad that Dumbledore had chosen to ignore him the previous year. Before Harry could figure out what emotion to have towards the old wizard, two arms wrapped their way around Harry.

"I wont repeat my mistakes from last year Harry, I will be here for you along with the rest of the Order," whispered Dumbledore. For that instant Harry felt safe, and he made up his mind to forgive and forget. He was going to need Dumbledore in his fight against Voldemort and every moment he could spend learning something from his Headmaster was another weapon he would have against the Dark Lord. The men parted from the hug but not with out a smile passing between them.

"Now Harry I brought you here to inform you that two nights from now you will be escorted to your new home. A home that I might add now belongs to you," said Dumbledore.

"What Home?" Asked Harry.

"Due to the fact that the Ministry now recognizes that Voldemort has returned, all documents, personal and professional, must be dealt with in person. Personal items such as someone's will must now be handled in person at Gringotts," stated Dumbledore. Harry now understood what he was trying to say. Sirius must have left him Grimmauld Place in his will.

"How can I make an appointment to go through . . ." Harry stopped he couldn't say his name, not yet at least. He had said it last night but only for Sirius to hear. Dumbledore sensing Harry's pain decided to step in and answer the unfinished question.

"You and I have an appointment next week. I was the over seer of Sirius's last adjustments to the will so I need to be present when they read it." He paused, "Do you have any other questions Harry?" Harry shook his head. "Wonderful, well I must be off I have several meetings about getting the school ready for the upcoming year. Whenever you're ready Harry." Dumbledore motioned to the letter that was sitting on his desk.

"Thanks Professor," said Harry who was now beaming with the prospect of leaving the Dursley's early. He slowly reached out and touched the letter and within moments he landed safely on his bed. One of the more comfortable landings he ever experienced with a portkey. With a renewed sense of energy Harry decided it was time to crack open the books and get some homework done, all the while thinking about his new home.