Chapter II
Harry spent the next few weeks reading everything about Japan that he could get his hands on. Fortunately, there was a significant wizarding population there, so most of the books in Hogwarts about it self-updated frequently. Harry was also able to obtain several books written in Japanese, and set about devouring them after Hermione performed the language-learning spell on him. By mid-June, Harry Potter was officially bilingual (trilingual, if one counted parseltongue).
Over the course of his sixth year, Harry had discovered several things about himself, not the least of which being that he was gay. To his great relief, the wizarding world had a much more liberal view on such things than muggles, so Harry had no fear of persecution. Hermione had been delighted when told of his sexual orientation, apparently she had always wanted a gay best friend, and now had an excuse to drag him shopping (no matter that he didn't really like shopping, unless it was quidditch-related). Ron was slightly akward around him at first, but quickly came around. All he asked was that Harry not ask him if he thought any guy's arse looked good, because he didn't really want to look in the first place.
Harry had also gained more control over his emotions, and was now a master Occlumens. After Sirius' death, he had become more reserved, and tended to plan things out more rather than jump in head-first. He had gained several inches, and was now only slightly shorter than Ron, with slim, lightly muscled frame. He had earned himself a new nickname as well, "Vampy," because no matter how many hours he spent flying these days, he never tanned. In fact, he only seemed to become gradually paler. His hair had grown longer too, now reaching his shoulder blades, and not messy in the least.These traits had somehow managed to make Harry seem both masculine and feminine at the same time. Seamus Finnigan had even tried to convince him to wear a girl's uniform one day, but had quickly given up at Ron's vehement protest.
Harry had spent three months after Christmas with increasingly severe headaches, and had finally been persuaded to visit the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey had cheerfully informed him that his eyesight was gradually improving, and at the rate it was, it looked like Harry would be able to get rid of his glasses before he left for Japan. Until then, the nurse had spelled his glasses to adjust with his eyesight.
However, the best thing by far that had happened was Voldemort's death. Apparently, he had slipped on a puddle of blood from a muggle he was torturing, and broken his neck. 'Poetic justice,' was Harry's opinion on the matter. "Always knew he was a slippery git," was Ron's. Hermione was of the opinion that Ron should never try to make a joke again.
It was with great trepidation that Harry bade farewell to his friends. After promising them souvenirs and leaving Hedwig with Ron, he climbed into a taxi to the Leaky Cauldron, where he was to spend the night.
After leaving his trunk in room 11, Harry wandered out to Diagon Alley, where he decided to go to Gringott's. 'After all, how can I buy souvenirs with no money?' When he had retrieved enough funds, he had some changed into Pounds, and most into Yen. Of course, he also kept some galleons, in case he saw something in Diagon Alley that he wanted to purchase. Harry wandered almost lazily through the Alley, he was in no hurry to get back to the Leaky Cauldron. After a free sundae from Florean Fortescue, he happened upon a shop that he had never seen beforea music shop.
The bell on the door tinkled merrily as he pushed it open, and caught the attention of a saleswitch.
"Can I help you, dear?"
"Erm, no, I'm just looking around, thanks," Harry allowed his eyes to roam freely over the numerous instruments, until he saw the guitars. As if drawn by a magnet, he reached for an acoustic hanging from the top rack. Nervously (since he really had no idea what he was doing), he strummed the strings. The guitar produced a beautiful, harmonious sound, and Harry decided to try some chords he found in a book by the counter. To his great surprise, he seemed to possess a natural talent for guitar, and he ended up buying it, along with a case, extra set of strings, picks, books, and a nice green leather strap embossed with dragons.
Noticing the hour, Harry walked back to the Leaky Cauldron for supper. He recieved many curious stares as he headed to his room, but he knew guitars weren't very common in the magical world. In fact, he had never met anyone that he knew to play an instrument, unless he counted Ron, Seamus and the twins banging their silverware on the table in anticipation of food. Harry placed the guitar carefully in the corner between the wall and the bureau so it wouldn't get knocked over by the vibrations when the trains went by his window. He washed up in the bathroom ("It looks like you won that battle with your hair after all, dearie"), and bounded down the stairs. After all, this would be his last supper in England for the next two months.