Harry's Pack

Chapter 1: Houses and New Neighbors

15 year old Harry James Potter gave another dismal sigh as he idly watched the clouds pass by. Despite the rather hot weather, le lay outside, stretched out underneath a large tree in the park. From the nearby bushes, he vaguely heard the mutinous mutterings of his Potions Professor, his "secret" guard.

For you see, dear reader, our young Potter isn't exactly what you'd call normal-by anyone's standards. Because, one Harry J Potter is a wizard. And not just any wizard either, but the boy-who-lived.

At a year old, Harry did what no other wizard ever had before-survived the Killing Curse. On that same eve, young Harry lost his parents, Lily, nee Evans, and James Potter at the hand of one Tom Marvolo Riddle, a.k.a. Lord Voldemort.

At the age of eleven, Harry was again faced with his parents' murderer, in the form of his Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quentin Quirrell, who was being willingly possessed. After an intense year of narrow misses, Harry managed to keep the Philosopher's Stone from Voldemort with the help of his mother's sacrifice.

In his second year, Harry again faced Voldemort, 'though this time in the form of his preserved 16 year old memory. After nearly being killed by a Basilisk, Harry managed to destroy the diary and save one Ginevra Weasley.

In his 3rd year, Harry met his wrongly accused godfather, Sirius Black, who only had a narrow escape from having his soul sucked out.

His fourth year, Harry was illegally entered into the Tri-Wizard competition by a death eater masquerading as his new Defense teacher. He was also an unwilling participant in the rebirth of Voldemort after the death of his fellow competitor Cedric Diggory.

And his last year, after a falsely implanted vision through the odd link Harry shared with Voldemort, Harry with his best friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger as well as Ginny. Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom illegally broke into the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry of Magic. The end result was the death of Sirius through the mysterious veil and the new knowledge of a prophecy Harry would rather forget the contents of.

"Potter, aren't you ready to go home yet?" snapped the sulkish voice of Severus Snape.

Harry gave an almost-detached snort as he off-handedly replied, "A house isn't a home, Professor."

By the low grumble of unintelligible words coming from the bushes, Harry knew he'd successfully pissed the normally unflappable man off. However, Harry barely noticed it as he'd returned his attention to his "cloud gazing".

Idly, Harry twirled his wand through his fingers, eyes and mind oddly blank, as they had been since he'd arrived at the Dursley's some hours ago. His mind had come to a sort of numb acceptance, and the anger he'd previously felt had fled his body, leaving nothing in it's wake.

Harry's blank bliss was interrupted, however, by a delighted female voice crying out, "Harry James Potter!"

In the blink of an eye, Harry was on his feet, his wand trained on the amused 15-year-old teen. Her hair was a dark, navy blue colour with sky blue streaks, and it was shoulder length and in wild disarray. At 5"3, she was petite 'though she had a somewhat "Don't mess with me" look about her. Twinkling sea-green eyes laughed impishly up at Harry beneath thick black lashes that rested lightly on cheeks with a smattering of freckles.

Mischief in her voice, the girl demanded, "Are you going to sit there like a gawking idiot, Greeneyes, or are you going to come give your old friend a hug?"

A large smile crossed Harry's features, the first genuine one since Sirius' death, as his wand arm fell down. Laughing slightly, and with a joyous cry of "Ro!" he rushed forward.

The anticipated hug was interrupted, however, by the rather sudden appearance of one Severus Snape. His face was contorted with anger and he demanded, "What the bloody hell do you think you're doing Potter?"

"Ro"s rather amused voce cut in as she asked Harry, "Have you become a terribly important person without me while I was gone, Greeneyes?"

Harry gave a light laugh, eyes dancing with happiness, before Snape demanded, "Who the bloody hell are you?"

"Well now," Ro said, voice indignant, but eyes laughing, "That's quite a rude way to ask. I really don't know if I should even tell you!"

Harry snorted and Snape angrily snarled, slightly shaking the teen's arm that he held as he demanded, "Who is she Potter? Don't make me go and get Dumbledore!"

All amusement quickly left Harry, the forgotten anger taking it's place as he ripped his arm free, growling, "Go and get your precious bloody Dumbledore and see if I give a flying rat's ass!"

"Potter!" Snape warned, though his eyes held a flare of concern.

"Oh, go and tell goddamned Dumbledore the Potter brat's being a naughty boy. I DON'T CARE!" Harry snarled, "The old bastard can Avada himself for all I care!"

"Watch it, Potter!" Snape warned.

"Oh, piss off Snape," Harry snapped, 'though his voice was too weary to be of any insult.

Dryly, one eyebrow arched, Snape replied, "Don't you think I'd rather Potter? Watching you watch the sky for nearly two hours isn't exactly my idea of a summer vacation!"

Harry opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by Ro. During Harry and Snape's little "interlude", she'd been nearly forgotten, 'though she'd listened intently, brow furrowing in confusion.

"What the hell's going on, Greeneyes?" she demanded, confusion evident.

Harry started, giving her a sheepish, apologetic look as he replied, "Aw, hell, Ro, I'm sorry, I uh forgot you were there."

Ro gave a slight smile and then an exaggerated sigh as she said, "Oh, well, Greeneyes, I guess I'll let you off this time.

Harry smiled back, a glint of mischief appearing suddenly in his eyes. Quickly, Harry sidestepped Snape so he came face to face with Ro. With a little squeal from the latter, Harry wrapped her up in his arms tightly.

Ro giggled, hugging him fiercely, "Oh! I missed you Greeneyes!"

Harry smiled back, lightly kissing her forehead in affection, "I missed you too, Ro."

Ro sighed, ignoring Snape's protests, placing her head comfortably on his shoulder as she said softly, "I almost thought we'd never see each other again. I-I was afraid that you might have forgotten me."

Harry pulled back, tilting her tear-streaked chin up, giving her a lopsided grin as said, "Hey now, how could I ever forget you? You knocked me upside the head so many times I think you might have permanently addled my brain!"

Ro giggled, "Hey! You hit me back just as much!"

"Me? Hit a lady? Never!" Harry gasped dramatically, causing Ro to dissolve into giggles.

However, the two were interrupted once again. While the two had carried on their playful banter, Snape had sent a message via owl to Mrs. Figg's, who then Flooed Dumbledore, handing over a second message. Dumbledore had then immediately Flooed to Privet Drive and hurried to the park. Remus Lupin, who's been at Hogwarts at the time, walked briskly beside the older man.

"What, in the name of Merlin, is going on here?" Dumbledore asked gravely, 'though Remus, standing behind him out of Dumbledore's line of sight, had an impish smile gracing his features.

Harry stiffened, eyes going immediately cold, as he dropped his arms from Ro to face Dumbledore. Both Remus and Snape immediately flinched from the look of anger in Harry's eyes and even Dumbledore seemed to have to check the impulse. Ro, however, just stared at him, a concerned frown marring her brow.

"I don't think that's any of your goddamn business, Headmaster." Harry sneered back.

Ro's brow deepened and Dumbledore said reproachfully, "Language, Harry."

"Language?" Harry half-yelled, before snarling, "You want me to watch my goddamn fucking language, do you? Well too fucking bad, Dumbledore! You're not my goddamn guardian and it's not the fucking school year so I don't have to listen to your goddamn bullshit. So…go FUCK yourself!"

All three adults looked shocked, although there was a faint twinkle of amusement in both Snape and Remus' eyes. The amusement in both eyes increased as Ro gave a snort of laughter at Harry's side. At his almost-suspicious look, Ro laughed.

"I probably shouldn't have taught you the f-word at six, Greeneyes," Ro said, eyes dancing merrily, "I think you've just been waiting for the chance to say it. You really shouldn't suppress things like that, dear."

The adults froze, watching Harry intently for his reaction. His lips gave a suspicious twitch before blooming out into a full-blown smile. Chuckling, he pulled Ro into an one-armed hug, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Ro laughed too, before sobering, asking, "Hey, Greeneyes? Why are those guys staring at you like you're a-a, I don't know, a double-ended moose or something?"

Harry snorted slightly before laughingly replying, "Maybe that's what they think I am, Ro."

Ignoring Snape and Remus' snorts, Ro pulled back from Harry. Feet planted firmly, hands on her hips, she sternly demanded, "Harry James Potter, stop avoiding my frikken questions and answer me, damnit!"

The adults looked shock, but Harry gave a resigned sigh, "Alright Ro."

Turning her to face the adults, he said, somewhat coldly, "Ro, this is the Headmaster of the boarding school I attend, Albus Dumbledore. Headmaster, this is an old childhood friend, Rosemary Richards."

Dumbledore smiled pleasantly, "It's a pleasure to meet you er-Ro."

"Only Harry can call me Ro," she said firmly, without hesitating.

Dumbledore looked shocked, but Harry went on before he could say anything, a slight gleam of triumph in the emerald eyes, "Ro, this is Severus Snape, a teacher at my school. Professor, Rosemary Richards."

Rosemary smiled, "A pleasure, Mr. Snape."

Looking doubtful, Snape murmured, "Likewise."

Smirking slightly, Harry went on. This time, his voice was considerably warmer, his eyes resting on Remus gently, "Ro, this is my old professor, as well as an old friend of my parents, Remus Lupin. Remus, this is Rose."

Remus smiled with a touch of weariness, extending a hand as he greeted, "It's nice to meet you, young Rose."

Grinning impishly, Rose shook the proffered hand, saying, "Likewise I'm sure, old Remus."

Harry snorted, as did Remus. Still slightly chuckling, Remus offered, "Well, at least we know she's got a sense of humor."

Dumbledore gave the slightest of scowls as he said in stern concern, "This is no laughing matter! How do we know she isn't some plan of Voldemort's?"

Both Remus and Snape pulled themselves up sharply, now gazing at Rose with uncertainty. Rose wrinkled her nose in total confusion before turning her gaze to Harry for some answers. Harry stared steadily into Rose's eyes, seemingly searching for something. And finding it.

Turning to the three older men, he stated confidently, "She's not one of Voldemort's."

"'Course I'm not!" Rose said, "I don't even know who this Voldie-who's-its guys is!"

Harry gave a soft chuckle at his friend's indignation, but Dumbledore remained suspicious, asking instead, "How can you be sure?"

Harry gave an almost-imperceptible sigh of weariness, answering, "Because I never told anyone about Ro, not Ron and Hermione, not even Siri…just, no one."

Dumbledore, still frowning, said, "Voldemort could have somehow gotten access to your memories."

Harry gave the slightest growl, before answering in a calm, cool voice, "She isn't Voldemort's."

"Prove it then," Snape cut in.

Anger flickered across Harry's face, but Remus interrupted calmly, "Please Harry? We aren't meaning to be rude, we're just concerned."

Harry sighed before giving a resigned sigh, saying "Fine."

He turned, giving Rose an apologetic look, but she shrugged, smiling good-naturedly, if not with a bit of confusion. Harry returned it with a soft, affectionate smile.

Heaving another sigh, he thought for a moment, before asking, "My primary school nickname?"

A smile tugged at her lips but she answered calmly, "Twig."

Smiling with a touch of impishness, he asked, "Yours?"

Giving him a glare, she answered, "Twitter."

Another impish smile tugged his lips as he asked, "Favourite colour?"

Rose gave a slight giggle then answered, "Red, when we were 3, blue at 4, green at 5, gold and silver at 6, red again at 7, yellow at 8, purple at 9 and green again at 10."

"Favourite thing?"

"The yellow tractor we stole from Duddikins when we were 4."

"My life's goal?"

"To be a magician…or an airplane pilot."

Harry turned to the adults, one eyebrow raised as he asked, "Do you believe me now?"

Remus nodded and gave his would-be nephew a soft smile. Snape remained uncertain a moment before giving a curt nod. Dumbledore still frowned.

"Harry, most anyone could know those things." He said.

Harry shook his head in frustration, but it was Rose who spoke, "No. Harry never told those kind of things to just anyone."

The three adults turned to her in shock, Harry with a grateful smile. Her mouth set, she stared at Dumbledore with a defiant tilt to her chin.

"I know you're Harry's Headmaster or whatever the hell you called it, but really, what business is it of yours if Greeneyes and I are childhood friends?

"You three, especially the Headmaster, obviously don't know Harry very well. Unless he's drastically changed since we were 10 years old, which I highly doubt, you'd know Harry says next to nothing about himself. And, since I know he got an acceptance letter at 11, I doubt he told anyone else about wanting to be a magician or pilot." She said.

"Wait, how'd you know about my acceptance letter?" Harry asked in confusion, with the slightest trace of suspicion, "You moved to Canada when we were ten, you couldn't have known about it."

Rose rolled her eyes slightly, with an affectionately exasperated smile, answering, "How could you forget Greeneyes? You used to manipulate your magic all the time!"
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A/N Hey! Did you like? Is it good, is it crap? Come on and answer me! Lol.

I'm going to try and get at least another chapter up by sometime today, because I'm going to my grandmother's tomorrow, I'm packing on Sunday and I'll be gone all next week, however, I wanted this story up before HBP comes out. So, next chappie up soon luvs!

'My luv,

Red