Harry Potter and the Discovery of the Path

by artdam

6 OotP. Harry looks at his life, considers what he has to do to survive and he begins his struggle to end this war. Join him in his quest to find himself. Join and cheer him because the way ahead is always rough and rarely in a straight line. Review!

1. Chapter 01

Disclaimer – I would like to own it and be unimaginably wealthy. I was so shocked when someone told me that Harry Potter wasn't mine and belonged to some British author. I am sure I thought about Harry Potter few years earlier than J.K.Rowling, but how could I prove it now. I think she wrote it better than I would.

Enjoy:

Harry Potter and the Discovery of the Path

Chapter 1 What next?

Harry was sitting at the desk that Dobby provided in his 'study' as he now called this place. He was in the room next to the kitchen of Hogwarts. Last few days he had been spending mostly here and in the library where he had been looking through various number of books generally about defense.

His friends were asking him where he was all the time, but understood he needed some time to himself. After telling him that they were there if he wanted to talk, didn't press to much. Harry wasn't sure he could face them now, he wanted to do something and stop thinking about Sirius. Thinking about him was hurting so much.

He was checking more advanced books, usually on Auror level training. Harry was pleased with himself when he found out that Patronus Charm wasn't required even on N.E.W.T. and he mustered it in his third year and this year was able to teach it to some of his friends.

He sighed, third year was his very best ever, despite the fact that Wormtail got away, Harry met his father's best friends. He found his godfather, he found much needed spark of hope for the future. Now it was gone again and he was to blame for that… mostly he. He sighed again, No, he promised himself not to self pity anymore. He would mourn but not pity. There will be time for that, there will be time after that damn prophecy is fulfilled.

He decided to take as many books as he would be allowed from the library to the Dursleys. In many books he checked already, he found he could perform most of the spells, surprisingly he remembered a lot.

He had been copying spells he didn't know, well, he was using this smart spell they learnt from Hermione witch was similar to muggle xero. It copied parts you thought were important. Copied information appeared on your parchment in a very nice handwriting, if you did it right of course. Harry agreed with Ron that this ought to be the first spell, students should had been taught.

Okay, what was I looking at? Aha, here, "…the possibilities of Engorgement Charm is, in theory, unlimited. It only depends on the power and concentration of the caster of this spell. It is said that Yardley Platt, serial goblin-killer, during his missions, was using ordinarily looking trunk with three locks/compartments and inside there were nine room house, three room dungeon/prison and a field of the size of the quidditch pitch.

It is unsure if that particular trunk was made by Mr. Plat. However the number and power of Engorgement Charm was extreme. It is also possible that inside for example quidditch area one may put many magical tents and/or other sorcerers trunks witch means the usage of space outside of the trunk is minimum and space to use inside is unlimited…" that was it, that was what Harry needed. Some place to train. He couldn't possibly spend another summer moping around and doing nothing or lurking by the window of Dursley's sitting room with hope and dread for some news.

He should have been training for a few years now, even if Voldemort wasn't back, there was the prophecy. Voldemort was studying Dark Arts for decades now. Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to learn that kind of magic, the feeling after when he used Crucio on Lestrenge was horrible and made him shudder even now. Still, he needed to study more. He was a stubborn person, very determined when with purpose and definitely he had a purpose now. He couldn't just sit and do nothing, more now than ever, when he knew that it was up to him to end it.

The Order and Dumbledore were going to leave him with the Dursley's again, without almost any contact with wizarding world. Dumbledore had said that he needed to stay there for the blood magic to reinforce and Harry knew that was true, but it still wasn't a cheering thought.

Harry turned back to the book about charms he was reading, he decided to look into it while he was reading "Goblins and their sneaky ways – some nasty curses and hexes by Yardley Platt" where this trunk was mentioned. If he could have trunk like that, he definitely remembered Moody's trunk, it wasn't that big but had been big enough to keep someone hostage there almost whole year.

With something like this he could freely train and feel more connected to his world. Which in true was probably more comforting than the felling that he was doing something.

The book he was reading "Charms: Advance Theory and Demands to do Them by Elliot Smethwyk, 1826, revised by Adalbert Waffling in 1963." Elliot Smethwyk was a famous charms inventor for example he created Cushioning Charm in 1820 and Adalbert Waffling was a famous magical theoretician. He wrote "Magical Theory" which also were somewhere on the desk.

Mr. Adalbert Waffling wrote in his appendix that Engorgement Charm was one of most unappreciated spells created in the history of wizarding community. The problem was, of course in Harry's opinion, with maintaining the spell to made it last, well, indefinitely. Harry knew that to uphold some spells and make them functioning you need some Arithmancy and Rune working. Unfortunately he didn't took these subjects as his electives, so his knowledge was very limited.

And if he went to Hermione she would be very interested as to why he wanted to train so much and probably would pry prophecy from him. He wasn't ready to tell anybody about that, he wasn't sure if he ever would. Voldemort still didn't know about the whole prophecy. Harry suspected that the Order didn't know the whole prophecy also. Knowing Dumbledore, he didn't thought necessary to inform them why they were guarding Harry so much. On the other hand the Order was betrayed once by Pettigrew and they found out about that after twelve years of cursing the wrong person…

Again his thoughts brought him back to Sirius. He tried to swallow the bile in his throat as the events of that evening played before his eyes again. Harry had had enough of that during his sleep and really didn't want to go there just now. As it was his routine for the past few days he tried to clear his bloody mind. He could try that or bury himself in the pile of books before him. He tried to do both, but every once in a while all thoughts of Sirius pushed themselves back to the front of his mind.

After few deep breaths he looked around. Dobby really outdid himself again. The room was very cozy and what a couple of days ago was storage room with old and dusty furniture and some cleaning equipment now looked like nice old fashion study with the feeling that the library was just the door away.

He wondered what time it was. Dobby brought him lunch but never showed after that, so it was before dinner. Harry took of his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He should have bought new wristwatch long time ago but that was not on his mind, after what happened in the tournament. He would have to wait, when he went to Diagon Alley, Harry sighed probably for the tenth time this day, they wouldn't let him go there. Maybe he could ask someone from the Order to buy one for him. Maybe Remus or Tonks, or probably Moody would know where to buy something like this with some extra features.

On the other hand, he wasn't sure if he wanted to see 'You're Late' over and over again and not being entirely sure where or why he was late. He didn't know much about wizards' watches. Something like the Wesley's Grandpa watch would be nice. It could show him if his friends were alright. Or something like Dumbledore's, but as he remembered there were so many different devices swirling around the thing, he should definitely read something about that first. So maybe he should by muggle watch, but some extra information from the wizarding one would be probably be better.

He smiled a little, in spite of his mood, because while thinking about buying the watch, he immediately thought about wizarding one. That was comforting, in a way. He was a wizard and this was his world, he never felt right with the Dursley's. He probably would feel that way, even if they treated him like a human. He didn't understand their hate and fear of magic. Harry was some kind of a freak to them and probably would be to many more muggles. Even here he felt like a freak sometimes. Some people thought Dumbledore was a freak too, Harry mussed. Dumbledore was.. eccentric. Maybe they would think about Harry as eccentric one day, if he lives long enough. He was tired and he was getting hungry.

'Dobby?'

'Yes, Harry Potter sir' little house elf appeared suddenly next to the desk 'what would sir wants from Dobby. Dobby is pleased Harry Potter sir needs Dobby!'

Harry was just about to ask for something to eat when an idea poped into his head.

'I was wondering, could you apparate in and out of Hogwarts?'

'Of course, Harry Potter sir, every house elf can do that, but we do not apparate, we just is here and there if we is needed' answered overenthusiastic little elf.

'And Is it possible for a house elf to buy something for a wizard and use his Gringott vault for him? Because I would like to ask you to buy something for me.' Harry said, thinking that it would help him greatly.

'We elves always do errands we are said to do' sqiuck Dobby 'Goblins know that we do what ours masters requires, they are detecting ours bonds and we even needn't keys to the vaults'

Harry's face fell when he heard this 'So you have to be bonded to someone to be allowed to buy something for them?' he was wondering now how much could he get using Hedwig 'Well, never mind Dobb-' but he was interrupted by the guilty voice of his little friend.

'Please, Harry Potter sir is not angry with Dobby' he said quickly 'Dobby is-' he trailed of for a minute, his eyes filling with tears 'Dobby is been bonded to Harry Potter sir for some time now sir' he said that very quickly and quietly.

Harry wasn't sure if he was hearing right. His mouth wide opened. He was dead now, prophecy or not, Hermione was going to kill him.

'But, but-' he couldn't make his mouth working properly 'But what about all those Hats Hermione was leaving around the Gryffindor Tower?' that was the only thing that came to his mind right now.

'Harry Potter sir, is not the one who left those beautiful hats Dobby is wearing and Dobby knows Harry Potter sir, is the greatest wizard in the world and likes Dobby to wear nice cloths, Harry Potter gave Dobby his socks!' said proudly Dobby.

Harry thought a little guiltily about Uncle Vernon old socks.

'Harry Potter sir, doesn't know that he freed Dobby twice now and Dobby again choose to bond to Harry Potter sir.'

'WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!' Harry was totally confused now. 'WHAT DO YOU MEAN TWICE!'

'Yes sir, Harry Potter sir gave Dobby beautiful socks for Christmas and freed Dobby, but Dobby bonded again!'

'BUT I DON'T WANT TO OWN ANOTHER PERSON!' Harry almost screamed. He was breathing heavy now.

'Harry Potter is so great' cried elf 'he thinks of Dobby as a person. Dobby is very happy to be Harry Potter's sir house elf.'

When Harry was going to interrupt Dobby quickened his speech.

'Dobby will be looking after great Harry Potter sir, he could buy things for Harry Potter sir. He could make good meals for Harry Potter sir. And Harry Potter sir is very powerful wizard, Dobby is now very strong house elf when he is bonded to Harry Potter sir!'

Despite himself Harry asked 'How so?'

Dobby beamed at Harry 'This is to come with the bond. When the bond was created it was usually that great and powerful wizards had great castles to take care of and they made, that if the power of the wizard is big, somehow this makes his house elf powerful too. Harry Potter is really very most powerful wizard, Dobby knows.' Dobby hushed his voice and leaned to Harry as if to tell the secret. 'Dobby is more powerful now then the house elves bonded to Hogwarts.'

Harry was shocked and a little frightened by this revelation 'You mean, you are more powerful then Dumbledore's house elves'

For a moment he felt relieved when little elf shook his head to deny this, but Dobby's next words made a chill run through his spine.

'No Harry Potter sir, Dobby don't know sir Dumbledore's house elves power. Dobby never saw them. Dobby says that he is stronger in magic then the Hogwarts school elves. And Hogwarts is very magical place, it has its own very powerful magic! Dobby is very much stronger than when he was with his old family.' he said again very proud of himself.

Well that felt good to know that he was stronger then Malfoy.

However Harry wasn't that good at spells and to be true with himself, he never was interested in learning very much. Now it of course had changed. Hermione had been always quickest in learning new spells. She usually knew them when they were learning them.

'How can you tell?' this was ridiculous to Harry.

'Dobby was cleaning the whole Gryffindor Tower all by himself for a few months now. Dobby admits he could use help sometimes but he managed and is very proud his master is so powerful, it is an honor sir' Dobby bowed his head to the floor now.

'Why didn't you tell me?'

'Dobby knows his friend Miss Granger wouldn't be happy with Harry Potter sir. He didn't want to make trouble to Harry Potter sir'

'And why did you told me now?' Harry asked trying to process everything. His head was throbbing painfully now.

'Harry Potter needed some errands to be made and Dobby is happy to do them for Harry Potter sir.'

'And what if I free you again Dobby?' this wasn't good.

'Dobby knows Harry Potter sir would do this only because he is very good and kind wizard and not because he don't like how Dobby works, so Dobby would bond to Harry Potter sir again, sir!' said elf and puffed his chest pompously.

How come a house elf can bond to a wizard without his approval? On the other hand Dobby was a strange elf, he tried to disobey the Malfoys even when he was bonded to them.

Harry realized it would be probably impossible to rid himself of Dobby and despite the fact he really didn't want to own anybody, this could be very helpful if he needed something and couldn't get out of the Dursley's to get it himself. But he really would like to hire Dobby and not to own him. That was just.. wrong.

If he was going to agree to this, err, he probably had to agree to this, but he would demand of Dobby to pay him and make sure Dobby has some time to do what he likes. And forbid him to punish himself. Harry groaned and looked at "his" house elf. Dobby must had seen that Harry was going to agree because before Harry had any chance to say anything he was interrupted again.

'Dobby would like to ask Harry Potter for a favor sir?' he said hopefully.

Harry was very afraid now and only managed to nod weakly.

'Dobby was wondering if Harry Potter sir would take Winky as his house elf also sir. Winky is feeling a little better now but she is very unhappy without a master to look after and is afraid that nobody would want her now sir. Dobby told her to bond to Harry Potter but Winky thinks she is very bad house elf and that you would throw her away immediately and she don't want to be throw away again sir. And Headmaster Dumbledore sir said that he couldn't risk to bond Dobby or Winky to Hogwarts because then we would must answers every questions from every Hogwarts students, and some of them are not very good persons' Said big eyed elf, then added a little more shyly 'Also Dobby is liking Winky very much and would be happy if Winky was with him when we will be leaving here.'

Harry was wondering if Dumbledore knew of Dobby, that he was bonded to Harry, but decided it didn't matter. He was too angry at Dumbledore to think about him.

Of course, be a friend to a house elf and he tries to convince you to enslave another one. This was to much. Harry was only trying to ask Dobby if he could buy something for him and he ended up with one and probably two house elves as his answer. Why everything was always happening to me, and he was sure that HE had every right to complain about this and this wasn't some kind of adolescent bunt!

'Dobby would you mind if I think about it for awhile, please?

Dobby's face felled a little but he said 'Of course, Harry Potter sir I will be bringing you your dinner now and you tell me after you eat.'

Harry was sure that he was going to agree after seeing Dobby's face. It was funny really, Dobby the house elf thinking for himself even if it meant to be slave. Urgh, that word is just disgusting.

He ate his dinner in silence listening to the cracking wood in the big fireplace to his left. He knew he shouldn't think about that but if he could ask Dobby or Winky to make him meals as delicious as they were here at Hogwarts the summer looked much better already. He wasn't sure how he was going to explain this to Hermione. Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna were from magical families they wouldn't say anything but Hermione and her spew? That is going to be very difficult conversation. He decided he would postpone it as long as it was possible.

Some time after his meal, witch was of course delicious, Harry was seated in front of the fireplace in a nice comfortable chair, again provided by Dobby. The warm of the fire and a full stomach made him a little sleepy. He was wondering why Hermione had never mentioned about the proprieties of this bond between master and his servant. Maybe she didn't know. He remembered that he saw, or more accurately heard last year on the TV when he was sneaking around the house, that, there are scientists who tend to forget about some evidence, especially if that evidence disagree with what they want to prove, they subconsciously omit them in their research. The bond was important and helped the elves on their work, right?

Harry was aware of what he was doing, he was trying to wash away the guilty feeling about what he already had decided to do on the subject of the elves.

He was sipping pumpkin juice and watching as a big log just cracked and split in two when he heard someone clear his throat. He looked to the door and saw Dobby with few hats on his head. Harry smiled to himself, five or six of them now. Behind him was Winky in a dirty pillowcase, with her head low looking at her feet. He was pretty sure she wasn't drunk, she didn't looked like to him.

'May we come to Harry Potter sir' said Dobby quietly 'is Harry Potter sir tell us now if he would want Winky as his house elf with Dobby.'

'Dobby, Winky' Harry started in what he hoped was confident voice 'if I am going to let you be my house elves' right, like you have anything to say about Dobby, he mussed 'you must agree and respect rules I'm going to outline now.'

'Yes Harry Potter sir' nodded Winky meekly.

'It applies to you too, Dobby' said Harry looking hard on the tinny elf.

'Yes sir' answered Dobby and shrunk a little under Harry's stare.

'Firstly – Both of you will be wearing clean and comfortable clothes' he said in serious voice.

Dobby beamed at him, he wasn't expecting something pleasant like this. But Winky looked on the edge of tears and Harry feared she would run and even didn't wait to let him finish.

'Winky' he said more gentle 'as Dobby probably told you, I am not an ordinary wizard'. She nodded tearfully 'I will not have my house elves walking in those rags' he gestured on her pillowcase 'and make me look as if I can't afford for proper clothes for you'

He really hoped that that kind of arguments will speak to her. She looked a little relax now and nodded. One done more to go.

'Now Second – I want you to never, and I repeat NEVER punish yourselves'. Winky's eyes was wide with shock and Dobby looked a little worried now.

'But Harry Potter s-' started Dobby, and in the same time Winky shrieked

'Good house elf shou-'

He cut them of before it got out of control.

'IF YOU THink you should be punished for something. You WILL COME to ME, and I WILL DECIDE about the punishment!.' he was wondering now if he was going to have a time to read this summer, he could imagine now 'Harry Potter sir, I is cleaned your desk in seven seconds and a proper house elf should clean it in five, even if he makes laundry and prepares meal at the same time' He shook his head and continue.

'Next – You will have some time to yourselves, in witch you will do whatever you like to do and go wherever you like' and before Winky could protest 'don't worry Winky you will have plenty of work on your hands.'

'When we will be staying in our own place, and with your help I hope it will happen soon, You will have your own rooms, or room if you like' Again Winky looked like she wanted to remind him how house elves should be treated so Harry went on.

'My house elves will live in a proper conditions, as I wish them to' he hoped his head wont grow to the size of the words he was talking now. But that, again settled her. He felt like some kind of king or something, talking like that.

'And now I want you also to speak to me freely whenever you want, always say what you think and most important You are to tell me, if you think I am doing something wrong or stupid'. Their eyes were really the size of tennis balls now, even Dobby looked frightened.

'Listen to me, I know about magic just for five years, my-' he swallowed hard and blinked some tears away as they treated to leak from his eyes 'my godfather d-died few days ago and my relatives hate magic. Sometimes I really need someone to tell me if I am doing something stupid.'

He wasn't sure if it was wise to say that, especially if few minutes ago he was acting like some kind of a great wizard. However he felt save to tell them, he knew that when they were his elves he could tell them everything and they couldn't tell anyone, he knew Dobby wouldn't because he was his friend and Winky was very loyal and good at kipping secrets.

'And Winky' he said slowly 'I am sorry that you lost a family you were looking after so good for many years. If you would like to be my house elf I would be honored.'

Little elf looked confused, she probably did think the rules wasn't right for the house elves but wanted to belong to someone or maybe wanted to be with Dobby.

'I am friends with Dobby, so maybe you could also be my friend, It is not another rule' Harry added quickly 'I just would feel better to have you as my friend' he finished.

Winky was quiet for awhile, Dobby looked expectedly at her and finally she started to say.

'If Master Harry Potter sir wants Winky, she will be Master Harry Potter's sir house elves, even if Master Harry Potter sir is a strange wizard.'

'Good' Harry smiled at them, 'Oh and please could you both call me just Harry, I don't want to be called Master Harry Potter, it sounds so pompous', he said somehow happy that everything was solved now.

Well, its official now, Harry Potter was going to die before Tom Riddle will have a chance to find him. And he would die by the hand of one of his best friends. Hermione was going to be furious with him, that's for sure. He very much hoped Ron wouldn't be jealous. House elves was supposed to be expensive to buy and he had two now. Ginny, well, he didn't know her as much as he should have. Sure much better then a year ago, but still he probably should know her better. She was Ron's sister, she was a year younger, but it didn't show now, or in his opinion it didn't show. She had had that crush on him that made him feel really embarrassed sometimes, because he didn't know how to act around her. But now that she was acting normal around him, he felt at easy with her. Somehow because of that crush he didn't have a chance to be better friends with her, she was always so shy around him. He felt horrible that he forgot about hers encounter with Voldemort. That bastard was attacking her almost all year and she still overcame whatever she was feeling after her first year. Harry suddenly became very curious how she did it. Now he knew she was funny and very resourceful, she helped him to use Umbridge fireplace. And of course she had Weasley temper, what do you expect with red hair and six brothers especially two like the twins. She knew how to speak for herself, he experienced it firsthand.

If she thought something was wrong about him owning the elves, she would tell him loud and clear, but Harry thought she wont mind, after all she was raised in a pureblood wizarding family.

Neville wouldn't mind, Harry was sure of it. He sighed. Thinking of Neville nowadays brought prophecy to Harry's mind. No, He wouldn't think about that now.

Luna, if she noticed, she wouldn't mind either. She would take it probably as granted and tell him that some other creatures works for house elves and in true they do nothing except hiding those creatures, or something like that.

Harry promised himself to somehow help Luna with those people who hide her things. He knew too well how it is to be picked by someone, after Dudley and his gang in his primary school. But she often looked as if she didn't mind. He would be furious, but he wasn't Luna. On the other hand she 'looked' like she didn't mind.

Winky's voice brought him back to reality.

'What would Master Harry Pott, Harry sir want us to do now.'

He didn't thought about that. What should he ask them to do. He didn't think they should be paid by Hogwarts now, it wouldn't be right. Maybe he coul-. Something wasn't right here, how come someone like Umbridge, being Headmistress allowed to pay a house elf. She hated all kind of beings.

'Dobby? Did this Umbridge woman paid for your work here?'

'Mister Dumbledore paid Dobby earlier, but since Dobby was yours house elf, Dobby didn't want money, he just was helping and staying close to Harry Potte, err, Harry sir.' Said house elf ' and Winky didn't want any money. Miss Umbridge didn't know about Winky and Dobby'

That was more like it.

'Okay, so I would like you to help here if you are not doing anything and until we have our place to live'

Both elves nodded.

'Is there some way for me to call you if you are for example here and I am in London or with my relatives, you know where, Dobby?'

'You just call ours names and we will pop right away sir. Just like you have been doing with Dobby lately. Distance is no matter to us, because we have a bond sir.'

'Good then.' Harry started to form some kind of plan. The day after tomorrow was going to be his last day here and he would be forbid to do magic for a whole summer. If he was going to try and do this trunk for him to stay in, he had one and a half day. He must find out about Arithmancy and Runes to uphold Engorgement Charm. Or maybe there are shops were you can buy that kind of trunks. Hagrid had bought him his trunk somewhere.

'Dobby I would like you to go to Gringotts and find all about my money there, you know how much I have and stuff like this, also find out exchange rate between muggle money and galleons. Err' he felt a little stupid to ask questions like that, but wizards didn't think much about their house elves 'do you know how to read and write?'

'Every good house elf is taught how to read and write Harry sir.' He didn't seem to be at least offended, maybe because he was just happy to be doing something for his master. Dobby looked really happy now.

'Is it possible that Gringotts is still open?'

'Gringotts is open non stop, Harry sir. Goblins don't like not to work.'

'Could you do that right now Dobby, ah, and I'll be here, if not all the time than wait here, err, check here from time to time.' Harry didn't want them to go looking for him or sit and wait all the time. And he wasn't sure how this bond thing work, he could ask about it later.

Dobby disappeared right away with a pop.

'Now Winky, would you mind checking if somewhere in Brit…' why limit only to the islands 'somewhere there are shops where I could buy a sorcerer trunk and if not that, then ordinary trunk, oh, and magical tents as well, and then bring with you some kind of advertisement folders about those trunks and tents and their prizes. It would be great if there were some pictures and lists of spells put on it and other specificity. Now, it doesn't matter if it is expensive. Err, I'm interested in the best they have Winky, with the most number of rooms and everything that could be put in the trunk or a tent' He thought for a minute then add. 'And I think it would be rather important the trunk would be self shrinking or self transfiguring into something small and light to carry with yourself all the time. Does that make any sense to you?' She nodded.

'First try in London, next, here in Hogsmade, and Winky if you have some folders bring it here and then go to find more, okay?' She nodded again and vanished.

'Ah, err, Winky?' With a pop she was back again 'sorry I just thought about something, if shopkeepers need money for those folders, pay them. And later when you finish with this I would like you and Dobby to do the same thing with the other shops. I mean bring the advertisement of what they sell.' She nodded and was gone again.

Harry thought that maybe there were some makers of those trunks. He knew that they were rare and expensive, or rare because expensive. If so he hoped he could afforded one, he wasn't sure if he would master Arithmancy and Runes in one and a half days. He was rather sure he wouldn't.

He seated himself by desk again, found the book about "Arithmancy and runes in charms" he took from the Library and started skimming through it. When he found and read a little about Engorgement Charm he groaned and put it away. He needed some basic Arithmancy books. Some short and easy 'how to do it' books.

Library was open to 9 pm, so maybe he still had some time. He have to buy a wristwatch. Harry got up, took his Invisibility Clock and the Map, just to be safe, and left the room after he extinguished the fire.

The Castle was rather empty but some students were still in the Great Hall when he was passing by. He saw Ginny and Luna sitting by the Ravenclaw table. He thought to himself that it was stupid that you couldn't bring friends from other Houses to your Common Room. Or maybe there wasn't such a rule just some tradition nobody cared to change. Usually you didn't even know where the entrance to different Houses was. How they were supposed to unite like that, it was extremely difficult. Maybe something like DA would help, but legal one next time.

Lost in thoughts he didn't notice how he came there, but now he was standing in the entrance to the Library. He looked around for some familiar faces. There were mostly from Ravenclaw and then he groaned inwardly, of course, Hermione. He backed away to be out of her sight line. He didn't want to talk to her right now. He looked at her again, even seating by the lamp that gave very warm yellowish light, Hermione seemed pale and weary. He sighed, he owned them to tell at least not to worry about him and that he wasn't going to be in the Tower tonight. He checked where she was sitting and decided that there was a chance that he could get the books first and unnoticed.

He hoped he would get the chance to tell Madam Pince what he was taking and maybe Hermione wouldn't notice. She was sitting in the corner with her face directed to the wall and right next to the defense section. Harry knew that on that side of the Library was Care of Magical Creatures and Defense Against the Dark Arts books only, he was browsing through them many times now.

Harry turned to the right, Arithmancy was first thing on the right then there were Charms, Transfiguration and Runes. He knew the layout of the Library quite well, again thanks to Hermione. You almost could walk around the room between the shelves in the way that wouldn't be noticed. Perhaps only by Madam Pince. He and Ron wondered once if she had some kind of a Marauder Map for the Library because she always knew where you were and what books were you borrowing. That brought him back to Dumbledore. Harry was wondering if Headmaster knew what Harry was going to do. Probably yes. On the other hand he was borrowing many books in this week.

He found 'Arithmancy – What the Hell is that by D. Whitehorn'. Harry didn't know that mister Whitehorn wrote a book about arithmancy. If he told Ron it would be probably the first book not exactly about quidditch or chess that Ron will happily read. Devlin Whitehorn was a founder of Nimbus racing broom company and of course one of Ron's idols.

Harry picked also "Rune Dictionary". He understood that he needed the right rune in the right place and aritmancy would tell him where to put these runes.

There were only few people left in the Library. He saw that Hermione was still reading with her back to him. He took the books to Madam Pince, then put them in his bag and went to talk to Hermione.

'Hi' he said quietly seating next to her 'what're you reading?' she jumped startled and looked at him.

'Harry!' she almost shouted, then quietly but still forcefully 'where have you been all day again! We were looking for you, Ron checked and told us you took your Cloak and the Map. You didn't even came for the meals today, again. Have you been eating anything at all. Why are you avoiding us all this week. From the time when we were out of Hospital Wing you spoke to us only two or three times.' She said that very fast, and Harry knowing her just waited patiently when she went out of breath.

'How are you feeling Hermione?' he asked looking her in the eyes. He didn't know why he asked. He certainly didn't feel like talking about it yet.

She sighed and looked at her book 'Tired, and a little scared. At least we are all alri-' Her eyes winded in realization of what she almost said and her hand shoot to cover her mouth. She looked at Harry, her eyes beginning to water.

'Oh God, Harry I'm sorry, I'm so sorry' Hermione flung herself at Harry and started sobbing quietly. He just sat there stiffly. He tried to move his hands to comfort her. He tried to tell her that he wasn't mad at her, that nothing happened. That he understood that she meant Ron, Ginny, Neville, Luna, him and herself. But his jaw was clench and he couldn't muster a word. After she calmed down she must have realized that he wasn't holding her and slowly pulled away not looking at him. Then Harry tried with his strained voice.

'It- It's alright Hermione' she was a little shocked that he didn't explode at her. He sighed and with more relaxed voice said.

'I wanted to tell you, to tell Ron and the others that I wont be staying in the Gryffindor Tower tonight' She was about to say something, probably about rules and punishment if you are outside your Tower after curfew. But before she could, Harry continued.

'I have to do some thinking' he looked at her hard now 'I will sneak out later if you drag me in now. I just felt I should let you know so you wont worry… to much' he added after awhile seeing her skeptical frown.

He stood up quickly and swept out of the Library before she could follow him. Once in the corridor he put his Invisibility Clock and left quickly to his study next to the Hogwarts' kitchen.

xxxx

Later that night Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Neville were sitting on the couch by the fireplace. All of them in their own world. The Common Room was empty for some time now.

Hermione was sitting rather close to Ron almost leaning on him. He didn't move away. They all needed some closeness, especially now. But the way Harry stiffened when she cried herself on him in the Library. It was- 'it was Harry' said Ron and she knew that was true. He didn't have anyone to lean on for ten years. Then there were the Weasleys, and she. From their third year there was Sirius and now he was gone again. And she probably sounded to him like she didn't care.

A sound escaped her throat almost like a sob and Ron's arm was immediately around her and Neville was patting and rubbing her back from the other side.

'That's bloody natural!' she almost screamed. Neville jump at her outburst. Ron and Ginny almost laugh.

'Language Hermione' said Ron in the mock indignation. Hermione blushed a little. And Ginny asked.

'What do you mean?'

'This' Hermione gestured wildly to Ron and Neville 'That they're comforting me like this. People need closeness in those situations. You feel better if someone hug you. It shows you that you are not alone in this.' she sighed frustrated, 'And with Harry, he- he, argh, remember when he asked what to do about Cho, when she was crying. He totally panicked, he didn't understand that she needed some comfort'

'Yeah' said Ron 'I'm not fond of her myself, but even I can understand what you mean.' After few minutes of silence Ron continued.

'But face it Hermione, he had had no one for most of his life. Remember Ginny what he looked like when Fred, George and I brought him from his relatives with our Ford Anglia.'

'Yeah.' she said and added through gritted teeth 'we should go there and hex them to the next Sabat!'

'What do you mean?' asked Neville.

'Oh, you didn't heard all about it, did you?' ask Ron 'You see, after our second year, during summer holidays, Harry didn't answer any of ours owls and earlier we told each other that he would come and stay at the Burrow for some part of the summer. Well, Fred, George and I decided that something horrible must have happened to him. We had taken my father's car and flew to rescue him.' Hermione scolded at him and Ron smiled at her with what he thought was his most charming and innocent smile.

'Anyway, they kept him locked in a small room with bars in his window and prison flap in the door to give him food. They would let him twice a day to the loo and bathroom and that's all.'

'And he was so skinny, you could only imagine how much food he had got.' added Ginny.

Neville was white with shook. 'You mean they keep him like some kind of a prisoner in this room?'

'Oh no Neville' continued Hermione this time in bitter voice, 'They locked him in this room because they thought of this as if they were making him great kindness. We think that they were frightened that someone from magical world would come and checked on him.'

'I don't understand?' Neville asked again, now little frightened of the answer.

'HE WAS KEPT IN THE BLOODY CUPBOARD UNDER THE BLOODY STAIRS FOR WHOLE HIS LIFE THERE!' shouted Ginny jumping to her feet

Neville flinched at her outburst.

'Can you imagine this, he had had no one, NO ONE!' Ginny was pacing angrily in front of the fireplace. Her hands into fists. 'The Bloody Boy Who Bloody Lived was raise in a cupboard Neville' she hissed.

'Calm down Ginny' Hermione said quietly, her eyes wet. Ron was clenching his jaw, it looked like it was going to break. Neville was totally white now.

'You know what' Ginny said suddenly looking up at Hermione and Ron 'Mum was probably the first person ever to hug him, I mean after his parents died.' Her eyes misted a little now.

'Oh God' sobbed Hermione 'you're probably right.'

Ron's head shoot suddenly up and he looked at Neville hard. Neville swallowed.

'Never pity him Neville, remember, never pity him.' Hermione was nodding thoughtfully. Ginny just starring into the fire 'He hates pity.'

Neville was nodding more to himself than to Ron. He sure knew how Harry could feel about people pitying him. He saw the look of pity often enough when some watched him.

'…he will see it in yours eyes.' Ron continued oblivious to Neville faraway look.. 'Remember that all his life he had to take care of himself.'

'I'm almost sorry that it didn't work out between Harry and Cho.' said Ginny quietly after awhile of silence.

'Huh?' ask Ron.

'He could use someone like that right now. Maybe he wouldn't push his girlfriend away. Maybe just because he would feel obligated to be around her'

'Maybe' sighed Ron. Neville shrugged. Hermione was watching Ginny closely. Their eyes met for a moment but neither said anything.

'We should go to bed, it's after one o'clock. Harry said he wont be back today and probably he wont.'

They started standing. 'Goodnight, boys'

'G'night, Hermione, Ginny.'

'Night, Mione, Gin.'

The boys went to their room, but Ginny just stood in front of the fireplace starring absently at the flames.

'Ginny are you coming?'

'I don't think I could sleep right now, I am so angry'

'It is just so bloody unfair' Ginny gritted her teeth again.

'I know' said Hermione leaning on the couch, tears again filling her eyes 'And I told him that he has got "hero complex", he should hate me now and he will probably blame himself more because of it' she was sobbing again.

Ginny came to Hermione and wrapped her in a tight embrace, one similar to her mother's and two girls shared some more tears over the fate of a boy who was very close to their hearts.

xxxx

Unaware of this conversation on the seventh floor in the Common Room, Harry was skimming through his new Arithmnacy book hoping, that maybe, just maybe he would grasp the basics enough to enchant a trunk to be bigger and that it would fit in at least a magical tent.

He pushed his encounter with Hermione to the back of his head, determinedly not letting any of his turmoil of emotion to reach surface. He grabbed his book, doing something - helped. Even if only a little.

He felt somehow different after the run into with Voldemort, he wont ever call him Lord, probably he shouldn't call him Voldemort, his name was Tom Marvolo Riddle. Simple plain Tom, Harry almost chuckle as an image of the toothless bartender from Leaky Cauldron pop in his head. But that was not fair, Tom the bartender was a good man, worth thousand time Tom Riddle.

He wondered briefly if all those mood swings and snapping this year was because Riddle was always in his head. That thought was frightening. He hoped that it was like Dumbledore said that Harry's love drove him away, when Tom possessed him. But in the same time he also secretly hoped that his behavior was in some way inflicted by this dark wizard lurking and messing in his mind. Truth be told Harry Potter was always good in hiding his emotions, he had to, to survive with the Dursleys. Last year he was just not himself, he decided, but still not so sure.

After some time when Harry was reading, marking and copying interesting bits with his xero charm Dobby pop back from the Gringotts, carrying rather thick folder in his hands.

'Dobby has all information about Potters business with Goblins, sir.' beamed the elf. 'Here is the documents about all the vaults and investments for the Potter family, sir'

'Huh?' was all that came from Harry as he watch in bafflement, wheels in his head stopped somehow, Dobby approached Harry beaming and gave him all the documents.

'I is going to help Winky now, sir.' Squicked little elf, and before Harry could ask how he know about what he said to Winky, with a pop he was gone.

Harry was really grateful that he was sitting when he opened the folder and on the first page there was, in very neat handwriting, the list of all of the Potter vaults, with the sum of the galleons in every one of them, and below all rows there was the number in slightly bigger and more pronounced writing. There were three numbers actually one for galleons, one for sickles and one for knuts. Wonder why they always writes those apart. Was the first thought that came to his mind. He was looking at the number that showed how much galleons he had, trying to count how many figures there were, when last two figures changed before his eyes. Where just a minute before was number 28 now was written 31. Did he just earn three gallons somehow?

When Harry was still starring at the parchment there was a pop in the room, but he didn't gave it a thought, while slowly comprehending what he was seeing. True be told he was getting angry again.

Of course nobody told him. He was bloody living under the stairs for ten years, wearing Dudley's old rags whole his life, his damned old glasses and here it was black on white.. err.. purple on yellow actually he thought stupidly he was a bloody millionaire the parchment said 2,198,028,2…err ..36 now, and that was only gallons. His head hurt again, the air around him was cracking just like in Dumbledore's office last week. He knew he shouldn't be angry, he never asked about it earlier, he even never asked about his family beyond his parents but even that was rare. He was somehow satisfied when Hagrid gave him his photo album. He never asked Dumbledore about those people he saw in the mirror of Erised, his grandparents. He only knew that his father was from a pureblood family and they were all dead.

Harry let out his breath he didn't know he was holding. He was angry with Dumbledore, he was angry with the Order and probably most of all he was angry with himself.

His shoulders slumped he should calm himself, there was no sense in getting worked up so much, it wont do him any good.

Harry decided to ask the elves in the kitchen for something to drink, maybe hot chocolate before going back and checking more about his assets.

He put the folder on the desk, turned to the door then jump and yelp in surprise at the sight in front of his eyes.

xxx

The Hedmaster's office looked almost as good as always, there were few instruments missing from the big beautiful desk. That should be taken care of pretty soon, as Filius Flitwick the Ravenclaw Head of House and charms teacher at Hogwarts was trying to repair some of them. They were destroyed in a way that even 'almighty' Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore the Headmaster of Hogwarts; Order of Merlin, First Class, and Grand Sorcerer; Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards; Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot; the most powerful wizard in the modern history of wizarding world; the only wizard that Voldemort ever feared and owner of his own Chocolate Frog didn't attempted to repair because he knew it was beyond his knowledge if not ability.

Harry had no idea how powerful he was, and not even sixteen yet. There was a reason why witches and wizards became of age at the age of seventeen. That was such a magical age. The old wizard thought.

There was one more thing which he didn't repair, not that he didn't want to, it's just that his friend didn't let him. That was Fawkes' perch. The phoenix told him, in a way, that he liked the new look of it. The ancient wizard was now looking at it and had to admit that even if slightly loutish it looked quite beautiful. It looked like some old and wrinkled tree with a branch for Fewkes to sit on. It looked like that because of Harry of course, he melted it 'a little'.

'…lbus, someone should talk to him, I was told he doesn't shows himself for his meals in the Great Hall for six days now.'

He was brought back to conversation at hand by a crisp voice of Minerva McGonagall. She came back yesterday from St. Mungo's hospital still using a cane to help her walk. She looked brisk and stern as always, but if you knew her long enough, you could see great concern and affection for the boy. Should we still call him that? He mussed sadly.

Next to her in a comfy armchair sat Potion Master Severus Snape. It was always amusing to watch this stiff man with his sour expression trying to look dignified when obviously the chair's cushions made it impossible making him sink deep in it.

'What do you think Severus?' asked Headmaster.

The man stiffened even more and then exhaled a breath and said as if defeated.

'As much as I don't like it' he paused as if struggling with the next part, 'I must agree with Minerva, Someone should talk to the boy'

'Thank you, Severus' said deputy Headmistress. 'Albus?'

'I had talked to young Harry' Headmaster said sadly 'and I think he need some space right now' and before Minerva could interrupt him he added 'I told him that there was a prophecy concerning him and Tom Riddle'

After he said that there was a heavy silence in the room. Both teachers were speechless at the revelation of their colleague and mentor. They knew about the prophecy, they knew as much as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Harry was supposed to have the power to vanish the Dark Lord. That was the reason that Harry was so guarded all the time, even when with his relatives, where with blood magic, was the safest. His safety was a priority for the Order. But everyone thought that Harry was going to be told when he turns seventeen.

'Minevra, Severus I think I should have told him earlier' Albus Dumbledore said that looking at his hands. His trademark twinkle lost from his eyes, but this time it was not replaced, as they were accustomed to, with the hard gaze that usually radiated wisdom and power.

If earlier they were speechless, then now they were openly gaping at the Headmaster. In all their time spent with the old wizard they never seen him so.. so regretful? sad? Defeated even? The sight was frightening. They shared a quick glance at each other. For a moment Albus Dumbledore looked his over hundred and fifty years.

'I think we should give young Harry some time and freedom so he could sort some things for himself.' Said Dumbledore sounding more like himself again.

Even always spiteful towards Harry, Potion Master said nothing. Probably due to the shock he was in. After what he saw just a minute ago, he was afraid.

'I understand, Severus that Tom didn't summons anyone after the events in the Ministry?' Headmaster asked suddenly.

'It would appear He didn't summons anyone as of yet. Two days ago I was contacted by one of the Death Eaters, who was asking why the Dark Lord didn't contacted him about his mission.' And to answer the questioning look in the Headmaster's eyes, he added. 'Unfortunately he didn't share his orders with me.' Then he asked a little hesitantly 'do you maybe know why the Dark Lord is quiet?'

Even Minerva McGonagall leant forwards in her armchair.

The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes back with full force and a little smile was playing on his lips as he took another lemon drop. They declined of course.

'I believe our Harry did hurt Him pretty badly when he throw Tom out of his mind.' He smiled at their stunned expression. He didn't tell anybody about that fact.

'Voldemort possessed him and Harry throw him out of his mind' repeated Minerva, didn't noticing that she used Tom's title without a shudder. 'And.. and he hurt him?'

Severus Snape's usually twisted with a sneer face had a strange expression. One could almost name it as .. hope? It didn't suit him. He never had a good opinion about that boy. He thought of him as of stupid, arrogant little brat, exact image of his father. Somehow he just couldn't see past this, even with everything he saw in the boys mind this year. And somehow now…

Minerva's expression was torn between horror and pride for a moment, pride of course won and she beamed at Albus in such unMcGonagallish way that the old Headmaster had to chuckle.

'I think, we should keep it to ourselves for now. Also I will be giving Harry the Occlumancy lessons this summer and if needed next year' he added the last part with slightly hurt look to Severus Snape, who had the decency to look a little ashamed.

'I think we should call it a night. We have busy days ahead of as. Now that Cornelius saw Tom, he is more willing to cooperate and we have to use every possibility to prepare ourselves as best as we can while Tom is injured and some prominent Death Eaters are caught. Minerva, Severus Goodnight' he finished with a smile.

'Goodnight, Albus.'

'Goodnight, Headmaster.'

And they left lost in their thoughts.

Albus Dumbledore looked at the wall with the paintings, he sighted and asked sadly 'Do you think he will trust me again, Phineas?'

'I told you few years ago Albus that you should have more faith in the blood.' answered the portrait in his way, and few others nodded.

'Yes you did, yes you did, my friend.' He said quietly and again lost himself in thoughts as he looked at sleeping form of the Phoenix on its 'new' perch.

xxxx

Harry was sitting by the table in a comfortable chair in his kitchen, sipping cool butterbeer and looking through some documents from Potter folder from the Gringotts. In his five years at Hogwarts, he withdraw 1855 galleons, some sickles and knuts. That would be 371 per year, but in his first year he withdraw 1323 galleons and bought most of his belongings. And according to the parchments he was earning something about 5 galleons per hour, which meant almost 44000 galleons per year. He didn't known if it was already for him or he paid some taxes from it yet. However half of it was already a fortune. Maybe that is why Ron sometimes acted jealous, maybe they knew he was so rich. This was a strange filling. He could afford almost everything he wanted to buy now, but as he remembered how Dudley treated his presents, and how spoiled he was by them, he felt strange, very strange. First time in his live he felt grateful to the Dursleys, despite their hate. He was glad he wasn't spoiled like Dudley.

He still didn't known how much the school cost him for every year. He vaguely remembered Hagrid said that that was already paid for, but he wasn't sure.

He didn't understand all those documents, he owned some shares in some company's. He was astonished when he saw he was in a way a partner of mister Devlin Whitehorn because he had some shares of Nimbus company. That was the only one he recognized.

But what was more surprising was the fact that one Galleon was worth five Pounds. That meant if he decided to exchange money he would be even richer in the muggle world, but the goblins took from 10 to 45 percents as a exchange fee. He still didn't know when 10 and when 45, they, the Goblins, were very confusing.

He looked at the clock on the kitchen wall, thankfully this clock could be set to show actual time and not some lunar and star cycles. It was six o'clock in the morning.

…

Harry mussed at his bewilderment when he got up from the desk, back in his 'study', and there in front of him were seven magical trunks, all the same size but each in different color and differently finished.

It appeared that when a house elf shows in a shop in the wizarding world that means the wizard must be very wealthy. And when said house elf is looking for something as rare and expensive, there is no problem for the craftsmen to even give their product to the house elf to bring it for the wizard to examine their products.

With each trunk there were instructions to handle them. Winky told him that, three were from London, one from Hogsmade and two form someplace in Wales. He asked Winky and Dobby to check them with him.

The first they checked was from Hogsmade. It was dark green trunk with dark reddish ornaments which looked like some kind of a creeper trying to hold it. This trunk had five compartments with bunch of keys to access it.

First one was standard, with two and a half the original size of a trunk.

The second was 11'x 9'6" according to the manual and had stone walls and floor. It definitely looked like a dungeon or a potion classroom. But Hogwarts potion classroom is in the dungeons, chuckled Harry, anyway it smells nice. It really had a fresh and kind of outdoor smell.

The third compartment was actually a small kitchen with a table for six. It was fully equipped with food and drink, self cleaning sink and you even didn't have to move the dishes from the table. There was a charm that, again as manual said, cleaned the table after the meal. Winky definitely didn't liked it. In the kitchen there was a door leading to the fourth part.

In the fourth compartment there was a nice living room with three additional doors, apart from the one to the kitchen and to the fifth room. The living room was quite cozy with two comfy sofas, a fireplace, some shelves for the books, a coffee table with to armchairs, and one table with four chairs excellent to study. The room was in a different shades of blue. The doors lead to two bedrooms with a sharing bathroom. You could walk around coming from one bedroom through bathroom to another bedroom or back to the living room.

The bedrooms were identical 12'3" x 12'3" with a double bed, a nightstand and a small wardrobe. On the wall opposite to the bed there were medium size fireplaces with some animals, it looked like bears and foxes and some kinds of birds carved around it. One bedroom was in pretty green colors and another in red.

The bathroom had bathtub and a shower, it was in blue, maybe it wasn't Hogwarts prefects bathroom standard but definitely you could relax in here. The bathtub was big enough for two and had three types of bubbles.

The last room was a study or a small library. It was 11'x 11'5" with beautiful desk made of some dark wood and shelves all around the room. The shelves were from the bottom to the top, even around the door. It would look great when full of books.

However Harry was a little disappointed. Firstly he thought it was great that he wouldn't have to make his own trunk and use one like this but he desperately wanted something with a outdoor space and now he was beginning to believe that he wouldn't be able to have that. He wanted somewhere he could be using as a field for running or even better where he could have fly his broomstick. He always had better sleep after physical exhaustion. But it would take him probably all summer only to find some charms to simulate some outdoor environment.

Also this trunk didn't have the door between the second room and the rest of them, and the way of getting into the trunk was a little difficult with a narrow ladder.

The two from London and one from the Wales was pretty the same. One from London was with seven compartments but two of them were the standard trunk with bigger space and two looking like a dungeon. The other two was almost exactly the same with six compartments, two looking like empty dark room and the rest with standard kitchen, bedrooms, living room, bathroom and library/study. Only the one from Wales had much easier way to get in and out.

When you opened the compartment you wanted to use there was only a normal trunk with the original size of the trunk. Confused Harry had stepped into the trunk looking for some trap door but it appeared to be some kind of a lift that smoothly took him down. Also in three of them you could move between compartments without a problem.

The two from London had nicer bedrooms but that wasn't something Harry was to much interested in, they all had bedrooms that looked very nice and beds which looked as comfortable as his own in the dormitory, not that Harry had much sleep lately. He was afraid to go to sleep, because when he got to bed he got no control what he was dreaming about and he really didn't like his latest dreams.

All the trunks had shrinking charms put on them as well as some lighting and unbreakable charms. You could shrink all of them without a wand using a password, except the one from Wales with six compartment, where you had to use a wand apart of the password, but it supposed to be for protection only to recognize the owner.

The one from Wales he looked at, with that elevator as the entry he liked the most so far, there were two bare rooms, so maybe he could buy a trunk with one compartment and keep it there, enlarge it to be big enough to be a gym of some sorts.

It was two in the morning so he asked Dobby to bring him some coffee and a snack before they went to look into the last two trunks. Harry was a little disappointed, he hoped he could find a really great place to live during the summer holiday without leaving the Dursley's. From what he read in the books and everything he saw at Hogwarts magic looked unlimited. The Room of Requirement for example, but that was extraordinary even here. And there was the Burrow which could look like a palace if everything could be done with magic. Maybe the Weasley's liked the way it looked, he certainly loved the Burrow, he considered it his home, but should he? Percy left because of him and…

Don't go there, that is not the point. The point was that if that was chip and easy to accomplish, everybody would be going around with their trunks/houses in their pockets and would wear always beautiful, stylish clothes for example. He started to realize that he knew almost nothing about the wizarding world. His every year at Hogwarts was rather full of events that didn't let him learn about the culture of the wizards. Of course Professor Bins wasn't the one to entertain them with something interesting or anything which wasn't connected to goblin's rebellion. Okay, maybe he didn't exactly looked for material to learn anything about it either. His only experience with the lives of the wizards on wider scale was from the Burrow or the Grimmauld Place and apart of this only from before his third year when he stayed at the Leaky Cauldron. But back then he was too excited that he wasn't expelled for blowing up Aunt Marge and that they let him stay by himself out of the Dursleys, it was like some kind of a reward, he chuckled to himself, but then sobered quickly remembering that that was the year when he meet his godfather for the first time. Harry sighed in frustration, again he let himself get distracted from what he was doing, he knew it happened a lot lately and he really didn't liked it.

He ate his sandwich and drunk his coffee and little disappointed turned to the last two trunks. They stayed in the shadow closer to the door behind other trunks. In this light they looked almost the same, nothing special. One was definitely dark brown and the other probably black, but could also be just any dark color that when you look at seems to be black. Just the ordinary trunks. Something was amiss about the two of them. Harry looked between them and the other trunks and then it hit him. This last two didn't had many key holes to open them. In fact the brown had one key hole but the other looked like it could be opened by anyone. Harry just couldn't imagine how come they supposed to be multiple compartment sorcerers trunks.

'Winky are these two also sorcerers trunks?' he asked gently, he was afraid that they would think he is not pleased with them.

'Yes of course sir, this two is the most expensive' said little elf 'this brown is from Wales and its five rooms but supposed to be very much secured and many safer than the ones we were looking today' she beamed at him.

He remembered them to be the one you needed wand to open and it looked as normal trunk just with many different boxes which were lifts. Than this should be even more difficult to get into. Four rooms sounds a little small but than again whole living room, bedrooms and bathrooms was made as one compartment.

'Okay then, lets have a look.' He smiled at his house elves.

Okay, this trunk was very, very huge inside compared to the others and it looked like a palace. You could even change color of all rooms. It had entrance through a round staircase which brought you to a small hall lit with the candles, from where you could go to the kitchen, the living room, a cellar and a dungeon or a potion lab, Harry wasn't sure. From a rich furnished living room there were doors to three bedrooms with shared bathroom, a master bedroom and its own bathroom, which Harry thought, if were in a hotel it would be something about ten thousand pounds a night. There was huge master bed, enormous fireplace a wardrobe of twice the size of his bedroom at the Dursleys. And the bathroom was remarkable with a bathtub that looked like a small swimming pool with many different types of aromas he didn't know the names of flavors. The other bedrooms were changeable from double bed to two singles. The library was huge, the size of Gryffindor common room with a table and eight chairs, in the middle and a desk to on side of the room.

There were of course never ending supply of food in the kitchen and Dobby and Winky said that there was more different types of food then in the rest trunks they had been to.

A dungeon in this trunk was a exciting thing, it was the size of third of the Great Hall, in Harry's opinion, the ceiling was rather low which made it look even bigger but a little creepy. However the room was nicely lit and without anything in it there were no shadows cast around. If not flying he could at least run here or do some other exercises.

Harry didn't know how to count the compartments in this brown trunk, but just shrugged it of.

After the trunk was yours, you could open it only if you were keyed to it. Turning the key to the right you opened normal trunk and to the left you opened the living quarters. You could key someone to just one side. Harry almost decided not to look at the last one but the last two supposed to be the most expensive.

'How much does this one costs Winky?' asked Harry pointing to the brown one they had just been in.

'Oh this two is very expensive sir' said Winky 'this brown costs thirty-seven thousand Galleons sir'

Harry's jaw drooped to the floor, he didn't knew that was almost all of his year's income, but he knew it was much, hell it was probably more then his whole seven years worth of education in Hogwarts.

'And what about those we were in earlier?' he wasn't sure he wanted to know now. So that is why not everybody have ones like them.

'From nine to fifteen thousand Galleons sir.' Said little elf. 'And this last one cost even more sir.' She said quietly as if in fear he would punish her because it was expensive.

'Where is it from and how much does it costs?' ask Harry not so sure if buying a trunk was a good idea after all. It wasn't clear to him yet that he could afford it without even feeling any difference to his funds. So far he spent his life with second-hand clothes to wear and old used socks as his Christmas presents before the Hogwarts time. He never thought about money and he never felt he needed them either. Well, what do you expect with the way the Dursleys' treated him, he felt he didn't deserved anything.

'Oh this one is brought by me' Dobby said proudly 'I is remembered Master Malfoy was in this shop once with Dobby to carry things for Master Draco. Master Draco said he wanted the trunk with many rooms and he was watching many like this but Master Malfoy said that no Malfoy would live in a trunk and he wouldn't spent tens of thousands Galleons for such a thing' said the elf.

'Did they saw this trunk?' Harry wasn't sure if he wanted the trunk that the Malfoys could recognize.

'Dobby don't think so sir, there was many trunks looking similar to this one' gestured little elf.

'This trunk is from a shop in the Knockturn Alley which is very old, Dobby knows that many wizards and witches buy their trunks there but no one says so' chuckled little creature.

'But this trunk is really expensive it costs a hundred and ninety-four thousand galleons'

Harry stared at the trunk. This simple ordinary looking trunk was worth almost two hundred thousand galleons, he was sure he could buy a mansion for that, maybe even more. Two hundred thousand galleons! And that last one looked rich inside. He thought maybe he was just arrogant as Snape always said he was, only by considering looking into the trunk.

He approached it warily a little afraid to even touch it. He looked around the room, this trunks are worth a fortune, he thought and all of the sudden noticed that the three of them were standing alarmingly close to the fireplace. He shook his head reasoning they were standing there for some time now and nothing happened. And all those shopkeepers just let the house elves take them to their masters? He must ask about that. I should look first and ask later.He shook his head. Here we go

He opened the trunk not sure what to expect, it opened without a problem. Inside was normally looking trunk, with maybe three time as much space as the size of the trunk. It was always fascinating looking at your hand as it somehow shrunk inside of a trunk, everything looked smaller inside it but somehow you knew exactly what size everything really was.

But this was just a normal trunk to Harry. Confused he closed the trunk and opened it again, nothing changed. He thought of the trunk from Wales and went inside to see if there was some kind of similar lift to take him down but nothing happened. He closed it again feeling a bit stupid now. He looked at his house elves, they were looking at him patiently as if he knew what he was doing. Harry decided to try again before he ask for help.

He looked closely at the trunk again. He thought it strange that it wouldn't have any kind of lock on it, if no, it would be accessible to just everyone. He started feeling its surface with his hands to find something that he could move or switch like in the muggle briefcases he saw Uncle Vernon had.

And there it was, just bellow the lid in the middle of the trunk, almost unnoticeable, little switch. It was now on the left side of the line that seemed to go through the center of the trunk, from the bottom to the lid, and probably all around the trunk. Harry moved the switch to the center, now it looked like there was just that line and no switch. The trunk was now closed and you couldn't lift the lid. He tried to move it to the right and suddenly felt himself sucked into the trunk.

It felt strange, not unpleasant strange, but just strange. He was afraid that it would be like a portkey, but it was more like he was shrunk and with some levitation charm moved inside the trunk through a hole. Now he was standing in the middle of a rather large room with five doors on his left and four doors on his right side. The room was warmly lit with yellowish light. In front of him there was a large fireplace, currently put out. Behind him to his right there was a coffee table and two armchairs and on the left on the wall there was a handprint on the level of his chest with the sing 'out' above it. Hopefully a way out.

'Dobby, Winky.' Harry called and his elves appeared right next to him. And they began to explore.

The door on the left side when facing the fireplace, closest to the coffee table, led to the kitchen which was also the dinning room with a table for twelve. There was of course unlimited supply of food and drinks, and to Harry's shock and delight a window with a view of a landscape with a stream and a wood in the distance. Now of course it was night outside, it looked safe and very inviting. Unfortunately the window was magical, because it wouldn't open. Only with this window the kitchen looked better then any other he saw today. In the furthest corner there was another door. It was some kind of additional room, maybe storage, whatever it was it was the size of his bedroom in Surrey.

The door next to the kitchen was to the bathroom, if not big, it had everything you could need, there was a shower and a loo, it had also some towels in the closet.

Behind next room it was a living room in the shape of hexagon with the slim gothic windows on two sides of the room, showing as far as Harry could see the same place as the one in the kitchen, between them there was a beautiful fireplace carved in the wall and a painting with a mountains landscape above it. Below the windows there were two small tables and armchairs next to it. There were two sofas in front of the fireplace. On the left wall there was another painting, but this one really big, showing a little town, a lake, a big forest and from a distance, a Castle, it looked oddly familiar. Below it there was a chess table with two chairs. On the other side there were some furniture, means, a cupboard and some shelves with.. books. Harry frowned, earlier there were bare furniture without anything on the shelves. On the other hand, this trunk was 'a little bit more expensive'. It didn't looked as rich as the last one so far but the windows made it look 'real'. On the right, in the corner closest to him there was another door.

Behind these door Harry and the elves found themselves in the library in Hogwarts. It looked exactly the same. There was many rows of the shelves all filled with books. They came from the door in the corner of the big library, there were another door to his right. Harry glanced there and found out that they were the doors to the hall outside. After they looked closely the library was much smaller than the one in Hogwarts, it had only four tables in the middle. Harry looked at some books and found some of the ones he picked to read. That was great so far. He was wondering if this library was up to date or if he would have to buy some books. He frowned, when the hell I decided I would buy this trunk.

In the opposite corner there was another door. When Harry opened them he gasp in astonishment. No matter what, it's mine already, if not earlier then this definitely convinced him. This was a study. It looked incredible. The room looked as if it was made of two rooms, both the shape of the sphere witch appeared to touch and slightly put on each other. In the one he was now there was another door to the hall like in the library and in the living room. In this part of the room there were shelves on the walls filled again with books with a ladder on the wheels attached to it to easily move around the walls. The other part of the study was two step higher. In the centre and slightly to the right of the room there was the most beautiful mahogany desk he ever saw, on the right where some more shelves. In front of the desk there were three very comfy looking armchairs and a little table between the two of them. On the left there was a small fireplace, above it there was a place for a painting or a portrait. It looked like there was something earlier and it was taken of. It looked like this place was used before, but that gave the room only more welcoming feeling. On the wall behind the desk there was big, beautiful, round window showing again the view from the hill with the stream and a wood in the distance. Now it was lit by the half-moon and bright stars.

Harry stood there for a moment transfix with the feeling of peace washing over him. It was so beautiful. He was hearing the cracking of the fireplace, witch must had been lit by Dobby or Winky.

After awhile he tensed and saddened again. He was now looking at the stars, and found the one. He found the Dog Star. Sirius. He felt so many things right now, guilt, grieve, fear, love, hurt, and anger, so much anger. After few minutes of fighting not to let his tears leak, he reminded himself that it still wasn't his trunk and he better not destroy it before he bought it. He looked again at the stream in the distance, tried to listen the smoothing sound of the fireplace. After another few minutes Harry relaxed a little and with the glint of determination went to look to the rest of this.. his trunk.

Opposite the door to the study, on the next side to the huge fireplace, in the entry room, there was the Master Bedroom with again huge wardrobe and big beautiful bathroom. He just looked around quickly. The bathroom was in a beautiful ginger colors. There appeared to be a big bathtub as well as a shower. You could go from the bathroom to the bedroom through the walk through wardrobe. He was startled when he saw the bedroom in Gryffindor colors, but Dobby told him that he already changed them but they could be changed again if he didn't like it.

The next door led to the smaller hall with a set of four bedrooms and two bathrooms. One for each bedroom. He didn't even checked them.

Third door on the right from the fireplace led to the another hall with three rooms which showed to be a fully equipped potion lab, however with old cauldrons and missing few ingredients. Now Harry was sure that this trunk was used by someone earlier. He hoped it wasn't stolen or something. He really liked it now. There was also a cellar with a row of some wine bottles and again a dungeons with what looked like two cells. He curiously looked inside both of them but they looked vacant and surprisingly clean. Just put there nice bed and some shelves and a wardrobe and you would have another nice room. Maybe some paint on the walls would be also appreciated.

He was back at the main hall with the big fireplace. There were only last door left. Harry walk to them and noticed few more switches in the line on the wall next to the door. There were random weather/ normal weather where you are/ weather of the place where it is/ off. Below this the second one you could move from 'day' to 'night' and turn 'off'. And next from 'hot' to 'freezing' and 'off'. And below that another one from 'very windy' to 'no wind' and of course 'off'. And below that there was the last one to control the rain.

Harry couldn't believe it. He was afraid to hope.

Everything was set to off except the first one witch was on the 'weather of the place where it is'. He cautiously cracked the door open, he could feel a little chill of the night wind. He shivered, more from excitement then the cool breeze. He walked outside, immediately the old oil lamp came to life. The lamp was in the rock above the door on his right. He looked around and saw he walked out of some kind of a rock, cave with a door. He was standing on the hill. It looked exactly the same as the view he had from the windows in the other rooms. In the distance he could see the stream shimmering with a reflection of the stars and the moon. It was breathtaking. On his left by the cave there was a beautiful looking stone bench, two metal chairs and a table, where you probably spend time reading, eating or picnic. He walked around the rock from where he emerged and gasped again, this time sitting on the grass, his legs couldn't hold him.

In front of him there was something he thought he could only dream to have. To his right and left in some distance from each other, the distance he knew by heart, from his position almost on the level of his eyes, there were six hoops, three on his right and three on his left.

This trunk had it's own Quidditch pitch.

Harry was startled and jump with fright when someone touched his arm. It was Winky. He looked confused at her for a moment. He forget he wasn't alone. At her worried expression he asked.

'What is it Winky, sorry I frightened you, I was just thinking.' He said in unnatural and a little hoarse voice.

The little elf ask quietly.

'Why sir Harry, is crying? Is Winky and Dobby do something to sadden you sir?'

'I'm not..' he started sharply and instinctively he touched his cheeks and found that they indeed were wet. He chuckled unnaturally. Why was he crying? Firstly he thought about how he was happy he could play for fun during the summer. Then he was so sorry and sad that Sirius wouldn't be with him. And with that he remembered Voldemort and the war that was likely to begin. He was ashamed of the feeling of happiness when he saw the pitch. He tried to convince himself that he was buying this trunk only to train and prepare to do what was expected of him, what was prophesized. But he felt so used, it was so unfair. Voldemort took everything from him; his parents, and doing so forced him to stay with the Dursleys, Harry knew that it was Dumbledore who put him there, but now, he was aware that Dumbledore knew about the prophecy and that when Tom Riddle did what he did, he only fulfilled the first part of it. Killing Harry's parents and trying to kill Harry, he only chose his greatest enemy, and it wasn't Albus Dumbledore anymore. The weight of the world was passed to someone new, to Harry James Potter. Harry in his short life was forced to fight against Troll, Basilisk, a Dragon, a herd of Acromantulas, he was faced against the Death Eaters and Voldemort himself on several occasions. With young Tom Riddle, a brilliant student, a prefect and already evil man. With Voldemort as a mist in the forbidden forest when he was killing and feeding with the blood of one of the purest creatures, the Unicorns. He Faced him as he possessed his defense teacher. He fought with him in the real duel, and as lucky as it was he even blocked the killing curse. And now a week and a half ago he manage to throw him out of his head. He was ashamed he had preferred to die at the time but nevertheless he had managed to throw him out. But the cost of this was enormous. His parents were death. Cedric was killed. Hermione was petrified and now struck with that curse. Ron self-scarified himself and now was attacked by those brain things. Neville was struck by crucio and Ginny, now thanks God! only, had broken her ankle but earlier, he remember the terror seeing her laying on that wet, stone floor in the Chamber of Secrets. She had been possessed by Riddle, it lasted almost all year. How could she be so strong willed to survive all that and still be so strong and supportive. And now he lost S-Sirius to Voldemort. A quiet sob escaped his throat. Harry swallow hard and stood up.

'It's nothing you did Winky.' he said the little house elf. 'Frankly I am very proud of you and Dobby. You did much more than I could even imagine possible. This trunk is great, really great.'

He looked around taking in the sight of the Quidditch pitch. It looked like the sun would rise soon. New day was coming.

'Lets eat something Winky and then we will talk about how to pay for this trunk and what we would need to do around here to make it even more comfortable than it is' he smiled at the tiny person.

On the way back Harry saw another door on the side of the pitch, but he decided to checked it another time.

…

Harry took another swing of butterbeer and looked again at the manual of this trunk. It could be shrink and transfigured to the chocolate frog card and you could use three pictures of known wizards. Currently it was set to Merlin card. Harry didn't checked who were the other two.

Short History and Properties …

…

…This trunk was used before by two wizarding families; one during first rising of You-Know-Who and one during Grindewald times. It is said that the trunk is much older then that. The whole known history of the families and the supposed creator of the trunk would be provided when bought…

…Also another regular trunk with some possessions from those families, they unfortunately passed away, would be given to the new owner...

…After the trunk is bought the instruction how to key this trunk to the new bloodline and let others, chosen by the blood owner, use it, would be also given...

…The prize is as said and not to be discussed.

…

And now to some protective charms put on the trunk;

…Of course the trunk is always the same weight. Rather light, for one witch or wizard could easily lift it, however to the muggles it would appear to be rather heavy as could be expected by its size...

…It has some confundus and 'notice me not' charms – the person who would like to use and/or still this trunk without its owner approval would immediately need to go to the bathroom and then forget what they wanted to do...

…This trunk is of course resistance to all known opening spells, potions and artifacts. Easily updated from within, last update 1986.…

…This trunk is unbreakable and undestroyable by any natural causes (storm, tornado, earthquake, flood, Etc.), and has protection charms and shields against any known to the creator and last owner curses and hexes (minus unforgivable) and can be easily updated just like against opening spells, last update 1986.…

information on the ways to update the trunk will be available only to its owner.

…

…It will always fell with its lid up, putting the trunk in the different position wont affect anything that it contains. The same when it's in card form...

…Can sustain life when shrunk…

…With the proper manual to the trunk, the owner would acquire the list of the books available in the library and in the Master's Study as well as the list of the ingredients in the Potion lab...

…The color of the bedrooms is changeable as well as types of bed in the rooms...

…It is possible to put 'the living' part of the trunk under the Fidelius Charm. It was done so during the reign of Grindewald and in the last year of the first rise of You-Know-Who. All required information and artifacts to perform the Fidelius Charm the new owner will receive with the documentation of ownership…

…Under that charm everyone not admitted by the secret keeper will see the trunk only as a regular trunk with one compartment of the size three times bigger than the trunk itself. Rest will be unavailable thanks to the design of that particular charm...

…Currently there are no charms put on the trunk to hide any of its properties and additional rooms, and until the trunk is keyed to its new owner, everybody have access to it...

We wish you all the best and peaceful time with your new property.

Owners of the 'New, Old and even Older – the best in the Wizarding World'

Brian McKinon and Andrew Kiniecki

When Harry finished reading it was quarter to seven in the morning. He decided that after he send Dobby and Winky to return the rest of the trunks and to buy this one he will go to the breakfast to the Great Hall.

Winky said that she would return all trunks and buy some supplies to their new house. She would buy something to the bathroom and some cleaning and polishing supplies and later with the lists, missing potions ingredients, new cauldrons and maybe some books if Harry would think he needed them.

Dobby would go straight away to the shop, it should be opened at seven thirty, and pay for the trunk using Harry's personal vault. Harry was somehow relieved that his identity wouldn't be revealed to the owners of the shop. He only wondered if someone would notice when he would do this big withdrawal. Dobby suggested that he would propose to the owners of the shop, that they should put the money to their accounts in smaller doses and with some time in between. Dobby would make three or four withdrawal to look less suspicious. He said that was what sometimes Mr. Malfoy did. This should take few hours.

Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to act like Malfoy, but decided that even if for not so good reasons Malfoy still was wealthy and knew how not to attract attention to himself.

After the elves left Harry looked through variety of books he took from the library, remembering some of which he would have in his trunk he started sorting them to piles to see which could he return.

When he finished it was quarter past eight, students should be in the Great Hall eating breakfast now. He started to putting books in his rucksack. He decided to turn them over after the breakfast and then trying to sleep for a few hours.

Harry was afraid to go to sleep, he was afraid Tom would try to attack him again, but more so he was afraid of the nightmares he already knew would come.

He sighed and took the bag leaving the note to Dobby or Winky whoever would came back first to checked those books he left with the list and buy them if they were missing. He also asked for someone of them to wake him at one pm.

xxxx

There were fewer people in The Great Hall then he expected. The Hall was more than half empty. Harry was wondering if students were still asleep or already on the Hogwarts ground, by the lake or in the Quiddich pitch. He smiled to himself, now he own his own pitch. It had cost him two hundred thousand gallons but in his opinion it was worth it.

Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Neville were sitting together. Of course Ron was probably still soundly sleeping in their room. It was great that Luna was sitting with the Griffindors.

He spotted some of his friends from classes and D.A. meetings laughing and talking excitedly. So far nobody saw him and it suited him just fine. He watched few of the young Griffindors first or second years, they still looked almost the same. But when his eyes traveled from the youngest wizards and witches to the people he knew better Harry was shocked to notices a difference. Colin Crevey was sitting with some girls and boys from his year, Griffindors and Huffelpufs. He didn't resemble this little, annoying boy, with mousy blond hair, running around with a camera and snapping pictures of Harry with every opportunity. He sat tall, proud and confident laughing at something someone had said.

Harry moved some of his hairs out of his eyes, they were somehow longer than he remember them, still out of control but longer witch made them a little tamer. His hair covered his ears and eyes if he didn't move them. He didn't cut them in his years in Hogwarts and they always stayed the way he liked them, exact replica of his fathers hairs. But after he saw his father in the pensive in Snape's office, he stopped caring, he even didn't want to look like his father anymore. This was something new to him. Harry was ashamed of his father, and that was very painful.

He scratched his check with his hand and was surprised to find that he probably should also shave. He shaved very rarely or rather used shaving spells very rarely. Usually once a week and that was only out of solidarity with his friends. And now it looked like he was going to have a beard. He still didn't care.

Neville was telling something to the girls. His moves were very confident. He was helping himself with some animated moves of his hands. Some little girl came to them, she was very shy and didn't interrupted Neville. She was so small compared to his friends. No wonder younger students sometimes thought of older students as adults. Hermione, Ginny and Luna definitely looked like young women. Neville spotted the girl, stopped talking and smiled at the girl asking her what she wanted. To Harry's great amusement the girl blushed beautifully at being addressed by the young man. Hermione turned to the girl and politely asked her what she could do for her.

Harry braced himself for the barrage of questions they were probably throw at him and started walking towards his friends. He was going to face them and he was going to face everything that his damned life will throw at him. He was determined to survive this incoming war if not for himself then for his friends, for this little girl who was speaking wit Hermione now.

He could prepare now, he got his trunk and a space and books with the knowledge. After all, he was supposed to have something Voldemort didn't and that could destroy the monster. Harry would find it and train himself in using it no matter what.

xxxx

'…dn't worry Alice' Hermione was telling the girl 'You can send your owl to yours parents today and …'.

Ginny stopped listening, the girl's owl didn't like the train travel, she looked around the Hall and spotted Harry. He was walking towards them watching Hermione and the girl. The sight of him took the breath out of Ginny's lungs. She didn't saw him in almost a week. And Hermione didn't mentioned the way he looked nowadays. He was as always on the thin side but not extremely thin to her eye. Good, she thought, at least he is eating. His skin was white even more so compared to the blackness of his hair. He definitely wasn't sleeping well or maybe he didn't slept in few days now. The bags under his eyes were visible even under his black rimmed glasses. He looked older somehow, if he wasn't going to shave soon he would have a beard. That image never crossed Ginny's mind, well it wasn't that bad. But that wasn't what took Ginny's breath. It was his eyes. The look in his eyes made her feel that he was going to pull out of everything what is thrown at him victorious again. The look in his eyes changed the sparkle of hope in her, that told her that everything was going to be alright. Somehow just looking at him walking with determination made the flame of that sparkle.

In her opinion this was his blessing and his curse at the same time, because Harry Potter never walked unnoticed. Peoples always had their opinions about him. No matter if it was of hero or menace. Even now walking towards them he drawn looks from everyone in the hall.

And Harry didn't even noticed he was affecting so many lives around him. He always thought that he didn't deserve the attention he was getting, that he didn't do anything.

He saved her life. Her hero. She sighed, he thought it was nothing. Despite the fact that she tried to show everyone how confident and easygoing she was, Ginny was always afraid that what Tom said to her about how weak and pitiful she was, was true.

Harry sat next to Neville in front of her, Luna and Hermione greeted everyone and started putting some food on his plate. He didn't said anything about where he was all night, or a night before that and before that and before that as well. They were sitting in salience starring at oblivious Harry eating his eggs and bacon. If Ginny wasn't so lost in her thoughts she would probably scream at him for not saying anything.

Suddenly he looked at Neville and asked as if everything was normal and they were eating breakfast before classes. 'Ron's still asleep?'

Neville looked startled for a moment than answered 'Yeah, snoring loudly and not letting anyone to wake him. Dean and Seamus tried to wake him, and man, the way he insulted them, you could say Fred, George and Lee would be proud.' Hermione made a annoying sound and tried to ask 'Harry, usually you're the one to wake him…'

'Well, you only have to remind him of the breakfast and I guarantee he would be up in a minute' Harry said ignoring the fact that Hermione wasn't finished and was trying to ask him where he was and what he was doing.

'So he doesn't have the nightmares from that brains anymore?' he asked Neville again.

Everyone quieted, because they all wanted to know the answer to that question.

'If you would hear the volume of his snores you wouldn't hear your own dreams' smiled Neville.

'That would be nice' muttered Harry, but Ginny wasn't sure anyone heard that except of her. Neville was continuing.

'I think he had a bad dream two nights ago, I mean I was the last from the shower and the rest was already asleep. Ron was turning in his bed mumbling something. But it wasn't anything like yours'. He stopped abruptly, a look of horror on his face. Knowing Harry they will hear some of his mind in a minute.

He visibly stiffed for a second but surprisingly relaxed and with a sad smile turned to a nervous Neville 'Well.., that's good.'

After that Harry resumed eating his breakfast. Neville was visibly reviled. Ginny was wondering if Harry knew how great impact he had on Neville, she always liked him very much.

Neville confided in her once that there were two people in Hogwarts that could frightened him to death but in a totally different way, the first was Snape, well that was obvious, but that the second one was Harry she didn't expected. It wasn't that he was frightening, of course he could be if he was mad at something, it was more out of respect.

Neville told her it was more than hearing about someone that he was great, like for example Dumbledore. Harry he knew for five years, and he was always friends with Neville, always encouraging him, somehow it didn't matter to Harry that Neville was clumsy or forgetful. Neville was so happy that Harry didn't told him of from the D.A meetings. He was so afraid that everyone would laugh at him that he Neville, almost a squib, was trying to learn how to duel. Ginny knew he was becoming really good duelist, she paired with him sometimes during their meetings.

Harry became to Neville some kind of a hero, a person he wanted to be, and Harry's word always meant a lot to Neville.

Ginny looked at Luna and Hermione. Luna of course wasn't concerned that Harry's answer wasn't in Harry's style of late, she was reading some article in the Quibbler. But the confused and concerned look on Hermione's face almost made her laugh. Like she, Hermione didn't had a clue what was changed, because there definitely was something different, about Harry.

The moment of silence passed and Neville continued his earlier conversation with Hermione about some plants, probably beyond NEWT's level. It was obvious that he knew a lot more about Herbology than even Hermione. But the fifth year prefect didn't seem to mind and was rather interested in gaining new knowledge. Harry was finishing his breakfast looking at them for awhile with a small smile on his face. Ginny could have sworn that his brilliant green eyes sparkled the way Dumbledore's did all the time, when he was listening what Neville was talking.

When he was finished his plate vanished. Harry was sipping pumpkin juice, from time to time he ran his hand over his eyes under the glasses. When he took them off to clean them with his hankie, she saw for the first time how big the bags under his eyes were. But she also saw the power behind those eyes. The power that his glasses dimmed a little from the view. She knew of two people's eyes filled with magic to a similar degree as Harry's. One's were Albus Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard of our time and the other's were grey eyes that haunted her sometimes even now in her dreams and she saw them in the Chamber of Secretes in her first year, the eyes of Tom.

But Harry's eyes held something much more then only the power. There was some kind of knowledge that made him look much wiser then the rest of them and in the same time so sad that it hurt just looking into them. And they were so old, you wouldn't have guessed that he wasn't sixteen yet. She was sure they didn't looked so old and sad earlier, although his eyes were always older than the rest of him, but now, with that knowledge that in her opinion he would be better without, they looked ancient. Like a great burden was thrown on him. She didn't know how would she feel if one of her parents or brothers died. But she saw that Sirius death affected and somehow changed him greatly. She felt so young looking at him now.

He looked up at her and Ginny had to hold her breath, she had the feeling that he was looking at her soul, she wanted to look away but she couldn't, even Dumbledore's blue, piercing eyes holding you in one spot when he knew you were lying to him couldn't affect her the way Harry's could. And in her mind suddenly flashed the picture of the glass ball shuttering on the floor.

His quiet, concerned voice broke her out of this trans, or he just weighted her and let her be for now. 'Gin, you a' right?'

The question made her warm in the stomach, she sighed inwardly, that feeling probably wasn't going to leave her ever. Harry was the only person she let calling her Gin, she was sure he didn't know that. She always objected when someone called her Ginevra or Gin. But Harry somehow never got reprimanded for that. She supposed she knew why, and it felt nice that only he called her that.

His concerned expression brought her back to reality, he was still looking at her, waiting for an answer. She ignored his question and said,

'Go to sleep, Harry.'

Ginny kicked herself mentally, it sounded rather harsh, and knowing Harry and herself, the row was about to begin, and not the kind of the row Hermione and Ron would have, it wont be pleasant and trivial.

But Harry just looked at her for a moment, then a ghost of a smile appeared on his face and he nodded to her, put on the glasses and finished his juice.

'See you guys later, I'm going to take a nap'

Hermione was beginning to say something but the glare from Ginny stopped her.

Harry walked around the table, and when he was passing Ginny he put his hand on her shoulder, gave her a little squeeze, and said with amusement 'Maybe next time, Gin, maybe next time.' And he left the Hall.

'What was that all about?' asked Hermione.

'Isn't that obvious' said Luna 'Harry was flirting with Ginny'.

'Stop it Luna, he wasn't' protested Ginny hotly, and blushing a little at the same time she was asking herself. He wasn't, was he?

'What was he talking about?' Hermione asked again with calculative look in her eyes.

'I told him to go to sleep in a rather "don't talk like that to Harry if you don't want him to blow up on you" tone, and well, he just nodded and went. I think that comment was about the row that was very close to blow here'.

'It isn't the first time, he did something you told him' said Luna matter of factly.

Hermione nodded her head with a small smile on her face and raised an eyebrow.

Was she going to explore those feelings again that she buried so deep, was it worth it. Ginny knew that she never stopped carrying for Harry, she just lost all hope he would notice her as a girl, a woman. She felt anger rising in her, how dare he flirt with her now, after all those years. But she also knew that she didn't let him to know her when she was younger, she was always blushing, never speaking around him and acting more clumsy than Tonks, which was a achievement.

She felt a pang of guilt for thinking about Harry especially now, just two weeks after Sirius' death. But Ginny, long time ago decided that she was going to always be honest with herself. And the true was she was very sad that Sirius had died, even more so that he was Harry's godfather, but she was also extremely happy Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville and especially Harry was alive. Her closest friends and family always meant the world to her. She knew it was going to get worse before it will get better. But she wasn't ever going to let Tom dictate how to feel and what to do.

xxxxx

A/N – so this is it for now, I know its pathetic, but leave review even if only to let me know the obvious.

As you all read, English isn't my native language. Someone could beta it, of course, if there is anyone that patient. I would repost it improved.

Oh, and this is my very first fan fiction. I have an idea for three different plots from this chapter. If you, in a moment of great weakness, would like me to continue, I'm sure I would pick something and write this story.

And if something you read, you saw in the work of someone else, that might mean, I read that also and copied it without asking, just kidding. That could happened only subconsciously. I read a lot of this stuff, and there are hundreds of thousands stories about Harry Potter and it is possible that something like this was already written. If it isn't word to word then who cares. I don't even care if someone decides to take my ideas and write his own story, perhaps better. I will sure read it.

Enough of this bubbling leave a REVIEW and let me know if you want more.

Artdam

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