Harry awoke the next morning feeling thoroughly refreshed. He had slept better than he had ever before. He glanced at his fancy watch and saw that it was already 10:30 A.M. He had to get up! Scrambling out of bed, Harry walked to the bathroom and took a bath. The he went downstairs to the kitchen, wondering what to eat for breakfast. When he got there, he decided since it was already so late, he would just wait until lunch. Harry sat down, wondering what to do today. There was so much that had to be done! First he decided to take a look at the outside of the house.

He left the kitchen and went outside. He looked around and sighed. He had a lot of work to do. The grass was either dead or dying, and the yard had no decoration whatsoever. First, he performed a fertilization charm. It caused the mountain soil to become extremely rich, able to support plants in the difficult conditions of the Alps. Then he transfigured the topmost layer of soil into a lush grass that covered the entire yard, except for a walkway. He looked around. That was better, but it definitely was lacking some decoration. He took the remnants of the granite pillars that had once been there and managed to produce four large granite blocks. He then used a series of reductor spells to carve them into a stag, a dog, a werewolf, and a rat. There were life size, and the rat was on top of a pillar. He decided granite didn't look very good, so he transfigured it into marble. He raided the storeroom in the basement to see if there was any more. There was, so he levitated it to the yard. He made a couple of marble fountains on either side of the walkway. He transfigured all the dead trees he could find into living ones of different variety. These were scattered throughout the yard, and added a nice touch. Harry noticed a large silver shape above the door. Upon further inspection, it proved to be the Black family crest. Harry quickly transfigured it into the Marauder's crest, and put a silver plaque above it that read Marauder's Manor. It was only fair that he named it that, as a lasting tribute to the Hogwarts four. He surveyed his handy-work, his eye resting on the statue of the rat. He hated Wormtail, but everyone deserved a second chance. Everything has the ability to change. Odd. That phrase had come into his mind without his meaning to, but it felt familiar. Harry dismissed it, and turned from the rat's statue with one last thought. If he can't change, then the rat is who he was, not who he is. Harry went back inside, glancing at his watch. It was 12:00, and he was starving. He walked to the kitchen and looked around. There was a book on the counter, but it was blank. He looked at the cover, and it said Styles. This must be that different styles thing, like the trunk. Harry just wrote down Hogwarts. The book glowed briefly, and stopped. When Harry said, "Wish I could have some chicken pot pie, the counter became a flurry of activity. Knives began chopping ingredients and placing them in a pie. The completed pie flew into the oven, where it backed for about a minute before zooming out, piping hot. When it had cooled slightly, Harry tried some. It tasted just like the food at Hogwarts. I could get used to this. He ate his lunch while reading one of his books, Powerful Charms, and began to research the Fideleus Charm. People were sure to be looking for him, and he needed to be safe. He got to thinking about letters, and wondered were Hedwig, his owl, was. He finished his lunch and began to search for her. He checked the zoo, and found her perched next to…

Harry gasped. He couldn't believe there was one of those here. They were probably the rarest birds alive. It was a phoenix, with a golden red plumage. It trilled warily as Harry entered, and Harry wondered what to do. Then he remembered the pendant the goblins had given him. He decided to have a go. He cleared his voice nervously and said, "Er, hello there. My name's Harry. I'm sorry I intruded, but I was looking for my owl, Hedwig and I saw her in here." The phoenix gave another trill, this time of surprise. It wasn't speaking English, but the words appeared in his mind. You can talk to me? That is rare. Yes, Hedwig has told me much about you. My name is Hohn. It is a pleasure to meet you, Harry. Harry spoke again, this time aware that he was making the same trilling noise as Hohn. "I still can't believe you're here. How long have you been in this cage?" Hohn let out a sad note. 200 years. Harry almost fell back in shock. "TWO HUNDRED YEARS! Who left you in here that long?" Hohn gave another sad note. The last person who was at this manor. I don't know what his was, though. Harry unlocked the cage and held the door open. "Go ahead, you're free to go wherever you want. You deserve the chance to stretch your wings." The phoenix took off, but instead of leaving, landed on Harry's shoulder. I will stay with you. You have a genuine care for creatures that is uncommon in most humans. Is this okay? Harry nodded immediately and said, "Of course you can stay. But I'll view you more as a friend than as a pet." Hohn trilled happily and started to sing. Phoenix song. It was the most wonderful thing Harry had ever heard. He knew it gave hope where there was none. Hedwig flew over onto his other shoulder, hooting happily. Harry gave a little trill to Hohn. "Who else do you think could use the chance to stretch their legs, wings, whatever?" Hohn led Harry through the zoo to a cage.

There was yet another extremely rare creature. It was a griffin. He had the bronze body of a lion and the white feather of a dove. Harry could see a dangerous looking beak on his face curved and yellow. He didn't enter the pen like he had with Hohn. Griffins could be extremely dangerous enemies, and Harry didn't fancy being on the wring side of that beak. He gave a cough to get its attention, and spoke. "Hello. My name is Harry Potter. I just wanted to see how you're doing." The griffin gave an incredulous snort. Okay, you ask how I'm doing. So you can speak my language. Impressive. But how do you think I'm doing after being locked in a cage for 300 years? Harry was shocked again, but did a little better at maintaining his cool. Striding forward, 'he unlocked the cage. "Well then, I think it's about time you got out of there." The griffin was visibly surprised. You would let a creature as dangerous as a griffin out without any protection? You're either brave, or stupid. Harry grinned. "It's a little bit of both, really." The griffin gave another snort, this time of laughter. I am very hungry. I need meat. Harry just smiled again and said, "Well follow me to the kitchen and we can fix that. Or would you rather hunt for your food?" The griffin considered the options briefly before replying. I haven't been outside, much less hunted in 300 years. I may be rusty. I'll work on regaining my hunting skills later. Harry nodded and said, "The kitchen it is, then."

And with that, Harry led him to the kitchen as quickly as he could to the kitchen, for it is not wise to keep a hungry griffin waiting. He just asked the kitchen for a raw ox and let the griffin go to work. While the griffin was eating, Harry asked Hohn if he wanted something to eat. Hohn gave little trill. Well, being a phoenix, I can't eat anything other than herbs. If I could get some of those, tat would be great. Harry again asked the kitchen for the request, and it supplied.

When they had both finished the meal, Harry led them outside. As they were walking, Harry asked the griffin, "What's your name, if you don't mind me asking?" The griffin let out a growl. My name is Godric (author's note: Give me a break, I couldn't think up anything else) Harry stored this information and said, "Thanks for telling me. I appreciate your trust."

A moment later they had reached the front door. They went outside, and Hohn and Godric both were ecstatic. Hohn flew happily about, while Godric followed him on foot, stretching out his legs. When he was done, he leapt up into the air, unfurling his great wings. He soared upward, clearly enjoying his new freedom. Harry concentrated on his broom and summoned it. He mounted and took off; reveling in the familiar feeling that flying gave him. He sped up until he was flying along side them both. He called out to them both, "Race ya to the far mountain." And sped up, leaving them behind. He thought it was in the bag, but he hadn't counted on Godric's speed. It was unbelievable. Harry lost to Godric, but beat Hohn. It was probably better this way, as griffins are very sore losers. (Ouch) They flew back the Marauder's Manor at a leisurely pace and landed. As they did, Harry turned to Godric. "Godric, you're free to go wherever your heart desires. I cannot keep you here." Godric paced walked back and forth, trying to decide. After a while, he spoke. I will stay with you. Hohn seems to be loyal to you, and a phoenix's trust is not given idly. I wish to stay. Harry smiled again and said, "Then you are welcome here for as long as you please. I'm sure there is much you can tell me about nature." Godric let out a laugh. Harry laughed too, and then said, "Well, we still have all afternoon. Let's go look around the mountains."

Hohn and Godric agreed, so off they went. It was fun, and they could get to highest peaks in no time with their ability to fly. Harry was enjoying flying again, when he saw a mountain taller than the rest. He started to fly towards it, and landed on the peak. He was about to take off again when a movement on a large ledge caught his eye. He glided toward it, unsure what it was. His eyes fell on a very strange scene. There was a basilisk, a fully-grown basilisk attacking something. Harry looked at the thing it was attacking and found yet another surprise. It was a tiger. Not a jungle tiger, with orange and brown stripes, but a white tiger. Its coat was white with black stripes. Its blue eyes were shut tightly, as if it knew of the basilisk's deadly eyes.

Harry dismounted, running toward the basilisk. Something had to be done. If the basilisk was not destroyed, then it might begin to prey on muggles. As he ran, Harry gave a shout, "Godric! Hohn! To me! Hurry, our lives are at stake!" They phoenix and griffin turned as one and saw the basilisk. Hohn gave a squawk of anger and darted forward. It was common knowledge that basilisks and phoenixes were mortal enemies. Godric swooped underneath Harry, lifting him up into the air. Harry surveyed the scene for a brief second. Hohn was attempting to scratch out the basilisk's eyes. Harry looked at the tiger, and saw why it had not run. His family was there, the children cowering behind a dead female. The tiger's mate had already been killed. The basilisk turned to the tiger family, not willing to lose its prey. He lashed forward before the father could do anything to stop him and killed another of the children. There was only one left.

Hatred swelled inside Harry. The evil snake had just killed a cub! It had been defenseless. This was the way of Voldemort. Harry's hatred multiplied at the thought of his enemy. He raised his wand, channeling his hatred at the snake and cried, "Avada Kedrava!" A blast of green light soared out of his wand and hit the snake. It went limp immediately. Harry was surprised. He couldn't believe he had just performed the killing curse. He knew it required power, but he didn't know he had what it takes. Then he thought about the rush of hatred. He must learn to control that, or he might do something he would live to regret. He promised himself he would master legllimency, so he would be able to control his emotions.

Harry was brought out of his musings by Godric landing. He had landed about fifteen feet away from the tiger, who turned and regarded them warily. Harry could tell he was too drained from his fight with the basilisk. Upon looking harder, Harry saw a puncture mark on his right leg. He gave trill to Hohn, and the phoenix landed on his arm. He walked forward at a slow pace so as to not startle the animal. The tiger tried to get up, but couldn't. The snake's venom was starting to take its toll. Harry let Hohn fly off his arm, trilling a quick request. Hohn trilled back, and landed by the tiger's leg. It tried to bite, but was too weak. Hohn placed his head above the wound and a small teardrop fell from his eye. The effect was instantaneous. The cut began to heal, and the tiger became stronger. He checked on his cub, and strode forward. He growled at Harry, and Harry could again understand him. Thank you for saving me, young sorcerer. I am torn between gratitude and sadness at your arrival. If only you had arrived a little earlier, the Jade wouldn't have… Well, it appears that my remaining cub and I must find a new place to live. I don't suppose you know of a good place? Harry let out a growl, saying, "I have a room in my house that can suit whatever environment you wish for. You are welcome to live there, if you wish." The tiger considered this and growled. I will look at it. I don't know if you know, but I am an escaped experiment, and have been hiding here ever since. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical creatures has not looked here yet because of the basilisk. Now there is no reason for them to not look here. You see, they were trying to create a less deadly nundu. I am the result. I am more intelligent, but have my own special powers. I can run as fast as you can fly, I am not affected by most spells like the stunning charm, and can create ice easily. As if giving a demonstration, he seemed to sigh. Instantly a tree to his right was incased in a block of ice.

Harry smiled at this. "I'm sure you would enjoy living at the manor, and promise not to breathe a word about what you are to anyone." The tiger gave a purr. Thank you. My name is Silver. They named me this because of my unique coat, and I rather like the name. You should know that, because of the race I come from, I still have a few of their traditions. One of these is a lifedebt. When someone saves the life of another, that person must follow his/her savior until the debt is repaid. I must follow you until I have saved your life as you have saved mine. Harry registered this before saying, "Thank you for your devotion, but I release you. It is your choice. You choose whether to stay or go." Then I choose to stay. I will remain by your side for as long as I am able. Harry saw the determined look in his eye, and realized that the tiger's mind was set. "Okay Silver, glad to have you aboard. This is Godric." He pointed at the griffin, which gave a short call. Nice to meet ya. "And this is Hohn." Harry pointed at Hohn, who gave a trill of greeting. It is a pleasure to meet you. Harry led them all up to the third floor, and showed them the training room. They stopped and tried to decide what climate they wanted. They all finally agreed on rainforest with waterfall. The training room obliged, and a steamy rainforest appeared a moment later. Everything was covered in mist from the waterfall, and Harry could hear the noise it caused.

He left the animals to their own devices, and headed straight for the library. There was a lot of researching to be done. He remembered he still had some homework to do, but with Voldemort, Dumbledore, and the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures looking, he would have to do a better job of hiding. He picked up Powerful Charms and began to read up on the Fideleus Charm again. He learned the wand motions and words, and new the theory, but he was still stuck at one point. Who was going to be his secret keeper? A sudden idea struck him, and he ran up to the training room.

"Hohn, I need your help." Hohn stopped sunning himself on a rock and flew over, giving him an inquisitive trill. With what? "I'm worried about some one finding us here, so I need to do a Fideleus Charm. It requires a secret keeper. I know phoenixes are extremely loyal, and trust you completely. Would you be the secret keeper?" Hohn puffed himself up proudly and let forth a burst of song. "I'll take that as a yes, then." Hohn sat on the back of a chair and waited. Harry followed the hand motions in the book and said the incantation. He pointed his wand at Hohn and some mysterious runes appeared on his forehead. They stayed there for a second, and then faded. He felt a strange wind blow through the house. He had done it. He had done the Fideleus Charm. His wonder was cut off abruptly as his stomach growled at him. Chow time. Harry went down to the kitchen and, instead of choosing Hogwarts, wrote in Italian. The kitchen went to work once more, and prepared him an Italian dinner. When he was done, he went back up to the library. Having finished the Fideleus Charm, he needed a new goal. He picked up Potion for the Powerful and began to read. He actually found a potion that he really wanted to make. It was supposed to enhance the growth process, so it would speed up. It was supposed to work one night, that way the drinker could wake up all muscular. He/her would also grow taller. Harry created this potion, and took a dose. Then he took out Potions for the Powerful again and started reading up on the more difficult potions that Snape was going to make them brew. He finished the book in about three hours, and decided to hit the hay. He went upstairs, and found several letters on his bed. Two of them were from Hogwarts, a total of four from various Weasleys, and a few from different Order members. He opened the letters from the Order members first. It was the usual. Some were angry with him for running, others were concerned, some had offers for him to come stay with them, but all asked where he was. He smirked, moving onto the letters from the Weasleys, reading them.

Dear Harry,

How could you run away like that! Arthur and I have been worried sick! Where are you? If you wanted to leave the Dursleys that badly, then why didn't you come to us? Please, Harry dear, just come back. Mrs. Weasley

Harry moved onto Ginny's letter.

Dear Harry,

So you ran away, huh? If this is your idea with coping with Sirius' death, then it sure is lousy. Running from your problems won't get you anywhere. You need to come back. Everybody is worried sick about you. Please write and tell us what's going on. Ginny

Harry thought this over. So, they think I ran so I could cope with Sirius. Well, I guess there's some truth to that. It has helped me cope. But that's not the main point. Harry sighed and moved on to Ron's letter.

Harry,

Can't believe you ran away! Everyone is in a right state! Mum's frantic! Me, I don't know how you managed to get away with it. Dumbledore's tracking spells on you didn't respond, and the Knight Bus said they hadn't seen you. How'd you get to wherever you are now? Broomstick? Well, Hermione's here, and she's almost as nutty as Mum! She's really worried. Think you could fill us in a little? Ron

Harry sighed and put the letter down. There were going to be problems when found out everything, IF Ron found out everything. Harry had been thinking about this for some time. Everyone that was close to him had been harmed in the wake of his destiny. His parents, his friends, Sirius… WHY? WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME! WHY MUST MY FRIENDS GET HURT BECAUSE OF ME! Well, it will never happen again. From this point on, Harry Potter stands alone. When this threat is no more, I will become closer to them again. Until then, I stand alone.

Deciding to skip the twins' letter, Harry moved on to the letters from Hogwarts. Harry was sure one of them was from Dumbledore. He reached for the first one, and recognized Dumbledore's curly handwriting.

Dear Harry,

What were you thinking, running away from your aunt's house like that! You should have known better! Voldemort's been waiting for something like this to happen! Do you know how hard he's trying to find you! I am extremely disappointed. I really thought you were smarter than this. I demand that you come back to Headquarters immediately. The other members are up in arms over this, but I'm sure they will forgive you if you come back right away. You must tell me where you are, and how you avoided my tracking spells. Albus Dumbledore

Harry almost burst out laughing. Dumbledore expected him to come back! Harry's laughter finally won, and he just rolled around on the floor. Pulling himself together, he took a piece of parchment and began to write a response.

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I am sorry, but I will not come back. I will be back at the end of the summer holidays. As far as my safety goes, I am safer here than I ever have been. I have successfully performed the Fideleus Charm, and have made the secret keeper a friend who is very close to me. (Literally and figuratively) I won't tell you who it is, but I will say this. Tell Fawkes I found him a friend. Do not worry about me. I am fine, and have begun putting the various books that were in the Black vault. I will see you at the feast. My best regards, Harry

Dumbledore looked up, having just read Harry's letter. He stroked Fawkes absentmindedly, pondering. Fawkes cooed softly, and Dumbledore smiled. "Well, it seems Harry has found you a friend. I can only assume that means he has found a phoenix. Incredible. From what his letter said, I guess he's made his phoenix his secret keeper. A very smart move, though it conflicts what I requested of him." Dumbledore picked up his quill, and began to write to Harry.

Having sent his letter to Professor Dumbledore, Harry picked up the other letter from Hogwarts and opened it. Ah, my O.W.L. scores. I had nearly forgotten. He took the letter and turned it upside down. Four things fell out of it. There were two letters, a golden quidditch captain badge, and a phoenix shaped badge. It was red and gold, much like a phoenix, and on it were the initials of S.P. Perplexed, Harry read his scores.

O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Levels)

Name: Harry Potter

House: Gryffindor

Charms: Theory-O Practical-O Overall-O Total O.W.L.s-4

Transfiguration: Theory-O Practical-O Overall-O Total O.W.L.s-4

Potions: Theory-O Practical-E Overall-O Total O.W.L.s -3

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Theory-O Practical-AB Overall-AB Total O.W.L.s-6

Herbology: Practical-E Total O.W.L.s-2

History of Magic: Theory-E Total O.W.L.s-2

Astronomy: Theory-O Practical-E Overall-O Total O.W.L.s-3

Divination: Practical-P Total O.W.L.s-0

Total O.W.L.s-24

AB means Above and Beyond(This grade is unknown until given, and only two students have ever received it; Albus Dumbledore and yourself.)

Professor Dumbledore explained Situation. We are sorry for your loss and gave you the grade based on your test scores from the class.

Obvious disruption. All students in the class with the disruption were marked up a grade.

Harry was ecstatic. He had received twenty-four O.W.L.s! He couldn't believe he had gotten that high on the Defense Against the Dark Arts. He also thought he had gotten off easy on Potions, History of Magic, and Astronomy. He didn't care about Divination. He had wanted to drop that class anyway. He picked up the second letter and began to read.

Dear Mr. Potter,

You have been awarded the rank of Quidditch Captain. I can't think of a better candidate then you. You will have to have tryouts, and will be in charge of scheduling team practices. Also, there was another badge in the envelope. This is a very rare award. S.P. stands for Supreme Prefect. You will have all the authority of Head Boy, but will not have to patrol some nights like the regular prefects. You answer to me, and you answer to Professor Dumbledore. The other teachers may not tell you what to do, and you may not tell them what to do. You will not have to follow the curfew line. I warn you though, Potter, this is a huge privilege. Do not abuse your power, or the privilege will be taken away. Professor McGonagall

Harry finished reading the letter and looked at the phoenix badge. He put it next to his Quidditch Captain badge, pondering this newfound glory. He didn't really need it. He still would enjoy having some authority. Harry got up, deciding to read some more. He found Potions for the Powerful, and continued to read. He was already half way done with this book. He read another 25 pages, then stopped. It had been a long day, and he was tired. He laid down and fell asleep almost instantly.