Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of its characters.

A.N.: This is somewhat of an alternate universe. The time line is kind of different and people may act differently. Just so everyone knows Harry's parents didn't die until he was four and it still happened on Halloween. This gives Harry some more time with his parents and it is easier to have more memories this way.

Chapter One: The Little Black Box

Harry sat on his bed and stared at the box in his hands. He decided to open it later and went to write Hermione a letter.

Dear Hermione,

How are you? I am doing quite well. I'm thrilled to hear that Ron finally got off his lazy but and asked you out. He has liked you for a long time and I'm glad for both of you. I am just writing to you to tell you that I will not be coming to the Burrow at all or to Diagon Alley. I will see you at school. Dumbledore has arranged everything so please don't worry about me.

Love Harry

P.S. I will write later.

Harry sealed the letter and sent it off to Hermione with Hedwig. He had already told Ron and now all he had to do was pack for Ireland. Shrinking everything to fit in his trunk didn't take very long and in no time at all he was ready to leave. He hauled everything onto the porch and went inside to say goodbye. Harry walked in to see his aunt crying on the kitchen table. Thinking something might have happened to Dudley or his Uncle he went over to see what it was.

"Oh Harry don't worry about it. Are you leaving now? I need to find Dudley somewhere to stay. Vernon is not happy and lately he has been drinking a lot. You both need to be gone." Petunia said softly. She blew her nose and looked at her nephew through watery eyes.

"Aunt Petunia you can come with me if you want to get away from Uncle Vernon. It would be nice to have someone there when I get to the house."

"Harry you know I don't believe in magic and what would they do here? I just can't get up and leave my family for the next four weeks to go to Ireland."

"Yes you can. I am sure those two will manage just fine without you. And besides you could come for two weeks and I think you really need to open your eyes and see something more then this." Harry looked sternly at his aunt and then went to get an apple.

Petunia thought about it and she finally got up to pack her bags. "I will be a few minutes Harry if you want to eat anything."

Harry looked thoughtfully at his aunt and said, "Its okay I already packed your bags. I figured you would come so I took the liberty of packing it for you. Shall we go?" Then Harry walked out the door. He was still getting over Sirius death and entering sixth year at Hogwarts he needed some peace and answers. He knew Voldemort was back in power and the beginning of the war was coming. Old Voldie hadn't done anything to taunt Harry and his scar had not bothered him once. Dumbledore knew that was good but insisted on having him go away for the summer.

Soon they were on the plane over to Ireland and his aunt was asleep. Harry pulled out the box and opened it. Harry's eyes sparkled and he began to read letters.

Dear Mom and Dad,

It has been a while since I last wrote. James is amazing. It has been two months since we started dating and I have been kicking myself for not going out with him sooner. School is good. N.E.W.T.s have come and I am sending you my scores. Top in seventh year girls and third in the whole year, beaten out only by Remus and James. I have applied for a summer part time job. James is coming to stay for a week with his friend Sirius Black when the Potters are away. Stay healthy!

Love Lily

'So mom was third in her year and dad was second. I am no where near there. I guess this would be the year to get studying.' And silently he made a promise to try and get in the top five for his class. Hermione was going to be thrilled with him. But at the thought of Hermione his face darkened and he could feel the anger resurface. True he had told her and Ron he was happy for them but Harry had liked her since first year, sadly realizing it now. He had pushed that thought from his head for so long he had lost her. Shaking his head Harry pulled out the next letter and a picture. The picture must have been when Harry was about six months old because his hair hadn't grown in yet. Harry could tell that this was taken in Ireland because of the green grass on the Quidditch field.

Dear Mom,

I am so glad you are feeling better. I hope the surgery wasn't too painful. This is a picture of Harry and our house in Ireland. You will have to come and visit one day. The house belonged to the Potter's and has been in the family for centuries and Thomas finally gave it to James. There are 10 house elves that live here. They are the cutest things ever and they remind me of you. The gardener is Calvin and the cooks are Penelope and Sunny, Harry has a babysitter named Twink, and the rest are Elinor, Andrea (he is from an Italian bloodline), Willem, Rafe(short for Rafael), Tipsy, and Klaus. The gardens are wonderful here with fountains, roses and lilies everywhere. The sea is close. At night James and Harry fall asleep listening to the waves breaking on the rocks. We shall be home for August 25 and shall come by to see you.

Love Lily

By the description of the house it sounded wonderful. Suddenly a thought dawned on him. He wouldn't have to live with the Dursley's anymore. He could stay here in the summer and if he liked it enough this is where he would spend Christmas. 'Maybe mum and dad left stuff there for us and I can see what it was like when we lived there.' The plane landed and Petunia woke up. Soon Mrs. Dursley and Harry were on their way to The Castle by the Sea. Lily had named it on her first visit there and James didn't have the heart to change it.

They drove along in the country on a stone road. Within an hour a large stone tower was in view. They had arrived to the Castle by the Sea.

Hey everyone. That is all for now. I am going away for the weekend and won't be able to update. If you have any questions please email me.

TTFN Prongs Almighty