Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. The characters are J. K. Rowlings and the story idea is Severitus. This is a Severitus challenge.

Finding the Truth
Chapter One: Phoenix Post
By: M Malfoy

Harry Potter was sitting in his room at Four Privet Drive doing his summer homework This normal thing was not so normal for Harry Potter, for the first since he could ever remember he did not have to do any chores for the Dursley's , but also for the first time Harry wished he had to do chores, or at least something to occupy his thoughts.

This past June, Harry had lost his Godfather, the closest thing he ever had to a father. Harry's parents had died when he was one year old at the hand of a monster. His godfather was murdered by his own flesh and blood, his sister, but Harry thought it was his fault. 'If I had only checked the mirror and not rushed in like a rash Gryffindor,' Harry thought to himself.

Harry was bored of doing his homework it wasn't helping him fulfil his destiny. He decided to write a letter to Dumbledore to ask him how he can prepare for the war. Just as Harry was wondering how he was going to send the letter because Hedwig was on her way to the Weasley's, Fawks appeared. He sang his sad song, it soothed Harry. It made Harry feel that it was okay to grieve for his Godfather. But in a flash Fawks was gone with the letter.

Harry didn't feel like sitting there waiting for Fawks to return with Dumbledore's response so he decided to go take a run around the park to build up his stamina. After circling the park one and a half times Harry was tired. He had thought that he had good endurance from all his seeker training, so he walked back to the Dursley house as his cool down.

When he arrived in his bedroom he found Fawks had return and was sitting with Hedwig in her cage, they seemed to be communicating, too bad he couldn't understand what they were saying. Harry opened the letter from Dumbledore.

Harry,
I'm surprised that you are already thinking about your destiny. Do not worry about any thing in my office, I have too much stuff any way. Plus I can not help but that think that you lashing out was my fault, I should have told you long ago what was expected of you. But moving back on topic, I will be sending you some books with defensive spells and a few offensive spells. When you get back to Hogwarts we can talk about you learning the basics of the Dark Arts that way you will know what to expect of Tom Riddle in the final battle. Also, by running and lifting weights you can increase your strength and your endurance. I will also be talking to the Minister of Magic about removing the Underage Regulations of Magic for you. Arabella will be seeking you out to give you the books, they will be disguised so your family will notice nothing.

Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Order of Merlin First Class, Head Master of Hogwarts, etc.

Harry was surprise at how much Dumbledore told him. Not only did Dumbledore say it was okay that he destroyed his office, Dumbledore said he was probably his fault. 'Wow! Dumbledore must really be learning that he shouldn't hide things from people for so long,' Harry thought. Well, I need to get started on this training, I should ask Dumbledore about going to Gringotts to get money so I can go into the muggle world and buy weights and muggle clothing.

Professor Dumbledore,
I'm sorry about your office, I shouldn't have exploded at you like that. It was pent up anger at Voldemort and about the death of Sirius. Do you think it would be possible that I get some muggle money so that I can go out and buy some clothing and some weights. Would it also be possible for my room to be expanded so I will be able to work out. Also, would I have to have an escort when I go out in the muggle world?

Sincerely,
Harry Potter
PS Do I have any of those long annoying titles like you do? I mean I only destroyed Voldemort the first time he was around.

"Here Fawks, take this back to Dumbledore."

Harry spent the rest of the day wondering when Mrs. Figg would have the books Dumbledore promised, and what the old man meant when he said learning the basics of the Dark Arts. Wasn't Dumbledore still afraid that Harry might turn dark?

After tiring himself out by doing sit-ups and push-ups Harry went to lay in the bed. He still didn't get a good restful night from either nightmares about Sirius or visions of Voldemort. He had thought about making a Dreamless Sleep potion but he didn't have the ingredients and he was too ashamed to ask anybody for it.

A/N: I hope you all like the first chapter. It will eventually get more into the Severus/Harry relationship.