Arrival at Number 12
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the Characters :(
A/N: Hi, I would really appreciate any reviews! Here is the second chapter…what do you think of the story so far?
When the first rays of sun began to penetrate the flimsy curtains of the smallest window on Privet drive, Harry began to wake. Tiredly, Harry stretched and began to make his way downstairs when a crumpled piece of parchment caught his eye. After a moment, Harry realized that the events of the past night had not been one of his frequent nightmares or visions from Voldemort; he truly was no longer attending Hogwarts.
With a sigh of defeat, Harry began to pack his belongings into his school trunk; after all, he could probably convince Professor Dumbledore to work out another schooling arrangement. When he was satisfied he had packed everything of importance, he made his way to the bathroom to wash-up and get dressed.
After pulling on an oversized grey sweater, and a faded pair of baggy jeans, Harry glanced at his chipping green alarm clock, grabbed the headmaster's letter, and waited for the familiar tug of the portkey.
After a few dizzying moments, Harry landed on the now clean wooden floor of Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Slowly, he stood up and took in his surroundings. The once dusty furniture of the Black family's previous home stood straight and shiny, and the house was no longer dark and depressing since the walls had been treated to a fresh coat of paint. With a final glance around the transformed house, Harry decided that Sirius would have been happy with the change of decor.
Just when Harry was about to search for the house's inhabitants, Professor Dumbledore entered through a thick wooden door on the opposite side of the room. Only weeks before, Harry had destroyed some of Dumbledore's personal possessions, so he felt quite awkward around the headmaster. After gallantly crossing the room in sweeping purple robes, Dumbledore stopped in front of Harry and put a tentative hand on his shoulder.
"Hello Professor," Harry said quietly.
"We shall let the past be forgotten, as today is a special occasion if I am correct," said Dumbledore his eyes twinkling merrily behind the lenses of his half moon glasses.
"Professor, I want to apologize-"
"There is no need for apology; the events that recently took place in my office will not be mentioned again."
"Sir, am I really not going back to Hogwarts?"
"Harry, there is a time and place to discuss this, right now your friends are waiting for you upstairs, we can talk about this tomorrow." A smile formed on Dumbledore's timeworn face as he tenderly lifted a small package out of one of the large pockets in his robes. " Happy sixteenth birthday Harry," said Dumbledore warmly," you can open this present tomorrow when I tell you, as I'm sure your friends are very anxious to see you."
"Yes, thank you professor." Said Harry gratefully, he had no desire to discuss the Headmaster's current plans.
"Oh, and Harry, before you leave, your friends are aware that they are no longer attending Hogwarts"
With that said, Harry hurriedly left the room to find Ron and Hermione, he was so eager to see his friends, he did not even notice the faint green light emitting from Dumbledore's gift.
(2nd A/N: Please review!)