Chapter Three

A/N Just to warn you, I will be switching between the different characters from time to time. At least to a certain point. Warning: Mild mention of child abuse.

Harry didn't dare open the trunk while the Dursleys were awake. He knew the letter said no one could see it, but he didn't want to take the chance they would open the cupboard and find him gone. All through the rest of the day and his meager dinner, the thoughts my parents loved me and magic is real kept running through his head, leaving him with a glazed expression and a small smile. Which the Dursleys noticed.

"BOY!" shouted Vernon, almost causing him to drop the dish he'd been washing.

He turned toward his uncle, "yes Uncle Vernon?"

"Quit dilly dallying!" Vernon shouted, boxing Harry on his ear, "that's OUR damned water bill! Now get to work, freak!"

Harry turned back to the dishes, "yes Uncle Vernon," he said.

Soon his chores were done, and Harry was shoved into his cupboard for the night. He tried to hide his small smile, but again, Vernon noticed.

"What are you smiling about freak?" asked Vernon.

"Nothing Uncle Vernon," Harry said as he backed up toward the cupboard.

"Don't get cheeky with me, you ungrateful little freak!" yelled Vernon, slapping Harry on his face, sending him reeling to the floor.

"Get in there," he said, grabbing Harry by his collar and shoving him toward the cupboard.

"Yes Uncle Vernon," Harry said as he scrambled in. Vernon grunted and slammed the door, locking it.

Harry waited, practically bouncing on his cot, until the three Dursleys went to bed. As soon as he heard Vernon's loud snoring, he opened the trunk eagerly, heading straight to the library compartment, having read the manual while waiting.

There was a large desk with a bundle of books lying on top with a letter.

These are the books I was given when I first started Hogwarts. I hope that you can get as much use out of them as I did.

Love,

Mum

Cool! thought Harry as he read the different titles

Introduction to Potions

Introduction to Transfiguration

Introduction to Charms

Introduction to Herbology

Introduction to Wizard Travel

Introduction to Defense Against the Dark Arts

Introduction to WIzarding Careers

Introduction to WIzardIng Law

Introduction to the WIzengamot

Introduction to History

Hogwarts A History

Introduction to WIzarding Customs

The Ministry of Magic; how the system works

Introduction to the Ancient and Noble Houses

The WIzarding World; a general guide for Muggleborns

Your Magic and You; A Guide To Your Magical Core

He sat at the desk, opening a soda and a bag of chips, and picked up The WIzarding World; A General Guide for Muggleborns and began to read.

….…

Sirius soon found himself in a Ministry holding cell. It was positively luxurious compared to his old one. It had a bed with a small nightstand, and a small table. There was even a small bathroom with a sink, toilet, and a tiny shower stall.

He'd been given soap, shampoo, and a hairbrush, as well as a clean set of robes and a pair of slippers.

Clean, and with his hair brushed, he was feeling more like his old self than he thought possible. Aurors brought him a meal, and a Healer had come to see him.

He was just about to ask for something to read when Amelia Bones walked down the corridor toward his cell.

She carried a bundle of papers as she approached his cell, and signaled the auror guard to open his door.

Sirius stood back with his hands wide, making no move.

"The members of the Wizengamot received this letter earlier this afternoon," she said, handing him a piece of parchment, we thought it best to get you out of Azkaban as soon as possible."

"Thanks for that," Sirius said, his voice cracking again.

Amelia smiled, "you're welcome. I also brought some copies of the Prophet. Your trial will be tomorrow. Do you want a barrister?"

"Thanks," Sirius said again as he took the bundle, "and no. As long as you use Veritaserum and or a pensive, I'll be fine."

"Not a problem," she said as she left and the guard once again closed his cell.

Sirius placed the bundle of papers on his table, sat down and began to read.

…..…

Harry smiled as he came out of the trunk. He stood in his cupboard and concentrated on unlocking the door. He heard a soft click, and the door swung open. Harry's smile nearly took in his ears. Quickly and quietly he sneaked into the kitchen. Vernon and Dudley usually ate so much, Aunt Petunia wasn't able to keep track, so as long as he was careful, he could sneak just about anything from the fridge..He smiled again and almost laughed. He would put everything he took on a special shelf in the trunk's kitchen. It copied almost anything you put on it, even a few magical items. He'd even managed to grab the eggs and a pack of bacon to copy. Harry smiled again, he would get a LOT of use out of that shelf!