Here's an idea I've had tumbling around in my head for a while now. Its just don't for fun and inspired by the passion of other writers I so often see on the Haphne Discord Server. Be advised this is an unbeta'd work since it is my first real story in almost a decade. Please enjoy.
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Chapter 1: Sixth Year
Sixteen-year-old Harry James Potter closed his eyes as the cool ocean breeze blew through his hair. He loved this time of day and would miss the smell and taste of the wind for the next ten months he spent at school. Every year he toyed with the idea of not going back and every year he decided he'd stick it out for one more year.
He been surprised when he'd first gotten his letter to attend Hogwarts. Before that startling August morning six years ago, magic had only ever been something he'd read about or seen on TV. Then Minerva McGonagall had appeared on his family's doorstep and turned his entire life on its axis. She'd explained magic was in fact very real and he'd been part of that world since he'd been born.
He had no memories of his birth parents. He knew their names were James and Lily Potter and that they were madly in love, had loved him, and died ridding the world of the deadliest man in the last century. After their death he'd been sent to live with his mother's sister and her husband. He had few memories of his time in that house, but none were pleasant. He'd spent most of it neglected, abused and hungry. He still had never been given a real explanation behind the treatment but had put it behind him years ago.
It was all thanks to his family, his true family, his adoptive family. Monika and Justin Sanders had taken him in as a foster just three weeks into his second year of primary school at age six. His teacher had noticed some irregular coloring on the back of his neck, when asked to see he had cowered at first but finally relented. The evidence of abuse had been obvious. He'd been placed on the Sanders home and three years later they formally adopted him. When it came out that he was a wizard all his parents had done was reinforce their love for him and make him promise to write.
Now aged sixteen he was about to enter his sixth year of schooling. He'd woken up far too early and was standing out on his balcony enjoying his last morning in Cornwall for a while. His friend Ron's dad was set to apparate him to kings cross on his way to work today but wouldn't be here for another couple of hours. Deciding he was done enjoying his morning he stepped back into his room to finish packing.
His room was of decent size a large queen bed dominated one wall with an oak writing desk on the opposite side. The walls were covered in posters displaying many of his favorite bands, bands like Nirvana, Def Leppard, Green Day and the offspring. In addition, many movie posters were prominent. And in the corner next to his bed where his two prized possessions; his firebolt and his guitar.
With a resigned sigh he moved to his trunk laying open on his bed. Five years in the wizarding world and he still found their use of outdated travel luggage annoying. What was wrong with a simple rolling suitcase or duffle bag? Double checking his required items where in the cumbersome thing he reached over and grabbed his newest toy. It was a gift from his god father Sirius Black, an enchanted amp he'd picked up from what he described as "an ingenious technomancer" in the States.
Sirius was a bit of an enigma; he'd been named Harry's Godfather at his birth and under normal circumstances Harry would have gone to live with him upon the death of his parents. However, he'd been framed for murder and imprisoned the day they died. It wasn't until his escape three years ago and he and his only surviving friend, former DADA professor Remus Lupin had tracked down the true culprit and cleared his name that Harry had gotten to meet him. By then the damage of the dementors of Azkaban had taken their toll. Sirius had decided to remain in Harry's life as a "cool uncle" instead of a guardian, believing the Sanders were doing a wonderful job raising Harry into a man his parents would be proud of.
Smiling he added the amp to his trunk and closed the lid. He grabbed his broom and guitar from their spot and added them to the pile. Gazing at his luggage he nodded in pleasure; he was ready to go.
"Harry!" Called Monika's voice up the stairs "are you awake? You need to eat before you leave for school!" Harry gave his room a once over insuring himself he hadn't forgotten anything.
"On my way!" He called, exiting his room. He took the stairs two at a time, leaping the last five as teens were warrant to do and landed loudly behind her causing her to startle.
"Don't do that!" She cried spinning around Harry gave her a cheeky crooked grin and kissed her on the cheek. She was shorter than his 6 feet, standing about 5'8" with hazel eyes and long auburn hair that fell in smooth curls to her waist.
"Sorry mum," he said and dipped around her leave her torn between anger and pride. He walked into the kitchen where he found Justin sitting at the table reading a new paper and his little brother at the table.
"Hey squirt," he said ruffling Mitchell's hair. Mitch grumbled something unintelligible and resumed eating his pancakes. At nine years old the boy was not a morning person.
"Morning Son," greeted Justin setting the newspaper down. He was tall, standing 6'5" with the short blonde hair and muscular build left over from his career in the Army.
"Morning Dad," replied Harry taking his seat at the table. He reached for the plate piled high with pancakes and added a couple to his plate before adding a few rashers of bacon and a couple sausage links.
"All ready for school then?" Asked Monika retaking her seat at the end opposite of Justin. Harry nodded around a mouthful.
"Finished packing this morning," he said after he'd swallowed.
"Good," Monika said, "Mr. Weasley should be here at 8:30." Harry nodded and went back to eating.
"Think you when the cup again this year?" asked Mitch. Harry grinned.
"I don't see why not?" He replied "I have to replace
a couple chasers this year with Angelina and Alicia leaving and the twins are gone. But Ginny will be in the lineup and Coats and Dean have been practicing with the Twins last couple of years. We should be fine."
"So, you just need another Chaser," said Mitch "got anyone in mind?" Harry shook his head.
"Unfortunately, I don't," he replied "I'll be holding tryout though and I'll let you know." Mitch grinned and returned to his food. His brother had been quite taken with the sport of quidditch ever since Harry had returned from his first year and explained it to him. Now that Harry had been awarded the Captaincy this year, he'd spent even more time talking to his brother about it. The family wrapped up breakfast and Justin began to get ready to leave for work.
"I'll see you tonight darling," he said kissing his face wife "Mitch make sure you make some progress on your summer ready, Harry have a good term." With that he turned and walked out the door.
"Harry, Mr. Weasley will be here in a few minutes," said his mother "why don't you go upstairs and get ready." Harry replied in the affirmative and headed back to his room. After a quick shower he donned the clothes he'd chosen for the day. A black Def Leppard shirt with his torn-up jeans and black vans. A load knocking on the front door alerted him to Mr. Weasley's arrival. He careful picked up his broom and tucked it under his right arm, then grabbed his truck with his left hand and guitar with his right. Heaving a last sigh, he left the room.
He found his mother and Mr. Weasley in the foyer chatting about the wonder of plugs if Harry didn't miss his guess.
"Ah Harry my boy," greeted Arthur Weasley with his easy smile.
"Morning Mr. Weasley," replied Harry.
"Here let me take that for you," said Arthur taking the trunk from Harry. Harry thanked him and set down the rest of his load. He turned to his mother, who was trying to discreetly wipe tears from her eyes. "Hey none of that mum." She gave him a watery smile.
"I'm sorry dear," she said, "I'm so proud of you, but I never like seeing you leave." Harry wrapped the only mother he'd ever known in a hug and held her for a moment. Once she seemed to have calmed down, she stepped away.
"Ok, now you get going," she said. Harry nodded, received a hug and punch on the arm from his brother and, once he'd promised to keep the brat updated on the quidditch team, reclaimed his guitar and broom and followed Mr. Weasley out of the house. Once they were tucked away safely Mr. Weasley took his arm.
"Ready?" Asked the older man. Harry grimaced and nodded. He hated this part. It was over in a second and felt like minutes. With a snap and a pop Harry was transported from Cornwall to the Appration point of Platform 9 3/4.
Shaking his whole body to try to rid himself of the feeling of being squeezed through a garden hose, Harry stepped onto the main platform and gazed around. The place was practically deserted. He was always early; the train didn't leave until eleven o'clock but the five-hour drive from Cornwall was a little much this early in the morning, so he had to come early when Mr. Weasley left for work at half past eight. It was pushing nine and most students didn't begin arriving until half nine.
"Well have a good term Harry," said Mr. Weasley and after shaking his hand apparated away. Harry tucked his broom back under his arm and picked his trunk up. Squaring his shoulders, he made his way toward the train.
It's didn't take too long for him to find a compartment he liked near the back of the train. Once he had his luggage stowed, he dropped into the seat next to the window and turned his back against it pulling his knees up and putting his feet on the seat. He wished he had his cassette player with him, he could use some music to pass the time. Deciding there was nothing for it, he put his head against the back of the seat and tried to doze.
He faded fitfully in and out until his compartment door slammed open. The huff he heard gave away his guest.
"Morning Hermione," he said not bothering to open his eyes. He heard her move into the compartment and slide the door back closed.
"Morning Harry," she replied. He heard her stow her stuff in the rack above the other seat. "Do you always have to sit so far back?" She asked. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at her sitting in the seat across from him back ramrod straight and book in her lap. Her wild mane of brown hair was far tamer this year but the intense look on her brown eyes hadn't changed. Harry sighed.
"Yes," he replied, "less traffic." He smiled at her and closed his eyes again. Hermione huffed again but remained silent otherwise. They passed the time in friendly silence as Harry attempted to sleep and Hermione read her book. In short order the door opened again and this time Harry chose to completely ignore the newcomers. That was until his choice was made for him. He felt a hand grip his inside ankle and jerk his feet off the seat causing him to fall awkwardly into the seat as he was spun ninety degrees and lost the support of the seat back.
Annoyance swelled in him as he looked up and saw the smug face of Ginny Weasley smirking back at him. Grumbling in annoyance he sat back up and took a more regular position in the seat. Looking around he noticed Ron, Neville and Ginny had all join them. Ron and Neville doing their best to hide their mirth and the sat down, Ginny plopped into the seat next to him.
"Morning Harry," she said as though nothing had happened. Harry pointedly ignored her greeting.
"Don't you have a boyfriend to bother?" He asked. There had been a point when Ginny had crushed on Harry, but such feelings had long ago evaporated, now she just enjoyed riling him up.
"Colin's not here yet," she replied, "besides I couldn't in good conscience deny you the pleasure of seeing my gorgeous face." Her eyes twinkled with mirth. Harry grumbled while he crossed his arms and leaned again the window. A few minutes later the whistle of the train sounded, and the scarlet engine began the long haul to Hogwarts.
"We should get to the meeting Neville," Hermione said after a few minutes of travel. She and Neville had been named the Gryffindor Perfects for their year last year and she had of course taken to it like a fish to water.
"Right," replied the other boy standing and pulling his robes out of his trunk. "I'll meet you there." With a grimace and a nod Hermione left the compartment. Before long the two had left and returned, their patrol of the train complete with Hermione threatening a couple third years with detention before they'd even arrived.
"You know Harry you should probably change into your robes," said Hermione "we'll be there in an hour or so." Knowing he couldn't put it off any longer Harry stood and pulled the garments out of his trunk. As he stepped into the hallway he turned and ran head long into someone.
"Sorry," he said automatically. Looking down he saw a petite girl with honey blonde hair and the most vibrant blue eyes he'd ever seen. She was scowling up at him clearly not appreciating the fact he'd knocked her over.
"Watch where you're going!" She snapped ignoring his offered hand and leveraging herself to her feet. It wasn't until she was standing that Harry realize how short she truly was, maybe 5'3" on a good day. He took her in and realized she was wearing the green trimmed robes of House Slytherin. Unlike most of the members of both houses, Harry didn't really buy into the whole Gryffindor/Slytherin hate thing. True Draco Malfoy was an obnoxious arrogant prick and those that followed him were almost as bad but that didn't mean the house as a whole was terrible. Harry's rivalry with the house of the snake began and ended on the quidditch pitch.
"Ah sorry about that," he said sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. The girl just scoffed and rolled her eyes before brushing past him. Harry turned to watch her go.
'What a strange girl,' he thought. It wasn't until he was on his way back that he realized he'd been watching the sway of her hips as she walked away.
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And that, as they say, is that. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing again. I'm looking forward to hearing what you all think and if you're around hit me up on the Haphne discord server.
Big props to Dorothea Greengrass, whose stories actually inspired me to not only explore the world of Haphne, but to start writing again. So, Dorothea if by some miracle you do see this, Thank you.
Even if the Morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return.