Disclaimer: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... Oops. Wrong fandom. Sorry. Well, I guess I could say I don't own HP. Yeah.

A/N: Wow. Twenty-two reviews. You guys all rock!

Normally, I despise reading shopping trips, simply because too many authors describe everything that gets purchased. Why do I care what color of underwear Harry buys? Why should I care if he owns thirteen pairs of khakis and one pair of green leather pants? However, I discovered it is possible to write a shopping trip that's not full of these irritating, information-overload details. I tried to keep it relatively simple, while still keeping it interesting. I also mention cast-aluminum, and as I didn't know what it was when I first heard about it, I'll let you know that it's very strong and sturdy, though not as heavy as other metals, and can be worked to look like wrought iron (which is the look I was going for in the story.)

I'm also doing something a bit differently from my other stories with this one. I'm going to be delving into a bit of magical theory. Keep in mind that Harry's an intelligent seventeen-year-old, not a scared little boy. He's had time to study things that he hadn't had the chance to in canon. A lot of this is covered by his muggle education, and, as I have very little knowledge of how muggle schools in Britain work, I'm using what I remember from my own US schooling. If something is absolutely impossible for Harry to have learned in school, let me know, and I'll explain it as him having read about it during one of his days hiding from the Dursleys at the library.

Chapter Three: Vacation? Not Hardly.

Harry woke up to the smell of frying bacon. He felt a bit displaced for a moment, until he opened his eyes and remembered the previous day. Harry grabbed his jeans and pulled them on, followed by his scuffed trainers and t-shirt. I'm really going to have to get some clothes, and soon. I wonder if Allen would let me have the day off, even though we didn't work yesterday... he mused as he quietly slipped out of his room and went downstairs. He paused outside the kitchen door, confused. He heard three distinct voices. What's this?

"...know what you mean, Jenn. Do you know I reported them to social services no fewer than six times about that boy?"

"No, I didn't. I have to wonder, though, exactly how much money that fat pig had to dish out over the years." Jenn's voice was exceptionally bitter.

"Also makes you wonder precisely where he's getting all that cash, though." Allen said, quietly enough that Harry almost had his ear pressed to the door.

There was a brief pause, then Remus muttered something that Harry couldn't quite catch. The kitchen door swung open and Harry sprawled on the floor. "Morning, Harry," Remus said, smirking.

"Ow." Harry got back to his feet, "That wasn't very nice."

"You shouldn't eavesdrop. I've found that half the information is often more damaging in the long run than not knowing anything." Remus sat back down at the table, reading over a list of notes on a yellow legal pad. Jenn was standing by the kitchen sink, rinsing out a coffee mug. Allen was polishing off a plate of bacon and eggs.

"So... What were you talking about?" Harry sat down at the table and filled his own plate.

"Well, I was getting some information from Jenn and Allen about rumors concerning the Dursleys. I know you just wanted to pay them off if they agreed to sign the emancipation paperwork, but... When I spoke to Allen about it, he seemed a bit... irate... about giving them any money." Remus quirked an eyebrow at Harry, "It seems that though you've been working for Allen for two years now, yet you don't see any of the money yourself."

Harry shook his head, "That's not true. Allen pays me half in cash. I was saving up for after I got done with high school."

"But what of the half he pays you in check?" Remus questioned. "Did the Dursleys ever give you an allowance? Use the money to provide you with new clothes and school supplies?"

Harry shrugged. "No. I always got Dudley's hand-me-downs."

"What do you think they did with the money?"

Harry chewed thoughtfully on a bit of bacon. He swallowed, "I don't really know. There haven't been any real differences around Number four since I started working. They still get the same channels on satellite, still buy the same brands of food and whatnot. Dudley still gets everything he wants." Harry's brow wrinkled as a thought occurred to him. "Come to think of it, everything has been exactly the same since I started working. It didn't even change last year when Vernon made senior vice-president. I would have thought they'd have bought new appliances or something..."

Jennifer snorted, "Ha. I think I know what's being done with the cash, but I don't think I could prove it."

Allen nodded in agreement. "Your cousin is rather known as being quite the troublemaker, isn't he, Harry?"

Harry scowled as all the pieces clicked into place. "You mean to tell me that my money that I worked damn hard for is being used to pay off the people Dudley torments! To keep that bloody whale out of prison!" Harry jumped to his feet and started pacing. Unknown to him, the air started crackling with barely-suppressed magic.

Remus hastily got to his feet, alarmed. "Calm down, Harry. I know you're upset, but let's look at this logically, alright?"

Harry ground his teeth together. "I don't want to look at this logically! I want to go over there and beat Vernon and Dudley both to a pulp! They've been... not stealing, exactly, but completely abusing what little trust in them I had!"

Allen felt he should intervene. "Harry! Sit!"

At the unquestionable tone of authority in Allen's voice, Harry, having been preconditioned into almost scary compliance, sat heavily on the floor. Harry blinked in astonishment at his own reaction before chuckling mirthlessly and climbing back onto the kitchen chair. "Sorry," he muttered.

"Don't worry about it." Remus said as he, too, sat. He picked up the notepad and looked over what he had written. "Though your original idea has merit, Harry, I really don't think that giving the Dursleys money is going to help in the long run. I talked with Allen a bit last night and this morning, and we think that paying them to emancipate you would only make them greedier than they already are. They would likely leave you alone for a bit, but I can almost guarantee they'd start bugging you about even more money, when they'd ran through the original payment."

Harry nodded, seeing the sense behind the words. "What can we do to keep them from doing so?"

Jennifer sat next to Allen and smiled, "We do this the legal way, of course."

"What?"

"Well, Harry, I know Allen has tried to get social services to intervene on your behalf numerous times, though nothing ever came of it. That sounds a bit suspicious to me; almost like Vernon might be using some of his money to keep them from interfering. However, what we need to do is bring the situation to the attention of a solicitor. From there, we can open an investigation with the police and Her Majesty's tax assessors, as well as getting a social worker assigned that hasn't had contact with the Dursley family in the past."

Remus nodded his assent, "She's right. If we go through the legal channels, you just might get to see the Dursley family fall apart. If all the suspicions prove to be correct, your uncle would likely end up serving a very long prison sentence. Your aunt, as well, though it depends on how involved she was. And, though there is no official record of your cousin's activities, he would likely end up in a prison cell to match his father's. Without his parents to bail him out of the trouble he causes, it would only be a matter of time."

Harry smirked at the thought of Dudley in prison. "How long will all this take?"

Allen shrugged, "I don't know, Harry. Did you want to pursue this idea, or try your original plan?"

Harry finished off his breakfast and stood to take the plate and fork to the sink, "Though my idea wouldn't take as long, I quite agree with Remus. Giving them money now would only lead to them wondering where I got it, and them realizing that if I had paid them once, that I would do it again. I don't want that to happen. I don't care if it takes months or years; they are not now nor have they ever been good people. If they're removed from society at large, I can't help but believe the world will be a vastly better place."

Harry didn't notice the proud looks the three adults traded as he washed his plate and set it to dry on the rack. Allen glanced at the clock, "Ay! Is that the time? I'd best get going before I'm late." It was eight thirty. "And Harry?"

"Yes?"

"You and Remus have today until next Wednesday off, unless we get really busy. Should that happen, I'll call you in."

"Thanks, Allen."

"Don't mention it." Allen smiled at Harry before hurrying out to his car.

The kitchen was silent for a moment before Jennifer turned to Harry and tsked at the sight of his clothes. "I believe we should make a list of what we need to get done in the next few days, don't you?" Harry and Remus both nodded. "You need to get some clothes and other personal sundries, we need to get started on your room, your truck needs registered, we need to locate a trustworthy solicitor," she listed everything on her fingers, "and when was the last time you had a checkup?"

"Like a physical? Dunno... I think the last time I saw a doctor for anything was when I was eight. I had a broken arm." Harry began clearing the table, putting the leftovers in the fridge and setting the dishes in the sink.

"What about your eyes? Teeth?"

"I haven't had my eyes checked since I got glasses. That was back in first year primary. They're still the same blasted pair. And I don't think I've ever been to a dentist."

Jennifer sighed in exasperation. "Then I think we should see about getting that out of the way in the next few days as well."

"Sounds like we're going to be busy." Remus observed.

"To say the very least." Harry agreed.

Remus handed Jennifer the list of what they had to do that he'd jotted down while she was talking. "Though Harry is definitely in need of clothes and whatnot, might I suggest we start with his room? Allen told me that Harry wants a wood floor. While I can transfigure the floor to look like what he wanted, it wouldn't last forever. However, I can use magic to secure the flooring down once we pick it up from the store. Shouldn't take more than an hour or so. If we make sure to paint the walls first, we won't even have to put down a drop-cloth."

Jennifer made some notations on the paper Remus had handed her. "Okay, how about this? We can go and get the supplies to do Harry's room this morning, as well as a few items like a couple of changes of clothes and a toothbrush. We'll do what we can on the room today, and finish it up tomorrow. If we're done early enough tomorrow, we'll get the furniture and whatever else Harry needs to round out the room." She leveled a Look at Harry, implying she would accept no arguments from him about what she was to say next, "Monday, we'll get your teeth and eyes checked as well as your overall health. If that's done early enough, we'll see about that solicitor and getting your truck registered. If not, we can do that Tuesday. If we do get it all done by the end of the day Monday, then we'll all have a day off to breathe." Jenn laughed.

Harry shrugged, "Sounds good to me." He finished washing up the breakfast dishes. "I must admit, Remus, I was a bit surprised to see you here so early."

"Yeah, well, about that..."

Jennifer brightened, "He's going to be staying in the guest room. Allen and I figured it would be easiest, especially since he was staying at a hotel."

"Nifty. How long?"

Remus shrugged, "As long as is necessary."

Jenn folded up their to-do list and tucked it into her pocket. "Well, guys, let's get going. The day isn't getting any longer."

A half an hour later, Remus, Harry, and Jennifer piled out of her station wagon at a strip-mall that included a home improvement store, a one-hour optical specialist, a cellular distributer, two clothing stores, and an arts and crafts store. "Jennifer?"

"Yes Remus?"

"Why don't we have Harry's eyes checked today? That optician says they're open until noon, and they take walk-ins."

"What do you think, Harry?"

"I don't mind. Either way's okay." Harry followed Remus and Jenn to the optician. After a short wait, Harry was escorted into the exam room. When the exam concluded, the optometrist remarked, "I honestly don't know how you've been functional with these," indicating Harry's old glasses.

Harry shrugged, "Didn't matter much. But I would like to update the frames while I'm here."

"Of course, of course. Just point out which ones you want to the lady at the desk. The lab's not all that busy today. You should be able to pick up your new glasses in about forty-five minutes, once you've selected the frames you want."

Remus and Harry looked over the frames in the waiting area before asking Jennifer which she thought looked best. They eventually decided on rectangular rimless ones. "You know, Harry, you might want to consider getting contacts someday."

Harry shrugged, "I don't think so. They seem like an awful lot of work. That, and I don't think I want something actually touching my eyeballs all the time."

"Actually, if you ever get tired of the glasses, we can get your eyes fixed." Remus mentioned.

"You can do that?" Harry exclaimed.

"Your companion is quite right, Mr. Potter. Lasik surgery is quite common; it corrects the shape of your eye, making it so that you can focus properly."

Harry jumped and whirled around. "Don't do that!"

"Didn't mean to startle you. I just noticed you had selected a pair of frames?"

Harry nodded and handed them to the woman. "Thank you. They should be ready in about forty-five minutes to an hour." She tucked the frames into a small box, along with the slip the optometrist had written Harry's prescription on. "You're welcome to wait here or return later."

"Thanks. I think we'll probably pick them up later," Harry looked to Jenn and Remus. Jennifer nodded.

They exited the optometrist's office and strolled to one of the nearby clothing stores. "You shouldn't get too much just yet, Harry. Remember, you don't yet have anywhere to store it."

Harry nodded at Jenn's good thinking and disappeared into the store to pick out a couple of changes of clothes. Remus rolled his eyes at Harry's quick-disappearing act. "I think I'll go give him a hand."

"Okay. I'll meet you both in front of the hardware store in half an hour. I've got a couple of things to get for myself." She reached into her purse, "Here. Make sure he accepts it. I know he's now got money of his own, but... Allen and I... we want to do this."

Remus smiled and took the cash. "I'll try, but I'm not going to promise anything."

"That's all I ask." Jennifer ducked out of the store and strode towards the Virgin Mobile dealer. The door buzzed as she pulled it open and she was greeted by a bored-looking teenaged girl with bad skin and purple hair.

"Can I help you?"

Jennifer nodded, "I hope so. I wanted to get a phone for my son." Well, it may not be technically true, but that is how I feel about him. Besides, the clerk doesn't need my life story.

"Then I guess you've come to the right place. What type of phone does he want?" The girl motioned for Jennifer to follow her to a display of different types.

"I don't know... It's a surprise for him."

The girl grinned, "Let me guess, he just got his driver's licence?"

Jennifer returned the smile, "Close. His first car."

The girl sniggered, "My mum did the same thing. Does he go to public or private school?"

"Why does that matter?"

"Helps me figure out if he needs something cheap or something flashy."

"He attends Stonewall."

"Okay, no top-of-the-line models. I just finished there. The slimy kids will steal anything not nailed down. Who is your son? I might know him."

Jennifer paused for a second, "Harry Potter."

The girl scrunched her forehead. "Harry Potter? Hmm... Little guy, year behind me in class. Gets picked on all the time by Polkis and the other juvenile delinquents. Odd, I thought he lived with his aunt and uncle?"

Jennifer groaned mentally. "He did. My husband and I are... adopting him, I guess you could say."

The girl nodded. "Good. If anyone needs different folks, it's him. Does this mean something happened to the Dursleys? Please tell me yes. Their stupid pig - I mean son - once dislocated my shoulder when I wouldn't kiss him back when I was thirteen."

Jennifer looked shocked for a moment. "Not yet, but we've got someone investigating them. Why don't you give me your name and number, just in case the solicitor wants to hear your story?"

"Sure." She grabbed a business card for the store and a pen. On the back of the card she scribbled down her number and name. "I'm Sherri O'Brien." Jennifer shook her hand and introduced herself. "Now, before my boss gets upset, back to the phones. Like I said, you don't want something too extravagant. It would just end up stolen. I likewise wouldn't advise a flip phone, they'd just get broken. However, you don't want the cheapest phone, either, 'cos then he'd just be laughed at. That leaves you with one of these three options." Jennifer listened as Sherri explained the features of each of the phones before deciding on the one that Harry could change the cover of, in order to customize it a bit. Another ten minutes later, and the phone was activated and ready for use. Jennifer thanked Sherri for all her help, and tucked the card in her pocket. She hurriedly caught up with Remus and Harry outside the hardware store.

"Sorry I'm late, guys. I ran into an old classmate of yours, Harry. She just graduated, Sherri O'Brien."

Harry thought for a moment, "Really tall, purple hair?"

Jennifer nodded and explained about the girl in the shop. She handed Harry the phone. "I've already put my mobile number in it, Harry. I want you to keep it with you, especially when you're away from the house, and to call me if you need anything."

"Okay." Harry tucked the phone into his pocket. "Want me to put these bags in the car? I won't be but a minute." Jennifer nodded and handed Harry the keys, as well as the bag from Virgin.

"Jenn?"

"Yes Remus?"

"Just to let you know, there are some areas where the mobile won't work. Too much interference." He mimed a wand.

"Oh, I didn't realize. Just make sure he calls me before he goes to those places, okay? And I would feel a lot better if you went with him any time he has to go to those places, at least until you can tell me, in all honesty, that he can defend himself."

Remus grinned, "I see we think alike, madam."

Harry returned at that point, so the trio entered the home improvement center. Harry explained his vision for the ceiling and walls to Remus as they made their way to the flooring section. Harry quickly spotted a rich golden wood with a fine grain that was just what he had pictured for his room. Jennifer indicated she'd talk to the store clerk to make sure they bought enough, and told Harry and Remus to go after the paint they would need.

As they made their way through the massive store, Remus asked, "So you want the ceiling to show a sky scene?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, and I was thinking I could get some of those plastic, glow-in-the-dark stars to make it mimic nighttime."

Remus smirked, "You don't have to go through so much trouble. There's a permanent charm you can use that makes a ceiling reflect the sky outside. It's a little complicated to cast, but I'm sure if I looked into it, I could do so."

Harry reflected on that for a moment, "But I don't want it to show the sky when it's raining or cloudy. Just some blue sky and fluffy clouds, and stars at night."

Remus laughed, "I'm sure it can be modified to do just that."

"Neat. Looks like paint is over there." Harry pointed. "About the walls, though, I don't care what magic can do. I've always wanted to do a mural and now I can."

"Of course, Harry." Remus directed Harry's attention to the display of paint shades. "Go on and get what you need. I'll track down a worker for you."

Harry nodded and thumbed through the color samples, taking his decisions up to where Remus stood with an employee by the paint mixer. "I need half gallons of these four, a gallon each of these two, and two gallons of this one." Ten minutes later, Jennifer caught up with them, saying that the flooring would be ready for them when they were ready to leave. Remus and Jennifer chatted as the worker mixed the paint and Harry went in search of brushes.

They returned to the Kellerman house an hour later. Harry was amazed at the difference in his vision with the new glasses. He no longer saw a halo around everything and was able to read the text on the street signs without squinting. They deposited the paint in the middle of Harry's bedroom floor. "Remus, Harry, why don't you go ahead and remove the cot and the table and chairs? Hedwig, too." Hedwig hooted sleepily when she heard her name called. "No, go back to sleep, lovely. I'm going to get the step-ladder from the closet." They nodded and soon the room was cleared and Jenn had returned with not only the ladder, but a paint roller and tray, as well.

"Okay, Harry. What color do you want where?" Remus asked, removing his jacket and rolling up the sleeves on his button-down shirt.

Harry inspected the cans and used the tool they'd received with them to open one. "This one on the ceiling and that wall." He pointed to the wall that his door was a part of, "and that one," pointing to the wall with the closet door. Remus picked up the can and moved to the wall with the closet. "Don't worry about running out, there's two gallons of that color. I'll be working on this wall with these," he set aside all the half-gallon cans, as well as the two single-gallon colors. "I want to keep that wall white," he pointed to the wall that held the window.

"Sure thing, boss." Jennifer grinned at Harry before pouring some of the paint into the roller tray and starting on the ceiling with the ladder and long-poled roller.

Two hours later, Remus and Jennifer were done with their part and were watching Harry paint his mural. The ceiling and two walls were a light blue. The wall Harry was working on started out a similar light blue, but darkened steadily to almost black near the floor. There were light brown and dark brown streaks, and copious amounts of green in different shades. It took Remus a moment to realize that Harry was painting the interior of a particularly lush, dense forest. He worked quickly, but every stroke of his brush heightened the detail. After another three hours, Harry stepped back and critically looked over his handiwork. "Hmm..." He opened the last can of paint, and grabbed a fresh brush. A vine that seemed to grow out of the floor gained tiny pink flowers all along its length. Harry re-capped the can of paint and stared at the mural again. "Guess that's the best I can do until it dries and I can add more detail with the smaller brushes." Harry seemed to be talking to himself. More detail? Remus thought. How on earth can he put in more detail? Harry turned around and jumped, "Sorry." He took a breath, trying to calm his pulse. "I didn't realize you were still here." He inclined his head in the direction of the mural, "Don't worry about that just yet. It isn't done, so it still doesn't look right. But the rest of it will have to wait until the current layer of paint dries. I plan to add the details in stages, anyway." His stomach rumbled. "Anyone else up for a bite to eat?"

Remus nodded and followed Jennifer and Harry to the kitchen where they enjoyed a light meal. It was too early to call it dinner, though too late to consider it lunch. Harry solved the crisis of what to name it by calling it 'lupper, kinda like brunch, only later.'

After the meal, Remus and Harry carried in the boxes of floor boards. Jennifer and Harry were instructed to hand Remus the pieces as he fit them together, securing them in place with a permanent sticking charm and trimming them where needed with his wand. Putting down the floor took all of an hour and a half. With that completed, they noticed it was only six o'clock. Jennifer pulled out their to-do list and crossed off several things. "Okay, we've got a couple of options now. We can go to the furniture store yet tonight, and arrange to have everything delivered tomorrow, or we can knock off now, and relax the rest of the evening."

"Normally, I'd be all for taking the rest of the night to relax, but... Soonest begun is soonest done, right?" Harry said.

Remus nodded, "I agree. We only have a limited amount of time, and I had hoped to begin showing Harry how to use that wand of his before we had to deal with work, too."

"Makes sense. Let me leave a note for Allen, just in case he gets home early." She scribbled down where they were going on the marker-board on the refrigerator. As they piled back into the station wagon, she asked Harry, "What sort of furniture did you have in mind?"

Harry replied, "Something... alive."

Jennifer shook her head, mumbling something about crazy wizard artists. "I take it you don't mean 'Shaker Oak' or 'Modern Walnut?'"

Harry shook his head, "No, something that flows more. Glass and metal. If I wanted wooden furniture, wouldn't I just have asked Nigel to make it for me?"

"Touche," Jenn sighed.

A little while later, they parked outside a furniture boutique. Harry led the way and after exchanging pleasantries with the clerk, described what he was looking for. Much to Remus and Jennifer's astonishment, the clerk flashed a toothy grin and led them directly to a bedroom set that Harry obviously liked. "Almost perfect. Does the bedframe come in a canopy?"

The clerk nodded, "Aye, and there are a couple of other options, depending on how much you're looking to spend."

"Cost doesn't matter, Harry, just pick out what you want." Jennifer said.

Harry examined the set and thumbed through the little picture catalogue the showed the different options. He settled on the canopy-style cast-aluminum bedframe, a pedestal end-table with a bluish glass top, a matching glass and aluminum bookcase, and the smaller version of the desks that matched the set. Jenn arranged for everything to be delivered at ten the next morning, and they went back home.

Allen arrived shortly after they did, and was given a quick run-down of what they'd managed to accomplish that day. He, like Remus, expressed disbelief that Harry's mural would be able to be any more detailed. Harry laughed and mentioned that there was always room for improvement in any art.

Everyone went to bed tired that night, yet all were satisfied about how well everything seemed to be coming together.

The second time Harry woke up in his new room, he didn't suffer any confusion about where he was. He put on his glasses and grabbed the clothes he wanted to wear for the day. After his shower, he reveled in the feeling of clothes that were completely, blessedly new. Knowing that Dudley had never even seen his jeans and t-shirt, let alone worn them put a smile a mile wide on Harry's face. He even liked his new glasses for that same reason - not that Dudley had worn his old ones, though the idiot had broken them numerous times.

He stopped by the den, where Hedwig had been temporarily relocated until after the furniture could be delivered, and refilled her food and water dishes. He spent a few moments petting and talking to her, before his stomach reminded him that he had yet to eat breakfast. Harry then joined his family in the kitchen where porridge was the meal of the morning.

Remus looked up when he heard the door open and promptly broke into laughter at Harry's sudden scowl. "Don't worry, Harry, I didn't like porridge when I was your age, either. The trick is to add enough jam and milk to it that you don't taste it."

Harry shook his head, "Whatever you say, Remus." He dished himself a bowl of the lumpy grey substance. He poked it experimentally with his spoon before sighing. The Dursleys had never allowed him to add so much as a sugar cube to his porridge. He shook his head, reminding himself that this wasn't the Dursleys'. He reached for the jar of raspberry jam and spooned some into the porridge. He then added a bit of milk and mixed it until it turned a light shade of purple. He carefully took a taste and realized Remus was right. It was edible, if you added enough other stuff to it to cover the taste. He brightened again. "So... What're we doing today?"

Jennifer checked the list. "Your furniture should be here no later than ten-thirty; after all that's been set up, we'll go back out to finish getting the necessities you'll need for your room. Stuff like an alarm clock, a couple of lamps, that sort of thing."

"Joy. More shopping." Harry muttered, earning a glare from Jennifer.

"Watch it, or I'll make you go by yourself!" Jenn threatened, though not meaning any of it.

"No! The horror, the horror!" Harry teased back, melodramatically clutching his chest.

The four of them chatted over the remainder of breakfast, until Allen had to leave for the shop. Harry helped Jennifer clean up the breakfast mess again. When everything had been put away, Remus asked Harry to run and get his wand and meet him in the den. They had a bit of time to kill until the furniture showed, and Remus planned to use it productively.

"Okay. Now, since you've only done accidental magic previously, this is going to be a bit different. The first thing I want you to do is find your center of magic." Remus was sitting in an armchair in the den and Harry was sprawled on the sofa.

"How, exactly, do I do that? What does it look like?" Harry asked, twirling his wand like a baton.

"Are you familiar with meditation?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, of course."

"Have you done it before?" Harry nodded again. "Good. Go ahead and meditate, make sure you hold your wand while doing so. While meditating, turn your attention inwards. You should eventually find your magical center; it looks different to everyone. Now, the effect we will be going for is simply light. What you want to do, once you've located your center, is to think 'Lumos' and guide a part of your magic through yourself to your wand, picturing light surrounding the wand's tip."

Harry climbed off the sofa and stretched, before toeing off his battered sneakers and dropping gracefully into a cross-legged position on the floor. He held his wand loosely in his right hand. Taking a few deep breaths, he entered a meditative trance, allowing his mind to wander a bit. Interesting that meditation is part of magic. I would assume it's this relationship that explains why most of the more esoteric faiths lean towards meditation as a connection to the divine. It makes me wonder, though, how it came about that the modern wizarding world is so isolated from everyone else. I do hope Remus plans on going over some history... Promising himself to further explore his train of thought at a later date, Harry released his thoughts and turned his attention inward. He felt himself pulled towards his chest, and after what felt like hours of floating in an expanse of darkness, Harry saw his magic. It moved him, it was beautiful. It appeared as glowing threads, lines, ropes, and cables of power in every color imaginable. He noticed there were several places where these threads came together in massive balls of energy, yet the largest was centered in his chest.

Harry reached out and touched a thread that he felt embodied 'light.' The thread stuck to his consciousness, and he guided it through his shoulder and down his arm, to his waiting wand, thinking lumos the entire time. When he felt he had accomplished the task, he pulled his consciousness back to the surface and opened his eyes. Remus was smiling at him.

"You've done well," he indicated the blue-white light surrounding the end of Harry's wand. "To 'turn it off,' so-to-speak, just say 'Nox' and picture the magic you used returning to where it came from."

Harry did so, and saw the light wink off. "Remus?"

"Yes?"

Harry struggled for a moment, trying to find words that would adequately describe what he had seen. "Is it always so... Beautiful?"

Remus shrugged, "Every wizard sees something different. Not all wizards are even capable of reaching their center. That you can do so, and have on your first try, gives us an indication that you are at least above-average as far as magical strength is concerned."

Harry slowly got to his feet, "Is it normal for there to be numerous magical centers? I mean, I saw these ropes of light, but they sort of knotted together in different places. The biggest knot was in my chest, though."

Remus was stunned, he had never heard of anything like that before. I think I will need to talk with Albus. Soon. He didn't let it show on his face, though, and instead repeated, "It's different for everyone, Harry. However, as your furniture should be showing soon, shall we come back to this later?"

Harry nodded, "Will I need to do that meditation thing every time? I mean, you didn't have to when you were demonstrating."

Remus shook his head, "No, this was just to show you where the magic comes from and how it gets to your wand. You should be able to do the Lumos spell whenever you want to, now. Part of why I had you think that word while moving the magic was so that your brain would form a particular set of responses to automatically guide your magic that particular way with that word."

"So, my brain saw what I was doing while thinking 'lumos' and connected the word to the action."

"Precisely."

"Then... Does it matter what word is used, if the result is the same? Wouldn't 'light' have been just as useful, if not more so?"

Remus thought for a moment before answering, "Though the language doesn't matter - and some of the more powerful wizards don't even use a word-trigger - it's usually best to learn spells in a language other than your day-to-day language, particularly if, like Lumos, they have no wand movement and are, instead, solely a word-triggered spell."

"So it's intent, not the actual word, that matters."

"Correct." Remus opened the door to the den. "I think the delivery men just arrived, so you might want to tuck your wand out of sight."

Harry did just that as he followed Remus back to his bedroom. Remus helped moving the cot out of the room once more, and Harry double-checked to make sure everything else was stowed safely in the closet. Jennifer showed up a few minutes later, leading a couple of burly men that were carrying various boxes between them. Harry indicated where he wanted the bed to be placed, and the men quickly got to work assembling it. They then disappeared downstairs, followed closely by Jennifer, only to return with the box springs, and again with the mattress. The desk, table, and bookshelf likewise were brought up and assembled. When the workers finally left, Harry smiled at his room. The bed was centered under the window, with the table next to it, in the corner that joined the mural. His bookshelf was to one side of his door, and the desk to the other.

"Wow, it's starting to look like a room." Jennifer mentioned.

"Right. You mentioned more shopping today?" Harry asked.

"Mm-hmm. Why don't you take a few minutes to write out a list of what you want to round out the room? I have a couple of phone calls to make."

Harry nodded and dug a notebook and pen out of the closet. Remus helped Harry compile the list of what he would need, and about a half an hour later, they met up with Jennifer in the kitchen. "Done?" Harry handed her the list they had created.

"Looks good... This shouldn't take too long. Though, I imagine getting everything to its place when we get back will take considerably longer."

"Too true." Harry smiled. "Shall we, then?"

Jennifer nodded and the three of them spent much of the day going from shop to shop picking up things like sheets and blankets and pillows. Hangars and some more clothes, an alarm clock, and a couple of lamps. They took a break for lunch, and afterwards, Harry spent almost three hours in an arts and crafts store picking out not only things for his artwork, but things to round out the decor in his room as well; including three spools of a decorative plastic chain that had silk leaves woven through it and several yards of a heavy dark green brocade cloth that had a subtle leaf pattern woven into it. When they returned to the house, it took all three of them the better part of an hour to unload the car.

While Harry worked at unpacking boxes and bags, Remus cleared the debris away, and Jennifer was making supper. After the last bag was put away, Harry asked Remus, "Is there a way to... permanently stick things together with magic? I know you used magic to put down the floor, but is that permanent or will it wear off with time?"

"Though not permanent, it won't wear off. What I did was rather like creating a strong magical glue to hold the boards in place. You can still remove them, using muggle methods, or end the sticking charm to remove them. A permanent sticking charm can't be removed by any methods."

"Why not?"

"Because it fuses the items stuck together, rather like melting two colors of wax together. When it cools, you can still see the two colors, but you still only have one piece of wax."

"I see. Can a permanent sticking charm be used on anything?"

"Pretty much, though living things resist the charm and causes it to fail most of the time."

Harry nodded, it made sense. "I was wondering if you could teach me something that would make it so I could quickly get the drapes for my bed made. I know Jenn doesn't own a sewing machine, and doing them by hand will take forever."

Remus laughed. "It's good to see you're already starting to think like a wizard, Harry. And, of course, I'll show you. However, given your goal, I think it would be more accurate to use a sewing charm instead."

It took Remus about ten minutes to show Harry what to do, and Harry was in the middle of hanging the newly-fashioned draperies on his bed when Jennifer called them to dinner. Sometime while Harry and Remus were otherwise busy, Allen had arrived home from work. The four of them sat down to shepherd's pie and discussed their days.

After dinner, Harry returned to his room and set about using the silk 'vine' he'd purchased. He wound the chain through the metal of his furniture and used lengths of it to create a mock-curtain across the window and the foot of his bed. The cloth curtains were pulled back and secured with smaller lengths of the fake plant. When Harry fell asleep, he realized he still needed a chest of drawers and something in which to organize his art supplies.

While Harry was busy in his room, Remus, Allen, and Jennifer were discussing how to legally get Harry away from the Dursleys, hopefully removing the family from the neighborhood entirely in the process.

"I know a good solicitor we can approach. She's honest, trustworthy, and really loves to see people get what they deserve." Remus said.

Allen opened a bottle of beer, "Is she... Aware of how we do things?"

Remus laughed. "Though she's not muggle-born, she did marry one. She met him while they were in law school together, so she has licences to practice in both the magical and muggle arenas."

"How do we approach her?" Jennifer asked as she finished up washing the supper dishes. "Do we contact her as concerned muggles? Or do you approach her as a wizard?"

"I think both, given that the situation is both." Remus replied.

"Makes sense." Allen conceded. "Did you need me there, or will the two of you be able to handle things?"

"Actually, I think she would be able to come here to talk. You will probably want to meet her yourself, in any case." Remus finished his own beer and stood, "Should I send her an owl?"

Monday was a grey and rain-filled day. Harry surprised himself by sleeping in. He didn't wake up until almost nine-thirty. He hurried through his shower and other morning routines before stumbling towards the kitchen. Once again, he heard voices from the other side of the door, but rather than stop and listen in - he'd learned that lesson thankyouverymuch - he went ahead and entered. Allen had already left for work, but Remus and Jennifer were sitting at the table talking with a tallish woman with a heart-shaped face and long black hair.

"Good morning, Harry. This is Andromeda Tonks. She's a solicitor. We were just telling her a little about you." Jennifer said. "I also saved a plate of breakfast for you. It's in the fridge."

"Thanks. Good to meet you," he offered the woman his hand, "I'm Harry Potter."

The woman smiled. "I know. You can call me Andie, if you wish."

"Thanks." Harry smiled at her and turned to put his breakfast in the microwave.

When it dinged, Harry grabbed his plate and sat at the table. Jenn exchanged a meaningful glance with Remus. "I think I'll leave you to talk, then. I'll be in the lounge, should you need me."

Remus likewise made his excuses and left. Andromeda watched as Harry finished his breakfast and rinsed off the plate before getting out a notebook and pen from her briefcase. "Like I said before, Harry, you can call me Andie. I received an owl from Remus yesterday evening outlining your basic issue, and it also hinted towards some suspicions concerning your aunt, uncle, and cousin. What I would like to do is hear your side of things. Go ahead and tell me whatever you wish about your relatives, and I'll make some notes. From there, we'll see who we will need to contact for further investigation. Just a quick suggestion; unless we can convince a social services representative otherwise, you will likely be sent back to them until the investigation is over. These types of investigations have been known to take months or even years."

Harry nodded in understanding. "Quick question, though, before I get into all that. Remus sent you an owl?"

Andromeda nodded, "Yes. I have clients in both the magical and muggle worlds. Though I'm a witch, I married a muggle."

"Oh. Okay then." Harry thought for a moment. "Well, it all began, I suppose, when I showed up on the Dursleys' doorstep after my parents died. They were more than a little upset that I was there, but I don't remember much about when I was really little, so I'll skip ahead a bit to when I started school.

"On the first day of class, the teacher was calling names and making sure everyone that was supposed to be there was there. She called out 'Potter, Harry' and I kept looking around wondering who that person was. I hadn't heard my name in reference to me until that point. I was usually addressed as 'boy' or 'you' at home. When they - the Dursleys, I mean - were feeling particularly irritated with my presence, it was 'freak.' After that first day, most of the other kids left me alone. I guess they thought I was stupid or weird for not knowing my own name. The few that did want to talk to me eventually were driven off by Dudley. He would beat them up to leave me alone.

"In first primary, my teacher found out I was having problems seeing the blackboard, and sent a note to my aunt and uncle. Though they did take me to get glasses, I was locked in my cupboard for a month and no meals for a week for the expense."

"Hold on a moment, 'cupboard?'"

"Yeah. It was my bedroom until I turned eleven. The cupboard under the stairs." Harry took a deep breath and continued. "Anyway, when I was eight, Dudley tripped me at the top of the stairs and I fell, breaking my arm on the way down. That was the only time I got to see a doctor, that I remember. I'm sure I saw one when I was a baby, to get immunized, but nothing else until that point, and nothing since. That particular incident was at the beginning of summer, so I didn't even get to leave the cupboard for school that time. I think it was most of the summer that I was locked in there. They let me out once every day to use the bathroom and eat a slice of bread and a glass of milk."

"Hold up. I really think you've got enough with what little you've told me to bring a case of abuse and neglect against the Dursleys. I really don't think I want to hear much more right now."

Harry smiled sadly, "That's alright. I've realized that my upbringing was anything but normal." Harry and Andromeda spent a couple of hours going over what sort of information to discuss with a social worker, before bringing Jenn and Remus back into the kitchen to go over the actions Vernon had taken regarding Dudley's behavior.

Andromeda didn't get a chance to leave until nearly five that evening. She took the card Jennifer had received from the clerk, Sherri, at the Virgin store and left the number for a social services worker that Andie had dealt with in the past. "She's a nice sort, and I'd be willing to say she'd do what was right, no matter how much she might be paid to look the other way."

"Thanks, Mrs. Tonks. You've been quite helpful." Jennifer showed her to the door.

"No problem. And Remus, next time, don't wait for something like this before getting in touch!" Remus looked properly chastised as he hugged the woman goodbye.

During dinner preparations, Jennifer informed Harry that Tuesday would be busy. "You've got your physical at ten, we still need to register your truck, and your dentist appointment is at two. Hopefully, we may yet have the evening to relax." She laughed.

Emotionally drained from the long discussion earlier, Harry fell asleep early that night.

A/N2: I'm still not happy about how parts of this chapter panned out, even after re-writing them several times. Please remember to let me know what you think. Particularly for this chapter. I don't feel it flows well with what I've written before, but that could just be me.