Disclaimer - I think this is the last disclaimer I'm going to write for this story because if you don't know these characters aren't mine I'm not entirely sure what you're doing reading Harry Potter Fanfiction.

Harry collapsed onto his bed in Privet Drive after the drive from the station with his 'family'. It turned out that Dobby had not been idle during the weeks since he had agreed to serve Harry. The room was spotless, the toys and furniture all fixed, the bed definitely hadn't been this comfortable last year. Dobby had also made sure the new privacy/notice-me-not ward was up as well as arranging something similar for Harry to keep on him that would allow him to use the bathroom and shower. It could have been quite an unpleasant start to the summer if Dobby hadn't done that!

It took twenty minutes of lying down on the bed before the realization that there had been no shouts of boy or freak from those he shared a house with. A wide grin spread across his face, it looked that this summer was going to be a significant upgrade on the previous one, especially as this time Dobby was actually helping him rather than just thinking he was.

With his new found studiousness Harry decided it was as good a time as any to draw up a timetable for the rest of the summer, or at least the two weeks until McGonagall took him to his vault. The stern Professor had somehow managed to convince the headmaster into letting Harry visit his family vault, officially so that he could look up some books in regard to his interest in Runes, as it was well known his mother has amassed quite an impressive collection, even in such a tragically short lifespan. Harry could barely contain his excitement, and though this was largely due to the prospect of a new home, no small part of it was due to the books. He wondered what had become of him, was it all due to the meeting with Kali? was Hermione finally effecting him? or was it just because it was another chance to reconnect with his heritage? Putting those bizarre thoughts out of his mind he settled to the task at hand.

Seeing the books he had been allowed to borrow for the summer, in conjunction with those he had been advised to buy, Harry had a veritable library at his disposal this summer. Looking at the proposed book list for each of his subjects he noted that for each of the 'wanded' subjects he was advised to look at the same series of books, A Guide to Magical Theory, including beginner's, intermediate and advanced volumes, there was also an intriguing look book A Wizards Guide to Technology, How Muggle Science Effects Magic. It was a rather thin book but the defence teacher for the coming year made a special note of its quality.

Since he couldn't actually perform wand based magic for the summer, magical theory seemed like an effective alternative, particularly since it was deemed so important by two of his favourite teachers. Then there was Potions, if the animagus potion was going to take around two months to brew then he should probably wait until he knew where he would be for the final two months of the holidays so as not to have to move it in the middle, he would also need to buy new cauldrons if his current one was going to be full all summer. In the meantime though, he had the book on ingredient interactions to study. Herbology was another problem, practically there was not a lot he could do, and there was only so much reading he could manage in the subject. He thought about contacting Neville but that again he should probably wait until he had a better idea of where he would be for the rest of the summer. If it was to be in his ancestral home he was likely to have much more space for plants, maybe even his own greenhouse. Astronomy and History of Magic where again things he had to plough through. He couldn't even really do his own Astronomy work at the moment due to plethora of lampposts along the street lowering the visibility of the constellations. Nevertheless there was still reading to be done. He snorted remembering the conversation with Kalcon when he suggested concentrating more on specific subjects. The icy stare he received sent shivers down his spine even now, a week later, it wasn't helped by the fact that Professor McGonagall was giving him the same look. The tension was only broken when Ginny started giggling before punching him on the arm and calling him an idiot.

Harry was confused by his new relationship with Ginny. It had really sprung up out of nowhere. She was still shy around him occasionally and he certainly wasn't as close to her as he was to Ron or Hermione but he felt she understood him and he her much better than either of the other two did. Harry's past, both in terms of Voldemort, and the Dursleys gave him a much more effective insight into the darker side of humanity than either Ron or Hermione, or indeed any of the Weasleys, though from what Ginny said about Bill's work in Egypt he may have some idea. He liked to think he had helped her, though he didn't think it was him so much as Samson, then again without him Ginny would never have met Samson, then again Samson might still have his parents. It was a vicious cycle.

Harry knew she still had nightmares about the Chamber. That was unsurprising. Though from what she said they gradually got better even before she bonded to the young Cerberus. He decided he needed to write to her when Hedwig got back, to see how she was doing away from Samson, he knew he was missing Kali. He should also write to Ron and Hermione, he hadn't spent as much time as he should with them over the last few weeks of the year and he was rather guilty about it. He should probably write to Hagrid as well as he could tell him about Kali and Samson. He smiled at the thought he had so many people to write to this summer, and hopefully this time he would get letters and not have any other bizarre creature interfering with him.

Turning back to his proposed two week timetable he was rather shocked by how full it was, he planned for an hour of exercise every morning before breakfast. This was to be running around the small local park until he got fitter followed by press-ups and sit ups in his room, he half thought about asking Dobby to install a chin up bar but felt that was yet another thing best left until later. After an hour for breakfast and a shower he would read. Wanded subjects so Charms Transfiguration and Defence before lunch, starting with the magical theory stuff, Potions, Herbology and History in the afternoon, then Runes, Arithmancy and Astronomy in the evening, each for an hour. It would be painfully hard work for a while but he could reorganise after two weeks, besides, it was mainly the new books, his diligence at the end of the previous year had meant that he was mostly caught up with the necessary reading.

His first day in the new regime couldn't have gotten off to a more depressing start, he had harboured the vain hope that despite Kalcon's disparaging comments, Quidditch would give him a significant boost to his fitness campaign. After being forced to stop his run after half a mile due to the stitch in his side, he was forced to concede that sitting down on a broomstick for two hours at a time in no way helped his muscle development. After he got back to his room he was slightly more pleased with the fifteen press ups and twenty sit ups he managed before being forced to stop, though the numbers were still depressing. The roaming notice-me-not device that Dobb had given him was a godsend though, he had never been allowed as long as he wanted in the shower, even at school there was always someone needing to use it. As Harry felt the scalding stream run over his already sore muscles he tried to convince himself that this was just the first step in a long process and it would get easier with time. By the time he got out of the shower he had at least partially convinced himself as he was much more upbeat about the whole situation. He quickly realised that his meals from Dobby would be the highpoint of his days, while the Hogwarts house elves were exceptional, they catered for a significant number of people. Dobby on the other hand was solely focussed on meeting Harry's needs, though he was under orders from both Professor McGonagall and Kalcon via Harry to make sure he ate a relatively healthy diet in spite of Harry's occasional protests.

By the time his breakfast was done Dobby had returned from Diagon Alley with Harry's new books and his studying time began. His pre-lunch study of magical theory was both fascinating and incredibly hard work. It appeared to be built around four factors, the strength of will of the caster, what the casters intent is in casting the spell, the strength with which they can cast it and the level of control they have over the spell. According to the books, well the beginners guide he was currently reading, wandless magic should be possible for each and every spell however wands are used for two reasons, firstly they help to focus the mind on the spell about to be cast improving both the will and intent levels of the caster, secondly wands allow much finer control over the magic increasing the finesse of the spell, while this might not be necessary in wide-area effect spells like notice-me-not charms, for transfiguration and the like details are exceptionally important.

Harry's first afternoon he decided to concentrate on Potions believing that to be the area he needed to cover the most ground. Opening the large tome detailing ingredient interactions he quickly found himself both intrigued by the subject and furious at his 'teacher'. The introduction to the book was surprisingly simple and Harry found himself making copious notes. Through it all one suggestion was made thoroughly clear, under no circumstances should any student 'blind brew', that is attempt a potion without thoroughly studying each ingredient and how it interacts with the others. While clearly an attempt to promote the significance of the book it made a valid point, it was fundamentally unsafe to let a bunch of small children chuck a load of dangerous ingredients together and stir without explaining necessary precautions first. Harry resolved there and then to try and brew a potion from the previous years at least once a day over the summer after studying the necessary interactions. It might also be an idea to read ahead and do the same with those potions as Snape most certainly wouldn't do it in the lesson time.

After dinner had sent Dobby off to Diagon Alley again to get a large supply of Potion vials, after all, if he was going to brew them he may as well keep the good ones, and decided to start back at the very beginning tomorrow with the potion to cure boils he had brewed in the very first Potions lesson.

While Runes fascinated him, Harry new that he needed to dedicate significant amounts of time to Arithmancy and History. Arithmancy was a struggle but he persevered as he could see the use, However, he made the mistake of attempting to read his History books before he went to bed. It was less than twenty minutes before he was snoring gently.

Harry woke up when his alarm went off at 6.30 the next morning, with a monstrous crick in his neck and seemingly each and every one of his muscles sore. Resigned to his new regime he awkwardly got up and stretched, trying to relieve at least some of the tension in his aching muscles.

He was pleased to note that he was able to run a little further today before coming to a halt. He also increased his tally to 18 press ups and 22 sit ups. After falling asleep yesterday he decided to change the schedule and move History to just before dinner, Arithmancy to just after, then Runes. Any extra time after his studies he would use to write letters to his friends now that Hedwig had returned.

This routine quickly became the norm for Harry and the two weeks to McGonagall's arrival were flying past. He was increasingly proud of his brewing skills. He knew he would never be a Potions master and he had the odd spoilt potion but now he was beginning to understand when to be extra careful the subject became much more interesting. As it turned out the author had written another book which documented the treatment of various ingredients, both in their native form and in terms of adding them to Potions. The book came highly recommended, though it may largely have been due to the fact it was the same author. Nevertheless Harry had ordered it and was awaiting its arrival. His physical training was coming on as well, he had still not been able to run for the whole mile round the park but he was getting closer. The only disappointing thing was that he hadn't had any replies from his friends yet, he was rather nervous about the situation, not in the same way as last year, he knew there was a reason for last year and it was making him breakfast. No, he was nervous because Hedwig had been gone for four days, sure she had four letters to deliver, at opposite ends of the country, but she had always managed before.

Ron Weasley was rather annoyed, and for once it wasn't entirely due to his brothers. The source of his annoyance was Harry Potter. When Harry mentioned at the back end of last year he was switching electives and taking his studies more seriously Ron could see his point but wanted no part of it, everyone knew Runes and Arithmancy were difficult, far better to take Divination. Of course what he didn't expect was that for the following four weeks he would see his best friend for barely more than an hour a day that wasn't meal related. Then there as the fact that his friend was spending even more time with his baby sister than him, sure he seemed to help her after the Chamber but they didn't need to spend SO much time together surely. He looked across at his clock, 2.30 in the morning. He couldn't believe he was still awake. He never lost sleep, it was Harry that's what it was, he was angry he was being ditched by his best friend for his little sister. Deep down he wasn't surprised. His siblings were all special, the curse breaker, the dragon tamer, the scholar, the pranksters, then there was Ginny. First female Weasley in Merlin knows how long, being Harry's best friend was all Ron had.

Needing a drink and to clear his head he got up to make his way down to the kitchen. He was making his way past Ginny's room when he heard thrashing around from within. He stood stock still for a moment, undecided as to what to do, when he heard whimpering and sobbing from inside. His mind quickly made up he crossed the landing and knocked on Ginny's door before opening it.

"Gin? Are you alright." He called out quietly. He received no answer but looking at the pale shaking form of his sister he knew what it was, though he didn't really know what to do, Ginny always had older brothers to do the comforting when she had nightmares. Thinking back to what Mum used to do for him he moved slowly to the edge of the bed and sat down before gently stroking her hair while whispering "It's okay now Gin. You're going to be fine."

Her eyes flew open at the first contact and she flew away from him looking around the room wild-eyed. What she saw appeared to calm her because her breathing settled and she looked back at Ron.

"You're okay Gin, It was just a nightmare it wasn't real. D-Do you want to talk about it?"

She shook her head, flaming hair flying back and forth desperately, doing her best to shake the images out of her head.

Sighing he continued "Is it always like this?"

After a number of long moments she answered "N-not s-since the first f-few nights. Harry helped. Knowing he was around was good." Came the whisper.

Not knowing what else to do Ron opened his arms and waited for his sister to come to him before enveloping her in a loving embrace. Okay so maybe he couldn't be that angry at his best friend.

Hermione Granger was a smart girl, everyone knew it, they always had, it was what led to her being an outcast in primary school. She liked knowing things, learning things puzzling things out for herself. The problem was her current puzzle, her friend Harry Potter, her first friend really, her best friend. She was good friends with Ron of course but they argued so much! It just wasn't conducive to learning to argue that much! The problem was he was working hard, he was studying, apparently the Chamber incident had been a major wake up call. While she applauded the dedication with which he had obviously set about his task, she couldn't help but wonder what would happen to her now? If Harry and Ron didn't need her to make them study why would they bother with her? Harry was famous and he could hang around with whoever he wanted, Ron was so funny, especially when he wasn't trying to be. What did she bring to the table. Even if they wanted a girls opinion there were plenty of girlier girls in Gryffindor. Her dorm mates for starters, and then Harry had been spending so much time with Ginny Weasley recently. Not that she was jealous, Merlin knows the girl needed help and if anyone can relate to her it would be Harry, but a girl couldn't help but feel left out.

Her musings were interrupted by a soft hoot and she came back to herself to see a beautiful and familiar Snowy Owl tapping on the window.

"Hello Hedwig, I was just thinking about you." She said excitedly, as the owl cocked her head to one side she restated, "Well Harry really but as your my link to him you count as well!" The gentle chirruping response appeared to be laughter. Hedwig held out her leg and Hermione saw four letters attached one was messily labelled 'Harry', she had seen that writing before and assumed it was from Hagrid, then one to herself, one to Ron and one to Ginny all in Harry's scrawl. Removing her letter she made her way over to her dresser and gave Hedwig an Owl treat.

"Hedwig, since you waited for Hagrid to reply would you mind waiting for me as well?"

Hedwig nodded her head and appeared to settle herself on the dresser, while Hermione opened Harry's letter.

Hi Hermione,

Hope the holiday's are treating you as well as they are me! Honestly it's been fantastic I don't know if I mentioned it but I worked out a simple runic ward for my room. The Dursley's can't hear anything I do and it's got a notice-me-not function as well so they forget I'm there. It's a bit lonely but really compared to the usual its great!

Hermione didn't know whether to be pleased for her friend or burst into tears at the thought that he had to spend his summer with little to no human contact. Objectively she had heard about abusive families and such but the reality that she knew a victim of such a household appalled her. Especially when it was someone like Harry.

You'll be pleased to know I've set up a study routine. I haven't finished the summer homework yet, or even started most of it. But before you start ranting about the importance of it, it's only because I'm reviewing everything I know for every subject before I start so that I can do it better, no point having to do it more than once.

I've also found some really interesting books on magical theory, it explains how it's only will power, intent, power and control that matter to any spell based magic but then other stuff like emotions can have a big effect. I'm not finished with it yet but I'll let you borrow it back at school. There's also another really cool one about using muggle science to help understand magical processes. It's been recommended by whoever the new defence teacher is. I'm not sure but if the book is anything to go by they're going to be great!

Anyway that's enough about me, how do you like being home? Do your parents know about EVERYTHING? Are you going on holiday again this year? Let me know how you're doing.

Harry.

Hermione smiled as she finished the letter, it seemed she would always have a friend in Harry. The chirp she heard brought her attention back to Hedwig who gave her a look which clearly said 'Was there any doubt?'

She picked up a blank bit of parchment and a quill and began her response.

Neither Ron nor Ginny mentioned the previous night to anyone else, though Ron felt he should the pleading looks he got from Ginny told him she couldn't handle anyone else knowing what had happened.

It was after dinner and Ron was about to challenge anyone who would play to a game of chess when he was called through to the kitchen. He was pleased by the appearance of Hedwig, especially now he was harbouring fewer ill feelings towards Harry. He saw that she was in fact carrying a multitude of letters, two for him, one clearly from Harry, the other Hermione, two to Harry, one possibly from Hagrid, and one to Ginny. A brief swell of betrayal rose within Ron before he remembered the sight of his sister last night and pushed the feelings down.

"Hey Ginny! He yelled. "There's a letter for you!" before he settled down to open his own.

Hey mate,

How's the holiday? Mine's been much better, muggles left me alone so far. Course that's because I've set up a runic ward that makes them forget about me so I don't have to do chores. Told you you should have switched to Runes mate!

Ron groaned. It was his day for dishes tomorrow.

Life's been peaceful but I've got nothing to do but read since I'm stuck in the room most of the day, and no books but school ones. I know I spent the back end of the year studying but I might be pushing Hermione at this rate. Unfortunately for you mate she knows I've been working, so she may come down extra hard on you. Sorry.

Anyway let me know how you're doing.

Harry

Opening Hermione's letter with some trepidation now, knowing quite well what Harry said was likely true.

Ronald

I hope the holidays are treating you well. I've enjoyed spending time with my parents, I really missed them over Christmas. Before I forget I wanted to ask how Ginny is? She seemed to be coping rather well back in school.

I've heard from Harry and he's mentioned how he's taking his studying more seriously. It wouldn't hurt you to do the same. We start our OWLs this year, you should be doing everything you can to prepare.

I'll stop there, I don't want to overburden Hedwig.

Love

Hermione

Well it wasn't as bad as it could have been but it appeared both his best friends were now bookworms, he found it rather shameful.

When Ron called her through because she had a letter she really didn't expect to see Hedwig. Perhaps a long distance owl from Egypt or Romania but Harry's owl! That was a surprise. She wasn't sure what she felt about Harry anymore, she still had a bit of her crush but given he had literally saved her from a terrible beast by slaying it with a shining sword that was understandable. The weeks that followed the Chamber could have been awful, she was pleased the school didn't know the full details otherwise it would have been, but Harry seemed to have taken it upon himself to make sure she was okay. Slowly she came out of her shell and a few days she managed not to blush round him at all! Kali was beautiful and she couldn't believe that she knew about her when Ron and Hermione were still in the dark. She did kind of agree with Harry though, from what she knew of Hermione she wouldn't leave him alone about the bond and she definitely knew Ron would be jealous.

Ginny felt sorry for Ron, the last of so many boys and from a poor family, he had nothing of his own. When he goes to school and has a chance to get aware from their shadow he befriends the most famous student in the wizarding world. It was sad really, though quite funny. Her own familiar bond had been a joy, the only problem being that Samson could not come home with her, he was just too conspicuous. She missed him already. Between him and Harry that nightmares from the Chamber had been held at bay. Now they were back with a vengeance. Steeling herself offered Hedwig an owl treat before taking the proffered letter and sitting down to read it at the table.

Hi Ginny,

I haven't written before but I feel like after the last month of school we had gotten to know each other quite well and I'd like to know you better. I know you know most of my plans for the summer and they've begun as planned. I got some really interesting books on defence and stuff that I think will definitely help when I can use a wand again, if you want to carry on learning like the end of last term I'd be happy to help.

I know we haven't talked much about what you went through but I know I've had nightmares about it so I'm sure you have. If you need to talk about it you can write to me, or talk to your brothers, from what you and Ron have said I'm sure Bill could help. I know it's painful to talk about Ginny but after talking a bit about what went on at the Dursleys I can honestly say it helps.

I've written to Hagrid about Kali and I can ask about Samson too if you like since I know you don't have your own owl, we can both ask via Hedwig! Let me know if that's what you want to do.

Hope your having a good holiday. Or at least better than it could have been

Harry

Ginny was exhausted reading the letter, she had been so nervous about it especially as she didn't know what was going on really, was he feeling obligated to her because he saved her or because she was his best friends sister, or did he genuinely like her?

Her relief when he said he wanted to know her better was palpable. It wasn't just because he felt he had to that they were talking! And he agreed to keep training with her. What was it he had said. We both need to get stronger, faster and better so that next time we meet him they could take the bastard down! She really didn't want to meet him again but she never wanted to feel that helpless again. Before they left Harry made sure she knew most of her first year books back to front so there wasn't a lot she could learn, though perhaps she could borrow from one of her brothers, probably Percy. However, one thing she felt she could do was the exercise. When Kalcon had berated harry about his physical fitness he had definitely glanced at her too, though when Harry translated for her he also said something about young wizards not having to be quite as careful about overdoing it as young witches. At first she thought it was a throw away comment but now she thought it was directed at her. Telling her she needed to exercise too but to be careful in the way I go about it. Resolved that at least she had found something that would help her feel stronger she looked at the next bit of the letter and paled. He wanted her to talk about it. She knew she should but she couldn't write to Harry about it. Writing to Bill though, that she might manage, she knew since his job in Egypt had begun that Bill had seen things in the tombs, scary disgusting things. Yes she could write to Bill, but first to reply to Harry...

This chapter is very much a set up and descriptive Chapter, in fact I can honestly say there is going to be very little action for a while so if you're going to carry on reading you probably need to get used to it.

The next few Chapters will come thick and fast up until the end of Summer but then I'm not quite sure the best way to do the whole prisoner storyline so if anyone has any ideas send them along.

I warn you now though, if you've looked at my other story, Feels Like Home you will notice I have a thing for Runes and the Animagus process. That hasn't changed.