The next day dawned bright and early. With a stretch, Harry climbed out of his bed and looked around. Hedwig wasn't back yet, but the raven was still asleep, perched on the back of his chair.
It was too early for the Dursleys to be up on a Saturday, so Harry settled in with a good book.
The book was about warriors, forgotten and famous alike. He became so engrossed in the book that he looked up only when he heard furious hisses.
The raven was battling against a grasshopper. He attacked the poor creature over and over again, but the grasshopper jumped up after each fall. The raven finally became so frustrated that he ate the grasshopper, making Harry look away and gag.
"You're just like Warrior Ceroth," said Harry with a small laugh. Suddenly Harry became thoughtful. "Ceroth."
Harry brightened up.
"I got you a name! Ceroth!"
The raven blinked and smacked his beak. Harry gave a small laugh. It was time for breakfast, only It seemed that Ceroth had already began his with a grasshopper.
Harry came out of the local store with two sandwiches and some biscuits in his rucksack. Ceroth was waiting on a nearby tree. Harry knew that he would have to go and visit Gringotts soon, since his muggle money needed restocking.
A street away Harry had finally arrived. He grinned as his favourite park came into view. He felt that something was wrong, but shrugged it off.
He sat on the swings, that were always his favourite and just closed his eyes, letting the feeling of the wind on his face soothe him.
He opened his eyes just as his raven flew into view.
Ceroth settled on the ground not far from where Harry was sitting and began walking around. With a grin Harry tore a piece of bread to the bird and threw it to him. The bird was gently pulling it apart and eating happily when a small robin flew over to him and tried pecking it as well.
Ceroth, however, did not like it and began chasing the robin away.
"Ceroth," Harry reprimanded the raven softly. "Be nice. You can have more, you know."
As the robin flew away, Ceroth flew on to Harry's knee and was pointedly looking at the sandwich and Harry.
"You have been spending too much time with Hedwig," Harry mumbled as he gave a piece of the sandwich to the raven.
The raven flew off onto a tree and busied himself with eating.
Harry chuckled. Then there was a shout: "HARRY!"
Harry turned to see Mark Evans (not an OC) run towards him.
"Hey Mark," said Harry. "Is Dudley's gang chasing you again?"
Mark shook his head, then gave him a letter. There, was the Hogwarts seal.
"It came, can you believe it Harry? It actually came!" the boy bragged, yet skipping on his feet. Then he got swept into a hug by Harry.
"Congratulations," said Harry sincerely.
"Thanks!" said Mark. But then he looked down and Harry was reminded of Dobby, except for the lack of ears.
"Mark? What's wrong, little bro?" asked Harry.
"What if...what if I get in Slytherin? Can we still be friends or will you hate me? Can we still hang around in summer? I mean Dudley and his gang always after us," Mark rambled, but Harry stopped him.
"Mark," he said. "I'm fine with you getting into Slytherin. We will always be friends and no matter what, I will be there for you."
"Really? I mean really, really? I mean it's a though decision probably and all that then I mean actually really? You will? That's great, I mean—"
"Mark, you forget that I was practically a Slytherin and the only reason I didn't want to become one because of the manipulations of an old man."
"Oh ok," said Mark. "Also...my parents were drunk again, so I didn't want to tell them."
"It's fine. We can go collect your things tomorrow," said Harry.
"But I don't have any money and I doubt my parents will pay," said Mark.
"Don't worry about money, Mark," said Harry with a small smile. "Come on, it's getting dark. I'll walk you home. Now where is that raven?"
Ceroth flew onto a nearby wall and let out a soft craw.
With that the three began their journey, not knowing that someone was following them.
"I am going out tomorrow, Uncle," said Harry firmly as the man was turning redder and redder by the minute. It didn't help that they were arguing at the front door, outside.
"And who will do your chores, boy?! Me? Dudders? Petunia? HA!"
"That is up to you," said Harry calmly.
"Well, if you do leave then the old man has no right to do anything to us! Understood? And I don't want to see your sorry face for the rest of the summer, so you's better stay somewhere with those freaks of yours!"
After a few more minutes, Harry had no choice, but to agree. So he had to clear out before 9 am next morning. He went to his room, made sure everything was packed and then opened his laptop.
Admin Emerald has joined the chat.
NevGryff: Sure, MoonNargle.
MoonNargle: Hello, Emerald.
NevGryff: Hi
Emerald: Hiya!
SlythDragon: Evening Emy!
Emerald to SlythDragon: ^.-
SlythDragon: Ooh, The iBrow!
NevGryff: *facepalm*
Emerald: *facepalm*
MoonNargle: It seems that Mositoes have been bothering you, SlythDragon.
Emerald: Nice job, MoonNargle! :D
NevGryff: Seems that Emerald and I share minds.
SlythDragon: Hey!
Emerald to SlythDragon: :P
Emerald to NevGryff: :D
Aknott has joined the chat.
NevGryff: lol
SlythDragon: Everyone is turning on me *pout*
SlythDragon: Hey Aknott!
Emerald: Hi
MoonNargle: Hello
Aknott: hey you lot.
SlythDragon to Aknott: You have been spending too much time with Thing1 and Thing2.
Aknott: :P
SlythDragon: Come on! Not you too!
Grey has registered and joined the chat.
Aknott: Ha you wish Draggy.
Emerald: Hello, Grey and welcome to UH. I am Admin Emerald and here to help once in need.
NevGryff: Hey, Grey!
MoonNargle: Hello
Grey: Hello, everyone and thank you Admin Emerald.
SlythDragon to NevGryff: That rhymes!
Emerald: Please call me Emerald.
Grey: Ok
NevGryff: I kinda noticed...
SlythDragon: Emy, a private chat please?
MoonNargle: Grey, it's great to see you.
Emerald: DON'T CALL ME EMY! And sure.
Admin Emerald has entered a private chat with SlythDragon.
SlythDragon has entered a private chat with Admin Emerald.
SlythDragon: Hey again.
Emerald: Hi. :D
SlythDragon: I haven't asked you for a long time, but how are you?
Emerald: Fine thanks. You?
SlythDragon: I'm fine.
Emerald: Don't lie, Dray. You wouldn't ask me if you weren't alright.
SlythDragon: I'm not lying.
Emerald: Drake, I know you rather well.
SlythDragon: ...
SlythDragon: Fine. I'm worried about Hogwarts.
Emerald: What about Hoggy Warty?
SlythDragon: What will happen when we go there? I mean, I can't just suddenly be all friendly with you. Just my godfather getting suspicious will be enough for my father to find out.
Emerald: Don't worry. We'll probably be able to talk through internet.
SlythDragon: Earth to Potter! Magic and internet...don't go together.
Emerald: *smirk*
SlythDragon: ...
SlythDragon: You know something, don't you, you sneaky lion!
Emerald: Well I do know some stuff...I mean I can count and read.
SlythDragon: You know what I mean! Come on Emy! Spill!
Emerald: lol
Emerald: Fine, fine, your impatient snakyness.
SlythDragon: Impatient snakyness? Really Em? Only you...
Emerald: Mione and I are having success in finding how to get internet to Hogwarts.
SlythDragon: That's neat.
Emerald: *proud smirk*
Emerald: I am also probably staying in the Leaky Cauldron from now on.
SlythDragon: Bloody snake in lions's clothing.
SlythDragon: What? Why?
Emerald: My dearest uncle doesn't want me here.
SlythDragon: ...
SlythDragon: Muggles.
Emerald: :D
SlythDragon: Sorry, know that if not for my father, I could invite you over.
Emerald: It's fine. Just remember to leave me a message so I know when you are going to Diagon Alley.
SlythDragon: Fine.
Emerald: Thank Draggy.
There was a pause. Then, as if he only understood:
SlythDragon: Don't. Ever. Call. Me. Draggy!
Emerald: As you wish, Ickle Drannykins.
SlythDragon is banging his head against his desk.
Emerald: Now, who's acting like Mione?
SlythDragon is ready to kill Admin Emerald.
Admin Emerald is smiling innocently.
Emerald: Ok I gotta go. Long day ahead tomorrow.
SlythDragon: Fine. You'd better be alive next time I see you.
Emerald: Aw I didn't know you cared so much.
SlythDragon: I don't! In fact I still hate you Potter!
Emerald: Love you too :P
SlythDragon: Yeah...right. Well Goodnight
Emerald: Goodnight.
Admin Emerald has left the private chat.
Emerald: Ok guys, I have to go. I will be available more often after tomorrow, so if you see Mione, let her know.
NevGryff: Ok. Bye
Salazar: Goodnight.
Emerald: Goodnight everyone.
Admin Emerald has left the chat.
With a one last sweeping look at his 'room', Harry climbed onto his bed, leaving the window open in case Hedwig returned or Ceroth wanted to go for a flight.
"Ceroth, I should have named you Chaos, you know," Harry mumbled as the raven sped after some fly or something, almost crashing into the ceiling.
Harry smiled a bit. That raven was really Ceroth. Ceroth– The Warrior of the Galaxy.
"CEDRIC! NO!" Harry woke from another nightmare, from a strong pecking on his head. He sprang up, only to see the raven fly to the foot of the bed. The raven cocked his head to the side, watching Harry.
"I woke you, didn't I?" said Harry, tiredly. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
The raven flew onto his knee and kept watching Harry. Harry smiled at the raven, but didn't touch him.
Lying down, Harry saw Ceroth take his place at the low headboard, instead of the chair, where he usually slept. Harry fell asleep from the comforting feeling of Ceroth preening his hair.
The next morning dawned early and bright and Harry woke, stretching. He sneaked downstairs to make a few sandwiches. He was eating one, just as Hedwig arrived with a letter from Hermione and the Hogwarts owl delivered the Hogwarts letter.
Dear Harry, said Hermione's letter.
That idea you had was wonderful! How ever I don't think that the rune of Movement (Ehwaz) will help us much. I have already thought of it and tried some things, but even in the Encyclopaedia of Great's and Ancient's it shows that it won't help us much. How ever the it seems that Thurlsaz should help us! Anyway, I will research as much as possible. And you were right, it's better to send letter's rather than email, because otherwise it would be hard ti draw runes there!
Love,
Hermione
Harry grinned. Perhaps there will be a chance of getting internet to Hogwarts.
Ceroth gave a craw as he woke. Stealing one of Harry's sandwiches, he began his breakfast.
"Hedwig," said Harry. "We'll be going to the Leaky Cauldron. Can you fly there please and wait for us? Ceroth will come with me, since he's just a bit too weak to fly such distances right now. Ok?"
Hedwig nipped his fingers and took flight out of the window.
It took some time to coax Ceroth into Hedwig's cage, but finally, ten minutes to eight, Harry was ready to go downstairs.
They met Mark on a nearby street.
"Why do you have your things with you, Harry?" asked Mark.
"Well, I'll be staying in a local pub there until the end of the summer."
"Ok."
Harry looked around, then raised his wand and in a few moment a lilac bus appeared out if thin air. Harry grinned at a gobsmacked Mark, who was gaping unashamedly at the vechile.
"'Ello an' welcome, ter te Nightbus. I am Stan Shunpike an' will be yer conducter fer the– Bless me sweet Hippogryffs. Hey Ern! Look it's 'Arry Potter!"
"Hello, Stan. Two tickets to the Leaky Cauldron, please," said Harry.
"Right'o'way, 'Arry."
Harry payed for them and he and Mark went to find the seats, Mark still gaping.
Finally after many bumps and falls, they arrived and with fake smiles thanked the two men and hastily left the bus.
"I really don't want to go on that again," said Mark with a grimace.
Harry chuckled as they entered the dusty pub.
"Hello, Tom," said Harry.
"Ah, Mr Potter. Came here for breakfast or a snack?"
"Maybe later. I would like to book a room."
"Very well. Room number 4."
"Thank you, Tom," said Harry and he and Mark went to drop off Harry's luggage.
As Harry tapped the bricks to enter Diagon Alley, Mark looked at him strangely, but then his mouth opened in an 'O'.
"Welcome, little brother, to Diagon Alley."
They went to Gringotts and Harry paused a bit at the entrance to give the younger one time to read the poem.
Harry got some money out of his trust fund and exchanged some for muggle money. Then they went and bought all of Mark's things.
Harry bought Mark some sweets to take home as well. Deciding to leave most of his stuff with Harry, Mark was followed home.
That night, before going to sleep, Harry went to a nearby muggle park and logged on his computer that had mobile internet.
Emerald,
Going to Diagon Alley next week on Friday.
SlythDragon
A/N
I hope you enjoyed it. I tried to write as much as possible.
I am not bothering you with a long AN, but I would like to thank all who reviewed it.
Liliana
NEXT CHAPTER
"Emy! Go, run!" he whispered frantically. "Please!"
It was too late, He had seen Harry.