Hidden Truths

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. They belong to J.K. Rowling. I'm just playing around with them for a while.

Author's Note: Hi everybody, I'm back. I know it's been a long while…okay a year and a half. School, writer's block and real life have been the reason I've been gone so long. Forgive me? Anyway, I've finally managed to get some writing done. It's not a completely finished chapter but that's only because it was getting too long and I didn't want anyone to get a headache reading an epic of a chapter. So I decided to split it up. Before I forget, I've included a little bit of the end of chapter one at the beginning, sort of a memory refreshener. Thoughts are in single quotes while dialogue is in double quotes. I wanna give special props to everyone who reviewed and/or put this on their story alerts. It really means a lot to know that the story was well received. Enjoy the chapter everyone :)

Previously in Hidden Truths…

…I hope you're feeling better now that you've had a few things to laugh about. Hope to hear back from you. With lots of love, Ginny

A warm feeling came over Harry after finishing the letter. Bringing it to his nose he caught a whiff of wildflowers and chocolate.

'She must've helped her mum bake the muffins. That was sweet of her.' He mused while opening the care package from the Burrow. 'And so pretty that I regret not noticing earlier when she still had that crush on me. Merlin! That sure was ages ago.'

"BOY! GET DOWN HERE!"

The unmistakable voice of Vernon Dursley boomed all over Number Four. The whole month had gone by so nicely without any confrontation from any of the Dursleys. If Harry was being called downstairs then something had to be up.

"Coming right down Uncle Vernon!"

Chapter Two: Setting Things About & Taking Care of Business, Part One

Descending the stairs cautiously, Harry made it to the kitchen of Number Four Privet Drive to find his relatives sitting around the table.

"You wanted to see me, Uncle Vernon?"

"Don't give me cheek boy!"

"Yes sir."

Harry's Aunt grabbed her husband's arm in warning.

"Vernon, remember what the freaks said."

"Sorry Pet." Vernon reassured her. "Look here boy," he directed his gaze at Harry. "we're headed into town on a very important meeting with client in London. We can't leave you with that batty Mrs. Figg since she's going out of town so you have two options." The elder Dursley paused sipping his morning coffee. "You can either come with us. Or we can drop you off somewhere for the day."

'Looks like I just found my way to Diagon Alley. And Gringotts.'

"If you wouldn't terribly mind Uncle, I'd like to be dropped off. My 'freakishness' won't disturb your meeting and you'll have a better chance of impressing the people in your meeting."

"Smart boy. We leave in an hour and a half. Grab whatever you'll need. We won't be fetching you till late."

'Perfect. Maybe I can enlist the twins to sneak me into the alley. Or disguise me. Better take the cloak just in case.'

"Yes Uncle. Thank you." "Don't thank me just yet. If this meeting goes wrong in any way at all, you pay the price."

"Vernon…"

"Don't worry Pet. Only if things go wrong."

'Merlin, Morgana and any other deities above, make sure it doesn't. Or at least make sure I'm not here to pay it.'

Heading up to his room, Harry made a mental list of what he'd need and who would need to be contacted. Entering the room, Harry headed to his trunk to retrieve his empty bookbag (which thanks to Hermione was now bottomless and weightless) and a clean set of clothes. From the loose floorboard under the bed, he took out his cloak, the Marauders' map, the photo album that Hagrid made of his parents and his money pouch which held his vault key inside. After making sure they were securely safe in his messagenger bag, Harry went to his desk to quickly write a couple of notes. Biting the tip of his quill he thought out a careful and polite response to the bank.

Dear Leader Ragnok, thank you for the information concerning my financial affairs needing attending to. Had your message not reached me when it did, I'd not know the consequences of not claiming my inheritance. I shall be in London this fine day and would like an audience with yourself and my account manager later this afternoon. I do not know exactly what time my family will deliver me to London but would be most honored if a message could be delivered through a third party of my choice as I will be traveling within the next few hours and my relatives are wary of owls. If this would be agreeable with you, my contact in the alley will be the Weasley twins whom own a business located at 99 Diagon Alley. I thank you for taking time to meet with me. May your gold never run out. Harry Potter

'Now what to tell Fred and George...'

Dear twins, how are you guys? Is the shop doing well? I have a favor to ask of you. I'm going to London today (since my relatives will be in town and don't trust me to not any magic while they're gone) and need to take care of a few things in the alley. I was wondering of on e of you could sneak me into the alley under my cloak or maybe help me figure a disguise? I'll be waiting by the courtyard under my cloak unless I can manage to lift a cap from my cousin. Thanks in advance. Mischief managed, Pronglet

'I can't believe the Maruaders let that slip. At least it's better than Bambi.'

P.S. Be on the lookout for a missive from the gobbling for me. Thanks again.

After sealing and addressing his mail, Harry approached Hedwig's cage and tied them to her talons.

"Hey girl, I need you to deliver these for me. They go to Ragnok from Gringotts and the Weasley twins. Take your time getting back. I don't know when I'll be back today." He scratched her ear. "Looks like a nice day for hunting. Bet you'd really like that huh girl."

She flew off after Harry made sure the letters were secured and the window open. He looked at the clock and realized he still had little more than half an hour.

'Quick muffin then a quicker shower before I get changed. Maybe I should pack a couple of those in my bag.' He thought while munching on one. 'Nah, Dudleydumpkins'll smell them a mile away. Or they'll get squashed. Good thing I found that note from Mrs. Weasley saying there was a shrinking charm on the box with the usual preservation charms.'' He thought while tapping it once with his wand and storing it under the loose floorboard. 'Merlin bless that woman.'

Twenty minutes later saw Harry showered and changed. After double checking that he had his book bag packed, he grabbed a spiral notebook, package of envelopes and a couple of pens so he could make lists of things he might need to buy or letters he'd send from an owl post office. A knock at his door caught him off guard he made sure the bed made and the room tidy.

"Harry?"

"Yeah Big D?"

"I never got to thank you. For last summer. You know, those dementy things."

"Dementors?"

"Sure, whatever they're called. Just…you know…thanks for saving me. Those things looked nasty."

"You saw what they looked like? Muggles can't see them, at least I don't think they can. Doesn't matter. You're welcome, by the way."

"You didn't have to save me. After all the crap I put you through since we was kids…I didn't deserve you saving me."

"Dud, you're my family. Of course I would've saved you."

"Anyway, I heard you're going to that place you get your school stuff from. Heard that people there like staring at you…so I thought you could use this," Dudley said pulling a baseball cap out of his jeans pocket. "you know, to hide under."

"Thaks Dud. This will really help." Harry said, glancing at the clock once more. "We better get downstairs before your Mum or Dad start yelling for us."

Meanwhile in a manor in Lancaster…

A very distinguished woman, possibly in her mid to late 50s or 60s in looks sat absently stirring her tea. She was lost in thoughts, long forgotten memories and looking through a large tome like book. A page lay open to several pictures of two young boys. One with hair of honey and the other the shade of the darkest night.

Across the room sat in the plush chair placed behind the regal desk was a boy, much like the lighter haired boy in the picture. Every once in a while he looked her way, smiled shyly, then went back to his studies. On the coffee table in front of her laid the morning paper whose headlines made her scoff.

'HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED SPOTTED AT THE MINISTRY'

'STUDENTS BATTLE DEATH EATERS'

'BOY-WHO-LIED TOLD TRUTH'

The last two made her upset. Children having to fight monsters on a 2-to-1 ratio. Unfair and uncalled for. Not to mention that the newspaper on her coffee table printed absolute rubbish these days. Libeling Dumbledore and the Potter child.

The former wasn't a total surprise. She'd know the man most of her life. She knew what he was capable of. Both the good and the bad.

The young dark haired man whose face was plastered on the front page so like the other boy in the photo album looked tired and burdened, much older than his fifteen years. A burden which no doubt has been made harder to bear than before.

'I remember the first time I laid eyes on him. Just after Neville's first year at school. He looked so much like my brother and nephew. If only I could tell him.

Merlin, how I hate Albus Dumbledore for putting me in this position. I could have raised both my boys together. That insufferable man knew there was another way around the blood wards he cast. If not me, then that nice girl that was related to Lily. A cousin I think.

When my Nevie told me about the Department of Mysteries I was frightened out of my wits For both of them. And so proud at the same time as well as angry. Angry at my boys for heading towards danger. And angry at Albus for not telling my Harry about the prophesy.

If only I didn't have to worry about that cursed vow I was forced into making! If it wasn't for my two little ones, I would've broken it a long time ago.'

"Gran? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine lad. Just an old bird caught up in her musings." She told her grandson. "Have you heard from your friends this holiday?"

What she was really asking him was 'Have you heard from your cousin?' but couldn't say that outoud. To do so would trigger the vow. And she wasn't about to let that happen.

"I've heard from everyone but Harry. But it's to be expected. He's just lost his Godfather and something seems to be bothering him."

"How so dear?"

"I don't know. He seems mad at the Headmaster." This peaked her interest and Neville could tell. "Just after we got back to school, Harry wasn't with us in the hospital wing. But he came in after a while joined by the Professor. Ignoring him while he was talking to all of us."

"Hmm…I wonder what Albus told the lad. Or hid from him."

"What do you mean Gran?"

"Albus…" she paused thinking of how to put it without saying something she shouldn't. "tends to hold his cards very close to the breast."

"I'd say so. Hardly looked or talked to Harry this year, before he was forced out that is. Then after the DoM fight he's trying to talk to the bloke left and right and the tables were turned."

Neville took a moment to scratch the back of his neck the exact same way as his dormmate. This made her smile thinking how much like their dads they were, not just in looks but mannerisms. She often wondered if Harry, Neville or anyone else ever noticed the similarities in their quirks.

"Come to think of it, when the Professor was finally gone Ginny noticed cuts on Harry's hands and arms like he'd been throwing things. Only made mention of it when Ron and Hermione weren't listening cause she knew they'd badger him about it. Since Luna was closer, she'd gotten Madame Pomphrey's attention to see to the cuts and give him a sleeping potion. Whatever it was, it had to be bad because the next day he let it slip that he destroyed the office. Hermione gave him the riot act about respecting the Headmaster, which was why we didn't' want her and Ron to hear us asking him about it."

"I see."

'Interesting. I wonder if perhaps the old goat finally told my grandnephew about that damned prophesy that took away my children, for James was like a second son while the girls where the daughters I never had.'

"Have your other friends written?"

"Yeah, although Ron only really talks about quidditch, chess and Ginny having boyfriends. Hermione only really writes about school and OWLs and NEWTs. Ginny and Luna on the other hand talk about how worried we are about Harry.

We've traded theories about what's bugging him. The three of us have a feeling it's about whatever was in that little glass ball that broke during the battle."

"Little glass ball?"

"Yes ma'am. It was on a shelf and had Harry's name on it. The room was full of them."

"You mean to tell me you were in the Hall of Prophesies?"

"Yes ma'am. Do you know what was in that little ball?"

"No dear, but I know someone who did."

"Who is it Gran? Maybe we can ask them."

"One of them won't remember since seers don't recognize when they've made a real prediction. Another would be Albus and he won't tell us. The others would be Harry's parents along with yours. I was not made privy to the contents. I'm sorry Neville."

"It's okay Gran." His eyes clouding at the mention of Frank and Alice Longbottom. "Although I don't know why my parents would have been told. Must have been because Mum was his Godmother. But then Sirius might've known it too."

"I don't' know dear. It's possible."

The ride to London had been very quiet. Vernon and Petunia kept throwing glances at their 'burden' of a 'freakish' nephew/ward. Dudley sat in the backseat playing on his hand-held game while Harry used the time to write notes to his friends (at least the ones that were close, he'd write to the rest upon his return that night or the next day) or jotting something down on his list.

'Books on the Mind Arts, can't count on Snivellus the Greasy to help with that.'

As they neared the city Vernon looked in the rear view mirror.

"Where are we dropping you boy?"

"A place called the Leaky Cauldron. But you might not see it, Uncle Vernon."

"And why the bloody Hell not?"

"The 'freaks' hide it from everyone else."

"Then why was I able to see it when we took Lily there all those years ago?"

"Really?"

'Hmm…first Dudley with dementors last year, now my Aunt says she saw the Leaky. Really need to write Hermy and ask her about this.' "I'm not sure Aunt Petunia. I can look into it for you if you'd like."

"Never mind." She snapped. "If we can't see it then where is Vernon dropping you?"

"There's a bookstore and coffee shop down the street from it. That would be okay with me."

"Fine, we'll pick you up at seven-thirty. If we're not here then you'll have to wait an hour or two."

"Yes ma'am."

He went back to his list and wrote a few more things before flipping to a blank page to make a to-do list.

'Finish letters over lunch. Find the owl post office. Think of alternative ways to get home if down early. What else?'

"We're here. Remember boy, seven-thirty. And if you're not out here waiting, then we'll leave and you'll have to find your own way back."

"Yes sir. Thank you for the lift."

"And remember, if my meeting goes wrong at all you'll pay the price."

"Yes sir. I'll keep that in mind. Good luck, Uncle."

As soon as he closed the door the car left and Harry put on the cap before heading into the pub. Lucky for him it wasn't crowded. In fact, it was practically empty.

"Afternoon Tom." He said as he walked to the bar. "Slow day?"

"One of the slowest. Don't know if it's the hour or the headlines in the Prophet."

"Probably both."

"What can I get you?"

"Butterbeer for now. Could you tell me what the lunch special is today please?"

"Beef stew, fresh baked bread and a choice of blueberry pie and treacle tart for dessert."

"Sounds brilliant. I'll have that."

"Right up. Pie or tart?"

"Treacle tart please."

"I'll bring it out in a few minutes. Anywhere you wanna sit is good. Just be sure to leave your cap on young Potter."

"Thanks for the advice."

Minutes later Harry was enjoying his lunch when two familiar redheads came into the pub.

"Hullo there Tom! Is our order ready?"

"Afternoon gents. How goes business?"

"Simply smashing Tom,"

"thanks for asking. Would you put the butterbeer on our monthly bill,"

"and could we have some of that scrumptious smelling stew while we're here?"

The barkeep put a smile on his face listening to the twins do their usual song-and-dance of speaking in turns.

"Just like your uncles. Merlin bless their souls. Here you go. Two cases of butterbeer and one case muggle cola. The stew will be out in a jiffy."

The twins shrunk their crates before finding a table. When Tom brought them lunch the older wizard slipped a note under one their plates.

"Enjoy your meal."

"Thanks."

When Fred noticed the note George was already looking about the pub looking for its author, having recogized the handwriting.

Dear Mischief and Mayhem, managed to make it safely. Will be waiting out back when you're done. Maruaders rule, Prongslet

"You bout ready Gred?"

"Always Forge."

"See ya Tom!"

"See ya laddies."

Once outside in the courtyard they didn't find Harry so they figured he was under the invisibility cloak.

"Messers Moony, Padfoot and Prongs send their regards. The traitor Wormtail sends the insults of the Moldyshorts whose arse he shines while kissing."

"Nice to see you got my message. As much as I like hiding under here, I can't go gallavanting all over the alley like this."

"Never fear little brother,"

"who is our most favorite,"

"we'll fix you right up."

"Kay, just please don't' turn me into a girl. or a spider."

The last part was said with the widest grin possible.

"Give us a minute to think of something."

Moments later Harry was not only disguised but almost unrecognizalbe. The twins had hidden the lightening bolt with a concealing charm, changed his coloring (hair, eyes and skin tone) and made him look a little taller while subtlely changing the look of his build.

After thanking his partners in crime/big brothers and making plans for a visit before leaving the alley, his first stop was the owl post office.

"Good day sir. How may I help you?"

"Yes, I'd like to send some mail. How much would it cost?'

"We charge three sickles per letter and two galleons per package."

'Let's see…Moony and the Order, Neville, Ginny, Ron, Luna, Tonks, Hermione…seven times three, 21 sickles.'

"Can I use more than one owl?"

"Certainly sir. As long as the letters are addressed properly then they'll be fine. How many owls will you be needing?"

"Two please."

"Alright. Number of letters or packages sending?"

"Seven letters."

"Alright sir. That'll be a total of," the clerk paused adding up the till. "one galleon and four sickles. Have a nice day. You can have any pick of the owls."

"Thank you."

After sorting out his letters, Harry attached the letters for Luna, Hermione and the Weasleys together on one owl while putting the ones for Neville, Tonks and Moony on the other. Having finished his business he bid the clerk goodbye and left, with no one knowing that Harry Potter had just stepped out of the shop.

'Notes sent. Next stop, Gringotts.'

Author's Note: Alright, this chapter is done for now. It's actually longer but the other half isn't finished and I had to break it up. Hopefully the second part will be up in a few days. Hope everyone liked it. feel free to review. The feedback would help. Thanks :)