A/N: A few people seemed to be under the impression that Dumbledore is going to abandon Harry, which he is not. In last chapter, he just reminded himself not to get too close to Harry for the sake of the prophesy...but who knows what will happen. ; )

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Harry awoke the next morning to the sweet sound of birds chirping outside his window. Looking around, he noticed Dumbledore's bed was empty and there was a note perched atop the pillows.

Dear Harry,

I have left to make certain arrangements on your behalf at our next place of residence. Help yourself to breakfast (here Harry looked up and noticed a silver platter on the bedside table), I shall pick you up at half past ten.

Albus Dumbledore

Harry looked down at his watch and gave a yelp of panic, it was already ten past ten, and Harry was still in his pyjamas. Frantically, he got dressed and was just bolting down the remains of his bacon and eggs, when Dumbledore entered the room.

"Good morning Harry, I trust you slept well?" he asked, brushing the snow off his long overcoat.

"Very well thanks" Harry replied.

"Good because we have a long day ahead of us" said Dumbledore, pulling out a glowing boot from one of his pockets. He smiled at the perplexed look on Harry's face.

"This, Harry, is portkey. A magical type of transportation, all you have to do is hold on to it".

Harry stepped forward, and with great trepidation, placed his hand on the boot. Immediately, he felt the room lurch and was sucked headfirst into a spinning abyss. He landed with a hard thump and fell over. Regaining his bearings, Harry looked up, eyes widening at what he saw. In front of him, situated atop a hill, stood the largest and most beautiful castle Harry had ever seen. The vast turrets seemed to rise into the very heavens, and the castle itself was surrounded by a gigantic black forest.

"Welcome to Hogwarts Harry" said Dumbledore, helping Harry back to his feet. All Harry could manage was a silent "wow". They made their way up the long sweeping drive towards the school, Harry turning in all directions to catch a glimpse of everything. At the entrance, they were greeted by an overly-enthusiastic house-elf who bounced around so much that Harry's head began to hurt watching him.

"Ah Binker, would you mind taking Harry to his rooms and... yes it would also be helpful if you could show him around the castle" said Dumbledore turning to go down the corridor, "oh and Harry, if you need anything, just send word with Binker, he'll know where to find me" he added.

Harry watched him go feeling slightly put out, he would have very much liked for the elder man to take him around the castle and perhaps explain just what he was supposed to do here. But he barely had time to ponder on his thoughts when the small elf began tugging on his arm and leading him down another corridor.

Harry had never been in a more confusing place in his entire lifetime. Everything here seemed to be alive and moved of its own accord, including the stairs, and suits of armour which saluted as he passed. After a hectic journey, which included his first encounter with Peeves the poltergeist, Harry finally made it to his rooms. Stepping inside, Harry felt himself turn speechless for the second time that day. It was more like a mini apartment, complete with living area, bathroom and an enormous master bedroom. The furniture was soft blue and white linen, and was scattered in a jumbled sort of way, giving the whole place a very homely feel to it.

Harry sank down on one of the armchairs feeling slightly overwhelmed. Just yesterday, he had been living in a cupboard and carrying out chores for the Dursleys, and here he was now living in his very own quarters in a magical castle.

"Master Harry is very quiet. Can Binker do anything for you?" asked the elf noticing Harry's silence.

"I'm fine thanks Binker. I'd like to explore the castle though if it's ok with you" said Harry.

"Of course! Binker will do anything Master Harry wishes" said the elf taking Harry by the hand and dragging him out of the room.

They spent the rest of the day exploring the hundreds of classrooms in the castle. Binker showed Harry the Great Hall, dungeons and the staff room. They then visited the living areas of each school house, the astronomy and divination towers and finally outside where the greenhouses and black lake stood. Harry was particularly impressed by the quidditch stadium which looked incredibly exciting to play in. He was just turning back to go inside with Binker, when he noticed that they were right beside the outskirts of the forest. Its shadowy darkness seemed to extend forever, filled with vines and trees and magical beasts. Without even realising what he was doing, his feet began to carry him towards the nearest trees.

"Master Harry, you must not go there. Very dangerous sir" squeaked Binky nervously.

But Harry was not listening. Adrenaline and excitement were pumping through his veins at the thought of doing something bold and daring.

"Oi!"

The voice stopped Harry dead in his tracks, just before the nearest tree. Looking around he saw a huge well built man striding towards him.

"What are you doing here? All the students went home for Christmas yesterday." he said suspiciously.

"I'm not a student here. I'm..." but Harry broke off. What was he doing here?

"Well if yer not a student, then who are you?" he said fiercly.

"He is here at my wish Hagrid" said a calm voice behind Harry. Dumbledore appeared between them. "Harry, this is Rubeus Hagrid our gamekeeper" said Dumbledore making the introduction.

"How do you do Mr Hagrid?" said Harry politely holding out his hand. But Hagrid didn't return the gesture. He was staring in amazement, as though truly seeing Harry for the first time.

"Harry...Harry Potter. Well I never. Jus look at yer, all grown up eh. Welcome back to Hogwarts Harry...welcome home!" he said smiling broadly.

"Well Harry, I think it is time for us to head back up to the castle. Dinner will be served shortly and there are a few people I'd like you to meet" said Dumbledore leading the younger boy back up to the school.

Dinner was an enjoyable experience. Harry was introduced to all the professors that had remained behind for the holidays. Professor Flitwick a mild natured man who Harry liked immediately, Professor Sprout, a jolly, good-humoured witch, Professor Sinistra who was slightly more withdrawn but still polite and finally Professor McGonagall who although pleasant, gave the impression of great strictness.

After the meal, Harry got up and started to make his way back to his rooms, but Dumbledore stopped him.

"Harry I would like to have a word with you if you don't mind. In my office" he said quietly.

"Of course" Harry replied, wondering what Dumbledore wanted to talk to him about.

They walked together up staircases and along corridors until they finally reached a statue of a gargoyle to which Dumbledore gave the password "chocolate frog". Harry stepped inside the office, which was filled with peculiar objects and strange sounds. Looking around, Harry decided that this was the most interesting room he had seen so far at Hogwarts. There were shelves crammed with hundreds of books, cupboards with an assortment of different items and in the corner, on a golden perch stood a beautiful, swan-like creature with red and gold plumage.

Harry was so engrossed in his surroundings, that he didn't notice Dumbledore had already taken his seat at the desk and was waiting politely for the younger boy's attention. The headmaster caught his eye and blushing slightly, Harry sat down.

"So Harry, tell me, do you like Hogwarts so far?" he asked.

"Yeah, it's really...really cool" said Harry struggling to find the words to describe the place.

Dumbledore smiled, "Excellent, I believe then, that I'm safe in assuming that you will agree to take up residence here...you can, of course, return to the Dursley's if you wish" he said, eyes twinkling.

"I'd like to stay here if that's ok" said Harry.

"Well then that's sorted," said Dumbledore in a businesslike voice, "there is one other thing we must sort out Harry. As you know, students do not enrol at Hogwarts until the age of eleven, which means you will be spending four years in the magical world before you can start school. Therefore, I felt that it is in your best interests to begin some form of magical education, to prepare you and perhaps give you some advantage when you do begin school. It will be basic, covering different aspects of magic and I hope you will find it both useful and enjoyable."

"What will you be teaching me?" asked Harry curiously.

Dumbledore gave him an odd look. "I will not be teaching you Harry. I have arranged for you to be tutored by an old acquaintance of mine. He is very knowledgeable and I thought it would suit you best." he added watching Harry closely.

The younger boy nodded, feeling extremely stupid. How could he have assumed that Dumbledore would be teaching him? From what he had seen, Dumbledore seemed to be a prominent man in the wizarding society, far too busy to spend his time tutoring a seven year old boy.

"Well Harry, I believe that is all," said Dumbledore standing up, "I have asked your tutor to meet you tomorrow at 10:30 in the Great Hall. Have a good night".

"Goodnight Mr Dumbledore" said Harry, hurrying out of the office as quickly as he could.

Walking back to his rooms, Harry couldn't help the disappointment that he felt. Perhaps, it was his imagination, but Harry felt as though the headmaster had been acting slightly more withdrawn to Harry today, than he had been so far.

He climbed into his wonderfully soft bed and all thoughts eluded him except one. What was his tutor going to be like?

A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long to get posted but my life has taken a hectic turn recently. I don't have a beta reader, so all mistakes I make are intentional lol. If you're still reading this then make my day and review!