Author Notes: Thanks for the reviews. Not sure what classifies as slow updates. Aiming for at least once a week but I make no promises.

Update 14 July: Many thanks to Aletheya for proofreading this chapter and fixing the numerous errors.

Chapter 2 - Friends and Letters

Age 8

It was a typical morning and Harry trailed behind Dudley as they walked to school. After a few blocks they met up with Piers, who was waiting on his porch with his mother.

"Dudley."

"Piers. Good Morning, Mrs Polkiss."

"Good Morning, Dudley. Okay love, have a good day and don't forget to hand in your homework."

"Okay mum, bye!"

"Goodbye, Mrs Polkiss,"

No one greeted or even looked at Harry. He didn't care, as this was normal and pretty much the same thing happened when they were joined by Malcolm, another of Dudley's brutish friends.

Malcolm grimaced when entering the school yard and Harry passed close by him. Ever since those two times Malcolm had gone temporarily blind for a half a day, he hadn't spoken to Harry. That the first time had happened not long after Malcolm had pushed Harry off a swing and the second time after he had kicked sand in Harry's face, he hadn't told anyone. He was sure he had seen a reddish glint in Harry's eyes when the kid had glared at him. Malcolm had just laughed, but it was only a few minutes later that he had started having trouble seeing. The doctors hadn't been able to find anything wrong with his eyes and everyone had just been so relieved that it hadn't lasted long each time. Still, Malcolm now had to go to the eye specialist every few months for checkups just in case.

In class, Harry sat in the front corner, closest to Gordon. Another of Dudley's friends and another of the kids that avoided Harry. Harry smiled pleasantly and said "Good Morning, Gordon. Guess what, my Aunt gave me corned beef sandwiches for lunch again today." Gordon just frowned and shook his head before looking away. He had been hospitalized for a week with severe stomach cramps after he last stole Harry's lunch.

Monday started off with Maths so everyone started off by handing in their homework. Harry knew he was going to get 63% for his and that Dudley was going to get 68%. He always aimed for somewhere between 55% and 75% and usually didn't check on Dudley's homework, but teacher parent interviews were coming up so he wanted to make sure he was on track. Harry smiled to himself as he considered that it was actually more effort to get these tests wrong than it would be to get them right. His smile turned into a thoughtful frown as he wondered why he bothered anymore, since he was pretty sure neither his Aunt nor his Uncle would make that big of a deal about it if he did better than Dudley now.

He put his thoughts into words in his mind, "Why don't I start doing better? Petunia and Vernon wouldn't say anything."

Tom's reply came quickly, 'That is true, but you could still consider it practice for presenting the desired image.'

"But wouldn't it be more of a challenge to change my image? Everyone already sees me as a fairly stupid loner who enjoys jogging. It's not really much of a challenge keeping that image but to change it without making anyone suspicious would be."

This time Tom's reply was slower and more thoughtful, 'Humm. That is true. How about whilst you continue to ignore your teacher you tell me what kind of new image you want to present and how you would go about changing yourself to match.'

That night Harry sat in his bedroom with a number of books on education, psychology and personality types and started making notes and writing lists. There was a lot to plan.

-my-friend-tom-

Age 10

Harry found his new personality much more enjoyable. For one thing he now had friends. His chosen friends were not taken from the local suburban dregs, as Tom frequently referred to them. Instead his new friends were a tall weedy boy with a lisp who had a unique way of handling maths problems, a musically talented west indian and a creative, quiet and chubby bookworm. Most of the kids followed Duddley's lead in referring to them as either 'them' or, if they were feeling particularly brave and none of 'them' were near, as 'the rejects'. To their face everyone was unfailingly polite, it had taken awhile but Harry was proud of his accomplishment that now even new kids to the school usually got the message from the other students without him having to lift a finger. No one bothered Harry or his friends.

However Tom, never shy with his opinions, wasn't that impressed by Harry's friends. Remember they are just muggles, Harry. You can't teach wingless birds to fly. Don't let yourself get too attached.'

"You don't want me to have friends?"

'That's not it and you know it. I just want to make sure you find worthwhile friends. True friends are loyal, will keep your secrets, and stand by you when you need them to. Muggles just aren't capable of that.'

"Aren't capable? You mean they won't?"

'I meant what I said, Harry. You'll find many muggles and even wizards that certainly won't but that's not what I am talking about. These muggle friends could believe themselves the most loyal friends in the world but, being muggles, it would a moment's effort for even an average wizard to turn them against you and steal your secrets from them.'

"Is there no way to protect them?" the tone of Harry's internal voice expressed his concern.

'Not well. Enchanted necklaces and earrings can be taken off. Wards only protect those within them. Charms can be easily dispelled by those more powerful or worn down over time. The best defence for them is not to be near wizards.'

"So when I go to Hogwarts I won't be able to see them again."

There was a brief pause as Tom considered his answer, 'No, you just have to be careful. Once you arrive at Hogwarts, the chances that you won't have tracking charms cast on you are slim to none. That means someone will be able to find you a lot easier from then on. They could be removed with a wand but when you pass through into Diagon Alley or into Hogwarts, the Trace Charm is going to be cast on you or be refreshed. That means anytime you cast wanded magic outside Hogwarts alarms will go off. Without assistance the only way I know to get around this is to learn how to bypass the trace, not at easy task.'

"Can you teach me how to bypass the trace?"

'I can teach you the theory but we will have to wait till your magic is more mature before I we can even work out if it's within your power. Not everyone can achieve it, though I suspect you won't have any trouble once you are experienced enough.'

-my-friend-tom-

Similar to how he was treated at school, at number four Privet Drive Harry was either treated with forced politeness or simply ignored. His Uncle and Aunt had also learned that things went a lot smoother when Harry was treated well. Even Dudley had learned to keep his distance though it took him a lot longer to learn and he still couldn't resist the occasional snide comment. Harry had given up on trying to train Dudley beyond that. Some techniques require the trainee to have some measure of intelligence.

Harry still got up early but only to study and exercise, he no longer needed to make himself separate meals whilst the rest of the house slept. He had fallen into a comfortable schedule in the kitchen where he cooked brunch on the weekends, and dinners three times a week. He made his own healthier breakfasts and lunches on the weekdays. He also looked after the vegetable garden and weeded Petunia's rose gardens once a week. All the other housework was done by Aunt Petunia. Vernon and Dudley mostly just prevented the lounge room furniture from escaping.

Weekends were spent mostly outdoors talking to Tom. Harry had developed a keen interest in history. He had learnt everything he could of magical and muggle history prior to 1981 from Tom before moving on to library books to fill his knowledge of muggle history. He had high hopes for the library at Hogwarts. He had learnt Latin and Greek from Tom though it had taken him a long time to get the spoken pronouncement anywhere close to correct, spoken pronunciation was somehow different from thought translation. He had had an easier time with French that he had taken as an optional evening class through school. Now that Harry wasn't concealing his abilities and with Tom's sometimes incessant tutoring he was now top of his year in Mathematics and Science. Tom had taken it further by giving him a decent start on third and fourth year arithmancy. Harry wished to learn even more but many concepts were difficult to grasp without the correct reference books and tools.

Though Tom had kept to his promise to answer all Harry's questions not related to the darkest of magic, occasionally he did strongly advise Harry that some topics were best left unexplored. Still he fulfilled his promise and when Harry ignored Tom's advice and demanded that he be told the whole truth about one of Lord Voldemort's encounters with the aurors, Tom did tell Harry everything in excruciating detail. The nightmares did fade with time and, afterwards, Harry respected Tom's advice that much more.

Even though Harry now had three close friends and Tom, a feeling of loneliness was growing within him. There were so many things he couldn't tell his school mates and he still didn't even know what Tom looked like. He had gone so far as to try sketching a face with Tom's advice. The picture turned out half decent, but Tom had admitted it didn't really look like him. He had never even spoke to another wizard, though he had seen a few over the years and they had obviously recognized him. One had shaken his hand, another had bowed and one had waved, but none of them had said anything before vanishing. It was strange though, Tom said it was because he was still obviously younger than Hogwarts' school age.

Tom thought that the actions of the wizards indicated that now was a time of relative peace but, until the wizarding world contacted Harry around his eleventh birthday, it was best to remain cautious. Since neither of them had any idea who had left Harry with the Dursleys - Tom had no recollection of anything but pain and confusion for the first few months after the split and having Harry question his Aunt or Uncle meant they would be left with memories of such questions - Tom had recommended he also keep a low profile till they knew more.

Tom was sure that Hogwarts would send Harry a letter this Summer and frequently reassured Harry of the fact. Today was another of those days.

'Don't worry, Harry. Someone will likely turn up with your letter since you have been raised by muggles. In my time it was Dumbledore though, since he became Headmaster, it'll likely be by another teacher. They typically give you a week from when they sent the letter to reply.'

"What happens if they don't send a letter, Tom? Would I have to go to Smeltings?"

'Even if you didn't go to Hogwarts, there are other schools. We could easily arrange something.'

"But I have no money."

'You worry too much, Harry. I've already told you that it's likely your parents left you something. Even if they knew about it, your Aunt and Uncle couldn't touch it. It's quite a common custom for wizarding parents to prepare for their students' education even before their birth. If not, well, I know ways of getting money.'

"You mean steal?"

'During a war it's raiding, not stealing. The wizarding world has no concept of peace or truce. Lord Voldemort started the war and until he is truly dead then the war is not over. If it makes you feel better, then his minions have no moral right to the loot that they horde anyhow. Another way of looking at it is that it's actually my money and I'd just be repossessing it. Semantics, Harry, are less important than solving the big problems. Be assured I'll do my best to make sure your soul remains untainted. Still, we needn't worry about that right now. Later, when you are stronger and have allies, it would be a good idea to weaken his support base. You do recall what I told you about the war and why Lord Voldemort was so successful?'

"He used fear and his Ministry's own laws against them?"

'Indeed. He fought from the darkness, hid his true numbers, and used money, lies, spies and mistrust to breed confusion and terror. He did his best to hobble the Aurors so they had powers barely above that of the common Hit-Wizard. They were trained and instructed to capture whilst Lord Voldemort trained his Death Eaters to maim and kill. Stupify is fine in a one on one battle or police action, but not in a war. You need a direct hit and it's easily countered.''

"Which is why I should use Confringo, Expulso, Bombarda or Reducto as my primary attacks."

'Correct, Harry. Those spells are useful against individuals, multiple opponents and even creatures but are unlikely to kill a wizard unless overpowered and, since they are not considered dark, won't stain your soul nor reputation. Remember, a follow up curse and disarming your opponent is still advisable. Often a victim of one of the blasting curses will only be temporarily stunned and the more powerful wizards will recover quickly. Even broken legs can be quickly ignored or patched if you can stand the pain.'

"Are you trying to distract me from talking about my Hogwarts letter?"

'You know me too well, Harry. Anyhow, it's getting close to your birthday, I wouldn't be surprised if something happens then if not earlier.'

"Okay. Thanks Tom. I'll try not to worry about it."

-my-friend-tom-

The letter Harry had been fearing would never arrive came the following morning. Harry recognised it straight away from Tom's description and tucked it away under his shirt. Later, he and Tom had a little fun writing his reply.

Walking outside wondering how he was going to return the letter, he spotted an owl sitting in a nearby tree so he quickly returned inside to get the letter. As he tied it to the owl's leg, he apologised, "I'm sorry I don't have anything for you at the moment, but I'll do my best to find something for you when you return."

Dear Deputy Headmistress,

Thank you for your letter. I would be very keen to accept your invitation to attend your school, as it does answer some of the strange things that have happened to me over the past few years.

However, I know very little about the wizarding community and I am unsure on matters such as how to go about purchasing the required uniform, course books and equipment. Nor am I sure how much such will cost, nor what the school fees are, as I have very little money available. Is there such a thing as a student loan available that I can pay off once I graduate?

My last question is what are the school hours and what options are there for transport to and from the school? I don't see any information on the location of the school and am unsure just how long a commute it will be.

Regards,
Harry Potter

The owl returned a few hours later and found Harry sitting in the park, his eyes closed as he discussed the different houses and Tom's feelings about them. Harry smiled as the owl landed on the bench beside him. The owl's eye focused in on the small cardboard box that sat on the ground near Harry's foot. After taking the letter Harry kicked the box over and the mouse hidden within took off. It made it only a few feet before the owl caught it.

Harry sniggered as the owl ducked its head at him before flying off to a nearby tree with its meal. Then he opened and read the letter.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Sadly, I was unaware of your lack of knowledge of Hogwarts and the wizarding world. However, let me inform you that Hogwarts is a boarding school and that I will be at your disposal in regard to any questions you have regarding the wizarding world. To get you started, I have enclosed an information pack primarily aimed at muggleborns for your perusal.

I have also been advised by the Headmaster that he will arrange one of our staff to visit you tomorrow morning at nine and escort you to Diagon Alley to shop for your school suppliers. He will also bring a key so you can access your vault at Gringotts, the wizarding bank, where you will find that you have adequate funds for your education.

If tomorrow is not suitable please reply with an alternative time, otherwise please be ready to meet our representative tomorrow.

Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress

'Interesting. It seems that at least the Deputy Headmistress is keen to see you integrated with the wizarding society. Still, you must keep your wits about you tomorrow. It would be wise to make a good first impression. I did not, though as it turns out the impression I gave turned out to be sadly quite accurate.'

"So tomorrow I will get everything I need?"

'I would focus on tomorrow being the day you get a feel for the wizarding world more than anything. Don't get anything that indicates more than passing knowledge of the wizarding world. Follow the advice of the staff member, likely one of the Heads of Houses, and keep your eyes open. Once we know the lay of the land, it should be easy enough to visit another day under a glamour and pick up anything else you need.'

"Okay, sounds good. So back to what we were talking about. The sorting hat will look into my mind and decide on the best House for me, but I maybe able to get a chance to influence it. Will it see you?"

There was a long pause though Harry could somehow tell that Tom was pondering the question rather than planning not to answer, 'That's an intriguing question. I hadn't considered that and I am not sure I can answer it. It may be best that I hide for the duration of the sorting, just in case. During my time, the sorting hat told me it could not reveal any of the students' secrets. However, I have no way of knowing if that was the truth or if exceptions exist. I suggest it's time we review your Occlumency walls.'

Harry sighed and spoke aloud, "Now I wish I hadn't asked..."