Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.

Some of the concepts that will be in this fic are from other Fan fictions about Harry Potter with my own twist on them. So I would like to acknowledge all the Harry Potter fan writers on this site for great work and hundreds of hours of reading. This is an AU story.

Chapter 2

Cover-ups and Discoveries

The air in the room became eerily calm. Feeling no movement Harry opened his eyes. Uncle Vernon was frozen in place, rage still etched on his uncle's face, his fists still balled at his sides. Panic stricken Harry's instinct was to run. As he rose to do just that, Aunt Petunia entered the room. Irritation quickly turned to shock as she laid eyes on her husband.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE BOY?"

Harry turned towards his Aunt, "Aunt Petunia, I'm sorry. I don't know what happened." Harry raised his hands to plead with his Aunt.

His hands began to glow and purple light then shot out and struck his aunt in the head. She stood there still. An expression of shock froze on her face. Harry ran to the kitchen window and pulled the shade. He returned to were his Aunt and Uncle stood frozen. They did not seem to be breathing, no life at all. All range of emotions went through Harry anger, terror, panic. How could I have used my magic without knowing? Are they dead? Have…have I killed them?

Dudley came lingering into the kitchen anxious to witness Harry's thrashing. At the sight of his frozen parents, Dudley looked towards Harry for answers.

Then angrily Dudley screamed at Harry, "What have you done?" He turns towards his parents, "Mum, Da!" There was fear in his voice. He turns back to Harry. "YOU FREAK! Make it go away or I will rip you apart you, stupid little freak!"

Harry's fear quickly morphed to anger, "You big fat pig! You will never touch me again!" Harry jerked his glowing hands at Dudley. Again, a purple light shot out and struck Dudley between the eyes. He stood there just as his parents, frozen.

Anger subsiding Harry was instantly filled with panic. Staring at his hands, thoughts raced through his head: What happened? How….Why….What have I done? The magic…..

Harry's mind was reeling. What should he do? He ran to the only place that he could always feel safe and clear his mind. In his cupboard Harry sat hugging his knees and rocking back and forth. He closed his eyes and entered into his mind's library. He hoped to find some answers there. He replayed the memory over and over again, listening to his thoughts at that instant. All he thought was: Please, STOP. Hands glowing, purple light, and then just frozen.

Exhausted Harry filed the memories away. He placed them in an album and thought to place them on the highest shelf in the library. He climbed to the third floor of the library as he reached the highest shelf. He found a shelf he hadn't seen before. It had a wood door with a small lock. He placed the book there and locked it. Coming back to himself, Harry instantly fell asleep.

When Harry awoke he was unaware that he had slept for over two days. Filthy and hungry he exited the cupboard, such a strange feeling to find it unlocked. Looking around, everything was just as he left it. He approached the kitchen door.

Maybe it was just a dream.

He placed his ear against the kitchen door, nothing. No voices, no movement. Filled with dread, he slowly pushed open the door. There they stood, still frozen but not cold to the touch, more like stone. Harry began shaking, it was all so unbelievable.

Not knowing where to start, he turned and headed straight to the shower. Harry tried to wash away the terror and panic he felt, but no scrubbing could rid him of them. Harry reached for his hand me down clothes to dress. Looking at the old and tattered clothes, he threw them back to the floor and headed to Dudley's room. He rummaged through Dudley's closet. Some of the guilt Harry was feeling was slightly lessened when he came across a pair of pants and a shirt that had never been worn. They fit Harry perfectly.

Refreshed, Harry returned to the kitchen. He needed time to figure out a resolution. Hiding the bodies would be the first task. Harry had never moved a large item before, only spiders and garden tools. Harry stood before his uncle, concentrating he flicked his fingers towards his uncle and he began to float just off the ground. Harry stepped forward and his uncle moved with him. Harry took both his Aunt and Uncle up the stairs and laid them in their bed. He returned for Dudley and started for Dudley's room. As he reached the stairs a mischievous thought crept into Harry's mind. He did not start up the stairs but turned towards his cupboard.

The kitchen empty Harry entered and prepared himself a sandwich. He sat for what seemed like hours. What to do, what to do?

Three days earlier…

In the Headmaster's office, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was just sitting down to supper. Now seven weeks into the summer holiday everything was in order and it was time to return home till fall term began again. He would leave for Godric's Hollow the next morning. He was certainly overdue for a well deserved rest. He never made it into the plush chair, as an alarm sounded throughout his office. Startled he began scanning the many devices that littered the shelves of his office. There he spotted what he hope to never see, flickering and spinning was a little red crystal that was suspended between two gold loops. Albus reached out his hand to his desk, a feather quill shot into his hand. He pulled out his wand touching the tip to the quill. "Portus." In an instant he was gone.

Albus standing in front of number four, privet drive, found it to be as peaceful as his first visit over eight years ago. No commotion, no Death-Eaters, no danger at all. Curious, Albus held his wand and made precise intricate movements with his hand, whispering "ostendo mihi ostendo mihi vita ostendo mihi veneficus".The tip of his wand shined with a soft blue light. He held it there for several moments before he let the blue light fade.

Harry's was the only magic presence in the area. The wards surrounding the house on privet lane were at full strength. Uneasy and without any explanations for the alarm sounding Albus decided to postpone his vacation. He would keep a close eye on Harry's home for the next few days. He pulled the quill from his robes and he was gone. Back in his office the little red jewel had quieted and was no longer flickering.

Harry jumped at the knock at the door. Who could that be?

Harry inspected the house. Everything was in its place. Hesitant, Harry neared the front door. Harry summoned all his courage and righted his face. He slowly opened the door, his eyes widening slightly with recognition. Standing on the other side of the door was an older, thin man, with an unusually long white beard. He wore half moon spectacles over twinkling blue eyes. Harry knew him, Professor Dumbledore. Memories came to him of visits the Professor had made to their home when he was an infant.

Dumbledore was not expecting Harry to be the one to come to the door. Harry seemed fairly small for his age and very thin, much too thin. The resemblance to his father was strong, especially the mop of messy black hair, but with Lily's kind green eyes. When the door first opened Dumbledore was sure he spotted a brief moment of recognition and surprise in the boy's eyes but it faded instantly.

"Good afternoon young man. I am here to see Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, I was invited for tea." Spoke Albus first.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I was not aware of any visitors calling today, my Aunt and Uncle aren't available right now." replied Harry. The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes dimmed ever so slightly.

"Do you know when they will be home young man?" ask Albus. He had scanned the house before arriving and knew they were home and upstairs. Harry's mind raced for an appropriate response. It was Sunday afternoon and the Dursley's car was in the drive.

What could I tell Dumbledore that would make him leave more briskly? How to avoid more questions about my guardians? Then it came to Harry.

"I'm sorry, again sir, I didn't mean that they were not home, just not available." Which was the truth just not the whole truth.

"Then could I have a moment with them?" asked Dumbledore. Harry leaned forward slightly and motioned for Dumbledore to come closer.

"My Aunt and Uncle are in the bedroom sir, resting," whispered Harry. "They would be awful sore with me if I were to disturb them." He continued.

"Oh well we would not want to disturb them now would we. I may have the week of my visit wrong. You know old age does muddle the mind. I will return next Sunday then for our tea." replied Dumbledore, the twinkle in his eye back to full force, and a chuckle.

Again Harry's mind was working overtime when another idea came to him.

"We will not be home next week, sir, my Uncle has taken time off work and we are leaving on holiday. I was told we would not be back until the day before school started again." replied Harry with a small smile.

"Ah then it may be that I missed my time with them, it must have been last week. I will just be going young man so as not to disturb them. Have a good holiday and let your Uncle know that I called on him."

"Thank you, I will, good afternoon." replied Harry as Dumbledore turned and walk down the front path and up the street.

Harry closed the door and ran to the front window to watch Dumbledore. When Dumbledore reached the corner he turned and walked out of sight. Harry released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He needed to think fast. He needed a way to avoid future visitors. He went to the kitchen and searched for a pen, paper, envelopes and stamps.

The first letter was addressed to the owner of Grunnings Drill Firm, Uncle Vernon's place of employment, a letter of resignation.

Dear Sir,

I regret to inform you that at this time I must tender my resignation. I have recently been offered a position at company in the colonies. The position was such that I could not pass it up and required me to leave immediately. My family and I have already departed for the states.

Sincerely and regretfully yours,

Vernon Dursley

The second letter was to Harry and Dudley's primary school.

Surrey Primary School

Headmaster's Office.

Dear Mister Curran,

I regret to inform you that my son and his cousin will not be returning to your fine school this coming term. I have accepted a position in the colonies and we have already departed. Could you please mail a copy of Dudley Dursley's and Harry Potter's transcripts to our current address of record where it will be forwarded to us in the states? I am sorry for all the trouble you have had to endure from my nephew.

Sincerely and regretfully yours,

Vernon Dursley

The final letter would be the most important as well as the most difficult. How to convince Aunt Marge? Aunt Marge is one person Harry will not regret ever seeing again, her and her nasty little dogs. She always called his mother "bad blood" and his father a drunkard more so when she, herself was going to pot.

Marge,

I am happy to inform you that I have recently been offered and have accepted an executive position with another company. I am sorry to inform you that the position is in the colonies and required us to leave on short notice. By the time you read this we will already be there. Yes we had to take the freak with us but are hoping to dump him in an orphanage in the states. I will miss you Marge and will have you come visit after all is settled. Until we are settle in to our new home any mail you send here will be forwarded to us. I look forward to your visit in the colonies, I will write again when we can arrange it.

Love your Brother,

Vernon

In his best handwriting and mimicking his uncle's handwriting the best he could, he addressed and put postage on each letter. He walked them to the mailbox down the street. He then returned home and prepared his supper for one.

Each morning Harry checked on his guardians to make sure that they had not thawed out over night. Harry was beginning to enjoy Dudley's spacious room. While preparing his morning meal Harry took inventory of the kitchen. There was very little food left. He would need to do some shopping before the week was over, he needed money though.

Harry went to his aunt and uncle's room finding them still laying on there bed. Harry flicked his fingers at his uncle and he slowly rotated to his side where he was able to take out his Uncle's bill-fold with ease. Harry was very pleased when he found three hundred pounds. He would be able to buy plenty of food.

Harry then decided to explore the second floor of the house. He was rarely allowed upstairs. First Dudley's room, he looked through Dudley's belongings. Nothing of use but he did find some more clothes that fit him. He looked through the other rooms but did not find anything that he would find useful.

Harry realized that he would need to pack the house. If there were anymore visitors he would need to make sure there weren't any questions that the Dursley's had left for the colonies. Harry retrieved some empty boxes from the garage and began packing the front room. He found several white sheets in the linen closet and covered the furniture and removed the pictures from the walls. He busily spent the next few hours working on the house. He packed haphazardly but from the window it appeared as though the family had packed and was awaiting the movers. Midday Harry stood by the window inspecting his work then realized that Uncle Vernon's sedan was still parked in the drive. It would not be a good idea to move the car during the day. To be less conspicuous Harry decided to wait till evening to move the auto.

Just before nightfall Harry went to the garage to move things around so the sedan would fit. There were boxes that were stacked along the back of the garage and would need to be moved. Harry carried the boxes to the house and set them neatly in the living room. He would go through them later. Once it was completely dark Harry quietly made his way to the garage. He slowly opened the garage door, trying to make as little noise as possible. Harry knew he could not drive the car in the garage, so he was going to try and use the magic.

He was able to move his uncle so maybe he could move the car. Harry looked around to make sure all the neighbors had retired for the night. He stood behind the car and flicked his fingers at the car, nothing happened. Harry flicked his whole hand at the car, again nothing happened. He grew very nervous and began to perspire. He thought maybe he needed to concentrate harder. He stood behind the sedan closed his eyes, cleared his mind and flicked his hand and stayed focused on moving it.

He opened his eyes and the car was floating slightly above the ground. He stepped forward and was able to float it into the garage. Once the car touched the ground Harry collapsed to his knees. Utterly exhausted, he remained on his knees for what felt like an hour but only a quarter of an hour had passed before he was able to rise and close the garage door. Almost crawling Harry made his way up the stairs and fell as he was onto his new bed.

Harry woke just before dusk the next day. A bit disoriented Harry headed for the shower to revitalize. After dressing he headed down stairs, he was famished. Passing to the kitchen Harry noticed a stack of mail on the floor in front of the mail slot. He retrieved it, and went to still his hunger. Harry set aside the bills and opened the letter from Mr. Grunning. Accepting his resignation and disappointed he was unable counter the offer from the colonies. He opened the large envelope from the school, it contained his and Dudley's transcripts, and no correspondence was included.

The last letter was from Aunt Marge. She was enraged that she was not informed sooner about the move. She inquired about the house in Surrey, what would come of it? She did express her excitement about a trip to the colonies. Harry realized that future mail might become an issue. He would have to figure a way to forward the mail elsewhere but, where?

A response to Aunt Marge's letter would be necessary. He wrote her telling her the house was to be sold and his new company would be handling the transactions. He included that the house had been packed and prepared for the movers. To reassure her that things would be fine he told her a security system was installed to keep out all the miscreants. Harry knew Aunt Marge's greed and knew she would not think twice about pilfering through the house before the movers arrived. After supper Harry hunted throughout the house looking for anything useful or helpful. In the closet he found his uncle's briefcase with important documents and a shoe box that hid a couple hundred more pounds.

Friday morning, Harry finally finished the staging of the house. Putting aside any useful items he may need in the future. He had yet to look through the boxes he had brought in from the garage. He thought to bring a box with him into the kitchen; he would look through it while he ate breakfast. The first few boxes had nothing of interest. The last box had what appeared to be random things of Aunt Petunia's. Harry was drawn to a shoe box, with an abnormal amount of tape to keep it closed. FROM THE FREAK was written across the top. Opening it he found a bundle of unopened letters. Examining them closer he was overcome with emotion, the letters had been written by his mother, Lily. With excitement Harry ripped open the first letter.

Dated 10 September 1971….

Dear Petunia,

Sorry it took so long to write. It has been so exciting this past week. We started class on Thursday. All the professors are wonderful. I am learning so much. I was sorted into Gryffindor House. Remember, I told you about the different houses after reading about it in Hogwarts: A History, when I got my books this past summer. Severus was sorted into Slytherin but we still have some classes together and we hang out a lot in the library. My house mates are really nice too. There are a couple of first year boys in our house that cause trouble. They even lost us fifty house points over the weekend. Though, no one knows for what. I hope someday you can come and visit me at the castle, its brilliant.

Well, I have to go study. I have a potion essay due on Monday.

Love Lily

Joy, excitement, and sorrow overwhelmed Harry. He held his head in his hands and wept.

"These are letters from my mum". "Slytherin isn't a person it's a house? What about Ravenclaw is that a house too? Where can I get a copy of Hogwarts: A History?"

Sixteen letters in all, for what Harry could reason, most of them were written while attending Hogwarts. There were a couple dated after Hogwarts; there was also a large thick envelope dated 1 October 1981, just a few weeks before his parents' death. Harry collected himself and began to read the letters. He read them in order of date. He learned that Ravenclaw was indeed a house and there was one named Hufflepuff. Each letter became less personal as though his mother did not wish to be writing to her sister. In one letter it explained why, Petunia and Lily's mother had urged her to continue writing, she had hopes the two would come to terms eventually. In one letter Lily pleaded with Petunia, she wished to have her sister back. Harry enjoyed the first few letters, he felt like she was writing to him.

Dear Petunia,

Well you were right about Snape, he is a total git and I never want to talk to him again. Do you want to know what he did? He called me a MUDBLOOD in front of half the school. Well he can take his pureblood, bigoted, git arse and jump off the astronomy tower for all I care. I never want to speak to him again. You remember James and Sirius, I told you about them before. They got Snape back for me. Anyway Snape has been my best friend for a long time and I'm kind of lost without him. I've started hanging out with the Marauders. You know James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter. I don't like Peter though, he gives me the creeps. They are a lot of fun. James asked me out. I said no, he so immature.

Anyway got to go, love you.

Lily

Harry's stomach rumbled with hunger. He looked up at the clock and realized he had not moved from where he sat since breakfast. His morning plate was still on the table. Harry laid the letter he had in his hand on the table and prepared himself lunch then returned to the letters. Harry learned that by seventh year his parents had began to date and once school ended they married. 17 March 1980 Lily was very happy to announce she was pregnant with Harry and had a job with ministry.

Harry had finally come to the large thick envelope. He opened it, inside was a letter to Aunt Petunia and two more envelopes, one "From Lily Potter" the other "From James Potter". Harry placed both of the envelopes aside and read the letter addressed to his Aunt.

Dear Petunia,

I know you never open my letters but I hope you will read this if anything ever happens to me. I have told you in the past about the war that is going on in the wizarding world against Voldemort. Well, certain events have happened causing James, Harry, and I to go into hiding. I cannot tell you where but it is someplace safe. But then again if you're reading this then I am most likely dead. I know we have not gotten along since I found out I was a witch. I'm sorry I didn't try harder to include you in everything but you wouldn't let me. But please do this one thing for me. Enclosed are two letters, one from James and one from me. If Harry is still alive and ever comes calling could you give them to him? Harry should be in the care of his godfather Sirius. If not then Remus, or lastly Dumbledore will have him. If anything happens to us, Harry may come around when he is seventeen. We left instructions with Sirius, Remus, and even Dumbledore that he should not be left with you. I know you would not want to take care of him. He is to be told about you when he turns seventeen. It will be his decision if he calls. Copies of these letters have also been left with Sirius and Dumbledore with the same instructions to be given to him when he turns seventeen. I hope this is the one letter you do choose to open. I want you to know I still love you and miss you.

Love Lily

The letter fell from Harry's hand onto the table. He felt such disbelief, "Could these really be letters from my parents addressed to me?" Questions, Harry had so many, "If I wasn't meant to live with the Dursley's, why am I here? Where is Sirius, Remus? Why did Dumbledore let me stay here? Why did he not ask me to leave with him the other day? Why did he not introduce himself?

He stared at the letters from his parents for an hour. He could not explain his hesitance to read them. He knew so little of his parents. What if the letter held something he did not want to know? Finally he reached for his mother's letter first, his hand slightly trembling.

My dearest Harry,

If this letter has found its way to you then regrettably we have been prematurely taken from you. Our intention was this letter never being needed. You have brought your father and me such joy. As I write you lay sleeping next to me, your dreams causing you to smile. The thought of not being with you brings me to tears.

Harry I love you so much. I wish with all my being it does not come to pass. Harry know that your father and I have cherished every moment we share with you however long or short that might be. You are the happiness in our lives. You should be in the care of your godfather Sirius. He is a good man but has a mischievous side to him. You be mindful not to become the same yourself.

Our hope for your future is you live happy. We want for you what ever parent wants for their children. Live life to the fullest Harry; pursue your dreams, your hopes, and your loves. You are a powerful wizard Harry. From the day you were born you have demonstrated your amazing power and ability. Remember always to use them wisely. You will face great challenges especially if your father and I are not successful in defeating Voldemort. You will learn of him from Sirius. That is not what this letter is for.

I imagine you must be a handsome young man now. You have such a resemblance to your father now, I only imagine how you will look when you are grown. Enjoy your years at Hogwarts, Harry. It is a wondrous place filled with so much to learn. I hold many fond memories there. It is where I met your father. You are our love Harry. You are our world. Your father is also preparing a letter. He will tell you of the long proud history of the Potters'. He will tell you of all you need to know and prepare for.

Remember us Harry. We will always be in your heart and watching you from the other side of the vale.

Mum

Harry re-read the letter until his eyes blurred with tears. A single tear drop fell from his face onto the parchment joining those of his mother's. Harry brought the letter into his mind's library. He placed it on a podium after which a clear glass case appeared over it. "I will never forget you mum"

He came back to himself, face streaming with tears. He could not bring himself to lay down his mother's letter. At last he put her letter down and lifted his father's.

Dear Son,

If you are reading this letter then I am on the other side of the vale pulling pranks and watching over you. I know there are many questions to be answered by first things first. I love you Harry. I am so proud to be your father. I sincerely hope these are things I can tell you in person and this letter will be of no need. I hope to be there to tell you of all the pranks and fooling around your godfather and I did while attending Hogwarts. Your mum will not approve so mums the word, ay. Carry on the Marauder's tradition Harry, make me proud. I imagine you will have made the Quidditch team. You love to fly with me on my broom.

As Harry sat reading is father's letter a memory came to him. Flying on a broom with his Da high in the air, Harry was giggling with delight. His Da held him very tight. Harry could hear his Mum yelling 'James Potter you get my son off that broom this instant.' This was a memory that Harry did not recall filing away. He decided to look into that later and continued reading his father's letter.

This letter will be given to Sirius, Remus, Dumbledore and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. It contains pertinent information that you will need to have and will help guide you. Your mum will send copies to your Aunt Petunia as well but I don't expect that will be of any help. You are to receive our letters on your seventeenth birthday. If the holders of the letters have perished as well I have left detailed instructions with Gringotts Banks to deliver it to you.

If this letter has found its way to you before you are seventeen this letter will be a must for you. We have set up a trust vault for you. It will have enough money for your education at Hogwarts and any needs you have. It contains 1 million galleons. There is a Potter Family vault as well. I will not detail what is in there but on your seventeenth birthday you will be allowed access. If there a need to access it before then you will need to seek out Ragnok, the Potter family accountant. Tell him, you are invoking the END OF THE LINE CLAUSE, family law of 1013 A.D. You will then be allowed access. In the vault you will find another letter with further instructions.

The Potter family has a long and distinguished legacy, Harry. This will aid you in your future.

Know that you are very loved Harry, not only by your mum and I but by our loved ones as well.

I know you will live up to the Potter name. Live life Harry, be happy and carry us in your hearts always.

When it is time we will meet again.

Da

He continued to sit and stare at both letters. He re-read them countless times. Overwhelmed by emotion to have words of love and encouragement from his parents meant the world to him. In his mind's library Harry placed his father's letter on a podium just like his mother's. While in his library Harry noticed the memory of his ride on the broom was floating about the library. He filed it away in the appropriate album. As he began to leave the library on one last inspection Harry noticed a staircase leading down that had not been there before so he followed it.

At the bottom of the staircase he found another glass door. This door was not black like the other. It was opaque with multiple colors swirling all about. Strangely when Harry placed his hand on the glass nothing happened, no crack, and it did not open. Unsure of what this new door was Harry returned to himself intending to return and explore it again later.

The illusion that Harry was attempting to set, that the Dursley's had moved was in place. He prepared his supper and retired to his bed. Tomorrow would begin his new quest, go to the main library of London and find his way to Gringotts Bank.