Note:
Two days have passed, and I present you Chapter 3 ! (I'll name my chapters soon :P) I wrote all night, no sleep for me :P
Enjoy !
Chapter 3 - Undercover
3 years later
The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing to a close and a drowsy silence lay over the large, square houses of Privet Drive. Cars that were usually gleaming stood dusty in their drives and lawns that were once emerald green lay parched and yellowing; the use of hosepipes had been banned due to drought. Deprived of their usual car-washing and lawn-mowing pursuits, the inhabitants of Privet Drive had retreated into the shade of their cool houses, windows thrown wide in the hope of tempting in a nonexistent breeze. The only person left outdoors was a nine year old boy who was lying flat on his back in a flower bed outside number four.
Harry Potter looked nothing like the rest of his family. Uncle Vernon was large and neckless, with an enormous black moustache; Aunt Petunia was horse-faced and bony; Dudley was blond, pink, and porky. Harry, on the other hand, was a healthy, tall, slightly muscular boy with not an ounce of fat on him. The old and worn baggy clothes that he wore helped to hide his well toned body as well.
The young wizard had emerald green eyes and messy jet-black hair and on his forehead was a thin, lightning-shaped scar.
It was this scar that made Harry so particularly unusual, even for a wizard. This scar was the only hint of Harry's very mysterious past, of the reason he had been left on the Dursleys' doorstep eleven years before.
When Harry turned seven, he started working out. He saw his cousin turning more and more in a pig each day and didn't want to undergo the same transformation. Three times a week he went for a morning run, before taking breakfast while the Dursley's were still fast asleep. He did his set of press-ups and sit-ups every evening after eating dinner alone. Aunt Petunia always left a plate for him in the fridge, she didn't want the boy to whine for food, the less she saw the freak, the better.
Harry and Dudley went to the same school, only a ten-minute-walk from their home. At school, Harry had no friends. Everybody knew that Dudley's gang wanted nothing to do with that odd Harry Potter in his baggy old clothes, and nobody liked to disagree with Dudley's feared gang. Dudley was the only one who knew his cousin was abnormal, he had seen him do weird freakish things from the day he was born.
After school, Harry went two times a week to the football practice, he was one of the better players of his team. There was a game every Saturday which Harry never missed, currently they held second place in the competition.
Harry's test results were above average, actually they were quite good if you considered he never studied or did homework as he had other, more interesting things to do. Harry already started learning Gobbledegook before he turned eight, thanks to Mrs. Figgs. The old squib couldn't resist the request of the charming boy and decided it wouldn't hurt to teach him. She told him she'd only learn him if he gave it his everything. This meant he had to study the difficult language every day for several hours, no time for slacking. Harry quickly realized this was, no doubt, one of the most difficult languages around.
One day, Mrs. Figgs explained Harry she learned Gobbledegook from her father. It was her great great grandfather that first learned the language after he saved the life of 2 goblins. Goblins show great respect to anyone who speaks their language and decided to repay the honorable man with their ancient tongue. Since then the knowledge of Gobbledegook had been passed on the next generations in her family.
The Dursley's didn't mind Harry spend two evenings a week at Mrs. Figgs' place. In fact they were delighted when Harry was not at home.
Harry had stopped practicing Occulmency one year ago, after two years of intensive training he was far above master level and discovered some extra tricks. His defenses were enormous, thick shields and solid walls protected every layer of his mind. If someone somehow got through the walls and shields, this was very unlikely but Harry was taught to always be prepared for the worst, his mind's special antibodies could neutralize the attack directly.
Before he started visiting Mrs. Figgs for his Gobbledegook lessons, he practiced Occulmency for hours and hours each single day. As he boosted the limits of his ability, he found out he could also protect other people's minds. Placing shields in another mind required a mix of Legilimency and more advanced Occulmency. This was a very useful skill and he used it a few weeks later, to protect and camouflage specific layers in the mind of Mrs. Figgs.
He didn't want anyone to find out he got closer to the old woman nor that she was learning him Gobbledegook. Mrs. Figgs agreed and approved to not tell anyone about the specifics of their weekly meetings.
Harry rolled over onto his side as he stared through the darkening street. He remembered the time he spent with his snake mentor, Korin. The snake had left Mrs. Figgs garden a few days after Harry's sixth birthday to see more of the world. He knew Korin and himself shared the same passion, learning and gaining knowledge, hence he understood the snake.
Tomorrow he had another meeting with Mrs. Figgs. Harry slowly got up from the flowerbed and went to his room. After his workout, he revised a difficult text in Gobbledegook then he jumped in bed and fell asleep.
The next morning dawned very bright, Harry finished his morning routine with a cold shower. The Dursleys were still asleep, like all other normal people on Privet Drive.
Harry was in a good mood as he walked to Mrs. Figgs house. He rang the doorbell and it took a while before the door opened by a comatosed Mrs. Figgs.
"Goodmorning Mrs. Figgs, you ok?" Harry asked, somewhat worried.
She rolled her eyes and frowned, 'Oh god, you have any idea what hour it is?!'
"I have no idea, Mrs. Figgs," Harry replied innocently, "I woke up this morning, read some chapters in one of the Goblin books you gave me, did my usual 10 km run, then I had breakfast and took a quality shower. But … I never looked at the time."
Mrs. Figgs eyes widened, veins throbbing in her temples, she wanted to pluck all the hairs from his head and then slam the door against his face, unfortunately she was too old for that.
"It's 5.30 am, normal people are supposed to be in bed at this hour." She yelled.
"But you and I know Mrs. Figgs, that we are anything but normal people," Harry winked and smirked magically.
Mrs. Figgs breathing like a winded ostrich, could explode any moment.
Harry thought she got out of bed on the wrong foot and decided to keep his mouth shut.
After a few minutes, Mrs. Figgs cooled down and they started reading and analyzing texts in Gobbledegook. Mrs. Figgs was impressed by the nine year old wizard's progress who only started learning the language one year and some months ago. She felt satisfied and was proud for what her student had achieved.
Next they did some Gobbledegook dialogues, and lunched together. Mrs. Figgs insisted on taking a nap right after while Harry continued expanding his vocabulary.
When Mrs. Figgs woke up, she looked at the diligent wizard. "Still going at it, Harry?" She smiled at him.
"This language is hard but quite fascinating." Harry replied while reading.
"If you continue like this, you will surpass me in two or three months." She whispered, uncertain if he had heard her.
"Hmm…." Harry murmured in concentration.
"Hey Harry, since you've read almost all my books, why don't you visit the library downtown?" Mrs. Figgs proposed swiftly.
"Library…, why?... muggle books… not interested." The black haired boy babbled.
"The library in town has a magical section." She continued, ignoring the strange sounds the boy made.
"WHAT ?" Harry threw the book in the air and jumped up from his chair.
"Oh you didn't know," Mrs. Figgs teased, glad she finally got his attention. "Most libraries have a magical section for wizards and witches. You thought only muggles love to read? … She didn't wait for him to reply. "The collection magical books in that library is not very versatile, but I'm sure you'll be able to comfort your eyes there."
"Why you didn't tell me this earlier? Harry gaped.
"By second thought I shouldn't have told you at all, you are still too young." She stuttered, her face went pale.
"Now you have told me, there is no way back, Mrs. Figgs." Harry laughed, he didn't see the anxious look on Mrs. Figgs face. Besides that, the excited boy had only heard the words 'magical', 'books', 'library' and his decision was made. He stood up and ran to the door.
"Thanks for teaching, Mrs. Figgs." Harry shouted, "See you soon" and closed the door behind him.
Half an hour later, a heavily breathing boy stopped before the library entry, not noticing the looks the bystanders were giving him. It was easy to find the library as you couldn't miss the massive building. When he went inside he looked around and his mouth fell open, there were racks and racks of books as far he could see.
Harry noticed the unique signs with 'Magical section' on it and followed the directions. It was likely muggles couldn't even see them, he assumed. Then out of nowhere a bald man in a very long blue coat shook his hand and walked away without saying a word. Harry continued walking through various corridors and galleries, and stopped before a thick oaken door.
He opened the door and stepped inside a huge gallery filled with bookshelves that almost reached the ceiling. He instantly forgot about the man who had shaken his hand. With his eyes wide open he walked to the desk in the middle of the gallery.
Behind the desk stood an old wizard with a long beard, he looked quite pale. Harry wondered if the man ever came outside.
"Hello sir," Harry greeted as he made eye contact.
"Good eveee… Good Lord," said the librarian, peering at Harry, "are you — for real — ?"
Suddenly it was completely still and silent, the man examined Harry from head-to-toe, his glance rested on the lightning shaped scar, it was clearly visible, much of his hairs stood up in different directions after Harry's run to the library.
"Bless my soul," whispered the old librarian, "Harry Potter … what an honor."
He hurried out from behind the desk, rushed toward Harry and seized his hand, tears in his eyes.
"Welcome, Mr. Potter, welcome"
Harry kept staring at the man, after a few seconds he pulled himself together and said, "Good evening sir, you seem excited today."
"Of course, of course ….. never expected a great wizard like yourself to come here." He said with a friendly tone. "Excuse me for not introducing myself, my name is Wonka, Willie Wonka, but please call me Willie."
"Pleased to meet you, Willie." Harry said politely.
"The pleasure is all mine." Willie said with watery eyes. "Tell me Mr. Potter, how can I be of service?"
"Just Harry, please." The nine year old was not used to be called Mr. Potter, although he found it quite funny. "I've never been here before and I wanted to look around first."
"Well Harry, then I won't hold you any longer," Willie understood the young wizard. At first he wanted to offer a guided tour, but he felt the boy would prefer to look around alone.
When Harry turned to walk away, Willie said, "I almost forgot, the new edition of Modern Magical History came in last week, and the authors mention you several times, if you have time you should check it out. You can find it in the History section in the corner over there."
"I certainly will," Harry looked interested to where the man was pointing.
"If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask." Willie added formal.
Harry walked to the side and then to a corner with a sign 'History'. He wondered why he was mentioned in a book and started searching curiously for the book Modern Magical History. When he found it, his eyes briefly shifted and the book flew to his hand, he opened it and quickly scanned the table of contents. He dropped in a comfortable chair behind him and started reading the chapter … 'Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived".
After four hours of continuous concentration without moving an inch, Harry had read the chapters he absolutely wanted to read. While he was busy reading he had shown mixed emotions, the entire time he had tears in his eyes. It were no tears of sadness, no tears of happiness, no tears of shock nor fear, those were tears of relief. Finally the giant hole of his past was filled, finally he knew who he was, who his parents were, why he had to stay at the Dursleys and so much more.
The exhausted nine year old wizard, Harry James Potter, leaned to the back of the red cushioned chair and went out like a light.
About an hour later Harry woke up as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Willie was smiling at him, "Had a nice nap?"
"Yeah" Harry yawned.
"Sorry for waking you, but the library closes in half an hour." Willie said, feeling guilty.
"No problem, I should be going home anyway." Harry said. "Is it possible for me to borrow a few books and return them later?"
"You may borrow a maximum of ten books for a period of three weeks." Willie answered. "The door will automatically register your books, you can't exit with an eleventh book."
"Ok, thanks Willie." Harry said. He took the history book and walked with a fast pace to the other sections. He found five other books to take with him, one more history book, the only three available books written in Gobbledegook and one book about basic Occulmency.
Harry was about to leave the library, when Willie ran up to him. "Harry, I hope you're not running home like that." Willie pointed at the pile of books Harry was holding in his hands.
"Ehhh…," Harry was not sure what to say.
Willie gave him a weird look and said, "Here, use this bag, you can keep it."
Harry took the normal looking plastic bag, first he put two books in the bag, then to his surprise another four. He peeped inside and saw the bag was much bigger than the outside made it look, there was room for another eight to nine books.
"Very useful, thank you, Willie," Harry said happily. "See you soon."
"Goodnight, Harry," Willie said with a smile.
Harry returned home, he spotted his relatives in the living room, he didn't bother to say 'Hello' as they didn't notice him. He strolled to the kitchen, ate an apple and five slices of brown bread then went to bed, he doze off immediately. This was the first time he forgot his routine workout.
Two weeks later, Harry Potter was on his way to the library for the third time. By now he had finished reading a small amount of spell books, potion books, history books, Occulmency books, and a mysterious book about magical creatures, written in Gobbledegook. He had learned new interesting facts about himself and the magical world.
Harry had no problems processing and storing all the knowledge. His memory was already exceptional, but he felt it became even more unique after he mastered the subtle art of Occulmency. He picked up things even quicker, learned Gobbledegook in a remarkable fast pace, and he never forgot. One day he found the answer in a Occulmency book. It seemed that in some cases, after intensive training of the mind at young age, the general functions of the developing brain could improve. Harry had crossed his fingers and silently thanked Korin for teaching him the mind arts when he was five.
Then there was this large book that listed the family trees of the old magical families. There were interesting chapters in the book about heritage, blood purity and political influence.
Harry found out he was a Pureblood wizard. His parents were wizards, both very talented, his mother was a Half-blood, his father a Pureblood. He had browsed curiously through the Pureblood family trees, they were listed from eldest to newest. Apparently the Potter family was one of the if not the most ancient family in the history of magic, it was believed they were related with Merlin himself. Incomparable with the Potters, other ancient families included, the Blacks, the Crouches and the Rosiers. Further to the back, were in order, the Yaxleys, Greengrasses, Malfoys, Prewitts, Longbottoms, Goyles and more.
Five years ago there were some important changes regarding blood status, as there were too much flaws in the complex concept, and several other reasons. Pureblood families maintained their alleged purity by inbreeding, disowning, banishing, or lying about Muggles or Muggle-borns on their family trees. Because of all the inbreeding to stay pure, children were born with mental instability, and even diminished magical capability. More and more wizards and witches became disgusted by their Pureblood heritage. Over the years, Pureblood families started dying out and people feared they would cease to exist. All this lead to the revision of the Blood status concept.
Harry recalled a page from the book.
New blood statuses
Pureblood: a wizard or witch with two magical parents and bears the name of a traditional Pureblood family.
Half-blood: a wizard or witch with one Muggle/Muggle-born parent and magical parent or two magical parents of a new family.
Muggle-born: a witch or wizard who is born to two non-magical parents.
Harry remembered magical abilities did not seem to be affected by parentage. Yet many Purebloods considered themselves to be akin to royalty in the wizarding world. The highest, most important positions in the Ministry were exclusively for Purebloods. For example, every Pureblood family had the right to occupy at least one seat on the Wizengamot.
The Purebloods often disdain those of different blood status and Muggles, some even arguing that Muggle-borns should not be admitted into the wizarding world, however Harry did not share that belief.
Forty minutes later, Harry greeted Willie at the magical section of the library. He turned in the books he was done with and borrowed five new ones as he left again.
Willie was already used to the odd behavior of the nine year old wizard, he seemed to be deep in thought most of the time but still noticing everything around him. Sometimes they discussed a certain book or a specific subject. The old librarian was taken aback with the determination and learning speed of the legendary young wizard.
2 years later, before lunchtime
Harry, eleven years old, sat on his bed while reading a book about advanced charms, when he heard Petunia's shrieking voice, he strolled down the stairs, surprised she called him.
"Harry? There is someone here to see you. This is Mr. Dumbleton — ehh, Dunderbore."Aunt Petunia said with a terrified look in her eyes. She quickly ran back to the living room, closing the door behind her.
Harry's eyes widened, in front of him stood a tall, thin, and very old man, judging by the silver of his hair and beard, which were both long enough to tuck into his belt. He was wearing long robes, a purple cloak that swept the ground, and high-heeled, buckled boots. His blue eyes were light, bright, and sparkling behind half-moon spectacles and his nose was very long and crooked, as though it had been broken at least twice. This man's name was Albus Dumbledore.
"How do you do, Harry?" said Dumbledore, walking forward and holding out his hand.
Harry didn't hesitate and as they made contact to shake hands, the lamp on the ceiling flickered and a short breeze passed through the hallway.
Invisible waves of both wizards leaking magical aura were dancing wildly around them.
A surprised Dumbledore felt the radiating energy and smoothly regained control of his immense inner aura. "Very unusual... very unusual..." He muttered under his breath. Everyone in the magical world knew it was hard to surprise this particular man.
"I am Professor Dumbledore," said Dumbledore quickly, realizing he had been staring at the eleven year old boy.
"Hello Professor," Harry said coolly, not intrigued by the highly intelligent and powerful looking old wizard. He had read a lot about this one. "And I'm fine thanks. How can I help you, Professor?"
"I work at a school called Hogwarts. I have come to offer you a place at my school." Dumbledore continued, his bright blue eyes locked on the green. He was impressed by how relaxed the boy appeared in his presence.
The other eleven year old kids in muggle families he had met, reacted more bizarre. Most of them were stunned and lost their tongue when they saw him. The boy he visited before Harry, pissed his pants when he saw the infamous headmaster, then he started running away and was knocked out as he hit the coat rack further down the hall.
Maybe he should ask Minerva for advice, she did this kind of visits more often.
"Here Harry," Dumbledore held out a letter.
Harry took the parchment letter and upon opening it, began to read.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
Harry looked up with his notorious poker face, to behold two twinkling blue eyes watching him closely. Dumbledore was waiting to see a reaction, as he expected him to say, "This must be a joke, I can't be a wizard." To his amazement, the boy started reading again, not showing any emotion at all.
It's possible he found out by himself, Dumbledore thought. It's not that hard to see you're different if you connect all the little miracles that happened around most magical children. This makes it all a lot easier. Now I don't have to tell the still much too young boy about what happened eleven years ago.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
"Professor, where can I buy all this," Harry asked humble, faking a curious look on his face. He knew he had to go to Diagon Alley in London but didn't want to impress the great Albus Dumbledore with the knowledge he had acquired. Maybe the headmaster wouldn't ask any inconvenient questions if he played this deceptive game.
"In Diagon Alley," said Dumbledore. "I shall escort you there so you can purchase everything you need."
"You're coming with me?" asked Harry, looking up.
"Certainly, if you —" Dumbledore began.
"You don't need to waste your precious time on me, Professor." Harry interrupted. "Besides, I'm used to doing things on my own. How do you get to this Diagon Alley — Professor?" he added politely, catching Dumbledore's eye.
Dumbledore didn't have a problem with that, and most likely the boy would not budge in his decision. He told Harry exactly how to get to the Leaky Cauldron.
"You will be able to see it, although muggles around you — non-magical people, that is — will not. Ask for Tom the barman—" said Dumbledore.
"Ok, Professor," Harry nodded.
To all the other young wizards and witches Dumbledore gave a long explanation about King's Cross and how to get on the train, but he was somehow certain Harry would figure it out himself.
"Then I better get going," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Take care, Harry. I shall see you at Hogwarts."
"Thanks and have a nice day, Professor," Harry said as they shook hands again.
Dumbledore magically opened and closed the door behind him. A few moments later Harry did the "Dumbledore Door Move" and with a big smile on his face he started running to the library or better to Mr. Wonka.