Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters.

As he promised himself Harry did indeed go and talk to people and organised visiting them during the summer break the following day. If it all worked out the way he planned in his mind he would only spend around a week with the Dursleys in total. He had plans to get quite a few things sorted out. Such as heading into Knockturn alley and getting that second wand. Maybe see what else is in the alley, the fact it still runs shows that even though it's seen as 'Dark' it's obviously not that bad if the Ministry still allows it to run.

Both Draco and Ron had invited him to their respective houses but he wasn't sure whether he would go to either house. He did hold his own against Quirrell but the man wasn't exactly a duellist by any means. His attacks were slow and sloppy and something told Harry that Lucius and Narcissa weren't going to be like that if it was some sort of trick or trap. He promised Draco at the very least they would catch up some time during the break which appeased him.

Ron however was another story, he was practically stating Harry would be allowed all summer if he so wished. This confused Harry quite a bit as according to Lee Jordan he was only allowed for a few days if that during each summer break. Yet here they were offering him the entire break if he so desired it. Dumbledore also asked him to meet with him after Lunch so Harry headed up to the office to see what he wanted.

Entering the office he sat down taking note that Fawkes wasn't there. "Ah not to worry Harry, Fawkes is merely delivering a letter for me. Now I asked you here for three reasons actually my boy. First to discuss your summer plans, second is about what kind of reward you wish for protecting the stone with Miss Greengrass. With Gryffindor already in the lead for the house cup it would be pointless awarding points. Finally I wish to talk about your grades"

Harry tilted his head in confusion "I'm sorry sir but with all due respect. What do my plans for the summer have to do with you? Also as far as reward I do not wish to have any kind of reward. Let the masses believe what they wish. I know Daphne won't want her involvement released either, it's why the rumours don't include her. It could be troublesome in her house if the truth got out. And what do you mean discuss my grades? Is there a problem with one of my tests?"

Dumbledore decided to discuss the grades first since the boy likely wouldn't like the other news he had to give him. "Nothing my boy it's just you are top of every class. Not only this, you seem to discuss topics in a much more detailed way than a first year typically would. Miss Granger tried but some topics she discussed were irrelevant to the exam questions. Basically what I wish to discuss with you is bumping you up a year next year since you seem so advanced"

Harry thought about it for around two seconds before stating "No thanks sir. I'll prefer staying with my own age group" Dumbledore eyes began twinkling. Honestly he didn't want to even make the offer but just in case Harry spoke to someone at the ministry he had to do his duty as headmaster. Harry refusing was perfect as it kept him where he wanted the boy.

"Excellent now that is out of the way we need to discuss the other news. Harry, do you know why you were placed with your relatives as a toddler?" Harry shook his head as he honestly wondered about that quite a bit. Suddenly that simple question set off multiple memories and pieces began to fall together. Why did Dumbledore place him with magic hating relatives? What could be so important to have him grow up in such an environment?

"Well my boy. I decided you should live there for two main reasons. One was to keep you out of the magical world so you couldn't be manipulated and placed on a pedestal making you develop a big head. The second reason was because by placing you with your mother's sister. A blood ward could be made that would keep outside dangers from entering their home. I regret that I never once considered what could happen within the home and I am truly sorry for that Harry."

Harry fought off the rage he felt for headmaster since he did give a sincere apology. "So what does this have to do with this summer break sir?" Dumbledore lost the twinkle in his eyes and stated sadly "For the blood wards to remain active you will need to stay at the property for the entire break."

Harry eyes widened in complete shock, something was telling him this was just like the headmaster telling him he couldn't take his titles until after Hogwarts. "What exactly do these wards prevent Headmaster?"

The headmaster looked confused by the question as he thought he had already answered it. "The blood prevents anyone who are not blood related wishing you harm from entering the property" Harry nodded before he added "And what powers the blood ward sir?"

Again the Headmaster was confused by the question "Love Harry. Why do you ask?" Harry looked at him blankly "Am I right in assuming you mean love from my relatives to me and vice versa" The aged wizard nodded unsure of where Harry was going with this.

"I have no love for my relatives and they have no love for me headmaster. How exactly does the blood ward stay functional then? Also I am only blood related to my Aunt and Cousin. If the ward truly does do as you say then my Uncle should be unable to enter his own home as he always wishes me harm. The same could be said for my cousin's friends who come over for the sole purpose of hurting me"

The old man's eyes widened in horror as realisation stuck him hard. Due to there being no love to begin with, the wards possibly never even lasted a few years without the love needed to fuel it. If what Harry says is true than the ward must have failed years ago. As he stated his Uncle should not have been able to enter the property and beat him since he wasn't a direct blood relative. He raked his brain trying to find some way to convince Harry to stay within the house as much as possible for the next 3 months. The more contact he had with the wizarding world the less dependent the boy would become of him. Not only that but the more knowledge he will gain and might discover too much too quickly.

Harry, knowing he had the old man backed into a corner stated "As for what my plans are since that was your original discussion sir. I plan to visit my friends at their homes, have a trip to Diagon Alley. I have no intention of staying with my relatives longer than necessary. Since your wards have obviously failed I am much more likely to be attacked there than at a wizarding home. Voldemort is also merely a shade unable to do anything. So why exactly are you trying to force me to remain with my abusive relatives now I have the option not to headmaster?"

Dumbledore's eyes were wide and the headmaster's in the portraits were whispering the cunning the young boy was showing. Albus couldn't believe how Slytherin Harry was acting at that moment. He was reminding him quite a bit of young Tom Riddle and it concerned him greatly. Harry was sorted into Gryffindor. He should be rash and headstrong not seeing the subtle little things he obviously was. Albus let out a long sigh, he was losing control of the situation and he couldn't convince him otherwise.

Looking sadly at Harry he stated "Very well it seems I did not see all the facts even though they were right in front of me. I shall speak to some ward specialists and see if they can put up some protections for you. May I ask who you will be visiting Harry?"

Harry got a slight smirk realising he had won the argument "I plan to speak to the Goblin's about setting up some wards. So you don't need to worry about organising it. As for who I'm visiting, as I already stated, my friends. People I trust completely sir."

Dumbledore was getting annoyed that he couldn't get any direct answers from the boy. Usually he would happily divulge such information but now he was holding back. Also if he did get the Goblins to set up wards there would be no way to know what wards were placed there. He let out a sigh hoping Harry didn't visit any dark families during the break. The last thing he needed was another dark lord arising under his watch. With a resigned sigh "Very well Harry. I would recommend visiting the Weasleys until your wards are set up however. They are a kind family that you would no doubt feel at home at."

Harry just decided to incline his head at the suggestion. Now more than ever he was wondering what the Weasleys role in all this was. Shrugging he dismissed himself from the office in search of his friends. He picked up Daphne's scent as he was passing the entrance hall from outside. Following it he found her watching the lake with a pensive look. "You know pretty girls like yourself really shouldn't walk around without an escort young lady"

She didn't even indicate she heard him as she kept gazing at the water "So what did the headmaster want?" He chuckled at the answer. Naturally she noticed the Headmaster wanting to see him. With a resigned sigh he explained what he was told and she gave him a smirk "Explain again why you aren't in my house Harry?"

Harry sat down and pulled her into his lap bringing out a blush as he looked out at the lake. "Because I told the sorting hat it would be in everyone's best interest if I wasn't sorted there" She huffed and they just sat in silence for a while, each in their own thoughts. After a while a beaming Tracey came out and sat with them and they got into a discussion of what to do during the break.

Harry walked into the Great Hall that night to see it decorated completely in red and gold symbolising Gryffindors victory at winning the house cup. A look at the Slytherin table showed just how annoyed they were about the result since they had won the last 6 years straight. 'So much for lucky 7' Harry thought with a snicker.

The feast was again impressive since it was the last meal they would have at Hogwarts for 3 months. Everyone dug in with more enthusiasm than normal as they were all excited about returning to their families. Well almost everyone. Dumbledore stood once the meal finished and awarded the house cup to Professor McGonagall and three quarters of the hall burst into cheers. The roars from Gryffindor table were deafening and Harry had a sudden urge to turn into his Lion animagus form and show them all how it's done. Alas he held himself back and joined with the rest of his housemates.

As everyone returned to their common rooms for the last time Professor McGonagall came with them with a envelope. The older students knew what it was and dutifully followed after. "What's in that?" Harry asked out loud. Katie turned and sent him a sly smile "Oh something you don't know Harry? I'm shocked. Its exam results minus OWLS and NEWTS since that's marked by the ministry.

Once the results were handed out he naturally had the top score of the year. He actually had the best grade across the board that pleased him immensely. Seeing Outstanding after each subject would please anyone. No one could claim he didn't deserve this no matter what they said. He noted the top 10 students of the year were listed on his parchment and he had to roll his eyes at how competitive they made it.

Final exam results First year

Student: Harry James Potter (Gryffindor)

DADA: O – rank 1

Transfiguration: O – rank 1

Potions: O – rank 2

Astronomy: O – rank 3

History of Magic O – rank 1

Charms: O – rank 1

Herbology O – rank 2

Note: Grade O – Outstanding, E- Exceeds expectations, A – Acceptable, P - Poor, D – Dreadful, T – Troll. Rank following based on class standing, year level standing below.

Top Students First Year

1 – Harry James Potter

2 – Hermione Granger

3 – Daphne Greengrass

4 – Padma Patil

5 – Su Li

6 – Tracey Davis

7 – Susan Bones

8 - Lisa Turpin

9 – Hannah Abbott

10 – Draco Malfoy

"I passed everything" Neville exclaimed clearly shocked by making such an achievement. He was sure he would have surely got a P in Potions but he actually ended up with an A. He got an O in Herbology that brought his overall year ranking up. At that moment the timid boy realized Harry was right. All you need is to put the effort in and you'll get the right results.

Harry laughed and patted his friend on the back and he got a grateful smile back in return. Hermione huffed in annoyance and Harry had to tease "Come now Hermione. Did you honestly think you'd beat me?" She muttered something under her breath but didn't say it out loud.

The following morning Harry nearly laughed seeing his dorm mates rushing to try and get packed. He couldn't fathom why they didn't bother doing it ahead of time. Then again he did have a trunk that had three large compartments. Whereas he noticed his friends only had literally wooden trunks with no enchantments on them. He blinked when he realized he paid nearly 500 galleons for his trunk and considering they thought a broom was expensive at 80... Well it made sense that they only had those basic trunks.

Harry shrunk and pocketed his trunk and saw his dorm mates gob smacked expressions and he let out a sigh. Especially at Ron and Neville, surely their parents and Grandmother could have put the charm that allowed them to shrink their trunks. Of course Harry knew that the trunks would be taken by the house elves but he felt better when it was with him. He walked out of the room with his friends asking questions about his trunk in more detail and he tried to explain it to them.

Breakfast was an interesting affair. The noise level rivalled that during the first night back. Once Dumbledore gave them a goodbye speech they all made their way towards the carriages. Harry looked confused when he saw the winged skeleton horses now pulling along the carriages. He was sure that it was pulled by magic before not those creatures. Taking a look around he realized no one seemed to act any differently making him believe only he could see them.

"They are called Thestrals Harry" He turned around to see a smirking Daphne and a bright eyed Tracey looking at him. "Right that sounds familiar. They can only be seen by one who has witnessed death right? So since we watched Quirrell go we can now see them" She shrugged since she could see them before but Harry didn't need to know that.

Ron was screaming at him further along at a carriage and with a shrug he made his way there with the two Slytherins. Neville, Dean and Seamus were in it already and looked up curious at the two girls. Surprisingly Ron didn't put up much of a fuss about them being there. It made no sense to Harry until he realized they weren't in their robes. They were in muggle clothing. Surely Ron realized who they were though considering he had made a big deal of them all year.

Harry made idle chat with all his friends until they pulled up at the station. However he was secretly watching the winged horses pulling the carriage in fascination. Disembarking they gathered their trunks and made their way onto the train. Harry being the gentlemen he was levitated both girls trunks making them giggle. He let Hedwig fly back to Privet drive but he told her to wait a few hours so she didn't have to wait on him or face an angry Vernon Dursley. The snowy owl hooted and flew back up to the Hogwarts owlery to get a few more hours of sleep. He entered a compartment and put them in the racking.

It was a relaxing trip in the end. Susan and Hannah had dropped by for a bit. Draco and his bodyguards made an appearance. A few of the other first year Gryffindors joined them to chat and play a few games of Quidditch, exploding snap or chess. Eventually an announcement was that they would soon be arriving.

It took a while to get off the train when they pulled up at King's cross station due to everyone trying to leave at once. Harry was quite happy just to stick around and wait until it thinned out. Once it did he helped the girls with their trunks until he got them to their families. Harry made promises to stop by to the mother's while the father's gave him cold gazes. More so when he gave each girl a kiss on their cheeks, Astoria had come and launched herself at him. Confused at first he ruffled her hair playfully and greeted her with a kiss too.

They all headed to the apparation zone of the platform. Harry saw Hannah with her family and Susan with her Aunt and he went to greet them before they took off. He thanked Mrs Weasley for the jumper when Ron dragged him over to them and she seemed quite pleased with his kind words. Harry looked at Ginny curiously when she began blushing bright red and hiding behind her mother's form when he made eye contact with her. 'Great a fangirl, I was hoping she would at least be like Astoria somewhat' He walked through the barrier with the Weasleys since there were so many of them they had to take the Knight bus instead of apparating.

"Where is your family Harry dear?" Molly asked looked around once they passed through the barrier. Harry snorted "No way they would come out here to get me Mrs Weasley. Don't worry I was just going to get a taxi out to my house."

Molly looked at him in confusion. What family didn't pick up the children in their care? She shook her head "Nonsense young man. You will get the Knight bus with us. It is much faster and I can make sure you get home safely"

Harry let out a long slow sigh, honestly he would rather they didn't learn where he lived. Saying that, maybe they already did know considering what Dumbledore seemed to be doing. With a shrug he joined the Weasley family on the knight bus. To say Harry got a shock at the speed the bus went at was an understatement. However he rather enjoyed it just as he did with the Gringotts carts and thought it would be handy to get to the Leaky Cauldron in.

They arrived at Privet drive and he got off the Bus after promising he would seriously consider dropping by 'the Burrow' before summers end. He felt it was only fair he at least humour the idea they could be completely innocent and it is all Dumbledore. Plus they did seem like a genuinely nice family no matter how he looked at it.

Harry watched the knight bus vanish with a bang and he walked up to the door of his house. His cousin opened it and screamed when he saw who it was. His Aunt came running in and gasped when she saw her nephew as well. Then naturally his Uncle came into view and narrowed his beady little eyes "You"

Harry tilted his head as if in deep thought as he walked inside and shut the door. His cousin took off to hide behind his father. "Hmm, figured Dumbledore would have sent you a message the way he was talking. But yeah schools over so I'm back for 3 months. Don't worry the same deal stands, stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours"

His Uncle suddenly turned red and got the grin that Harry remembered from his youth "Actually it just so happens we did get a message. So you're not allowed to use magic at all this summer. You will do what we say boy or face expulsion from that freak school of yours. You can start by mowing the grass out back and then remove all the weeds"

Harry blinked at the statement made and wondered whether Dumbledore thought this was some way to keep him 'grounded'. Instead of looking scared he snorted and then began laughing loudly. Vernon reared back in shock, if the freak couldn't use magic why would he be laughing. Getting irritated when his nephew kept going he walked over to backhand him.

Of course he got quite the shock when Harry caught the man's large arm with ease before pushing it back with force making the obese man stumble and fall on his back. Harry narrowed his eyes as they began to glow "I will warn you once Uncle. I do not need magic to protect myself now. Come at me like that again and you will regret it. As I said leave me be and I'll leave you be. I will feed myself. I will stay out of your way. All you have to do is not bother me and we will be fine. I will also be visiting friends during the break so you shouldn't have to see me too often. If you break the rules..."

To emphasise the point Harry turned into his lion form which was slightly bigger than the last time they saw it and let out a roar. He turned back before focusing and creating a ball of fire in his hand as his eyes glowed dangerously. "...Well I think you get the point. I'll be in my room if you desperately need me for something. I doubt you will though. Before you start crying about me using magic, animagus transformations can't be tracked which is why I can do it. Also the fire is a special trick that also cannot be tracked."

Harry then left his stunned family before heading upstairs to his room. He let out a sigh as he honestly wasn't entirely sure whether his fire manipulation could be tracked. But considering it would go off whenever a phoenix, veela or other fire affinity creature used their unique abilities he wasn't too worried about it. As he entered his room he saw that his 'relatives' must have taken his 9 months away to make the room more 'comfortable' for him. The mattress on the bed had springs poking out obviously meant to make sleeping very difficult. He noticed a frame had been put outside his window that looked to be in preparation of bars being installed.

Just as he opened the window Hedwig flew in and hooted softly, Harry scratched her briefly before he entered his trunk. She followed him in and settled herself on the perch. He put some owl treats and water for her to feast upon as he checked to see what he had in the fridge and absently began to make something light to eat. His mind began to wonder on what his relatives were told to do in that letter. Intimidate him to not leave? Actually keep him locked inside the room all summer without the use of magic to free himself? The metal frame on the outside of the window suggested that last fact.

There was something more going on that he wasn't aware of. Now he knew that Voldemort was alive, he tried to figure out why Dumbledore was acting the way he does. Before he truly believed he kept him out of the wizarding world so he stayed level headed and keep him safe from Voldemorts followers that would likely want his head. But he didn't seem surprised at hearing Voldemort possessed Quirrell. If the old wizard was aware of that fact, than the trials to reach the stone were more than just a test for him.

It would mean he for some reason wanted him to confront Quirrell/Voldemort. He let out an annoyed snort. Just because he somehow stopped Voldemort as a infant didn't mean he was the only one capable of facing the dark lord did it? Apparently Dumbledore didn't get that memo or for some odd reason he truly believed that only Harry was capable of facing Voldemort.

Timeskip

True to his own word Harry spent the next week of June doing all his Hogwarts assignments to get them out of the way. The Dursleys oddly enough had the guts to put the bars on the window while he was inside his trunk a few days after his return. Harry had actually been surprised they had the guts to do so after his demonstration. He did try to rip the bars off the wall but even with his strength it wasn't enough. The door had also received multiple locks and at closer inspection could only be unlocked from the outside. Again he tried to ram the door down but again it proved pointless.

Instead of trying to break it down he merely went back to his trunk and did his assignments. Once he completed them all he would look for a way out. Finally with the last of his homework completed he let out a groan as he began to think of what to do to get out of the room. He could try heating up the locks or trying to burn a hole through the door. In the end he decided to go with heating up the locks on the door and began slamming his foot into the door repeatedly.

"B-boy. W=what do you think you're d-doing?" He heard his Uncle try and demand on the other side of the door. "Oh right I forget to tell you. Turns out the ward on the house that keeps dark wizards out doesn't actually work. You see it needs love between you guys and me to power it. Since that never happened there is no protection here, so I'm going to go talk to some warders and get some other ones put in place. But there appear to be locks on the door that I can't open from this side. So I'm going to smash it down" Getting annoyed that the door was still not budging he stood back and gazed at it calmly. Then he took off at it full speed and did a full body slam into it. The force caused cracks to appear on the area around the door frame. Harry smirked when he noticed them and did it again.

"S-stop. You can't leave" Harry tilted his head but ignored his uncle as he slammed into the door again. He saw the damage he had caused and realized that it should only likely take another hit before coming off. Turning to his trunk he walked over and closed it after telling Hedwig she will be able to fly soon enough, he then shrunk it down and pocketed it. The next slam brought the door of its hinges with part of the wall where the locks were as well. Harry whistled at how many there actually were before calmly walking over the door.

"I'll get the Goblins to come install the wards later today and then I'll be gone most of the break. You likely won't know they are here though since you're, well muggles and all. I won't be back for more than a day or two at a time. But the last week of August before Hogwarts though I will be here, just so you know." His relatives were staring at him with wide fearful eyes. Harry simply shrugged before walking downstairs calmly and walking out the front door. Walking down the pavement he looked down the street curiously noticing the gossip queens of Privet drive looking over at him.

Harry waved before walking down the road with his hands in his pocket like he didn't have a care in the world. Once he was sure he didn't have anyone watching him he took out his trunk and enlarged it. He opened the third compartment and let Hedwig take off "Hey girl can you take this to Susan for me. If she agrees stay there and I'll come by later, if for whatever reason I'm not allowed over, come back with a response. I should be in Diagon Alley for some time. She hooted before taking to the skies.

He flicked his wrist and held out his wand. A bang later and the knight bus appeared "Hey Stan good to see you again. Just a ticket to the Leaky Cauldron thanks" The conductor's eyes widened at seeing the famous wizard again so soon before quickly nodding and stating the amount. Harry paid and got on noticing how empty it was.

A bang later and they were zooming through the streets heading towards the Leaky Cauldron in London. Harry made his way through the bar ignoring the gasps of those in the pub and gave a short wave to Tom. He took his time to get to the bank gazing around seeing if he could spot anyone he knew. Unfortunately there was no one, he did notice a new Nimbus model in the Quidditch Quality supplies window with a bunch of gawking kids just like the year before.

Entering the bank all Goblins spared a quick glance at him as he made his way to a free counter. "Greetings Shaknog. I'm Harry Potter and I was wondering about hiring a Goblin team to ward my muggle relative's property. It seems the so called protection that was set up for me as a child failed early, I would like more capable warders to put some up"

Shaknog's eyes widened in surprise at the request since nearly all wizards asked for a Goblin team with a wizard overseeing the process. "Of course Mr Potter. Come with me and we'll see the director. He has asked us to take you to him for such important matters." Harry blinked in surprise before nodding and following the Goblin.

Upon arrival Ragnok opened his arms in a welcome gesture "Mr Potter, so good to see you so soon after our last meeting. I assume you are here to see the property we discussed last time?" Harry had honestly forgotten about the house at Godric's Hollow, shaking his head "Actually now that you bring it up I would like to see it. First though I was hoping to organise some wards to be put in place at my current residence. I've since discovered that the so called protection my magical guardian left failed years ago and need some new ones put up. Is there a list of description of wards that can be used Ragnok?"

The Director's eyes widened before he shook his head and clicked his fingers. A moment later a stack appeared at the end of his desk "This is a list of common wards we set up for wizards. I've also included a few 'packages' that are for our special clients." Here he got a toothy grin that Harry smirked at. He began flicking through the sheets provided.

After a few minutes of memorizing all on the pages, many seemed very interesting to look up in more detail later. His eyes focused on one particular package that blocks the Ministry tracker "Hmm I think the most beneficial would be number 12. Notifies me of any magical user entering the ward perimeter as well as blocks the Ministry tracker for muggle raised students. That would prove very useful considering what I went through this morning. Although some of these others will be useful once I take my position as head of house and get another property. Ragnok I assume you can keep this a Goblin only project? I don't want any wizard notifying the Ministry or my magical guardian"

Ragnok looked obviously pleased with the outcome. It would save him much paperwork to keep the project under Gringotts only. "It shall be done Mr Potter. By the end of the day the wards will be up, I shall require some of your blood to key you into the ward." Harry nodded before placing some of his blood into the vial. "Excellent. Now this Portkey I had prepared for when you wished to see the property. Say 'activate' and it will take you within the ward there. Once you are finished say 'return activate' to bring you make here. I suggest you don't enter the village itself unless you have a means to disguise yourself or become invisible.

Harry nodded in understanding and he wouldn't have to worry about it since he had his cloak with him in the trunk. Taking hold of the portkey he muttered "Activate". A very strange pulling sensation that felt like someone yanked his head upwards, he saw blurred images all around him and felt like he was also spinning. Like floo travel it soon ended and he landed in front of a small cottage. His eyes travelled over the overgrown weeds and vines that had began to climb the walls of the property. Looking up he saw the blown section on the top floor where the killing curse must have been cast at him.

Harry slowly approached the door that was in pieces obviously from some sort of blasting curse from the damage done. He swore he suddenly heard a voice that sounded familiar 'There's my big man, have you been a good boy for mommy'

He shook his head before walking further into the house and saw a simple small living area with two couches and a fireplace. He again heard in his mind rather than his ears innocent childlike laughter. 'Hahaha, fas'er fas'er hahaha, lookie mommy'

Harry walked to the fireplace where there were pictures on the mantle. He picked one up of his father and three other boys. He felt a warm feeling of the man with scruffy wild black hair that had his arm around his father's shoulders. The lesser but similar feeling came from another man with brown hair and a scar on his face who looked tired and had old worn out robes. But the last shorter man with large teeth brought a strong feeling of distrust. Harry wondered what these feelings represented.

He put the picture back before turning and walking into the kitchen. The food was all still in the fridge and cupboards but the cutlery etc. Was very limited. Getting curious he went upstairs and entered the nursery. 'My beautiful baby boy. How I hope you will live a full life away from this war. Away from all the suffering' An angelic voice entered his mind. Harry gazed around the room taking note of the large hole in the wall. The various toys scattered around the room and a toy broom in the corner. A tear found its way down his cheek before he turned again and made his way to the master bedroom.

Harry entered slowly to see the amount of dust firstly. He opened the closest was curious at the limited number of clothes. He was told the wards were put up almost immediately so nothing should have been stolen. Actually now he thought about it everything he had seen seemed to be a temporary set up. More like a hideout from something or someone. Was this why Voldemort came for them, was he after something his parents had? He closed his eyes for a moment to try and calm his thoughts.

'No not Harry. Take me instead. Please just don't take away my Harry' His eyes snapped open and suddenly pieces began to fall together. Merlin's comments, Dumbledore's manipulations, Voldemort coming after them. The conversation they had a few weeks before. Voldemort wanted him dead as an infant for some reason. His parents died trying to protect him from the dark lord. Harry closed his eyes and fought down those self destructive thoughts. 'They wouldn't want me to beat myself up about it. I won't become some weak minded person hating myself for what I couldn't and can't control' Harry reasoned and soon got rid of the rest of the negative thoughts.

Harry was now contemplating where all their true belongings were. If he could claim his titles that meant he was the last living Potter. His Aunt wouldn't have gotten anything he was certain. That meant it was either in his family vault or at his family manor. Either way he couldn't gain access until he was 14. He took one last look around the house before deciding to take what he could from the house. He collected all his parent's clothes, his toys, crib and pictures.

With that done he pulled out his invisibility cloak and left the house. As soon as he left the gate outside the wards a sign popped up nearby. Walking over he saw a bunch of signatures, initials or various words on there. He smiled at the main message left behind and a few of the fan made messages before making his way into the heart of the village.

He froze a short walk later when he saw a large monument of what he assumed was a war monument. But as he approached it the statue morphed into his parents and his infant self. He couldn't believe they actually made them into a statue. Shaking his head in disbelief he wondered if there would have been one of him put into somewhere like the Ministry had he grown up in the magical world.

Harry saw a graveyard and remembering Ragnok's words knew his parents to be buried there. He kicked himself for not remembering to bring flowers, he knew where their graves were now so it didn't bother him too much. Walking through the graveyards he noted a few names that caught his attention, Abbott, Prewitt, Peverell, Kendra and Ariana Dumbledore. Wait the dates meant she was younger then the headmaster but only by a few years. A sister Harry quickly deduced and if that was the case why wouldn't the man come here with Harry, if not when he was younger now he was back in the world he was born in.

Clearing those thoughts he kept walking and finally found the gravesite he was looking for. Lily Potter and James Potter. Harry absently ran his hand across their names and lowered his head for a few minutes. After he gathered his thoughts and making sure he was completely alone he began to talk to them. He wasn't exactly sure why he was doing this. For some reason he felt it made more sense than talking to a photograph. School, his life, his friends and his gift from Merlin were among the things he talked about.

A sad smile came upon his face when he noticed the sun's position and how much time must have passed. Leaving the graves with one last goodbye he made his way back to the house and used the portkey to return to Gringotts. "Uh Mr Potter, I hope you found it a worthy trip" Harry sent the Goblin a sincere smile and nodded. "It was, thank you for arranging it."

The Goblin chuckled lightly before waving it off "The honour was mine. The funds have been removed from your account. So I have arranged the wards to be set up and they are currently on their way there now. Is there anything else you needed Harry?" Harry shook his head before taking leave of the bank.