Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters
AN: Sorry about the delay in this chapters release. I've haven't had time to write but hey, better late than never. Okay just to make things flow easier underage magic is tracked through student's wands and magical signatures. Everyone's is unique like a fingerprint in this story, wands act like a beacon lighting up that signature, strong accidental magic same thing. Dobby is able to get them to blame Harry in canon by matching his magical signature (I already explained earlier briefly about elves being able to do this. Ie. Botty recognizing Daphne's). By Harry putting up a ward he is blocking the ministry from being able to pick up his magical signature.
This is Harry's main reason for wanting a second wand and putting in the wards. Also it will put pureblood students on a fairer scale with muggleborns, since most wouldn't be able to use their wands or blame accidental magic. However less than honest families would likely still get their children unregistered wands and put wards up in my opinion.
As far as him not coming through with his threat to his uncle after breaking down the door. Harry isn't sadistic or cruel as I previously stated (well I can see him getting like that if say Vernon punched one of the girls). He gave a threat to keep them off his back and he was genuinely surprised they still tried to trap him. Harry simply wants them to leave him be as being there gives him the freedom to do what he pleases in the summer.
Harry didn't use his lion form to break the door down for one main reason. What would frighten his relatives more: a lion that obviously is stronger than an almost 12 year old boy? No in my opinion that 12 year old boy breaking down the reinforced door would scare them more. Then again it could prove to be problematic since the more they fear him the greater lengths they will go to regain control... another reason I did it, just for future summers...
I know Harry hasn't really asked about Sirius or Remus but his questions during Hogwarts were based on his parents. The photos were of his parents, not of their friends (aside from Alice Longbottom, through Neville he believes her to be dead anyway) He's had no reason to really bother asking about his parents friends. My Harry is a logical thinker, he has had no one try and track him down since he re-entered the magical world. For him he simply thinks either these so called friends of his parents don't care about him or they died during the war. Unlike canon Harry who's stuck always thinking of what if scenarios.
This Harry is living in the here and now so he won't bother with the people in the photos (Sirius, Remus and Peter) he got from the house until later in the school year. As for asking to see his parent's will while at the bank, Harry simply hasn't thought about it. What's done is done, who got what is irrelevant to the here and now as far as he's concerned. Dumbledore has admitted to placing him with the Dursleys and even if he was to see his parents didn't want it with them. The fact remains that it did and he can't do anything until he takes his head of house positions.
I haven't decided on pairings in the story yet, I realize it may seem to be leaning towards Harry/Daphne right now. This is simply because Daphne has 31% of the vote with the closest person to her on 18% on the poll on my profile. I did say the vote would decide where my story would lean in terms of interactions.
Again this will be an epic length story and feel free to continue giving me feedback on how you think it's shaping up. I might put a poll up for it but I'll ask here anyway. Would you guys like Harry to learn Parselmagic after he accesses the chamber? I mean why would Slytherin go to so much trouble to put a secret chamber, with a basilisk guardian, if there wasn't such knowledge somewhere there? Harry in my opinion was always a bit of an idiot not to go in there in later years, I mean possessed Ginny got in and out fine. So there must have been another entrance or method to get in and out rather than a slimy pipe. Hope you like the newest chapter in playing with the timeline.
Bones Residence
Harry came through the floo still standing and gazed around curiously. It was a very impressive living area but was simple in design. This clearly showed the young wizard that Amelia Bones didn't needlessly show off her power or wealth. A trait he respected and earned the woman a few notches on his trust scale. Turning to the fireplace he came through he noticed a crest above the mantle. His immediate assumption was that this was their house crest and he was curious as to what his family crest was.
"Harry" He heard followed by a squeal. Just as he turned to face Susan she was already upon him, he didn't have time to react as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "I wasn't expecting you until at least next month. Did you miss me that much?"
Harry chuckled before hugging her back "Course I did. Hope it's alright with your Aunt that I come over this early in the break. IF not I can easily get a room at the Leaky Cauldron."
"Of course not Mr Potter, I've been meaning to get a hold of you since Susan relayed an interesting story to me. I assume that's the reason for the early arrival since I've sent out three letters with no... You didn't even get them did you?" Amelia Bones stated as she walked out of the door on the far left side of the room. She quickly picked up the surprise on the young man's face at the mention of letters.
"No Ma'am, I haven't received letters from anybody since I left Hogwarts. I can have a few guesses on who it might be blocking them but I don't know for sure." Harry noticed the woman's eyes narrow at the information. "No I won't reveal who I believe it is even if I confirm it. I'll deal with it when the time comes. As for the story I don't mind talking about what happened. I can only guess you guys at the Ministry got a watered down version of events? Or the same ridiculous story spinning around Hogwarts from various students" The woman nodded before turning and leaving the room with a smirk. Her niece had sent her a glare for mentioning where she got the information.
Susan was indeed fuming. Now Harry was probably mad at her for revealing the true story. As such she didn't particularly want to move from the position she was currently in, a position that shielded her from his likely disappointed gaze. "Hah, I knew you would have done that if I mentioned something earlier. I don't mind Susan, really. I always planned to reveal the knowledge to your Aunt anyway considering her position in the ministry. But uh, how much detail did you go into?"
Harry blinked when the girl quickly released him and looked up in shock. It quickly passed before she replied "Uh just that you went to the third floor with the twins. Got to the last protection and duelled Quirrell. Then some shade came out of him turning his body into ash before fleeing the area. I didn't mention who you think it was."
Harry nodded "Not who I think, who it was Susan. But that's fine, I can work with that much". That was indeed easy to work with. He didn't want to reveal it was Voldemort since that would cause either mass panic or ruin his potential future political alliances. Just keeping it as the professor was possessed should work well to not only keep Voldemort or his followers from doing anything stupid. But also boost his political reach, especially if he already shows competence to someday become an auror.
Amelia's POV
Amelia was able to get him aside a few days later and have a talk about what Susan told her. She was very impressed when he spoke of some of the protections he was able to get past. The suits he duelled in particular when he stated how he took them out using the muggle way of fighting and simple spells. Fancy spellwork was useless in a life and death situation, a simple summoning of a brick from being the enemy could just as easily to the same effect with less risk. She was very curious when he mentioned disarming Quirrell and snapping his wand with a massive smile on his face. He put emphasis on 'disarming' but she let it go thinking it was just the fact he managed to do it to an adult wizard.
Unfortunately the head of the DMLE department knew full well how far the Auror training had dropped since the war. Now as long as they had the grades, average logic and magical power they were accepted. Even then, most of the forces under her were nothing to what she knew would have been around 10 years before. War does that, makes people serious about training and what the job means. Merlin the war produced men and woman like herself, the infamous Prewitt brothers and Alistair Moody. She could see that very same seriousness adorning the young man and he had natural leader abilities from what she heard. The makings of a great future leader of either the Auror forces or even Minister possibly.
It was frustrating to her how times of peace affected the wizarding community as a whole. The ministry becomes too focused on politics, corrupt dealings occur left and right under her nose daily. Known death eaters walking freely because high members of the ministry were paid off or they pleaded to the imperious curse. With no way to actually check for it, the fact Veritaserum was illegal except when the evidence is too big to simply ignore or there is vote of majority during a full wizengamut session. This simply meant many were able to walk free since many held allies within the court.
Decades pass, another dark lord arises and the wizarding community is stuck back at square one. Aurors who aren't prepared are killed with ease, usually because they underestimate their opponents. If someone fires dark curses at you with the intent to kill and you simply fire stunners back when they have friends to revive them. Well even a child would see who would win.
This is another factor that made the young man curious to her. He would hold quite a lot of power magically and politically in a few years, he always seemed so sincere and carefree. Those traits would lead people to take advantage of him but she was told by one of her employees of how he handled the minister, as well as the headmaster from her niece. Very cunning manoeuvres from someone supposedly living in the muggle world up until the school year, there is also the fact his friends would grow to be quite influential.
If she didn't see how he interacted with Susan she would assume he was trying to forge an alliance like all pureblood children do. But the friendship was real and she could see it clearly, there didn't seem to be any manipulations at all. Just two friends having fun together, she had access to the records and saw that Albus Dumbledore was his magical guardian.
Now she never joined the Order he created during the war but she had the pleasure of knowing James and Lily Potter during their final few years. They didn't seem the type to hand their only son off to him to decide what to do with. Sirius Black would have been the man they would have chosen, if that failed there would have been a number of candidates the Potters would have trusted. On that note Sirius Black didn't seem the type to betray them. It seemed more likely the old wizard forced himself into that position and chose not to defend the young man under his charge during the war. What Amelia couldn't work out was why. He was the most experienced, powerful wizard currently in wizarding Britain.
For what possible reason would a man of his calibre shield Harry Potter from the world. As magical guardian he has to right to filter out the boy's mail. With his political power he could have given Sirius Black Veritaserum to at the very least confirm his crimes. The man didn't even bear the mark of the dark lord for Merlin's sake. That alone should have sent warning signals but no, they up and shipped him to Azkaban without even giving a trial, if he was guilty then good riddance. But her trained mind couldn't help but wonder on what if there was a chance he was innocent. She was missing something crucial but she had no idea what it was. From the boys knowledge she almost thought Dumbledore had begun training him to be like the character the politicians created about him.
But she had heard from Susan of how they toyed with each other, feeding half truths and sometimes lies to each other. That showed no trust between them and Harry truly seemed clueless to some aspects of the wizarding world. Whatever Albus's goal was she would keep an eye on Harry, for it was clear to see her niece would stay by his side in the future if what she saw now was any indication.
Back to Harry
The next week allowed Harry to truly let down his guard for once while at the Bones manor. He wouldn't admit it to anybody but having people gawk at you wherever you walk. Cheer and watch you while you merely run around outside. Having people follow or try to talk to you constantly either to get an alliance, or somehow use you tends to get extremely annoying after a while. Thankfully due to his age he didn't have any of the older students trying to seduce him. Harry couldn't help the inward fear he felt realizing that's likely what he would expect when he got older.
Now it was just a bunch of fangirls squealing and blushing just from seeing or talking to him. He had no doubts they would become more... active in their methods in future years. Susan really helped him to relax, they simply talked and did generally had fun. He was shocked at just how little the girl actually did while at home. Muggles at least had TVs, music, sports, computers and games to keep them entertained. Susan seemed to prefer cooking which thanks to the Dursleys had become a form of relaxation. He would help her out and she was shocked to see how skilled he was at it.
She introduced him to the wizarding wireless and he looked at her in shock at some of the music that was playing over it. He vowed that would be his next Christmas present. Harry had heard of how electricity didn't work with magic, yet this radio did. It would take further investigations he decided.
As promised he did sit down with Amelia and told her the whole truth, he could practically see her processing and coming to conclusions. It was obvious how she got her position as head of magical law enforcement. Unlike Fudge who seemed to be just a greedy politician. Amelia had an air of authority and leadership. She was obviously very skilled at piecing together facts and information at a fast rate.
When he spoke of the suits of armour, he could literally see her eyes looking at him in approval. He had spoke briefly on the other tasks but spoke in some detail of the duel with the 5 suits. It was done on purpose since it showed he acted swiftly and with simple spells and physical contact. When he got to Quirrell he couldn't help the smile that came onto his face when he mentioned disarming him. This should sicken him he mused. As he had literally blown up the arm but for some reason he wasn't sure on, he didn't feel guilt or remorse for the action. Well until Daphne revealed she was fine anyway.
Could he become dark if say someone killed or hurt one of his girls? People who truly had come to care for him and him for them? Would he be able to hurt or even kill their murderers with ease or would he struggle with the decisions? Would he feel bad after the deed was done or not care, believing it to be justice? Could the Dursleys have unintentionally hardened him to take such an action if necessary in the future? Was it something else Merlin instilled into his mind without him knowing?
He knew his Occlumency shields were meant to be better than what any normal wizard's should be. Merlin also stated how the animagus forms can influence your base form in detail. The trauma, pain and remorse might be pushed aside for pure instincts in some situations. When he thought Daphne was hurt by Quirrell he just wanted to cause the man pain and suffering for hurting one of his friends. Even that thought, he saw them as his, like a leader of a pack protecting his own. When others look at them like those boys did Katie, he felt a rage prickling at the back of his mind wanting to attack and defend her. When Katie was hurt by Flint the pure rage and the need to see the older teen in pain come up.
Before his 11th birthday he couldn't imagine ever being able to think along those lines. He would likely feel sick just from the thought of seeing flaming bits of flesh scattered around, to intentionally want to see another suffer. To see a man reduced to nothing but ash, a face stuck out of the head of another man.
Harry shook his head of the thoughts as he lay there in one of the guest rooms the night he spoke with Madam Bones. It was likely just his lion instincts manifesting itself in his normal form, the feral instincts trying to influence him during extreme cases. Maybe even a vampire or werewolf trait he picked up during the process Merlin put him through.
Hannah came by and they even dragged him outside to teach them to fly. Harry simply scoffed when he heard the two girls whispering 'out of his hearing range'. Hannah was trying to convince the girl to get Harry to personally show her how to ride the broom correctly, as in on the same one. It did make him wonder what exactly the two talked about while in the Hufflepuff common room.
Harry however decided to turn their ploy on its head when he jumped onto the broom Hannah was on and took them to the air. The girl's cheeks were brighter then it was when she got sorted on that first day she was so embarrassed. Susan looked at her friend in shock at what had transpired. The look on Harry's face was like he was aware of what their plan was. Did he somehow hear them from so far away? Her thoughts were squashed when Harry took her for a flight as well.
Hannah stayed that night and the following day Harry decided to embrace his 'muggle side' and introduce them as well. He was up early and caught Amelia before she left for the Ministry. "Madam B-" "I Told you to call me Amelia Harry. Now what is it?"
Harry chuckled lightly "I wouldn't want to make Susan jealous" At the woman's harsh glare, she had put up with James Potter. This child was nothing on that man. Getting his thoughts back on track Harry relented "If you insist Amelia. I was wondering if I could take the girls out to Muggle London. I won't to introduce them to the movies. Well I assume Hannah might have been before but I'm not entirely sure on that"
The woman prided herself on knowing more than the average witch about the muggle world. With a stern look that did nothing to Harry's innocent expression she let out an annoyed sigh "You appear to be very skilled with that innocent look Harry. Oh very well. Stay out of Diagon Alley though. I don't want Susan walking around the streets unprotected. Save the bravado speech young man, you might be skilled but you're still only 11"
Harry grumbled a bit as he did indeed plan to give a dramatic speech with the snowball fight at Christmas as an example. "I also expect you back before dark, is that understood?" Harry nodded but Amelia held his gaze to make sure he did indeed understand. Once satisfied she left to floo out. As soon as the flames vanished Harry ran up the stairs to notify the girls who were bunking together of the plans.
Of course if he was thinking he would have thought to knock on the door first. Instead he barged in "Hannah what do you think of –" "Hey guys we" Harry froze at the same time Susan did as she slowly turned around mid sentence. She looked to have just gotten out of the shower if the wet hair was anything to go by and the fact she was only in her underwear. Neither said anything just both looked wide eyed at the other. Harry was able to regain his senses first "Well, I guess we're even huh"
This proved to be the wrong thing to say as the blush got more pronounced and a scowl began to form on the young girls face. As a growl started to appear Harry sensed the danger that was about to occur, He held up his hands as if it was the only thing that would keep him safe. "Harry James Potter"
"I'm taking you girls to Muggle London today. I was going to call others but I think I'll do that another day. It'll just be you two" She blinked at the fact he was talking as if she wasn't about to rip his head off, like she wasn't currently half naked. She noticed the look of concentration on his face and his eyes kept going from hers to her lips but never any lower. It seemed to be difficult for him. "Fine, out now"
Harry slowly began to back out of the room keeping eye contact with her as if she was a dangerous rapid animal. When he reached the door he looked at it thinking how much time he would have "By the way, black suits you, might have to rememe- oh shit" He slammed the door shut just as something hard hit the door causing a loud thud. Hannah took that moment to come down the corridor with a towel around her form and one wrapped around her hair. Harry took a look at her red face that appeared after his eyes roamed her form briefly.
He then whispered very loudly "Uh I think it's dangerous to be in there right now Hannah. She just tried to kill me" Two more thuds were heard and a loud growl. "You might want to announce your presence or she'll likely try to kill you too."
Hannah narrowed her eyes for a second "What did you do?" He looked at her innocently "Nothing, just told her I'm taking you two to muggle London. I've never been to the movies so why not go experience it with two of my favourite girls"
Hannah beamed since she was a halfblood and her mother was a halfblood too. Really it is stupid how blood is so important, her and her mother never get invited to the pureblood events. But her father does. How insulting can they get, invite him but not his wife and daughter. She had never been to the cinema before but her mother spoke of it during her youth, she had occasionally visited the muggle world to visit relatives. But never for something like this though, she might not have ever been the cinema but she did watch TV with some cousins though so knew sort of what to expect. "Uh Harry, why haven't you ever been? You grew up in the muggle world didn't you?" He shrugged and muttered "Saving my movie virginity for a good cause Hannah. Now put on some muggle clothes and we'll head out once I have a shower"
"I CAN STILL HEAR YOU HARRY" As another thud hit the door "I can't see through the door Susan" Hannah gave him a curious gaze wondering what got her friend so riled up. "I don't see what the big deal is? She's seen me in nothing but boxer shorts"
"IT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, I'M A GIRL" Harry was about to retort but Hannah closed the gap and covered his mouth and sent him a warning glare. IF he was about to say what she thought he was about to say the wand would be out in a minute. Underage laws be damned with a pissed of Susan Bones on the loose.
Harry understood the warning completely but instead of keeping quiet he stated "I know you are Susan. Quite the girl indeed from what I saw" He heard heavy footsteps and panicking he took off down the hallway and got out of sight just as the door opened. Susan looked left and right with a dark look in her eyes, wand in hand but couldn't see the source of her current rage. Hannah took the wand out of the angry redheads hand before walking back inside with her to calm her down and get changed.
Harry took a look to see the coast was clear and let out a sigh of relief. That was too close for comfort. After his shower he headed downstairs in loose cargo pants and a tight black shirt. He put a fair chunk of muggle money into a wallet he bought from Madam Malkins. Harry was sure it was all Jean, the young woman became a godsend for him to get simple muggle items, but better. He slowly entered the room to see a seething redhead glaring at him and an amused blonde. Susan was wearing blue jeans and a tight navy long sleeve shirt. Her lightning bolt necklace hung outside it. If she thought that would hide her form she was greatly mistaken. It fit her form perfectly and Harry cursed her mentally. She did it on purpose to punish him, he was sure of it.
He slowly approached them before stating "Alright ready to head out? I figure we'll grab a bite to eat either at the Leaky Cauldron or in muggle London. My treat" Susan scoffed as if stating 'of course your treat, so is the whole day'. Harry just grinned before wrapping his arms around both girls' shoulders. He leaned over to Hannah "Did you slay the beast fair maiden?"
Susan growled on his other side and he stated "I'll be good" Hannah burst into giggles when she heard Susan mutter "Not bloody likely" Harry simply kissed her on the cheek that she didn't even respond in any way too it. Letting them go he stated "Ladies first"
Susan didn't move an inch and Hannah let out a sigh and threw the powder in. Once she vanished he looked at Susan who now Hannah was gone stared right back at him. It was a battle of wills on who would be next to go through. "I think the better looking person should go next, that means you beautiful" Susan snorted at the attempt and kept her stubborn game running.
Harry ran his hand through his hair in thought of what to do to win this battle. The girl was just as stubborn as her Aunt and something told him she didn't want to lose this. "You going to leave Hannah there all alone?" She narrowed her eyes "Are you?"
He cursed the question. Stupid protective nature trying to break free of its shackles in his mind, Harry suddenly got an idea and a smirk made its way onto his face. This of course sent warning bells in Susan's mind. He threw floo powder into the fire before quickly turning around and pulling the girl into a tight hug and covering her mouth with one hand. He then entered the flame with her and called out "The Leaky Cauldron" Ignoring her wide eyes.
He felt his speed kick in as he wanted to make sure she didn't get hurt in any way and to keep a tight hold of her. He figured if someone as big as Hagrid can use the floo system. Then two 11-12 year olds can use it together. Harry was fascinated when he noticed the blur was even easier to see. He didn't activate the speed boost during his trip over as it didn't cross his mind. Now he noticed the blur had various shapes as they moved. Could 6 months have advanced his speed that much? Did that mean his strength and magical power had increased too?
His musings her cut short by their arrival and Hannah's joyful fit of giggles when Harry calmly stepped through with Susan in his arms with her mouth covered. She was squirming and Harry blinked before releasing her, she spun around and sent him the strongest glare she could muster. "I can't believe you did that Harry. There's a reason why only one person goes through the floo at once"
Harry just tilted his head to the side and put on a innocent face "But if someone as big as Hagrid can use it... why can't two people our size? Besides I had a strong grip on you" She huffed and turned her back on him but in doing so she faced the room full of people looking at her and Harry's arrival with mutters. "Oh great now the prophet will probably have me as your girlfriend"
Harry chuckled "I'm sure that wouldn't bother you too much Susan, but maybe this will mix the story up a bit" He walked over to Hannah and kissed her on the cheek before putting his arm around her waist. The girl sent him a mock glare for pulling her into it but he chuckled lightly at it. Susan huffed again before walking over. Harry's grin widened before he kissed her cheek and put his arm around her waist too.
Oh what will his many fans think of this little scenario, he had a brief concern over what Dumbledore might do. But he did state he wouldn't remain at the house so there wasn't much the man could do. Once the new school term started he'd just have to act the fool who doesn't know anything again. The ruse would end eventually but with any luck the hope that Dumbledore holds that Harry is clueless will keep him under the radar until he gets his head of house rings.
He walked out into the muggle side of the bar with all the curious wizards and witches cursing because they were wearing robes. Thus couldn't try and stalk the boy who lived and his companions. Harry gazed around curiously at the muggles who didn't pay the trio any mind at all. Muggle repelling charms did wonders for the wizarding community. He did make sure to time leaving the area when no one was watching though. Better to be cautious at all times.
Harry did his homework in preparation for the trip. The wizarding pub was only 5 minutes away from a main muggle shopping district. Hopefully near a cinema with any luck, once out of sight of the pub he released the girls from the holds he had and laughed. The girls looked at him strangely at the random outburst "Come on, that was hilarious. Did you see all their eyes light up like they just won a million galleons. Why I fascinate so many people I'll never understand."
Both looked at him in disbelieve but didn't comment. They began noticing more people began appearing and going about their business. All three were curious seeing them run around. Susan's eyes bugged out when they passed a electronic store that had multiple TVs playing various things. One even had the latest video game console. One Harry was certain his cousin had yet to get. A super Nintendo it was called.
"What is this Harry? How are they using magic like this? It's like photos but more advanced". The curious redhead stated in fascination forgetting about her little feud with the boy next to her. He chuckled and gazed around making sure no one heard the girl and once satisfied stated "Careful Miss Bones, don't want to be breaking any laws now. Anyway it isn't magic. It's something muggles developed. I haven't looked into specifics or anything but basically it's a recording. Think of it as the muggle version of a pensive and memory viewing but they act. Pretend to do things for entertainment for others. Say for example the memory of our average argument put on a pensive in front of the entire wizarding community. That's what that here is"
Hannah burst into a fit of giggles as Susan eyes lit up at recognition and shock quickly replaced it. "They are that advanced?" Harry then burst into laughter at the simple question and the girl pouted for a full minute after he stopped. "Hmm I think I might buy one, after seeing your radio I think it's possible to use magic instead of electricity to power it. Would be cool to use these things in our world" Harry stated thoughtfully.
Susan nodded seriously as she wanted to see more of this pensive like device. Harry pulled the girl away as they continued looking around "Hey Hannah how often do you visit this side of the world?" She pouted for a few moments "Not really. Mother doesn't bring me out often, only really to visit family or go shopping. We don't own anything from here at home. It's all from where we're from"
Harry nodded while Susan looked between them confused before she realized "Oh right can't use certain words, gotcha" Harry looked at the girl in disbelieve, suddenly he realized why most purebloods never entered the muggle world. Grown men and women probably acted much like Susan did with the TVs and other electronics. People would quickly become suspicious of them.
Harry and Hannah were giggling and at times laughing as Susan's eyes kept lighting up every few shops when she saw something new. Harry couldn't help but think it was very like how he felt when he first stepped into Diagon Alley. The urge to jump and see everything possible was strong when something so new and different is thrown your way.
Finally they found a cinema and entered. He looked at a big screen that was showing trailers for various films. Susan was slack jawed when she saw some of the things in it "Oh my gawd. How can that be real Harry. He just blew up a building" Harry began to laugh so hard he actually fell over. Standing up he ignored all the curious glances going his way before he muttered "It's not, I said it's like a recording of a memory but everything is fake. Well I don't know for sure that they didn't actually blow up a building in that scene but no one was hurt"
She looked very confused and he let out a sigh "I'll explain it after. Now what to see." He watched each trailer again and traded a glance with the blond girl who shrugged. Due to his little abilities he wanted to watch the Dracula movie, at the same time being a boy made him want to see the movie with stuff blowing up. However considering how the girl had just freaked out he thought something else would be better. Then he remembered a Dudley rant about that they need a parent to see an M 15+ movie. That meant the Dracula one was definitely out much to his annoyance.
Harry let out a sigh that narrowed down the choices drastically. There was a film about people in costumes called Batman Returns, some sort of animation that he refused to see even if the girls begged him. Then one about some sort of troublemaker, that one peaked his curiosity, Home alone 2.
"Okay I've decided, come on guys" Susan sent him a mock glare but it didn't hold as she was sure she would enjoy anything at the moment "I am not watching that one with explosions." Harry smiled and kissed her cheek "As you wish milady. Which movie would you like to see?"
She looked shocked at being given the option and he laughed lightly "Exactly, don't worry we can't see that one anyway. They have rules to stop young kids like us seeing influential movies like that. I figure we see the one with the kid that's lost in New York. Susan blinked and looked where he was pointing before she shrugged, turning to Hannah she simply smiled at him so he walked to the counter. A cute girl of roughly 14 eyed him curiously before eyeing the girls who looked curiously at the screen and began talking while pointing.
"How you going? Can I get three tickets to Home Alone 2?" She blinked at him before tilting her head curiously "Aww and here I was about to let you see an M movie just cause you look cute. Not my day today. Sure cutie, just the tickets or you want snacks and drinks too?" Harry blinked before noticing the multiple treats scattered around.
Harry tilted his head pondering what to get, after a minute he ordered extra large popcorn, three large drinks and an assortment of smaller snacks. The girl was eyeing him curiously at the amount he bought but didn't say anything. He called the girls over to help him with the load and paid for it all. She seemed even more surprised when she saw the amount in his wallet. But he paid the amount and told her to keep the change with a wink.
To say all three enjoyed the experience was an understatement. Harry wasn't sure what was better, some of the ideas the boy in the movie was giving him to try out or the popcorn. A discovery that put all wizarding treats to shame in his opinion. He couldn't figure out just what made them so addictive. Susan was demanding to see another one after the movie finished but Harry had to convince her to instead browse through some shops. The idea to see more things in the muggle world caused Susan to do a 180 and practically drag the two out of the cinema complex.
The rest of the afternoon had the three preteens browsing through the shops. They spend quite a bit of time in the video store and Harry was determined to figure out a way to set up a TV etc in his trunk. As such he bought some VHS movies for when the time came. He also bought the new super Nintendo console and a few games just so he can show it off to his cousin until he got a TV that would function with magic.
IF he worked it out he might even enjoy the summers staying at the Dursleys the following year. To think he had missed out on so much growing up with his loving relatives. When they returned back to Bones manor Susan went into great detail of her day. It reached the point Amelia actually silenced the girl to get some rest, the redhead wasn't too happy with this turn of events and stormed off angrily.
Hannah headed off back home a few hours later and Harry decided that he should do the same. After all without Hannah to act as a buffer the beast might return to strike him down. So that night he returned to Privet drive after promising to come by for a short time before they return to Hogwarts. He felt the wards as he entered and smiled, flicking his wrist he levitated a rock and smirked after a few minutes and no letter from the Ministry.
Harry noticed extra locks on the door and let out a sigh. A simple wandless alohamora charm and he walked in without a care in the world. A gasp was heard from inside as he shut the door and his Uncle came running into the opening. "How did you get inside freak?"
Harry smirked "Magic" A shrill voice called out "Impossible, Lily could never do magic while at home" Harry laughed "I'm not my mother Aunt Petunia, I found a loophole in the system. I can use magic whenever I wish now" His uncle paled as his wife had told him of what her sister could do after she graduated from the freak school and was legally allowed to use her freaky skills. If the boy could do it too he was practically untouchable. "I'll be in my room, I'll fix the door if you haven't yet. Easy enough with magic"
His Uncle was shaking with rage as the banned word was being repeatedly used and he was powerless to stop it. Harry calmly went upstairs without a care in the world before seeing that the door was inside the room and it looked his Uncle was in the middle of boarding it up with random planks of wood. A few mutters and the nails were turned to matches and he laughed before snapping them off. He put the door in place before repairing the damage to the wall and door. Reversing the lock so he could lock it from the inside instead.
Timeskip
Over the next few weeks Harry visited various friends. He was baffled at the lack of letters he still wasn't getting. It took him some time to convince Daphne he wasn't ignoring her but he wasn't sure how serious she was taking the lack of contact with him. Katie didn't bother writing him at all but Harry assumed that was so he would be more likely to visit in his opinion. After all if it was just her not writing him, he would probably go there to find out why.
Both Meredith Bell and Rosaline Greengrass confused him greatly. They were treating him like he was dating their respective daughters while their husbands would try to keep him away from them. The awkward feeling he would get is why he would only pay day visits, instead of actually staying with them at their homes like he did to Susan, much to Astoria and the mother's disappointment. On another note Harry had spoken with the Goblins, there was apparently no way to combine magic and electricity. No matter how many times he explained that he didn't want to combine them but replace electricity with magic they gave him the same answer.
It frustrated him to no end but he reluctantly accepted the narrow thinking was common when he mentioned the same thing to his friends. For some reason they couldn't fathom separating the two concepts and combining parts of each, unfortunately Harry didn't have the knowledge or ability to figure out a way to do what he wanted himself yet.
After being home one day he had finally discovered the source of his missing mail. He was very surprised when he sent Hedwig out with a letter only for her to return a few minutes later without it, he would have to try to calm the owl down and explain it wasn't her fault. That meant it wasn't Dumbledore like he had first assumed. Someone or something else was stealing his mail and he wanted to know who it was.
Two weeks before his birthday was when he discovered the culprit. He really had to hand it to the Goblins. The ward they set up would become very useful. He sensed a magical creature enter the ward. He pulled out his invisibility cloak from his trunk and snuck downstairs. His Uncle was having a heated discussion with his Aunt about his presence during some meeting with a client in a few weeks at the house.
Ignoring them for the moment he snuck outside to and following the odd yet familiar scent, he saw the creature's eyes widen from inside the bushes. "A house elf. That would explain a bit. Tell me, are you a Hogwarts elf?"
The odd elf didn't leave the bushes and kept staring wide eyed. Harry let out a sigh and pulled the elf out and put him under his cloak, it was then that he recognized the smell. "You're under an invisibility cloak. So you belong to the Malfoy family." The elf squeaked in a panic "How is the Great Harry Potter knowing Dobby's masters sir? IT not possible for wizards to see an elf bond to their master"
Harry shrugged and deciding to try something stated "Maybe not but the smell of my Cousin's family is easy enough to recognize." The elf looked with wider eyes and began to punch himself that baffled Harry completely. He grabbed the hand before grabbing the other one and lifting the elf slightly off the ground. "You will not punish yourself. You did nothing wrong, I made the connections"
The elf began bawling his eyes out "Harry Potter is a kind wizard as well as great. I is not knowing this. But Dobby is admitting to your assumptions, Dobby must be punished." Harry's eyes narrowed, what family would treat a living creature like this. But a roar from inside gave him the answer and he let out another sigh.
"You will not punish yourself Dobby" The elf continued to struggle for some time before finally realizing he would not get out and looking back at Harry. "Dobby will have to punish himself greatly just for being here sir. Dobby is here to warn the great Harry Potter sir. You is to stay away from Hogwarts this year sir"
Harry mulled over the statement, it sounds like somehow the Malfoys are going to do something that would cause him personal danger. The Malfoys have no qualm with him as far as he can tell. It could be possible Voldemort went to them but Harry doubted it. Only Voldemort's most faithful would help him in the weakened state he is in. Something told Harry the Malfoys looked out for their own, Voldemort was just a means to an end.
If that's the case then it's not something the Malfoys will directly cause, more something they would be likely to set into motion. Looking back to Dobby "Hmmm. Dobby I understand you're looking out for me and I appreciate it. But look at the bigger picture. If this dangerous situation still occurs and I'm not there what do you think would happen"
The elf shook his head violently "That doesn't matter Harry Potter sir. For you would be safe to sto-" He stopped himself and began trying to shake himself free to punish himself again. Harry didn't allow him the chance to do so. "It would make more sense to stop whatever it is before it grows in power don't you Dobby? IF I were to stay here and hide, I would not be able to practice magic and learn further. How can I defeat this unknown enemy if I don't have any knowledge to fight?"
Dobby shook his head his eyes wider. "No, no, no. You is the great wizard, you is defeating he-who-must-not-be-named at the height of his power. You is already ready to take care of this new foe" Harry let out an even louder sigh, he even had fans in the house elf community. What's next, Mermaids?
"Look Dobby, how do you know I defeated Voldemort-" The elf gasped at the name "-when I was only an infant? How do you know someone else didn't do it but fled before the scene could be found? All they found was his charred robes remember. Where was his wand or body?"
Dobby's eyes were even wider if possible "You is not thinking he is somewhere still?" Harry looked at him and shook his head sadly to put up a front "I simply don't believe the stupid stories about me. I will become a great wizard some day. I know that much for certain. Now Dobby I promise to be careful but I will still go to Hogwarts. I will also won't die, you can be guaranteed of that."
The elf was shaking his head even more and clicked the fingers on one hand. Harry felt a force slam into him but he didn't let go off the elf shocking him further "How is Harry Potter stopping Dobby's magic sir?" Harry wheezed out a response "Oh I felt it Dobby. What in Merlin's name? You know what never mind. N"
Dobby tilted his head and stared at Harry in awe. "Harry Potter must understand, Hogwarts is not safe" Harry almost thought it was like discussing Slytherins to Ron when talking to this elf. It was infuriating listening to him. Getting an idea he called out "BOTTY" The small elf popped nearby after around 30 seconds.
"Harry Potter is calling Botty, what is Botty doing for Harry Potter? Uh why is you invisible Harry Potter" Harry blinked in surprise, he didn't actually think it would work "Wow wasn't actually thinking you would come. Can you pop us to my bedroom it's by that window up there?" Botty nodded before closing the gap and doing as instructed.
"Thank you Botty, now Dobby here has been stealing my mail, can you get it from him somehow? He also wants me to stay away from Hogwarts. Can you tell him that the elves of Hogwarts will keep me safe?"
"Of course we will sir, you is very important to all of us sir" Dobby was staring at Botty in confusion for some time when she clicked her fingers and his mail appeared in front of them all. Harry looked at the elf in confusion. "You is following Harry Potter's orders, you is Potter elf? But Harry Potter is saying you is Hogwarts elf? Regardless Dobby cannot allow it sir. You is in danger, why is you not seeing that"
Harry felt like hitting his head against the wall like no doubt Dobby wanted to do right now to punish himself. "Dobby I can take care of myself, I have the elves at Hogwarts looking out for me. I also have my friends-"
"Friends cannot protect you from the danger sir. Why is you not listening to Dobby?" The elf began balling his eyes out again. Harry was groaning loudly "Botty can you try to explain to Dobby here that I can handle it"
The excitable elf did try just that but it fell on deaf ears, having enough Harry let him go and he popped away after shaking his head sadly at Harry like he failed him. Looking back to Botty he stated "So how are things at Hogwarts?" She gave a brief discussion before he wrote a quick letter to Neville. He asked her if she could take it to him, thankfully she had memorized the signatures of the people in his dorm at Hogwarts and she immediately popped away. It would come in handy being able to call her in the future.
Harry began to flick through the numerous letters, he noticed the many from the Weasley family to visit. A couple from Hermione asking him questions about the set homework. He quickly noted only Daphne's first came through that stated if he didn't reply she wouldn't send another. Of course he knew she was playing form the way she worded it but the fact there were no others from her made him suspicious. Amelia's were nowhere to be seen either.
Harry put his cloak back into his trunk and headed downstairs since he figured he would stop the future rages of his uncle now rather than later. "Boy what are you doing?" Harry looked at him coldly for a moment "Well with the amount of noise you're making and me being mentioned. I figured you wanted to say something"
The man grunted before stating "Yes I have a meeting on July 31st and I need you gone" Harry tilted his head and got a slight smirk "Well considering what day that is for me I think you need to add the magic word?" The large man eyes narrowed and he began to shake in rage.
Botty popped back "Letter from Mr Longbottom Harry, he was quite pleased to hear from you. He sent you an invite but apparently you didn't get it. Is Botty doing anything else for you?" She completely ignored the shriek of the woman behind Harry and the massive man.
"No Botty, thank you for doing all that" She bowed and popped away. "W-what the hell was that thing?" His Aunt asked/demanded.
Turning back to her he shrugged "House-elf" He opened his letter and read the invitation, seemed Neville wanted to hold a joint party on August 1st. He added a letter showing how pleased he was that Harry wasn't ignoring him. Harry chuckled at the shy boy's words before beginning to walk back upstairs. "No need to worry Uncle, I have a party to go to so I'll stay at a friend's place or the Leaky Cauldron the night before." The man grunted and death eyed the freak until he was out of sight.