Harry woke up feeling strange. The last thing he remembered was dark purple smoke, the sound of a bomb going off, flying backwards and smacking his head real hard on the wall behind him. He expected to be in St. Mungo's and his head killing him but neither was the case. 'Where the hell am I?' Harry wondered. Harry felt around for his glasses. Once he found them he put them on. It was dark and practically no space to move around in. It smelled like dust and everything else you have in a storage closet. He was startled when a spider crawled across his hand. 'What the bloody hell is going on here?'
Harry got up off the cot and went in search of a door without any light. Once he located where the door was he tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge one bit. "Why can't I get out of here? This place is so small no person should be locked in an itty-bitty closet…oh hell no. This is not happening. This can't have happened.' Harry thought to himself.
Harry went back to the cot, curled up and decided to wait it out and see if he was mistaken. He just had to be. There was no way he could live through it all over again. He fell back a sleep until he heard the rattling of the door as it was being banged on.
"Get up. Now!"
'Someone please kill me now.' Harry thought to himself as he recognized that shrill voice of his Aunt Petunia Dursley. He couldn't figure how on earth he ended back here in the damn cupboard under the stairs. Just then dust fell down on to Harry as his cousin Dudley jumped up and down on the stairs above.
Harry paused before leaving the cupboard to wait for his cousin Dudley to go by. He was not in the mood for Dudley's crap. Harry just really did not want to be back here. Harry got up and went into the kitchen.
"What the hell is taking you so long today boy?" Bellowed Uncle Vernon.
Harry just ignored the question and went straight over to the pan to look after the bacon as his Aunt Petunia had ordered. For a brief moment Harry considered just looking at the bacon in the pan. The only problem with that was he had also been told to not burn it. It was Dudley's birthday.
Harry was thinking about the first time he went through this and just right on cue Dudley began to have his fit about the number of presents he had. Harry had turned around so that the Dursley's wouldn't be able to see his face as mouthed word for word what his Aunt said to Dudley, 'Well, while we're out we will get you two more presents. How does that sound popkin? Two more presents, that alright?" And of course Dudley's tantrum was averted.
Suddenly it occurred to Harry that with this being Dudley birthday they would be going to the zoo, and that Mrs. Figg would not be able to watch him. Just then the phone rang, it Mrs. Figg just as Harry knew it would be, she was calling to let the Dursley's know that she would not be able to watch Harry today.
At this point it hits Harry, he knows what is going to happen before it does. He would be able to change some things. The first thing on the list was that he was no longer going to be Dudley's punching bag. There were other things that he would change and things he would not he was going to take it one thing at a time and make his decision on weather or not he would make the change. This made Harry smile, only briefly though, he really did not want the Dursley's to know that something made him happy. Harry had feeling that his Uncle had noticed that a smile had crept up on Harry's face.
"What's with you boy?" Bellowed Vernon.
"Nothing." Replied Harry.
It had come out that Mrs. Figg would not be able to watch Harry; Dudley began to have a fit. Including fake crying and hysterics. Dudley did not want Harry to go. Then Harry's memory of the first time around came to mind. It took every ounce of strength for Harry not laugh. This was something that Harry was not going to change this. He felt that the punishment to follow would so be worth it.
* * * * * * *
While Harry was locked in the cupboard he amused himself with plans. At least going through and trying to figure out what he wanted to change. It was hard to go through in his mind what to change and what not to change. Harry then decided that he would make the decision to change something or leave it be at the moment of the situation or event.
A week went by of being locked in the cupboard and without meals. Harry had figured out how to un-lock and re-lock the lock on the door. At night when the Dursley's were upstairs and a sleep, Harry would sneak out of the cupboard and go into the kitchen to get something to eat. Some times he would bring food into the cupboard to snack on later or just to have it so that he wouldn't have to sneak out every night, he did not want to get caught sneaking food.
* * * * * * *
When school resumed after Christmas and knowing when and where Dudley and his gang would be it enable Harry to avoid those places and to take different routes to classes and just navigate around the school. It was nice to not be harassed by Dudley and his gang at school. Harry had enough of Dudley at home, there was no way he was going to punish himself and let his cousin make his life a worse hell than it already was.
As the school year winded down Harry was not looking forward to when school let out for the Summer Holliday's. Sure he would be let out of cupboard and that was a good thing. But he would have to put up with Dudley and his gang while at home. At least he knew things that they couldn't even imagine so it wouldn't be to bad this time around. Then he remembers that this coming summer is when he gets Dudley's second room. According to Vernon the boy was getting too big for the cupboard. As much as this was nice to Harry to know that he would have some space, he also knew that he had to be that much more careful so not to get into trouble that would get him locked in his room. Being upstairs with the Dursley's was going to make that much more difficult for Harry to sneak out of his room and get food for should he need to.
That summer Harry had managed to avoid Dudley and Dudley's gang. Surprisingly enough since Dudley's gang, Piers, Dennis, Malcolm and Gordon, came over all the time. Harry happily avoided encountering all four, most of the time any way.
Harry was starting to think about maybe trying to make some friends so that he wouldn't be quite so lonely. Then he decided not to do that, he would be able to fill in his time figuring out what he would change in his life and what he would leave the same.
As the summer went on Harry decided to make the changes in his life as the events came along. That would be easier he thought. Any way even if he had friends what could he really say to them? He wouldn't be able to talk about what really went on in the Dursley's house, it would eventually get back to his Aunt and Uncle and that was not going to happen.
* * * * * * *
Dudley was going to be attending his dad's old private school, Smeltings. Seeing Dudley prance around in his new school uniform, maroon tailcoat, orange knickerbockers, and a flat straw hat, made Harry want to bust up laughing. It was really hard not to since to Harry this time around it was more hilarious than the first time. To Harry's relief he managed not utter a sound.
Harry hung his head as he remembered what was in store for the following morning. There was going to be an awful smell in the kitchen. Petunia was going to be dying some of Dudley's old clothes gray for his uniform at Stonewall High. A smile formed on Harry's face as he remembered what also happens tomorrow, his very first letter, which meant that he would be going to Hogwarts instead of Stonewall High. Harry was hopeful that maybe he could find a way to keep that first one. If not able it would not be a big to deal to Harry since he already knew what it said.
That night while Harry was lying in bed he thought about it and decided to let it go relatively the way it had before. He wanted to relive the moment of his uncle's near break down and the looks of his family's faces. Harry hoped that when he saw Hagrid that he wouldn't go run to him and hug him. That would really do a number on his family. He just couldn't do that, he knew he still had to go back to the Dursley's house every summer…. unless…he made some changes there but not too many.
* * * * * * *
Harry woke up early the next day. He went down to the kitchen and fixed their breakfast. All the while sneaking extra pieces here and there with out his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia being the wiser. Harry dished out the food to every one and had a seat at the table and ate as quickly as possible without choking and without causing excessive attention his way. When the noise from the mail slot in the door letting them that the mail had arrived, Harry just got up to get the mail without being told to do so.
Harry picks up the three envelopes off the floor. As he walked into the kitchen he was holding his letter. Harry contemplated on trying to open it and see if he could read it before it was taken from him. He also was thinking about Dumbledore.
"Dad, Harry has something." Exclaimed Dudley, bringing Harry out of his memories.
Vernon snatched the letter out of Harry's hand. Out of automatic reaction Harry said, "That's my letter give it back." Vernon didn't even give any indication that he had heard Harry. When Vernon realized where the letter had come from he showed to Petunia. Both were pretty freaked out. Harry nearly started to grin and laugh at their reaction. Vernon yelled at both boys to leave. They finally left after a while. Dudley insisting on being able to read it and Harry for the fun of it asking for the letter back, Vernon yelled at them to leave the kitchen again. When neither one left Vernon got up and tossed both boys out in the hall and slammed the kitchen door shut. Dudley listened through the keyhole; Harry listened from the floor at the crack under the door.
Harry knew that night when his uncle came home from work he would be talking to Harry about moving into Dudley's second room. It was not a question or option or something for Harry to consider or think about. It would be something that he was told to do. So Harry waited until his uncle came home and told him that he was moving upstairs.
Harry just robotically went through the next several days as the letters kept coming. No matter where they went the letters seemed to follow. Vernon was becoming very agitated by the second. Finally they took the boat across the sea to a miserable little shack perched on top of a rock.
It was all could do not to laugh with the futile attempts his uncle was making to try and out run the letters. Before too much longer Hagrid would be there to rescue Harry and he could hardly wait until then.
Everyone except Harry was asleep. Harry was dong his best to be patient for the next day to arrive. It was difficult though. He had forgotten how cold it really was there. Harry looked over at Dudley who was snoring away and only had one blanket on him, the other was hanging off the couch. Harry could not resist and took the other blanket so that he wasn't quite as cold.
Harry looks back at Dudley or more so the watch on his wrist to see what time it was. It was getting closer and Harry was becoming anxious and a little impatient. One last time he looks at the wristwatch and it was only seconds away, Harry counted down five…four…three…two…. one. Right on target the boom, boom of Hagrid knocking on the door.
Dudley jerked awake wondering where the canon was. Vernon came down the stairs with a shotgun in hand and Petunia hiding behind him. Harry was trying so hard not to laugh. Then one last bang and the door fell to the floor.
Harry left things alone here, the only thing different is that he could enjoy and appreciate what was going on more this time around. Harry enjoyed the anger on his relative's faces as Hagrid went on about Hogwarts, witches and wizards. Vernon got mad and had the same tirade as before. For Harry it almost like watching a repeat of a television show. The best part so far was the fact that the more Hagrid got upset and mad and went off as the Dursley's cowered.
When Petunia was recounting about her sister and telling the truth as how Harry's parents dies, he couldn't help but bring up the fact that he had been told they died in a car crash. Seeing Hagrid's reaction this time Harry knew that his parents would be so thankful and be even closer friends with Hagrid.
That night all three Dursley's were upstairs in the bedroom huddled together and scared. In the morning Harry was going to be leaving with Hagrid to go to Diagon Alley to get what he would need for his first year at Hogwarts.
* * * * * * *
Harry woke up early the following morning. Knowing what was going on and what to expect he didn't even think for one second that it was all a dream. So Harry got up and let in the owl that was rapping its claws on the window with a newspaper in its beak. Harry tried to quickly get to Hagrid's coat but the owl was already attacking it. Harry weakly tried to wake Hagrid, who stirred just enough that Harry would be able to get the five Knuts to pay the owl and to have it appear as thought Hagrid had told him.
Hagrid finally stretched and told Harry that they needed to go, there was a lot to buy. As they left the horrid shack Harry thought that he should mention that he doesn't have any money and to ask questions about things that he wouldn't normally know about considering the way he was raised.
Harry starts it off as close to the first time as he possibly could.
"Uh, Hagrid"
"Yeah?"
"I don't have any money. And my uncle refused to pay for me to go and learn about magic, last night."
Hagrid went on to tell Harry that his parents left him money but that it was in Gringotts. Hagrid answered all of Harry's questions about Gringotts, the Ministry of Magic…etc.
Harry was pretty excited when they reached land from taking the boat back across the sea. He knew they were headed off to London and then eventually on to Diagon Alley to buy everything he would need for his first year at Hogwarts.
In a matter of time Harry realized that they were in fact walking into The Leaky Cauldron. Once it was realized who walked in with Hagrid the whole place was making comments to Harry, wanting to shake his hand. Harry was a little annoyed from all the attention but didn't let it show he just kept his mouth shut, he really didn't know what to say and he was afraid he might say something that he shouldn't. As Harry and Hagrid made their way through The Leaky Cauldron to a small walled court yard, Hagrid was boasting about how he had told Harry that he was famous and talking about Professor Quirrell. Harry went through the whole thing of asking questions about Professor Quirrell.
Harry stood back as Hagrid taped the bricks on the wall with his umbrella and muttering to himself. The bricks began to move and took on the shape of a large archway that Hagrid could fit through without a problem.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley."
Hagrid smiled at Harry's amazement, or at least thats what Hagrid had picked up on. Harry still wished that he had about eight more pair of eyes to take it all in. They finally reach Gringotts. They take some money out of Harry's vault and pick up the sorcerer's stone, which of course Harry acts like he has no idea what it was.
They headed on over to Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions so Harry could get his uniform. Harry was dreading it since knowing this is the first place he meets Draco Malfoy. He knew had to play nice, he didn't want Draco planning on getting him this early. It was just as horrible this time talking with Draco. It was hard for Harry to pretend he didn't know anything about Draco or his family. He managed though. His dislike of Draco was probably more now than it ever was. Harry was thankful that his fitting was done and saw Hagrid out side of the shop with ice cream and headed out the door. Harry went on to ask Hagrid about Quidditch. He also asked about what are Slytherin and Hufflepuff. After Hagrid explained that they are schoolhouses and that there are four of them, and that everyone says that Hufflepuff are a lot of duffers. Harry says he's probably a Hufflepuff. Hagrid makes his comment about it better then being Slytherin and explains why.
They headed then to Flourish and Blotts to get Harry's schoolbooks. As they entered the store Harry couldn't remember the name of it at the moment but he knew that there was a book that could really help with pranks at school and something to give to Fred and George, eventually that is. Harry turns around and there is the book: Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-legs, Tongue-Tying and Much, Much More), by Professor Vindictus Viridian.
Hagrid wouldn't let Harry buy the book. Hagrid told Harry that he wouldn't be able to work the spells but maybe after some studying to get to that level.
Harry knew that some how he had to get that book. It would be so much fun to mess with Draco and his friends. He knew that he would get the book before Draco did too much to him, Ron or Hermione. Thinking of them he could hardly wait until he met them, again.
Next stop was the Apothecary to get basic potions ingredients. He was glad for the short stop in, there was such a horrible smell inside.
Hagrid mentions that all that is left is a wand and the fact that Hagrid hadn't gotten Harry's birthday present yet. Harry told Hagrid that he didn't have to, but Hagrid wanted to and went on to tell Harry what he was going to get for him. Hagrid didn't see the sad gleam in Harry's eyes as he remembered the horrible night he had lost Hedwig. But he brightened up since he was going to have her back. So on to Eeylops Owl Emporium, Harry was holding the cage with Hedwig inside couldn't stop the stammering thanks. It was as though he was channeling Professor Quirrell.
The last stop in Diagon Alley was Olivander's. Harry smiled as Hagrid went on about how there was no better wand maker than Olivander. Once in side Harry remembered how creepy Olivander is. But he knew he had to let this play out. Harry tells Olivander that he is right handed and the measurements began. Wand after wand and nothing happened. The wand pile became higher and higher with each one that was tried out to no avail. Finally Olivander brings the holly and phoenix feather out. Harry knew what was going to happen, the warmth in his fingers, the fireworks looking display coming out of the end of the wand.
"How curious…how very curios."
"What's curious sir?"
Olivander than went on with his tale about Voldemort, and the two wands. Hearing the story this time was creepier than before. Harry did his best to shake it off.
Harry and Hagrid went back down Diagon Alley, back through the wall and back through The Leaky Cauldron that was now empty. Only when Hagrid taps Harry on the shoulder does he realize where he is. Hagrid lets Harry know that there was some time before his train left to take him back to the Dursley's, so he grabs a bite to eat and eats in silence.
"You all right, Harry? Yer very quiet," said Hagrid
Harry wasn't sure what to say, it was the best birthday he ever had. But he couldn't take the chance on letting something slip. He just chewed on his food for a while and then remembered what he needs to say here.
"Everyone thinks I'm special," he said at last. "All those people in the Leaky Cauldron, Professor Quirrell, Mr. Olivander…but I don't know anything about magic at all. How can they expect great things? I'm famous and can't even remember what I am famous for. I don't know what happened when the night my parents died."
"Don' you worry, Harry. You'll learn fast enough. Everyone starts at the beginning at Hogwarts."
Harry gets on the train; Hagrid gives Harry an envelope containing his ticket to Hogwarts. All the information was on the ticket, date, time and place. The train takes off, and all Harry can think was 'oh, fun back to the Dursley's.'
