HP & CoS Part I

Harry couldn't really understand the item that was in his hand.

It looked like some kind of red ruby. It was small and triangular shaped. It was the item he had taken from the room below the three-headed dog.

He had been trying to figure out the purpose of it, but so far he was getting nowhere. No liquid came out of it. It didn't even change colours. Harry knew it was clearly valuable, but he couldn't really understand it.

He placed it back into the drawer inside his side-table and went to sleep.

lIlIlIl

"Hey fat man," taunted Harry. "Are you done in there yet?"

"I will kill you," grunted Vernon.

"I don't think you could catch up with me to put that meaty hand around my neck."

"SHUT UP."

Harry had been back at the Dursley's for six annoying days. While he was away at Hogwarts Uncle Vernon got a lot of his courage back since he wasn't there for a near year.

So Harry had poisoned the man's food with laxative this morning. The man was now holed up in the bathroom screaming in pain.

"I feel so sorry for the toilet," said Harry sorrowfully. "I can hear it groaning under your weight. I'm honestly surprised it's held up so long."

DING DONG.

"The doorbell has rung Uncle Vernon," said Harry. "Since you're so indisposed, I will make sure to inform the visitor that you're having an appointment with the toilet."

"GO AWAY!"

Harry made his way downstairs. Aunt Petunia had gone off for the day to London with Dudley and a few neighbours.

He opened the door only to find an extinguished looking old man at his doorstep.

"Hello, can I help you?"

"Ah, Harry Potter," said the man, glancing up at Harry's scar. "I didn't realise this was your home."

"I'm sorry," asked Harry, feeling confused. "But who are you?"

"My name is Nicolas Flamel," said the man. "There is something I own that you apparently have the possession of."

"Huh," asked Harry. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I have anything of yours in my possession."

"A ruby red stone," said Nicolas. "You activated the tracking charm when you touched it last night. I've been trying to get it back since that idiot Albus 'borrowed' it last August."

Harry didn't really see the need to hold on to the item, so he let the man in.

The man followed him upstairs to his bedroom.

"This is your bedroom," Nicolas said in shock. There were broken toys spilled out over the floor, the paint on the wall was peeling, and the wood under his feet was in terrible condition.

"I know it isn't great," said Harry. "But my relatives would never make the room look nice, despite my best efforts. They'd rather me miserable than happy. The jokes on them though. They're miserable having me here."

Once he had the ruby stone in his hand, the man made a decision.

"Harry, would you like to come to my house for dinner?" he asked. "My wife is making a roast chicken with potatoes and treacle tart for dessert."

At the mention of treacle tart Harry's mouth started watering.

"I'd love to join you for dinner," said Harry. "How can I get to your house though?"

"Don't worry about that," Nicolas said, putting his arm out. "Just take my arm and I'll take you there by apparition. We can spend the afternoon getting to know each other."

Intrigued, Harry took the arm of the older gentleman and they both vanished.

After they'd left Vernon made a discovery. There was no toilet paper left. "BOY! GET ME SOME TOILET PAPER!"

No response.

"Boy?" the bathroom door opened a bit and Vernon noticed no one was there.

"POTTER!"

lIlIlIl

"And that's when I found your stone."

Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel listened to Harry's life story with rapt attention. They had originally wanted to hear about Harry's excursion with the Philosopher's Stone but instead he had told them about his life since he joined the Dursley household.

Penny Flamel was infuriated to hear about the Dursley's treatment of Harry.

"You have quite the story Harry," she said, eyeing the boy with great care and warmth. "I must say it is an honour to meet you, and not because you are The-Boy-Who-Lived. It is because I have known your family for over five hundred years. Your many times great-grandparents Harkin and Nellie Potter were our closest friends since me and Nicky were teens. And now we have met every generation of the Potter's since 1355."

"Many times?" questioned Harry. "How could you know them? You don't look any more than fifty years old."

Penny Flamel preened. "I am six hundred and fifty-nine years old."

Harry dropped his spoon in shock.

"How is it possible to reach that age?" asked Harry. "Please don't tell me it is a wizard thing. I don't want to live for that long."

Nicolas laughed. "No, the standard witch or wizard can easily make it to one-hundred-and-twenty years old before frailty gets to them. But magic can give you ways to live longer. Take this for example."

He put the ruby stone on the table.

"This is called the Philosopher's Stone," he spoke proudly. "I made it when I was fifty. As long as I drink a small bit, I can live an extra five years. A full cup and I'll make it further fifty."

Harry was amazed. "So it is valuable."

Nick and Penny laughed. "More valuable than you can imagine Harry. And thanks to you, I finally got it back."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Harry. "It can't have been stolen."

"No, it wasn't stolen," smiled Nicolas. "Albus Dumbledore told me last August he had made a mistake in some calculations and had wanted to borrow it. Over the last near year I have been hounding him to give it back, but he just wouldn't. He kept saying it was dangerous for me to have it and that dark wizards were after it. He still won't budge. He keeps telling me it was destroyed and that I should just accept death."

They retreated into the parlour room after dinner in high spirits. Harry didn't want to leave. He was honestly enjoying himself with the elderly couple.

"Harry, it is rather late," said Penny. "Would you like to spend the night here?"

Harry almost dropped his glass of water.

"H-here," he asked, shocked that this friendly couple wanted him to stay.

"Of course," smiled Penny. "I hope it is not too uncomfortable a suggestion."

"Of – of course not," stammered Harry.

"Brilliant," beamed Penny. "I'll make sure you have a breakfast made for kings in the morning."

And so Harry climbed into a massive four-poster bed that night in a large beautiful room. Tired from the day's events, he fell asleep within minutes.

When he woke up the next morning he was indeed treated to a breakfast made for kings.

On his plate was three slices of bacon, three sausages, two eggs, hash brown, pudding, two large sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, potato bread, beans, toast and a piping hot tea.

"You didn't have to do this," said Harry.

"Nonsense Harry," smiled Penny. "We're having it too."

Harry could tell the woman was bursting to say something else.

"What is it Penny?" asked Harry. "I can tell you want to say something to me."

"I don't really know how to approach this issue," she said, lowering her eyes to the floor. "But I'm not comfortable with you living with your relatives. I'd like you to live here."

Harry was astounded. He knew he had told them bits and pieces about the Dursley's treatment the previous day, but he hadn't expected to be offered a place to stay.

"I admit it's true they don't like me," he answered weakly. "But me being there makes them miserable. Plus I can do practice pranks on them. I accidentally escaped the trace being applied to me so I can do magic to defend myself. Besides it's fun having target practice."

"But - "

"Listen Penny," said Harry. "I would still love to see you and Nicky on a regular basis. You've been good to me since I arrived here yesterday. My philosophy is to be kind to the people who are good to me. I just prank the people who aren't. It's good fun."

Penny stared at him for a moment before leaving the room. She came back a minute later with a blue feather.

"I have now charmed this feather to activate as a Portkey. Do you know what a Portkey is?" Harry nodded. He had read about them the previous year. "Whenever you want to get away from your relatives for a while just say 'Flame' while holding this and it will take you here. You're welcome anytime."

"Thank you," Harry said genuinely. "Is there any days where you're not here."

"Never, we're always here."

lIlIlIl

Penny left him back at the Dursley's that evening. However she made sure to have a proper talk with Vernon and Petunia before she left.

Petunia was left crying and Vernon was still shaking in fear. They never wanted a reason for Penny Flamel returning to their home. Dudley would never go near the TV again, terrified it would once again turn into a tiger. This decision would in the future be productive for him. Dudley barely ever watched TV again and found a hobby in running. By the time he was fourteen he had lost weight completely and ditched his idiot friends, convinced they were dragging him down.

Before he went to bed, Harry snuck into his Aunt's and Uncle's bedroom and charmed Vernon's side of the bed to make him 'go' in the night.

He wasn't left disappointed. Petunia woke him up in the morning shouting at Uncle Vernon for wetting the bed.

Petunia was in a bad mood for the rest of the weekend. Vernon had fled to his sister Marge for the rest of the weekend, only to find her dogs claimed the spare room and the couch. He slept on a ratty old army bed that Colonel Fubster kept at Marge's. But it was so uncomfortable that he barely got any sleep. Only when he returned on Monday with flowers Petunia had accepted his apology.

Harry didn't see this happening, as he was at the Flamel's house.

Nicky and Penny had taken an instant liking to him. They both took Harry to London over the weekend to see the sights. He had ridden on the London Eye for the first time, visited Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the Royal Shakespeare Company. To his surprise, he really enjoyed Romeo & Juliet.

"Maybe you'll find your own Juliet someday Harry," Penny winked at a blushing Harry.

"I'm only eleven," mumbled Harry.

"You're about to turn twelve," chimed Nicky. "You will like girls soon enough, or maybe boys."

"Hold on a moment, I like girls," said Harry heatedly. It was only after he said it had he realised he had fallen into a trap.

"Ah," said Nicky, his eyes gleaming. "Has someone already taken your fancy?"

Harry said nothing. He didn't want to add any more fuel to the fire.

On Wednesday Penny came to pick him up and took him to Hermione's house in London.

Penny stayed and talked with Hermione's parents while Harry and Hermione were in the playroom chatting. That was when Harry made a discovery.

"By the way, Harry," she asked. "Why aren't you responding to my letters? You haven't wrote back to me once."

Harry looked at her with a shocked expression.

"I have been sending you letters too," he said. "And yet, it sounds like neither of us are getting our letters."

They went into the drawing room and told Penny.

"That is incredibly odd," mused Penny. "It can be possible for a letter to go missing in transit, but not a set of them. We'll talk to Nicky when we get back, but for now I'm enjoying my tea and the pleasant company of Robert and Sarah. You two go off and have fun."

So Harry and Hermione did that. There was a playpark near Hermione's house, so they went off and had tremendous fun on the swings. The best of it all was a zipline that stretched one hundred and fifty feet. Harry had loved that most.

An hour later they went back to Hermione's. Sarah Granger had invited Harry to stay for dinner. Penny had left for Diagon Alley and would be back to pick up Harry later.

Harry had a delicious lasagna and homemade garlic bread. He made sure to talk to the elder Granger's, not wanting to be rude and only talk to Hermione. Robert and Sarah had very kind personalities and talked away to him. They both ran a private high-priced dental practice in London and were considerably wealthy. After dinner Harry was escorted outside by Robert.

"Something tells me you'll love what I have to show you," he said.

He opened his garage. Harry noticed the outline of a car in the darkness. Then Robert turned on the light.

A beautiful red classic car was in front of Harry's eyes.

"The 1968 Jaguar E-Type," Robert said proudly. "It belonged to my father. He was so proud of it. I am too. This is one of the most sought-after classic cars in Britain."

Harry's mouth watered. He always liked seeing the classic cars that sometimes passed Privet Drive.

"Go ahead, sit in it," smiled Robert.

Harry loved the interior just as much as the exterior. It was all original on the inside. Not one thing was tampered with or disposed.

When Penny came back to pick him up she left two minutes after arriving. Robert decided to take Harry home in the Jaguar instead. "We'll get your uncle nice and jealous."

It was still bright in Privet Drive and plenty of the neighbours were out for an evening walk with their dogs and children. They all turned to stare at the beautiful Jaguar that had appeared on their street. They were all shocked to see the Potter boy in the passenger seat.

"Wait a second," said Mrs Danbury, of Number Seven. "That's Robert Granger. He's the one who runs the expensive dental practice in London."

When the Jaguar stopped at Number Four, Vernon came out with a massive smile, delighted that such a beautiful car parked outside his house.

However, his mood changed when he saw who was sitting in the passenger seat.

"BOY," he roared in fury. "Get out of that car. Freaks like you shouldn't be in such a fine automobile."

"Well," mused Robert, looking up and down Vernon's bulky frame. "At least I don't have to worry about Harry breaking an axle in this car."

The neighbours had all inched closer to the car, wanting to see it. They all heard Robert's comment and burst into loud laughter.

Infuriated and humiliated, Vernon went back into his house, slamming the front door so hard the glass on the front door`s windows had all smashed. Moments later he was kicked out by an angry Petunia. He stayed at Marge's for a week. This time however Marge was angry because he had shown up again so soon. He was forced to sleep in the garage on an old and springy sofa.

Back at Privet Drive however Harry was sound asleep. He was very much enjoying the Summer.

lIlIlIl

"I don't understand what's going on with your mail, Harry," said Nicky. "I tried sending one to you myself with a tracking charm. The tracking charm has been deactivated though. Someone is interfering with your mail."

"How can that be possible?" asked Harry. "Do you happen to have it's location before it got deactivated?"

"I do," said Nicky. "But even that is mystifying me as the record says its last location was in mid-air. There is no way a wizard would manage taking mail from an owl in flight. It is unheard of. There is something strange going on here though. I will make enquiries to find out how it is possible."

"However," interrupted Penny. "There is another way."

"What's that?" asked Harry.

"Due to our ages we are incredibly old-fashioned," said Penny. "Although communication by owl was still popular in our time nearly everyone valued face-to-face contact. Is there any other friends you'd like to visit during the Summer."

There was one friend Harry had made the previous year he barely ever spoke to. Cedric Diggory. He would honestly love to catch up with him.

"Cedric Diggory," he said.

"Is that Eleanor's son?" asked Penny.

Harry nodded.

"I haven't seen Eleanor in years," said Penny. "When would you like to go?"

"How about tomorrow?" asked Harry.

So the very next day Harry had learned how to use the Floo for the very first time.

However his landing left a lot to be desired. He went flying out of the fireplace in the Diggory house and crashed into Cedric bowling him over.

"Hi, Harry," smiled Cedric from under him. "My god, you've gotten handsome."

Harry got off Cedric quickly, staring at him in horror. And then Cedric laughed.

"That was an interesting tea-party back at Christmas, wasn't it Mum," quipped Cedric, sending a smirk Harry's way.

"I'm so glad you came Cedric," said Eleanor. "Anyway, you boys head off and do your own thing. I'm going to catch up with Penny."

Harry couldn't help but laugh at Cedric's prank. He really enjoyed the pranking games when he stayed here the previous year.

The sun was shining outside and the atmosphere was warm. Harry and Cedric walked over to the makeshift Quidditch pitch that Amos set up years ago. On the way Harry clapped Cedric on the back.

"It's great to see you Cedric," he said, continuing to clap his back as if putting on a sticker.

"Great to see you - ," Cedric paused. "What did you put on my back, Harry?"

"Nothing," said Harry, putting on his most innocent face.

Cedric vanished inside to see what was on his back. Harry smiled evilly and went up to Cedric's broom.

He wasn't going to do a single thing to Cedric's broom. It was an unspoken rule in Quidditch that you do not mess with someone else's broom. But it didn't mean he couldn't make Cedric think that he did.

"C'mon Cedric," said Harry to the boy once he returned. "Here you go."

He made sure to have a small smile as he handed Cedric his broom. The other boy eyed him with suspicion.

"There was nothing on my back Harry," he said.

Harry's face fell. "It must have fallen off."

"Come on, let's play Quidditch," said Harry.

So they flew around looking for a Snitch that Cedric set loose. They were both having a lot of fun and laughing away.

And then Cedric pulled up next to Harry, a smile on his face and a Snitch in his hand.

"DAMMIT," shouted Harry.

Cedric smirked. "You may be the youngest seeker in a century but I have two years' experience on you."

Harry narrowed his eyes.

"Boys," came Eleanor's voice. "Lunchtime."

"Why don't you put the broomsticks away Harry," suggested Cedric. "I'll help Mum set the table."

"Okay."

Harry put the brooms away and went into the Dining Room. He was greeted to the sight of croissants, ginger ale, peaches, sandwiches, and yoghurt.

They all sat down and ate. Amos had come home from the Ministry for lunch and was delighted to see Harry again.

"How was your school year, Harry?" Amos asked.

As Harry was telling Amos about Christmas it happened.

All at once Harry was feeling very heavy on his head.

"Harry," squealed Eleanor. "You have antlers on your head."

Cedric had fallen on the floor laughing.

"Cedric," Elanor said disapprovingly. "I thought I made it clear last year no more pranks."

Harry smiled. "It's okay, Eleanor. I enjoy a good prank as long as it doesn't hurt me. This doesn't hurt."

However, Eleanor was angry. Cedric decided to get away for the day.

"C'mon," he said after lunch, dragging Harry out the door.

"Where are we going?" asked Harry.

"There's a good friend of mine's who lives nearby," said Cedric. "He's magical and has a pair of younger brothers whom I know would love to see you."

Harry scowled. He did not want to play babysitter to little boys while he was here.

They ran over the fields before they arrived at a house that looked like it was supported on stilts. It was sticking out at odd angles but everything about it screamed magic. Harry observed a blue Ford Anglia sticking out of the shed it was in.

Cedric clearly was used to the house and its inhabitants as he did not knock. He strode straight in.

"Where are we?" asked Harry.

"BOO," came a screech from behind. Harry found his vision blackened as an overly large hat was pulled down on him.

Harry tried not to squirm. Nothing like this had happened to him before. Not even Dudley had ever tried this.

But before he could he heard another voice.

"FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY!" came a screech. "TAKE THAT OFF THE POOR CHILD NOW."

He was in the Weasley house!

Oh no, he realised. I've been pranked too many times today.

Then he remembered the Weasley matriarch disapproved of pranks just as much as Eleanor Diggory.

When Fred and George lifted the hat off, Harry already started acting. With big crocodile tears he turned to Mrs Weasley.

"I didn't like that," he stammered. He made his lips quiver and started crying softly and quietly. He never believed in fake tears and he didn't think Mrs Weasley would fall for it. "That was not nice."

He then 'noticed' Mrs Weasley. He gave her a watery smile. "Hi, Mrs Weasley."

"UPSTAIRS RIGHT NOW," she screeched at the twins.

Fred and George gave him venomous glares as they slunk off to their rooms.

"How are you doing Harry dear," said Mrs. Weasley, a wide smile now appearing on her lips. "You must be hungry. Let me whip you up something to eat."

"I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley," said Harry. "But I'm just after having lunch at the Diggory house. Cedric brought me over here 'cause he said a friend of his lives here. I didn't realise that this is your house."

"Well it is good to have you here," she beamed. "Surely you can stay for dinner."

"I'd have to ask Penny," said Harry.

"Who's Penny?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

Harry told her that Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel were helping to look after him during the Summer.

Molly firecalled the Diggory's and informed Penny that Harry was going to stay for dinner. And that she could also join if she wanted to. Penny kindly refused though, but she did say she'd come by around eight to pick up Harry.

While Molly was talking over the fireplace, Harry had escaped up the stairs. Given the explosion sounds, he knew which room was the twins.

"Is it safe for me to come in?" asked Harry, after he knocked at their door.

"YES!"

The door opened. Knowing that the twins likely had a trap in place he placed his foot in before pulling back.

"OW!"

"What happened mates?" asked Harry, fulling stepping in.

"We were going to grab you but we hit our heads on each other," growled Fred.

"I'm back."

lIlIlIl

Ginny Weasley had been shocked and surprised a number of times in her nearly eleven years of life. All those times were because of her mischievous twin brothers and her madcap brother Charlie.

But when dinner rolled around, she received the biggest shock of her life. After she sat down her twin brothers and HARRY POTTER showed up at the dinner table. Harry took the seat next to her, not noticing that she was blushing madly. Her twin brothers gave her knowing looks. She honestly wanted to smack them.

"Hello, Ginny," said Harry. "Good to meet you."

She felt her cheeks reddening as he took her hand and shook it.

The twins waggled their eyebrows at her, but she ignored it.

However it wasn't just the twins who noticed her odd behaviour. Despite focusing mainly on his food, Ron Weasley noticed very quickly that his sister wasn't chatting as she always did at dinner. He looked up and saw his sister blushing. Ron wasn't the smartest person, but he proved his lack of tact when he opened his mouth.

"Harry, I think Ginny wants you to kiss her hello." And then he laughed.

Mutinously, Ginny left the table. She heard her Mum yelling at Ron before she set a foot on the stairs and her twin brothers were also furious. She went into her room and started crying. She always had a crush on the famous Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived, but she didn't want to tell him. She certainly didn't want to be humiliated in front of him.

There was a knock on her bedroom door. Assuming it was her mother she went over and opened her door.

But it wasn't her mum. Harry Potter was there and he was holding her dinner plate.

"I don't think you want to be hungry for the whole night."

Ginny was grateful and took her plate from him. She was expecting him to leave but he didn't.

"So this what a girls room looks like," he said. "Nice posters. Who are the Weird Sisters?"

Sensing common ground, she told him about her favourite band. The ice was broken as she told him about all the famous musicians in the Wizarding World. He asked also about other things that witches and wizards do other than Quidditch. They both sat there talking about the other events and culture in the Wizarding World.

"Ginny." Her mum had shown up. "Are you okay?"

"Perfectly fine," she said. "Harry brought me my dinner and we're currently discussing puffskeins. Harry has never heard of them."

Her mum smiled and glanced at Harry. "Thank you, Harry." She took Ginny's empty dinner plate and left the room.

"Hey Ginny," whispered Harry. "I might need your help with a plan."

He whispered his plan in Ginny's ear. Her eyes widened and she nodded vigorously.

Smirks on their faces, they left the room.

One hour later Ron Weasley arrived in the kitchen. After dinner he escaped outside to the orchard tree away from his angry mother and had a nap against it. Once he woke up he went back inside.

"Mum, is there any dessert?"

"Yes, but you're not getting a-" his mum stopped. "Fred and George Weasley. Get in here."

"What is it, Mum?" The twins came in from the sitting room and burst out laughing when they saw their little brother.

Ron was wearing bright red lipstick and heavy eyeliner. His hair also had a bright pink sheen at his fringe.

"You do not do this kind of behaviour to your brother no matter what he says or does," she screeched. "That is my job."

"What did they do to me?" whimpered Ron.

Fred and George were all too happy to oblige. They carted Ron between them into the bathroom to see himself in the mirror. A loud scream echoed around the house.

"What happened?" asked Harry, appearing with Ginny from upstairs. They both saw Ron with the makeup and held their laughter.

"I'm sorry Ron," he shook his head. "I didn't think the twins would go this far."

Fred and George turned their gazes to Harry and Ginny and saw small smiles on their lips. They knew right then and there that they'd been had. There was no way they could pin it on them though. Their mum doted on Ginny and considered her the perfect daughter.

"We'll go to our room," they both said sullenly. Before they reached the stairs they noticed out of the corner of their eyes the discrete low high-five the two shared.

In the privacy of their room they were worried. It was pretty clear that they were framed for Harry and Ginny's prank. If the two of them started pranking together they were screwed.

lIlIlIl

Harry was reading Alchemy For Beginners in his bed at the Dursley's when he heard a noise coming from his wardrobe.

Suspicious, Harry quietly got out of his bed and made his way to the wardrobe. He pulled back the door quickly and came face-to-face with an usual creature. It had large, bat-like ears and bulging green eyes the size of tennis balls.

"Who are you?" asked Harry. He had never seen a creature like this before.

"I is Dobby," he said. "Dobby the House-Elf."

"What?" Harry was lost.

"A house-elf sir," said Dobby. "I look after the house needs for my master, and if Dobby makes a mistake, he has to punish himself."

The elf tugged on his ears. "I shouldn't have said that."

Harry gently coaxed the fellow out of the cupboard and sat him on his bed.

"What are you doing here Dobby?" he asked.

"It is difficult sir," said Dobby. "But Dobby. Dobby is here to tell you that Harry Potter must not go back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Why?" asked Harry.

"Terrible things are about to happen," the elf mumbled. "Dobby doesn't want Harry Potter mixed up in it."

Harry's mind was focusing. It wasn't a surprise to hear something bad was going to happen. But how. Then it came to him.

"Your master has a plan for the school, is that it?" asked Harry.

The elf didn't respond. He just gazed at Harry reproachfully, and then a grim smile crossed his features.

"You can't say," realised Harry. "But you just confirmed it. What else can you tell me?"

The elf didn't speak. Harry was disgusted. Clearly the poor elf was mistreated by his master.

"Dobby can tell you one thing," said Dobby. "Dobby is the reason you don't have any mail."

And with that Dobby pulled a stack of letters from his sleeve. Harry managed to hold in his rage at this. Now it was all clear to him. The misguided elf was trying to protect him by interfering with his life. He knew he had to keep calm.

"Your master Dobby?" asked Harry. "Is he a friend or foe to me. You don't have to say anything. Just smile for friend and look sad for enemy."

Dobby turned sad.

"Dobby, I understand if you can't tell me who your master is," continued Harry. "But can you describe him."

A devious smile appeared on the elf's face. "Master's son is a bully who is obsessed with his blonde hair."

It only took a millisecond for Harry to recognise the description. This elf belonged to the Malfoy family.

"I know who you're talking about," said Harry, being careful to not mention the Malfoy name to the frightened elf.

"Please promise Dobby that you won't go back to Hogwarts," he wailed.

"Dobby," Harry said calmly. "I'll make you an offer. I can tell you don't want to be with your family. But if you promise me not to interfere with my schooling or my life I will get you free. Surely you can be freed?"

Delighted at the prospect, Dobby informed Harry about house-elves and how they could be freed.

The next day Harry introduced an awed Dobby to Nicholas Flamel. The old man liked Dobby instantly and was able to talk to him better than Harry did. They managed to talk around the loopholes that was Dobby's orders with different wordings and body language. However there was nothing Dobby could say about what was going to happen at Hogwarts.

lIlIlIl

Harry knew it was coming. A week after his and Ginny's prank on Ron, Mrs Weasley sent him an invitation to stay for a few days and that she was already setting up a spare bed for him in the twins' room if he said yes.

Before he left for the Burrow Nicholas had supplied him with a potion that would help him massively in his pranks against the twins. Nicholas was delighted to be involved in a juvenile activity and supplied him with already hand-written runes that would help in his crusade. A wand was not needed to activate them. All that would be needed was a password.

And then it started.

His first night in the twins room the twins had pranked his bed. He woke up in the morning completely soaked. They had turned his duvet into a water duvet which had drenched him while he was sleeping. Harry didn't say anything as he got dressed and made his way down to breakfast where he started his first plan. He started talking to Percy about education and politics who was delighted to talk in return with Harry.

Over the next few hours the twins were pranked mercilessly. Their hair turned purple, their bedroom was flooded with green slime, their clothes became see-through, their lunch had caused them to have multiple boils, and their minds only emitted the sound of a hissing snake.

But they were confused. They knew it was Harry, but Harry had been out in the shed the whole morning with Percy. They found this out from their mother, who had been furious with them for their room flooding green slime. They tried suggesting to her it was Harry, which only got them an earful.

Not long after lunch they finally spied Harry in the sitting room who was putting some paper on the ground and chanting. They knew they had him. They ran to their mother.

"Mum, there's something odd in the sitting room."

"You better not have done something to my cushions," she growled making her way to the sitting room.

"MUM," came a howl from the sitting room.

They went into the sitting room to find Ginny stuck to the floor.

Tears running down her face Ginny pointed her fingers at her brothers.

"What did you do to me?"

Sulking the twins went to their room after a furious scolding from their mother. They went through the door to find their room clean and Harry was there smiling at him.

"How?" That was the only word that came from the twins' mouth.

"I think it's too dangerous to tell you," said Harry. "I think however we can come to a peace agreement while I'm here. No more pranks during this Summer on each other. Including Ginny."

"Deal."

Harry talked with Ginny later in the privacy of the oak tree. "You're a fantastic actress. Did you dispose of the Polyjuice?"

"It's long gone," she quietly laughed.

lIlIlIl

Diagon Alley was bustling with people everywhere. Everyone was out getting their children their supplies for the upcoming year.

Harry had gone with the Weasley family to get his supplies. Nicholas and Perenelle didn't want to go out in the public eye due to their fame so they asked Mrs Weasley if she could take Harry when they went to Diagon Alley.

Harry almost caused a fight with Mrs Weasley when he bought Ginny her wand and robes. He managed to sweet talk her when he convinced her that he wanted to spend his money on a friend. Mrs Weasley looked at her daughter who was smiling up at her with pleading eyes.

"Alright fine," she mumbled. "But I'm buying her books. Understand Harry."

Harry stole a side glance at Ginny, who only just smirked. She had now come a long way from the blushing girl he had first met. They had become great friends over the course of the Summer.

For Ginny, her crush on Harry went away. She now couldn't stand the thought of her and Harry together. She knew given their personalities they could not possibly co-exist as man and wife. Now it seemed revolting to think about.

They made their way into Flourish and Blotts, where a large crowd was gathering to see the renowned author Gilderoy Lockhart.

Harry regretted his mistake of going into the shop only a few steps in.

"Can it really not be Harry Potter?" he said the moment he saw him.

Lockhart raced forward, seized Harry by the arm, and drew him to the front as the crowd broke up and hushed in excitement. The audience exploded in cheers. Lockhart held Harry's hand while the photographer clicked madly, covering the Weasleys in the thick smoke coming from the camera.

Lockhart retorted, "Nice big smile, Harry," displaying his own pearly white teeth. "Together, you and I deserve to be on the first page."

The moment Harry let go of his hand, he could hardly feel his fingers. He made an effort to turn around and head back in the direction of the Weasleys, but Lockhart adamantly clung to his side and put an arm around his shoulders.

He shouted, "Ladies and gentlemen," and motioned for silence. "What a unique occasion this is! It's the ideal time for me to share a brief announcement I've been holding back on. Young Harry came into Flourish and Blotts today, but his only goal was to purchase my memoirs, which I will gladly give to him for free right now." The audience cheered once more.

"Harry had no idea," Lockhart continued, "that he would soon be getting much, much more than my book, Magical Me," as he gave him a small shake that made Harry despise him more than he already had. "In actuality, he and his classmates will receive the genuine magical me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great joy and satisfaction that I announce that I will begin working at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in September as a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher." Harry was presented with all of Gilderoy Lockhart's works while the audience applauded and cheered.

He made it to the edge of the room, where Ginny was standing next to her new cauldron, stumbling a little under the weight of the books. "You can have these," Harry said to her, putting the books into the cauldron. "I'll buy my own."

"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?" came a familiar annoying voice from behind. When Harry turned around, he came face-to-face with Draco Malfoy, who was sporting his customary sneer. "Famous Harry Potter," Malfoy said. "Can't even enter a bookstore without being featured in the newspaper."

Ginny exclaimed, "Leave him alone, he didn't want all that!" She gave Malfoy a stern look.

"Potter, you've got yourself a girlfriend!" drawled Malfoy.

"Of course I do Malfoy," said Harry, putting his arm around Ginny. "But you do too. In fact you have two. Where are those strapping henchmen you always have at your side."

Malfoy turned red. "I am not gay, Potter," he shouted.

"What did you call my son?" a silky dangerous voice spoke. The speaker stood next to Malfoy. He had long aristocratic silver hair, an unfriendly face, and a sneer that perfectly matched with his son. This was Dobby's master, Harry realised.

"I didn't call him anything," said Harry. "I simply asked where were Crabbe and Goyle since they're always with him. He must be afraid people thinks he's gay since they're always with him."

Draco glared daggers at him.

"Well, well, well," said the man softly, looking at Harry as if seeing him for the first time. "If it isn't Harry Potter."

"Lucius Malfoy," he continued, he reached out and gripped Harry's hand, pulling him closer. "Your scar is legend, just like the wizard who give it to you."

"Voldemort killed my parents," growled Harry, pulling away. "He was nothing more than a murderer."

"You must be very brave to mention his name," he said softly. "Or very foolish."

He turned to the Weasley's. "No need to introduce yourselves. I know just by looking at the paupered clothes that you must be the Weasley's. Even look at these books."

He reached his hand into Ginny's cauldron and took out her books. Arthur had now arrived. After a kerfuffle between the two Lucius Malfoy tried to leave, only to be called back.

"Lucius Malfoy," called Harry.

Satisfied that Harry Potter called him back he turned to face him.

"How can I be of assistance to you Mr Potter?" he asked.

"You forgot your book," said Harry. He reached into Ginny's cauldron where he noticed the tattered new addition to Ginny's cauldron of new books and handed it to the man.

Lucius Malfoy went white. He snatched the book out of Harry's hand and stormed from the shop.

lIlIlIl

Lucius was panicking as he fled from Flourish and Blotts. He knew given his strange behaviour back there that Arthur Weasley would be looking for him at any moment.

He turned right and his heart stopped. Coming his direction but not looking were two Aurors. All that was needed now was for Arthur Weasley to demand he be searched. He looked to his left and found his salvation.

A family that were on the Wizengamot but had forever remained neutral. He could not convince them back in the war to join forces with Voldemort and had obliviated his presence and offer to them. He made his way over to them. If he couldn't destroy Arthur Weasley's family, he would destroy them.

Once he got home he sent Draco to his room and poured himself some mead to calm himself. However he wasn't calm for long.

A hammering noise on the front door shocked him and he spilled his drink over himself. Snarling he slammed his front door open only to go white.

Renowned Aurors Gawain Robards and Kingsley Shacklebolt were standing there.

"Mr. Lucius Malfoy," started Robards. "We have authorisation due to the new law regarding Dark Artifacts being forbidden on Muggles to search your manor for any supplies."

Lucius was angry. Couldn't they have waited the next day? He knew the law they were referring to. Arthur Weasley had got it passed earlier this year and he supported it to Arthur's shock. But there was a reason he supported it. It would help drive up the market price for dark artifacts which he needed. However, the dark artifacts were still here in the basement under the Drawing Room.

Even though no one knew about the room he was terrified when Robards investigated his antique Ardarawer of Hengisfield sculpture. You just had to touch the sculpture's hand to open the basement.

After the Aurors left he went upstairs wondering why Draco hadn't shown up. The boy loved to mouth off to the visiting Aurors anytime they showed up.

"ARRR," came a shout from Draco's room.

Lucius smashed open the door at the sound. And he stared.

That infernal house-elf was standing there holding a sock. Draco's clothes were strewn around the floor by his desk where he was.

"Master has presented Dobby with clothes," exclaimed Dobby. "Dobby is free."

The little monster made his way to Lucius and slapped him. Hard.

"So long, you plonker."

And the elf vanished.

Lucius was furious. Not only did that damned elf slap him, his son had freed him. He rounded on his now cowering son.

Back at the Flamel's house Dobby popped into Harry. "It worked, Harry Potter sirs," Dobby announced gleefully. "Dobby dumped the laundry basket on young master and he tossed me a sock. I's caught it."

Laughing, Harry provided Dobby with the spare kidney pie kept aside for him. "I just hope Lucius Malfoy is having a bad day."

lIlIlIl

Over the next month Harry kept going back and forth between the Weasley's, Diggory's, and the Granger's. It was honestly the best Summer of his life.

His twelfth birthday was celebrated in style. It was held at the Weasley house. Mrs Weasley had baked him a majestic Quidditch birthday cake and everyone was there. The Diggory's, the Granger's and the Flamel's. But the biggest surprise to him was Oliver Wood coming by himself. Harry couldn't believe his own team captain came to his birthday.

After he blew out his candles he looked up at everyone who was cheering him on and chanting his name.

Harry loved having friends.

lIlIlIl

After a month and a half in Belgium, Russia, Egypt, Australia and Brazil on several ICW meetings with important dignitaries and Magical Leaders, Albus Dumbledore returned to Britain. His mind was swamped of political tirades, new regulations, and a new peace treaty between Macedonia and Britain.

The pompous idiot Cornelius Fudge had insulted the Minister For Magic in Macedonia by ignoring him, having publicly referred to him as a 'Third World Twat'. Macedonia had been enraged over the comment and threatened repercussions. Albus had to step in himself to prevent a blood bath spilling over between the two leaders. Cornelius Fudge was now barred from ever entering Macedonia and Papua New Guinea. The man was not making a great impression on the world stadium.

Now that the ICW tour was done he had only one focus now: Harry Potter. He figured the boy had been cooped up at the Dursley's long enough over the Summer. He would talk to Molly tomorrow about letting Harry stay with the twins and her for the rest of Summer.

Although he didn't like Harry being friends with the notorious pranksters, he did not want to deny the boy his friends. As he settled into his much-needed bath, he only had one thought.

Hopefully Harry would be calmer this coming school year.

The next day the thought went away. He had gone round to the Weasley house to talk to Molly where he heard that Harry was being taken of by his old friend Nicholas Flamel and had barely been at the Dursley's all Summer.

He went straight back to his office to check on the wards. Thankfully they were still functioning. Harry had been there at least a weeks' worth over the Summer, which was all that was needed.

Then he went to Nicholas'.

Harry was having lunch at the Flamel's when a voice came from the fireplace in the dining room.

"Nicholas, can I come through," said the familiar voice of Albus Dumbledore. "I need to talk to you."

Harry managed to quietly leave the room before Dumbledore came through. But before he reached the stairs he was called back by Nicky.

"Harry," he called. "Come back. Dumbledore wants to see you."

Harry went into the room to see a sullen Nicky and an amused Albus Dumbledore.

"Hello, Harry," said Dumbledore. "I hear you have had quite an entertaining Summer."

"Indeed I have, headmaster," replied Harry carefully.

"No need to be suspicious," said Dumbledore, still smiling. "But I honestly am wondering how you came to meet Nicholas. He rarely ventures out into the Wizarding World so I doubt you met him in Diagon Alley."

Harry really enjoyed pranking Dumbledore and seeing him shocked would be another highlight of his day. So he spoke.

"Professor," said Harry. "Do you remember the explosion that happened at Hogwarts a few months ago?"

"I'll never forget it," groaned Dumbledore. "The amount of debris I had to clean up…"

He stopped talking and turned to face Harry. "THAT WAS YOU."

Harry said nothing. He just gave a slow clap.

Dumbledore's mind was reeling. But it was coming to logical conclusions. It all made sense now how Harry came to be here. Harry Potter set off the explosion. Harry Potter retrieved Nicholas' precious stone. Nicholas tracked down the stone and found Harry Potter.

His head fell into his hands and he started mumbling.

"You are going to drive me mad Harry," he growled. "All those pranks last year. I suppose you're also responsible for the Whomping Willow's branches being cut."

Harry said nothing which only confirmed Dumbledore's statement. He turned to Nicholas.

"I should have retired years ago," he moaned.

"Truer words have never been spoken, Albus Dumbledore," said Penny as she came in the kitchen door.

"Hello Perenelle," said Dumbledore.

"Don't 'Hello Perenelle' me young man," growled Penny. "You have a lot to answer for. Especially in regard to Harry's placement with those disgusting Muggles."

And with that she dragged Albus Dumbledore by the ear and frogmarched him into the lounge.

Harry noticed the headmaster look at him with pleading eyes, but Harry instead decided to throw more fuel on the fire.

"Penny, thank you for the delicious chicken sandwich," said Harry brightly. "I never received food like this at the Dursley's."

AN: My deepest apologies for how long this took. Not only did I have writers block regarding this chapter, I have also returned to education and have been deeply focused in my studies. It has now finished after a year. I'm hoping to get at the next chapter before the week is out.

Also, I'd like to pay my respects to the late great Michael Gambon. I do not hate Dumbledore, I just distrust him. Despite that, Michael Gambon's performance as Albus Dumbledore is among the greatest I have seen. May he Rest In Peace.