Weeks after his adventure to Diagon Alley, Harry continued his magical education in the safety of his room. Putting into use his previous revision of Potions and Herbology, he began to produce simple potions that required no use of magic. As such, hidden in his potions compartment, he now possessed a dozen vials of various potions.

Burn Paste, a relatively simple potion that took Harry less than half an hour to make, was a must have necessity in any magical home. After a distracting lunch, Harry had to use one of his vials to treat a painful burn sustained during his cooking. The cool paste, quickly repairing the burnt skin, was a sight to see for Harry.

The Invigorating Potion was slightly harder to produce than the Burn Paste, but Harry could see the value in them. Providing the person with a rush of energy, it made coffee and energy drinks seem like a glass of water. Conscious of the warning against taking too many too often, Harry only tested one before his daily exercises. The rush of energy resulted in Harry feeling capable of running with no end. Indeed, even after 2 hours of running, Harry barely felt the effects waning away. Its less potent cousin, the Pepperup Potion, was easier on the body and possessed a lesser risk for addiction.

The Stitching Paste was another necessity to have in a magical home. Able to stimulate the body's regeneration of epithelial cells, it provided a faster solution to closing minor cuts and abrasions without the use of magic. Requiring only a few ingredients, it took no more than one hour to produce. Its more powerful cousin, the Essence of Dittany, was capable of closing larger and deeper wounds.

All in all, Harry felt quite proud of his efforts. Seeing the vials in his trunk, Harry couldn't help but smile each time.

Reminiscent of cooking, Harry's culinary skills and experience lend themselves to making Potions a rather pleasant past time.

Along with his potions teaching, Harry began to cover his father's book of Defense against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. Fascinated by the ability to change one item into another, he read and re-read his father's book on Transfiguration. As reported by his father, "being quite a savant in Transfiguration, I can attest to its benefits, both in a mundane use and in combat".

A bit advanced for him, the text covered lessons ranging from transmutation to self-transfiguration, from Animagi to conjuration, it ignited within Harry a desire to practice.

As it happened, under the advice by Hrothgar, Harry began to practice simple transfiguration spells on his pens, needles, and buttons. As it was explained by his account manager, "Privet Drive is now an officially designated home for the wizard, Sebastian Evans, as such, any magic performed within its confines will not trigger any alarms with the Ministry." How Hrothgar accomplished this, he knew not, but never one to waste away a perfectly good chance to perform magic, Harry took full advantage of this opportunity.

A discipline that Harry planned to begin whenever possible, Animagus was an extremely complicated and advance topic that is not broached until sixth year due to its inherent risk for permanent disfigurement or death. Nonetheless, Harry took to heart his father's words, "as complicated as the book may portray it as, the Marauders and I found several shortcuts that helped us along the way to our form. When you turn 13, I would encourage you to begin the process. The ability to change into your spiritual form is a wonderfully transcendent experience."

Covered in his Transfiguration text and his new book, "The Gifts of Magic", metamorphagi were something of a wonder to Harry. To be able to change your appearance at will, this ability seemed an incredibly beneficial skill to possess. In fact, Harry held suspicions that he might have this ability. Recalling a rather unfortunate event, when his aunt cut away his hair with only his bangs remaining, he remembered waking up the next day with his hair back to normal, none the wiser. According to the book, beginning signs of being a metamophagus were the random changes to facial hair and features. Examples listed included changes in hair color (based on their emotions-red for anger, blue for sadness or shyness), increasing or shortening of hair, or the shape of their eyebrows. Resolved to determine whether he was a metamorphagus, he followed a few mental practices to 'ignite' this skill.

In addition to Transfiguration, Harry obsessed over his 'Curses and Countercurses' book. As attractive as its cover, this book held a veritable fountain of knowledge in curses, hexes, and jinxes that could be applied in any setting. Whether planning to prank someone or defend oneself against an enemy, this book held a spell for each occasion.

Spending time imagining difference scenario, Harry enjoyed daydreaming about using these spells against his cousin or anyone else who dared to harm him.

Included in his practice of transfiguration spells, were a series of offensive and defensive magiks that Harry decided to perfect as his chosen repertoire, if he were ever to be attacked.

Repello, a weaker version of Protego, returned any minor curse, hex, or jinx to the caster. Requiring only to flourish the wand away from the caster, it was a simple beginners charm to use.

Expelliarmus, the Disarming Charm was a versatile tool that removed the offending 'weapon' from the attacker's hands. With a quick downward and flicking movement, a red flash of light was sent to the attacker. According to the book, if the intent was changed, it could be released as a gust of bluish-white wave that affected a room full of people.

Locomotor Wibbly, the Jelly-Leg Curse was a rather funny choice for defense, but when used appropriately could be used to provide the necessary distraction to allow the victim to run away. A simple pointing to the attacker, it was a quick curse to use.

Lumos Maxima, a variant to the Lumos Charm, produced a deafeningly bright light that could be 'launched' away to provide light over its designated area. If overpowered, the sudden brightness with loud popping would provide a discombobulating effect.

Short as the list may be, Harry chose these due to their low power requirement and short wand movements. Nonetheless, Harry felt confident that those spells, combined with his speed and reflexes, he would be able to defend himself well enough to run away.

As studious as Harry might be, he ensured that he did not fall behind on his other duties. Attending football practice each night, Monday thru Wednesday; a game every other Thursday; and Krav Maga practice each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Harry had a full schedule each evening.

Along with his extracurriculars, each day was filled with classes and homework, maintaining his perfect scores and supervising a tutoring group, Harry kept maintaining his affable personality with each classmate and teacher.

Staying behind a few minutes after class, Harry would assist his teachers in picking up afterwards. This little bit of goodwill was why they would allow him extra time in the computer lab, leave class early to attend football practice, and spread his increasing popularity among the staff.

In fact, one of his professor, Ms. Ramirez, offered to tutor him in Spanish, stating its benefits as one of the most popular languages, it would provide even more venues for him later in life.

Therefore, each day during his lunch period, Harry would attend a Spanish course within her classroom. Due to its roots of Latin, his time spent studying magical spells and text, it provided a semblance of foundation for him to build upon. As time went by, his mastery of the Latin language improved to the point of him being able to maintain a simple conversation with his teacher. As she explained, "as with English, mastery of any language takes years to obtain. Immersing yourself in the culture and taking any opportunity to utilize the language will help you improve." Regardless, Harry enjoyed his time learning Spanish with Ms. Ramirez. New to teaching, having just moved to the UK from Northern Mexico, she was a bubble of energy and enthusiasm. Treating him as a fellow, Harry never left feeling like a child.

And so, with such a full schedule, the day began to blend in and seemed to distort time causing his school year to fly by. Before he knew it, the end of the year and the beginning of summer break was upon them.

Having enjoyed himself, the highlight of his year would be easily chosen to be the win his team obtained from their district championship. Having improved his physical condition, a culmination of football and Krav Maga did wonders for his speed and reflexes, Harry obtained a reputation within the team as the Golden Foot. Having grown since that year, his increased extremities and endurance helped keep him ahead of his opponents during their matches. As such, when his team qualified for the championship's finals, Harry had a whole year to perfect his craft.

Being held in another school, his team went in with zero losses to the opponents one loss. Invigorated by their record, his teammates began the match with a driven passion to maintain their record. Running like the wind, Harry maintained the tempo of the game, running, driving, outpacing each opponent. With a keen eye and eagle-like precision, his skills of passing gave them an edge in keeping possession of the ball. As good as they gave, their opponent pushed back as well as they could. Their only loss due to a penalty goal, they were just as enthusiastic to obtain the championship title.

Pushing each other, they eventually fell into a stagnant pace, neither team being able to score. It was not until the last 15 minutes of the second half that a teammate of Harrys, Richard, was able to steal the ball from the other team's midfielder and passed it to Harry.

Open field, Harry spun as if being chased, and went directly towards the goal net. Through a nutmeg, he was able to overcome the defender, leaving him before the goalkeeper.

With a curved kick, Harry launched the ball to the goal net's lower right corner in an impressive arch of velocity.

'Swish' went the net as it caught the ball.

The fallout of that win helped cement Harry as the local hero and idol for his classmates.

Entering the summer, Harry was able to dedicate more time to his Krav Maga course. Giving it his all, Harry followed attentively the instructions given by Mr. Feldman.

Months into the art, Harry became more confident in his sparrings with his fellow students. Currently, the class was covering how to remove yourself from an opponent's grasp and hold.

Arm wrapped around his neck, overlapping his shoulders, he was within his opponent's power. Loosening his body, Harry dropped himself to the ground. Not expecting this move, his opponent's hold soften, allowing Harry space to twist and turn whilst burrowing himself below his arms. Freed, he pushed his arms and knees against the mat and flung his arms around his opponent's neck. Grabbing ahold tightly, he put pressure against his knee causing him to tumble upon his stomach. Pressure applied to the small of his back, arms wrapped around his neck, and a foot pushing down his right leg, his opponent tapped his hand against the mat.

"Enough!"

Standing and facing his opponent, Harry gasped in air as he attempted to control his respirations. Coated in sweat, both students remained at attention before their instructor.

"Win to Potter. Well done, Harry.' Mr. Feldman complimented. "Lucas, your hold on him was well executed but you forgot to go with the moment when Harry chose to fall. Because of that, your hold weakened. Don't forget to avoid resisting the flow or push from your opponent. Use it."

"Yes, sir." Lucas proclaimed. Respirations more even, he remained focused on the instructor.

"Well done, Lucas, that was a rough one." Harry complimented, bringing forth his hand.

"You got me there, Harry. You caught me off guard with that move." smiling, Lucas shook his hand.

"I don't think that would've worked twice but thanks" Harry admitted.

"Tricks only need to work once. However, useful as they may be, its importance to not forget your fundamentals" interrupted Mr. Feldman, looking at both boys intensely.

"Yes, sir" they intoned.

"Now go, get dressed. That will be all for today."

Rushing to the dressing rooms, the boys pushed one another, laughing.

"Mr. Felman, sir, I was hoping I could pick your brain for a minute" Harry stated after changing out of his practicing outfit.

"Of course, what would you like to discuss?"

"I've been considering joining the military after obtaining my degree in cybersecurity and I was wondering if you had any advice on how to begin preparing for the military?" he murmured.

A blatant lie, Harry still wished to learned from him and his experiences to combat.

"Wow, a degree in cybersecurity? Well, that is a good degree to choose. As for your question, I would say that the best way to prepare is by continuing to exercise and beginning to incorporate other skillsets. Being able to fight and run is not everything you'll need to learn. Swimming, hiking, going camping, learning forestry and becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable are a great way to begin. Unfortunately, there is no way to prepare for any 'action', but to be mentally prepared to the possibility of it. Joining the military is not for games, it is a serious commitment. Joining comes with the understanding that being harmed or killed is a very real possibility." he ended quite firmly.

Listening closely, Harry nodded in agreement.

"I understand, is there anything else you would recommend?"

"Yes, whatever may become, before you join, I would advise you to speak with your family about your decision. This does not only impact you but any family and friends, therefore, I would recommend you have a serious conversation beforehand. Going in with no family drama is hard enough, you do not need any drama weighing you down."

"Thank you, Mr. Feldman."

Time Lapse

One week later

Opening his mail box, Harry removed a couple of envelopes addressed to him.

Opening Hrothgar's letter first, he read.

"Greetings, Lord Potter

As requested, after weeks of investigation, I have a report in regard to the status of your godfather. As you may remember, Sirius Black was detained on the night of your parent's murder for the mass murder of 13 muggles and Peter Pettigrew, however, lesser known is that following his arrest, no investigation was performed. Even more damning, there exists no record of any trial occurring, nor any verdict being made against Mr. Black. The only form available in his 'record' is the authorization of transfer to Azkaban, maximum security wing, signed by the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Bartemius Crouch, the Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot, Albus Dumbledore, and the Minister for Magic, Millicent Bagnold. In my view, there appears to be a conspiracy against Mr. Black; within an hour of his arrest and before he was fully processed, the authorization had already been completed. Unfortunately, without further evidence, I cannot state with certainty that Mr. Black is guilty of his accused crimes. We will continue with our investigation, nonetheless. An idea that I propose would be to send a Gringotts' representative to speak with Mr. Black regarding his 'monetary assets". Using this ruse would allow us the opportunity to speak with Mr. Black in privacy to determine the validity of his guilt. This does pose some risk and would require more time and money to accomplish but would allow us the certainty of the truth. Please let me know of your choice.

Onto less darker news, the preparations for the renovation of the Potter Manor are complete. Our only obstacle is having you deactivate the protections surrounding the property. Please notify me of your availability to schedule the date with the renovation company.

Regarding your finances, as requested, we have invested in a couple companies that have shown potential. The first, 'Firebolt Broomsticks' has accepted 10% ownership in exchange of additional capital to expand their research and development. As such, an investment of 175,000 galleons has been transferred. The owner, Randolph Spudmore, assured us that sales may begin within the next two years. The second company, a prospective potions shop, 'Potioneers Dream', has approved your requested 20% ownership in exchange for the use of the available shop found in Diagon Alley #17 and 125,000 galleons for inventory and production. The owner, Maeve Douglas, has requested I extend her appreciation in your support of her business and her promise to 'make good of your money'. A rather young Potions Mistress, Maeve Douglas comes highly recommended by several notable Potions Masters.

Account Manager of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter

Hrothgar Sharpclaw"

Rather lengthy, Harry chose to sit as he read the contents of Hrothgar's letter.

Grabbing a fresh piece of parchment, he returned Hrothgar's letter.

Agreeing to Hrothgar's ruse, he cautioned care in his dealings. "There is no rush. Ensure nothing can be linked to us." Confirming his satisfaction in his newly owned business, he asked him to continue informing him of their progress. In regard to taking a trip to Potter Manor, Harry marked the Friday of the following week. Already planning for the Dursley's to have a weekend getaway, he felt no need to remain in an empty house.

Rolling it, he placed it to the side.

The second letter, also from Hrothgar, was an account statement detailing the changes to the accounts, newly gained business and invested monies. Reading it, Harry noted nothing out of the sort.

Letters done and sent; Harry returned to his attempts in changing his appearance.

Sitting above his bed, facing a mirror, Harry fell into a calming pace of breath.

Inhale. Hold. Exhale.

Visualizing his hair, he imagined the follicles of his hair, the stem, and the root. He envisioned his hair beginning to thicken and develop a wavy form. As he breathed, he visualized his 'magic' reaching to his hair, spreading through him, he 'molded' his hair in a fashion.

Seeing himself, the took note of his hair evolving. Whereas before, his hair remained a ruffled mess of black locks, now it fell in a slight wavy way. Looking more like an intentional windswept style, it no longer looked unkept.

Seeing his success, Harry had to hold his yell of success in. Returning to his previous position, he attempted to return his hair back to its natural state. Faster than his first attempt, his hair began to lift and flutter back into his old ruffled look.

With a grin, he thought, 'Oh, I'm going to have so much fun with this.'

Walking down the stairs, Harry made way to the backyard for another sunny day of reading.

Along the way, he accidentally bumped next to Dudley.

Wincing, Dudley went pale in fear, eyes widened, he jumped backwards as if being burnt.

"Sorry, I didn't see you there." he mumbled.

"It's okay, no worries."

Hurriedly, Dudley flashed upstairs before entering his room with a slam of the door.

Puzzled, Harry continued towards the back door.

Settling down in his unofficial spot below the tree, Harry continued to puzzle over Dudley's behavior. He had noticed that since the day he confronted the Dursleys, there had been minimal exchanges of conversation between him and Dudley. Thinking back, he could hardly count the number of times he interacted with his cousin.

'Perhaps he was afraid of magic? Or perhaps he was afraid me?' he questioned.

But why would he react so negatively? You'd almost assume he had been shocked going by his appearance.

Perhaps he ought to make the time to interact with his cousin. As horrible his behavior may have been, he was simply following the example set by his parents.

Letting that concern fade away, Harry began to read over his mother's charm book.

Filled with notes and scribbles, it was clear that his mother was quite the prodigy in this art. The versatility of charms was one of the benefits his mother had listen on why he should invest a significant amount of time in this class.

"The use of charms can be found in almost every aspect of life. Charms play a huge role in the life of the magical community. Without its charms keeping them hidden, most wizards and witches would be hard pressed to remain hidden. Even this chest and its contents have been heavily charmed to be read and opened only by you."

In full agreement, he remained diligent in his discovery of charms. Covering over the first year's coursework, his mother listed the purposes behind their teaching. The Levitation Charm, for example, built a foundation for the young witch/wizard on maintaining a continual flow of magic to sustain its effect. Unlike other charms or spells, the Levitation Charm required the caster to maintain a steady flow of power to sustain the rising object, without that the object would fall. Practicing this allows the user to begin increasing their stamina and fine control, as having too much power can be detrimental to the integrity of the object.

Therefore, in an attempt to increase his magical stamina, Harry took time each day to maintain a Levitation Charm to extend the time he could last before the object fell. Situated inside, Harry was careful to avoid any accidental magic being performed in front of other muggles.

In addition to his study of charms, Harry continued to learn more about family, including their alliances and agreements or disagreements with the other families.

Throughout the years, the Potters would render aid to the rest of the families during their time of crisis. For example, in 1712 when the Bones' family was reduced to a single heir after the brutal murder of his parents and grandparents by a group of fanatic dark wizards, Edwin Bones was fostered alongside Andrew Potter, festering a brotherhood that was maintained throughout their adulthood. As a result, the union of Amber Rose Potter and Lionel Bones was encouraged by both men as a way to commemorate their long lasting alliance.

With the Longbottom family, the Potters came to their rescue when the Head of the Longbottom family and his family were ambushed by a jealous spurned former lover of the eldest heir and several mercenaries. Well into their aging years, Romulus Longbottom was able to send a message to Rodrick Potter of their dire state. Upon receiving their call to aid, Rodrick and his two brother, alongside with seven adult children of each respective brother, arrived to drive away the attackers and saved the lives of each Longbottom. As a token of their appreciation and to ensure their continual alliance, the youngest granddaughter to Romulus was wedded to Leopold (call me Leo) Potter.

A family that maintained a fully respected and honored reputation by the rest of the families was the Ollivander family. Long established as the premier wandmakers of the United Kingdom, each family maintained their presence in the protection of the Ollivander family. A commonly known, yet unofficial ruling, provided any wandmaker immunity and protection against harm. Regardless of the wars and disputes, of the turmoil ravaging the land, wandmakers remained sacrosanct in the eyes of the magical community.

After all, good or bad, winning or losing, each side require wands. The art of wand making is a long and incredibly complex that even now, there remain only 3 wandmakers in the UK. The Ollivanders long established as the finest makers of wands.

It is how, even through the centuries, the same building where Ollivander's store is placed, has remained untouched through the various wars and civil unrest.

Even Gellert Grindelwald, in the height of his power, never attacked nor injured the wandmaker Mykew Gregorovitch, a renowned wandmaker within Europe.

In the same, the only family that the Potters seemed to have any disputes would be the Black family.

Leaning heavily to the dark arts, various past Black members have committed horrible atrocities against their fellow citizens. Throughout the years, alliances within the families bonded together in their fight against rogue Black heirs. Never openly discontent against one another, one Potter, Peter, wrote this about the Blacks, "as nebulous as their name, one needs to keep one eye open at all times when dealing with the scoundrels of the Black family."

One rare respectful relationship between both families occurred during the war against Grindelwald. The younger brother of Fleamont, Charles, fought alongside Arturus Black, the grandfather of his godfather. After surviving the war and due to their deep bond forged over blood and fire, Arturus permitted the union of Charles and Dorea Black. Childless they may have remained; their time together was described to be one of a happy ending.

Hours after having begun, Harry closed the family history book and returned to the confines of the Dursley's residence.

Sitting within the small four chair table found within the kitchen, Harry enjoyed his lunch.

Door opening, Dudley walked inside, "Mom, have you see-"

Freezing, Dudley remained in place as he stared at Harry.

"Um, sorry…" he mumbled.

Before he could leave, Harry spoke up, "Dudley, can I talk to you?"

Tense, Dudley nodded after a visible thought of hesitation.

"I know we have never had the best of relationships, but I want to assure you that I bear no hard feelings. If you'd be willing, I propose we begin anew with a better starting."

"Um…what do you mean?"

"I'm saying, Dudley, that I'm hoping we can be friends." he explained gently.

"Why? I thought you hated us."

"I won't lie, I did hate you and your parents for the longest time. None of you ever showed me any moment of kindness. But I chose to not allow that hatred to remain. I'm hoping to start things in a better way. Would you be willing to do the same?

Having never been one to think, Dudley's face scrunched into what Harry had dubbed his 'thinking' face.

After a moment of thought, Dudley agreed, "Okay, then we'll being again."

Time lapse

One week later

Following his conversation with Dudley, they began to speak in more amicable tones. Initially afraid of saying the wrong thing, Dudley would remain quiet. Slowly, as the days wore by, he began to open up and relax in their interactions.

Showing interest in a book Harry held, he asked why Harry was always reading.

That sparked an hours long conversation about the magical world, how he belonging to a 'ruling' family, and possessed a 'cave filled with mountains of gold'.

After that, he and Harry would hold conversation over magical creatures and questions would be answered, "What is a hinkypunk?"

For now, Harry was dressing himself in preparation for his trip to visit the Potter Manor and deactivate the wards.

Written in his father's journal, were several pages that covered the process required to obtain control of the wards and how to 'open the door' for guests.

Not a complicated process, Harry could not help but read it over several times in an attempt to memorize every word.

Dressed in beige trousers, a rich black silky top, a black belt and dark brown loafers, Harry chose to pair this with a particularly dark green robe with a silver trim. Ensuring he secured a fanny pack he had purchased to carry a few potions; Harry ran through his mental list.

'Wand, check. Secondary wand, check. Potions, check. Portkey, check. '

In a letter from Hrothgar, Harry received a silver disk retrieved from the Potter vault that was enchanted to transported him outside the ward limits of the family manor.

The size of a sand dollar, it was covered in runes on the top layer with the bottom kept bare.

A minute away from when Hrothgar informed him the portkey would activate, he braced himself for the experience.

Inhale. Hold. Exha-

Suddenly, the sensation of tug emanating from his navel, in a twirl of a flash Harry disappeared from the Dursley's home.

Exhale.

Landing in a tumble, Harry's first thought was quite simple.

'That sucks.'

Without a warning, a spell of vertigo hit Harry like a riptide. Feeling his stomach lurched, he bend at the waist and hurled.

Landing on a patch of grass, his vomit splattered with a 'splat' echoing.

Retrieving from his fanny pack, a vial of Pepperup was quickly ingested by Harry. Mindful of its sensation, Hrothgar had recommended he prepare a few vials in advance to counteract the sensation caused by the portkey.

Like a splash of warm water hitting his face, a hot flushing spread from his face. Calming the vertigo, Harry began to feel better.

Looking around, Harry took note of an empty winding road of gravel that began further down and curled behind a cove of trees obscuring its sight. Before him stood two massive oak doors inlayed with streams of gold and silver, twinkling from the daylight, they were as impressive as they were beautiful.

Etched on the gates, with one half on each door, was the Potter family coat of arm. A beautiful display of strength and beauty, they demonstrated the strength possessed by the past Potters. Taking heed to his father's instructors, Harry placed his left hand upon the crest. Ensuring he avoided any movement, Harry prepared for the forewarned prick.

As soon as he thought of it, a sharp needle poked his left index finger.

Declaring with a firm voice, Harry spoke, "I, Harry James Potter, son of James Charles and Lily Elizabeth, hereby claim my stake of ownership and invite the family magic to prove my claim."

Suddenly, in a flash of emerald green, the crest began to glow under the offered hand. Spreading across the gate, the wards flashed in a dazzling aurora of colors as the War Wards were deactivated.

A dome glowed in view around Harry, the display of the protections left Harry in wonder.

Feeling the absence of pressure on his hand, Harry removed the proffered limb.

With a 'hiss', the gates to the Potter Manor were opened once more.

With a slow pace, Harry walked down the road leading to the house.

A wide road made of gravel; it was lined with overgrown hedges that were separated by thick trees that provided a canopy over Harry.

Vivid green, the grass was overgrown and filled with crusted leaves in various stages of decomposition.

A few minutes later, Harry was mesmerized by the manor that lay before him. Decorated by a crouched lion, the stone fountain looked old and dusty, no longer filled with water, it held growing algae and mold.

The house itself, regardless of its state was still a site to behold.

Made of grey stone, it stood at an impressive height with its two stories. Dusty and cloudy glass windows was splattered across the front of the house, displaying a faded image of each room.

The doors, made of a similar wood and design as the gates, were tall and wide. A bronze doorknob, resting on both doors, was rusted and showing sings of aging. The stone stairway that connected the drive way to the entrance was covered in overgrown vines that spiraled throughout the pillars within the rails.

With a reaching hand, the vines extended from the hedges found on the ground and reached above to the corners of the manor.

Climbing the stairs, Harry took note of the roaming plains of grass spreading around the manor. A forest located behind the manor and reaching around to the front, the acres of trees extended beyond his sight and lowered down the hills surrounding the valley.

Pressing his ring against the doors, a soft 'click' was distantly heard.

Pushing forward, Harry entered the foyer. Made of a pearly white granite, the walls and floor twinkled a muted white as it reflected the light glowing from the chandelier hanging down the center of the room.

Facing the doorway, rested two curved stairways that rose to the second floor landing, made of a milky white stone, they glittered as it swept upwards. Passing the stairway, down the center was a wooden statue of a Thestral in flight, wings opened, the sinewy muscles lined against its legs, it stood over Harry in a stunning display. Passing that, a small hallway led to another series of majesty doors made of golden plated wood, this were kept closed. Through there, Harry knew, lead to the ballroom. To the left, a massive room filled with sofas and recliners, laid the living room. Rich brown wooden chairs and stands were spread besides the sofas. Soft brown sofas looked as inviting as they were comfortable. Walking in, Harry saw an open archway leading towards a formal dining room; a long thick wooden table coated with a glossy finish spread throughout the room, beside it were countless chairs with soft purple cushions. On the walls, handing neatly in uniformed order were depictions of the Potter grounds, ancient trees reaching towards to the skies, a portrait of the manor with a sunset behind it casting a golden hue around it.

Through a closed door, Harry entered a small informal dining room that consisted of a rectangular table seating 6 chairs, to the side was a countertop with 3 stools.

As he took a tour of the manor, Harry could not help but feel a sense of loneliness.

Once upon a time, his ancestors stood in these hallowed halls, dined together, laughed together. In these rooms, the cries of a newborn would echo, the sounds of screaming were heard, the warmth and presence of a family now gone.

Now, it stood empty. Barren of any love, of any family, it reminded Harry more of a mausoleum than a home. His only companions, countless portraits of past Potters, Harry never felt more alone than before.

Before him, stood a physical proof of his loss, of the devastating loss suffered by the Potters. For millennia, the Potters grew and grew, their numbers once reaching the hundreds, now, only he remained as the sole heir and member of the once great House of Potter.

Pushing away his gloomy thoughts, Harry made his way to the second floor, to a room hidden behind a shelf found in the confines of the Lord's study.

Made of a rich golden brown wood, a massive desk rested to the back of the room, behind it was a drawn map of the manor and its surrounding land. A golden discoloration to it, the aged drawing showed one moving dot, resting in the same spot that Harry stood.

'This must be the map dad wrote about.'

Connected to the wards, it allowed the Lord of the house to be able to track anybody residing within the proximity of the properties. A drawn dot displayed the name of the person and their movement. To deactivate this, you would needed to state, "Tracker off." Fairly simple, it only require the touch of the family ring to activate or deactivate.

Covering the walls were a series of shelves that held books that could only be removed by the Lord, the Lady, and the Heir Presumptive. Most consisting of previous dealing and agreements with other family, there were a few tomes of dark magic and editions of blood magic, rituals and a compendium of spells designed by previous Potters. This, the family grimoire, was heavily enchanted to be resisted against any magic not cast by a blood borne Potter. Made of an unknown leather, bounded to an iron spine, it was as black as the twilight of the night. Etched on the center of the cover was a triangle covering a circle with a line drawn through it. This unknown rune was not something Harry had ever seen before.

Having care, Harry sat upon the chair behind the desk. Laying his left hand in the center of the desk, palm faced down, Harry declared firmly,

"I, Harry James, son of James Charles, accepted Lord and Master of the Land, do hereby proclaim command of the wards. Weigh upon me the burden of the family's protection."

Instantly, a pressure built above Harry, seemingly pushing down on his back. In an attempt to muffle his cry, Harry tensed his jaw and forced himself to remain upright in the char. Burning, a hot intense sensation, poured through him as the power of the wards gave him command.

As soon at it occurred, so too did it quickly fade away. Tense, coated in sweat, Harry tasted the metallic taste of his own blood, leaking through his lip from his unintended bite.

Immediately, a flush of awareness ignited his mind as he began to feel every stone and dust located within the manor, every blade of grass swaying and every animal roaming the forest. Fading away, this omniscience backed to the back of his mind, no longer at the forefront of his mind.

Following his account manager's instructions, Harry tapped upon the portkey disk with his hand and murmured, "It had been done."

With a flash, the disk disappeared and returned to Hrothgar to inform him of the deactivation of the family wards.

Within a few minutes, a tingling sensation forced Harry to gaze upon the map. In a blink, several dots appeared before the gates. Leaving the room, Harry deactivated the map before making his way to allow entry to his guests.

Placing his hands on the gates, Harry intoned, "Be accepted by the grace of the Potter home. So long as you remain within mine property, no harm shall befall upon you. Enter under the rights of guest, no harm shall be inflicted."

With a bumbling sensation, the gates melted away leaving Harry to stand before Hrothgar, another old wizened goblin, and a group of a dozen goblins attired in uniform.

"Under the rights of guest, we, the citizens of our King Ragnok the Swift, accept your invitation and protection."

"So, mote it be."

With a wave of his hand, the group of goblins rushed forward around Hrothgar and the old goblin. Bowing before him, the goblins spread throughout the properties. Some remained outside, testing the integrity of the wards and their power; others entered the manor to determine the structural integrity of the house and whatever repairs it may requires; a couple walked to the back of the house, where a couple greenhouses and stables laid overrun with unchecked plants, both magical and mundane.

Bowing before him, Hrothgar introduced the old goblin, "Lord Potter, I present to you Master Orik Stonefist. He shall oversee the renovations and upgrades to your family's manor."

With his hands grasped before his chest, Orik bowed deeply. "Lord Potter, it is my pleasure to be of use to your family. My goblins and I are honored to be a part of the return to glory for thine estate."

With a small bow, Harry displayed his respect to the old goblin, "I welcome you, Master Orik, and wish to thank you and yours efforts to improving my family's home."

"It shall be our finest creations, milord."

Time Lapse

The next day

Following their introductions, Harry and Hrothgar returned to Gringotts, to discuss further matters.

The most pressing of which was regarding his godfather.

A week since Hrothgar's last update, he reported having made more headway in obscuring a few more details. A single bloody finger was all that remained of the wizard known as Peter Pettigrew, his remains were the only ones to have suffered such devastating destruction. The oddity? According to the report of Sirius' arrest, the 13 bodies found at the scene showed the expected signs of having suffered an explosion; burnt crisp skin, gaping wounds and scattered in a random place. Pettigrew's finger was found at the edge of the radius of the explosions, close enough to have suffered greatly but not close enough that no other evidence of his remains would be found.

Another interesting clue was on the condition of the finger, a single clean cut at the base of the phalange, the finger showed no sign of ash or soot around it. According to the wizard who found the finger, as discovered in his report, "The finger laid besides shrapnel of a muggle structure. Clean of any soot or ash, the finger remained in a clean conditions with only a single surgical incision to the base of the finger."

The proximity of the remains, the condition of the finger, and the suspicious preemptive incarceration of Sirius Black, continued to lead Hrothgar and Harry to think that something was afoul.

Therefore, preparation were being put in place to interrogate Sirius Black at the end of the summer. This, Hrothgar explained, was due to the return to school and end of their vacation, the Minister was typically empty the weekend before the first day of school.

In the meantime, they would continue to renovate the manor and the rest of the family properties.

Taking advantage of his stay in a nearby hotel down the road of the Leaky Cauldron, Harry decided to spend his time in Diagon Alley to familiarize himself with the shopping center.

Replenishing his limited potions supplies and ingredients, he purchased another kit from the Apothecary. Strolling through Flourish and Botts, Harry would spend time looking through their vast inventory. Covering everything from simple charms to complex rituals, the bookstore was like heaven for the growing bibliophile. One book that Harry did decide to purchase was regarding criminal law.

His interest for the book rested on his concern for the justice system. Should Sirius Black truly be innocent, then an understanding of the laws governing the people would become a necessity. Regardless, his eventual admission to the Wizengamot would mean that he would be required to be familiar with the laws and regulations enforced by the Ministry.

As such, he spend time reading his new book while enjoying a delicious cone of vanilla and pecan purchased from ice cream parlor run by Florean Fortescue. An avid junior historian, Harry spend some time discussing the effects of the Burning Witches Trial and the eventual implementation of the Statute of Secrecy. His keen eye for details and his passion for learning, Mr. Fortescue quickly enjoyed his time spent with 'Mr. Evans.'

Walking towards his uncle's car, Harry could safely say that his weekend was as entertaining as it was educational. With a nod to his uncle, they returned to the Dursley's residence.

With a subtle wink to Dudley, Harry showed a glimpse of various candies and chocolates to his cousin. With a smirk, Dudley looked forward to their return. The prospect of 'magical candy' quickly removed his frustration of the end of their family weekend getaway.