Returning home to Privet Drive reminded Harry of how different the muggle world was. After heading back inside, Harry tossed his trunk onto the sofa. "I'm home!"
There was a scampering of paws as Padfoot rushed down the stairs, giving a happy bark as he rushed over and turned back into his human self. A few minutes later, Vernon came down from upstairs as well, the man's face having a large grin. "Welcome home, lad!"
Sirius and Vernon both pulled Harry into a hug, as the boy smiled. "Thanks, Uncle, Sirius. How have things been here?"
"Oh, not as magical as your tutoring, I wager. But the basement is almost done. I do believe that you will have your own room by this time next week. And Dudley's birthday is tomorrow, so we were planning on having a party for the two of you this weekend" Vernon smiled, winking at Harry.
Harry hopped in place excitedly. "Really, Uncle Vernon? I can't wait! I have learned so much magic so I could help with the party, and—"
"Pup, you can't use magic in the muggle world. I'm sure you are forgetting due to being in Malfoy Manor, but we aren't a magical home. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble for doing magic here like what happened at Easter." Sirius interjected quickly, turning into his human form behind Vernon.
Harry stopped for a moment, realizing what Padfoot was saying. He was right, of course, but his mind slid back to the car trip at the start of summer. He had felt the Trace disappear, but he wasn't sure if it actually was removed or not. Looking back at his uncle, he nodded, "I think it'll be okay. Because the house has wards and is registered as a magical household thanks to our permission to have wards, I think I can practice magic. And I'm pretty sure that after Lord Malfoy gave the Director of the Improper Use of Magic office a dressing down and made sure they wouldn't send the letters at the drop of a hat ever again." Harry excitedly said, as Sirius' eyes widened.
"Lucius actually did something to help? You didn't agree to some sort of deal for your soul, right?"
Harry huffed, "Of course not. He's a good man, Padfoot!"
"Good man my arse. He was one of the Dark Lord's most trusted lieutenants. He was the strategist, and the man was responsible for almost every devastating attack the Order faced."
Harry sighed, shaking his head. "I really don't want to get into that sort of discussion right now, Sirius. Please?"
Sirius snorted, and shook his head. "Fine, fine. But your mum and dad were against him too. Just be careful, alright?"
Harry's nose scrunched. "You sound like Dumbledore."
"Of course. He's a good, wise man. Led the Order." Sirius sniffed.
Vernon moved to take a seat, looking at Sirius. "Oh? And what is this Order you keep mentioning, Sirius?"
"The Order of the Phoenix. It was an organization that was formed to fight the Death Eaters and stop their acts of terror. We were the good guys!"
Harry sighed, before reaching into his robe and petting Amber, walking over towards the crawlspace door. He could see it had been enlarged, with some stairs leading down. Harry wasn't sure if he liked that, as he kind of enjoyed the secrecy of the crawlspace door before.
Taking out his wand, Harry flicked it and made his magic slide out. Transfiguration wasn't that difficult, thanks to Flamel's lessons, and soon the stairs and door shifted, forming a small yet ornate stone door with silver-grey hinges. Satisfied, Harry took out his rune knife and started to carve around it.
Once runes for basic permanency was in place, he pushed open the door and headed into the nearly-complete basement, Sirius and Vernon's discussion of the war barely audible.
The basement was amazing, the stone bricks shimmering in the new lights that had been placed. Harry could see several candles and electrical lights both, obviously from both Sirius and Uncle Vernon. A large bookshelf was set up in one corner next to a dresser, the two positioned next to a small bed.
The stone brick floor was covered with the familiar rugs that Harry had once used for his bed; now making the stone floor fluffy and warm.
Moving around the large room, Harry took out his wand, tapping the bricks as he quickly used his rune knife to carve runes into the stone. Letting his magic flow forth, he saw the stones of the basement shimmer with magic, before the energy began to slowly fade.
§§What are you doing, Speaker?§§ The serpent slowly slid from his robes, her enchanted form slowly growing to its full, enormous size as her coils slid across the carpeted floor.
§§Reinforcing the completed parts of the basement stone with unbreakable runes. I want to make sure this basement is a true home for us.§§
Amber gently nodded, her tongue flicking around as she watched Harry resume his work. The serpent was quiet, watching Harry as he moved up to the bookshelf. With a tap of his wand, his trunk was restored to full size as he allowed his magic to dance.
His trunk opened, books beginning to move onto the bookshelf as Harry closed his eyes, dancing and moving to the flow of the magic. He felt the warmth of the stone on his neck, as it guided and empowered him. He felt his magic so fully now, so clearly, as he guided the books to their correct positions.
After he finished unpacking, Harry opened his eyes to find Amber already coiled up on his new bed. Grinning, he moved to join her, taking out one of his books.
§§Do you believe that this coming year will be as active as the last, Speaker?§§
Harry grinned, before hissing back. §§I hope so. Last year was fun. Chaotic, but fun.§§
Amber's coils twitched, a mirthful look on her face as she gave a chuckle; a strange sound from a snake. She leaned forward, her tongue flicking Harry's cheek. §§You are such a wonderful Speaker and companion. I am glad to have met you.§§
Harry smiled, rubbing the ridges above Amber's eyes, causing the snake to hiss and quiver in delight. §§I'm glad I met you too, Amber.§§
Harry leaned back against the edge of his bed, starting to read the book he had brought with him. Thankfully, he had gotten permission from Lord Malfoy to take a few more books from the secret room, the one in his hand being a large black book with the title "Magia Magorum". Just as he was about to sit down, there was a soft POP beside him.
A small House Elf, wearing a pristine white pillowcase bowed to Harry, holding a small letter. "Miss'r Harry Potter has a letter from Miss'r Longbottom! Hoppy deliver."
Harry reached out, taking the letter. "Thank you, Hoppy." The elf smiled, ears wiggling as he stood there, obviously awaiting a return letter. Harry was left to look at the letter, carefully opening it and pulling it out.
Harry,
I didn't want to mention this while we were at Malfoy Manor, but there's something that I wanted to say. Last year, I saw a glimmer of red light around your neck, and even this summer I saw it a few times. When I try to focus there, I can't see anything, but when I really try to look I can see a flash of something.
Is there something that you wear around your neck that you don't want anyone to see? I wanted to ask you privately first. Don't worry, I haven't told anyone, but I just wanted to make sure you weren't in trouble or hurt or anything.
You can rest assured I won't tell anyone, but I just wanted to make sure you weren't in trouble or hurt or anything. I just want you to know that I am behind you no matter what. You saved my life and helped me when no one else did; and you don't have to worry about me betraying your trust. To give further security, I spoke to Gran about teaching me Occlumency in the next couple weeks.
On that note, Gran has mentioned that she is interested in a small party for the two of us, since our birthdays are so close together. Would your aunt and uncle be interested in planning a double party with my Gran?
Your curious friend,
Neville Longbottom
Harry stopped, looking at the letter in his hand. He hadn't really thought about it, but no one besides Flamel noticed the stone on his neck. He had thought that it had some sort of magic, but how did Neville see it? His eyes continued to scan the letter, as they fell to the final part. A double party? He liked the sound of that, but his mind moved to Dudley. His aunt and uncle already had a double party planned… what if they made it a triple party?
Hurrying to the door of the basement, Harry opened it up and poked his head out, looking towards the sitting room. Sirius and Uncle Vernon were sitting together, still talking. "Excuse me, Uncle? Padfoot?" Harry spoke up, clearing his throat to catch their attention.
The two stopped, looking over at Harry and allowing him to speak. "One of my friends is interested in throwing a birthday party for himself and me; I was wondering if you'd be okay with me going, and if you'd be alright with assisting with it. I wanted to see if Dudley could join, too."
Vernon smiled. "I think that's a wonderful idea, lad! It sounds like just the thing to make your birthdays special. With Dudley's birthday tomorrow and yours on Friday, we'd just need to figure out when a good time would be for the three of you to have a joint celebration."
Harry hopped in place excitedly. "I'll write Neville immediately, and tell him! I can't wait to show Dudley what a magical party's like!" Without another word, Harry rushed back into the basement, grinning from ear to ear.
Rushing over, Harry grabbed his quill and parchment. Himself, Dudley, and Neville all celebrating their party at once. This was going to be wicked!
Neville,
I want to tell you what it is, but I am unsure really about how. It's something that Flamel knows about, and it's kind of special. I'll tell you when I come over. But, would you be able to ask your Gran if my cousin could be a part of the party too? His birthday is tomorrow, and my aunt and uncle had planned to do a party with him this weekend. If we could have a party for all three of us, that'd be absolutely wicked!
Eagerly,
Harry Potter
After finishing his letter, he handed it to Hoppy who quickly popped away. It didn't take long for a reply, a simple note hastily scribbled.
Gran says yes! We'll send Hoppy with a portkey on Saturday. I'll also invite all our other friends too! See you then, Harry!
Spending time with Dudley, Aunt Petunia, Sirius and Uncle Vernon was something that Harry never would have imagined two years ago, but having a family that loved and cared for him made Harry feel happy. Still, at times he found himself returning to his basement for peace and quiet, needing some time away from his boisterous godfather and the Dursleys.
However, Harry did start to connect with Dudley, finding the boy fascinated with magic. In the safety of the basement, Harry showed Dudley many forms of magic, the boy excited to learn every bit of what Harry would teach. By the week's end, Dudley had learned how wands and inner magic worked, and by the second week, Dudley had started doing the same exercises that Flamel had taught Harry.
It was surprising, having his cousin treat him not only well, but almost reverently. Harry wasn't sure he liked it, especially when Dudley had so many questions about the magical world. It got to a point where Harry would give him books to read, the boy seeming to have found a love of reading matched only by Harry's own.
It was barely two days after returning home when Harry recieved his Hogwarts letter, the owl swooping in through one of the basement windows and landing on Harry's bed. Amber hissed in annoyance as the owl had flopped over, having not seen the massive snake coiled up under the covers.
§§This owl is annoying, Speaker. I was having a nice dream of chasing a huge, fat rat. I almost had it.§§
Harry laughed, as he walked over and took the letter, allowing the owl to fly away hastily, lest it become a serpent's meal. §§It didn't mean it. I don't think it realized the huge mass on my bed was a living creature. You are getting pretty big.§§
Amber hissed with annoyance, §§Large snakes are good snakes. I am merely growing to the size I should be.§§
This made Harry laugh again, opening the letter and looking at its contents.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
SECOND YEAR SUPPLIES
Second-year students are notified that they will need all supplies mentioned in their Hogwarts acceptance letter, including the mentioned Hogwarts uniform. All previous year's supplies are accepted for second-year, but on parent's judgement new supplies can be purchased.
It is noted that all second-years are allowed to participate in the Quidditch teams, and it is recommended to bring their own brooms that they are comfortable with. Any wishing to joint he Quidditch teams without their own broom will be supplied a school broom.
COURSE BOOKS
Additionally to all books purchased in the previous year, all students should purchase a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk
The Big Book of Herbology, Volume 2 by Mildred Morcent
The Laws of Magic for Magicals by Myrddin Emrys
Transfiguration Tutorials Book 2 by Amy Wainright
The Essential Apothecarian by Severus Snape
Gilderoy Lockhart's Guide to Household Pests by Gilderoy Lockhart
Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wandering with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart
Marauding with Monsters by Gilderoy Lockhart
Please note that due to the amount of books needed for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Gilderoy Lockhart has volunteered to purchase sets of his books for any student of Hogwarts who require financial assistance. Gilderoy Lockhart will be in Diagon Alley on July 31st 1992 for easy communication during his signing of his newest book, which will be given free of charge to all Hogwarts students on request.
Harry noticed a second, smaller letter attached to his book list, with a flowing, beautiful handwriting.
Harry Potter,
Due to you joining me in my class a year early, you will also require a copy of "The Basic Runic Dictionary: Volume 1." Please make sure to purchase a copy alongside your second-year course books to be ready for my class. In addition, should you not own one already, I recommend purchasing a rune dagger as well; however since you have been making runes of your own in first year I believe you already have one.
I can't wait to see what you can do,
Professor Bathsheda Babbling
Professor of Runes
Harry grinned, pocketing the two letters and rushing out of the room into the main house. "Uncle Vernon! Aunt Petunia! My Hogwarts shopping list is here!"
Aunt Petunia, who had been cooking dinner in the kitchen, looked over. "Oh! Will you and Vernon be going this year? I remember that large man took you last year, what was his name? Hagrid?"
Harry hopped in place excitedly as he beamed, "Yes, Aunt Petunia. His name was Hagrid. He's the Groundskeeper at Hogwarts, remember?"
"Of course. Will he be taking you again?"
"Oh, um— I don't think so? At least he hasn't told me."
Uncle Vernon, sitting in his chair in the living room looked over, setting down the paper. "What day were you thinking of going, lad?"
"Well, Gilderoy Lockhart is going to be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, remember the man we met during the accident? He's going to be there on the 31st, so I was thinking of going then."
Vernon frowned, rubbing his chin, "That could be an issue, lad. Dudley and I have a meeting with his second-year teachers at Smeltings. It is at such an inopportune time, as well; they scheduled it on your birthday. Don't worry lad, I'll be doing a birthday for you and Dudley both the very next day to make up for it."
Petunia stepped up with a smile. "Then I'll go with him myself for his birthday and pick him up something. You mentioned where Diagon Alley was before, and I believe I remember it from when I went with my sister when she was in Hogwarts."
Harry smiled at the mention of his birthday, but was surprised to hear Petunia mention she was going to get him something. Harry's head spun, blinking a bit as he still would have to get used to this.
Vernon nodded, "I believe there is a bank where you can exchange our money to theirs, Pet. We should be able to handle Harry's supplies—"
"My parents left me money, Uncle. I thought you knew that?"
Vernon was caught by surprise, blinking. "They— This is the first time I've heard that, lad. I thought the book you were reading from before was a list of their belongings."
Harry was perturbed at that. "You mean no one's told you, or contacted—" Harry suddenly remembered about the incineration ward, and frowned.
"When I get to Gringotts, I'll ask them if they sent you anything. You may not have gotten it because of those wards they removed at Easter."
Vernon nodded, "Thank you, lad. I'd hate to have failed anything that was sent to us from their estate; I always wondered why we received nothing from them. But even if you have your own money for school supplies, Petunia and I still wish to give you something special."
Petunia cleared her throat. "So, we're agreed? I will go with Harry, and you get the things done with Diddums. I'll choose a few things for Harry from Diagon, and maybe some things for Diddums as well. It will be a wonderful outing, just the two of us." Petunia hugged Harry to her side, the boy looking up and seeing his aunt with a gentle and glowing smile.
Vernon considered for a second, before nodding. "I agree, Pet. It'll be good for you to spend some time with the lad. It should be quite a fun time for both of you."
Harry found himself apprehensive, but at the same time he was hopeful. This would be the first time he'd gone out with Aunt Petunia alone since before she had changed.
"I wish I could go with the two of you. I really do. Harry's birthday is special, after all." Sirius said, as he stood next to Harry and Petunia. Vernon and Dudley had already left, leaving Sirius to see the two out.
"I wish you'd be able to come as well, Sirius. You are a part of the family too. If it wasn't for that treacherous Pettigrew—" Petunia's face hardened as she frowned. "But don't you worry. We'll find a way to find him and prove your innocence. Until then, don't you worry; we will be having a party tomorrow for both boys."
Sirius sighed. "I just wish I'd have been the one to take you to Diagon last year, pup. I will take you one of these years. As soon as my name is cleared." Sirius reached out, mussing up Harry's hair and making him giggle.
"I know, Sirius. I can't wait!" Harry grinned, as Aunt Petunia opened the door. Turning into Padfoot, Sirius licked Harry's cheek and hopped in place, Harry giving him some scratches behind the ear before they left.
"Aunt Petunia?" Harry asked as he looked at the garage. He had just realized, Uncle Vernon would have taken the car.
"Don't worry, Harry. Sirius told me a way that we can go to the Leaky Cauldron. All you have to do is hold up your wand. Let's go ahead and leave Privet Drive, so none of the neighbors watch." Aunt Petunia brushed herself off, wearing a rather smart looking white dress. offering her hand, Harry took it as the two walked down the street.
They soon arrived at the playground, making their way to the side of the road. With a nod from Petunia, Harry raised his wand as it didn't take but moments before a large, triple-decker bus appeared in front of them. "Goodness. What punctuality." Petunia gasped as the bus door opened.
"Thank'ee, ma'am. Knight Bus, at your service. Where ya' headed? Th' name's Ernie, I'll be yer driver t'day." The driver at the front of the bus nodded, tipping his flat cap to Petunia.
"Oh, I wanted to ask first, to not waste your time, sir. Do you accept muggle currency, or only magical?" Petunia dug into her purse for a second, as Harry seemed surprised at her question. He hadn't thought about that!
"We s'rvice muggleborns too, ma'am. We accept muggle money, don't you worry your pretty little head." Ernie smiled, tapping at the small box next to him. "Now, Where ya headed?"
Petunia blushed a bit at Ernie's flirtatious words, before nodding. "My nephew and I are headed to the Leaky Cauldron."
"Alright, that'll be three sickles, or ninety pence." Ernie nodded, Petunia taking out the coins and putting them into the box. Taking Harry's hand, the two went to a seat and sat down.
The bus started to move, as Harry felt a magical pinch as it zoomed forward. Petunia gave a light shriek, as Harry held tightly to the seat. The bus was moving at a breakneck speed, other cars whizzing by as the bus seemed to almost dance around them, even when it was barrelling through head-on traffic.
As the bus's twists and turns lessened, Harry decided to take the opportunity to look around. As he did, he could see the glimmer of magic. The entire bus seemed to have been enchanted, runic patterns carved around the windows and floor. They pulsed with a merry magic that made Harry giggle, looking around and tracing the pattern with his eyes.
After a moment, Harry looked at the other passengers on the bus. There was a frazzled looking witch with a droopy hat, and a tired-looking older wizard who was busy reading a book. Harry wished he had brought a book too; but he hadn't thought to grab one on his way out.
Several times the bus seemed like it would collide, but each time Harry felt the magic shine, the bus squeezing in unnatural shapes to move past. Harry could see Petunia's face was as white as one of her bleached sheets, his hand moving to take hers and squeezing it. Petunia looked down at Harry, shuddering a bit but giving a light smile.
With a sudden shudder, the bus halted in place. "Leaky Cauldron!" Ernie's voice echoed through the bus, as the woman with the droopy hat got up and climbed off.
"A-alright, H-harry, let's be off." Aunt Petunia stuttered, the terror still making her skin pale white. She stumbled forward, Harry holding her hand both to console her and to make sure she didn't tumble over.
"Hope you use the Knight Bus again!" Ernie grinned, as the door closed behind the two. With a roar of the bus' engine, it shot away, leaving the two before the Leaky Cauldron.
-Author's Notes-
One of the biggest things with this fanfiction is including things that Rowling added in later books that would have been good to use in the beginning. I think she did this because she was writing using the method I have; a basic outliner but adding in ideas and things as you write that simply fit. Sometimes, it does cause issues. If only everyone was as skilled as Tolkien, who writes a book BEFORE he writes a book, hah!
Beta'd by kaminton and overlordfan666.
Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling, not me.