Harry Potter and the Soul of the Dark Lord (Post HBP)

[Fury]

Chapter 1
Initiation

A/N: I have tried to do a few versions of the seventh and final part of the Harry Potter series, and this is just another attempt. I hope you like it.

Summary: Post HBP! My version of the Seventh Book. Harry and friends go on a journey to find the answer to the hardest question of all... How do you destroy Voldemort? Harry, Hermione and Ron are on the hunt for the Horcruxes (in later chapters) but are there unexpected guests following them? And what is Voldemort doing to fulfull his attempt at ruling the world? Ships: Ron/Hermione and Harry/Ginny

Even though summer was drawing near, Little Hangleton had never seen a more chilly night. The only thing roaming the streets of the little town was the dense fog which had been hanging around for quite some time. None of the townspeople could figure out why this strange fog hadn't disappeared. Many of the townspeople, at least the superstitious ones, believed the fog was just another curse that had been laid upon their town. It was common knowledge that the town was probably cursed and this curse was the probably the reason that tourists wouldn't come around anymore.

Little Hangleton used to be a peaceful little town. For years, no one expected anything strange to happen in the town, unless you counted the strange events that the townspeople created on Hallow's Eve each year. But that was until something happened fifty years ago. Something that townspeople swore cursed the town and everyone in it.

The Riddle Family and the Gaunt Family were two of the oldest families to have lived in Little Hangleton and everyone knew who they were. But even though the two familes were well known, neither family was the kind you would want to invite over for a nice afternoon tea.

The Riddles were a wealthy family whose distant, but now dead, relative built their mansion on the hill and had helped the town of Little Hangleton out some way or another. Mr. and Mrs. Riddle weren't seen very much, but they were rumored to spend their days in their cosy little mansion and talk about sordid affairs that had nothing to do with Little Hangleton, or that is what the townspeople said. The Riddles' son, Tom, however, was rarely seen at his house. His parents had shipped him off to some school where it was rumored that the Queen of England's own son had attended. Tom Riddle, of course, did come home for the holidays. But one day, Tom Riddle came home from school and that was when everything began to happen. It had been said that Tom had finally found someone to spend his holidays with. No one knew who this Cecelia was, and no one knew her last name. Rumor was that she had come from some town in south England and had also been a student at Tom's school. She had been invited to stay with Tom and everyone in Little Hangleton knew that youngest Riddle had become smitten. But something happened between Tom and Cecelia, and Cecelia had been scared off back to her home. New rumors had begun and it was said that Tom found a new love. But no one believed these rumors, because this "new love" had come from the other family which was (if possible) worse then the Riddles.

The Gaunt Family had lived in a small cottage on the outside of Little Hangleton, and this was the place that the townspeople of Little Hangleton liked them best. No one liked when the Gaunts came into town. They had brought an aura with them that was unwelcome. The Gaunts consisted of a middle aged man and his two teen-age children. Everyone feared the son, believing he was someone who had escaped from a mental hospital. Everyone had pitied the daughter though. Everytime the villagers saw her, she had been wearing a dirty dress of some kind, and her hair was always dirty. No one asked the older Gaunt what was the problem with his children, because they knew he was likely to attack them with rage.

No one could understand why Tom Riddle, the son of the wealthiest couple in Little Hangleton, had fallen in love with Merope Gaunt. This was probably the unlikeliest couple in the history of the world. But something happened between the Gaunts and the Riddles that started a feud that would bring both families to their doom. One day, Tom Riddle was attacked by Morfin Gaunt, the boy everyone feared. And the next thing everyone knew, Morfin Gaunt and his father were both taken away by some person and were not seen for sometime. Shortly after they were taken, Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle had disappeared from the town. Tom Riddle returned a couple years later, where he lived with his parents until that fateful night years later when Tom Riddle and his parents were both murdered. The murders were the strangest things to ever happen in the town up until then. No one was ever convicted for the murders, and the person who was originally suspected for them was found dead in his former boss' house.

After this murder, the town was said to be cursed, and it had torn itself from the inside out. The townspeople were the only ones to have lived in the town. There were visitors, yes, but no one ever saw who these people were. All the townspeople saw was the usual flicker of light that came from the old Riddle Mansion.

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"Severus, not so fast!" said a gruffy voice, "It is bloody dark out here and you know what Master said. We cannot use any magic until we get the boy to the house. We don't want anyone to know we are here."

"Scared of a little dark, Greyback?" another voice, this time colder and almost a whisper, asked, "The sooner we get the boy to the Mansion, the better."

Shadows of six figures could be seen walking down the road toward Little Hangleton. The light from the moon occasionly revealed a portion of some of these figures' faces, but most of the time, they were hidden in the dark.

"I have a name, you know!" said another voice, this time a little higher, but clearly shaking.

"We know, Draco," Severus Snape said, "Now come on... all of you. You will all regret it if we are seen. We must keep hidden until we get up to the Mansion!"

"Who made you the leader of this little excursion anyway?" Fenrir Greyback growled, "As I recall, it was us who did most of the work. You may have killed Dumbledore, but you let Potter go! You had a chance to kill him."

"Silence!" said Snape, turning on Fenrir and staring at him, "I have the chance to kill you right now too. Do you want that?"

Before Fenrir could speak, one of the other figures stood between him and Snape.

"You two are making a scene!" the man said, "If we don't get to the Mansion, we will be caught. Do you know what will happen if we are caught?"

Snape and Fenrir continued to stare at each other. Snape was the first to speak.

"Hmmph," Snape muttered, "Amycus is right. We need to get to the Mansion. Come on..."

Snape turned and continued to walk down the street. Everyone else followed him.
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Twenty minutes later, they reached the doorstep of the Riddle Mansion. Snape muttered something and the door of the Mansion opened. Everyone hurried in and Snape shut the door behind him. A small man walked into the room.

"What took you so long?" the man squeaked, "W-we thought you failed. You didn't even send an owl."

"Don't you have any brains, Wormtail?" Snape said, "If we sent an owl, it might have been intercepted. Aurors would have found the owl, followed it, and it would have brought them here. Would you have wanted that?"

"S-sorry," Wormtail squeaked, "I... I didn't think about that. No matter... you are here. Master is resting right now, but I can wake him up. The woman, on the other hand, has been a pain in the neck! Bellatrix has been trying to calm her down, but it hasn't been working."

"Woman?" Draco said, "Are you talking about my mother? Is she here?"

"Yes, she is here, Draco," Amycus said, "She has been living with us for a few months."

"Where is she, Wormtail?!" Draco said.

"In... in the living room," Wormtail said, pointing down the hall at a door.

Draco walked from the group and hurried down the hall.

"So... so did you get the job done?" Wormtail asked Snape.

"Yes, the job is done, Wormtail," Snape said, "Dumbledore is dead."

"And what of the boy? Potter?" Wormtail asked.

"Severus kept him alive," Greyback said, "He could have killed him, but he let him live! The boy escaped us once again, because of Snape!"

"M-M-Master will not be p-pleased, S-Severus," Wormtail squeaked.

"Who do you think asked me to keep him alive?" Snape said.

"But don't you understand what you have done, Severus?!" Fenrir growled, "You know what they say about the boy. He is the only one who can kill the Dark Lord! And you kept him alive?"

"I had my orders, Greyback," Snape said, "I was to kill Dumbledore if Malfoy couldn't do it. I did that, didn't I?"

"Hmmph!" Fenrir growled.

Fenrir walked down the hall, toward the living room.

"I-I will go wake up M-Master," Wormtail squeaked.

Snape watched as Wormtail hurried up the stairs, then he and the other Death Eaters walked into the livingroom. Draco was hugging his mother.

"I-I thought you were dead!" Narcissa said, "No one was telling me anything."

"Didn't you read my letters?" Draco asked, backing away from his mother.

"Letters?" Narcissa said, "What letters?"

Draco stared at his mother, then rounded on Snape, "My mother didn't get any of my letters! You were supposed to deliver them to her, Snape!"

"You had a mission to do, Draco," Snape said, "We couldn't have you interrupted by anything."

"I almost failed the mission because of you!" Draco said, "First you keep tailing me, not letting me do my work. And now this? I wasn't doing very well because I thought my mother was dead!"

"But you did do your mission, Draco," Snape said.

Draco was about to speak, but a voice said in a cold, cruel whisper, "Silence!"

Draco looked from Snape, to the entrance of the living room. Voldemort was standing there.

"Master, it is good to see you," Snape said, walking over to Voldemort and bowing to him.

The other people in the room, except for Draco and Narcissa, bowed as well.

"Wormtail tells me you have completed your mission, Severus," Voldemort said, as Snape stood back up, "He tells me that Albus Dumbledore is now dead. Is this true?"

"It is, My Lord," Snape said, "It is true."

Voldemort looked from Severus to Draco.

"And who was it that killed him?" Voldemort asked, looking back at Snape.

"I did, sir," Snape said.

"I ordered Draco to kill him," Voldemort said, looking back at Draco, "Did you not understand what your mission was, Draco?"

"My Lord," Snape said, "It was because of Draco that Dumbledore is dead. Draco was the reason Greyback and the others were able to invade Hogwarts."

"Yes, but it wasn't Fenrir, you or anyone besides Draco whom I ordered to kill Dumbledore," Voldemort said.

"Draco couldn't do it, My Lord," said Snape, "Dumbledore was using some kind of spell on him. So I had to kill Dumbledore."

"Draco, you do understand," Voldemort said, "That this mission was for you and you alone. We had to see if you were good enough to be with the Death Eaters. And it looks like..."

"I did most of what you asked, My Lord," Draco said, walking over to Voldemort and bowing to him, "Snape is right. I was the one who let the Death Eaters invade Hogwarts. I did most of the work. Snape just... just helped me. He was helping me all along."

"I promised Narcissa that I would help Draco," Snape said, "I told her I would kill Dumbledore if Draco couldn't do it."

"Stand up, Draco," Voldemort said.

Draco got back onto his feet. Voldemort looked as if he was going to say something else to Draco, but he looked over at Narcissa.

"Is this true, Cissa?" he asked.

"Y-yes, My Lord," Narcissa said, "I was worried about Draco."

"You were worried about Draco?" asked Voldemort, "You were worried that Draco was going to die... or something would happen to him. That is what makes you weak, Narcissa. Like Lucius."

"Do not talk about my husband like that!" Narcissa said, "He is in Azkaban right now because of the job he did for you. And you treat him like some low-life. He has always been on your side, and he had proven it many times. He was one of the first to come back to your side the night you returned. And this is how you pay him? Ordering his son to do something you know he might not have been able to do!"

"Silence!" Voldemort said, "Do not talk as if you know more than me! Lucius was ordered to do one thing and he had failed. I do not need someone like that by my side. The reason I gave this mission to Draco was to see if he could do more for me than his father ever did! And he failed!"

"He did not fail!" Narcissa said, "Dumbledore is dead because of Draco. He might not have killed him. But what did you expect? Did you ever think he could kill Dumbledore? Or did you just want to see Draco fail... so you could get your revenge on my husband?!"

Narcissa stared at Voldemort, who was silent.

"That is what I thought!" Narcissa said, "You never expected Draco to do what you asked of him. He is the reason the Death Eaters were able to get into Hogwarts. None of this would have ever happened tonight if Draco hadn't done that. Dumbledore would still be alive if it wasn't for my son. And I can see now that you don't care about that. Come on, Draco. We are leaving."

Narcissa and Draco walked toward the door.

"Hold on," Voldemort said.

Narcissa stopped and looked at Voldemort.

"You are right, Narcissa," Voldemort said, "Draco did what I asked of him. He is the reason Albus Dumbledore is dead. Draco, you have nearly earned your right to become one of my Death Eaters. But your initiation is not complete."

"I thought my initiation was over, My Lord," Draco said.

"You haven't completed it, Draco," Voldemort said, "Only those who can prove that they can master the Dark Arts have the right to join the Death Eaters."

"What else do you want me to do?" Draco said, "Haven't I proven enough? I helped the Death Eaters get into Hogwarts."

"Yes, that has shown me how loyal you are," Voldemort said, "But loyalty isn't everything. I need to know if you are good enough to be a Death Eater... if you... are Dark enough."

"I don't understand," Draco said.

"You must prove that you can perform an Unforgivable Curse," Voldemort said, "Only those who have mastered the Dark Arts can successfully perform an Unforgivable Curse."

"So you want me to control something?" said Draco, "Maybe torture it."

"No, Draco," Voldemort said, "Torture and Control isn't enough to prove to me that you know how to master the Dark Arts."

"You are talking about killing?" Snape said, "Draco hasn't learned enough to perform the Killing Curse."

"I will be the judge of that!" Voldemort said.

"My Lord," Snape said, "What..."

"Do not question me, Snape!" Voldemort interrupted, "The boy must prove himself if he wants to become a Death Eater. He hasn't done enough to prove himself to me. So he must do what I request."

"What is it you want me to do, My Lord?" Draco said, bowing to Voldemort again, "I will do anything to prove myself."

"Good," Voldemort said, "I hope you would say that."

"My Lord," Snape said, "I do not understand what you are saying."

"Don't you remember me telling you that eliminating Dumbledore was just the first step of my plans?" Voldemort said, "Over the past couple of months, I have tried to decide what my next steps are going to be. Then I finally decided what step two of my plan will be. And it just so happens Draco will fit nicely. Ever since the Ministry lost control of the Dementors of Azkaban, they have tried to find new ways of making sure that the prisoners do not try anything to escape. Well, up until now it has worked. The Aurors are strong and they have kept the prisoners at will. Now, as you all know, many of the Death Eaters are still locked up in Azkaban. And I feel that they have stayed there too long. Your next mission is to find some way to go to Azkaban, and start a riot. Release the Death Eaters and kill everyone else. It is time for the Death Eaters and I to be re-united once more."

"So that is my mission?" Draco asked, "To free the other Death Eaters?"

"No, Draco," said Voldemort, "Your part will come soon enough. And if you pull this off, you will then be one of the Death Eaters."

"How do you expect us to fight the Aurors?" Greyback said, "They are many. We are few."

"You will not be alone," Voldemort said, "I believe it is time... for the Dementors to go back to Azkaban."

Voldemort cackled evilly. A couple of hours later, the Death Eaters (consisting of Snape, Greyback, Amycus, Alecto, Bellatrix, Wormtail, and Draco) left the Riddle Mansion, ready to persue their journey to Azkaban Prison.

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Well, that is my first chapter of the story... I hope you like it so far...

Would love feedback!

Note: To anyone who is a fan of my "Family Affair" fan-fiction, do not worry, I am still writing that as well.

Post your feedback here... http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=3556037

[Fury]

Chapter 2
The Acidic Potion

"Severus... please..."

"Avada Kedavra!"

A jet of green light shot from the end of Snape's wand and hit Dumbledore squarely in the chest.

"No!" Harry screamed.

"Harry, Harry!" said a female voice, "Wake up! It's just a dream."

Harry opened his eyes. He looked around and saw Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna looking at him. Harry remembered that they were on the Hogwarts Express, on their way back to London.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah... yeah, I am fine," Harry said, breathing hard.

"It was that same dream again, wasn't it?" Hermione asked, "Of the night Dumbledore died?"

"Yeah..." Harry said, "It was as clear as it had been the night he died. But all I saw was Snape and a green light hit Dumbledore."

Harry stared out the window at the passing scenery. He couldn't see Hogwarts anymore.

Hogwarts... would he ever see it again? It used to be the one place Harry could go to and feel like he had a home. But now, it was if that feeling was never real. Hogwarts had been invaded by Death Eaters, and now the greatest Headmaster Hogwarts would ever have... was gone.

"It wasn't your fault, Harry," Hermione said, "You were unable to move. You couldn't have done anything to save Dumbledore."

"Is that right?" Harry said, "You don't think it was my fault? I..."

Harry sighed. He couldn't say what he wanted to say. He was going to say that if he hadn't fed that green potion to Dumbledore, Dumbledore wouldn't have become weak. But he couldn't say it. Ginny, Neville, and Luna didn't know anything about the Horcruxes, and if Harry said anything, he knew that questions would follow. Questions he couldn't answer.

"I need to think, guys," said Harry, standing up, "I will be back in a little bit."

Harry walked over to the compartment door and opened it. He walked out of the compartment and slid the door shut. Harry walked down the hall. He ignored that stares that were coming from people in other compartments and continued to walk. He found a chair and sat down on it.

"Why does everything happen to me?" Harry asked himself, "First my parents die to protect me. Then Sirius died protecting me. And now Dumbledore is gone... because he felt like he wanted to protect me. I am a curse. Everyone around me is dying because of me."

That is not true and you know it, a voice in Harry's head said.

Harry scoffed. He would like to believe that. Everyone he ever knew was in danger now because of him.

Suddenly, a picture of Ginny came into his mind.

"Oh, stop it, Harry," Harry said to himself, "It was the right thing to do. I broke up with her to protect her. If she knew what I knew, she would understand."

Then, a scene from earlier that day replayed in his mind.

"We'll be there, Harry," Ron said.

"What?" Harry said.

"At your aunt and uncle's house," said Ron, "And then we will go with you where ever you are going."

"No..." Harry said.

"You said to us once before," Hermione said, "that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, haven't we?"

"We're with you whatever happens," said Ron.

It seemed like long ago when he had promised Ron and Hermione that they could come with him on the hunt for Voldemort's Horcruxes. But Harry was seriously doubting if he could keep that promise. Ron and Hermione were his best friends, they wouldn't let him go alone. But Harry feared that if they did go, something would happen to them.

"I am not going to be responsible for one more of my friends' deaths!" Harry said.

But Harry knew Ron and Hermione would go with him, whatever he told them. It was just how strong their friendship was. They were going with him... that was that.

Harry knew he would need help. He knew how hard it was going to be to find the Horcruxes. He knew that he had to destroy every last one of those Horcruxes before he battled Voldemort. Suddenly, another question entered his mind... how do you destroy a Horcrux? Dumbledore never taught him how. It was one of those things Dumbledore had never told him. He was probably going to tell him... but he never got around to it.

Then it came to him. There weren't just students on the train. Professors McGonagall, Hagrid, Flitwick, and Slughorn had come onto the train as well. They had their very own compartment at the front of the train. Would they know how to destroy a Horcrux? Harry knew he had to find out.

Harry stood up and walked quickly toward the front of the train. When he reached the Professors' compartment, he heard a voice.

"So what did Scrimgeour say about Hogwarts, Minerva?" squeaked Professor Flitwick, "Is there any chance that Hogwarts will re-open?"

"I have to go to the Ministry when we arrive at London," McGonagall said, "I have to stand in front of the Wizengamot and defend Hogwarts. I can't promise that Hogwarts will re-open, Filius."

"Then we will go wif ya," Hagrid boomed, "'Ogwarts will have a better chance o' re-openin' if we are all wif ya ter defend it."

"Yes, of course, Minerva," squeaked Flitwick, "I will be glad to accompany you."

"Oh, I agree," said Slughorn, "You can count me in!"

Harry decided this was as good as time as any to intrude, so he knocked on the compartment. A second later, the curtain opened. McGonagall then opened the door.

"Yes, Potter?" McGonagall said.

"I-I was wondering if I could come in, Professor," Harry said, "I need to talk with all of you about something."

"All right, Potter," McGonagall said, "Come on in."

As Harry walked in and looked at his Professors, he remembered the discussion he had with them after Dumbledore was killed. Harry had refused to tell them anything about the Horcruxes, just like he had refused to tell Minister Scrimgeour about them. But now, he was considering telling his Professors about the Horcruxes. How else could he get the information about how to destroy them?

"What did ya want ter talk about, 'Arry?" Hagrid asked.

"Well," Harry said, "You all remember the night Dumbledore died, of course. You remember when you asked me about where I was when I was off the Hogwarts grounds?"

The Professors nodded.

"Well, Professor Dumbledore and I were in an old cave," Harry said, "It was a cave near the ocean. Voldemort had taken two children to this cave when he was living in the orphanage. Dumbledore believed that we would find something there. A... a Horcrux."

"A Horcrux?" Professor McGonagall said, "How do you even know what a Horcrux is? I know it isn't something Miss Granger could find. There is very very little information about them in the Hogwarts Library. I doubt even Madam Pince..."

McGonagall paused. Professor Slughorn had raised his hand.

"Horace?" McGonagall said.

"I am afraid I am the reason Harry knows about Horcruxes, Minerva," Slughorn said, "You see... Harry and Dumbledore were looking for a memory of mine. A memory from my days in Hogwarts when Tom Riddle had attended the school. Tom Riddle wanted to know about Horcruxes and I told him about them. I later found out that he had started to use Horcruxes. Dumbledore had confronted me and said that he wanted to know what I knew. I gave him a memory, but it wasn't the right one. It was tampered with. Harry had... persuaded... me to give him the real memory."

"Did Professor Dumbledore ask you to retrieve this memory, Harry?" McGonagall asked.

"Yes, mam," Harry said, "For the past year, I have been having private meetings with Dumbledore. We have been looking through memories of Voldemort in his younger years. Just a couple months ago, I got this memory from Professor Slughorn, and everything came together."

"Voldemort has a Horcrux?" Professor Flitwick gasped, "Well, that explains alot."

"He doesn't have just one Horcrux, Professor Flitwick," Harry said, "He has... well, had... seven. He now has... four or five. including himself."

"So that is what Dumbledore was keeping from us," McGonagall said, "When I found out he injured his hand..."

"He had found a ring belonging to Salazar Slytherin," Harry said, "The ring was a Horcrux."

"Well, I am glad that you finally told us what Dumbledore was doing, Potter," McGonagall said.

"I wasn't just doing it to tell you, Professor," Harry said, "Dumbledore told me that I have to find the Horcruxes. I know alot of information about them now. I have decided to search for them."

"What?" McGonagall said.

"No, 'Arry," Hagrid said.

"I have to," Harry said, "I am the one who has to defeat Voldemort. The only way I can defeat Voldemort is if I find his Horcruxes. He is immortal as long as his Horcruxes are still out there."

"But ya can not do it alone!" Hagrid said, "I wouldn't let ya! Yer parents wouldn't let ya!"

"I am not going to do it alone," said Harry, "Ron and Hermione have decided to help me. I have come here to ask all of you something. Do you know how to destroy a Horcrux? Only... Dumbledore never told me how."

Silence filled the room.

"Well... there is the Acidic Potion," Slughorn said.

"Acidic Potion?!" Flitwick squeaked, "Merlin, Horace! Do you know how dangerous those things are!"

"An Acidic Potion would be strong enough to rid an item of a Horcrux," Slughorn said, "Only... it takes a while to make one. It is hard to find ingredients, I suppose I could make it... but... it has to be right. And it takes a couple of months."

"A couple of months!" Harry said, "There has to be another way."

"Harry, an Acidic Potion is strong enough," Slughorn said, "It is almost too strong. The Ministry only made it legal so that they could use it."

"But if it takes a couple of months," Harry said, "Then..."

"I could have a full batch ready for you by the time you are ready to search for the Horcruxes," said Slughorn.

"Professor, you do not understand," Harry said, "As long as these Horcruxes remain, Voldemort is still alive. I have to search for the Horcruxes soon."

"Soon?!" Hagrid bellowed, "Soon?! You make it sound like ya want to do it right now. You ain't even seventeen yet. You are still under age. Harry, are ya bloody outta yer mind!"

"Hagrid!" Harry said, "Don't you understand? As long as the Horcruxes are still out there, Voldemort is still immortal. I don't know about you, but I want this war to be over!"

"Ya just don't got enough trainin'," Hagrid said, "Ya haven't learned enough."

"Well, I can continue learning," Harry said.

"Harry," McGonagall said, "You don't even know where these Horcruxes are. You don't know where to start. Where do you think you can begin?"

"I already thought about that," Harry said, "I know where I am going to look for the first one. I just want to be able to destroy them. There isn't a spell.. or something that can do it?"

"No, Harry," Slughorn said, "Just the potion."

Harry swore under his breath and looked out the window.

"There aren't any supplies already made anywhere... are there?" Harry asked, turning back to the professors.

"Not that I know of," Slughorn said, "Like I said, they are barely legal. I mean... perhaps the Ministry has some..."

Harry looked around at the professors then down at the floor. There was no other way... he would have to wait while the Acidic Potion was made.

Harry sighed and looked back at his professors. "Well, thank you, I guess I am just going to have to wait," he said.

"Are ya really sure ya want ter do this?" Hagrid asked.

"I have to do it, Hagrid," Harry said, "Even if I didn't want to."

Harry smiled and walked out of the compartment, then headed back to his own.
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I am so sorry it took me so long to update. This was a hard chapter to write, because I had to decide what I was going to do. This was the chapter that would foreshadow what happens throughout my story...

Hope you like the chapter... Feedback appreciated.

[Fury]

Chapter 3
A Surprise for the Dursleys

Two hours later, the Hogwarts Express reached its destination at King's Cross. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna, and Neville all walked out together onto the platform. As Harry looked at all of the students leaving the train, he realized that this might be the last time he would ever see this. With rumors of Hogwarts closing its doors for good, Harry didn't know what would happen next. Would McGonagall and the other professors convince the Wizengamot to keep Hogwarts open?

"Promise you will all write over the summer?" Neville asked, "For all we know, we might not get to see each other again."

"Of course we will write, Neville," Hermione said.

Neville smiled at this.

"What if this is the last time we are all together?" Luna asked, "I mean, Hogwarts is like a second home. And... now it may close."

"Well, I wouldn't be surprised if it did close, you know," Ron said, "I mean... with the events that just happened. We always thought Hogwarts was safe. And now, we know that isn't true."

"There is always a chance Hogwarts will open again," Harry said, "McGonagall did say that she would do everything in her power to keep Hogwarts open."

"Well, there is my Grandmum," Neville said, "I better get going."

"See you around, Neville," Hermione said.

"Keep your eyes open for our letters," Luna said.

"Of course," said Neville, smiling again. He left the group and walked over to his grandmother, who saw Harry and waved at him.

Harry smiled and waved back.

"Look, there's Mum and Dad!" Ginny said, leaving Harry and the others, and walking over to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

Harry watched Ginny as she hugged her mother and father. He smiled, but shook himself. Behind him, he heard a gulp. He turned around and saw Ron frowning.

"Don't tell me you haven't told your Mum that you were planning on going to Harry's," Hermione said to Ron.

"I... forgot," Ron said.

"Well, then you have to do it now," said Hermione.

"I just don't know what she is going to say," said Ron, "You know how she is when the family is apart."

"You are of legal age now," said Hermione, "You can make your own decisions."

"Hope she realizes that," Ron said.

"Come on, Ron," said Harry, "Let's get this over with. Besides, we need your Dad to take us to Little Whinging. The Dursleys didn't know I would be coming home early."

Ron gulped again and, closely followed by Harry, walked over to his parents.

"Harry, will you be all right getting to your Uncle's house?" Mrs. Weasley said, "It seems like he isn't here to pick you up."

"Um, yeah, we wanted to talk to you about that," said Harry.

"You don't want to go to your Uncle's house?" Mr. Weasley asked, "Harry, you know what Dumbledore said. You have to go there one last time."

"No, no, that isn't it at all," said Harry, "You see..."

"Mum, Dad," Ron interrupted, "Harry invited Hermione and I to stay with him until his birthday. You know... to keep him company."

"Why didn't you tell us this before?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"I never got around to sending an owl," said Ron.

"Harry, do the Dursleys know that Ron and Hermione are coming with you?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Er... no," Harry said, "We were going to tell them when we arrived. We were hoping that you would take us there and tell them what is going on."

"Of course," said Mr. Weasley, "But..."

"But what?" asked Harry.

"The Ford Anglia broke down," muttered Mr. Weasley.

"Or rather Arthur broke it," said Mr. Weasley.

"You mean it is out in the parking lot?" Harry asked.

"Oh, no," said Mr. Weasley, "It is at the Burrow. I was trying to put an invisibility booster on it and... well..."

"We were forced to bring one of the Ministry cars," said Mrs. Weasley, "And you know those old things. Only room for four people. We were expecting to use it to bring Ron and Ginny back home."

"Oh...," Harry said.

"Well," said Mr. Weasley, turning to his wife, "Molly, I suppose you could always use side-along apparation with Ginny and head back to the Burrow, and I could take this lot to Harry's relatives."

"Yeah, I suppose," Mrs. Weasley said.

"So?" a voice said. Hermione had walked over.

"I am going to take you, Harry and Ron to Harry's relatives," said Mr. Weasley.

"Great!" Hermione said.

"Now," Mrs. Weasley said, "You three know you will have to live as Muggles for as long as you are at the Dursleys. No magic except for defense. I don't want to have to send a Howler to you because you got in trouble by the Ministry, Ronald, do you hear me?"

"Yes, Mum," Ron said.

"The Ministry already has too much on their hands," Mrs. Weasley said, "They don't need to be sending warning letters..

"What?" Harry said, "What is going on in the Ministry?"

"What? Oh... nothing," said Mrs. Weasley, "Nothing you need to worry about. Anyway... you three promise me you will all behave."

Harry, Ron and Hermione nodded.

"Come here," said Mrs. Weasley, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. She hugged Harry, Ron and Hermione.

"Mom!" said Ron, "We will be okay. We are just going over to the Dursleys."

"I know," Mrs. Weasley said, "If you do need anything, you know that Mrs. Figg lives near the Dursleys. I will tell her that you are over there."

"Well, we better get going," Mr. Weasley said, "Or I won't get back to the Burrow till late. You guys better go get your things."

Harry had then noticed that during this whole conversation, Ginny was keeping silent. But he had also noticed she was trying to keep her eye-sight off of Harry. He knew this break-up was still affecting her. Ginny joined Harry, Ron and Hermione to go get their things. Noticing that Ginny was walking beside him, Harry slowed his pace so that Ron and Hermione had walked farther ahead of them. He was wanting to talk to Ginny without Ron and Hermione hearing. They didn't know that he had broken up with Ginny. When Ron and Hermione were out of ear-shot, Harry spoke up.

"Ginny, I..." Harry began.

"Don't Harry... I know what you are going to say," Ginny interrupted. Ginny walked ahead of him and quickened her pace, joining Ron and Hermione while they got their school trunks.

Harry sighed heavily. If Ginny only knew why Harry had broken up with her, maybe she would understand. Harry knew that he loved Ginny. He loved her so much that he didn't want to see her get hurt. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if anything had happened to her...

Harry shook himself and walked over to the train and took his trunk. He, along with Ron, Hermione and Ginny, then walked back over to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley hugged Harry, Ron and Hermione again, and conjured a spell that made Ginny's trunk disappear. It would appear at the Burrow. Harry smiled at Mrs. Weasley and Ginny. Ginny didn't smile back. Mrs. Weasley waved goodbye and apparated with Ginny. They disappeared with a CRACK!

"All right you lot," Mr. Weasley said, "Let's go."

Harry walked with Ron, Hermione and Mr. Weasley out of the hidden wall (for what Harry knew might be the last time) and walked out of King's Cross to the Ministry car.

-----------------------------------------------------
An hour later, the Ministry car pulled up to Number 4 Privet Drive. Harry and the others got out and took their trunks and things from the back of the car. They walked up to the door and Mr. Weasley knocked on it. A few seconds later, the door opened and Petunia Dursley appeared in the doorway.

"Harry, what are you doing here?" she asked, "We... didn't expect you to be back for at least another week."

Harry was about to speak, but Mr. Weasley interrupted him. "I am sorry, Ma'am, but I am afraid we cannot talk out here," he said, "Perhaps if we come inside. In your living room? Maybe sit on your lovecouch?"

"Loveseat!" Hermione said, correcting him.

"Yes, that," Mr. Weasley said.

"Well, I guess it would be all right," said Petunia, "Vernon, Dudley and I were just sitting down to dinner."

Petunia invited Harry and the others in, and they all walked into the living room. Petunia walked into the kitchen.

"This is a really nice house, Harry," Hermione said. It had been her first time there.

"It is kind of different then I remember it," said Ron.

"That is because the living room was a mess the last time you were here, remember?" Harry said.

"Oh... yeah," Ron said, smirking.

"Ah yes," said a voice. Vernon Dursley had walked into the living room, followed by Petunia and their son, Dudley. "I remember you," Vernon said, looking at Mr. Weasley, "Mr. Wesley, wasn't it?"

"Weasley, actually," Mr. Weasley said, "Arthur Weasley."

"Yes, yes," said Vernon, "You were the one who... ruined this nice living room."

"It was an accident if you do not remember!" Harry said. He did not like where this was going.

"And you," Vernon said to Harry, "Why are you here so early? Did that... freak school expel you this time."

"Hogwarts did not expel me!" Harry said, "It closed early!"

"Couldn't run itself, I suppose," Vernon said, "The Ministry of... the Ministry couldn't afford it, I suppose."

Mr. Weasley noticed that Harry was about to speak up again, and interrupted him.

"Please," he said, "How about we all sit down, and we can talk about what happened."

Harry noticed that Vernon was going red in the face. He knew that Vernon didn't like to be told what to do... especially in his own house. To Harry's surprise, Vernon closed his eyes for a few seconds, then opened them. "Fine... fine," he said, "Let's sit down."

"The reason Harry is home early from Hogwarts is because Hogwarts was forced to close early," Mr. Weasley said, "Last week, it was invaded by You-Know-Who's servants."

Harry saw Vernon mouth "You-Know-Who?" silently. Petunia whispered something to Vernon and Vernon's expression changed from confusion to understanding.

"Well, during the invasion, the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was murdered," Mr. Weasley said.

Petunia let out a gasp.

"He was murdered by a teacher there who had turned traitor and joined You-Know-Who's servants," Mr. Weasley continued.

"So, because of this danger, Hogwarts has closed?" Petunia asked.

"It is not official if Hogwarts is closing for good," said Mr. Weasley, "And no, there was danger in the wizarding world long before Hogwarts closed. Hogwarts closed because of the attack, and the headmaster's death. Now, I am not sure if you know or not, but the charm Dumbledore placed on this house for Harry's protection will go away the minute Harry turns seventeen."

"Dumbledore told us this, yes," Petunia said.

"Good, I don't have to explain it then," Mr. Weasley said, "Now, even though Dumbledore is dead, his charm is still in effect. Harry has agreed to stay here until his seventeenth birthday, and he has invited Ron and Hermione here to spend time with him. On the morning of the thirty-first of July, I will come by here and pick them up. Harry, Ron and Hermione already know that they cannot use magic unless it is for defense."

"Defense?" Vernon said, "You mean... you think someone might come around to attack us?"

"Highly unlikely," Mr. Weasley said, "But Harry, Ron and Hermione all know how to defend themselves, as well as you. And they know that if they need anything, they can contact Arabella Figg."

"Arabella Figg?" Vernon said, looking from Mr. Weasley, to Petunia, who had a shocked look on her face, and back to Mr. Weasley, "What does she have to do with this?"

"Arabella Figg is a Squib," Mr. Weasley said, "She is a witch who can't do magic."

"And why do we not know about this?!" Vernon said, his face turning red, "Why were we not told?"

"For Harry's safety," Mr. Weasley said, "Arabella Figg was asked to watch over Harry since the day he came to live with you. It was on Dumbledore's orders."

"If all of this is for Harry's safety," Vernon said, "Then why isn't he going to stay with you? I don't see how he can be safe here."

"I already told you," Mr. Weasley said, "The charm Albus Dumbledore placed on this house was to make sure that as long as Harry came back to this house once every year, he would be safe. As Muggles, I can understand why it is confusing. Believe me, it is kind of confusing to me. There are not many spells that can last after their caster is dead. But of course... Dumbledore was a very powerful wizard. I can assure you, Harry will be safe as long as he stays in this house, or around the house. I am sure Dumbledore had explained this all to you, but I will remind you. Because you so graciously invited Harry to stay in your home one last time, it ensures his safety."

"But what about our safety?" Vernon said, "We already know Lord... you-know what is wanting to kill Harry. What would happen if he attacked us too! I am not going to let anything happen to my family because of Harry!"

"I already explained this to you, Mr. Dursley," Mr. Weasley said, "Harry knows how to protect himself. He knows a lot more then you think he knows. He will be able to protect you as well. But as I said, it is highly unlikely that there will be an attack here. Now, if you excuse us, I need to say a few last things to Harry, Ron and Hermione. I am sure you want to finish your dinner. It may be getting cold. I... could warm it back up for you... if you wanted."

"We don't need your hocus pocus to warm our dinner up, thanks!" Vernon said, getting up and walking into the kitchen. Petunia and Dudley followed him.

"Mr. Weasley, I am sorry that Uncle Vernon acted that way," Harry said.

"No need to apologize," said Mr. Weasley, "I got a dose of him a couple of years ago. I was ready for it. Now, you all know the rules when it comes to living with the Muggles. The Ministry does not know that there are three wizards in this house, and they do not need to know. It is none of their business. And even if it was, I see no reason that they would forbid it. So, you know the rules. You cannot use any magic while here except to use it in defense. If you feel that your life is in danger, you may use magic. But please... make sure you are not in the presence of any Muggles. Little Whinging is full of Muggles and the Ministry would have a fit if they knew that it happened. Especially since Little Whinging has already been attacked by Dementors."

"We understand, Dad," said Ron.

"Good," said Mr. Weasley, "Now, as for going outside, it will be okay if you go in the front yard and the back yard, but do not do much wandering around. We do not know if there will be any danger. But this is a precaution."

"But didn't you tell the Dursleys..." Hermione began.

"I told them that so they would have no problem with all of you staying here," said Mr. Weasley, "The real truth is that we don't know if there could be another attack. With the successful attack on Hogwarts, the Death Eaters may be hungry for more."

"What did Mum mean by 'the Ministry already has enough on their hands'?" Ron asked.

"Oh, nothing," said Mr. Weasley, "These attacks at Hogwarts were surprising of course. Then of course there is the fact that the Ministry is running low on Aurors. Most of the Aurors were guarding Azkaban Prison. But with the attacks... some of them have been brought back to London." Mr. Weasley smiled at the reactions of Harry, Ron and Hermione. "But you don't need to worry, of course. This is for the Ministry to handle.

Mr. Weasley looked out the window at the darkening skies.

"Well, I better get going," he said, standing up, "It is getting pretty dark. You guys remember to write to us. You know how Molly worries."

"Yeah, we know," Harry said, shaking Mr. Weasley's hand.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed Mr. Weasley out to the hallway.

"I will be here on July 31st to pick you guys up," said Mr. Weasley.

"See you later, Dad," said Ron, "Say hi to everyone for us."

"Sure will," said Mr. Weasley, opening the front door. He walked out and closed it.

"Well, I guess we better get our things unpacked," said Harry, "Ron, you can stay in my room. It is pretty small, but we will manage. Hermione, the guest room is available for you. It used to be for Marge when she came around, but she hasn't been back ever since the... incident."

"When you blew her up," smirked Ron.

"Yeah," Harry said, smirking.

Harry, Ron and Hermione took their things upstairs and unpacked.

Whew, sorry it has been a while since I last posted... trying to get ideas and finally they came for this chapter and the next chapter. Hope you liked this chapter!

Feedback would be awesome!

[Fury]

Chapter 4
Loose Stairs and Letters


Ding! Ding! Ding!

"Was goin' on!" Ron's voice said, sleepily.

Harry opened his eyes. Ron was sitting upright in his cot, his arm grasping his wand.

"Relax, Ron, it is just the alarm clock," Harry said, sitting up and turning off the alarm clock.

"Merlin, why do Muggles use those things?" Ron said, "I am sure all of Little Whinging could hear that!"

"They are used to wake up people," Harry said.

"Oh, well we don't got one," said Ron, "That's what Mum is for."

Harry smirked.

"So what were you planning on doing today?" Ron asked.

"I told you last night," said Harry, "I want to spend what time I have here doing research
on the Horcruxes and who this R.A.B bloke is."

"Research?" Ron said, "You are starting to sound like Hermione."

"Well if I want to get a head start on this," said Harry, "It is what I am going to have to do. Besides, I want to know what I am facing."

"We, Harry," said Ron, "What 'we' are facing."

"You and Hermione are still wanting to come with me?" Harry asked.

"We are sticking with you, Harry," Ron said, "Hermione and I are your two best friends. We wouldn't let you down."

"I know that," Harry said.

"And you know that if you want help on this research," Ron said, "That Hermione and I would help you with it."

"Good, because I do need help," Harry said, "Well, I guess we should go downstairs."

"Yeah," said Ron, "Hey, you think your Aunt has breakfast ready?"

"Yeah, but I wouldn't expect much," Harry said, "Remember, she didn't know you or Hermione were coming."

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry and Ron dressed quickly and walked downstairs to the bottom floor. Hermione was in the living room when they reached it, reading one of her books.

"How long have you been up?" Ron asked Hermione.

"About thirty minutes," said Hermione, looking up.

"We just got up," Ron muttered, "Bloody alarm clock."

Harry sighed and said, "Has Petunia told you when breakfast will be ready?"

"No," Hermione frowned, "I think she is avoiding me."

"Probably because you are a witch," said Ron.

"Yes, but I am also a Muggle-born," Hermione said.

"Petunia doesn't know that, does she?" Ron asked.

"No," Hermione said, "But that doesn't make a difference. I mean... what does your
Aunt have against wizards and witches, Harry? Her own sister was a witch!"

"Actually... she has never really told me why," Harry said, "The first rule in this house is 'no questions'. Besides, do you think I would be able to get a straight answer from her?"

"Hasn't she told you anything about your mother?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," said Harry, "She thought she was a... freak."

"No!" Hermione said, in a shocked tone.

"Oh come on, Hermione," Harry said, sitting down in a chair, "You have seen how my Aunt acts."

"Yeah," said Hermione, "But Harry, she is your Aunt. She had to tell you something else."

"Only that my mother came home from Hogwarts each summer with pocketfuls of frogspawn," said Harry, "And that she wouldn't stop talking about how much fun she had at Hogwarts."

Suddenly, a sound interrupted the conversation. It sounded like someone was blowing their nose.

"Aunt Petunia?" Harry asked, standing up.

Petunia walked out from behind the wall separating the livingroom from the kitchen.

"Harry," Petunia said softly, "Can I talk to you for a minute while breakfast is cooking."

Harry was about to say that he wanted to talk to his friends, but he saw the look on his Aunt's face. He had never seen that sad look on her face before. It was almost scary.

"Uh... sure, Aunt Petunia," Harry said.

Harry looked at his friends. Ron shrugged and Hermione urged him to go. He followed Petunia out to the hallway and over to the stairs. There was an awkward silence and Harry wondered if Petunia was going to change her mind about talking to him. Petunia walked up the stairs a bit and then kneeled down.

"Aunt Petunia? Are you okay?" Harry asked.

Aunt Petunia said nothing. She fidgeted with one of the boards on the stairs, and Harry realized that it was the stair that had always creaked when he stepped on it. Petunia lifted the board up and put it beside her. She put her hand down the hole and, a second later, pulled a shoebox up. Petunia then put the board back on the stair and stood back up. She walked down the stairs and sat on the bottom one.

"Petunia, what...?" Harry began, but stopped when Petunia raised her hand up.

"Harry, please, just let me talk," Petunia said. She sighed and looked at the box, then back up at Harry. "Harry, I... realize that your time with Vernon, Dudley and I has not been the greatest moments of your life. And I know that once you turn seventeen you will leave here and... probably never come back. Well, that is perfectly fine with me, but there are some things I need to say to you. If I don't, I know I will never be able to live with myself. I know I have never told you anything about Lily, and I have my reasons. I will admit now that they are dumb reasons. But I guess I should tell you. I know that I have told you that I thought your mother was a freak. Well, I will say right now that I was wrong. I loved her. She was my sister. And when she got that... letter from Hogwarts, I was extremely jealous."

"Jealous?" Harry asked, "Of my mother?"

"You don't understand," Petunia said, "Your mother was very popular in school and I had felt left out. She was the favorite daughter in our household. I had felt left out. And when your mother got her letter, I had hoped beyond hope that I would get one too. I wanted to feel special as well. But I did not get my letter and I knew I was just normal. After that, I hated people who weren't normal... who were... different. From that moment I wanted nothing to do with my sister. Then she came home from Hogwarts and said how great it was there. It was like she forgot that I wasn't with her and that I wanted to be."

"You... wanted to be a witch, like my mother?" Harry asked.

"I wanted to feel special, Harry," Petunia said, "But please, let me continue. Well, after your mother moved out, I didn't keep in touch with her. I didn't want anything to do with her. Then one day, an owl brought me a letter and I knew it was from her. It took me a couple of days to force myself to open the letter, but I did."

Petunia looked at the shoebox and opened it up. Harry glanced inside. There were three pieces of parchment and a small box. Petunia took one of the pieces of parchment out and closed the box.

"This, Harry," Petunia said, "is the letter your mother wrote me."

Petunia handed the letter to Harry, who slowly took it. He sat down on the stair. With a shaky hand, he opened the letter and read it:

Dear Petunia:

I know that we have not talked to each other for quite a while, but I feel that I need to send you this. I have a bad feeling that James and I are in serious trouble, and I wanted you to do a favor for me. I can't talk much about it here, but I am afraid that something might happen to us. I know that you may not want to do this for me, but I want you to take it into consideration. You see, you have a nephew now. His name is Harry and he was just born at the end of July last year. He is a wizard and I know that he will grow up to be a great one. I wrote this letter because I fear for his safety. Here is the favor I need you to do for me as my sister. If something happens to me and James and Harry survives, I need you to take him in. Care for him as if he was your son. Now, this is a just a precaution. It may not happen. I am just worried... but as I said, I cannot talk much about it.

Also, enclosed is a letter to Harry. If he is living with you, and he is at a proper age, I want you to give the letter to him. Please do this for me, Petunia. Promise me, that if anything happens to me and James, that you will look after Harry for me.

I also want to say that I am sorry if I have ever done anything to you. You are my sister and I love you dearly. I may be a witch but that doesn't make a difference when it comes to us. Please remember this.

With Love,
Lily

At that moment, it became very hard for Harry to fight back tears. It was his mother's writing, and it sounded as if she had felt very worried. Harry read over the letter again and stopped at Also, enclosed is a letter to Harry.
"Aunt Petunia?" Harry asked, looking up at his aunt. He then realized that Petunia had a tear in her eye.

"Y-yes?" Petunia said.

"It says that she had wrote a letter to me," Harry said.

"Oh, yes," Petunia said, opening the box back up. She handed the letter to Harry. "I understand if you want to read that letter in private. But right now, I need to tell you something else."

"Oh... okay," Harry said.

"The day we found you on the doorstep," Petunia continued, "We also found a letter from Albus Dumbledore."

Petunia opened the box once again and took out the last piece of parchment. She handed it to Harry, who opened the letter and read it:

Dear Petunia Evans-Dursley :

Hello, my name is Albus Dumbledore and I am the Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

I am writing this letter to you in deepest regret. Your sister and her husband were found dead in their residence in Godric's Hollow. The house was set on fire, and is now burnt to the ground. But before it burned down, a friend of mine rescued Lily and James' son, Harry, from the house. Since you and your family are Harry's only living relatives, it is
my duty to bring Harry here. I hope that you will take him into your house and raise him as if he was your own son.

I should also mention that Harry is a wizard and his true home is in the wizarding world. I will hope that you will respect this. It is also my wish that, when Harry reaches the age of ten years old, you tell him that he is a wizard. Harry will, of course, have a spot in my school when he reaches the age of eleven.

Your sister and her husband were killed by Lord Voldemort, a dark and powerful wizard. After he killed Lily and James, he tried to kill Harry but it did not work. I do not know what happened to Voldemort, but I know this. Harry is the first person to have survived the Killing Curse, and because of this, Harry is one of the most famous wizards in history. Every person will know his name.

If you take Harry into your happy home, it will seal the charm that has been placed over your house. As long as Harry remains a part of your family until he reaches the age of seventeen, he will be protected by this charm. Therefore, I hope that you will keep him in your home.

Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft
And Wizardry

"Professor Dumbledore had told me that he wrote you a letter," Harry said after he had read the letter.

"I have a confession, Harry," Petunia said, "When I married Vernon, he had asked me about my family. I had told him about my sister and that she was a witch. He, of course, didn't believe me at first. Finally, he did believe me, but told me that he didn't want anything to do with magic. He said that if I had anything to do with magic, he would leave me."

"So that is why you didn't tell me anything?" Harry asked.
Petunia nodded. "It got very hard for us," she said, " when you found out that you were a wizard. Vernon nearly left me and Dudley. But it was because of Dudley that he stayed. That was the reason I couldn't tell you. I hope you understand."

Harry nodded.

"I am so sorry we did this to you," Petunia said, a tear coming down her face. Suddenly, she hugged Harry. When she backed away, she said "Oh, breakfast, I almost forgot."

Petunia stood up and was about to go down the hall to the kitchen. She turned around and handed the shoebox to Harry. "This is all yours," she said, "There isn't much... something from your mother. I couldn't open the small box inside. It might be magically sealed."

"Thanks, Aunt Petunia," Harry said.

Petunia smiled and walked into the kitchen. Harry couldn't believe the conversation he had just had with his Aunt. Before today, Petunia hadn't said very much about Harry's mother and father... and now, in front of him... was a box that she had kept of stuff from Lily, James, as well as Dumbledore. Harry's hands were shaking as hard as ever as he opened the lid to the shoebox. He looked in and saw a small maroon box. Harry picked it up and tried to open it. It wouldn't budge. Petunia was right... it wouldn't open without magic. Harry was about to take out his wand, then remembered. He couldn't do magic until he was seventeen years old. He could ask Ron and Hermione to do it, but then there was the small fact that the Ministry of Magic didn't know that they were there. And if there was any ounce of magic performed, the Ministry would think it was Harry who did it. Harry sighed and decided that the box would have to wait. Suddenly, he remembered the other letter he hadn't read. The letter to him from his mother. He then decided that he would read it later.

Harry put the letters in the box and walked into the livingroom with it.