Harry Potter and the Great Struggle

- Chapter One -

A Meeting of the Most Unexpected Nature

Harry sighed, leaning back in his chair. This summer he had less homework than usual, as they had just completed the OWL tests. Nonetheless, they had tons of homework, and Harry had just finished his homework early. The Dursley’s were different this summer, letting him do all his work and not locking his things up. They had more or less ignored him, as long he did his chores. Harry winced as he thought of the word chores. More like slave labor, he thought to himself just as Hedwig came flying in through the open window. Harry smiled as Hedwig dropped the package on the bed and went to his cage. The young wizard, which was what Harry was of course, saw it was a birthday present. Obviously one could mistake him for being normal, but a wizard he was. At eleven he had been invited to attend Hogwarts, a school for wizards and witches. Late present? He wondered to himself.

Harry wondering who it was from, took the letter from the bird. His birthday had just passed a week ago, and he had received tons of presents from his friends. The Weasley’s had been especially generous. Mrs. Weasley had baked him a cake, while her twin sons, Fred and George, had gotten him candy. They warned him not to eat it, and it was for use on Dudley Dursley only. Ron had finished off with a book called, Tips from the Stars, a quidditch tip book. Hermoine Granger, his other best friend other than Ron, had given him a book on the founding fathers of Hogwarts, something Harry would probably read only when he wanted to know something on Godric Gryffindor. The present was a tad big late, noticed Harry. He opened the note on it first.

Dear Harry,

I’m sorry for the delay, but this year I thought I’d pick up a gift for you. I know your 5th year was a tad bit quiet, but I am sure this year, things will be different. Well, I won’t worry you with the details, but I thought this item may be useful in the coming year. Enjoy!

Professor Dumbledore

Harry Potter grinned, anticipating Dumbledore would only send him something truly excellent. He opened the package, and was sorely disappointed. Pulling out the object, he noticed it was a long black cylinder about six inches long, shorter than his wand. It was a wand, at least Harry thought it was. There was nothing special about it. It was just a smooth, dark black color. “...the hell?” he wondered aloud. Oh well, he thought. He wrote a note to his headmaster, thanking him for the gift. He then asked what it was and after giving a quick snack to Hedwig, he sent the owl off with his note.

Deciding not to ponder on the gift any longer, he picked off a panel of the floor, and took out his chocolate cake that Ron’s mother had given to him. He cut a peice for himself, placed the cake back in his hiding spot, and then recovered the floor with the panel. Smiling, he leaned back in his chair again, enjoying his cake.

---

The next morning saw Harry moving more boxes. His Uncle had earned a pay raise over the last year, and they had moved. Professor Dumbledore was none to happy about this, as he had to move all the protection wards to the new house. The work wasn’t so hard, seeing how Harry had grown nearly six inches in the past year. He was now almost six feet tall, and all the manual labor, as well as the recreation class at Hogwarts had made him strong and sturdy. Harry completed moving the last box to the basement, and sat down on the floor. He looked around the room and smiled. This was his new home, and the basement wasn’t so bad. Easy exit through the back door, as well as tons of privacy. The Dursley’s were being careless with him. Harry was glad of that too, but he still had work to do.

“HARRY!” Harry looked up and saw Aunt Petunia at the top of the stairs. “If you’re done lolling about,” she muttered sarcastically, “go finish moving the boxes to the master bedroom. After that, you better move all of Dudley’s stuff! And remember, we have to go your uncle’s party today, so you better get ready, after completing your chores.” She then added as an afterthought, “Lord knows why they want you to come. If it was me, I’d lock you up in that basement.”

Harry just nodded and proceeded with his work, thinking about the past year. Oddly, Harry had been surprised that there was no action that year. It had been more or less quiet, with a few Death Eater attacks here and there. Voldemort himself had not made his presence known, as Dumbledore said he was recuperating. They had had time to study for OWLs, thus Harry’s excellent results. He had received ten OWLs, more than the six he had expected. Ron too had made his mother proud with nine. She had given up expecting her sons to good in their studies. Hermoine of course, had received a maximum fourteen. Harry closed his thoughts and proceeded back to moving boxes.

---

Harry walked up the stairs from the basement in his tuxedo. He had been able to convince his uncle to rent it, saying that it would look good that the Dursley’s could afford tuxes for all three men of the family. Vernon Dursley grudgingly agreed. Harry took one last quick look in the mirror in the front living room, noticing he looked quiet sharp indeed. “HARRY! HURRY UP!” His uncle screamed from the car. Harry grinned to himself as he saw that some things never changed.

---

The small coup pulled up into the driveway, and marked on the side. The Dursley’s and Harry got out and walked up to the front door of the house. It was massive. The front porch was lined with tall white columns, five of them. The porch itself was about as big as the basement Harry lived in. The wizard was amazed; he had never seen a house this big. He followed his family in, mouth hanging open, through the large double doors where a man was waiting to greet them. He introduced the family to the rest of the people at the party, who all of a sudden, all looked directly at Harry. He winced as Dudley pushed him from behind, “Look Harry, we’re not the only ones who are amazed by your hideousness.” Harry looked back, hideousness? He coughed and everyone was brought out their stupor, going back to their drinks.

“Dudley dear, go make friends with the other kids your age.” Petunia scowled, “make sure Harry doesn’t embarrass us. Your father and I are going to go talk to the host.” Harry then remembered that he had oddly been invited. He needed to find out why anyone would be interested in him. After watching Dudley gorge himself at the snack table, Harry went and sat down by himself. He was in for a long boring night. Harry wondered what Sirius Black, his godfather, was up to. His godfather was still wanted for the murder of his parents, as the man who had killed his parents was still at large. Peter Pettigrew: Wormtail. Harry loathed the man who had betrayed his parents, framed his godfather, killed Cedric Diggory, and to top it all off, brought the hated and feared Dark Lord Voldemort back to power. Yet the ministry of magic was still denying Voldemort was alive, and still believed Wormtail had been killed by Sirius. Now because of him, Harry had to keep leaving with his horrible relatives while Black was off hiding, as well as spying on Voldemort. No one knew where Voldemort was though. He had simply, disappeared. Harry did not believe the stories that Voldemort was recovering his strength. He knew that dark lord was up to something, but what?

Harry then saw a flash of blonde. A familiar face. Who was that? Harry thought. Certainly not him. Harry continued thinking about all this, until his thoughts were broken by a sweet, yet assertive voice, “This seat taken?” Harry looked up and a saw a tall, black haired girl standing in front of him. She was wearing a blue dress, tight around her body showing off her curves. Her long black hair was tied up, exposing her long neck. He gulped as he noticed all this and answered, “No.”

She smiled and sat down, “Don’t you hate these boring get togethers?”

“Never been to one.”

“Oh that’s too bad.” She paused, thinking about what she said, “Nevermind, that’s not bad at all.” The girl grinned at him.

By now Harry had figured out she was about his age, and stunningly beautiful. Who was she? He wondered to himself. “So what school do you go to?” She asked Harry.

“Uhm, I don’t think you’ve heard of it. It’s a bit, out there.”

“Boarding, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s not bad though. I actually like going there really. What about you?”

She looked at him, smiling sweetly, “I go to a school out of the country. My father sends me there, wanting to keep me out of the way apparently. Thinks I’m an embarrassment to the family.”

“Oh? I don’t know how anyone like you could be an embarrassment.” She blushed a little, which caused Harry to turn red, surprised he had said something like that.

“Thanks,” She managed. Harry then realized she was also having trouble talking to him. He also realized she looked kind of familiar, but couldn't picture her anywhere else from his past.

“Have I seen you before?” They both said at the same time, causing them to laugh.

“I look familiar to you too?” She said to which he nodded. “I could have sworn I’ve seen you somewhere else. Can’t seem to come to mind though.”

“I know the feeling.”

There was an awkward silence for a moment and then, “So long how have you lived here?” Again, both at the same time.

“You first.” Same time.

“Oh, not long,” this time they both started laughing, followed by giggling that couldn’t stop.

“Oh, that was rich.” Harry said after a while, she only managed to nod, still laughing. Harry wiped a tear away. “Thanks.”

She looked at him oddly, “for what?”

“I haven’t laughed in a real long time. That’s how living with my relatives over the summer is. Gits they are.”

“Oh that’s just...”

“..horrid?”

“Yes.” Harry grinned.

“You don’t even want to know about my cousin Dudley. He’s horrible. That’s him over there.” He pointed at the porky boy still stuffing himself with food.

“Charming.” Harry laughed again.

“Don’t I know it.”

“I can relate. My family is horrible too. They can’t stand me for some reason.” She looked at him sadly for a second, “I’m fixing that though. I’m getting involved in some things they will surely be proud of me for.”

“That’s good,” Harry looked at her pecurely. She had looked so sad at the moment, but then it passed. Oh well, not my problem. She’s a muggle and I probably won’t ever see her again after tonight. “You know something? I didn’t catch your name.”

“Now that you mention it, I don’t know yours either.”

“Harry.” He stuck out his hand. “Maria.” She answered, taking his hand in hers.

“So where’s this school of yours at?”

“Oh, I’m...” she hesitated for a moment, “It’s up north.”

“Oh? Uh, okay.” Harry decided not to push his luck. She was so pretty. He looked into the now larger crowd.

A flash of blonde. A familiar face. Same as before. “What the?” Harry didn’t think about it as he continued talking to Maria.

---

Harry managed to stop laughing as the dinner chime was heard. He stood up, and brought his hand out to Maria, who took it, laughing as well. Over the past half hour, they had really clicked, and Harry was surprised at how well a muggle could understand him. They walked to the dining room together, still talking.

“Ready to meet my father?”

“Ready to meet my uncle and aunt?”

“My father can be quiet intimidating.”

“So can my uncle.” They both laughed as the entered a room with a long, cliched table. The head chair at the table was empty, as were a few chairs next the seat. Maria guided him to the head, and sat him down next to her. He looked around, wondering who was missing along with the host. “My mother should be here in a second.” Maria muttered.

Just then, a tall beautiful woman entered, long blonde hair flowing down her back. She sat down across from Maria, right next to the head chair. Harry didn’t look up, but Maria bumped him, and he looked up. He choked. Not her...he thought. Oh my god. “That’s my mum. Mum, this is--”

“Harry Potter,” an all to familiar voice drawled the words. Harry turned, anticipating the worst. “Maria dear, I do believe he goes to school with your brother. In fact, lets ask him.” Harry’s hand clenched, wishing he had brought his wand.

“Draco, is this not Harry Potter?” Maria’s father drawled again.

“Why yes father, I do believe it is.” A tall boy stepped out from behind his father, grinning malevolently. He looked up at his father.

“Ah, good. I’m so glad you came to my party.” The tall blonde man smiled, “You know you are always welcome to the home of Lucius Malfoy.”

Harry looked up in shock at the identity of the host of the party. Lucius Malfoy! How could a muggle hater like Malfoy be living in an all muggle neighborhood? Why? Harry tried to ponder all this, but couldn’t keep focus, still unbelieving of who Maria’s father was. Maria, the beautiful dark haired girl he had just met an hour ago, whom he had clicked with instantly.

“You’re last name..” Maria managed, “You’re Harry Potter?” She said in more of a statement than a question.

“Yes he is Maria. The one your brother always speaks of.” Malfoy sneered at his daughter. The younger Malfoy looked at his sister quizzically.

“How’d you meet Potter?”

Maria didn’t answer, for Harry was about to pull out his wand, unsure of what else to do. “Now, now, Potter.” Lucius said, grabbing Harry’s arm, “You wouldn’t want to alarm a room full of muggles.”

“What’s going on, Malfoy?” Harry glared at Lucius, “Why are you here in a muggle neighborhood with a muggle home?”

“All in due time Potter. Until then, you’ll just have to enjoy you’re dinner.” He grinned mischievously, sitting down in the head chair. Harry glanced at Maria, who wouldn’t look at him. Just as dinner was about to begin, Vernon Dursley walked up to Lucius.

“I’m sorry Mr. Malfoy, but is my nephew disturbing you?” He glanced at Harry, “He can be quiet a pest at times.”

Malfoy simply nodded, “So I’ve heard. Do not worry, it is nothing we cannot handle.” Vernon did not truly believe this, but nonetheless, went and sat down.

---

Throughout the rest of dinner, Harry remained quiet, trying to discern what the Malfoy family was up to. No doubt a plan of Voldemort, Harry thought, but what was the plan? He could not figure it out.

“No doubt, Mr. Malfoy, you know that OPEC would take the first opportunity to raise prices of oil if we supported the United States in their vendetta.”

Someone other than Malfoy answered the statement. “Oh, I know, but they won’t do it. We have too much influence --”

“I don’t know how to tell you this,” Malfoy interrupted, "but we don’t really have that much influence.” Lucius pretended to grimace, “England is truly the bitch of the United States.” Some laughed, while others glared. Malfoy continued, “I believe this nation needs to be restored to what it once was, during the days of Churchill. Unwavering, following its own opinion. And actually having some real influence. Let’s face it, the rest of Europe doesn’t give a damn about our opinion.”

“True, but what can be done? England is fine as it is, and one must most assuredly agree, we can profit greatly by just keeping our status as is.” The man speaking now smiled, “We’ll let the U.S. do the dirty work, and just root out possible terrorists in our own country for the welfare of our own people.”

“You are a very ignorant man, if you really believe that England will stay out of this.” Malfoy’s face filled with contempt for a brief second, and then went back to normal.

“Well Mr. Malfoy, why don’t you stop messing around with district politics and run for parliament?” Everyone laughed at this statement. Harry looked up; Malfoy was involved in politics? ...the hell? “You know elections are coming soon?”

“Oh yes I do. In fact, I might as well make an unofficial announcement and tell you that I will be running for the House of Commons this year.” Malfoy smiled. Everyone looked stricken. Shocked. Some nodded in understanding, knowing this would happen. Harry was more confused than ever. He needed to think about all this. If Malfoy rose to a position of power, muggles and wizards both would be in trouble.

---

Dudley wandered around the hallway outside the dining room, after all the children had been excused from dinner. Harry walked by himself when Draco came up beside him, Maria timidly hanging behind. “What do you want, Malfoy?”

“I want plenty of things. I want my own place, my own cash, and my own world. That’s not happening for a while though, now is it?”

“Wow Malfoy, what a stupid comment.”

“I pride myself.” Malfoy grinned, “You seem kind of angry Potter. Anything the matter?”

“Since when do you care?” Harry didn’t feel like being witty, or talking to Draco, “and since when do you have a sister?”

“Since my parents decided to, Potter. Honestly, I don’t ask about their sex lives.”

Harry grinned, “I don’t know. Your mother, mighty fine woman. I wonder what--”

“Hah, hah, Potter. Anyone ever tell you your a funny one?”

“Ron has.” Harry laughed at Draco’s pissed face. “Where’s she been all this time?”

“Durmstrungs. My parents felt my baby sister needed to have some darkness beaten into her. I’m sure its there. We’ll find out this year.”

Harry looked up, questioningly, “Really?”

“She’s transferred to Hogwarts. Mother missed her.” He then remembered what Harry had said, which Harry noticed and caused him to laugh.

“Being oddly nice Malfoy. I haven’t had the urge to smack you once yet.”

“Not once?”

“Okay, twice. Since when are you so nice to me?”

Draco smiled, “Since I felt that you might want to reconsider my first suggestion to you.”

“What was that?”

“Choose your friends wisely Potter. Forget the mudblood and the rag-tag bunch of Weasley’s” Draco smiled ‘kindly’.

“Dream on Malfoy.”

“Figured as much.” With that, Malfoy stopped walking. Harry turned to Draco, glared, but not before he looked at Maria. He saw another flash of sadness on her face, and for a moment Harry felt pity for her.

For a moment.