Harry Potter and the Chest of Death

Chapter 1: Returning Home

It was nearly the end of summer on Privet Drive. The air was warm, and Harry was staring out his window, eagerly anticipating his return to Hogwarts. The calendar on the wall had only ten days left to mark off. Suddenly, a moving truck pulled in front of the neighboring house: number 6; it had recently been for sale. A small, black BMW parked behind it. A man in his mid 40's got out of the truck and went to greet the woman and girl that had gotten out of the car. They embraced, so Harry guessed they were married. The woman had short blonde tresses, and the man had a gray/brown head of hair, it reminded Harry of salt and pepper. The girl had light brown hair that was about shoulder length. This was all Harry could see from the window. Suddenly a nervous tap came at the door and Harry opened it to find Aunt Petunia.

"Fix your hair," she snapped at him, "We're going to greet our new neighbors. They've just arrived." And she grabbed him by the arm and began to pull him out of the house.

The family that Harry had seen was now on their front lawn, greeting Uncle Vernon and Dudley. When they saw Harry and Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon motioned for them to come over. On their way to the lawn, Harry noticed that the furniture had intricate detail, and the car was so new that the handles sparkled in the sun. No wonder the Dursleys were in such a hurry.

"This is my wife Petunia," Uncle Vernon boasted, and then turning to Harry, he said with a bit of disdain, "And this is Harry Potter, our nephew."

"Nice to meet you all," the man said shaking Mr. Dursley's hand. "My name is Roger Swift. This is my wife Margaret, and our daughter Michelle."

"Harry Potter..." the girl said, tapping her chin. "Why does that sound so familiar?" Harry flinched, expecting what most kids at the school did when they first heard his name. But, these people were Muggles, weren't they?

Aunt Petunia became very pale, "He's nobody really...I think you must have him confused with someone else." She tightened her grip on his arm.

"Hmm," she said looking straight at Harry, "I don't think so. I've heard your name somewhere...but, who said it? Maybe it was--"

But Aunt Petunia quickly cut her off: "We're having a delicious roast tonight. You must have dinner with us! It'll be our house-warming gift to you. There'll be plenty for everyone..."

"O that sounds wonderful!" Mrs. Swift exclaimed with delight. "We'll be over in half an hour. Thank you so very much for the invitation Mrs. Dursley. I didn't expect to have such wonderful neighbors."

Harry had to hold back a laugh. The Dursleys? Wonderful neighbors? He thought that Mrs. Swift would have plenty of time to find out the truth.

*

"O Petunia, did you see that car? And that furniture? Those people must be swimming in cash!" Uncle Vernon was ecstatic as he picked at his bow tie.

"I know. I'm just glad we all had clean clothes that were formal enough. They must be very extravagant. Dudley, no snacks before the Swifts get here," Aunt Petunia then turned to Harry, "I don't know where that girl knows you from and quite frankly, I don't care. I just don't want you to make a mess of this nice dinner we're planning on having you understand me?" Her glare was as cold as ice.

"Yes, Aunt Petunia. I don't know how she knew my name either; I've never seen her before," but the rest of the conversation was cut short by the doorbell.

Mr. Swift had worn a sports coat and a pair of khaki pants. Mrs. Smith was in a pair of crème-colored Capri pants and a brown sleeveless shirt. Michelle was clad in a red T-shirt and Capri jeans. The family looked a little surprised at Uncle Vernon's bow tie and Aunt Petunia's best dress. They had clearly expected this to be casual, and Harry didn't think that anyone expected to see something like Dudley crammed into a suit that was far too small. Harry suddenly felt a relief that he was allowed to wear jeans and an old T-shirt.

"Welcome," Aunt Petunia said, a little surprised herself. "Dinner's ready. Come on in." They went into the kitchen where the table was set with the best dishes. Harry sat in his familiar spot (when he was allowed to eat at the table), and he was surprised when Michelle sat next to him.

"Harry," she whispered, "I know where I've heard of you. Have you ever met Headmaster Dumbledore?"

Harry's eyes widened, "From Hogwarts?"

"Yes, that's it. Well, when we went to register for the upcoming school year, he told me that Harry Potter lived on this street as well, and he's also a student. Is it you he was talking about?"

"Yeah. It was. So you're a..." Harry questioned.

"Witch? Yep. Is the rest of your family one too?"

"No, just me."

"That's great," she said with a smile, "I'm the only one too...I'm glad I'll already know someone before I get to school. I've got a question for you though, Dumbledore put this hat on me and it said I was in something called Gryffindor, do you know what that is?"

"Yeah," he said, "It's your house at the school. I'm in Gryffindor too. You have classes with them, share dormitories, and earn points. At the end of the year your house can even get the house cup...you know, all that kind of stuff."

"O wonderful!" she said out loud, causing Aunt Petunia to drop the pitcher of lemonade on the floor. "O! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you..."

"It's alright," Petunia said, still shaking as she tried to clean up the large yellow spill, "I think I've got some pop in the refrigerator."

The rest of the evening was spent with the Uncle Vernon bragging about his new (Uncle Vernon still considered a year old and broken down to be new) company car, and asking many questions to Mr. Swift, while Aunt Petunia did the same to Margaret.

*

Harry was eating lunch in his room the following day, when he saw Michelle coming up the front walkway. A few moments later there was a knock on the door. Aunt Petunia screamed up the stairs, "HARRY! Michelle's here to see you." He was curious as to why she would come over.

After coming into the foyer, he saw her looking around from where she stood at the front door. "Hey Harry," Michelle said. "Want to hang out?"

"Um, sure. I'll be back later Aunt Petunia," he told her.

They went to the front of Privet Drive, and leaned on the large wooden sign that announced the street's name. "So, Harry...what's Hogwarts like when other kids are there?" Michelle questioned him. Her light brown eyes shown with curiosity.

"It's a lot of fun. I mean, you do have to watch out for some stuff though..." Harry said, bringing unpleasant images into his mind.

"Yeah? Like what?" Michelle asked, seeing the look on his face.

"Certain people. Like Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy..."

"O I see," she was looking at him intensely. Harry was glad she didn't ask him about Voldemort. He himself had been trying so hard to forget all he knew about last year, and anything before that. But, forgetting Voldemort meant forgetting his parents, Ron, Hermione, and Dumbledore; basically everything would be wiped away. Harry was surprised at what a hold Voldemort had on his life.

Harry became nervous and turned his head so Michelle could not see the anguish that was plaguing his face, and asked, "So, where did you move from?"

"Dartmouth. I used to go to Martravin's Academy for the Art of Magic, but when we moved my dad said it'd be easier to go to Hogwarts instead of commute."

"What was Martravin's like?" Harry asked. He hadn't learnt much about other schools, and he didn't even know that there was another one in England.

"O, it's okay... We didn't have houses exactly. It was boys in one tower, and girls in the other. It kind of sucked. I like things to be integrated."

"Me too," Harry said. "I can't wait to go back to Hogwarts."

"You know, I've already gotten my ticket for the train, would you mind if I shared a compartment with you?" She looked desperately at him.

"Sure. You can meet Ron and Hermione." seeing that Michelle had no idea who they were, he added, "They're my best friends from school."

Before Harry realized it, it was 9:30, and already dark. He and Michelle raced to his house, and then they each went inside their homes. But, as Harry was changing in his pajamas, he heard a noise from outside.

"Pssst, Harry are you there?" Sticking his head out his window, he saw that it was Michelle, in her PJs as well. Her window was centimeters from his. "Just wanted to say goodnight..."

"Yeah, same to you," he said. "Is that your room?"

"Yep. I didn't think it was so close to yours...Want to show me around the neighborhood," she said with a wink. Harry nodded. "Okay then, see you later." And with that she closed her shutters.

*

At around four o'clock, Harry went over to Michelle's house. He was supposed to show her around the neighborhood, but Aunt Petunia had never really let him explore much of it. Harry didn't think a trip to Mrs. Figgs' home would be very entertaining. He knocked on the door and waited.

"Hey Harry, we're almost ready to go," Michelle said, putting on her coat.

"We?" Harry questioned.

"Yeah. My mom and dad?" Harry still didn't understand. "They're taking us to the Leaky Cauldron. You know, so you can show me around..."

"O!" he said, suddenly understanding, "I thought that I was supposed to show you around this neighborhood...I didn't know we were going to Diagon Alley."

"Yeah. I figure you can help me find where I'm supposed to get all these school supplies. In Dartmouth I just got them shipped from the school, and they billed us afterwards." Just then Mr. and Mrs. Swift emerged, ready to depart. Mr. Swift drove a Mercedes.

"Michelle, don't you have a BMW?" Harry asked.

"Yeah. That's my mom's car. Dad drives the Mercedes." She seemed to not think that this was much of an achievement. For Harry, the smooth ride was a treat. He was surprised the Swifts were being so hospitable. He wasn't used to it, living with the Dursleys as he did.

At the Leaky Cauldron Michelle said goodbye to her parents, and she and Harry entered Diagon Alley. It was, as always, full of activity. Harry saw a few kids he knew from Hogwarts, and some small children he thought must be First Years.

"You know," Harry said to her, "I usually do my school shopping with Ron and Hermione...But, I guess while we're here I should get it done. Mind if we stop at Gringotts? I need some money."

"They've got a Gringotts here?" Michelle looked extremely happy, "Great. I've only got Muggle money. I haven't had a Galleon in weeks!" She chuckled softly.

After a quick stop at Gringotts Harry and Michelle purchased all their school supplies and had stopped to eat ice cream when a familiar voice called out: "Harry! Hey!" He turned around to see Hermione running over to him, her hands full of shopping bags as well. "I didn't expect to see you here. Who's this?" she said, looking at Michelle.

"This is my new neighbor, Michelle Swift. She's transferring to Hogwarts. We were just getting our school supplies," an odd expression came over Hermione's face. "What is it, Hermione?"

"Michelle Swift. Did you used to live in Dartmouth?" Michelle nodded. Hermione's mouth dropped open, "Is your father Roger Swift?"

"Yeah," Michelle said with the familiar tone that Harry used when people asked him if he was himself. "Do you know my family?"

"Of course! Swift International Banks is one of the largest banking chains in the world! How could I not know who you were! Harry, how come you didn't tell me in a letter or something that you lived near Michelle Swift?" Hermione stared at him intensely.

"I didn't know she was famous... But geez, Hermione, you don't have to make a spectacle about it." Harry knew what that felt like.

"It's okay Harry. I know you understand. It's not a big deal Hermione. It's nice to meet you though. Harry told me how smart you were." Hermione blushed at this comment. "Would you like to join us?" Michelle motioned for her to sit down.

"Sure!" Hermione said, easing into a chair.

They chatted through their chocolate almond chip cones about Hogwarts and anything else that had to do with the school. Hermione had sold her S.P.E.W. badges to a local pawnshop and said she was going to use the money to make pamphlets instead. Harry was relieved that he didn't have to wear his anymore, although the thought of passing out pamphlets with a picture of Dobby on them didn't appeal much either. They also talked about Ron, and his family's trip to Africa. They had gone to Egypt. Both Harry and Hermione were very impressed with the pictures Ron had taken.

About half an hour later Michelle's parents arrived, a little unsure of their surroundings, to pick up Michelle and Harry. The drive home was long, and Harry fell asleep in the car.

*

Harry was busy packing his trunk the night before he'd leave for King's Cross. After hearing whom the Swifts really were (from a friend at the drill factory), Uncle Vernon had offered to bring both Harry and Michelle to the station. Harry had been in complete shock. But, he had already learned that the Dursleys were all too willing to impress.

Harry was eager to go back to Hogwarts. He loved to spend time with Ron and Hermione, but this year those feelings of happiness were downsized. The image of Hogwarts reminded him of the Tournament last year, and his heart immediately sank. He pushed it out of his mind, a practice he was becoming rather good at.

"I'm not going to worry about it Hedwig. Nope. I'm just going to think about the good stuff." She gave him a quiet hoot to show she agreed. 'It won't be easy,' he thought, 'but I have to try.'

*

"HURRY UP BOY," Uncle Vernon bellowed up the stairs, "SHE'S ALREADY COMING UP THE WALK!" Harry finished tucking in his shirt and ran down the stairs. Uncle Vernon was loading his trunk into the boot, and Margaret Swift was chatting with Aunt Petunia. Harry was surprised to see Mrs. Swift crying into a handkerchief, but he was not startled by Aunt Petunia's lack of emotion.

"Harry, ready to go?" Michelle said, obviously taking notice that he had forgotten to tie his shoes.

"O, yeah," Harry said, taking note of it himself. "I'll tie these in the car."

The smoke of the train station filled the air as they entered King's Cross. After mumbled good-byes to the Dursleys, Harry was off. He was going back to Hogwarts! They ran through Platform 9 ¾ and onto the train. Harry led Michelle to the familiar compartment, where Hermione and Ron were already waiting. He was delighted to see them.

"Ron!" he said while giving his best friend a hug, "I got your letters. How was Africa? The pictures were wonderful."

"O, it was just great, Harry," Ron replied, "We had the best time. I want to go back soon. We saw pyramids, and all this ancient magical stuff...Is this Michelle?" he said pointing to Harry's guest.

"Yeah," Harry said, realizing he had forgotten introductions, "Ron, this is Michelle Swift. Michelle, this is Ron Weasley. You already know Hermione."

"Nice to meet you, Ron," Michelle said nervously. "Harry's told me so many stories about all of you. I can't wait to get to Hogwarts." They all nodded in agreement.

"Come on, Michelle. I can show you where we can change into our robes," Hermione said as she put her hand on the doorknob. "We'll be right back." And they left the compartment.

"Harry," Ron began, "are you okay about going back to school?"

Harry took a deep breath, "Yes. I think. I mean, I'm trying my best not to think about all that stuff that happened last year. It's hard."

"I can imagine," Ron said reassuringly. "Don't worry about it though. I'm sure we'll all be fine and dandy." They both chuckled at Ron's joke.

The familiar woman with the candy cart popped in, and Harry once again bought as much candy as he could stuff into his pockets. Hermione and Michelle returned soon thereafter, and were delighted with all the sweets. The train puffed along and Harry looked out the window at all the familiar scenery. He was returning to his real home: Hogwarts. The castle stood out, just as majestic as always. Each of its towers seemed to be stretching towards the night sky. Harry's heart swelled with a wonderful happiness. He even avoided the familiar pang of fear that usually seized him at these moments. Slowly the locomotive came to a stop, and Hagrid could be heard calling out 'Firs' years!' Everyone rushed off the train and onto the platform. They entered the carriages and as the snow-haired horses moved along, Hogwarts slowly came into sight.

"I never get tired of seeing it again," Hermione thought out loud.

"Me either," Harry said as the moonlight reflected on the lake. Returning here was like finding a piece of his soul he had lost for a thousand years. He took in a deep breath, smelling the summer blossoms.