Harry Potter and Unexpected Beginnings

Chapter five

Inside Grimmauld Place, Hermione and Ginny were busy dusting and cleaning the many large rooms. They knew their chores were more a reason to keep them occupied until Harry came back. The twins had already arrived back at the house, assuring everyone that Harry was fine and on his way home. The tension within the walls was thick, as they all thought about the mood Harry would be bringing back with him. Snape and McGonagall had stayed on at the house, longer then they had originally intended, in orders to lend support to Dumbledore, who was looking and acting much older these last few weeks. The question of the elderly wizard's health was a normal part of everyone's conversation, of late.

The front door to the house opened up and Harry and Ron entered, talking about their impending trip to Diagon Alley. They had just passed by the open door to the study, when they caught sight of Hermione and Ginny quietly dusting the bookshelves. Ron nudged Harry's arm, edging him closer to the door. Harry rolled his eyes. He wasn't ready to ask Ron's little sister out, the very minute they arrived back at the house.

"Hey, Harry," Ginny said, looking up from her dusting. Hermione turned and smiled at her friends, uncertain whether or not she should confront Harry after the way he acted at breakfast.

"Hey, Ginny," Harry answered, walking into the room with Ron. "What are you two doing?"

"Mum thought we needed something to keep us busy," Ginny commented, with a sly smile. "You've been gone nearly the entire morning, where did you run to? Scotland?" Harry chuckled. The idea wasn't at all that disdainful, to be honest. Right now, he'd love to just start running and not stop until he was far away from Grimmauld Place, Voldemort, and his promise to Ron.

"I probably wouldn't mind it, but I think the exertion would kill Ron. He could barely make it, a full kilometer."

"It's not my fault," Ron grumbled sitting down in on the divan near the fireplace. "I'm not the one who's determined to see all of England, by foot."

"I think it's admirable, Harry," Hermione complimented, glaring at Ron. "Heaven knows we could probably all do with a little more exercise."

"Right," Ron said, staring up at Harry. "We were just discussing that. Harry and I were thinking of taking a day to visit Diagon Alley, there's plenty of walking to be had there."

"That sounds marvelous," Hermione added eagerly. "I'm dying to see the list of new course books, for this year. I hope they are more interesting than last year."

"I wonder who they've gotten for the new DA teacher, this year." Ginny commented, returning to her dusting.

"It's got to be something interesting," Ron added. "After all, look what we've had so far. Anything would be an improvement on last year."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Tonks said, as she turned the corner and entered the room. All four occupants turned to her, frowning. "Don't tell anyone, but I'm your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"This is great!" Hermione commented. She and Tonks had become great friends over the past year. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time, before they began thinking of each other as sisters.

"I hoped you'd be happy about it," Tonks chuckled, brushing her now pink and orange braids out of her face. "And don't worry, I won't play favoritism, just because I happen to think you four are the brightest and most wonderful kids in all of Hogwart's."

"Well if you don't play favoritism," Harry began with a sly smile directed at the redhead still sitting on the divan. "Then how is Ron ever going to pass?"

"Sod off, Potter," Ron argued. "I may not be The Boy Who Lived, but I think I can hold my own."

'We'll see," Harry said with a smile. "I've spent my summer holidays studying advanced spells, what have you done, besides pine over..."Harry suddenly stopped with a soft blush to his cheeks, realizing he'd almost let his best friend's secret out. He quickly cleared his throat and looked around the room for a distraction.

"Let's not argue about this," Tonks picked up, sensing Harry's blunder, having seen the way Ron and Hermione were acting over breakfast. "We'll see whose the best student, come September. Until then, Harry, Professor Dumbledore would like to speak with you. He's in the kitchen." Harry nodded, eager to escape before Ron had him tied and bound to the chair, forcing him to ask Ginny out on a date.

Harry pushed the door to the kitchen open, feeling the familiar twitters of anticipation he always got whenever he had to speak with the greatest wizard who ever lived. He saw the room was still occupied with Snape, McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Mad-Eye Moody and Lupin. He felt a sudden dread, as though he were facing the quiatine. He stepped through the door, glancing behind him as Tonks, Hermione, Ron and Ginny joined the group, while the twins; Fred and George, apparated into the room, and quietly took a seat at the table. Now Harry was certain he was on trial, and his jurors were the people he trusted most - with the exception of Snape, of course.

"You wished to speak with me Professor?" Harry asked, willing his voice to remain calm, under the circumstances.

"Yes Harry, I did. Please sit down." Harry glanced around the room briefly, noting the smell and bubbling pots on the stove, assuring him that lunch would soon be ready. He wanted to focus on the aromas emanating from the pots, but knew it was just a way to distract his thoughts from what was about to happen.

"I think I know what this is about," Harry began, looking into the aging eyes of the most admired man in his life. "I owe you an apology for my behavior this morning. I had no right to say those things to you. I'm just not sure what's happening to me, lately. I just seem sort of..."

"Lost," Dumbledore supplied the word for the boy, after a few moments of Harry's stumbling to find one. Harry nodded his head, and fell into silence. "It's understandable, Harry," the wizard continued. "Sirius was a good friend to us all, but he was much more than that to you. He was like a father to you, the only real connection you had of your parents. Loosing him was a great shock and an unexpected tragedy."

"Yes sir," Harry answered softly, looking down at his hands resting on the table in front of him, twisting his father's wedding ring he wore, around his finger.

"Sirius loved you as a son, Harry," Dumbledore continued gently. "That is one of the reasons why I must speak with you...with all of you. I believe Sirius suspected something may happen to him, so he owled me his last will and testament, just a few weeks before he left us." Harry looked up into the tired face of his Headmaster, and forced back his tears. He refused to cry, he would not show weakness, especially in front of all these people.

"I am sure it is no surprise, that he left you the bulk of his estate, Harry. The funds from his account at Gringott's have been transferred into your account, enough to see you through for many years to come. He also left you this house, with the condition that it remains the headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix, for as long as it deems necessary. Sirius was very concerned about your welfare, Harry, as are we all. He and I did not see eye to eye on your staying with your relatives in the Muggle world. He knew it was necessary in order to protect you, but he wanted you here with him. He was not only your connection to your father, Harry, you were his. He and James were closer than any two brothers I've ever known. Much like you and young Mr. Weasley, are," Dumbledore nodded in the direction of Ron, as the two boys exchanged glances.

"Since he was your godfather, Sirius knew that you would need guidance and support, and someone to lean on when things were difficult and complicated. Sirius asked Remus to take over for him, if anything were to happen to him. Your father also asked Remus to look after you, if anything were to happen to Sirius. I have spoken with Remus about this, and he has agreed to step in if you would allow." Harry looked at Lupin, who sat with a proud smile on his face, as if he had just been told he had a son.

"I know my father and Sirius meant well, and no offense intended to Professor Lupin, but I don't want another godfather. I don't really think I need one." Harry saw the sudden look of disappointment in Lupin's eyes, but turned away before he felt it necessary to respond further.

"Then don't consider me a godfather, Harry," Lupin said softly. "Just consider me a friend with a few more years under his broomstick, than Mr. Weasley." Harry smiled. It was just like Lupin to keep a cheerful disposition when things looked their worst.

"Harry, I know you're concerned about the visions you have been having, about Voldemort," Dumbledore continued, sensing the sudden shudders from those present, at the mention of the dark lord's name. "I don't know how to explain it to you, other than to tell you that it's in your blood. Your mother was a very talented seer, and her talent and skills was a definite concern to Lord Voldemort. He knew that your mother would supply his downfall, and I suppose in a way, she did, with you. It's only natural that you would have her talent. I'm surprised you have yet to demonstrate any signs of your father's talent," he said, indicating his father's ability to transform into a stag. Harry looked back down to his hands, trying to contain his mounting anger.

"I don't think my mother was very talented," he said softly, his jaw clenching in response to holding back his anger.

"Lily was a unique woman, Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said. "She had a wonderful way with transfigurations, as well as divinations. Miss Granger reminds me a great of her. She was truly gifted, she was just naive. We all were. We assumed that Pettigrew was competent and loyal. Your mother never had reason to doubt him, so she never focused on his inner soul."

"So why is it now, that I am able to do these things? Why is it, that I can now see what Voldemort is doing, or going to do, without him knowing it?"

"I believe that when he possessed you at the Ministry, he triggered your sense of empathy. Your thoughts and love for your friends, drove him out of you and awakened your inner eye."

"Awakened my inner eye?" Harry questioned doubtfully.

"History is filled with seers who didn't know they were seers, until a tragic accident brought it out of them," Hermione commented, using her usual walking dictionary tone of voice.

"Your heart is pure, Harry, as was your mother's," Dumbledore continued. "She gave you a gift upon her death, and now it is helping you in ways you have yet to understand. Her love will always see you through, Harry. She gave her life for you, and thereby gave you the ability to ward off Voldemort, possibly in more ways than any of us is aware. Her love has awoken a sleeping dragon inside you now. This gift, will protect you even further." Harry was silent thinking on what Dumbledore was telling him. It didn't feel like a gift, it felt like a curse. He didn't want to know what Voldemort was going to do. He didn't want the nightmares that accompanied the visions.

"When I saw Bellatrix telling Voldemort about the prison, it was as if I wasn't there, I could smell the fire, and feel the heat of the room. If it was a premonition, how could that have happened?" Dumbledore looked at Harry, locking his aging gaze with the younger green eyes staring back at him. He could not only see his curiosity rising, but he could sense the anger beginning to build as well.

"A true seer has the ability to sense their subjects emotions with perfect detail. They can taste their tears, feel their fears, and even experience their joy or pain. I believe this is what is happening to you, Harry. You and Voldemort were connected through your mother's sacrifice to save you. Even though you could feel everything that was happening around you, you weren't actually there. Only your subconscious mind could detect the situation to its true nature." Harry thought on this for several moments, before looking back into the eyes of the man staring at him.

"If I can see Voldemort and what he's planning, if I can walk in the room with him, without him knowing I'm there, can I control the situation?"

"What do you mean, Harry?"

"The first time I saw him, he was about to kill Wormtail. What if it was possible for me to prevent him from doing harm, or make him do something different than what he's planning? Maybe if I can control the situation, I can turn the tables on him, make him cause himself harm or even make someone near him, turn their wand on him. Is that possible?"

"I'm afraid not, Harry. You are only a visitor in that time and space, you're not actually there. You have no control over the area. Do you remember the pensive? It is similar to that. No body can hear you, or see you. You can't touch anyone and make them feel it, and you can't coerce them into doing anything that is not fated."

"Then what good is having this so called gift, if it doesn't help us?"

"But it does help us, Harry," Lupin added to the conversation. "Now that we know you have this power, we can use it to prevent situations from occurring."

"It didn't help with the prison, did it?" Harry snapped bitterly. "Nobody even believed me."

"It's not that we didn't believe you, Harry," Mrs. Weasley then added.

"It's just that when we tried to confirm your vision, everything was in order. The prison was full," explained Mr. Weasley. "It wasn't until hours later, that those we set to watch the prison, noticed something different. When they went to investigate, they found the Dementors had opened the doors and set the prisoners free."

"That's when we realized you could see the future," Tonks said.

"When this happens again, are you going to believe Harry, or just send people to check it out?" Ron asked, coming to his friend's defense.

"We have to check it out, but we will definitely take it much more serious," Moody clarified.

"If we had more than just this one-time occurrence, then we could alter our judgment, but as it is..." commented Snape, who received an evil glare from Harry.

"It wasn't one time," Harry growled angrily. "I saw your friend killing an innocent woman, when we were on the night bus."

"What friend?" Snape barked back, his tone low but his words thick with suspicions.

"What woman?" Tonks added simultaneously.

"Lucius Malfoy," Harry clarified. "He was standing over a woman with pale blond hair, and used the killing curse, without even blinking. Voldemort said he had been betrayed and that she must pay the dues owed to him." The room was silent as Harry and Snape paired off, each looking directly into each other's eyes, trying to see what lie behind. A few moments passed, before Snape gasped and fell backwards off his chair. Harry stood up over him, glaring, an evil smile crossing his lips.

"You have been practicing your Occlumency lessons," Dumbledore continued, knowingly. Harry nodded still looking at a stunned Snape, who pulled himself from the floor.

"He's done more than just practice the Occlumency lessons," Moody stated, his magical eye focusing on Harry's profile. "He's developed his mind into a weapon."

"How is that possible?" Fred asked, exchanging looks with George.

"He's only a boy, doesn't that sort of skill take years of intense training?" George picked up where his brother left off. Dumbledore nodded, his eyes fixing on the boy standing in front of the greasy haired man.

"You have surpassed all my expectations, Harry. I'm very impressed."

"Why should you be?" Harry snapped, turning his glare to the headmaster. "I am after all the Famous Harry Potter, remember? The-Boy-Who-Lived, the defender of the wizarding world, and all that crap."

"Watch your tongue, Potter," Snape ordered, defending his headmaster and friend, as he tried to contain himself.

"Go to hell, traitor," Harry growled, causing Hermione, Ron and Ginny to gasp audibly, and the twins to snicker softly, which in turn earned them a stern glare from their mother.

"What did you call me?" Snap demanded, turning on the boy and confronting him fully.

"You heard me. You're a traitor. I don't know why Dumbledore trusts you and I don't care less, but to me you're nothing but a filthy Death Eater. You deserve to be Azkaban, or worse." Harry watched the look cross Snape's face. "What's the matter Professor?" he continued. "No house points to take away for my audacity? No Draco Malfoy to cheer you on?"

"Harry that's enough," Mrs. Weasley demanded, breaking through the tension. "It's time for lunch anyway. Now sit down, all of you."

"No," Harry refused, his green eyes still bearing into the dark beady eyes of Snape. "I won't eat at the same table as that creature."

"Harry, that's enough," warned Lupin, as he and Moody stood and walked slowly around the table. They knew the tension mounting was going to lead to trouble, as the two faced off. In answer to the call of the challenge, Snape pulled his wand on the boy facing him, but was a breath's move too late. Harry had seen the intention in his eyes, and had his wand out before Snape could get a firm grip on his own. The room's occupants gasped, fear and uncertainty echoing among the walls. Nobody knew what to do. As Dumbledore stood to defuse the situation, a determined voice interrupted him, causing him to blink twice at the sudden bravery.

"That's enough," Ginny insisted stepping in between the two wands. She glared from one to the other, than turned full forced on Harry. "I said enough." Still Harry didn't move, or blink. "Harry James Potter, put it away and sit your arse at that table, the same with you Professor Snape!" she ordered, this time, getting a brief glance from both opponents. "NOW!" she shouted, watching as they lowered their wands, frowning at the red haired girl standing between them. Snape returned his wand to his robes, as Harry replaced his inside his shirt, where he had been hiding it for so many months.

"I'm not hungry," Harry said softly, turning to leave the room.

"I said sit down," Ginny snapped, grabbing Harry by the arm, holding onto him firmly. Harry turned, seeing the look in her eyes, daring him to confront her. "Mum has made lunch, and you will sit down and eat. Now everyone, sit and eat before it gets cold." The rest of the table returned to their seats, while Harry and Ginny just stared at each other. Harry didn't know quite what to do, and Ginny merely raised an eyebrow at him, demanding silently for him to obey, which he reluctantly did. He returned to his seat, pushing the plate Mrs. Weasley sat in front of him aside, and picking up a roll instead. Ginny quietly stepped to his side, pulling the plate back in front of him, handing him the spoon and poring him a glass of pumpkin juice. Harry glanced up at her, seeing the determined look, much like her mother's, shining in her green eyes.

The room concentrated on eating their lamb stew, including Harry, who actually found himself hungry after a couple of bites. He finished his entire meal, and then gingerly pushed his plate aside, looking up at the smirking face of Ginny, as she stood and walked her own empty plate to the sink and began washing the dishes. Hermione glanced at Harry and Ron both, as conversations began again in the too quiet room. The look in her eye was one of amusement and pride, and it irritated both boys immensely.

After several long minutes, Snape stood, announcing that he had to leave. Glancing back to Harry briefly, he left the house, shutting the front door behind him. Ron nudged Harry's elbow, then leaned in to speak softly to him.

"I can't believe you faced off against Snape," Ron said, excitement and awe in his whispered tone.

"He made me mad," Harry answered softly.

"Wait until Malfoy hears that you challenged his favorite teacher. I can't wait to be the one to tell him." Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat softly, forcing both boys to look up. The look in his amused eyes told them he had heard everything they had said, and held a silent warning to keep this among themselves. Both boys looked a little embarrased, lowering their eyes to the table.

"Harry, we have a very special dessert," Mrs. Weasley announced, bring out a large bowl of ice cream covered with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and chopped nuts. "In celebration of your sixteenth birthday," she announced setting in the middle of the table. She waved her wand briefly, as sixteen candles appeared in the center of the sweet concoction, each lit with a brilliant red and yellow flame. The room's occupants smiled, each starting in a chorus of Happy Birthday. Harry felt suddenly awkward, as presents began popping onto the table in front of him. He didn't want to celebrate his birthday, especially not here where memories were so painfully alive, but he didn't know how to tell Mrs. Weasley, and he wouldn't attempt to tell Ginny no again, any time soon.

"You didn't have to do this, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks.

"Nonsense, dear. I give my children a party every year for their birthdays, and I'm not about to stop now."

"But I'm not one of your children," he told her gently. Mrs. Weasley was quiet for several moments, as was the rest of the room once again. Then with a slight clearing of her throat, she looked into the green eyes; her own eyes misting at the lost and lonely expression that echoed within his.

"I may not have given you life, but that doesn't make you any less one of my own. Now, make a wish and blow out the candles." Harry smiled warmly at the woman, doing as she ordered. He closed his eyes, making a silent wish he knew would never come true, and blew out the candles. The voices of those gathered around the table cheered, patting the young man on the back.

"Open mine first, Harry," Ron insisted, handing him a poorly wrapped present of red and orange. Harry smiled and took the gift, pulling the ties that held it closed. Inside was an autographed photo of the Chudley Cannons team players. They were all standing by their brooms waving at him, each one with a winning smile on their faces.

"This is great Ron, where'd you get it?" Harry asked, inspecting the signatures.

"I wrote to them and told them I was your best friend, and I wanted the best present in the world for your sixteenth birthday. So they sent it to me. You really like it?"

"It's totally wicked," Harry chided, smiling happily at the picture.

"Boys," Hermione grumbled, handing him her present next. "Try something a little more serious, please." Harry smiled, lifting the neatly wrapped present from her hand. He knew even without opening it, it was a book. Pulling the ties off, he opened the paper and peered within. A Wizard's Companion to Spells, was written on the outer cover.

"Um...thanks Hermione," he said with a forced smile.

"I thought it might come in handy since you have your N.E.W.T.S. coming up soon."

"Bloody hell, Hermione," Ron complained. "That's not for another year. What you trying to do, turn Harry into a dictionary of spells and curses?"

"I'm sure it will come in handy, Hermione, thanks," Harry told her with a smile, trying to defuse an argument, before Ron even had a chance to ask her out. His smile widened as he thought about his present. Only Hermione Granger could make a birthday into a learning experience.

"That's really great, Hermione," Fred said with a serious expression.

"But ours is the best," George added, shoving a large box about the size of a Muggle shoebox in Harry's grip. Harry reluctantly opened the top, peeking inside in case it was alive.

"It's a full year's supply of our newest lines, Weasley's Wicked Whistlers. All you have to do is open one, toss it under another person's seat and they whistle. Listen," Fred told him, opening up one and rolling it under the table. Instantly it began whistling wolf calls under Ginny's chair. "Great, huh?"

"This way if you find you're all hormonal and stuff, all you have to do is toss one under a girl you like, and it'll get her attention for you," George added. Harry smiled with a slight blush. He couldn't imagine setting one of these off in a classroom, or anywhere for that matter.

"Hey, maybe we should try one on old Snape," Ron said with a wicked smile. "Can you imagine Pansy Parkinson's face if his seat suddenly starts whistling at him?"

"Pansy Parkinson?" Ginny asked with a frown. "Isn't that the girl that looks like a pug dog?"

"Yeah," Ron answered with a chuckle. "She's got a major crush on Snape. Though I can't imagine why. Old greasy git." Just then Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, turning Ron's face a deep shade of scarlet, as the rest of the room laughed at his reaction.

The rest of the presents were all unique and well appreciated. Mrs. Weasley had given Harry a knitted scarf and hat in the Gryffindor colors, while Mr. Weasley gave him a Muggle calculator, insisting it was the best thing he had ever seen. Lupin gave him a shaving kit, though Harry didn't think he would ever need it. He found a spell last year to help him reduce any signs of stubble, after nearly cutting his chin off, when he snuck his Uncle Vernon's razor. Moody gave him an auror's mirror, to protect him from anyone in disguise, as Crouch had been two years ago. Tonks gave an engraved case for his wand, lined in red and gold velvet, with his name and house emblem on the front, while Dumbledore gave him an old necklace, a deep blue, tear drop stone on a delicate silver chain. It was much more feminine than Harry would have thought he'd ever receive. He glanced to Dumbledore and smile politely.

"It was your mother's," he told the boy, who looked back at the stone, touching it lightly. "It's an azurite," he clarified. "It holds great powers to help improve decision making, ease depression, heightens dreams, improves mental balance, sharpens your mental clarity and increases mental disciple. Your mother believed it had great power and helped her with her premonitions."

"It's wonderful," Harry said, holding it up to the light and watching the colors reflect through the center. "Thank you."

"Well, if we've all had enough," Mrs. Weasley said, taking the now empty bowl away to the sink. "I think we need to get things cleared up and get busy cleaning the attic. Since Kreacher passed on, we're finding his hidden stashes of trash in every crook and corner." Harry looked up at the woman suddenly.

"Kreacher is dead?" he asked, realizing he hadn't even asked about Sirius's treacherous house elf, since arriving there. He had assumed the beast was in his hiding hole. The feelings Harry had for the creature was any but friendly. It was equally his fault that Sirius had gone to the Ministry the day he fell behind the veil.

"He died from old age about three weeks ago," Hermione said, her voice shaking slightly.

"Good," Harry commented, gathering up his presents. Ron placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder, shaking his head in warning her to not say a word about the house elf that had lied and betrayed Sirius.

"Let's go drop your stuff off in our room, and head to the attic," Ron told Harry, helping gather his belongings together.

"At least there's no more doxies left," Ginny said bitterly. "I didn't care much for their bites." Ron and Harry listened as Hermione and Ginny chatted in the kitchen behind them, about the little beasts from last year, that they had to clean out of the house. Once they were out of earshot, Ron turned to Harry, a slight blush to his cheeks.

"Can you talk to Ginny today," he asked Harry. "I don't want to push you, but I don't think I'm going to be able to sit still, or even sleep if you don't. I really want to ask Hermione out."

"I still don't know why you can't just ask her. If I ask Ginny, with the way she was over lunch, she's liable to kill me."

"No she won't. But she was pretty mental wasn't she? Can you imagine, she's starting to sound just like Hermione? I can't believe we'll have two of them, in the same house back at school. We'll never survive."

"Look, Ron, if I ask her, you have to promise me to get off my back about asking anyone else, deal?" Ron looked at Harry with an odd expression. "I meant what I said. I don't think it's a good idea to try and start something with a girl, if I'm just going to die soon, anyway."

"What makes you think you're going to die?" Harry stepped into the room followed close behind by Ron. He lay his presents on his bed then sat on the end.

"That prophecy Voldemort wanted, said basically that either I have to kill or be killed by him. We can't both of us survive. I know my powers aren't that strong, I felt his power when he possessed me, and it was really strong. I can't survive against something that raw and hateful."

"Bloody hell, Harry, why didn't you tell us about this?"

"Can you imagine how Hermione would react? No, its best if nobody knows about that whole thing. Promise me?" Ron sighed deeply. He knew it wasn't going to be easy keeping this from Hermione, but for Harry's benefit, he had no choice but try.

"All right, Harry, I won't say anything, but you should know by now, there's no way you can keep Hermione or me away if you need us."

"Thanks Ron, but when the day comes, it will be something I have to do myself."

"All right, but I still think you're mental if you think we're going to let you do this alone. Now, go find Ginny," Ron told him, hearing Hermione go into the room across from Ron and Harry.

Leaving the room, and heading down the hallway, Harry couldn't help but feel as though he was doomed to be the only boy at Hogwart's without a girlfriend. Still, he knew he was right. He didn't want to go through loosing another person he cared deeply about. Sirius's death taught him that, even if nobody else could ever convince him. He knew what the future held for him. He was destined to die.