Hidden Within

Prologue

A tall man sat hunched next to a dark pensieve. The pensieve was black, impenetrable, swirling continually with sad thoughts.

The man had suffered horribly, he felt helpless, his dreadful memories haunting him. Yet, he sat quietly in his study, his mind lost in his memories...

He was trapped, helpless.

He was Tom Riddle.

Dumbledore sat in his office, reliving the graduation ceremony of the day before.

Those young people have such potential, especially Tom; he had the skills to become anything he wanted.

Dumbledore's usually smiling lips were creased into a deep frown that was so uncharacteristic on his face.

Dumbledore had often tried to reach out to him, but Tom had always drawn away. He had always been very secretive. He was usually alone in the library squinting at the tiny text in ridiculously complicated books.

It hurt so much to see the boy without friends, his face hidden behind a mask betraying nothing.

Tom Riddle was handsome, smart, and resourceful, in another time he could have been very outgoing and popular.

But in these dark times...he was alone.

His mother gone, killed by Grindelwald. His mind was caught up in revenge, sometimes forgetting to live.

"Oh, Tom..."sighed Dumbledore.

"Finally, I am me again," whispered Tom. He picked up the copy of the Daily Prophet that lay on the dusty floor, the newspaper's colour blended in with the deep dust of the once polished floor, like ocean and sky blending into a veil of grey. Tom skimmed through the many articles, until he found one concerning himself.

"No, no, no, not Voldemort again," he moaned, feeling desperate, feeling revulsion at himself.

Tom silently cursed Voldemort. Voldemort had made him murder his own family, his friends, everyone.

And all the while he was helpless...

A high, blood-chilling laugh erupted from deep within him, he was Voldemort again.

The crescent moon shone silently, its light danced eerily on the glass of the small window.

Harry Potter turned fitfully in his sleep, his dreams consumed by a man, a tall man with a pale white face, with malicious red eyes, with a chilling laugh. He heard the words, the words that caused his miseries, "Kill the spare." he saw a green flash, and he heard Cedric's lifeless body fall to the ground.

Harry woke up screaming, hating Voldemort with every fibre of his being. His hateful thoughts blossoming uncontrollably and untended like a garden of weeds.

He was woken up screaming every night with his horrible nightmares, unable to get any proper sleep. Every morning, he woke up with dark circles were underneath his eyes, that reflected the shadows he faced. His eyes had lost it sparkle, leaving a haunted, deadened look in the emerald green.

Harry Potter turned on his back, staring at the off-white ceiling of his room.

He listened to the deep snoring of the Dursleys. Oh, how he envied them.

Harry turned to his side and recommenced his fitful sleep.

Chapter One

Harry woke up from another night of disturbing dreams and rubbed his eyes. He went over to the washroom and took a good look in the mirror. The reflection had sallow skin, a gaunt face, messy hair, and deep smudges under his eyes, his eyes staring at him, blaming him, as he felt a fresh wave of guilt surround him.

Harry grunted.

He stepped into the shower and had a nice long wash, trying to drown his reality, trying to forget everything besides the gentle steam enveloping his body.

He stepped out of the shower, his hair dripping water all over the Dursleys' floor. Harry grabbed a fluffy towel and dried himself.

He surveyed himself in the mirror again, he looked slightly better, but his eyes, still stared back at him accusingly, making him relive his nightmares again.

Harry wondered how he could ever live on like this. Each minute being tortured, each minute remembering. But, he had to. For the good of the world, for his friends, for his parents, for his enemies, he had to live. The world needed him, if not to fight Voldemort, to remain a beacon of hope.

Harry had to endure his suffering for everyone. They needed him.

He dressed in a fresh t-shirt and some baggy jeans.

Harry headed downstairs to another emotionally draining day with Dudley poking him with his Smeltings stick.

He ate his meagre breakfast of a grapefruit and some water and got ready for his chores.

"Boy," hollered Uncle Vernon, "go paint the new gazebo and weed the garden. If you're done before lunch, you can do some gardening."

Harry slowly finished his grapefruit as Uncle Vernon continued complaining about everything.

He washed his dish and stepped out into the burning sun. Harry quickly went into the shade of the garage to get the paints. He reluctantly walked back into the scorching glare of the sun, feeling his skin blister. He approached the wooden gazebo and slopped on the paint. After two hours of this torture, Harry proceeded to the garden. There was a bit of shade provided by the large birch tree in the yard. He sighed for the bit of salvation, not noticing the thorn embedded in his skin. A slight trickle of blood came out that looked like red ink oozing out. Harry plucked away the thorn nonchalantly and continued his work. As he finished, he sat down, basking in the shadow of the tree.

Harry went inside the bland building for his meagre lunch.

After another day of misery, Harry changed into his pyjamas, and lay down on his bed, ready for another cycle of melancholy.

For once, Harry had a deep, dreamless sleep.

As Harry woke up, he was surprised to see sun streaming in his window instead of the darkness of the usual time he woke up, the shadow-infested room. He heard a tapping at the window, and saw three owls.

He opened his window and first reaching to stroke Hedwig, reached for the letter tied to her leg. Harry had lent Hedwig to Hermione for the summer. He didn't realize until now how much he enjoyed Hedwig's company.

He reached for the Pig who was darting around his room.

He opened the letter and read:

Dear Harry,

Guess what? Dumbledore says that you can come over to the burrow! If you can come owl me back right now. If you can come (and if you can't) we'll be there at 5:00 tomorrow (if it's still today). And don't worry we'll be taking a ministry car this time. We can play quidditch every day!

Your friend,

Ron

P.S. Hermione is coming too!

P.S.S I'm a prefect!

P.S.S.S Hermione's a prefect too, duh.

Despite Harry's previous mood, he gave a brief smile, a small reminiscence of his life before the third task.

Harry flinched, remembering what happened again.

He felt abhorrence coursing through his body. Oh, how he loathed Voldemort.

Then, Harry remembered Ron's letter. He grabbed Pig again and quickly scrawled his reply on the back of the yellowish parchment:

Dear Ron,

I'd love to come to the burrow! I don't think that my uncle will be very happy, but he'll do anything to get me to leave early. I'll see you tomorrow!

Your friend,

Harry

Harry felt way happier at the prospect of a whole month at the burrow. His tense muscles relaxed a bit at the prospect of freedom.

Harry went downstairs to tell his uncle.

"What do you want, boy?" snarled his uncle spitefully.

Harry carefully asked, "My friend invited me to stay at his house, may I go?"

Mr. Dursley said, "How are they getting here this time?"

Harry quickly said, "Don't worry, they're coming by car."

Uncle Vernon said, "Fine, but you better finish all your chores before you leave."

"OK."

Harry quickly started working on his chores, these usual back-breaking and exhausting tasks passed quickly, his fingers moving automatically while his mind was a million miles away.

Suddenly Harry remembered the other owls, and scrambled up to his room.

"I'm so sorry," he said apologetically.

The Hogwarts owl gave a disgruntled hoot.

Harry untied his letter first, and as soon as he did the owl flew out the window.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dear Mr. Potter,

Term begins on September the 1^st. The Hogwarts express will arrive at King's Cross Station (Platform 9 3/4) at 10:30 and will depart at 11:00.

Yours Sincerely,

Minerva Mconogall

Deputy Headmistress

Harry searched the contents of the envelope once more. Another sheaf of parchment fell out.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that you have been chosen to be a prefect. Please report to the head of the Hogwarts express for the initiation ceremony. Your prefect badge is enclosed.

Minerva McGonagall

Harry reached into the envelope and pulled out the shiny silver badge.

"Wow, I thought that only Hermione was going to be a prefect," he said to no one.

Then, Harry untied the letter from Hedwig's leg:

Dear Harry,

I'm going to the burrow too! I'll see you there. And can you believe it? I'm going to be a prefect! I just can't believe it, me, a prefect!!!!!!

Your friend,

Hermione

Harry grinned; he couldn't believe that Hermione was worrying about becoming a prefect! "I bet that she's been on the potential prefects list (if there is such a thing) since 1^st term of 1^st year," murmured Harry.

Before long, it was 5:00.

Harry, his trunk, and Hedwig waited by the curtains, trying to see a flash of bright red hair.

Soon, he saw the Weasleys, their flaming hair clashing horribly with the blue of the ministry car.

Harry quickly said goodbye to the Dursleys and raced out to the blue car, which was rather difficult since he was lugging a heavy trunk and an owl at the same time. He nearly fell flat on his face, and received gales of laughter from the Weasleys.

As Harry reached the car he saw Mr. Weasley, the twins, and Ron.

Fred and George helped load Harry's trunk into the car.

Then, they all climbed into the spacious car.

"It's good to see you Harry," said Mr. Weasley.

"It's good to see you too Mr. Weasley," replied Harry.

"I missed you SO much," said Ron.

"Me too, I was SO bored, I'd rather be listening to Trelawney predict my death," said Harry.

During the ride to the burrow, many topics were discussed: quidditch, prefects, quidditch, girls, prefects, girls, and quidditch.

As they reached the burrow, Harry saw Hermione, Ginny and Molly Weasley waving at them enthusiastically. Their arms flailing like flesh-coloured branches during a windstorm.

Hermione ran up to greet Harry and gave him a tight hug. "Ireallymissedyou.Areyou alright?WasyourholidayOK?"

Harry answered almost as fast as Hermione, "metoo,yes,notreally."

Hermione slowed down and asked, "What happened?" with concern running through her voice. She was staring at Harry's eyes. They scared her. "Have you had any nightmares?"

Harry carefully said, "Nothing significant, just the usual."

Hermione eyed him suspiciously, but decided to drop the subject.

"So, you guys, who do you, think the new defence against the dark arts teacher is?" asked Hermione.

"Oh, Hermy, just call it DADA," sighed Ron. "Why do you always have to make things so hard?"

"I'll ignore the DADA comment, but Hermy?" asked Hermione raising an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you? I don't go by Hermy! I'm Hermione, not Hermy, and I don't answer to Hermy!" She glared at Ron.

"That was an answer, wasn't it?" said Ron, grinning insanely.

Hermione just continued glaring.

After a long time, the tension was broken by Harry howling with laughter. "Honestly, you guys really need to stop fighting!" he gasped between his laughs, clutching his stomach.

Both Ron and Hermione glared at Harry.

Harry looked at them with a wide grin.

"Well, should we proceed inside?" asked Ron with a crooked smile.

"Harry, you can either sleep by yourself in Percy's old room or in my room with me."

"I think, I'll take Percy's room, you snore like.....er....some kind of animal that snores very loudly." Ron playfully punched his arm. Harry wanted to stay with Ron, but he didn't want to wake him up with his nightmares.

"Fine then," answered Ron. "But, you'll have to deal with the nonexistent snoring at Hogwarts!" he said grinning.

Harry smiled; it was good to be back among friends.

He dragged up his trunk to his room and unpacked a bit. He had never been in Percy's room before. The walls were bare, and the room had little furnishing. All traces of Percy's existence were gone, leaving only memories on the faded walls.

He reached into his hidden compartment of his most treasured items. Harry took out the leather photo album and looked into the smiling faces of his parents. He felt so alone, abandoned. Harry suddenly remembered where he was, in the burrow, he should never feel alone here.

Harry heard someone calling from downstairs, "Dinner, Everyone!" He slowly headed down the stairs, his hand sliding down the dull wood of the banisters.

"Hey, guys," he called from the bottom of the stairs to the assembly of Weasleys. Hermione came down shortly.

As Harry took his seat at the rickety table, platefuls of delicious food appeared in front of him. He hadn't had any decent food since Hogwarts and he dug in ravenously. Mr. Weasley began once again to discuss muggle technology. Harry relaxed.

"After dinner, you boys can play some quidditch in the orchard, you don't need to worry about the light, it looks as though it's 3 o'clock outside," said Mrs. Weasley.

Harry smiled, he was eager to be on his Firebolt again.

After a delicious dessert of Chocolate Cake, Harry bolted to his room to grab his Firebolt. He pelted towards the orchard and jumped onto his broom. It was wonderful to feel the rush of air, the natural feeling, the adrenaline. He felt powerful, as if he was commanding the wind rushing past him. After doing a few rounds around the small orchard, Harry noticed an apple starting to fall from one of the trees; he quickly went into a spectacular dive and managed to catch it before the apple hit the ground. He felt his hands close around the smooth skin of the apple. To reward himself, Harry ate the sweet apple.

"That was brilliant!" exclaimed Ron. "So, do you think I should try out for keeper this year? I've been practicing ever since school ended." Before he let Harry answer he continued, "Yeah, I think I will." "Harry, you'll be deciding who the new keeper is, so would you mind to give me special consideration?" asked Ron.

"Are you saying that you think I will be quidditch captain?" said Harry raising an eyebrow.

"Duh, who else?" answered Ron. "I mean you're the best player, and besides Wood also became captain in 5^th year." "Just tell me you'll accept!" pleaded Ron.

"If you say so," said Harry with a bemused expression on his face.

"Now why don't I demonstrate my keeping skills," announced Ron, hovering on his old broom. "OK, the goal post can be between those two trees," said Ron, pointing at a grove of cherry trees. "Be chaser, and use that old ball on the ground."

Harry picked up the ball and charged at Ron. He threw it hard towards the gap between the branches.

Ron was pitiful, his hand missed by about half a metre.

"Good try," said Harry, "I'm sure you'll get it next time." He gave Ron an encouraging looking smile and realized the last time he had used that expression it had been on Quirrell, Harry shuddered involuntarily.

Ron smiled enthusiastically, "If you'd stop throwing the ball at the grass, maybe I'd actually attempt to stop it."

Harry picked up the ball and gently threw it straight at the gap.

Ron caught it, "Pretty good, huh?"

"Yeah," Harry murmured.

"We better go in now," announced Harry, "It's getting late."

The boys landed on the darkening grass and slowly made their way to their bedrooms.

They took quick showers, said goodnight to everyone, and lay down on their beds.

Harry stared at the picture frame on the bedside stand featuring a happy picture of the Weasleys. A small sigh escaped Harry as he drifted into nostalgic dreams of the family he never knew.

Bright rays shone through the old window. Harry awoke and leisurely dressed. He quickly descended down the wobbly stairs, just realizing how hungry he was.

"Surprise!" said many cheerful faces under a colourful banner saying Happy Birthday, Harry!

Harry stopped dead in his tracks, it was his birthday. How could he forget? Actually he remembered, he could forget, with all the nightmares and worrying...He smiled, and thanked everyone. He looked around the crowd and saw a large black dog crouching in the corner. "Sirius!" he shouted silently.

The dog seemed to nod.

Harry went over to Ron and Hermione. "I can't believe this."

"Well, what did you expect?" said Ron. "You thought we were going to ignore your birthday?" he continued.

Harry laughed and pulled Ron and Hermione into a hug. "I can't believe I could let you guys get away with a surprise birthday party without me even knowing it was my birthday!" After a lot of fun and much talk Harry cautiously asked, "I saw Snuffles a while ago; do you guys know where he went?"

Their faces darkened at the reminder of the return of the darkness. Ron quietly answered, "I think he went to speak to Dad in the kitchen..."

"You mind if I check on him?"

"Sure," said Hermione and Ron simultaneously.

Harry walked out of his party unnoticed, except by Ron and Hermione and preceded down the hall to the kitchen. He slowly walked down the faded corridor shuddering as dark thoughts washed over him. Sirius, Sirius was in trouble because of him, now he was wanted by both sides...Voldemort was back. Another wave of fury washed over him. Voldemort caused this, his worries, his hate, his fears, the changes. The changes, Voldemort had changed everyone. He had hardened Harry, and He had changed his friends. Nothing would ever be the same because of Voldemort. He had destroyed countless lives (literally and figuratively). Harry walked through the shadows of the corridor and shuddered.

He entered into the brightly lit room. Before he came Mr. Weasley and Sirius were talking. As soon as he entered all conversation ended. Sirius and Mr. Weasley visibly relaxed when they saw who it was.

Harry ran over and gave Sirius a fierce hug. "Sirius, I really missed you!"

"I missed you too," answered Sirius. "How are you, Harry?"

"I'm fine. And you?"

"I'm just fine, Harry." "Sirius looked carefully at Harry's eyes. "Are you really OK?" asked Sirius again.

"I'm really OK," said Harry, not even believing it himself.

Sirius just gave him another hug.

Harry realized he had developed the same look in his eyes as Sirius'. As he looked into Sirius' eyes he once again saw his nightmares.

"Harry, I can't join the party. Only Arthur, Hermione, Ron, and you know that I'm innocent. So you can have your birthday present here." Sirius smiled and took out a wrapped present. Harry took it and stroked the scarlet wrapping. He carefully opened it. Inside he found a watch. "The watch was James'," said Sirius with a faraway look in his eyes. "I've enchanted to make it inflammable, waterproof, shatterproof, and unbreakable."

"Thank you," said Harry. "This really means a lot to me."

"Well I have to go now, some business for Dumbledore," said Sirius as he slowly went to the door. "Good-bye."

"Bye," said Harry, the one syllable feeling heavy on his tongue. He watched as Sirius transformed back into the large dog and slinked out of the door. "I think I'll return to the party now," he said quietly to Mr. Weasley. Harry slowly walked back down the corridor gingerly stroking the soft leather of his father's watch. He rejoined Hermione and Ron in their small corner.

"I saw Sirius again," said Harry softly. "He already left though. He already gave me his birthday present." Harry indicated the watch, "It was my father's."

Hermione and Ron nodded. They knew that they should leave Harry alone for some time to himself.

"C'mon Hermione, I'll show you what I got Harry," said Ron. Hermione nodded and left Harry with his father's watch.

Harry looked at the watch with reverence clear on his face until Fred and George announced that it was time for presents. Harry went over to the table covered with brightly wrapped presents. He was reminded of Dudley's eleventh birthday when Dudley complained about the number of presents he received. Harry looked at the faces, shining with anticipation.

"So, should I just take one and open it?"

"Sure, whatever, it's your birthday," answered Ron.

Harry took a present wrapped in navy blue from the top of the large pile and he read the small tag connected to the wrapping. To Harry from Gred and Forge, he cautiously removed the wrapping to reveal a large black box.

"There are quidditch balls inside," said Fred and George together.

Harry carefully opened the golden latch and saw a large red quaffle, two straining, jet black bludgers, and in a special compartment, the golden snitch.

"Thank you, I really like it," said Harry sincerely.

"You're welcome," said George. "It's really due to the success of Weasley Wizard Wheezes," finished Fred with a wink.

Mrs. Weasley looked at the twins disapprovingly, but didn't say anything.

Harry picked up another present picked up a heavy package wrapped in red paper. "It's from me!" Hermione said. Harry guessed it was a book, knowing Hermione. As Harry tore of the wrapping he saw a book. It had a handsome black cover, with golden words emblazoned, "A Beginners Guide to Becoming an Animagus".

"I asked Professor McGonagall and she said you, Ron, and I can learn to become animagi!!!!!!!!! Isn't that so exciting, we'll be the youngest animagi ever!!!!!!"

Harry grinned at Hermione's expectant face. "Thanks, Hermione," said Harry. "I wonder what animals we'll be..."

"Well, onto the next present." Harry picked up a parcel covered with metallic grey paper. He carefully ripped up the delicate material. Inside he saw another book, on the cover it read, "Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges, Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more)". "We can use some of these on Malfoy!" said Ron, "It's from me by the way."

Molly Weasley looked disapprovingly at a son for the third time in five minutes.

Harry grinned, "I'd pay a thousand galleons to see Malfoy bald! Or, maybe we could turn him into a ferret again!" Everyone laughed; even Mrs. Weasley had a slight smile creeping at the corners of her mouth.

There were only two presents left on the table. One of the gifts was in a box, while the other package was rectangular. Harry picked up the present in the box. He opened the small envelope attached to the box and read:

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday! I'm sorry I couldn't come to your party. I have some business to attend to. I hope you like my present.

Remus Lupin

Harry opened the box, and a pendant fell out, and another note.

The pendant is a hazard stone. It'll turn clear when you're with trustworthy people, it'll turn red when you're alone, and the stone will turn jet black around an enemy or someone who's dangerous.

Harry immediately put the pendant on, it was currently clear.

He picked up the last present. It was heavier than he expected, the weight pulling the package downward. Harry put it on the floor carefully and tentatively opened it. Out fell a heavy sword, the blade nearly cutting Harry's hand along with a small scroll of parchment. He unrolled it and read:

Dear Harry,

As you may remember, this is Gryffindor's sword. It has been passed down by Gryffindor's heirs over the centuries, and it is time you receive it, for you are the heir of Gryffindor, as was your father before you.

A. Dumbledore

Harry suddenly recognized the egg-sized rubies on the hilt, and remembered. "I'm the heir of Gryffindor," he whispered, his thought swirling. It would explain a lot, but his mind couldn't accept it. How could the heir of Gryffindor be good in Slytherin? Harry remembered that day, 4 years ago when the sorting hat had made its decision. Secretly he had never gotten over the fact that the sorting hat had nearly put him into Slytherin.

Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness, no doubt about that - no? Well, if you're sure - better be Gryffindor!

The hat had put him into Gryffindor as a second choice and yet he was the heir of Gryffindor...His mind still unbelieving, he picked up the sword, and he felt a surge of acceptance. He was the heir of Gryffindor.

The whole room became quiet. The silence deafening, so quiet, Harry could hear his heart beat like the marching drums of an approaching battle.

"Wow," said Hermione, breaking the silence. Everyone erupted into chatter once more, the tension gone.

"It's time for cake!" shouted the twins. As thirteen candles magically lit on the vanilla cake, the voices hushed once more.

"Make a wish, Harry!" said Fred and George.

Harry wished for a world free of Voldemort. Knowing it could never happen, but still wishing for his unattainable desire. To have his parents again and he blew out the candles, watching the flames flicker and die. As he knew his parents did. Harry silently cried inside, cursing Voldemort.