The Evolution of Balance

Please note that occasionally we’ll get to hear Harry’s thoughts (or others, if theirs is the current POV). These thoughts will be in italics.

* * * * *

Welcome back... please note that occasionally we'll get to hear Harry's thoughts (or others, if theirs is the current POV). These thoughts will be in italics.

Chapter 1

In Training

On a quiet Friday night in Little Whinging, Surrey, Harry Potter sat awake in his bed, thinking. He stared as the moonlight traveled through the bedroom shades, generating patterns of shadow along the wall leading to his bed. He felt peaceful for once; an unusual occurrence for The Boy Who Lived.

Harry had returned to the Dursleys a week ago, leaving the wizard world behind for what he presumed would be another miserable summer. The Dursleys were giving him the usual silent treatment, but truth be told, the summer was actually working out reasonably well. Ms. Figg had requested Harry assist her builders in adding an extension onto her village house. His body ached from the first week of manual labor, but he was glad for the activity and even happier to avoid his Aunt and Uncle.

Arabella Figg, he'd learned early in his fifth year, was an accomplished, retired auror and potions connoisseur. She'd cashed in an old favor from the ministry and had been granted permission to allow underage magic at her house for the summer. On alternate days, she would instruct him in potions and dueling defense. Harry had yet to best her in a practice duel, but then the ex-auror wasn't holding anything back.

He'd had pleasant dreams these last few nights, providing a respite from his scar's inexorable revelations. "I wonder what I'll be studying Monday evening?" he murmured as he lay down to sleep.

* * * * *

The alarm woke Harry with a start Monday morning, and he cringed at the wakening time: 6:15 A.M. Tell me again why I agreed to this?

Shawn McDonald, the construction coordinator for the work at Ms. Figg's, was an amateur tri-athlete and Harry had asked to run with him in the mornings. They'd agreed that Harry would start out slowly, retiring early to allow Shawn to complete his normal workout in solitude.

He was thankful for the exercise this summer, even though it wasn't nearly as fun as Quidditch practice. He tied his hand-me-down sneakers and made his way out the front door after downing two full glasses of water. Shawn was waiting at the end of the driveway, jogging in place.

"Ready to go?" Harry nodded and they began running north on Privet drive towards the park he recalled from his childhood. Late last summer he'd had a strange dream about this same park. He was sitting on the seesaw, trying to push off against gravity: but no matter much effort he applied, he couldn't manage to get off the ground. Minutes later Harry was panting while his running partner had barely broken a sweat.

"Let's stretch for a minute, now that we've warmed up," said Shawn after the first tour of the park.

"Er, that was just the warm-up?" Harry questioned as he struggled to catch his breath and dropped onto the park bench.

"We'll head back after another go around the park, another ten minutes or so. Think you can handle that?"

Harry smirked at the comment, "I suppose I don't really have a choice." He struggled to stand, noticing the pinch in his side.

After stretching, the two ran companionably in silence as they returned to Privet Drive. "I'll leave you here to recover, shall I?" said Shawn with a wink. "Work starts at 9:30 today, remember."

"I'll see you then, bye Shawn... and thanks." Shawn nodded and continued his morning run.

* * * * *

The week was uneventful, though Harry returned home each night sore and exhausted from the physical work and wizard training. On the morning of July 16th (Tuesday), Shawn and Harry were returning late from their morning run. Harry was just getting his wind as a runner and Shawn had agreed to go a bit further with him every other morning to slowly build up his endurance.

As they turned left on the sidewalk onto Privet Drive, Harry noticed a little girl dart between parked cars to retrieve her ball from the street. He gasped as he heard a sedan pass him, the driver happily chatting on her mobile phone, oblivious. Suddenly breaks squealed on the pavement... "Wingardium Leviosa!" Harry heard yelled beside him, as the young girl levitated diagonally, avoiding certain injury. The black sedan swerved and sideswiped a parked car.

"Harry, make sure the driver is all right!" Shawn commanded. Without hesitation, Harry darted between the parked cars to the accident scene. The driver appeared uninjured but clearly disconcerted about what she had just witnessed. She was frantically trying to release herself from the seat belt and swerving her head searching for the young girl she'd mysteriously avoided.

"The little girl is fine, she jumped out of the way just in time," said Harry, in what he hoped was a soothing voice.

He heard a faint pop nearby and looked sideways to see a ministry wizard dressed in khakis and conspicuous Air Jordans. "Please let me handle the driver, young man," said the wizard. "Reparo!" The dented fender and quarter panel molded back into form. "Obliviate!"

Harry reasoned by the response time that the Ministry must have been monitoring the use of magic in muggle regions rigorously to try to head off Death Eater attacks. "I don't suppose you'll need the same treatment, will you? Nice work back there," the wizard said with a nod as he turned to face Harry and holstered his wand.

"No, I'm fine," Harry added quietly. "Though it was Shawn who saved the girl's life, not me."

The ministry wizard turned towards the approaching Shawn and engaged him in conversation. The little girl ran unfazed around the side of the house to the back yard, having happily succeeded in retrieving her soccer ball.

Two more wizards apparated onto the front yard shielded by bushes and quickly scanned the area, searching for witnesses. A few of the more curious neighbors had appeared on their front lawns and the ministry wizard diligently went about clearing up any potential memories.

"You're a wizard?" Harry intoned quietly as he slowly turned towards his running partner.

Shawn smiled, "I should have told you before now, sorry about that."

"I'm glad, actually. Now I don't have to try and hide it from you. I suppose you know about Ms. Figg and Hogwarts and all?"

"Sure do: Gryffindor alumni myself, class of '81. I understand you're quite a flyer. I played beater for the house team for a few years."

Harry absorbed the new information as they walked to the front stoop at the Dursleys. "Did you know my father then, James Potter? He played chaser for Gryffindor around then."

"Yes, I remember him well." Shawn grinned as he recalled, "He was quite the motivator, your father. I remember he always gave the same speech. I was young but I couldn't believe how relaxed he looked before every match." As they reached the top step, Shawn paused, "Sorry about the secrecy, Harry. Hey, tomorrow I want to show you something instead of running, is that all right?"

Harry shrugged, "Sure, do you mind if I ask what?"

"Have you ever heard of Tai Chi?" Harry shook his head. "It's a martial art that I use for conditioning in addition to weights. I thought you might enjoy learning how to exercise without equipment, especially since you'll be returning to the castle in a few weeks. I don't think the house elves have built an exercise room."

Harry chuckled, "Can you imagine Filch trying to keep that clean? He'd go nutters."

"There's something else you should know. I have a daughter in Gryffindor, going into her third year. Her name is Natalie. She's a pretty big fan of yours by the way."

Harry recalled Natalie trying out for the house team in her second year. "I know her. She'll probably make the reserve team this year. She's a pretty good flier, if I recall."

"Damn good, if I can modestly say so as her father. Listen, I'll see you at work a bit later. Nat and I are going to Diagon Alley early to pick up some materials for school. It'll be her first time traveling by floo powder and I think she's a bit anxious."

* * * * *

Shawn arrived at Ms. Figg's just after eleven and he and Harry set to work on the indoor plastering. Normally the pair were quiet as they worked but Harry had a million questions today. 'Where do you live... Why do you work as a muggle... Did you know Sirius Black at Hogwarts...?'

"Wow, slow down Harry. Do you want the short version or the long version? And remember that some of the others don't know the first thing about our world." Shawn nodded in the direction of the two builders working outside at the moment.

Harry peered out the hollow window frame, finding Shawn's co-workers nailing floorboards into place. "I suppose conversation will be a bit difficult over the racket, so the short version might me better." Then his mind clicked at the exact phrase Shawn had used: "Some of them?"

Shawn grinned and answered, "Not every trained wizard can find employment as a wizard, Harry, and like me, some have their own reasons. Andre was in Hufflepuff a few years behind me but Paul doesn't know. We'd like that to keep, by that way." Harry nodded in understanding.

"Now about your questions. Yeah, I knew Sirius at Hogwarts... he was a beater for the team for a couple years while I was there. I can't say we were friends but his pranks were legendary." Harry didn't notice the usual trace of malice most wizards displayed when his godfather's name came into conversation.

"My wife, Christine and I live not far from here - about three miles south actually. We've lived here since we were married, thirteen years come the end of November."

"So you don't live in a wizard community?" Harry inquired.

"No, both of us were raised as Muggles and we've a good life, so there really isn't any reason to move. Besides, I don't find much use for magic working as a construction manager."

"But why did you leave it, when Voldemort was gone and all?"

To Harry's surprise Shawn didn't cringe at the mention of the name. "That's a long story, Harry." Shawn hesitated for a few moments, and Harry noticed his blank gaze. "I'll tell you, but I'd prefer no one else hear the story. Agreed?"

"Of course."

Shawn cleared his throat; "I was recruited to work with the Division of Magical Law Enforcement after Hogwarts. I enjoyed the work even though wizard laws are a bit archaic sometimes. Anyway, I made a mistake one day at work. I released a fugitive without permission from the court."

Harry goggled, "What happened?"

His face still masked, Shawn continued: "Truth is, not much. I was immediately dismissed from the D.M.L.E., though. She surrendered a month later and was found not guilty of all charges."

"You knew she wasn't guilty, then?"

Shawn turned to him with a serious face. "I knew my sister couldn't have killed anyone." Harry started from the revelation.

"Her husband was found murdered. I knew she hadn't done it and I couldn't bear to see her suffer in Azkaban while the truth was discovered."

Harry knew all too well how much damage Dementors could do to the soul. "So after that, you left the wizard world for good?"

"After the charges were dismissed against Adrienne, the D.M.L.E wanted me to return. But by that time, I'd met Christine and started working at a local gym. I still had the beater physique back then, you know." Shawn smirked as he flexed his thick arms in a show of strength.

"So you never wanted to go back, even when Natalie went to Hogwarts?"

"Oh, I go with her to Diagon Alley to get her school supplies. Last year, she and I visited Hogsmeade before school started. It was fun reliving old memories but I'm not sorry. I made the right choice and I'm certainly happy now."

Harry noticed Shawn's eyes dart quickly towards Ms. Figg as she entered the work area. "Time for lunch. Harry, can you call outside for me," said Arabella as she laid a tray of sandwiches on the workbench.

He walked through the doorframe into the warm summer sun. "Break time, lads. Lunch is served."

* * * * *

The weeks passed quickly because of the rather hectic, daily schedule. Although Harry was enjoying his summer for once, his scar served as a painful reminder of the troubles in the world to which he would soon return. He awoke one morning, sickened, his pillow and sheets drenched in sweat. In his nightmare, he'd been witness to the torture and slaying of a mother and her child. Damn it, how can anyone be so cruel? He knew the answer: the Death Eaters were callous and effective.

Harry glanced over at the clock, illuminated by the early morning light: 6:00. Well I was getting up anyway. He lazily dressed and crept downstairs to stretch and warm-up for the early morning workout.

His muscle tone had developed quickly, between the morning workouts and the physical labor of construction. As promised, Shawn had showed him the basic Tai-Chi kata and this morning they would begin working on more advanced movements. The forms were a pleasant distraction, allowing Harry a short respite from his anxieties.

After the workout, he returned to his room to gather his bathrobe for a shower. The window was open and he heard a familiar flutter of wings. "Hedwig!" Harry swept across the room to her open cage, where she impatiently waited to deliver her parchments. He untied the letters and slid her an owl treat he'd retrieved from his dresser.

Harry,

Hey, hope your summer is still going well and the Muggles aren't as awful as ever. I know Professor Dumbledore told you shouldn't visit us this year (Mum's disappointed) but I had a thought. All right, don't say it... did I strain myself? What do you think are the chances that Gin, Herm and I can visit late in the summer?

Professor Figg could put us up for a couple days before the term starts in August. That way we could cheer you up before the train ride and go into Diagon Alley together to get our supplies.

Let me know ASAP. Mum says she's fine with it.

P.S. Gin says hi! (literally she just said it LOUDLY in my ear, ouch!). And she insisted on sending a letter with Hedwig.

Cheers,

Ron

Harry smiled. I'll have to remember to ask Ms. Figg. Ron and Hermione had never visited him before and he'd been forbidden to visit the Burrow for the Weasley's safety during the previous summer.

He opened the letter from Ginny:

Dear Harry,

Hey, just wanted to say hello. We miss you (Mum especially!). Hope the dreams aren't too bad this summer and the Dursleys are treating you okay (they are, right?). I talked Ron into letting me come to visit later in the summer (long story, let's just say tickling and bribery were involved!).

See you soon,

Love,

Ginny

* * * * *

Harry was turning sixteen on the 31^st, but he insisted he wanted to exercise and work, nixing Shawn's idea of a day off. Besides, he much preferred the camaraderie of the construction crew versus the Dursleys' silent treatment. He was glad to be working with friendly, ordinary people who were oblivious to the wizard world and would judge him as a person, not a mystique. During the previous five years, he'd spent a majority of his time at Hogwarts or in summer solitary at the Dursleys. Now he was finally getting the opportunity to be himself, with no obligations and a light heart.

Halfway through the morning run, Shawn stopped on a grassy knoll overlooking the length of the park. "Harry, let's stop for a moment. I wanted to show you how to meditate."

"Er, sure." Harry caught his breath for a moment, "I've read some about meditation, but isn't it a bit old fashion."

Shawn smirked, "So, what are you saying? I'm old?"

Seeing Harry's feigned reaction, he continued lightheartedly, "I accept the compliment. Meditation's actually a great way to clear your head and regain focus. I thought it might help a bit after your dreams."

Over the last several weeks they'd developed a friendly relationship but had largely avoided personal conversations, as was Harry's wont. Sure, Harry would join in the ever-friendly banter between his coworkers, but he'd volunteered little about himself. The previous afternoon, Shawn had remarked how much stronger Harry was physically, but mistakenly mentioned that he was worried about his apparent lack of sleep.

The conversation had continued:

"I... sometimes my dreams keep me awake."

"I've noticed. You're far too quiet for an almost sixteen year old. Don't get me wrong; your work ethic is terrific. But life's not all about Quidditch and school." Their coworkers had moved to another company site for the day so he did not have to be careful about the references.

Harry replied sarcastically, "Oh, I suppose I should talk about parenting and children and buying a house, eh."

"Smart arse... I'm serious Harry. Every morning you're yawning as if you couldn't sleep. Arabella mentioned to me that last year wasn't easy for you, but she didn't go into detail, so here I am."

"Shawn, it's not something I want to relive," said Harry seriously.

"But you do every night." It wasn't a question. Harry's face demonstrated his reaction.

"All right," Harry hesitated, "you know my history, correct? I mean with Vol...You-Know-Who?"

"Voldemort, Yes."

"Mind if I give you an edited version... the facts are a bit too real for me, still."

Shawn could see the trepidation on his face. "Harry, look. You don't have to talk about it. I'm just concerned, that's all."

"I don't think the dreams will end until Voldemort is destroyed." Shawn recoiled but didn't object. "I can't think after the nightmares, especially at school."

"Can I ask what the dreams are about...?" Shawn asked carefully.

"I lost a close friend last June to the Death Eaters. He died while rescuing me." Harry turned and bowed his head, trying desperately to halt the ready tears.

After a few moments silence, Shawn responded sympathetically, "Sorry, mate... Maybe I can help with the after-effect. Let's leave a few minutes early tomorrow morning and I'll show you something that helps me deal with stress."

So for the next several minutes they went through the proper body positioning and posture for meditation. Shawn verbalized the lesson while they practiced:

"Breathe in through the nose, slowly. Concentrate on the act and remove all other thoughts from your mind. Exhale through your mouth, but not just from your throat - empty your lungs. Take full breaths slowly. Tighten your stomach muscles as you exhale and keep your back straight. Become one with nature, allowing your senses to absorb the natural surroundings."

To his surprise, Harry felt energized after a few minutes of meditation. Shawn ended the session, motioning to continue their run. "Meditation works well in any situation. When I returned to school for physical therapy, I used to use it to clear my head before studying."

* * * * *

Harry showered after the exercise and returned to Ms. Figg's house for breakfast (she had requested he come early for a birthday breakfast). As he stepped through the front door, he was startled.

"Happy Birthday!" He reacted immediately, bear-hugging his Godfather. "Wow, you're getting strong," said Sirius happily. "It's good to see you. Hey, look who else decided to drop by."

Harry hadn't even noticed the other two individuals in the room until Sirius stepped aside. "Professor Lupin ('Remus, please')," he said as he shook his ex-professor's hand. "Professor Dumbledore!"

"Good morning, Harry," answered the Headmaster, his eyes sparkling. "We thought for once, you might enjoy a small birthday celebration. You understand of course, attendance must be limited."

He nodded, "Thanks for coming. Can you stay for breakfast?"

"That was the plan, Harry," Arabella intoned from the kitchen. "Please set the table for me, breakfast is nearly ready."

They conversed quietly during breakfast (English, with all the trimmings) and the topic inevitably fell to the troubles in the wizard world. "Professor Dumbledore, my scar hasn't been too active this summer. Are things quiet?"

"Yes and no, Harry. It seems Lord Voldemort has taken a different tack this time. The attacks on the wizard world are rare, but the campaign against Muggle-born and mixed marriages continues. I'm afraid we may be without several students when you return to Hogwarts."

Harry dropped his fork. "Are they dead? Who? When?" Sirius frowned at the de-facto tone of the questions.

"One student has been killed, I regret. Several may be withdrawn out of fear for their safety. The Death Eaters are specifically targeting muggle-born wizards and are publicly campaigning to outlaw their inclusion in the wizard world."

Sirius interrupted, "Harry, let us worry about the problems. At the moment, all I ask is that you keep yourself safe and out of harm's way."

"You know that trouble finds me anyway, Sirius. I have to help!"

"Admirable sentiments, Harry, but I agree with your Godfather. You must continue to focus on your studies, until you are prepared."

Harry was becoming agitated, "Prepared for what, to be the next primary target? I know I'm safe here and at Hogwarts but I can't stand sitting back and doing nothing! And besides, Hermione is Muggle-born!"

This time Remus interjected, trying to ease the building tension. "Harry, we know your concern is genuine, and when you can help, we'll ask. But there is some good news to tell. The Headmaster has asked me to come back to Hogwarts to teach."

"Really, that's great!" Harry's mood changed instantly. "Are you moving back into the DADA position? Ms. Figg, you're not retiring are you?"

"No, Remus and I are going to share the role, just as Alastor and I did last year. He's retiring... or rather returning to semi-active duty, as the saying goes."

"One more thing, though I'd be surprised if Ron hasn't told you yet," said Remus. "Charlie Weasley is the new Magical Creatures instructor. Looks like you'll have a big brother on staff this year."

Breakfast consumed, Arabella invited her guests into the living room for presents before the builders arrived. Sirius and Remus gave him a Bag of Holding: essentially a waist bag with the magical dimensions of a closet. ('The only thing I couldn't fit was the motorcycle!'). Arabella presented him a navy-blue sport coat with a built-in wand pocket.

Professor Dumbledore looked across the table at Harry, his eyes boring into his student. "I confess. I am without a present. What I can offer you, however, is something you desired of me many years ago - information."

Harry was a bit troubled by the concern on his face, but his curiosity was piqued, "About my parents? Please tell me."

Dumbledore looked briefly sideways at Sirius, who nodded.

"Do you recall when I mentioned that Professor Trelawney had made two accurate predictions in her tenure at Hogwarts?" Harry nodded and the Headmaster continued, "Her first prediction involved the danger your parents faced after your birth."

"Throughout history, there has been a pattern. When the powers of Dark Magic become too strong, there is born one who will return the balance of power. Professor Trelawney's first prediction was of the birth of this child."

Harry squirmed in his chair, uncomfortable at the suggestion. "She predicted it was me?"

"She could not be so specific. The summer after your birth, Sibyll came to visit me in my office. I was pleasantly surprised, as even then she rarely left her tower. While I was preparing tea, she became entranced and indicated that a child born one year prior would cause the downfall of the Dark Lord."

He paused, searching for words to convince: "I admit that I am occasionally skeptical of the professor's visions. But as you've experienced, the very manner of the prediction was unusual."

Harry recalled the accurate prediction Professor Trelawney had made late in his third year: that of the rising of the Dark Lord with the assistance of his 'servant', Wormtail.

"We realized that if Lord Voldemort became aware of her fatidic statement, all of the children born in the summer of 1980 would be in peril. For months we kept her prophecy unrevealed, but Sibyll became one of the last innocents to be controlled by the Imperious Curse before Lord Voldemort disappeared."

"Your parents were already prime targets. They agreed to the Fidelius Charm shortly after her abduction."

Harry trembled, "But... apparently she was wrong. I mean only my mother's sacrifice saved me and so far I've just been lucky."

Sirius responded, "Don't sell yourself short. What you've done against Voldemort has been nothing short of astounding. Think about it, you resisted his Imperious Curse and fought off a handful of death eaters to rescue your friends last year. I'd say you were doing something right."

"Sirius is correct. After Lord Voldemort disappeared, I presumed the prophecy had been fulfilled. Evidently, I was wrong." The twinkle in the Professor's eyes had disappeared, replaced by a forlorn, aged look. "I do not presume to tell you that it is your destiny to defeat Voldemort, Harry. That is too much to ask of any one person, particularly at your age. But equally, I hold little doubt that your part in this war will be critical. It is for this reason that we have undertaken such efforts to keep you safe."

Harry sat stunned for several moments before he gathered his thoughts. "So it won't get any easier from here on, will it?"

"Afraid not," Sirius answered as he stood. "Look, that's a lot to digest for one morning, at least besides the delicious breakfast (Arabella beamed). Besides, you have to work today."

Harry chuckled, as Sirius transformed and licked his face. "Sirius, don't slobber all over me. Uggh!"

"Professor Figg tells me that your friends have offered to come visit you in late August," the Headmaster said as he put down his breakfast tea.

"Hermione, Ron and Ginny want to come the on the 29th and go with me to Diagon Alley to get school supplies."

"We can make arrangements to have them travel here by portkey. But I would like Remus and Sirius, if he chooses, to accompany you to Diagon Alley and the train station this year for security reasons."

Harry nodded happily, "Great, I'll let Ron know today. Too bad, I can't go to the Burrow."

"We've had this discussion before, Harry." Sirius interjected after returning to human form.

"I know, I know. It's safer if I stay here, I understand. It's just that I miss Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. They always make me feel so welcome."

"Perhaps Arthur can request a day off, Headmaster," Remus inquired smoothly.

"I shall contact him." Professor Dumbledore stood, nodded to his host and then to Harry. "Again, happy birthday. Regrettably, we must depart."

Harry hugged his Godfather and shook hands with Remus and the Headmaster. The guests exited via portkey (a cricket bat). As if on cue, Shawn appeared in the back yard ready for work, dressed in tattered jeans and a utility tool belt. Back to normal I suppose, Harry thought as he headed towards the back room to start the day's work. Hedwig swooped through the kitchen window as he reached for the back doorknob. A second owl trailed just behind Hedwig, sharing her encumbrance.

Presents! Harry removed the burden and ripped open the first package from the Weasleys (it was wrapped in Chudley Cannon colors). The wrapping paper screeched as if in pain and he nearly dropped the package.

"Wow!" He inspected the beater's bat, noticing nearly a dozen signatures on the shaft. Virtually the entire Bulgarian and Irish national team members from the World Cup had autographed the personalized bat. The letter attached explained:

Dear Harry,

Since you never told us what you wanted for your birthday, we decided to use our connections for a novelty. Ron and I contacted Victor to request the Bulgarian signatures. The Irish team members were more than happy to help - after all you are a celebrity.

Hope you like the present, but please don't take this as a sign that we want you to switch positions! The wrapping paper is courtesy the twins. This is one of their newest tricks, Wrangling Wrapping?

Ron told me that Charlie was going to be CoMC teacher this year. He's a bit chagrined that he'll have yet another big brother to keep an eye on him - I thought that was my job, after all?

Oh, guess what I just finished reading? Rita Skeeter is writing again... she authored a piece for Witch Weekly on some charity fashion show. She seems to be keeping her promise for the moment.

Call me on the telephone if Ms. Figg will permit you.

P.S. Hope we can visit this summer. Ron mentioned it to me in his daily post (literally every day, not that I mind).

Love From,

Hermione

Harry grinned and stepped into the workroom, knowing the end of the summer was approaching quickly.

To Be Continued