Harry Potter and the Orb of Power

Chapter 2: The Gifts

The rain was pouring incessantly on the roof of number four Privet Drive. Lightening illuminated the room of the now fifteen-year-old Harry Potter, who lay on his bed rubbing the lightening-shaped scar which was branded on his forehead since his parents were brutally murdered by Voldemort. The scar had been burning intensely, but had recently subsided. He remembered last year when he woke up very much like this night, and remembered the murder of an old Muggle man. The same incident happened here; he remembered a vivid scene containing Voldemort, Wormtail, and an old woman, gathered around a cauldron. Things were so vivid. Not trusting his memory, Harry lept off of his bed and began to write things down. Nowadays, these types of visions would be most important, and he promised Sirius, his godfather, that he would inform him of the slightest twinge in his scar. Two years ago, Harry would have just shrugged off the pain, but now that Voldemort was back, Harry wasn't taking any chances. He began to write down every detail, from the way that he had heard Voldemort speaking to him. Harry had the strangest urge to answer back, but didn't. He wrote, and wrote, until he got to the part where Voldemort looked in the cauldron. In his dream, Harry couldn't see what was in the cauldron. Harry racked his brain trying to come up with some sort of answer as to what Voldemort had seen. It had disturbed him, frightened him. That fact seemed to make Harry both nervous and excited at the same time. Something Voldemort had seen had made him afraid, but how...powerful...could that something be to make Voldemort so afraid? And would it help Harry and Dumbledore? Harry was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he forgot that he had turned fifteen thirty minutes ago. Birthdays never meant that much to him, and he was sure that the Dursley's certainly wouldn't help him celebrate the momentous occasion. For now, Harry's only thoughts were Voldemort's thoughts. He wrote down everything he knew and retrieved a second piece of parchment, addressing it to his godfather, Sirius, who was staying with Lupin. He was about to start writing when he paused. He didn't want Sirius to worry too much. It was just a dream, which meant that Harry wasn't in any immediate danger. And besides, he was fifteen years old, he had to start relying more on himself than on others. He dipped his eagle feather quill into his ink, and began to write.

Dear Sirius,

How is everything? Things are good here. The Muggles aren't so bad, they just haven't talked to me the entire summer. My scar hurt again, much like last year, so I wrote down everything I remember and enclosed it with this letter. I'm not worried, Voldemort isn't anywhere near here. It's probably nothing, but it was you who told me to write everything down.

Harry paused his writing, dipping his quill into more ink. There wasn't too much concern; it sounded casual enough. He started to write again:

I haven't heard much from Ron about going to the Burrow for the rest of the summer. I'm sure that Ron's probably trying to use the telephone and can't work it out. I reckon Hermione was right in recommending that Ron should take Muggle Studies. I think that's all for now. Give my regards to Buckbeak as well.

Harry

Harry smiled tiredly, folded up his letter with his dream description, and walked over to Hedwig's cage. He found it empty, however, and frowned. He hadn't sent her to deliver any messages, and the Dursley's would never let her out for their own purposes. Confused, he sat on his bed and looked at his calender that hung over his bed. He saw that it was his birthday, and only nodded. So I'm fifteen, Harry thought. It seemed like only yesterday he was a small eleven-year-old boy who wandered lost with Hermione and Ron into Fluffy's room, or the first time he rode his broom. Time was passing so quickly, and he worried about Hogwarts ending. What was he going to do? This was only his fifth year in the wizarding world, Hogwarts was his only constant in that world. How could he live in a world that he never lived in before? He would have to get a job, but as what? With whom? Assuming I make it out of Hogwarts alive, Harry thought darkly. Voldemort entered into his thoughts again, which frustrated Harry. He wasn't afraid of Voldemort attacking him at the Dursley's, he was afraid that he would be too busy worrying about Voldemort that he wouldn't be living his life as a normal fifteen-year-old boy. Well...almost normal. Harry chuckled quietly and was interrupted by a quiet tapping at his window. He saw Hedwig battling against the raging elements outside, and he hurried to open the window. Hedwig quickly flew inside, rain pouring through as Harry frantically tried to close the window before his room was soaked. He managed to do so and he tended to the soaked Hedwig.

"Sorry about that, didn't realize you had left," Harry said quietly, stroking Hedwig's head as she hooted softly, almost as if accepting Harry's apology. He noticed that a small package was tied to her foot, and hurriedly relieved Hedwig of her burden. She hooted again, nipped Harry's ear affectionately, and then flew to her cage to gulp down some of her water and retire to a good night's rest. Harry looked at her and admired her strength. He looked down at the package, which was covered with a red colored parchment with the Gryffindor symbol on it. Harry was about to open it when he realized that there was another package tied to it, completely separate. This one was covered in a regular colored cream parchment. I wonder which is more exciting, Harry thought sarcastically as he dropped the cream colored package aside as he prepared to open the red package. He then heard more tapping at his window, and saw several other owls waiting for entrance. One, he noticed, was Pig, Ron's owl. So they sent birthday presents even in the weather, Harry said, grinning from ear to ear. He opened the window quickly and admitted the owls. After reshutting the window (after several gallons of water had poured in) he relieved them all of their parcels one by one. He sighed, realizing that he once again had to open the window, and let them out (and let more water in). Pig, for once, was too scatterbrained by the storm to fly around in his persistent manner, and perched next to Hedwig to rest. Harry decided to let him rest overnight, while he opened his package. The first he opened was clearly his Hogwarts letter, describing the required materials for his fifth year at the wizarding school. He gazed through the books listed and saw a book that stood out as peculiarly odd, The History of the Dark Arks by B.F. Who B.F. was, Harry had no idea, but he was amazed that such a book would be listed. Did that mean that they were going to learn some Dark Magic? Harry didn't know for sure, but it certainly showed that Dumbledore was taking Voldemort's threat more seriously than the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, was. He put his book list aside and decided to open a package from Ron. He opened the box and saw what looked to be a large mirror, only foggy and not focused. Harry frowned for a moment and read Ron's letter.

Hiya, Harry!

Happy Birthday! How are the Muggles treating you? George says he has some Ton-Tongue Toffees to loan you incase Dudley gets out of hand. Silly git, I wish I was there to see it last year. Anyways, Mum won't let us out of the house much, considering the business with You-Know-Who, so I haven't been able to do much. But, I did get to go to Diagon Alley and buy your present. Dad helped pick it out, it's called a Foe-Glass. It's blurry until a foe is near, and then it gets clear and you can see who your foe is. It'll be handy in case You-Know-Who gets any ideas, even though he probably won't, I mean you're protected where you are, right? Enjoy your present, and if I don't see you before then, I'll see you at Platform 9 and 3/4.

Ron

P.S. Mum says that she's trying to work out a way for you to visit us here. We'll keep you posted, although I might have to use the teleyfone.

Harry laughed at Ron's letter, and thanked his friend silently. Ron was always worried about Voldemort, more than Harry and Hermione, probably because they hadn't grown up in the wake of Voldemort's first onslaught. Harry set aside Ron's letter and put his new Foe-Glass on his bureau. He then opened his letter from Hermione.

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday! I hope the Muggles aren't bringing you down. I know you don't want to stay with them, but Dumbledore insisted that you stay with them, and Dumbledore knows what's best. I've talked to Ron briefly, and he says he's sending you a Dark detector (Did I just give away the surprise?) and I scolded him for reminding you of You-Know-Who. Although it's practical, I daresay that you can use something a bit more fun than a Dark detector. I hope this reminds you of someone you know! Maybe we can meet at Diagon Alley?

With Love,

Hermione

P.S. Remember to write Snuffles in case your scar hurts. You can't be too careful!

P.P.S. Don't come to Diagon Alley unless Snuffles knows!

Harry laughed and could almost hear Hermione's by-the-book tone of voice as she warned him of acting impetuously. He set her letter aside, and felt the package. He knew instantly that it was probably a book, and smiled. Only Hermione would consider a book fun. He tore at the wrapping and saw somewhat of a thick book. He turned it over and saw the cover. Decorated on the front of the book were the Hogwarts symbols. Oh no, not Hogwarts, A History, Harry thought, until he saw the title magically appear across the top. It said in bright, shimmering gold letters:

A History and Guide to the Animagus

Harry reminded himself to hug Hermione viciously for such a gift. He browsed the table of contents and saw some interesting subsections, such as A Beginner's Guide to Animagus Training, How to Analyze Animagus Forms, and How to Know When Someone is an Animagus. Harry felt an incredible urge to look through the analysis section to analyze the different forms of Animagus and their meanings, but drew himself away. He had plenty of time, and he wanted to get to everyone's gifts before he indulged in one over the other. He looked around for Hagrid's usual gift and didn't see one. Harry, extremely disappointed, wondered why Hagrid hadn't bothered to send anything to him. Harry knew he didn't visit Hagrid as much as usual last year, but the Triwizard Tournament and the...incident...pretty much took up his time. He thought Hagrid understood. Harry sat on his bed, thinking on how he could have spent more time with Hagrid, until he realized that Hagrid was probably away on his secret mission and couldn't contact him. Suddenly Harry felt stupid and guilty for rushing to such a bad conclusion about Hagrid. What was Hagrid doing anyways? Was he sent to the giants? How was that going? Harry was desperately curious as to what Hagrid was doing, but he tore himself away from those thoughts and picked up the Gryffindor wrapped package. It was small and light, but the sight of the small drawn lions roaring made Harry excited. He opened the package slowly, not wanting to rip the lions and make them angry. He removed the wrapping and held a light red box. He opened it up, and he saw a shiny badge with a 'P' engraved on it. Harry, confused, picked up the red envelope and opened to find a letter from Professor McGonagall.

To Harry Potter

I am pleased to announce that you are one of two new Gryffindor prefects for the coming school year. You're excellence at school work, care for the school's safety, and excellent record have warranted you this prestigious award. Enclosed is your prefect badge, which will be a sign of your new responsibility to Hogwarts. I hope that you will treat this position with the respect and care that you have given to Hogwarts in your past years.

Sincerely,

Prof. M. McGonagall

Harry started laughing almost immediately. Excellence at school work? Excellent record? Dumbledore must have had an influence in the selection, because Harry had broken many school rules and was certainly not at the top of his class. He stared at his prefect badge and recalled the times when he, Ron, Fred, and George mocked Percy for becoming a prefect. Harry never imagined himself becoming a prefect. Hermione seemed more likely. She must have been made a prefect, why didn't she write anything in her letter? She might not have found out yet. Harry made a mental note to write Hermione about it later. He put his prefect badge and letter away, and looked at his final package, the plain covered package. He picked up the envelope and noticed it as Sirius' handwriting. Harry read the note carefully.

Dear Harry,

Happy fifteenth birthday! You're growing up, Harry, and you're entering a very important year in your wizarding training. Don't get distracted from doing well on your O.W.L.'s! But now is not the time to be talking about grades, when it's your birthday. I know you'll probably be thinking of being more independent from adults, so I'll try not to impede on you by worrying and checking on you too much. Anyways, I've included a gift I think you'll find very pleasing. I bought through Remus, and it will serve you well over the next year.(and longer if this one lasts!) As for buying your school supplies, I'll be meeting you in two weeks (from your birthday) to take you to Diagon Alley to buy your school supplies. You're not to be alone, and although Diagon Alley is safe enough, the route there and back is always suspect. I can't say more, lest this note fall into the wrong hands, but I'll send for you when we go to get your school things.

Snuffles

P.S. Make sure that the Dursley's don't treat you too awefully. The Muggles don't understand the kind of stress you're under, so try to be a bit patient with them. I'll contact you about the Weasleys' soon, as soon as I work things out with Dumbledore.

Harry put his letter from Sirius back into its envelope. Sirius was worrying more and more lately, which Harry didn't mind too much. It was comforting that Sirius was looking after him and was worried, but Harry didn't want Sirius to do anything stupid on his accord. He almost regretted writing the letter, but he knew that Sirius would probably see through any type of excuse for the dream. Harry looked at the package and opened it. His jaw dropped when he saw one of the coolest watches he'd ever seen. At the center of the face was a glowing yellow dot that represented the sun, and each position on the clock was represented by a planet or a major star. (Twelve was Sirius, the Dog Star, which Harry found amusing) The hour hand was a shooting star, starting from the sun to the planet marking the hour. Harry looked at an instructional parchment and noticed that it had a Lie Detector, Glow in the Dark capabilities, Summoning Charm capability (in case a wand is not at hand), a Locator Spell, and a date reader.

"Wow, Sirius," Harry mumbled in awe as he wrapped the crystal band around his wrist. It looked very expensive, and felt that it was too expensive for Sirius to be buying. But Harry loved it, and especially enjoyed the outline of the face of the watch, which seemed to be a Phoenix. Harry, looking at all his presents, grinned from ear to ear. He decided to try out the watch's Lie Detector.

"My name is Harry Potter," Harry said. The watch glowed a pleasant green color, which, as the parchment stated was a good sign. "Dudley is a smart boy," Harry said, and the watch glowed red, and suddenly a loud alert played from the watch. Harry desperately tried to shut it off before the Dursley's woke up. He consulted the parchment and hit a succession of buttons, deactivating the alarm. He managed to change the watch so that it would only glow red if the question was wrong. Harry tried to calm his heart, trying to hear if one of the Dursleys, especially Vernon, had awoken to the racket. He heard no one, but then saw his Foe-Glass swirling. Someone was coming. He hurried and stuffed everything away, locked the owl cage, and leapt back into his bed before the door opened. Harry looked at his Foe-Glass and scowled, remembering that he forgot to hide it. It showed the perplexed face of Dudley Dursley peering into Harry's bedroom. Despite the very strict diet Aunt Petunia had put Dudley on since last year, Dudley still was roughly the size of a young killer whale, only with the temperament of a great white shark. Dudley waddled in, trying to look for some way to annoy Harry on his birthday.

"I know what day it is, and you got gifts from those freaks from school. I heard one of them making a racket. Stupid git. I know what you're trying to do." Harry's watch glowed red, and Harry tried to stifle any laughter in order to feign sleep. "I'm going to tell Mum, and you're going to be in big trouble." The watch glowed green, and Harry realized that he was going to be in big trouble if Dudley could prove the gifts. He'd have to hide everything in the morning. Dudley, disappointed in Harry's lack of response, waddled back out of the room. Harry sighed in relief. He regretted having to hide everything, but he realized that his birthday was going to be good. So far. He still had to confront the Dursley's later that day.