Harry Potter Chapters 1-5

Disclaimer: Although all the mentioned Harry Potter characters belong to J.K. Rowling, the plot of THIS story and any un-mentioned in the Harry Potter book characters are mine and figments of MY imagination. Thanks1

Harry straightened up after pushing the last thing into his already overcrowded trunk. Looking fondly around the room, he smiled, remembering all the good times he had had in it. The four poster beds were just the same as they always were, some of the hangings ripped, and a bed or two messy. Harry smiled again, and looked at his own bed where he had slept for the past six years. 2

In the fall, all of Harry's old room mates would be back, Neville, Seamus, Dean...but two would be missing. Harry and Ron weren't coming back.

As Harry looked over the now empty room, tears unconciously came to his eyes. Harry wiped them away, annoyed at himself for getting teary about a ROOM. A sound in the doorway made him turn. In the doorway, stood one of Harry's best friends in the world. Ron Weasley cleared his throat awkwardly and rumpled his firey red hair. "Um, Harry? We have to leave for the train any minute. Are you ready to go?"

Harry nodded and stroked Hedwig softly before leaving the room. The house elves would take care of the luggage.

Down the winding staircase Harry followed Ron to the Gryffindor common room where other Gryffindors were saying goodbye to their fellow classmates.

"Seems weird to think that we're not coming back next year, doesn't it?" Ron muttered to Harry.

Harry nodded silently, scanning the common room anxiously for a bushy, brown head. He spotted the head in question, talking to someone else and he nudged Ron's arm, pointing to where their other best friend, Hermione Granger was standing. Pushing through the crowd, saying good-bye to others as they went, they finally came to stand by Hermione.

"Ready to go?" Ron asked, placing his hand on Hermione's shoulder, turning her around.

When Hermione turned, both Harry and Ron were surprised to see that her eyes were red and puffy.

"Hermione, are you all right?" Harry and Ron both asked her.

Hermione nodded, brushing the tears in her eyes away with an impatient gesture. "I'm fine, really. I just never thought that it would be so hard to leave Hogwarts when the time came," she explained.

Harry nodded understandingly while Ron shook his head with a puzzled look on his face.

"Girls," he said, "They always get so darn emotional about everything!"

Hermione looked at Ron disdainfully. "Just beacause girls have feelings does NOT make them emotional," Hermione retorted.

Harry ignored both of his friends. He was too used to their bickering by now to mind. It was only if it got out of hand (when they were in danger of not speaking to each other) that Harry intervened.3

Looking around the familiar common room, Harry tried to memorize every detail. He looked at the cushy arm chairs by the fire, the paintings with their moving occupants and, of course, the people. Finally, Hermione and Ron finished their heated argument. Looking at her watch, Hermione tugged both Harry and Ron by the robes.

"Come on you two, we have to get out to the train."

Harry stumbled through the portrait hole after Ron and Hermione, taking a last look at the common room before the Fat Lady swung shut behind him, closing him out...forever?

Part 2

The train pulled into the station with a loud whistle. Getting off the train, Harry felt that it was saying goodbye. From the look on the faces of his two friends, they felt that way too.

Quickly, Harry pulled his trunk from the luggage compartment and Hedwig from the seat before placing them on an empty trolley. He waited for Ron and Hermione to get their luggage and then, together, they stepped through the barrier out of Platform 9 3/4.

The sun on the other side of the barrier was bright, making Harry's eyes water. He looked through the crowd to the other end of the station where the Durseley's were waiting for him. Hermione followed Harry's gaze and gave him a pat on the arm.

"It's okay. You'll only be with them for a while."

In August, Harry was going to the Burrow to help the Weasley's celebrate the wedding of their oldest brother.

Harry snorted. "A whole month is NOT a while, especially not when you're with the Dursleys."

Hermione nodded and Ron looked at Harry sympathetically. He knew how bad the Dursley's could be, having had to rescue Harry from his bedroom in their second year.

"Just make sure you can come, mate," Ron said, clapping Harry on the shoulder and looking around for his mother.

He found her when they heard a loud cry of, "Ron, Ginny over here!"

Ron and his younger sister, Ginny smiled at their mother, went over to her, followed by Harry and Hermione.

After hugging her two children, Mrs. Weasley hugged both Harry and Hermione tightly.

"How's Bill?" Ron asked his mother.

Mrs. Weasley beamed. "Bill's doing wonderfully. He is so much better. Fleur is very happy and is eagerly planning the wedding. We're still waiting for the full moon to see how Bill reacts to it though."

Ginny looked a little anxious when she heard that, but quickly plastered a smile back on her face.

"That's great Mum," she said, her voice overly cheery.

Ron, Harry and Hermione all looked at Ginny quickly, but Mrs. Weasley hadn't seemed to notice her daughter's cheery tone.

"Isn't it? But anyway, we have to hurry and get home now. Harry, your aunt and uncle are just over there."

Harry groaned quietly and made his way over to the Dursley's. "Hi," he said.

Uncle Vernon just grunted and, looking at him, Harry thought that his uncle had gotten even beefier. His blonde moustache quivered angrily and then Harry remembered....

Last time he had seen his relatives, they had happily been on their way to the "Best Kept Suburban Lawn" Award ceremony. However, the ceremony was a ruse to get the Dursley's out of the house so some of Harry's wizard friends could get HIM out.

Before he could stop himself, Harry smiled and said, "How was the awards ceremony?"

Immediately, Uncle Vernon's already abnormally pink face turned to an ugly puce while Aunt Petunia's frown deepened. "Shut up and let's go, boy," Uncle Vernon growled.

Harry followed his family sadly to the car and waved to Ron and Hermione before getting in. It was going to be a long drive home....

Part 3

Hedwig hooted angrily when she saw the house on Privet Drive. Harry petted her in an attempt to soothe her, glancing nervously at his uncle sitting in the front seat.

Uncle Vernon's eyes met Harry's in the rear-view mirror and immediately his beady eyes got even beadier.

Harry looked away. He didn't want to get into an argument with the his uncle on his first day home.

When the car stopped, Harry's uncle, aunt and Dudley all got out without even stopping to help Harry with his heavy trunk.

"Typical," Harry muttered to himself as he lugged the heavy trunk up the stairs. Just as he opened the door to his room, Harry heard a loud screeching coming from outside.

Harry almost swore as he dumped his trunk in his room and ran outside to get Hedwig.

"BOY!!!" Uncle Vernon's voice thundered.

Harry winced and carried Hedwig inside. "Yes, Uncle Vernon?" he asked, trying to sound normal.

"What did I tell you about keeping that...bird quiet?" he whispered loudly.

"I'm sorry Uncle, but I left her in the car for a minute. She doesn't like being left alone and-"

"ENOUGH!!!!" Vernon shouted, his blond moustache quivering in anger.

Harry shut his mouth resentfully.

"Just pray that the neighbors didn't hear that bird. If they get curious, there will be hell to pay, boy, mark my words. Now go to your room. No supper!"

Harry nodded and ran up the stairs to his room before he could get an angry retort past his lips.

Harry slammed his door and put Hedwig on his desk.

Hedwig nudged the lock, wanting Harry to let her out.

"I can't Hedwig, I'm sorry," Harry said.

Hedwig hooted angrily and turned her back on Harry.

"Oh come on!" he burst out, "You know what the Dursleys are like. If I let you out...I would get in so much trouble! Especially if you're seen!"

But it didn't make any difference. In frusteration, Harry kicked his trunk and then sat down on his bed with his head in his hands. He had only been home fifteen minutes and already he was grounded from supper. If it was this bad already, how bad would it be for the rest of the summer?

Harry sighed and got out his quill and parchment. Writing to Ron and Hermione always made him feel better.

Part 4

"Dear Ron," Harry began, "I've only just got home and all ready in my room. The Dursley's have gotten even more paranoid than usual about being found out. I bet you're glad to be home. How's Bill? And Charlie, and your dad, and mum and Fred and George and Fleur and Ginny and...everybody!! Hedwig is mad at me now because I won't let her out of her cage. I want to, but it's not like she understands that. I've already been grounded from supper. Good thing that I saved some of the Pumpkin Pasties and Chocolate Frogs from the train ride. I'll feast tonight!

Dudley's gotten even larger. I didn't think it was possible. I know he was supposed to be on that diet, but I guess he probably has a stash of candy hidden somewhere too. Either that or his porky friends are supplying him. I guess that's all to tell. I can't wait to see you for Bill and Fleur's wedding! I haven't asked the Dursleys yet but if it means getting rid of me a month early, they'll jump for joy.

That's all to say for now. Can't wait to hear from you, so send Pig back ASAP, okay?

Gotta go write to Hermione now, so bye!

Harry"

Harry sighed and scratched the back of his neck. Leaning over, he petted Hedwig through the bars of her cage. "Listen," he said. "I'll let you out when it's dark, to make some deliveries. You can stay out as long as you want hunting, just please wait till it's dark. And be quiet as you leave, or else the Dursleys will have my hide!"

Hedwig hooted softly and looked at Harry with her beautiful amber eyes. She nipped his finger gently and Harry smiled. "Glad we're friends again," he said.

With one last pat and a look out the window, Harry pulled out another piece of parchment to write to Hermione.

"Dear Hermione,

How are you? Were your parents glad to see you? I bet that you have a terrific summer planned. I guess I'll just have to imagine how much fun you guys are having. You are safe with the Muggles, right? I mean, do you think that...Voldemort will try anything? Oh damn, now I've started worrying. Oh well.

The Dursleys are as wonderful as ever, maybe even more so. In my opinion, they are more paranoid than ever. I've already been grounded from supper, but don't worry, I won't starve.

Hedwig can't wait till it's dark so I can let her out. I don't dare let her out when the Dursleys are still awake. If Uncle Vernon saw her I'd be dead.

Anyway, I hope that you are well and will write back soon. Oh, and send your owl at night so the Dursleys don't see it.

Thanks,

Harry"

Looking at his clock, Harry saw that it was already 5:00. With a sigh, Harry noted that the sun was still high in the sky. He wouldn't be able to send Hedwig out till late. At least this time the Dursley's hadn't locked him in his room and barred his windows. And they hadn't locked up his spell books and trunk and wand which was also a plus.

Harry opened his bedroom door and walked down the stairs quietly, hoping not to draw any attention to himself. Suddenly..."CREAK!" Harry winced and froze but the rumble of conversation from the kitchen didn't stop. Breathing a sigh of relief, Harry tiptoed the rest of the way down the stairs and out of the house.

The warm sun hit his face and Harry smiled. Being out of the Dursley's house was like being free from all his problems. The wind blew through his messy black hair, leaving it more ruffled than before. He could never get it to lie straight. Straightening his glasses, Harry walked down the street to the playground nearby. Dudley and his cronies had been there recently. Already the see-saw was broken and one of the swings was so twisted up, they would need maintenance people to come and fix it. Sighing, Harry sat on the undamaged swing and leaned his forehead against the cool metal. Suddenly, he heard a crack behind him. Harry bolted straight up and reached for his wand that was hidden in his inside jacket pocket. It sounded like someone was apparating or disapparating. Looking around warily, Harry tried to see whether there was anything unusual, anything out of place. He stood motionless for five minutes before finally letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Suddenly, the free environment of outside felt too open. Harry shivered and pulled his jacket tighter around him. Walking quickly, Harry got back to the house in record time. The Dursley's hadn't even finished their supper yet. Quietly, Harry ran back up to his room and sat at his desk, breathing hard. Taking out yet another piece of parchment, Harry dipped his quill in the ink and began to write.

"Dear Sirius," and then Harry stopped. Even though it had been almost two years, Harry still couldn't believe his godfather was really dead. Crossing out the name, Harry instead re-wrote, "Dear Dumbledore," before throwing his quill down in frustration. Dumbledore was dead too! Dead because of Draco Malfoy's school-boy foolishness. Harry paced up and down his room, the tears that he hadn't cried at Dumbledore's funeral ran down his cheeks and past his lips. The people that Harry usually went to for help and advice...they were both gone. Dead and snatched away saving him from Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Harry soon got tired of pacing and lay down tiredly on his bed. He still felt terrible, the tears still were running down his cheeks, but he was tired. And so, the famous Harry Potter, the "Chosen One," cried himself to sleep on his little bed in his room on Privet Drive.

Part 5

Harry was woken up later by Hedwig rattling the bars of her cage. Sitting up and rubbing his eyes, he looked at the clock and was surprised to see that four hours had already passed. "I didn't think I was that tired," Harry muttered, straightening his glasses and getting out of bed.

Hedwig quieted down when she saw that Harry was up.

Taking Ron's letter off his desk, Harry unlocked Hedwig's cage and tied the letter to her leg. "Take this to Ron and come straight back, all right? I want you to be able to give Hermione her letter tonight. After Hermione, you can go wherever you want, okay?"

Hedwig hooted her assent and went to the window.

"Good luck!" Harry whispered. "And be quiet until you get out of Privet Drive!" he added as an afterthought.

After Hedwig left, there was nothing to do but wait. To try to take his mind off his friends, Harry went to see what books were on his shelf. The ones there he had read at least five times before. Getting a chair, Harry stood up and looked at the top of the shelf to see if there was anything up there. Not seeing anything, he almost jumped down, but then something caught him eye. It was a little, leather book that he had never seen before. Sitting down on his bed, Harry opened it and gasped.

In the front of the book, it said, "Property of Lily Evans.”

Turning the front page eagerly, he gasped again, shocked at what he saw. Quickly, he read on. The writing in the book was in Lily Potter's beautiful writing.

It read:

"Dear Diary,

I can’t believe it, I’ve been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! It was such a huge surprise that I almost fainted. Mum and Dad are so happy! Petunia is the only one who is upset though, something is wrong. I’ll have to find out what is wrong with her later, but soon, Mum is taking me down to central London to buy my school supplies. The letter told us to go to a place called Diagon Alley. Apparently, it is only a place that wizards can get to, so hopefully Mum will be able to get in. I can’t believe that I didn’t know I was a witch before. You would think that I would have shown some powers before now, wouldn’t you? According to the letter though, I need to buy some robes and spell books. I can’t wait to start doing magic. It will be hard leaving Petunia and all my other school friends behind. Mum says that I will make lots of new friends at school. I hope that she’s right. But when Mum mentioned new friends, Petunia’s face fell. I have no idea what is wrong with her. She is the older one, but sometimes I feel older. She’s always been the homely one, and I’ve always been the pretty one. And I’m not being vain here, it really is the truth, everyone says that! I still love Petunia though. I’ve always looked after her, and we’ve always been the best of friends. I feel sort of bad about leaving her while I go to Hogwarts, but I’m too excited to feel really bad. We leave tomorrow, I can’t wait!!”

Harry put the little book down with trembling hands. He had just made an amazing discovery. He had just found Lily Potter’s diary!