Flashback
"Lily hide! Take the children to the back of the house and floo Albus! I'll hol –"
BANG
A thundering lighting strike struck the garden outside Goddric's Hollow, engulfing the colourful garden in flames.
James eyes lingered on his children and wife for a moment, until he spun around and ran towards the entrance of the house to protect his family from the coming monster.
His heat already pounding against his chest nearly shattered after hearing the maniacal laughter filled the air along with the thundering angry clouds. Grasping his wand tightly he turned into the entrance hallway of his once so peaceful house and came face to face with the source of this laughter. Without a moments hesitation he stuck out his wand aimed at the monster and began forming the stunning curse when the monster grinned and with swift reflexes drew out his wand from his robes and bellowed, "Avada Kevadra!"
A sick green light rushed towards James at an unimaginable speed, but James was not called named the star chaser of Hogwarts for nothing. Just when it seemed his time was up he twirled out of its way wand still at the ready and responding to the monster's strike with a powerful redactor curse. The monster seemed to be thrilled with the oncoming challenge and was prepared to block it when under last minute thoughts muttered a Latin word causing his wand to glow a neon blue color. He then reaches out his wand and makes contact with the incoming curse twirls his wrist back and rebounds the curse back, brighter and faster than before, back at the caster.
James already in mid-air stared in horror as his curse came rushing back at him. Time seemed to stop as his life flashed through in his mind, his only regret, not looking at his family for a longer time on his final day. The red light impacted the star chaser's chest bursting his chest open spewing blood in all directions, and throwing him into the wall several feet back with a sickening crunch. James lay on the ground unmoving, blood spreading out on the floor below him.
Satisfied, the monster ponders on killing the nuisance, but figures he should leave some work for his useless minions. He graciously glides by the body and makes his way to the back of the house. Blowing the final door of its hinges he comes into view to see a terrified Lily Potter clutching two children to her chest with one hand and a wand with the other.
'Two? But which one is this pestering prophecy child,' pondered the monster. Regardless, it did not matter at the moment.
"Out of the way you silly girl. Both need not die for these children."
"Please! Take me instead! Not Harry and Charlie! Not them!"
"Silly woman! Avada Kevadra!"
But Lily knew this was going to be the curse. The favorite curse of the Dark Lord, Voldemort. She aimed her wand at the table between them and levitated it into the trajectory of the curse. Shattering the table it continued on forward but bent slightly, enough for the beam to strike the wall inches above Lily's head. However, the blisters from the desimated table flew and gashed her in her outstretched hand releasing her wand from her tight grip. The wall that was struck by the killing curse then began collapsing on Lily and the children. Reacting by reflex she pushes her two sons forwards clearing them away from the falling bricks and taking the full impact herself.
"Stupid mudblood. Knocked herself out. Blasted family, always avoiding death though."
But now the two children lay crying on the floor by his feet. So whatever of the Dark Lord, no matter how many people he killed, no matter how many children he tortured, he never enjoyed killing absolutely defenseless children himself. He preferred leaving that for his Death Eaters. With a heavy sigh he pointed his wand at the older child and blasted him away with the killing curse. Turning his eyes towards he saw the child waving around his mothers wand, but from the corner of his eyes he glimpsed a bright green light.
He never knew what hit him, all he felt was pain beyond any he had felt before. His body ripping apart and his soul trying to pull out from it. Shrieking in pain he stumbled back gnawing his face he gradually became softer and collapsed in a heap in front of the younger child still waving his wand ad gurgling.
End of Flashback
"Harry! Can you make dinner for yourself tonight? We're all in a bit of a hurry! Ok hun, gotta go, Merry Christmas!" yelled Lily Potter from entrance.
Yes all the Potters had survived that terrible day and had now became the saviors of the wizarding world. James had recovered full from his injuries after several weeks of therapy. Lily recovered in a few days after drinking some Blood Replenishing potion. Charlie, The-Boy-Who-Conquered, was unharmed when the Auror's found him. He became the savior of the wizarding world, and already, at the age of 11, showed signs of tremendous power and aptitude. Harry, was Harry, brother of the The-Boy-Who-Conquered, suffered the most from that incident. Apart from having no recollection of the night, after all which 14 year old could remember what he did when he was 2, he was blind. Healers were baffled, because there was a cure to blindness, one only the very rich could afford, however, only if they knew which curse was applied. They detected dark magic, but it impossible to determine which curse was used. They attempted to guess several dark curses, but to no avail. And thus, even 12 years after that incident Harry Potter remained blind.
People say all your other senses heighten once you loose one. Well that was especially true in Harry's case. He developed a photographic memory (a trait never developed in the Potter line going back 5000 years on the family tree), all his other senses heightened to such a level that he could "see" where he walked, who he talked to, and what he did. Unfortunately, this took time to develop. In that time, Harry was left alone in the dark with no aid or support from his family. He never blamed them. After all, his brother had done the unthinkable and Harry was mighty proud of him. Harry never blamed his family for attending the several parties and celebrations they were invited to. Harry was always invited too. However, after the first two times he walked into the food table and toppled it over accidentally and stepped on the Minister's foot his parents were more adamant on leaving him home. Initially they would leave him in a day care, but stopped once they noticed that all the children would use him as the toy to push around with. So every afternoon, Harry would stay home alone, doing nothing but sitting here and there memorizing the house (at the cause of several accidents). Every weekend he would find himself home alone at night, not that the time of the day mattered to him, because his family had been invited to some formal party.
Overtime, by the age of 8, Harry decided he would try and wash up the dishes and clean the house a bit since he had nothing to do really. After several broken plates and several punishments for breaking too many important antiques that his parents got from people thanking them for a job done well, Harry developed a heightened sense of touch and hearing. Simply by the difference in wind, or atmosphere, or by clanking against the floor, he was able to "see" his surroundings in his mind. It was no where close to perfect though, but it was a work in progress.
Now, at the age of 14, Harry once again found himself home alone, towards the end of the day after completing all his chores, although this time with his briarbooks, reading up on some wizarding history. His parents tried to keep him away from performing magic as much as possible. They deemed him dangerous, for he wouldn't know where to point, or how to practice, nor did they have the time to teach him. Thus Harry remained wandless till today, until today he got the wildest idea.
Reading up on the development of the Diagon Alley he learned that one could simply floo to Diagon Alley. He was not aware of that. His parents hardly let him go anywhere. Running up to his room carefully, Harry grabbed his cloak, it was winter Christmas Eve after all, and made his way back to the fireplace. Pinching up some floo he threw it in the direction were he remembered the fireplace was and exclaimed, "Diagon Alley!"
Harry tumbled out of the fireplace and was immediately greeted by loud Christmas carols, warm laughter, and the clanking of cups. He guided himself around the place towards the entrance by tapping a walking a sleek walking stick on the ground and following the direction of the sudden cold breeze. But he paused when he drew near the choir. He hadn't head Christmas carols in years. 8 years to be exact, after that his family was always out partying on Christmas Eve. Christmas day was, quite ironically, his baby sister, Sheryl's birthday. She was born 4 years after he was and she detested spending it at home. So come Christmas day, his family would come home, give Harry his Christmas presents and some food and leave immediately for another round of partying. Pity really, Sheryl never really wanted Harry around, "he slows down everything, and he's so clumsy! I get so embarrassed in front of my friends!" she would say. Harry understood it, after all who likes spending their birthday's with their blind-brother, right?
Harry was never one to dwell on the past, today was his night out, and the carols were absolutely breath taking! 'I really should get out on Christmas more often!' thought Harry.
Finally, he made his way out of the bar, or Leaky Cauldron, that's what the people there called it anyways, and skipped along merrily outside under the snowy day, going into any store he would hear people coming out from. This was until he heard a girl talking to his mother,
"Wow Mom! You're getting Ron a new wand for Christmas? I bet he was tired of using Great Grandpa's anyways. Maybe he'll be able to do the Batty Boogey Hex like me then!" the girl snickered.
"Now now Ginerva, you know that hex is nasty business. You shouldn't threaten people with it, it's not very polite."
"Mom! Don't call me that! You know I prefer Ginny! People might hear you! Look that boy probably heard you too, he's looking right at us! He's kind of cute too," hissed the girl named Ginny.
Molly Weasely gazed over the "cute" boy, and took in his ruffled dressing, but she was never to judge somebody based on their poor dressing. Her motherly instinct immediately wondered what he was doing out alone on Christmas Eve. Then her gaze fell on his walking stick and her heart immediately went out for the boy.
He tapped his way over towards the voice of Ginny and her mother and asked, "Ma'am, would you please direct me to Olivander's?"
"It's right in front of you silly, what are you – Oh? I'm sorry, I didn't know you couldn't see." Ginny blushed.
"Ah, but I can hear. I find you very cute too! Well, er… you have a beautiful voice," he replied with a sardonic smile.
"What's your name honey?" asked Molly.
"Harry Potter ma'am!"
"Potter? James and Lily's son?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Oh, are they around here. I never would've thought they would be in Diagon Alley this time of the year."
"No ma'am. They are at the Ministry's Christmas ball."
"Heaven's child! What are you doing here alone then?" ask Molly incredulously.
By now, Ginny was very intrigued. Here stood the brother of the boy she heard several stories about. The-Boy-Who-Conquered, very good looking, but she had to admit, not quite good looking as his older brother though. While she was wondering why she hadn't seen him in Hogwarts, Harry and Molly's conversation continued,
"Oh ma'am, I've gotten used to getting around on my own," Harry lied with a heavy heart, "I told my family to go along and have a good time. I mean think about it, blind ol' me dancing? Haha even I'm not that stupid."
Molly Weasley frowned, oblivious to the Harry's lie, however she did pick up phrases like, 'Used to getting around on my own… Even I'm not that stupid.' She always new Harry was the neglected child, to what extent, she didn't know.
"Well dear, Olivander's is right up the steps. I'll guide you in Harry."
"Ah no need ma'am I'm quite capable," laughed Harry nervously.
"Oh no I insist. Come Ginny."
The group made their way into the store, with Molly in the lead. Olivander looked up from his desk and asked, "Ah Mrs. Weasley! Any problem with the wand? I just sold it to you."
"No, we're here with –"
"Hello sir!" interrupted Harry, not wanting the ancient wand maker to know who he is, "I'm looking to purchase a wand."
Ginny looked at Harry incredulously, 'A wand? Wouldn't he already have one? Maybe he broke his old one.'
"Ah Mr. Potter! I was curious when you would brighten my store with your presence. I'm curious why you didn't come 3 years ago."
'I see, so he didn't even come here before. Probably got some royal family wand then.'
"Heh my family thought it was dangerous for me to have a wand." Harry attempted to laugh a nervous laugh, but failed quite miserably along with his plan to keep his identity a secret.
"Ridiculous! Every magical child should have a right to hold a wand, especially you Mr. Potter."
"You must be talking about my brother and sister sir. I'm too useless to do anything."
Molly frowned again at the low self esteem of the boy.
"Regardless of what you, or in this case your brother and sister say about you," replied Mr. Olivander with a twinkle in his eye, "You are a powerful wizard Mr. Potter. Now! Extend your wand arm, and let me do some measurements and try and find you a most suitable wand."
Ginny watched as the ancient man quickly moved around measuring Harry's arm, and then bringing in wands after wands for Harry to try. She remembered when Charlie, his brother, talked about his older brother Harry, "He's too stupid to get in Hogwarts, hahaha! So useless! I reckon Mom and Dad will get rid of him in a few years. Send him off to some distant relatives in Canada. She's married to a muggle, so he'll fit right in, that pathetic squib!" That day Ginny had lost all interest in her so called hero. She had no respect for someone who talked like that about their older brother. And now she seriously doubted he had stayed home all day to relax. Probably left home alone. What a terrible thing to do!
Finally, after what seemed like forever, the old man pauses and says, "Curious…" and then makes his way to the back of the store. He comes back with an old box and pulls out an elegant looking wand.
Soon as Harry grasped it, his wand expelled a warm golden light, and then Harry knew this was the wand.
"Curious indeed Mr. Potter. That, my boy, is a powerful wand. Phoenix feather, and from one of the most powerful phoenix in the world has only one brother. His brother took – Well it's of no big concern to you anyways. That will be 8 galleons Mr. Potter."
Harry fished into his pocket and pulled out a few coins. He felt around on the coins to determine which one was which and counted out 8 galleons.
Molly looked at the little boy with the pale-dull green eyes sadly. To her dismay she saw him pull out some money, fake money being the object of her grief.
Ginny looked on in surprise at Harry's excitement on purchasing a wand. 'He never had a wand? And this is what Charlie shows off against?' Then she saw him pull out some metal round golden caps, with a G carved on top. She thought he was joking and nearly laughed until he said,
"Charlie and Sheryl gave me my first Christmas present from them! And its money and early too! Nobody has given me money before. Though I should be saving up to buy everybody presents. That's what they told me to get, instead of my hand made cards. I don't draw too well ," Harry said shyly.
Ginny turned to look at her mother sharply to see her eyes moisten up. What a cruel prank to play on someone who couldn't see! Even her own twin brothers would do nothing of the sort.
"Ah well, erm, how about an early Christmas present from me too. You can have the wand for free," he extended his hand to return the coins but dropped it on purpose.
"Oh dear me, here let me get em for you, " said Olivander, but instead handed the boy some real money.
"No I couldn't do that sir! Hey, why is this heavier and thinker?"
Thinking quickly Ginny replied, "Oh that's just a newer model of the coin."
"Yes yes! New model! Thank you Ms. Weaseley. Harry take it as a gift. Besides it's impolite to refuse a gift. Now why don't you go over to Owlery shop before it closes. Why don't you help him out Ms. Weasley, that is if you don't mind?"
"Of course not! Come Harry!" chirped Ginny and latched onto one of his arms.
Stuttering a thank you, they made their way to the pet shop, all the while thinking of the girl on his side. She smelled nice and felt very soft. Her hair would occasional wave on to his face till she pulled it back and claimed that it was a very windy day.
'I reckon she's gorgeous! Too bad I can't see her though,' sighed Harry. He rarely ever felt sorry for himself or his handicap, but today was one of those days when he dropped his optimistic view for a moment.
Half an hour later Harry emerged the store Ginny guided him to. He had quietly listened to her talk merrily about Hogwarts, the Burrow, and all her brothers. He would occasional give an input or two to indicate he was listening and was glad of her company. Truth was nobody had ever spent this much time with him, not even Uncle Moony and Uncle Padfoot. So here he was, holding a cage of a snowy white owl named Hedwig, so Ginny said, and a bag of goodies for the rest of his family.
Two elegant looking quills for his father and brother, and two beaded bracelet and necklace set for his mother and sister.
"Thanks Ginny for all your help! I was clueless on what to get for everybody. I bought some extra candy for you." Harry said once the group had made its way to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Aw that's so sweet Harry. Thanks!" and with that she kissed Harry on the cheek.
Stunned he stuttered a polite goodbye to Molly and Ginny and floo'ed back to the Potter Manor.
Harry took all his shopping and placed them under the Christmas tree with a note under each present indicating who it was for and signed, Your Greatest Fan.
He then gathered his new wand and Hedwig, took them upstairs to his room and went to sleep.
Author's Note:
Basically, I'm tired of reading stories were Harry is abused and ends up with Snape, Voldemort, or some other dude/dudette. His parents don't really abuse him, just neglect him.
I hope on updating every day or so for the first two weeks until university starts again. Then I'll slow down to a chappy a week. Please don't go ballistic on my ass, this is my first fanfiction, and I'm an engineering student, not used to writing. I'll do equations any day though :D.
Btw I'm called Forky cause my friends consider me dangerous with forks. Long story. Haha! Yes, its quite sad honestly I know…