Author's Note 1: This is the first chapter of Harry's 4th year after going back in time. If you haven't read Second Time Around Years 1 – 3 please do so before continuing.

Author's Note 2: In answer to a question regarding Pettigrew's attack on Lupin from Year 3: Chapter 18. Pettigrew's plan was: 1. Turn Lupin into an out-of-control werewolf in an area where there many children and young adults: 2. To have him bite as many of these people as possible before being caught. This would result in: 3. Lupin being sent to Azkaban and: 4. Dumbledore being dismissed and, possibly, arrested.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor am I attempting to make any personal gain from this story.

Second Time Around: Year 4: Chapter 1: Leaving the Dursleys

Harry was unsure how the summer holidays would pan out this year. Sirius, along with most of the aurors, had been seconded to provide security for the forthcoming Quidditch World Cup which was being held in Britain. He still had his two-way-mirror and could contact Sirius whenever he wanted but he had decided to use it only when necessary. Likewise the special scroll Madam Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had given him back in 1st year sat unused.

The Dursleys were no better than previous years. In fact, in some respects they were worse. Dudley had brought a note home from the nurse at Smeltings, the exclusive and expensive private school he attended, stating that he was dangerously overweight and that they no longer stocked pants that were large enough for him. The note said Dudley needed to go on a diet.

Petunia had complained that it was only puppy fat and that Dudley was a growing boy who needed plenty of food. Harry knew this was ridiculous. Dudley was about twice the normal weight for a boy of his height and age, a fact that put him firmly in the 'obese' category.

Dudley had protested too, but the Smeltings nurse was adamant: Dudley needed to lose weight. As a result Petunia had decided the whole family would go on a diet, including Harry. He realised what this would mean and had contacted Sirius and Kreacher asking for their help. They had immediately agreed and had been sending Harry food parcels twice daily ever since. This was the only occasion Harry had felt it necessary to use the two-way-mirror.

At least this year July had been more productive: early on he had summoned Kreacher and asked the elf to bring him the books he had sent to Grimmauld Place. Next he had sent Hedwig to Flourish and Blotts with an order for copies of the more advanced potions books he would need for classes in 5th, 6th and 7th year. Once they arrived Harry had begun copying the annotated text that Snape had added to his books. Harry had decided the originals would remain at Hogwarts and he would instead use his own copies for classwork.

Now, on his birthday, Harry had covered about 2/3's of the books and decided to take a break. He took out the enchanted scroll and discovered a message. It read: 'Happy birthday, Harry. I will see you this evening.' Harry wondered what that last comment meant. Why would Madam Bones want to visit him this evening? He wondered about it as went down for breakfast.

In the kitchen the Dursleys were eating, as usual. What was unusual is what they were eating; unsweetened grapefruit. Smeltings had forced Dudley onto a strict diet and this meant no sugar amongst other things. Petunia was forcing everyone to share it as well. Breakfast now consisted of one grapefruit between 4 people. Dudley, Harry noticed, still got about twice as much as he got but Harry didn't mind. What the Dursleys didn't know was that Kreacher was visiting Harry twice a day, bringing him food from Grimmauld Place. So Harry ate his 1/5 of a grapefruit without complaint.

As usual the Dursleys forgot it was Harry's birthday. After eating Harry got up to leave the table. "Do the dishes, boy," Vernon growled. Harry went to the sink and washed up then left the room. He found Kreacher waiting for him in his bedroom and Kreacher had brought a much more satisfying breakfast as well as a present.

"Happy birthday, Master Harry," Kreacher said. "Master Sirius has sent you a present and a letter."

"Thank you, Kreacher," Harry replied before the elf left.

Harry opened the letter first. It read:

'Happy birthday, Harry. As you know I am working on security for the Quidditch World Cup so you will not be able to stay here at Grimmauld Place. Arthur Weasley has offered to let you stay with his family from the World Cup onwards and I think this might be a good idea. I know how much you dislike the Dursleys and I know you can't wait to get away from them so I daresay you will want to take up the Weasley's offer. If you do accept it write to them directly so they can arrange to pick you up.

'If you haven't opened the present yet do so now, before continuing with this letter.'

Harry put the letter down and opened the small parcel Sirius had sent him. It contained a selection of sweets from a muggle shop, a small birthday cupcake with 'Happy 14th Harry' spelt out in icing and a ticket to the Quidditch World Cup Final!

Harry returned to the letter. 'The ticket is for the top box and they are the best seats in the house. My understanding is the Weasleys have also gotten tickets for the top box so you will be with them the whole time.

'I hope the meals Kreacher is bringing you daily are helping. I wish I could take you away from there today like I normally do but the Quidditch World Cup means I am working long hours. I for one will be happy when it is over so I can get back to my normal work.'

Harry agreed whole heartedly with that final sentiment. The World Cup was a great event but it really was taxing the aurors and other Ministry officials. Which made him wonder even more why Madam Bones was coming around this evening. No time had been specified so he would need to stay around the house all day to ensure he was home when she came.

It was just after 7 pm when the doorbell rang. Harry opened the door and found Susan Bones on the doorstep. "Hello, Harry. May I come in?" she asked.

"Who is it, boy," bellowed uncle Vernon.

"My girlfriend, she's a witch," Harry replied after inviting Susan to enter. He noticed a Ministry car parked outside the front of the house and realised this must be what the letter had meant.

Vernon charged through the door. "Get out of here, you freak," he yelled at Susan. A split second later and Vernon fell face flat on the ground. Harry, still pointing his wand at his uncle, invited Susan into the lounge.

"What did you do?" screeched Petunia.

"Uncle Vernon looked as though he was going to attack Susan and myself. I used a simple petrification spell on him," Harry replied.

"He came running out yelling at us. What did you expect us to do?" Susan asked, sounding scared.

"You un-petrify him this instant," Petunia said.

Harry released the spell on uncle Vernon and Susan stepped outside returning to the car.

"Just so you know," Harry began before anyone else could speak, "Susan's aunt is in charge of the magical world's police force, the aurors. Threatening her is a very bad mistake."

"Boy! If you ever do that to me again…" Vernon began before being interrupted.

"That's enough of that, Dursley," said Madam Bones. She had just entered the house with Susan.

"You are you?" Vernon demanded.

"I am Madam Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Based on what Susan told me and what I saw myself upon entering the house, Mr. Dursley, I could have you arrested right here and now. I suggest in future you treat people somewhat better and certainly with more respect."

"This is my house," Vernon blustered.

"It is also your wife's house; your son's house and your nephew's house. Do you not think they should be allowed visitors if they so choose?"

"Well, yes but…"

"Then there should be no problem, especially since we are here to invite Harry to come and stay for the rest of the holidays," Madam Bones finished.

Harry turned to her, surprised.

"Harry, I have spoken to Sirius on a number of occasions and I have decided to bend the law slightly. I have decided to allow Sirius to have full custody of you despite his previous record. What I witnessed here has convinced me it is the right thing to do. I shall go to the Wizengamot shortly after the World Cup with a writ that would effectively emancipate you, although you would still face rules regarding underage magic in the presence of muggles. Don't worry about that spell you cast earlier. It is clear that it was done in self-defence."

"If you're here to take him away then take him. He is no longer welcome under this roof," Vernon growled. Petunia nodded her agreement.

"I wasn't expecting anyone to collect me today. I haven't packed," Harry said.

"I think we should wait in the car," Madam Bones said. "If you are not here in 10 minutes I will come and get you and shall probably arrest Vernon at the same time."

Harry hurriedly climbed the stairs. When he reached his room he called Kreacher.

"Kreacher. I need you to help me pack up. I have been invited to stay with Susan's family for the rest of the holidays, although I will only be staying there 'til after the World Cup," Harry explained when the elf arrived.

With Kreacher's help Harry was packed within the 10 minutes stipulated. With Kreacher at his side Harry headed down the stairs and into the lounge where the Dursleys were sitting. "I'm off. I don't know if or when I will see you again. Good-bye," He said.

All he got in return was a grunt. With that Harry left the house sent Kreacher back to Grimmauld Place.

Outside he was greeted by Susan's father who helped load his trunk into the car. He sat in the backseat with Susan and her parents while Madam Bones sat in the front with the driver. Once they were under way Harry said; "Mr and Mrs Bones, thank-you for inviting me to stay, although the Weasleys have also invited me to stay with them and I think I will join them after the World Cup. Sirius was keen for me to stay with the Weasleys, too."

"I'm sure we can arrange for that, Harry," Mrs. Bones said. "First of all, though, it's your birthday and we have some shopping to do." Harry groaned silently. He remembered the last time he went shopping with the Bones'. It was an experience he was not eager to repeat.

As it was getting late they headed straight to the Bones' house. Once there they held a quiet birthday party for Harry. Sirius managed to put in an appearance before he returned to Grimmauld Place. That night Harry went to bed early. He knew they would be going shopping in the morning.

The next day at the Mall Susan dragged him into various clothing shops to try on various styles. As far as Harry was concerned the first shop they entered had everything he needed but she insisted they go to other shops as well. Eventually, just before midday she settled on an appropriate outfit for him. Harry didn't entirely agree with her selections but knew better than to question them. Susan did know more about clothes than he did so he went with her opinions.

That night Harry got out the books he had been working on and continued copying the notes into his own textbooks. He worked for an hour or so before calling it a night.