During the summer of his fifth year Harry decided to start keeping a few journals. One of the journals chronicled everything that happened to him since his Hogwarts letter first arrived at Number Four Privet Drive and all subsequent events – at least those that Harry experienced first hand or were related to him by others. It also contained his personal thoughts and feelings like any other journal. Harry refused to call it a diary being both a boy and having bad experiences with diaries courtesy of his biggest fanatic, Tom Riddle. The slim notebooks were charmed, able to be opened only by the correct password and to contain an endless supply of paper. An old family friend, Remus Lupin, did the charms work. The other journal was a dream journal, although not one that the old Divination Professor Trelawny would have assigned. This particular collection was a written recording of every dream that he had of Voldemort that summer. Neither of the two journals was known to anybody save Harry and Remus per Harry's request, although Harry readily sent copies of the dream journal pages to Dumbledore via the invisible minders that were ever-present outside the Dursley home. This was not out of any obligation to Dumbledore, but if it helped prevent deaths, Harry would do what he could.
Harry had decided to take charge of his own life and be nobody's fool. He was still furious with the Headmaster for withholding information. Thinking back over the years, Harry recalled numerous occasions where information that was withheld from him could have drastically altered events in favor of the light. An example that came to mind was Snape could be trusted because he was a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Harry's knowledge of that would not have changed his opinion of Snape though. Snape was and still is a git. But knowing he could be trusted would have saved a lot of lives. Instead of trying to follow Professor Severus Snape around like he did, searching out evidence of evil doing, attention would have been brought onto Professor Quirrell much sooner, revealing before it was too late that Voldemort possessed him. It might have even been possible to deal with Voldemort before he was regenerated during the Tri-Wizard Cup. But all that was water under the bridge. The key point was that Dumbledore never felt that Harry could be trusted with anything important. The Headmaster abandoning him to the Dursley's tender mercies was only icing on the cake. He intended to be the one to survive the prophecy. The way Harry read it; there were only three possible outcomes. Number one and the most feared was that Voldemort would triumph and chaos would rule, making Adolph Hitler look like Mother Teresa. The second outcome was that both Harry and Tom would perish together, thus preserving the peace. Harry preferred the third and final option, which was where he would be the one to survive, not Voldemort. He personally despised that moniker since in this one case, Dumbledore was correct. Voldemort was just a name and it wasn't even really his name either. It was just an anagram of the evil bastard's muggle name, Tom Marvolo Riddle. Tom himself showed him that during the episode in the Chamber of Secrets. Harry vowed to call him Tom as much as possible and get people to either call him that or start saying Voldemort. He resolved to get proof of Tom's muggle background and would look on the Internet after he got a laptop computer. If he could prove that Tom was a halfblood, then he would lose some of his pureblood supporters. He would need to get Mr. Weasley's help since he wanted it enchanted to work at Hogwarts and Grimmauld Place and did not want run afoul of the law in doing so.
Harry started making a list of goals he needed to accomplish or wanted to do after he defeated Voldemort in the 1st journal with comments next to some of the entries. He typed them up on the laptop when he got it.
LIST OF GOALS1. Kick Tommy's Arse
2. Get Cornelius Fudge out of office as soon as possible
3. Deal with the Malfoys
4. Find a girl --see list of cute girls for the girls I like
5. Deal with Umbridge – Prank the heck of her (note to self: see if the twins can come up with a Wheeze that transforms one into a centaur)
6. Figure out what to do after Voldemort. Auror or Professional Quidditch???
7. Get Ron & Hermione together
8. Find a HOME. Grimmauld Place as it stands can't qualify as a home unless it gets redecorated and the annoying painting in the foyer is dealt with. Note to self-since it's a permanent sticking charm on the wall – remove that part of the wall if necessary and re-plaster it. Maybe get Remus to deal with that. Might help him out taking out some of his anger on the painting.
9. Become an animagus like Dad and Sirius
10. Take care of Peter Pettigrew and clear Sirius' name.
LIST OF GIRLS I LIKE1. Cho Chang I had a crush on her but that ended with the incident in Madam Puddifoots and her siding with that traitor Edgecombe in DA. I wonder if I should continue the DA this year? Note to self—ask Hermione since it was her idea in the 1st place.
2. Hermione Granger Definitely not a possibility since Ron is in love with her even though he refuses to admit it. She is the sister I never had and the smartest witch in history.
3. Luna Lovegood She has an unusual look both in general and on life but she was there for me at the Ministry. I like the fact that she knows how to think outside the box. I'll keep her on the list for now.
4. Susan Bones I really don't know much about her but she's cute and her Aunt was fair during the trial unlike Fudge and I don't remember her wearing a Potter Stinks Badge.
5. Parvati Patil It didn't go very well at the Ball but she does have nice knockers.
6. Ginny Weasley my best mate's sister, very cute, she was the only one not to treat me with kid gloves last year. I say this --she's definitely got her mum's temper and from what Remus has said, my mum had a similar one. Actually his words were 'Harry, she's so like your mum sometimes it's scary. Lily sounded just like that when she was tearing into the Marauders for one thing or another.' She's a definite possibility but there are several problems. Problems 1-7 are her six brothers and father. Molly at least I think would be on my side. 8, she said she was over me (I never got a chance to know her till at all till last year since she kept running away from me). 9, last thing I heard was on the train and she said she liked Dean. (God I hope not)
Remus had contacted him recently in regards to Sirius's last will and testament and came yesterday to take Harry to Gringotts to meet with the goblin solicitor. Basically Sirius had ended up making Harry the heir to the Black Fortune and Estates because he wanted to and to keep it out of the hands of the Malfoy and Lestrange families. Harry had full control over these unlike with the Potter vaults and estates since they were setup in trusts except for his personal vault, which was to be used for school and miscellaneous expenses. Harry wasn't aware of the existence of the Potter items, save for his vault, due to Dumbledore's interference. The only stipulations to the will besides pranking and the gift of his cherished '67 Triumph if it was still around, was that Remus was to be allowed to live at Grimmauld Place as long as he lived and to be given an annual stipend for tutoring Harry since Sirius wanted Remus to be taken care of. The continued existence of Sirius's motorbike was confirmed and Moony said he currently had possession of it, would soon turn it over to Harry, and Hagrid had been taking care of it since he delivered Harry to Privet Drive that fateful morning.
One interesting item that was given to Harry during the meeting was a key to a muggle safety deposit box which was unexpected by both Harry and Remus, neither of which had a clue what might be in it. The two of them agreed to visit the bank the next day to find out the contents of the box and let Harry have a little bit of fun that day. Before they left Gringotts, Harry made a large withdrawal from the Black accounts and had the goblins convert some of it to pounds, about 20,000 pounds and 5000 Galleons. Harry also had the goblins setup a checking account in the muggle branch of Gringotts with an opening balance of 15,000 pounds. This included proper documentation for writing a check as well as a Visa checkcard that could be used from that account. Surprisingly, the goblin volunteered some information. He informed them that there was a deposit box setup in Harry's name at that branch already. They quickly verified that the key that Harry had just received was for it. As a courtesy to such a prestigious client such as Mr. Potter, an enchanted wallet was given that would handle both muggle and wizarding currencies. Harry handed Remus 500 pounds for expenses and told him not to argue about it and Harry walked away with about 4,500 quid in various denominations.
In Diagon Alley, Harry made several purchases with Remus' and Tonks' help. Since Fudge had admitted that Voldemort had returned publicly, she was able to appear openly with them and had been assigned detached duty along with Shacklebolt to help guard Harry since he was undeniably Voldemort's primary target. This worked out well for Dumbledore since they were both watching Harry for the Order.
Harry purchased a trunk like Moody's since he had thought it was so cool and practical and had the store clerk put featherlight, and illusion charms as well as some straps on it so it could transported easily by Harry while in the muggle world. The charms were activated by a password. The illusion charm made it appear as a large duffel designed to be worn backpack style. Harry also purchased two backpacks that were charmed to hold several times their apparent volume and still remain lightweight. There was also a good amount of books purchased at Flourish and Blotts including several Auror-Restricted titles that Tonks had to authorize. They couldn't get Harry's books for next year since he had not received his OWL results yet. The next to final stop in Diagon Alley was at The Owl Emporium to pickup a house owl for Grimmauld Place and the necessary equipment for him. Harry picked out a non-descript, medium-sized brown barn owl. The final destination was to buy Harry some new robes. After picking out his new school robes, Harry had both of them help pick out a new dress robe. The three of them then went on a shopping spree in London.
Harry decided he first wanted to go and get the laptop he wanted before doing the clothes bit. After choosing nice laptop, he picked up several accessories such as a bag, a large pack each of recordable CDs and DVDs. In the music & movie section of the store he picked out a large selection of popular movies and music. Harry also picked out a set of headphones and small speakers for listening purposes. Harry mentioned wanting to enchant the computer to work at Grimmauld Place and Hogwarts to Remus. The werewolf said he would confer with Arthur on the necessary charms and paperwork necessary. Now came the hard part, shopping for clothes.
Tonks chose of half of the items with Remus picking out more dressy looking clothes such as a couple blazers, polo shirts, slacks, etc. Tonks was having fun embarrassing Harry while they were choosing undergarments. One of the items she held up for display had been a very skimpy thong style. Harry insisted on Remus picking up a few outfits for himself as well since his clothes were so threadbare.
Not wanting Tonks to overhear, Harry whispered to Remus "I would like you to wear one of the new outfits back to Privet Drive. I've got a plan to get me out of there early".
Remus discussed a few other things with Harry after returning to Privet Drive before Remus left to go back to Headquarters.
They discussed ways to deal with Mrs. Black's painting and Harry brought up his theory about performing surgery on the wall. The werewolf agreed that it might be a viable possibility and would look into it. Harry mentioned wanting to hire Dobby and Winky to take care of the house. Winky plainly was still unhappy after being dismissed and Dobby well, was Dobby.
Girls were part of the next topic as Harry brought up the existence of his two lists. Harry soon confided that he had a plan worthy of the Marauders to get rid of Fudge and get somebody who would be worthwhile in the position, preferably with ties to the order. Harry quickly assured him that Mundungus was not one of the candidates being considered as Minister of Magic. Moony was very curious and concerned that Harry might get hurt because of this. But he was told not to worry and that Harry was not planning on any physical confrontations with Fudge and that Harry was not going to give him any details so as to provide plausible deniability to the werewolf.
Harry did ask though, "Moony, if I pull this off can I start the new generations of the Marauders?"
Remus replied, "Harry you already are one of us, though you haven't earned a nickname yet besides Prongs Jr. You were into making mischief since the day you were born. I'll never forget the time when you were a baby and peed on James while he was changing your nappy." Harry turned bright red at this. Talk soon came back to girls.
"From the looks of it Harry, you've already made up your mind which girl you want. What is it with Potter men and redheads?" said a grinning werewolf.
Harry frowned, "What do you mean? "
Remus laughed, "From what James said, his mum was a redhead just like Lily."
Harry turned even redder and mumbled something, looking down at his feet.
"What was that Harry? I didn't quite catch that?" Remus smirked.
"She said she was over me, ok?" snapped Harry.
"Well Harry, don't give up on her" laughed Remus. "A few words of advice though. Treat her well and remember that the best and longest lasting relationships start out based on friendship."
Next Harry and Remus discussed a theory Harry had about the blood protections and the Fidelius Charm. Harry believed that the blood protection given by his mother was no longer very effective because of what happened at the graveyard, the visions last year when Voldemort was able to enter his mind, and of course the events at the Ministry. He also brought up the fact that Quirrell was destroyed due to his possession by Voldemort and the protections. Dumbledore had said that his mother's love had protected him that time. But after his regeneration Voldemort was able to physically touch him without being destroyed. Harry mentioned during the conversation that Voldemort's real name was Tom Riddle and was really a half-blood, not the pureblood that everyone thinks he is.
Even though Harry wasn't a Ravenclaw, he was taught logic in primary school before he left for Hogwarts. Vernon hadn't wanted to send him to school at all but the law gave him no choice.
"Logic dictates that since the effect of my blood taken by Tom during the regeneration negated the effects of the protection and allowed him to touch me. Which means that Tom is also able to be touched. I think that means his immortality that he wanted, he lost at that point thru his own fault." argued Harry.
Since Harry had revealed the Prophecy in it's entirety to Remus before they left for Gringotts, he raised the point that the power that the dark lord knows not is probably love.
Harry stated, "The power has got to be love. It's the only thing that makes any sense at this point since Tom grew up without any love and believes that it's a weakness. Since love and blood are the foundation for the protection my mum gave me, he made himself vulnerable thru it when he took my blood and used it. But that's not enough though. It also has to do with my capacity for love for my friends and family and most other people. I refuse to count Snape among either category."
"Since the protections aren't entirely reliable here anymore, I think I should move to Grimmauld place since that's the safest place for me at this point, including Hogwarts. The Dursleys will be as safe as any other muggle family if not more since Mrs. Figg nearby and can summon the Order quickly if needed. Even though they seriously hate magic and anything to do with it, they can be issued emergency portkeys which would not violate the law since they are very much aware of the existence of magic."
Remus asked, "Why do you think that it's safer than Hogwarts?"
"Because it's unplottable, under Fidelius, and there are no death eaters or sympathizers there except for Snape. Hogwarts has Draco Malfoy and the other death eaters' spawn. One good thing this year is going to be Malfoy can get in trouble since Lucius can't influence the governors since he's in Azkaban now. Snape will still play favorites with him since he's still spying for the Order. Also since my aunt and uncle are my legal guardians it's their decision where I live, not Dumbledore's and given their attitude towards me I think I can convince them easily to let me move there. Since they are still my guardians, the blood protections that are left will still be in place. From what research I did in the school library on blood magic before I left, the protection doesn't require my physical proximity like Dumbledore said except for a minimum two week continuous period and the continued agreement to protect and accept me under Petunia's guardianship, since she is the only actual blood relative there in authority. I will not forgive the Headmaster for what he's done. I may have to obey him at school, but he's not in charge of me otherwise. If he really cared like he said he did, then he would have checked up on me before I went to Hogwarts instead of abandoning me to Uncle Vernon's tender mercies. Tom was better treated while he was growing up in the orphanage than I was!"
Remus looked saddened at all this but couldn't find much to argue with. "Harry, if you can get Vernon and Marge to agree and put it in writing, I'll get Dumbledore to get a guard to come get you as soon as we can spare enough people."
Harry replied, "As much as I detest the idea, what about a portkey to there? The Headmaster is the only one who could do it though I bet, since he's the secret keeper. Or we can use the motorcycle with the invisibility switched on. Personally I prefer the motorcycle for a couple of reasons. One, it allows me to get out and see the city while remaining safe. Let's face it, most wizards can't see the invisible like the Headmaster and Moody's Eye is even more rare. Let's go downstairs to talk to Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. Just if they ask about money, tell them that you'll cover it since they think I'm penniless. I bet you a Galleon that they'll agree even though Professor Dumbledore threatened Aunt Petunia to let me stay and then I'll see you here tomorrow at 8am so we can go into London and visit the bank and afterwards do stuff with Tonks for fun." Harry added with a twinkle in his eye, "Trust me?"
Heading down the stairs, Remus reflected how many times James had said the exact same thing.
"Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon? I've got a proposition for the two of you that I think you will love. Consider it a business proposition if you want Uncle Vernon" Harry said with a confident but innocent look on his face.
Petunia narrowed her eyes at him and wondered what he was up to. Vernon just glared daggers at Harry.
"My Godfather, you remember, Sirius Black? He died recently and left Remus and me here a wizarding house which being 'magical' in nature would of course not be of any value or interest to you. What I propose is that you let me live there during the summer except for two weeks at the beginning of the summer next year and the year after since it's required to maintain the protections over the house and this family. When I turn 17, I will be considered an adult you-know and you will no longer be required to do anything in regards to me. For that two week period though I will expect to be treated just like a 'paying' guest which means no doing chores, being treated with respect, decent food and portions of it, staying in the same room as before but the only locks on the inside."
Vernon started turning purple at this point but kept his temper when Remus glared at him and cracked his knuckles showing the scars covering his arms.
"Since I mentioned 'paying' I would be doing so, say ten pounds a day. And I would suggest so that Dudley doesn't destroy the room or cover it with his broken toys, to consider doing something similar for the rest of year. Meaning except for period ending the day school ends for two weeks after that you rent out the room to tourist boarders like a bed and breakfast since Aunt Petunia does not work and is an excellent cook. Did I mention that you could charge twenty quid a day or more for tourists like Americans that want a taste of the perfect, normal, British home (Harry putting extra emphasis on the words perfect and normal). If you do the arithmetic, we're talking several thousand pounds of extra cash coming in each year. It could go towards buying that vacation home you've always wanted in Majorca or at very least a nice vacation. All you have to do is agree to it and we put it in writing. Is it a deal?"
Aunt Petunia's eyes lit up at the thought of finally getting a chance at her dream house.
"Vernon, I can't see anything wrong with it. We win no matter what. Let's do it!" said Petunia, turning to face Vernon with a hopeful look.
Vernon stood still with a thoughtful look on his face, giving the deal the same consideration he gave any business deal from Grunnings Drills. Not finding anything wrong with the deal that he could put his finger on he agreed. He looked at the werewolf and said with his distaste for the wizarding world evident in his voice, "What do your kind think of this and how would he pay for it since he has no money?"
Remus ignored his tone and replied carefully not wanting to set Vernon off knowing his feeling in regards to wizards, "A contract like this would be valid and binding in both worlds. I see no problems with it and I will cover his expenses both here and there."
Vernon considered this and stated brusquely, "Let's get this on paper then."
Harry produced a contract he'd already written up, having given this a lot of thought and knowing the various motivations of his aunt and uncle, mainly greed. Harry, Petunia, and Vernon signed the contract and dated it with Remus as a signatory witness. Since it was basically a muggle contract with the Dursleys as the adult muggles, Remus would be a valid witness even with his handicap.
Remus apologized that he had to make copies of the contract and asked if Vernon had a photocopier, if not then he could make copies in the other room so they wouldn't have to watch it being done, declining to specify how of course, knowing Vernon's hatred of magic. Vernon shook his head and pointed to the kitchen. Remus returned shortly with a total of five copies, giving one copy each to Vernon and Harry, saying that the other copies were needed for Ministry purposes.
Vernon demanded of Harry at this point, "How soon can you be out of here?"
Harry looked at Remus who replied to Vernon, "I would guess within the next two to three weeks due to the processing of the paperwork and making transportation and security arrangements. I will be back tomorrow since I am taking Harry out for the day in London. Since we are inconviencing your suppertime, I took the liberty of ordering some pizza and sodas. Enough for everyone to have their own with an extra for whomever wants more."
When seeing Vernon start to get angry with this, he added "My treat."
Harry asked looking at Dudley who had just come down from his room hearing the word pizza from upstairs behind a closed door just like any other teenager, "Can we go to the zoo, Remus? Dudley can come if he wants to."
Dudley shook his head violently, remembering the last time he was at the zoo with Harry.
Looking at Dudley and seeing he actually had lost weight since the incident with the dementors last year, he took pity on him. Harry said, "I know it's bad for your diet, but any time you remember how you felt last year about 'that' time, try eating some chocolate. It actually does help with dealing with those things."
Remus nodded at this and handed the money to Harry for the pizzas and pointedly told him while eyeing Vernon, "Keep the change for the pizzas because you'll need it tomorrow."
Remus gave Harry a hug and messed up his hair. "Harry, I'll see you at eight o'clock in the morning. Be waiting outside.
Holding out his hand to Vernon to shake, "It was a pleasure doing business with you."
Vernon, not seeing anything else to do, and he was being treated as a businessman, not to mention the man was buying him dinner, shook his hand and walked him to the door and politely opened the door and let him out into the night.