Hogwarts Year 4

Chapter 1 – Summer part 1

A week later the five friends got together at Potter Manor to discuss the upcoming summer session. Harry had spent the past week visiting his properties to check on how things were going and to see if he needed to do anything to help. He had also visited his Aunt Petunia, when he knew Vernon was at work, to catch her up on the past school year. Dudley had overheard them talking and actually showed an interest when he heard about the werewolves attacking the school. In return for Harry telling her about the year, Petunia told Harry a few stories about his mother growing up. These stories were great as they allowed Harry to know more about his mother. Harry even showed Petunia a few simple spells that he thought she could cast and she demonstrated how much she had progressed with practice. Harry left that day feeling a lot better and knowing a few more things about his mother, like any son should.

The five were sitting in the library looking over the schedule for the summer term when Hermione asked what the group thought about inviting a few of their friends from Hogwarts to join them at Peaks. "I've been thinking about what Daphne said on the train. You know how we have three houses represented in our group and that she would like to make it all four. That got me to thinking about some of the other people at Hogwarts and I thought that a few of them could benefit from a summer session. I thought of three right off the bat, but of course I can't say anything unless we all agree on the idea."

"I think it is a great idea, and I know who I would like to invite" Luna added.

Everyone thought the idea was a good one, what else would they expect from Hermione? Harry added he didn't think inviting any of the Slytherins would be a good idea, not even Daphne, since they really didn't know them that well. Everyone nodded at that idea.

"I would suggest Ginny Weasley; she is smart and I know she can keep a secret, just look who she lives with – the twins" Luna said.

Neville asked if either Luna or Susan knew of anyone in their houses who might be interested and could keep a secret. Both girls thought for a few seconds but couldn't come up with anyone they would trust with that knowledge. Then Hermione suggested the Weasley twins, she said the twins plus Ginny were the three she had thought of at first.

Harry agreed that the twins had pretty well proven themselves as to keeping secrets, and their pranks took a lot of imagination and skill to pull off. But he saw one problem with the three Weasleys, Ron Weasley. If they invited Ginny, Fred, and George, but left Ron out it could cause several problems and more hard feelings. Even if they just invited one it would be the cause of hard feelings on Ron's part due to his being left out.

Sirius spoke up then, the kids hadn't even noticed him walking in, and said he might have a solution to their problem with Ronald Weasley, if they were interested. It was Hermione who said "Sure, go ahead and tell us; we need some help on this one".

"Well, if I remember correctly, someone mentioned that Ronald was a Cannons fan and I happen to know someone who owns 51% of that team who might be persuaded to allow Ronald to attend their youth summer camp. Now if it was me, I'd be looking to unload that team since they haven't had a good season in many years. Oh the guy makes a little money each year from the team but think what he could make with a team that actually won a few more games. Of course then you run into the problem of the cost of the camp and the Weasleys are proud and won't accept charity from anyone. Of course, if Ronald won that trip then they couldn't say much could they?" Sirius explained.

"But won't we run into the same money thing with Ginny and the twins? They won't be able to afford the trip, tuition, supplies, and stuff without help, and like Sirius said they won't accept help." Luna added.

"How about this, what if they won a scholarship for the summer term based on the recommendation of one of us? Do you think that might work?" Susan asked.

The six people talked about this idea and it was decided that each major house would sponsor one of the Weasley kids. They would have Peaks send the bill to a special account at Gringotts where the houses would deposit the money, much like the Potters did for Hogwarts muggle-born students. The discussions were interrupted by an elf coming in to say there was an owl waiting for Harry. Harry retrieved the note it was from Ragnok, he needed to get in touch with Hermione concerning bank business. Harry was confused why send the note to him if it was meant for Hermione. Harry shrugged and returned to the room and handed the note to Hermione.

An hour later, after Hermione talked with her mom on the phone,Hermione, Lucy, and Harry arrived at the VIP portkey area at Gringotts. Ragnok asked Harry to wait outside but Hermione insisted he stay. "I must apologize Ms. Granger, but it seems we made a mistake. When we confirmed your heritage we overlooked a long abandoned vault that belonged to your ancestors, it was just recently that this vault was brought to my attention. It appears that you have an ancestry vault and the worth is G5,000,000, with interest. You can claim the vault today, but you will have to have your magical guardian sign also until you reach the age of majority in September. Yes, we know of the time compression you have gone through and your adjusted age." Ragnok explained.

Hermione supplied the drop of blood and she and Lucy signed the forms. While they were there Harry made arrangements for the special account and deposited his share then and there, Hermione added an equal amount to cover the Black portion. Now all they had to do was tell Neville that the account was created so he could put his part in. When the three returned to the house they brought everyone else up to date and Neville said he would take care of his part the next day as his Gran had to go with him. Now it was time to go have fun outside.

Two days later when Ron Weasley received the notice he had won a free trip to the Cannons summer camp and was to catch the train on June 19th and return August 7th. You could hear Ron's yell of excitement for over a mile away when he read the letter. Meanwhile, Arthur Weasley was getting a visit from Sirius at work.

"Arthur, I wanted to come by and see if you have time for a cuppa and talk to you about something that come to my attention that I think you will find interesting" Sirius said as he walked into Arthur's office. The two men went down to the canteen and while they were drinking their cuppa Sirius told him about the offer for his three kids to attend a summer session of extra training free of charge, thanks to a scholarship they had been recommended for. Sirius told Arthur that he would like for Arthur and Molly to come to dinner the next night at his house and discuss this opportunity before saying anything to the kids, if Molly didn't mind a free dinner. Arthur called his wife and then told Sirius they would be ready at 6pm the next night as Sirius had to come pick them up due to security.

The next night Arthur rushed home from work so he could get ready to meet Sirius at 6pm. At one minute to six, Harry and Sirius stepped out of the floo at the Burrow to pick up Molly and Arthur Weasley. The four didn't wait long before leaving as dinner was waiting, but Sirius left one of Harry's special portkeys at the Burrow in case of emergency. "This portkey will take all of you to a safe place and I will come to you. Please do not use it unless it is a real emergency as these things are costly" Sirius explained just before they left. Sirius escorted Molly and Harry escorted Arthur to 12 Grimmauld.

After a supper that Molly and Arthur had never had before, BBQ-ed ribs, the four went into the library to discuss the opportunity that was being offered to the three Weasley children. Sirius explained that it was he who arranged the trip for Ron so as not to leave him out of some fun. Harry explained why the three kids were being offered the opportunity to attend the special session, "My friends and I suggested Ginny, Fred, and George for this because we thought they would benefit the most from it. Ron wasn't suggested due to his poor study habits and the way he participated in classes at Hogwarts. We just didn't think he would make a good impression. Hermione and I have gone there for the past three years, Neville for the past two years and we all enjoyed ourselves and learned a lot and that helped us in Hogwarts" Harry explained.

After asking several questions that were answered by both Harry and Sirius, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley said they thought the kids could go if they wanted to, but it would be their decision. Harry said that was great but it might be best if Ron didn't know, Mr. Weasley agreed quickly. Harry gave Mrs. Weasley the applications and forms for her to fill out, but she would hold on to them until the surprise could be presented to the three. It was agreed that Arthur would take Ron to work with him in two days and Harry would come over and tell the other three about the offer and explain what they could expect at this summer session.

Ron had not a clue why he was going to work with his dad but he was told to do it, or he could stay home and de-gnome the garden by himself so Ron went to work with dad. Harry stepped out of the floo at the Burrow about 10am and found Molly and Ginny waiting, but no twins, it turned out the two boys were still in bed. Harry said he would take care of that and went upstairs, there was soon a loud explosion followed by the two boys coming downstairs quickly. Harry followed behind them smiling and laughing. Molly asked what had been blown up and Harry said nothing, just a nice loud sound that threw the two out of bed and got them moving before another one occurred. Ginny was laughing so hard she fell out of her chair.

"Okay, Ginny, Fred, George I came here today to offer the three of you a chance to go with me this summer to a special summer training session. This is the same session Hermione, Neville, and myself have gone to for the past two years. This was Hermione's idea and I like it, it was she and Neville who suggested you three. Classes start on July the 5th but you have to be there by 6pm on the 3rd, at least the three of us do. You three need to be there earlier to be tested to see what classes you qualify to attend and to get your supplies. Most, if not all, of the supplies are not available in Diagon Alley. The catch is that I have to know today if you want to go so I can get the paperwork to the headmistress so she can plan for the session. I guarantee you will have fun and learn more than you think possible in the short amount of time, I know I did. Now I will try to answer some of your questions, but try to keep them on subject" Harry explained.

The first question was where the classes were being held, Harry said that was a surprise but transportation was being provided so no worry. The twins asked what were some of the classes and Harry answered, "Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Defense – both magical and non-magical, Magical Aides, First Aid, and Warding. Plus there is usually some sort of special class offered as a seminar."

"Defense, you DADA?" Ginny asked.

"Nope, the way classes are done there really isn't any 'Dark Arts' except for those in the field on Necromancy like creating zombies and such. The defense classes are to teach you how to defend yourself both magically and non-magically. Think of what Hermione did to Malfoy without using her wand, or what I did my first year to Malfoy when he challenged me to a duel. Fred and George will enjoy Defense as part of the course is to attack other students in your class to help test their defenses, and you will be attacked also. You are limited to simple hexes and such nothing dangerous; it isn't uncommon to see someone suddenly hanging upside down, then they have to defend themselves and get back down by their own devices. It can get very funny, unless you are the one hanging first; it happened to me several times." Harry replied.

Molly looked concerned until Harry explained that all you had to do was run in the dinning area or a restroom and you were considered safe as no attack was allowed in those places or your dorm after lights out. He did caution them to wear something under their robes, just in case. "Don't be like Malfoy and just wear underwear, you know how he got caught too many times" Harry added.

"Oh, there is one thing you need to be prepared for and that is elemental magic. Magic dealing with the four basic elements, Earth, Air, Water, and my favorite Fire." Harry said as he created a ball of fire and had it hover above his hand. "That's not hard" one of the twins said. "But Harry didn't use a wand" Ginny answered. Now there were four set of eyes on Harry's fire ball as it disappeared only to reappear over Fred's head and then move to Ginny's arm and "walk" up it without burning her.

"Fire elemental magic. Some people can do the same thing and more with the other three elements." Harry added as the ball went away. All three started begging their mother to let them go and Harry said they needed to fill out the applications. Molly reached behind her and brought out the three signed applications and said they each need to sign them and give them to Harry. After he had all three applications Harry thought to tell Ginny that there was one class she was required to either take or test out of, Household Magic which included cooking and recipes like the one their parents had enjoyed the other night. Molly said she wanted Ginny to take that class just for the recipes as the meat the other night was great and she wanted to know how to do that herself.

"Oh, before I go this doesn't need to be mentioned to Ron, we don't need him getting jealous and telling everyone about this since it is a secret and is to help you in school. How do you think I get such good grades?" Harry said. The three were told to pack lightly, personal care items, underwear, two changes of clothes – muggle type, socks and one pair of shoes. There was a 25 pound limit per person and they had to have room for their supplies and equipment. Harry explained that if they wanted to bring a personal broom then they would have to have a permission slip signed by the flying instructor and their head of house at the school, plus a parent or guardian.

That was when Molly said that Bill was going along as a guardian to sign last minute paperwork, besides he wanted to meet that professor Harry had mentioned and promised to introduce him to. Harry smiled and said that would be great since Prof. Grimstead had mentioned hearing of Bill also. So it was settled, Ron would leave on Sunday and a week later these three and Bill would come to the house to spend the night before leaving for the special session.

It was Sunday afternoon when Sirius, Hermione, and Harry showed up to collect the Weasleys, and they were waiting both excitedly and nervously for them. Sirius explained that he would take one twin and Bill, Harry would follow with the other twin, and Hermione would take Ginny since she was lighter in weight. "But how are we going if we don't use the floo?" Ginny asked. Sirius said they would apparate since Harry had his license. This proved to to start many questions as to how Harry had a license and Harry just pulled out his International License and showed it to the Weasleys. "This is one of several secrets that you have to keep to yourselves. You will see and hear many things on this trip and most of them can't be mentioned anywhere around Hogwarts." Sirius said in a very serious tone. The Weasley children said bye to their parents and they all went outside to leave. When the seven landed in front of them was a set of gates with a large "P" on them that Harry, Sirius, and Hermione just walked towards and they opened on their own. "This is another secret; welcome to Potter Manor. I'm sorry but the grounds are under anti-apparition and portkey wards. So we have to walk up to the manor." Harry said. All four Weasleys started asking questions but were told to wait until they got inside.

Once inside they were greeted by several elves who took the Weasleys bags and Harry lead them into the sitting room and offered everyone tea or cold drinks. Once everyone had something to drink Harry and Sirius explained that after Sirius was granted custody of Harry, Harry had claimed his inheritance and gained access to Potter Manor and very few people knew of this and it was not to be mentioned outside the grounds. Harry explained that as soon as the the others got there they would all go shopping for some appropriate clothes for the Weasleys to take with them so they would not stand out while traveling.

Neville, Susan, and Luna soon came in and were introduced as the rest of the group going to Peaks. When Bill heard the name of the place he said he couldn't believe they were going to America for a month. Now the other three Weasley were even more excited. After they finished their drinks it was agreed that Hermione, Susan, and Luna would take care of Ginny, Harry and Neville would each take a twin, while Sirius took Bill shopping for clothes. But this time they would take a vehicle so as to be able to carry all the items back easily since they would be in muggle London. The vehicle they took was a nice van and everyone was looking out the windows as they drove, or rather Hermione drove as she was the only one who knew how.

Unknown to the Weasley crew, the others had already decided what would be needed by their charges. The first item on everyone's list were comfortable shoes and a pair of running shoes. After that the girls went one way and the guys went another, they were to meet back at the snack area in two hours. Sirius, Harry, and Hermione each had a charge card connected to the special account to use to pay for the items. Once everyone was back they enjoyed an ice cream, though it was as good as that in Diagon Alley, then loaded their purchases in the van and headed back to the manor for supper. As soon as they got back all the items were taken by the elves to be washed, folded, and packed for the trip the next day.

They had supper outside, since it was so nice, and more was explained about Peaks. The Weasley trio was warned that they were expected to workout with the others each day before breakfast. "A strong body means stronger magic" Luna added when the Weasleys frowned about the workouts. All of the new kids were surprised when Lucy walked out of the house to join them. "Alana sent word that she needed me again this summer so I'll be joining you. Besides we need someone there to try and keep this crew out of trouble. Are they going to be sorted there or here Harry?" Lucy asked. Harry said he was going to let Alana sort them, it would be more fun to watch that way.

It was early, much too early according to the twins, when everyone was awaken and told breakfast would be in 30 minutes and the shuttle left in an hour and a half. The Weasleys were still half asleep when they sat down to a very large breakfast, but were told it was the last meal until supper except for maybe a quick lunch somewhere. All four Weasleys were surprised when they got to the airport and Sirius collected all the Weasley wands, just to be safe and prevent the odd question when they arrived in America.

A/N: Okay, they are on their way to Peaks, now the fun can begin for the newest members of the Envied Eight. This is the correct copy of chapter one!

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