Ellesmera Potter's Homepage

HI ALL

2009-07-19T01:29:51Z

I haven't been here for a while, as I'm sure most of you are use to my disappearing act by now. But I'm glad to see that challenges, pimps, and fan-fic writing is still going strong. Big shouts to sweet_lemmon, inell, bingblot, anathem, aniwde, cinnamon_kisses, dreambastion, hpffthequibbler, isinuyasha, juwel_fic, lillywmw, mundane, petalsofts4um, rickey_a, shadowfiction, and sparkysparky for still going strong and keeping us lowly readers entertained. I'm sure I'm missing over half the people that I've friended, watched, and become a flagrant fan of so shouts out to all of you too!

Currently, I'm working on a trilogy novel. It is fantasy-fiction and the main character is a WOMAN!! Woo-Hoo!!

I'm going to (at some point) post an excerpt from the story. Please tell me HONESTLY what you think. I've found that coming up with a good story is REALLY taxing! But I'm sure that when it's done, I'll reap the rewards.

TTFN, hugs and kisses to you all!

Elle

Eragon Poll: Who are you most like?

2008-10-09T04:37:11Z

You are most like ARYA

You are a swordsman or woman of great renown and are second to no one! At the same time, you are an unsurpassed wielder of magic, vastly intelligent and wise. Any queen or king would be lucky to have you as an asset but you are also independent in nature and follow no leader blindly.

HHS Moves to Define Contraception as Abortion ~ Cristina Page

2008-08-18T07:00:09Z

This is an absolute atrocity, will we actually let them take women back over fifty or more years??

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cristina-page/hhs-moves-to-define-contr_b_112887.html

Here's another....

2008-03-06T05:05:40Z

O-BA-MA! O-BA-MA!

2008-03-06T04:46:32Z

Here's an unbelievably fabulous video. It took me some time to decide to go for Obama, I was originally a Gravel supporter (go figure), but anyway, there it is....

Vote!!! Obama for President!!!

~::R.I.P. Heath Ledger::~

2008-01-23T05:07:21Z

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a talented, sexy, provocative man...

Heath Ledger (4 April 1979 - 22 January 2008)

Mystery surrounded the death today in New York of the Australian-born actor Heath Ledger, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as one of two cowboys in the 2005 film, Brokeback Mountain. Friends and fans alike were shocked to hear of the 28-year-old's death at a downtown Manhattan apartment.

"He was found unconscious at the apartment and pronounced dead," said a spokesman for New York Police Department, where it is understood detectives are investigating the possibility that he died of a drug overdose. Early television reports said his body had been found surrounded by pills and police said they did not suspect foul play.

Police said he had been due to have a massage at the apartment on Broome Street in SoHo. The housekeeper went to tell him the masseuse had arrived and found him dead.

The Perth-born actor was reported to have split up in September with his actress girlfriend Michelle Williams, whom he met in 2004 while filming Brokeback Mountain. She played the woman Ledger's character Ennis eventually married. "I remember being in rehearsal, and the two of them had googly eyes with each other," Jake Gyllenhaal, who played the other cowboy, Jack, once said of the couple. "There were sparks immediately," added co-star Anne Hathaway. "It was adorable." Ledger and Williams were together for three years and had a daughter, Matilda, before they broke up.

Ledger had only recently left London where he was filming the new Terry Gilliam film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. He also plays the Joker in the next Batman film, The Dark Night. He recently appeared as one of the six 'Bob Dylans' in the film I'm Not There, for which his co-star and fellow Aussie Cate Blanchett was today nominated for the best supporting actress Oscar.

But it will be for his ground-breaking role in Ang Lee's brilliant Brokeback Mountain, based on the story by E Annie Proulx about a forbidden and secretive relationship between two Wyoming ranch hands, that he will be best remembered. Like Gyllenhaal, he took a huge risk to play a role which there was never any guarantee cinema audiences would accept.

But Lee's direction, and the lead actors' sensitive performances, ensured its success. Rolling Stone magazine said on the film's release: "Ledger's magnificent performance is an acting miracle. He seems to tear it from his insides. Ledger doesn't just know how Ennis moves, speaks and listens; he knows how he breathes. To see him inhale the scent of a shirt hanging in Jack's closet is to take measure of the pain of love lost."

GAY RIGHTS!

2008-01-05T01:02:53Z

"Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?" - Ernest Gaines

....They say I'm Harry Potter....

2007-08-04T06:59:40Z

You scored as Harry Potter, You can be a little reckless and hot-headed at times, but a more brave and courageous friend would be hard to find.

</td>

Harry Potter

90%

Albus Dumbledore

75%

Remus Lupin

70%

Sirius Black

60%

Hermione Granger

60%

Ron Weasley

60%

Ginny Weasley

55%

Severus Snape

55%

Draco Malfoy

45%

Lord Voldemort

Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...?
created with QuizFarm.com

I'm writing again!! SQUEE!!

2007-08-03T06:53:11Z

So, I'm writing again. It's flowing freely and I feel very confident that I might actually finish this book by the end of the school year. It's a story about a young woman, with various powers that tries to avenge her mothers disappearance/death by the hands of the United States government. The government is doing some really shady things since they've lost their standing as a world power, and it's costing its citizens severely. That's a VERY quick summary (which, I admit, I'm not too good at). Oh, this story has magic, dragons, anarchy, coups, militias, and of course, romance all rolled into one book. Once I get a bit further along, I'll try to post an excerpt here. I'll try to keep you guys posted instead of doing my little 'once a year' posting that I've grown so fond of.

Toodles!
Elle

Reading FanFics

2007-08-01T19:35:14Z

Silently surfing through the plethora of fanfic stories...

I only make it around to posting to my own page about once per year. Maybe less. But as others have told me; that's quite alright, and in fact, something to be proud of.

Now, what shall I say. Maybe I shouldn't say anything else. I didn't promise my once a year stop would be prolific! Just check back often... or not... eventually another story of my own will be posted here...

Toodles!
<3 :-)

Elle

Naa, Naa, na Naaa, Naaaa

2006-07-19T15:27:21Z

Amendment to prohibit gay marriage fails in House

July 19, 2006

BY JIM ABRAMS

WASHINGTON -- The House rejected a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage on Tuesday, a setback that conservatives hope to turn to their advantage in the fall elections.

''Be assured that this issue is not over,'' said House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois.

The vote was 236-187 with one member voting ''present,'' a slight improvement over the last House vote just before the 2004 election but still 46 short of the two-thirds majority needed to advance a constitutional amendment.

Senate rejected it last month

Supporters argued Congress must trump the actions of judges who have ruled in favor of gay marriages. ''We must not allow an institution of such great importance to be arbitrarily redefined for the entire nation by a small number of unelected judges,'' said Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.).

Opponents, including 27 Republicans, argued that the measure was meaningless -- the Senate rejected the amendment last month, effectively killing it for this session -- as well as unneeded and mean-spirited.

''This is a partisan effort by Republicans to divide the American people rather than forge consensus to solve our urgent problems,'' said Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

'Batting practice with my life'

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), an openly gay member of Congress, said he took the proposal personally. ''I think this is motivated, frankly, by a dislike of those of us who are gay and lesbian,'' he said, and he objected to ''people taking batting practice with my life.''

Forty-five states either have constitutional amendments or statutes outlawing same-sex marriage. In Massachusetts, the only state that allows gay marriage, the high court has ruled a proposed state constitutional amendment banning future gay marriages can be on the ballot.

Bush has advocated, and the GOP conservative base has demanded, a federal amendment.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, a leading amendment supporter, said it "will be a very prominent issue" on his group's voter scorecard, which will go out to millions of Americans.

AP

Punchdrunk

2006-06-09T05:56:44Z

Blood spills for no reason until the vibe gets murky.

Under the depths I wept for their souls. They’re taught to control the whole and

you’ll score.

Not meant for the whore who’s been tricked and twiddled.

This is no riddle but now the fiddles passed to you; and you, don’t have a

clue.

It’s obvious that another one could bite the dust

without help from the Jedi Knight that saved her. Know and trusts that

tricks don’t grow weary easy; ask for assist from the Saviour

na’ that’s flavor, and a lil’ good vibrations. Relations make

complications with no consideration of negative situations. I’m

everyday contemplating the snap. Not to bust caps and act rude

just tryin’ to feed you a little bit of soul food.

Food – for – the - soul.

They,

climb out their holes and then use the control mechanisms to

feed off of ‘Ghetto Ism Skisms’ because they know there ain’t too many in search

of blessings and wisdom.

I just ain’t feelin dem so called goody seven shoes.

For the sake of reality let’s say that we’re livin’ the blues, dude tried to

block the light and then Jah sends a message to thine ears.

Loyalty, trust, and divinity burst through the walls of

obstruction. I feel the Creator created my Saviour from pure

dee “Creator Bullion Flavor”.

Savor, the heavenly blend of truth

and spices, it’s twice as nice as me giving birth thrice to a

trinity of lives. Now my eyes are wide. Two Wives and a Man-child.

For a while I,

couldn’t comprehend, but maaaan when I did. I could no

longer live in a situation where there was no love for me,

cause now I see. No love for me, means no love for WE… and

that just can’t be! Now I strive for higher goals and zero financial woes

and hair that grows like a tree… Forever shall my spirit be… FREE!

~::Spiritual Lesbian::~

2006-06-09T05:23:52Z

I think that it is best stated in Matthew chapter seven how we should look at others sin. I am an out and proud mother of 6 children (3 of which I birthed) and when I tell most self proclaimed Christians this, they tend to (tsk, tsk) and comment, “Oh my, those poor babies”. I feel that this preconceived perception and labeling constricts people in a way that is perpetuating the downfall of humanity.

Let me start by saying that I lived the better part of my life trying to conform to the ideology that society has placed upon us as humans and in the process, I managed to give my children low self esteem by example. They saw me with their father truly unhappy, feeling like a failure and not loving myself at all. They picked up on that and adopted my way of thinking regardless to my constant uplifting of them. Once I left their dad, I struggled alone to take care of them (which really wasn't new; I'd done this our whole relationship).

They watched me day and night working and sometimes crying because of how my life turned out. I knew deep down that I couldn't suppress my true feelings any longer. Not being true to myself was eating me alive. So I 'came out' to my children first and then my family and friends. After about two years of learning myself and asking God to take this sinful nature away from me and send me what I needed, I accidentally met the woman of my dreams. She was just as spiritual as me. Having a hard time accepting this aspect of her life, just like me. And she had 3 children just like me. We connected on a level that I had never connected with anyone on all my life. That was in 2000, and we have been together ever since.

I said all of that to say, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO JUDGE OUR FAMILY OR LIFESTYLE BASED ON OTHER PEOPLES MISTAKES! I meet homosexuals all the time that almost makes me ashamed to be a lesbian. They aren’t imbued with the self respect and sense of responsibility me and my wife have. My family even has to worship the Creator at home because we aren't welcome in churches most churches; at least not the ones in my neighborhood.

I know the bible; I behave like a Christian daily. Lots of people call themselves Christians and really don’t understand what it means. To be a Christian, you must be crystallized in the likeness of Christ. That means, cherishing the gift of grace and having faiths while performing “works” in your community, in your extended families, assisting those less fortunate, fighting for peace and justice in this world we all have to live in.
My family is judged so harshly, and the people who judge have no idea of what we do in our household. We have family discussions, we participate in fun activities weekly, we read nightly (as a family). We attend all of our children’s social and school activities, we attend therapy so that the children learn to use their voice and feel secure in telling us what’s on their minds. So those of you who just can’t help being judgmental and wishing for the downfall of a same-sex couples union, remember this. I doubt that the Creator would condemn me to an eternity of hellfire and damnation just for unconditionally loving a woman and her children and accepting them as my own. I think that what God wants is for all of us to lead a happy, spiritual and prosperous life.

So please, think about that before you throw out words that hurt innocent people and their families tearing down what they know as family. Stop to think before you abandon helping people to realize the truth of God just because they live their life differently than you. We are all God's children and he loves us ALL!

DRUG RECALL -- This is urgent!! Please read!!

2006-06-07T15:09:39Z

All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled.
You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY.
Also, please pass this on to everyone you know.

STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain)
among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.

The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Cough Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Sinus Effervescent
Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy &Fever Relief
Day &Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu &Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold &Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold &Co ugh Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold &Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus &Nasal
Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Rel! ief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest &Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold &Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold &Cough .

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:

Orange 3D Cold &Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold &Cough Berry
3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children,
PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF!

DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed. They can then pass it along to their families.

To confirm these findings please take time to check the following:

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN IN CASE THEY GIVE IT TO THEIR CHILDREN OR TO FRIENDS WHO HAVE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.

Helpful Tips For Women...PASS IT ON!!

2006-06-07T14:59:51Z

Through a Rapist's Eyes..

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1) The first thing men look for in a potential victim is
hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

2) The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around to cut clothing.

3) They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

4) The time of day men are most likely to attack and rape a woman is in the early morning, between 5 and 8:30 a.m.

5) The number one place women are abduct from/attacked at is grocery store parking lots. Number two is office parking lots/garages. Number three is public restrooms.

6) The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

7) Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence, but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

8) If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9) These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas or other similar objects, in their hands, that can be used from a distance. Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

10) Several defense mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk,.....
'I can't believe it is so cold out here; we're in for a bad winter.' Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up, and you lose appeal as a target.

11) If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

12) If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes), yell, I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY! Holding it out will be a deterrent.

13) If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner thigh -- HARD. (IF you can get a hold of him.)

One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her, and she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands so that the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it hurts.

14) After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's private parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble, and he's
out of there.

15) When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

16) Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

PLEASE READ THEN FORWARD TO EVERY WOMAN YOU KNOW----FRIENDS, DAUGHTERS, GRANDDAUGHTERS, RELATIVES, CO-WORKERS. IT'S SIMPLE STUFF BUT IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIVES.

SEND IT TO YOUR MEN FRIENDS TOO, SO THEY CAN SEND IT TO THEIR FEMALE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.

A friend sent this to me: "I saw a safety expert on Oprah's show, and he stresses that if someone gets in the car with you and even with a gun or knife, tells you to drive somewhere, run into a wall, another car, a lamppost, something! He will more than likely jump out and run as fast as possible. If he ever gets you in a secluded area, you are DEAD! So a damaged car is better than being dead."

I've applied to a group that would fit me like a wet T-shirt!

2006-06-07T14:43:32Z

I am overjoyed at applying to the pretty_lesbians group. Let's hope they choose me and let me in. What I've decided to do is to update my journal over the next few days with archive post from my MySpace account. I don't really use it too much anymore, but the blog was very relevant to me. I don't think many people at MySpace blogged as often as I would like. At least here I know that if I post something that I want people to see, they can see it if I'm on their friends list and they check it.

Well, cross your fingers and toes for me, hopefully I'll get the votes needed to join this fabulous group!

PEACE!!

Accidents are bad, certified used car dealers are goood...

2006-06-03T22:29:26Z

So, I was driving along the other day and this woman comes barrelling through the stop light!!! She smashes into me and pushes me from one side of an eight lane street to the other. I ended up in the hospital and my car was totalled. I NEEDED THAT CAR FOR MY JOB!! At least I still have my life, huh? I was VERY fortunate to be able to go to Phillip's Cheverolet and get a new car!! (Yay, me!)

But, life is going on, and I've even been driving today. Send out good energy and prayers (if you're into that) for me. My bank account and I are going to need it!!

Back in the land of the writing...

2006-05-29T04:29:46Z

SO it's 2006; I'm just back from Niagara Falls, and I'm about to close on a home. I'd like to be able to write in this journal more often. I really need it now more than ever, I think I just might...

Here's to increasing my writing stamina!! Oh and to those of you who sent well wishes and holiday greetings; I love you, thanks for thinking of me.

Cheers!

How about you just visit the link to the complete story!

2005-11-29T14:06:47Z

Here's the link

Harry Potter and the Legend of Horus!

I hope this will do. Please be kind, REVIEW!

Harry Potter and the Legend of Horus

2005-11-27T06:10:09Z

Title: Harry Potter and the Legend of Horus - All Characters - PG-13
Author: Ellesmera
Genre: Action/Humor/Romance

Notes: Here's my very first stab at fan fiction. I'm really new to the writing aspect of things. Please take it easy, but if you can help beta the story and/or give me some useful critique, please feel free!!!

*smooches*

******************************************************************************

Chapter One: The Valiant Potter Estate

Harry Potter sat in the tiny “fish and chips” shop on Wisteria and Shallot serenely sipping a Diet Coke. He began today’s visit by eating and studying the latest chapter in a book on Occlumency that he’d received from Hermione. His mind wandered to the things that he’d been told over some time now, his mind often took this train of thought these days, and his conscious seemed to be trying to relay a message.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but, you do have a ‘saving people’, thing.” Hermione’s voice had said. Then he heard the voice of Dumbledore,
“You must learn Occlumency, it is of utmost importance, study Occlumency Harry…”
“He died fightin’ an’ tha’s the way he would’ve wanted ter go…” said Hagrid.
Then the events of last June played themselves out in slow motion in his mind,
“Nooo, Is she - - is she alive?” “Yep, I feel a pulse…” said Neville of Hermione.
“Here, take this. You contact me if Snivelllus gives you a hard time. Just look into it and say my name…” Sirius instructed.
“…Flesh of the servant, willingly given…. Blood of the enemy, taken by force…” Wormtail simpered.
“…And he’ll have the power that the Dark Lord knows not… One must die at the hands of the other…The one with the poser to vanquish that Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…”
“Come home, Harry...”

“Wotcher Harry!”
Harry’s thoughts were interrupted abruptly. He looked up, Tonks was standing next to him, and she was sporting her hot pink hair again and looking at him appreciatively.
“Hi’ya Tonks!” He replied. “Your turn for guard duty I see.” He pinpointed.
“Yeah, been watchin’ you study like a fiend. Goin’ for taking Hermione’s place as top student eh?” She chided.
“Nah, just getting ready for you know what.” He replied covertly.
“What’cha studyin’’?” She asked interestedly as she looked over his shoulder at the book in his lap.
“Oh, er, it’s a book ‘Mione sent to me. She knew I needed help with Occlumency, so she sent me this our first week in to the holiday.” He explained pensively.
“Ahhh, you got it from – ‘Mione, huh?” She taunted.
He blushed.
“I say, the Parliament is always going on about somethin’ or another,” she quipped, “Wonder what they’re on about now.” She asked as she watched the television above the door.

He had been listening for sightings of the Death Eaters on the local news. This, he did every day, along with reading the Daily Prophet. Harry had taken to coming in to this shop daily since he now made his own money by performing landscaping jobs around the neighbourhood. The young woman, at the present, was talking about the Prime Minister’s plan to begin giving tours at some of the most famous and uninhabited historic estates and landmarks in Britain…

“...Some of the estates and landmarks that will hold tours once belonged to some of the most prestigious families in British history”, said the anchorwoman. “Of them, the Potter Estate, a sprawling 200 acre estate located in King’s Lynn, was last inhabited by the world renowned inventor Sir Thesselonius Ignatius Potter. He was the last known heir of the estate”, the anchorwoman informed knowledgeably.

At this, Harry perked up and his eyes widened. In all his life, he’d never heard of anyone who shared his surname. He sat up, more attentive now wondering if maybe he were somehow related to this Thesselonius Potter. The anchorwoman went on, “Anyone seeking information about the tours can call the Bell Pottinger Public Affairs office at (020) 78612400 or write to them at 330 High Holborn 5th Floor, London. Now we go to Langford Perrington for the weather.”

Harry thought, ‘I wish I could talk to Aunt Petunia about this, she could probably tell me loads about my relatives on my dad’s side’.
In all of Harry’s sixteen years his aunt had never shared a moment of any form of love or compassion with him. He didn’t know why he gave it any thought. He was sure his aunt wouldn’t tell him anything.
“Well Harry, I guess I’d better make myself scarce. I’ll see ya soon aye?” Tonks told him waving as she exited the shop.
“Bye Tonks.” He replied.

Harry was by most standards a normal 15-year-old young man. But, in the eyes of the aunt and uncle who had raised him since he was left on their doorstep as a baby, he was much worse. As far as Aunt Petunia was concerned, it wasn’t enough that her sister had been accepted to some crackpot school for witches and wizards, but she had also gone so far as to fall in love and marry one of the weirdos. The man she fell in love with was a rich, conceited prat and they had a baby together not too long after their marriage. Soon after that, they’d been killed by some dark wizard named Lord Voldermort and she’d been stuck with their unusual child ever since.

In the five years since Harry had been told that he was a wizard, he’d been on one wild ride after another. The Dark Lord made certain that almost every year Harry had been in the wizarding world, he would befall some new adventure.

First year at Hogwarts, Harry and his two best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger figured out how to get to the Sorcerer’s Stone, thereby protecting it from theft by Lord Voldermort. Ron and Hermione helped him get as far as the chamber where the stone was being held and Harry fought his arch nemesis to keep him from taking the stone using a body that he had possessed.

Second year, Lucius Malfoy, who was the father of Harry’s sworn school enemy and a Dark Lord supporter raised a scare by using Voldermort’s old memories saved in a diary to possess Ginny Weasley and to open the Chamber of Secrets. Harry eventually had to go after Ginny after Voldermort had dragged her into the Chamber. It took the sword of Gryffindor and a ton of courage, but he did it. Harry thwarted Voldermort yet again and killed his gigantic Basilisk snake.

In the third year, Harry had the displeasure of meeting the wizard who had turned his parents over to Voldermort. His name was Wormtail a.k.a. Peter Pettigrew. When all was said and done, Harry found out that his godfather had been wrongly convicted for killing Pettigrew and the traitor had got away before Harry had the chance to turn him over to the Ministry.

He returned to his master and in the fourth year, Voldermort found success in regaining the power that he lost when he tried to kill the fifteen month old Harry.

And last year, Harry’s godfather Sirius had come out of hiding to help Harry when he’d been lured to the Department of Mysteries in search for his godfather. He fought bravely but was killed none the less by Voldermort’s right hand woman, Bellatrix Lestrange. At this time, everyone realised the truth that Voldermort had returned and preparations ought to be made to keep the wizarding community and muggles safe.

Harry had taken into account all of the things he’d been through in the last few years. When it came to his godfather Sirius he felt an overpowering thirst for revenge. Voldermort had been the reason behind every terrible thing that had ever happened in his life and Harry was eager to get rid of that factor. He devised a plan; he would study Defence, Occlumency and Legelimency, Potions and Magical Mysteries. The prophecy that he’d found out about after last year’s battle all but said that these things were important and it was Harry’s goal to become adept at them all.

The landscaping job that Harry had served a few purposes; One, Harry would build on his physical strength, which would be needed. Two, he would earn money that could use to buy his own food thus ensuring he could develop more mass. Three, he could spend his off time at his leisure in the shop studying and reading without the worry of being chucked out for not spending money in the establishment. Lastly, he made it possible to save muggle money for after school.

Harry had thought long and hard about the consequence that came of the decision that he had made last term. He was quite sure he wouldn’t make that mistake again. Dumbledore also seemed committed to not making his same mistakes as he’d written to Harry weekly and he seen to it the Reasonable Restriction on Underage Wizardry was lifted on his behalf. In the four letters that the headmaster had written, he at least tried to show some semblance of treating Harry like an adult wizard. This, Harry appreciated but he wondered how long it would last. Now after hearing news that there was another family of Potters that might well be his distant relatives, Harry became quite interested in going on the tour to find out more.

He took a quill, inkwell and parchment out of his bag and set to write letters to Ron and Hermione. He wrote the same exact thing in each letter. He told them about the tours and his curiosity about the Potter Estate. He asked them if they thought it would be possible for them to meet him in Diagon Alley in a couple of days to discuss going on the tours. He folded the letters and stuffed them into his back pocket until he could get back home to his owl Hedwig. Harry gathered his things, took a final swig of Diet Coke and got up to leave the shop.

Walking towards Magnolia Crescent, Harry spotted Dudley and his gang of delinquents. Needing to get home quickly, he avoided them by taking the short route across the park. This route would take him past Arabella Figg’s house. She was a squib (a non-magical witch) that the Dursley’s often left Harry with when they went on a family outing during his youth. Harry hurried home, mostly due to the excitement of sending Ron and Hermione’s letters in hopes of a reply by tomorrow night. His birthday was on Thursday so he would need a quick response if he wanted to celebrate it with them. The other part of him wanted to hurry and finish his chores before Uncle Vernon came home from work hoping that if he did, Uncle Vernon’s mood would be light enough for him to allow Harry to use the computer. Since he’d heard the news, he felt compelled to research the Potter Estate. He desperately wanted to confirm or rebuke the possibility that this family of Potter’s may be directly related to him.

He finished everything just moments before Uncle Vernon pulled into the drive. Harry sat down on the hall stairs. In came Uncle Vernon eyeing him suspiciously. “What are you doing sitting there?”
“I was waiting for you, how was your day?” Harry asked innocently.
“Why...” Vernon inquired slowly.
“I just wanted to know,” Harry lied.
“Humph! It was fine.” He grunted.
“Uncle Vernon, do you think I can use the computer for a bit? I wanted to research jobs since I’ll be leaving Hog- I mean, school soon.” He recovered asking shyly. “I’d like to know what the job market is like”, he added brusquely.

Uncle Vernon’s moustache bristled dangerously. His beady black eyes took in Harry’s sincere gaze. He puffed himself up to his full height before saying,
“Have you finished your chores?”
“Yes! I have.” He answered confidently.
“Well, I surely do want you to have a job, your Aunt Petunia and I don’t plan to take care of you forever. The moment you turn seventeen, you’re out! Well, go ahead, you have one hour.”
“Great, thanks!” Harry chirped.

He went over to the desktop computer that sat on the wall by the fireplace that Mr. Weasley blew up in his fourth year of school. He sat down in the swivel office chair and quickly accessed the internet. In the search bar he typed, ‘The Potter Estate - London’, the whirring of the machine and the flash of the system logo told him that it was working. Soon, thousands of entries showed up on the search page. He clicked the first one on the page. As the page slowly loaded a photo of Sir Potter, Harry’s mouth dropped open. He starred into the eyes of Thesselonius Potter. The man was thin, handsome and bespectacled with tousled jet black hair. He had his arm draped around a beautiful woman with long red hair wearing what looked like a Quidditch outfit without the robes. She had a broom in her left hand, but, the caption read; ‘Mr. and Mrs. Potter prepare for the annual invite only race car expedition’.

‘She looks a lot like Ginny Weasley’, Harry thought to himself. He scrolled down the page and read the mini-biography, and then he sighed. He read that Thesselonius had invented the electric toothbrush and sold the patent rights to General Electric. He had invented other things as well. Also, he had been knighted by the Queen for saving her nephew during an ice storm in Switzerland. The story said that Mrs. Potter was an avid race car driver and that her husband sponsored her team. Harry was sure that this was just a story that was told to the media and even if she was a race car driver, she may have been a Quidditch pro as well. I mean, it had to be Quidditch that she played, why else would she be holding that racing broom? Harry printed the photo of the couple as well as the biography to show to Ron and Hermione. He logged off of the computer and stood to go upstairs when he heard his uncle from the kitchen,
“PESTERING, BLOODY OWLS…THEY’RE A MENACE. BOY! COME GET THIS RUDDY OWL!” He shouted hysterically.

Harry raced into the kitchen tucking the printout into his pocket as he ran. Harry immediately spotted why Uncle Vernon was so furious. Sitting in the middle of the kitchen table among salad that was strewn everywhere was a familiar brown owl with a scroll attached to his ankle. Harry recognised the owl at once as Hermes. When the owl turned to face Harry he looked at him and hooted expectantly. Harry muttered, “Sorry” and picked up the owl dashing out of the kitchen to detach the letter. He unrolled it and read a note scribbled in Hermione’s handwriting, which made him warm with anticipation. Since he’d arrived at Privet Dr. he had thought of little else. He just couldn’t bring himself to admit his feelings so he discounted them as just wishing that he were back at Hogwarts. He opened the letter and read:

29 June
Dear Harry,

Ron and I just saw a newscast on my handheld about these tours of historic muggle mansions. One was called the Potter Estate. The last person to live there was a man named Thesselonius Ignatius Potter. Harry I was wondering if maybe you, Ron and I could meet in Diagon Alley on Thursday to see about taking the tour of the mansion and to celebrate your birthday at the same time. What if he’s related to you? I think it’s worth a visit to find out. Oh, did you know that Susan Bones’ aunt Amelia Bones was just elected to be the new minister of magic? Things are going to be a lot easier now. She’ll be loads better than Fudge. Please get back to us soon. You can get on the net to look up more info on the family and the estate if you need to, I’m sure you would find information about him.

Love,
Hermione

Harry wondered if it were possible to be more connected than he was to Ron and Hermione. Then he wondered what Hermione was doing at the Burrow this early in the holiday? She and Ron sounded pretty chummy he figured Ron had finally made a move on her. Then he thought better of it and focused instead on his current situation. He sat down at his desk and set to work on drafting a response right away.

29 June
Ron and Hermione,

Hedwig has probably arrived with my note that mirrors yours precisely! Thursday sounds great. Ron, do you think your dad could connect my fireplace to the floo network again? I doubt if Uncle Vernon will bring me into London if I’m not getting on the Hogwarts Express to go back to school. Also, ask them for me if it would be okay if I stayed for the remainder of the holiday with you guys. Write back with the details.

Harry

Harry tied the note to Hermes’ ankle, gave him an owl treat and walked the owl to the open window. Hermes took off with a soft hoot and Harry watched as he became smaller and smaller then disappeared into the reddish orange sky. He looked out over the neat little rooftops on Privet Drive and fantasized for a moment that he actually was the last heir of the Potter Estate. Dumbledore had told him that it was his mother’s love and blood hat protected him and that is why he needed to return to the Dursley’s every summer. Would it be feasible to assume that the estate would also work as a safe haven for Harry to live? He had always wanted to leave Privet Dr. and it had never been more profound as it was now after the death of Sirius. Now, it was only his thirst for revenge that seemed to keep his mind at bay. It had seemed that the threats from Moody and Lupin were mostly effective on the Dursley’s. But that still hadn’t stopped Aunt Petunia from giving him toddler sized portions at meal time. It was only lucky for him that he’d began mowing lawns to earn pocket money and was able to frequent the neighbourhood fish and chips shop daily. That was how he’d grown so much since he’d been back there. Nor did his friends threats stop Dudley from being the intolerably huge git that he always was. Uncle Vernon, however, had done a complete 180 degree turn-around. He was no longer the foul insensitive, uncaring uncle that Harry had grown to loath. He wasn’t exactly nice either, but at least he didn’t growl at the sight of Harry anymore.

He often practised Occlumency with a book that Hermione had sent to him one week into the vacation. He also studied his ‘Practical Defense Magic and Its Uses against the Dark Arts’ and made lesson plans for the DA He’d been really into it during times like now, when he was alone. Having found a spell that used shamanic principles to create a shield of fire, he decided he would practice that tonight. He was determined to prepare himself for the battle against Voldermort. He no longer felt morbidly sad for all of the losses that he’s had to endure. He only felt the bitterness of revenge and he planned to work as much as possible towards being ready. The ministry had lifted the restriction on underage wizardry for him only after he signed and returned a waiver that made him promise to keep his magic a secret from muggles and to not use it to harm anyone.

Harry didn’t realize how late it was, but his body knew and his eyes grew heavy. He was thinking about wishing that there was a way for him to learn things that most wizards didn’t know to protect himself and his loved ones. He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes hard, trying to rid them of their exhaustion.

He fell asleep immediately and found himself standing in a desert. He was face to hidden face with a woman in a wedding gown. He couldn’t see her face because of the veil. Looking down at himself, he saw that he was wearing a tuxedo. Dumbledore was there and he was officiating what seemed to be Harry’s wedding ceremony. After saying and hearing ‘I do.’ Harry slid the ring onto a long slender finger. When it was time for him to kiss his bride, Harry removed the veil and saw that it was Hermione! His heart was performing acrobatic feats in his chest and he felt tingles all over as their lips met. When the kiss was complete, she whispered.
‘We did it Harry; now you must start your training. It can only begin when you are sure you’re ready for it. And you know I’ll be there to help. The moment I’m not there for you, should be the moment you look elsewhere for your love.’ Dumbledore came up beside them and winked at them. He didn’t say anything. He never usually did in these dreams. He just watched him…

He’d had these dreams before and he could remember wishing that he could talk to someone about it, preferably Professor Dumbledore. He glanced around to his right and saw the familiar Sphinx about 100 yards away. He released Hermione’s hand and started towards it. Walking towards the Sphinx is usually where he awakened. But tonight, he didn’t wake. He began to hear the chanting of ‘Meneck Nesaou, Ka-Ka-Ka’, growing steadily louder. He couldn’t understand the words but somehow, he knew the meaning. The first thing that came to his mind was that Voldermort might be trying to trick him again. Therefore, he made a conscious effort to clear his mind and concentrate on blocking his thoughts. No sooner than he’d done this, did he hear a cool whispering voice in his ear. Warm wind rustled around his entire body and he felt someone’s breath on the back of his neck which made the hairs on his neck and arms stand on end. It was a woman’s voice that whispered, “Come home, Harry...” He awoke with a start with the image of Hermione standing in the centre of two Griffons that guarded the entrance to the tomb still fresh in his mind.

The sun shone brightly in his room. Hedwig hooted serenely from the top of her rusted pewter cage with a small scroll attached to her leg. Harry hurried out of bed and went over to take the scroll. He scratched her head and fed her an owl treat while saying, “Thanks Hedwig, have a good trip?” She nibbled his finger affectionately. He unrolled the scroll and read:

30 June
Dear Harry,

My dad says he’d be delighted to connect you to the floo network. You just have to make sure that the muggles don’t have it blocked up again. It will have to be tomorrow night. We won’t be at the Burrow after that. We’re going to the Order Headquarters which is where the other end of the floo will be connected. It’s so weird; we’d barely gotten Hermes out the window when Hedwig flew in. Hermione reckons that it’s because we have a strong friendship. She figures that we should spend the bloody rest of the summer learning how to communicate with each other without words. I figure she’s gone mad. I’m glad you’ll be with us on your birthday though. Well, if I don’t send an owl back to you it means we’ll see you tomorrow night.

Ron

Harry folded the letter and felt his stomach lurch in excitement. He was leaving! It had only been a few weeks and now he was leaving. Harry looked around his bedroom at the calendar with the days being marked off till the end of the holiday; he looked on the floor and decided that he would need to get started on packing. He’d made quite a mess and would need to make sure that he didn’t forget anything. He decided to come back to it. He needed to talk to Aunt Petunia. He turned and snatched the bedroom door open and pounded down the stairs jumping down the last three of them and rounding the corner nearly flattening Dudley.
“I see you finally lost it!” Dudley grinned foolishly then snorted and laughed with mirth.
“What are you on about,” Harry asked, annoyed and only half interested.
“I heard you last night.” He teased.
“Heard what?” Harry asked annoyed. At Dudley’s words Harry tensed and felt the warm breeze billow around his body again.
“I heard you chanting some weird magical stuff in your sleep. It sounded like another language. Your lot is soooo weird” he drawled and ambled away goofily, laughing as he went.

He would never let Dudley know it, but this bothered Harry immensely. Not because Dudley had teased him, but because the dream had been so vivid. The only time he’d dreamt this way was last year when he hadn’t been so proficient in Occlumency. Then, he’d dreamt about the attack on Mr. Weasley by Voldermort’s snake in the Department of Mysteries. It unnerved him slightly, but learning to imagine the flame of a candle and meditating on dissolving all of his thoughts before he slept had proven to be quite helpful. He didn’t know why he’d had that dream, but he knew it had some significance and couldn’t help feeling anxious about. If Sirius were still alive he’d be able to tell Harry what he should do. But he wasn’t alive, and Harry felt absolutely helpless.

Harry finally went into the kitchen to tell his aunt the news. She looked positively thrilled at the idea of Harry leaving so soon and said she wouldn’t mind unblocking the fireplace.

“Oh! Well, that means that you’ll need to start packing then.” Squealed Aunt Petunia excitedly. She busied herself by bringing out a basket of freshly laundered clothes from the basement.
“Go through these, you’ve got some clothes here that need packing, wouldn’t want you to forget anything and have to come back, now would we?” she said merrily and shoved the basket into Harry’s chest.
“And be sure to fold and put away Diddykins things as well.” She added as an afterthought.
Harry took the basket and headed upstairs. Delighted as he was, he couldn’t stop thinking about the dream. As he mulled it over a bit more, he starred into space folding his dress robes. He remembered how the chant had reverberated in his chest. There were two sets of choruses. Basically, one set of voices chanted, ‘Ka-Ka-Ka’, while the other chanted, ‘Meneck Nesaou - Meneck Nesaou’. He didn’t know how he knew. He just knew that he knew. Ka meant; The Spirit and Meneck Nesaou meant Great King. This was somewhat alarming because he didn’t even know what language it was.

It was so unusual that he said it aloud, “Ka – Meneck Nesaou”, he whispered absent-mindedly. Then he heard the cool feminine voice that invaded his dreams. He felt a warm rush of air billow around him and heard the voice say, “Harry, come home to us”. The hair on Harry’s arms stood on end and he was aware that he was holding two socks in his hands. He looked down into the basket and was quite astounded to see socks rolling themselves into neat little balls and piling themselves onto each other. He was searching for an explanation to all of this. He began to worry that he would be brought up on charges once more for magic being done at Privet Dr. again. Then he thought better of it as he remembered that he had signed an affidavit allowing him to perform magic at home as long as he would keep it a secret from the Dursley’s and didn’t use it to harm anyone. The return of Voldermort had ensured that Harry would be able to do whatever was necessary to prepare to defeat him once again.

Harry began to pace the room. He was searching for an explanation for all of this when a flash of flame burst in the air and a single phoenix feather fell to the floor next to a scroll. Harry picked up the note scribbled in Dumbledore’s handwriting and read:

30 June

Dear Harry,

I see that you have discovered another skill that you possess. It is one to the most ancient and sacred branches of magic. I must therefore warn you, whatever you learn on your journey of discovering your lineage is for you alone. You must continue to practice Occlumency or you will find that you have unwittingly shared this information with others. This is your only protection from invasions of your mind. I will be seeing you at the headquarters this weekend.

Professor Dumbledore

Harry sat the parchment on the desk and it crumbled into dust and blew away. “Whoa! This is going to be one weird summer”.

*~*~*~*

Harry and Ron were on their way to upstairs to scare Dudley, but thought better of it when Hermione shot them a reproachful glance. So they went instead to collect Harry’s things. They were sidetracked from the task when Ron suddenly hissed,
“Why does Hermione drive me so CRAZY?!” Harry noticed at once that Ron did look totally frazzled.
“Why do you ask that?” Harry demanded.
“Well,” said Ron looking quite sheepish. “Hermione is not what I thought she’d turn out to be. She’s actually, well, she’s – A GIRL! And she just keeps right on proving it every chance she gets. She walks around the Burrow in those gods’ forsaken jeans, not to mention she just can’t understand how I feel. Yeah…that’s right, she keeps right on you know. Writing to that Viktor Krum bloke! It’s driving me MAD,” Ron faltered. “I’ve been a bit interested in a few girls, but I thought about it and it should be a lot easier with her. I just wish she’d take the bloody lead.” He finished, sounding defeated. Harry couldn’t help but thinking, ‘Hermione’s my girl. If she does go for you so be it but if she goes for me well, hands off!’ He mentally scolded himself for being so indignant. Harry cast a glance at his best mate. He knew since the third year that Ron fancied Hermione. But he couldn’t have imagined that it were this serious. At that moment, he heard Uncle Vernon bellowed from downstairs,
“BOY! Hurry up; these people are waiting for you!” He sputtered.

Ron and Harry finally idled down the stairs. Mr. Weasley and Lupin were sitting side by side on the couch looking like two kids in detention. Hermione and Uncle Vernon were having a stare down. And surprisingly, he could hear Aunt Petunia and Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen giggling like schoolgirls.

“Er, I’m ready to go.” He told the others. Lupin and Mr. Weasley nearly fell over each other grabbing Harry’s trunk and Hedwig’s cage from him as Mr. Weasley shouted over his shoulder.
“Molly, Mol-lee, Harry is all ready to go dear!” Everyone started towards the fireplace. Mrs. Weasley and Aunt Petunia came bustling out of the kitchen arm and arm still laughing in fits of hysterics. Everyone stood around watching them; their mouth gaped and eyes wide. It was absolutely unsettling. Uncle Vernon’s face was purple with rage. Harry was sure that his aunt’s actions would cause a good row after they all left.

As they prepared to go, Harry turned to his Aunt and Uncle.
“Well then, I guess I’ll see you next summer.” He said, only half expecting a response. Aunt Petunia’s usual steely manner softened a tinge as she replied.
“Yes, we will. Happy Birthday Harry.” She didn’t even bother to acknowledge her husband’s angry, quizzical gaze.
“Thanks,” Harry returned, amazed at this gesture. Then he walked to the fireplace behind the others, stepped in and yelled, “Grimmauld Place”, and was gone in a whirl of fire.

*~*~*~*

Harry was positively thrilled to be at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place on his birthday. Percy, Fred, George, Ginny, Tonks, Moody, and Kingsley already shoving gifts into his arms immediately greeted him. Harry was forced by the weight of it all to sit and begin to open them. He went through a dozen or so and finally reached a gift from Moody, Tonks, Percy, Ginny, Ron and Hermione. It was a chest, very much like the trunk that sat in the phoney Moody’s office at Hogwarts in the fourth year. The only difference was that it was labelled with the Hogwarts Crest. It bore seven locks that opened the trunk to seven alternate sections with one key. In each section Harry found another gift. Once he was done going through the trunk, he had a book on Defense Against the Dark Arts, another book on healing spells, one with fantastic diagrams for mixing potions, an almanac called, ‘1001 Poisons and Anecdotes by Apricot Frelawn’. He also had a quick quotes quill, a dark detector catalogue, The History of Hogwarts, which he was sure was Hermione’s idea, an Auror Study Guide and a book on Ancient Egyptian magic.
“Wow! This is great. Thanks you guys. And, thanks for the History of Hogwarts ‘Mione, I really do need to know more about our home.” He said sincerely.

Next, Harry spotted Fred and George’s gift. Harry opened the box that was wrapped in shimmering green wrapping paper it was labelled, ‘DANGER EXPLOSIVES! And more.’ Harry eyed them suspiciously.
“Oye Harry, we thought you’d like some of the fireworks we used on Umbrige,” said Fred.
“And we’re sure you’d want some of the products we sell,” said George.
“The fireworks are sure to come in handy one day.” They said in unison.
“Thanks guys, I’m sure they will.” Harry said gratefully. Harry tore through a few more gifts until he got through them all. The birthday feast that Mrs. Weasley had prepared far exceeded any meal that she’d ever made before. Ron joked that she was trying to show up Harry’s aunt Petunia. Harry assured Mrs. Weasley that if she were to crack an egg into a bowl of flour and give him a cup of used cooking oil to wash it all down, she’d still out do his aunt’s efforts to celebrate his birthday.

“I really do appreciate what you guys have done for me”, Harry said to everyone. Mrs. Weasley approached him with a look of understanding in her eyes.
“Harry dear, you’re family. That is what families do for each other. Well, I can surely understand why it would be so unexpected for you. Being with your aunt today was very enlightening. She really does love you Harry.” She told him in softened tones.
“Well, she sure does have a funny way of showing it.” Harry said, slightly perturbed. Mrs. Weasley looked saddened for a moment.
“Harry, she’d just scared. She blames magic for the loss of her sister. It’s been fifteen years and she still hasn’t worked through it yet. Maybe one day, she’ll be able to acknowledge that is was the act of a lunatic who would have used any measure at his disposal to kill to take the lives of your parents. I think with just a bit of time she’ll be able to let go.” Mrs. Weasley finished with a deplorable sigh.

“Oh mum, will you be seeing Petunia Dursley again soon? Perhaps prescribe her some muggle anti-depressant medication like Zoloft?” Fred said with a derisive laugh.
“Or maybe you can start to charge her by the hour.” George said. Harry found this amusing. He pictured his aunt lying on a couch talking to Mrs. Weasley about her problems as she took notes. But no one found it as funny as Ginny who had slouched down in her chair, holding her side in fits of giggles.
“Maybe she…ha ha ha, Can actually…he ha ha, shrink her head!” Ginny sputtered giddily. This roused laughter from everyone. Hermione shook her head and started towards the back door off of Kreacher’s old bedroom to go out to the garden. Kreacher was now staying with Narcissa Malfoy having had his memory drastically modified by the headmaster.

Harry noticed that Ron shortly followed behind her. He remembered that he still needed to show them the information that he found on the Internet. He excused himself and took the stairs two at a time up to him and Ron’s bedroom. He retrieved the printout and was on his way back to the garden when he ran into Ginny.
“Sorry, I didn’t hurt you did I?” Harry asked concernedly. Ginny blushed.
“No, I know you’ve gotten much bigger but I’m okay.” She replied.
“Right, well, I’m going out to the garden… See you later then.” Harry said.
“Yeah, see you around.” Ginny mumbled.

Harry ran quietly down the stairs so that he wouldn’t wake the sleeping portrait of Mrs. Black and ran out to the garden. He’d made it to the edge of the gazebo and as soon as he’d skidded to a halt, did he wish he hadn’t come outside at all. Ron and Hermione were engaged in a full on kiss. They were so into what they were doing that they hadn’t even noticed that Harry was standing there. He slunk back into the shadows and for some strange reason; he felt a twinge of jealousy. Then, unexpectedly, Ginny came to his mind. He thought about the fact that she seemed to have aged a little in the four weeks since he’s seen her last. She had also discovered the hair curling charm and now her hair fell in wispy tendrils of soft auburn and red curls. It had been just over six months since she’d wisely enough talked him out of his self loathing stupor when he thought that he was being possessed by Voldermort. She’d also done a nifty job of helping out at the Department of Mysteries a few weeks ago.

Harry shook himself from these thoughts, feeling like he was doing something horribly wrong. He came out of the shadows to see if Ron and Hermione were finished with their snogging session. They couldn't snog forever. But apparently, no one had sent them that memo for they were still at it. Finally, they broke apart with Hermione whispering, “What made you do that?” Ron smiled, heat rising into his face in the moonlight.
“Hmm, hmm” said Harry in a startling imitation of Delores Umbrige.
“Oh no!” shrieked Hermione.
“Oye, you’re not on! How long have you been standing there?” Ron asked glowering at Harry.
“Long enough to burn my retinas for life.” Harry chided. Hermione flushed and giggled, Ron looked down, his ears reddening furiously.
“Any-hoo, I just came out to show you what I found on the Internet about the Potter Estate.” He said seriously, holding the paper out to them. Hermione took the paper and gasped.
“My God Harry, that’s you,” she said excitedly.
“And the woman looks like Ginny.” Ron added, now smirking at Harry as if he knew what he’d been thinking about just moments before. But then, Harry thought, what did he know about dating? Ginny was the easiest possible answer to his qualms on the subject. She was as good a person as any person to try his hand at a relationship. He was sixteen now, even though he never led a normal life, he would need to try normalcy before he met his demise at the hand of Voldermort.

“Well, are we going on the tour then?” Harry asked.
“Well, I’ve prepared everything. We’ll go tomorrow after breakfast. Fred and George say that they’re willing to take us and pay for the tour. I think they’re hoping that if you’re related, you’ll give them more galleons.” Hermione finished disapprovingly.
“Right, sounds great. Will they have any food there?” Ron asked.
“Oh Ron!” Hermione said exasperatedly.

*~*~*~*

Fred, George and Ginny closely followed by Harry, Ron and Hermione ambled into the office of Public Affairs. They were ushered into a courtyard with a circular drive where a limousine stood waiting to take them on the tour. They climbed in and Harry automatically went to sit next to Ginny. He was nervous, and he knew that Ginny’s light-hearted humour to keep his anxiety at bay.
“Harry, you look so pale, is everything okay?” Ginny asked sweeping a strand of ebony locks from Harry’s face.
“Er, yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit nervous is all.” Harry replied smelling Ginny’s scented oil and feeling a little light-headed.
“What is that scent you’re wearing? It seems a little familiar.” Harry asked her steering them away from the subject of his nervousness.
“Oh, it’s Somalia Myrrh.” She told him as she blushed slightly.
“Well, I think it’s nice.” Harry said, wishing that he could kick himself to stop the blood that flooded into his cheeks. Ginny smiled, and in an attempt to ease the tension, grabbed Harry’s arm at the immense humour of Fred and George who snickered in the seat across from them.

Before they knew it, they were in front of the mansion. It was huge. The driver of the limousine opened their doors and they stepped out in front of the massive structure. There was a petite woman, dark brown hair and a very pretty face. Her eyes were a sparkling hazel colour and she looked to be in her early twenties. She was waiting for them by the front entrance.

“Hello, hello and welcome to the Potter Estate. I’m Penelope Swan and not only am I a distant relative of the Potter family, I’ll also be your tour gui-.” She paused in mid sentence as her eyes fell upon Harry. She looked like she’d seen a ghost.
“Excuse me,” she recovered. “I’m sorry, I just have to say. You’re the splitting image of my Great Uncle Thesselonius.” She said looking at Harry in astonishment.

“Well, that’s why we’re here.” Hermione explained. “This is Harry Potter. His parents were killed when he was a baby and he doesn’t really know any of his blood relatives on his father’s side of the family. He doesn’t know if he’s related to this family of Potter’s or not.” She finished. Penelope’s gaze softened just a bit.
“I see, well, this can’t be the normal tour then can it. I think there may be some things that we need to sit and talk about. First things, first. Where do you lot go to school?” she asked them, inciting panic in them all. Harry answered with the first thing he could think of.
“We go to St. Brutus’ Secure Centre for Incurable Criminals.” He lied, flushing as he did so. Penelope smirked.
“Well then, if I were a muggle I would probably have to turn up my nose and sum you all up as a lost cause or something.” She stated winking at them and smiling brightly.

“How did you, you’re a,” Fred sputtered.
“It’s okay.” Penelope said. “My Great Uncle knew the best of both worlds. He was an inventor of muggle and magical things alike. I’m very eager to hear your story Mr. Potter. Some of it I already know, but we do have quite a few things to talk over. Fortunate for us, your group was the only ones to book a tour for today, so we should be uninterrupted.” She said, smiling warmly at them.

They all followed Penelope up the stone steps and into the mansion. Nobody could believe his or her ears. Hermione for once in her life was speechless as they walked inside. They were led into a foyer where a muggle style tapestry of Mr. and Mrs. Potter hung above a spiral staircase that wound three stories up. The sunlight shone through the glass observatory at the very top. The room in which they settled was a large library. Shelves of books from the floor to the very high ceiling took the space on three walls, and the gadgets and such reminded Harry of Dumbledore’s office.
“So, Harry, why don’t you and your friends take a seat while I call for some butterbeers?” She held her hands to her temples and a few moments later a tall, older man with sleek grey hair, dressed in a tuxedo appeared holding a silver platter of butterbeers and looking somewhat curious.
“Thank you for these McGowan.” She said as he sat the trays down before her and gave her a quizzical glance. She began passing them out and took a seat in one of the high-backed leather chairs.

“This was Uncle Thesselonius’ favourite rooms. On these shelves you can find a book on just about anything, especially if you know how to look for them.” She said, looking at Hermione with interest. Harry had just noticed, but Hermione hadn’t taken one sip of the drink she’d been given. She looked longingly at the shelves of books all around her, eyes glazed over like she was overdosing on the joy of it all. Penelope reached out and touched her hand.

“What is your name dear?”
“Huh, oh Hermione, Hermione Granger.” She said distractedly.
“Well Hermione, if you can figure out how to get the books off of the shelves, you can take two of them home today.” Penelope said. Hermione looked absolutely euphoric.
“Wha- Really? Are you sure? Hermione squeaked out in elation.
“Yes, really” said Penelope. Hermione practically broke her ankle running for the shelves.

Penelope smiled. “You lot will do best to get her any book she requires. She could be the one to help in planning for the end of the dark days.” She said as straight-faced as ever. Ron turned and looked at Hermione. Harry could see his brain working. He could also see the admiration on his face. Then he surprised him by looking straight into his eyes. Harry could feel a sense of guilt as Ron lowered his head. What was that about? Harry wondered.
“And what is your name dear?” Penelope asked Ginny.
“Oh, I’m Ginny.” She replied.
“Well, Ginny, you’re another one that favours one of our family members. You favour Uncle Thesselonius’ wife Miranda.” She smiled warmly at the memory.

Ginny blushed and looked at Harry. Harry was watching Hermione at the bookcases. She looked up sharply at what Penelope had just said. She and Harry starred at each other for a moment before Hermione went back to perusing the books before her. Ginny looked away in time before Harry caught her gaze.

“Now then Harry”, said Penelope, relaxing in her chair. “What were your parents’ names”, she asked.
“James and Lily Potter” said Harry. Penelope closed her eyes and looked as if she was committing it to memory.
“Did they attend Hogwarts?” she inquired.
“Yes,” he replied.
“And where did they live while they were married”,
“I’m not sure, I think it may have been Godric Hollow, but I only think I heard that in passing, it could have been anywhere for all I know.” Harry responded looking somewhat defeated. “Its fine, we can go with what we have” she said reassuringly. Harry nodded feeling somewhat at ease.
“How long before we’ll know anything?” Hermione asked after she finally found the two books that she most wanted.

“Well, that is totally up to Harry, and whether or not he’s willing to tell.” She said giving Harry a knowing smile. “You should have already received a few answers, shouldn’t you have?” she said winking. “Harry, you must pay attention to the signs that you receive in your dreams.” She reminded him. “That is not to say that all dreams are real or fact worthy, but it does mean to say that your dreams can give you answers when you ask in the right way. Influence your life even without you lifting a finger. So in essence, only you can answer your own questions, I can only provide you with the language.” She finished knowledgeably.

Harry was utterly bewildered. He knew that she must have known something about the dreams he’d been having but she made it seem as if she were forbidden to tell him anything. He didn’t know why adults did this, which left him feeling quite annoyed. She could give him a few details, but no, she would make him work for it. Seeming as if she knew what he was thinking she smiled at them all and said cheerily, “Right, now how about that tour!”

*~*~*~*

“That tour was fabulous.” Ginny exclaimed.
“Yeah, it wasn’t bad.” Harry agreed.
“There could have been some sort of brunch or something though”, Ron complained.
“Well Ron, we do have to get back to headquarters. Dumbledore is coming today, remember? And, he needs to talk to Harry.” Hermione’s voice quavered at the last sentence. She avoided Harry’s eyes. Harry knew that she was hiding something, but he decided to let her go with it.

They pulled up to the front of the Leaky Cauldron and got out of the car. Fred and George led the group as they entered the pub in a line and walked to the back waving greetings to familiar faces along the way. Out in the back yard, Fred and George stopped and turned to face Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny. “Okay, we’re only showing you this because Harry is one of our benefactors,” said Fred,
“We’ve been able to fix up the place and we’re having a grand opening on August 27th”, said George.
“So here we go then”, they said in unison.

Fred tapped the stones in the wall and an entrance parted for them all to walk through. They passed Quality Quidditch Supplies and rounded a corner to stand in front of a four-story burgundy and tan brownstone with a sign at the very top that said Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes.
“Wow!” Ron said from beside Hermione.
“Oh my,” said Hermione. Ginny just stood goggling at the magnificent structure. Harry finally said, “I only had one thousand galleons prize money, it couldn’t have possibly done all this.” Fred and George beamed at each other.
“Well, we sold a ton at Hogwarts,” said George,
“And we’re still selling tons to Hogwarts students,” said Fred.
“We’ve cornered the market and begun to sell to Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students as well,” said George,
“Not to mention, we got a healthy bit when we finally got our winnings from Ludo Bagman,” said Fred.
“Lee has figured out a great way to distribute where it cost us virtually nothing as well”, said George,
“So, shipment has been a breeze”, said Fred.

Ginny clapped her hands excitedly and ran into the shop. Ron grabbed Hermione round the shoulders and steered her into the shop; both of them smiling. Harry clapped each of the twins on the shoulder,
“Fellows, you’ve made me proud.”

They strode into the shop behind the others. The shop was adorned from floor to ceiling with glass jars and brightly coloured packages. Everything looked as if it had been caught in a barrage of colour. There were fireworks and trick toffees. He found a box of edible wands that was supposed to make the eater perform the wand’s spell and micro-sized moving magical creatures. Harry found that he couldn’t find anything in the store that he didn’t want to try. He put tons of stuff on his credit and even convinced Ron, Hermione and Ginny to let him buy a few things for them as well. Finally, after about an hour and a half, the six of them ambled out of the shop laden down with bags that read, ‘Weasley’s – A treat in every bag of tricks!’