Chapter 3

Harry woke up the next morning, blinking groggily at his surroundings. For a second, he panicked. His brain scrambled to find the familiar dingy cupboard under the stairs at Privet Drive. But nope. No cobwebs. No stale air. Just soft, warm blankets, and light filtering in through elegant curtains. This was definitely not the Dursleys' house.

Sitting up, Harry took in the room—way too fancy for anything he'd ever seen. The furniture was sleek, the bed was basically a cloud, and the whole place just screamed 'Welcome to the good life!' Yesterday came rushing back: the Bones Family Estate. He wasn't stuck with the Dursleys anymore. Nope, this place had actual people who cared. That alone felt surreal.

"Morning, Harry!" Drakor's voice echoed in his head, upbeat and just a tad too chipper. "How're you feeling? Did we sleep well? Do I need to be more dragon-like in my wake-up calls? Roar more? Flame a bit?"

Harry couldn't help but smile, shaking his head. "It's... weird," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not used to waking up anywhere this nice. Feels like I'm still dreaming."

Drakor snorted, his tone laced with amusement. "Trust me, buddy. If this were a dream, there'd be more dragons, and we'd be swimming in a pool of gold coins right now. No? Not into that? All right, fine. Point is—you're safe. You're good. No more Dudley smashing your face in with a toy truck."

That was oddly comforting. Harry stretched, savoring the unfamiliar feeling of not being bruised and sore. For the first time in forever, he didn't feel like he'd been through a wrestling match with Dudley's gang.

After a quick shower (seriously, why hadn't anyone told him showers could be this nice?), Harry returned to his room. He swung open the wardrobe and—oh. Right. Dudley's hand-me-downs. Baggy, worn-out, and absolutely horrendous. He sighed as he held up a T-shirt that was more sack than shirt. The sleeves drooped like sad noodles past his hands.

"Okay, not ideal," Harry muttered. "Drakor, any chance you can do something about this?"

"Oh, Harry, you sweet summer child," Drakor said, mock horror dripping from his voice. "I would never let you walk around looking like a deflated beanbag. Hold still, I've got you."

The moment Harry stopped fidgeting, his clothes started to shift. Like, actually shift. The too-big rags melted away, morphing into a pair of well-fitted jeans and a sharp button-down shirt that—wow—made him look like a normal, functioning human being. Not a walking disaster zone. A pair of sleek leather shoes completed the look, because why not?

Harry gawked at his reflection. "What—how?"

Drakor puffed up with pride, his voice practically oozing with swagger. "Oh, you know. Just another one of my many, many talents. Fashion sense of a runway model, transformation skills of a shapeshifting dragon symbiote. You're welcome."

"You're a symbiote, and a dragon. How do you even know what runway models are?"

"I've got range," Drakor shot back. "Now, you—you don't need to worry about clothes ever again. I can morph into whatever you need. Fancy suits? Done. Battle armor? Easy. Pajamas with ducks on them? Weird, but sure. I'm your personal stylist-slash-super-symbiote-slash-best-friend. We're gonna make this look work, kid."

Harry chuckled, still marveling at the fit. "Thanks, Drakor. This is… this is amazing."

"Of course it is! I don't do anything halfway." There was a pause before Drakor added, a bit softer, "We're a team, Harry. You're never alone in this."

The sincerity in his voice warmed Harry more than any fancy clothes could. Feeling more like himself (or maybe a new version of himself), Harry headed downstairs. Today was a new day—a day where breakfast would be something other than cold toast, and where he didn't have to dodge Dudley's punches.

Amelia Bones and Susan were already waiting at the table, both greeting him with smiles. For once, Harry felt like he belonged. And, thanks to Drakor, he was looking good doing it.

As he slid into his seat, Drakor chimed in again, "So, Harry, what's the plan for today? Think we'll fight any trolls? Battle dark wizards? Ooh, maybe a giant squid! Do we get breakfast first, or go straight to heroics?"

Harry bit back a grin. "Let's eat first. Heroics after."

"Deal. But keep an eye out for giant squids. They're tricky."

With that, Harry dug into breakfast, a small smile on his face. Yeah, life was definitely looking up.

—

As Harry descended the stairs, the mouth-watering scent of breakfast hit him like a tidal wave of bacon and pancakes. His stomach growled in appreciation, urging him onward toward the dining room. Inside, Amelia and Susan were already seated, chatting comfortably with plates full of food in front of them. But what really grabbed Harry's attention wasn't the food—it was the small figure darting around the kitchen.

His eyes widened. What was that?

The creature had massive bat-like ears and eyes the size of saucers. It was flitting around the kitchen like it had ten hands, pulling food out of thin air and serving it faster than Harry could process. He froze in place, a dozen questions firing off in his brain like someone had just cast a Confundus Charm on him.

"Morning, Harry!" Amelia greeted him, smiling warmly. "I trust you slept well?"

"Uh, yeah," Harry mumbled, still staring at the little whirlwind in the kitchen. "But... what is that?"

Susan chuckled, clearly enjoying his bewilderment. "That's Mipsy, our house elf. She helps around here."

Before Harry could say anything else, Mipsy spun toward him and gave a low bow. "Good morning, Master Harry Potter, sir!" she squeaked in a voice that matched her size. "Mipsy is very happy to be serving your breakfast today!"

Harry blinked. "Uh, thanks, Mipsy," he managed, still trying to wrap his head around the idea of a talking house elf.

Amelia shot him an understanding look. "House elves are magical creatures that assist with household chores," she explained. "Mipsy is a valued member of our home."

"Valued? So she's not, like... enslaved, right?" Harry asked, half-joking but still uncertain.

Amelia gave a small smile. "No, Harry. Mipsy works here because she wants to, and we treat her like family."

Okay, so no need for a dramatic house-elf rescue mission. Good to know.

Harry took a seat, but as he started to serve himself some food, Susan grinned at him. "Nice outfit, Harry. You clean up well."

"Thanks," he said, feeling a weird sense of pride, even though it wasn't his sense of style. Drakor had opinions, after all. Speaking of which...

You're welcome, came Drakor's voice in his head, the mental equivalent of a smug grin. I have fabulous taste, by the way. You should listen to me more often.

Yeah, thanks for the wardrobe advice, buddy, Harry thought back dryly, though he couldn't help but smile a little.

As he piled a modest portion of eggs onto his plate, Amelia shot him a concerned glance. "Harry, there's plenty of food. You can take as much as you like."

Harry's hand froze, his eyes darting to meet hers. "This is... about how much I usually got with the Dursleys," he muttered, hoping she wouldn't press him on it.

Susan's fork clattered onto her plate. "Wait, what? That's... that's awful!"

Amelia's eyes darkened, but her voice remained calm. "You don't need to worry about that here. You're safe, and you'll always have enough to eat."

Harry added a little more food to his plate, still cautious. Part of him was afraid it was all some kind of trick. But another part—maybe the part Drakor was always encouraging—was ready to embrace this new life.

Speaking of which, Amelia cleared her throat. "Harry, there's something we need to discuss. It's about your godfather, Sirius Black."

Harry looked up, confused. "Godfather? I didn't even know I had one."

Amelia nodded, her expression turning serious. "Yes, Sirius Black. He was very close to your parents, but he was imprisoned in Azkaban without a trial after their deaths. He was accused of betraying them."

"Wait—what?!" Harry's mind went into overdrive. "He's in prison? Without a trial? That's insane!"

"Insane is right," Drakor chimed in, sounding indignant in Harry's mind. Can't believe they threw the guy in a magic prison just because they felt like it. I mean, I've made some questionable life choices, but even I didn't get locked up like that.

Amelia nodded solemnly. "There's reason to believe he was wrongly accused, and we're working on getting him the fair trial he never had."

Harry's blood boiled at the thought of someone who cared about him being locked away for no reason. "What can I do to help?"

Amelia smiled. "For now, focus on getting stronger and settling in. We'll be visiting Gringotts soon to look into your family's estate. Your parents left behind a will that was never executed, and it's time you learn about it."

Harry blinked. Gringotts? His family had an account? He had money? This was all too much. "I thought... I thought I had nothing," he whispered.

Amelia gave him a soft look. "You have more than you realize, Harry. And you'll have access to all of it soon."

Drakor, ever the commentator, piped up. Bet the goblins at Gringotts have some real juicy secrets. Maybe we'll find a secret treasure map or a cursed object! Ooh, or maybe we'll—

Calm down, Drakor. Focus, Harry mentally replied with a smirk. But even he couldn't deny the thrill running through him. He was finally going to learn about his family.

Before they could leave, though, Mipsy approached Amelia with a letter. Amelia read it, her expression shifting. "It looks like something urgent has come up at the Ministry. We'll have to delay the trip to Gringotts by a few hours."

Harry nodded, understanding. "That's fine, Madam Bones."

Amelia turned to Susan. "Why don't you show Harry around the estate in the meantime?"

Susan grinned. "Come on, Harry, there's a lot to see!"

As Harry stood up to follow Susan, Mipsy appeared with a decadent chocolate cake. "Mistress Amelia asked for this cake to be made for Master Harry," Mipsy chirped proudly.

Before Harry could even touch the knife, Drakor's presence surged within him. With a mental roar, the cake vanished—devoured in one bite by the gleeful symbiote dragon.

Ohh, that was delicious! Harry, we need more of this stuff. Cake should be a daily thing.

Harry stifled a laugh. "Uh, thanks, Mipsy, but it looks like Drakor handled that for me."

Mipsy's eyes twinkled with amusement. "No worries, Master Harry. There's plenty more if you want it."

With Drakor still purring contentedly in the back of his mind, Harry caught up with Susan, feeling lighter than he had in ages. The future wasn't just a dark, unknown void anymore. There was hope—adventure—even cake.

And with Drakor by his side (and inside his mind), he knew there'd be no shortage of either.

—

As Harry and Susan roamed the sprawling Bones Family Estate, they were greeted by a garden that could have been ripped straight from a storybook. Lush greenery stretched out as far as the eye could see, with vibrant flowers that seemed to bloom just to impress anyone with the slightest hint of an aesthetic sense.

Susan, the enthusiastic tour guide, led the way. "And over here," she said, gesturing dramatically, "is the infamous Grotto of Glimmering Wishes. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into the pond and make a wish, you'll get your heart's desire. Or you'll get a soggy coin. Either way, it's a win!"

Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Sounds like my kind of luck. What's the catch, though? Do we have to battle a giant squid or something?"

Susan grinned. "Not unless you're planning on wishing for a giant squid. It's perfectly safe—mostly. Just a bit of old magic and a lot of local legends."

As they wandered, Harry found himself enchanted by the estate's hidden charms. The towering trees seemed to whisper secrets to each other, while the manicured hedges formed a labyrinth that could easily serve as the setting for a magical adventure or, at the very least, an epic game of hide and seek.

"Hey, look at that!" Susan pointed to a quaint pond with fish that seemed to sparkle under the sunlight. "That's the Pond of Many Colors. Some say the fish are enchanted, but I think it's just the magic of the garden. Still, it makes for a great spot to relax."

Harry watched the fish dart through the water, their scales flashing like little rainbows. "I've got to admit, this place is incredible. It's like stepping into another world."

"Welcome to the magical side of things," Susan said with a smile. "And this is just the beginning."

As they continued their exploration, Harry's sense of wonder grew. For the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn't weighed down by worry or uncertainty. Here, surrounded by natural beauty and Susan's infectious enthusiasm, everything felt possible.

The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the landscape. As they made their way back to the main house, their spirits were high. The day had been an adventure of its own, and Harry couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.

Meanwhile, Drakor, the Klyntar Symbiote Dragon, was quietly having the time of his life. From his cozy spot within Harry's mind, he marveled at the estate's beauty with the kind of gusto that only a mischievous dragon could muster.

"Look at this place!" Drakor's thoughts buzzed with excitement. "It's like a magical playground. If I were an actual dragon, I'd be diving into that pond and scaring the fish just for kicks. Imagine the splashes!"

Harry chuckled to himself. "Maybe save the dragon antics for later. We're supposed to be making a good impression here."

Drakor's mental presence flickered with playful mischief. "Oh, come on! It's not every day you get to stretch your wings and have a bit of fun. Besides, I'm here to protect you, not to spoil your fun. But if you ever need to scare a few fish, you know who to call."

Despite Drakor's playful nature, Harry could sense the genuine concern beneath the surface. "Thanks, Drakor. I appreciate it."

"Always happy to help!" Drakor's voice was warm and reassuring. "And remember, we've got a whole estate to explore and adventures waiting. Let's keep the fun going and see where this magical ride takes us!"

As Harry and Susan approached the main house, they were filled with anticipation for the days to come. The adventure was just beginning, and with a dragon's playful spirit and a friend's enthusiasm by his side, Harry knew he was in for an unforgettable journey.

—

As Harry and Susan wandered through the enchanting gardens of the Bones Family Estate, the air buzzed with the promise of adventure. Susan's eyes sparkled like she'd just discovered a hidden treasure as she launched into an animated description of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"You won't believe it," Susan said, practically bouncing on her toes. "Hogwarts is this massive, ancient castle with turrets that reach the clouds and staircases that like to play hide and seek. And don't even get me started on the enchanted forest that surrounds it—talk about magical real estate!"

Harry hung on her every word, his mind racing with images of the majestic castle, bustling with students and alive with magic. "So, what's it like inside?" he asked, barely containing his excitement.

"Inside?" Susan grinned like she was about to unveil a top-secret mission. "Picture this: endless corridors filled with students rushing to their classes, each corner hiding its own magical surprise. Cozy common rooms where you'll bond with your friends over enchanted chess games and epic study sessions. Oh, and the library? It's like a treasure trove of spellbooks and ancient tomes. You could spend a lifetime in there and still not read everything."

Harry's eyes widened, and he could almost hear the echoes of Quidditch matches, feel the rush of learning new spells, and imagine the thrill of adventure in the heart of the castle. "This sounds like something straight out of a fairy tale. I can't believe I'm actually going to be part of it!"

Susan's grin grew even wider. "You're going to fit right in, Harry. Hogwarts is where you'll truly discover who you are and what you're capable of."

Harry's mind was a whirl of anticipation and wonder. "Thanks for sharing all this, Susan. It's like you've opened a door to a whole new world for me."

Drakor, the Klyntar Symbiote Dragon residing comfortably within Harry's mind, was having a field day with the conversation. "Well, well, look at you, Harry," Drakor's mental voice chimed in, buzzing with excitement. "Hogwarts sounds like one of those epic adventure movies where you get to be the hero. Bet you're already picturing yourself as the star of the show, casting spells and flying on broomsticks."

Harry chuckled, his grin widening. "Yeah, I guess I am. It's just hard to believe it's all real."

Drakor's thoughts were a whirlwind of playful energy. "Oh, believe it. And if anyone gives you trouble at Hogwarts, just remember: they've got nothing on me. I've got enough tricks up my sleeve to keep us both entertained."

Harry couldn't help but laugh at Drakor's enthusiasm. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the backup."

Drakor's inner monologue took a serious turn, though his tone remained light. "Seriously, Harry, I've got your back. Hogwarts is going to be full of surprises, and not all of them will be fun. But with me around, you'll have the best wingman a guy could ask for."

As they strolled back through the gardens, the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky with hues of gold and orange. Harry's mind buzzed with excitement about Hogwarts and the new chapter waiting just around the corner. With Susan's infectious enthusiasm and Drakor's playful banter, Harry felt ready to dive into this magical world, knowing that every twist and turn would be an adventure worth savoring.

—

Amelia Bones stepped into her office at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, ready to dive into her day's work. Her office, usually a sanctuary of calm efficiency, was interrupted by her secretary bursting in with a look of mild panic.

"Madam Bones, I'm really sorry to interrupt, but Albus Dumbledore is here. He's waiting for a meeting," the secretary said, her words tumbling out in a rush.

Amelia's eyebrows shot up. "A meeting?" she echoed, mentally flipping through her schedule. She couldn't recall a meeting with Dumbledore, let alone a surprise visit from the head of Hogwarts. "Alright, show him in."

Her secretary scurried off, and Amelia took a deep breath, bracing herself for whatever magical whirlwind Dumbledore was about to unleash.

In walked Albus Dumbledore, looking as serene as ever despite the gravity of his mission. He approached Amelia's desk with a stack of parchment in hand. "Madam Bones," he began, his tone serious. "I come bearing important documents."

He handed over the stack, which Amelia noticed was the paperwork for transferring Harry Potter's guardianship. Not exactly the sort of thing you'd expect a grand wizard to drop by with, but hey, it was Dumbledore.

"These papers signify the formal transfer of guardianship of Harry Potter," Dumbledore said, looking like he'd just delivered the world's most thrilling plot twist. "It's time for him to find a new home, one where he'll be safe and cared for."

Amelia took the paperwork with a nod, her mind already racing through the implications. She knew the responsibility this entailed, and it was clear that Dumbledore was passing the buck—or at least the magical child—to her.

"Albus," Amelia began, her voice carrying a tone of cautious authority, "I need to address something that came to light last night."

Dumbledore's eyes, usually twinkling with mischief, were now fixed on her with a hint of curiosity. "And what might that be?"

"I discovered that the wills of James and Lily Potter were never executed," Amelia said, cutting straight to the point. "Care to explain why?"

Dumbledore's expression shifted to one of thoughtful contemplation. "I must admit, Amelia, that I intended to oversee the execution of the Potters' wills myself. However, the aftermath of Voldemort's downfall was, to put it mildly, chaotic."

Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Chaotic?" she repeated, giving him the kind of look you might reserve for someone who just told you they misplaced a dragon.

"Yes," Dumbledore sighed. "There were numerous urgent matters demanding my attention, and unfortunately, the wills were overlooked in the frenzy."

Amelia's gaze remained skeptical. "And what do you plan to do about it now?"

"I am committed to rectifying this oversight," Dumbledore replied earnestly. "Harry deserves to know the contents of his parents' wills and have their wishes fulfilled."

"Good," Amelia said, her tone firm. "I'll hold you to that. But Harry and I are heading to Gringotts later today to meet with the Potter Family Account Manager. I'm sure he has a copy of the wills."

Dumbledore's face, usually composed, betrayed a flicker of concern. "I appreciate your diligence in this matter. I'll await your findings with interest, and I assure you, I will not interfere."

"Excellent," Amelia said, her voice brooking no argument. "Let's hope we can resolve this swiftly for Harry's sake."

Dumbledore's gaze shifted to a new concern. "Has Moody briefed you about our conversation on Sirius Black from last night?"

"Yes, he did," Amelia responded, her tone steady. "It seems there's more to unravel in this mess."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. We have much to address."

Amelia tapped her chin, her mind already working through possibilities. "Conducting an audit of trial transcripts from the past decade might shed some light on the situation."

"An audit could indeed provide insights," Dumbledore agreed. "It might even uncover evidence that could aid in Sirius Black's exoneration. If there were any discrepancies or injustices, it is our duty to address them."

Amelia's lips curled into a sly smile. "And if we find compelling evidence, the Chief Warlock will have no choice but to fast-track Sirius Black's trial."

Dumbledore's expression showed a glimmer of intrigue. "A fast-tracked trial might be necessary, given the circumstances."

"Consider it done," Amelia declared with resolve. "I'll get my department on it immediately. We won't leave any stone unturned."

As Dumbledore prepared to take his leave, he turned to Amelia with a hint of remorse. "And what of Harry?"

Amelia's voice was steady as she answered. "Harry's endured a lot. It's a testament to his strength that he's made it this far. I'll ensure his well-being from now on."

Dumbledore nodded, understanding the gravity of her words. "I appreciate your commitment, Amelia. I'll respect the process."

With that, Dumbledore left, his departure echoing with the weight of unfinished business. Amelia, meanwhile, directed her secretary with brisk efficiency.

"Get the Aurors started on the audit of trial transcripts for the past decade," she instructed firmly. "Every detail needs to be examined thoroughly."

The secretary, clearly feeling the pressure, nodded and started taking notes. "Right away, Madam Bones."

"And prepare the paperwork for Harry Potter's guardianship transfer," Amelia continued, her tone decisive. "I'll deliver it personally."

As Amelia walked through the bustling corridors of the Ministry, she couldn't miss the buzz of excitement and whispered conversations about Harry. The Boy-Who-Lived was finally getting the attention he deserved, and Amelia was ready to tackle the challenge head-on. With each step, her resolve strengthened. Harry's new chapter was just beginning, and Amelia was determined to see it through with the care and justice he deserved.

---

Hey fellow fanfic enthusiasts!

I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Whether you loved it, hated it, or have some constructive criticism, your feedback is super important to me. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message with your thoughts. Can't wait to hear from you!

If you're passionate about fanfiction and love discussing stories, characters, and plot twists, then you're in the right place! I've created a Discord server dedicated to diving deep into the world of fanfiction, especially my own stories. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just someone who enjoys a good tale, I welcome you to join us for lively discussions, feedback sessions, and maybe even some sneak peeks into upcoming chapters, along with artwork related to the stories. Let's nerd out together over our favorite fandoms and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling!

Click the link below to join the conversation:

https://discord.com/invite/HHHwRsB6wd

Can't wait to see you there!

If you appreciate my work and want to support me, consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support helps me keep writing and bringing more stories to you. You can do so via PayPal here:

https://www.paypal.me/VikrantUtekar007

Or through my Buy Me a Coffee page:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vikired001s

Thank you for your support!