Chapter 3: Breaking Free and Finding the Truth

The ruins of Privet Drive stood in the pale moonlight, a haunting reminder of the life Harry was about to leave behind. His breath came in shallow gasps as he clutched the edge of the ruined wall, trying to steady his trembling legs. The enormous form of Tempest loomed over him, barely visible in the shadows, his green optics glowing faintly in the dark. Patch, now transformed into a small bot, chirped softly at Harry's feet, a flicker of light in the destruction around them.

Harry stared at the wreckage of the house, his mind racing. He was free—free from the Dursleys, free from the suffocating existence he had known for most of his life. But that freedom came with a heavy price. Everything he had ever believed in had been shattered. The truth about Dumbledore, about his so-called friends, weighed heavily on him. They had betrayed him. Used him.

Dumbledore. Harry clenched his fists at the thought of the man who had manipulated his life. The man who had orchestrated everything. He couldn't go back to Hogwarts. He couldn't trust anyone in the wizarding world. His friends—no, the people he had thought were his friends—were part of Dumbledore's web of lies, waiting for him to die so they could take what was his.

His chest tightened as he remembered how close he had come to death tonight. Vernon had nearly killed him, and only his power had saved him. It had created Tempest, his mechanical guardian, and Patch, his loyal companion. But even with these new allies by his side, Harry knew he couldn't afford to stay in the open. Dumbledore would be searching for him, and the Ministry would likely be watching for any sign of his magic.

He had to disappear.

Harry glanced up at Tempest, who stood like a silent guardian over the remains of the house. "We need to get to Gringotts," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The goblins can help."

Tempest's optics flickered as he processed the request. "Gringotts... the goblins?" His voice rumbled, deep and resonant, vibrating through the air. He didn't understand much yet, but his loyalty to Harry was unwavering.

"I don't have time to explain everything," Harry said, his mind racing. "But the goblins—they can help me disappear. I need to change my name. If I do, no one will be able to track me unless they know my new name."

Patch, in his small bot form, beeped in agreement, bouncing around Harry's feet, eager to follow his lead.

Harry took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He had a plan—at least, the start of one. If he could get to Gringotts and explain everything, the goblins might be able to help. They had always been neutral, and they valued business over the politics of the wizarding world. If anyone could help him break free of Dumbledore's control, it would be them.

"Take me to Diagon Alley," Harry said firmly, looking up at Tempest. "We need to get there as fast as possible."

Tempest shifted, his enormous frame groaning as it folded and collapsed in on itself, transforming back into the sleek black car Harry had first seen. His green optics were now replaced by glowing headlights, and his engine hummed with barely-contained power.

"Get in," Tempest said, his voice echoing through the car.

Harry didn't hesitate. He grabbed Patch, who chirped happily in his hands, and climbed into the driver's seat. As soon as he was inside, Tempest accelerated, speeding through the dark streets of Little Whinging, leaving Privet Drive far behind. The wind whipped through Harry's hair as they tore through the empty streets, but all Harry could think about was the plan forming in his mind.

If he could reach the goblins, he could sever the connection between himself and the wizarding world. He could change his name, unlock his inheritance, and disappear completely. No one would be able to find him—not Dumbledore, not the Ministry. He would be free.

But first, he had to reach Gringotts.