Magic, Friends, and New Beginnings

4 Privet Drive, September 1 st 1991

On the morning of September 1st, Harry could hardly contain his impatience and resentment. He had spent the last month reviewing everything that had happened in his last life, and he honestly feared that he would curse Dumbledore the moment he saw him. So much had been manipulated that Harry truly feared he had never once had a chance to act like himself, to be his own person.

Doing one final check of his room, Harry was happy to see that he had not forgotten anything. When he had been packing his trunk, Harry had been careful to ward each compartment individually - especially his book compartment.

Harry had returned to London a few times since his first visit in order to buy a variety of books; books that would not be approved of by many. He had travelled to Knockturn Alley a few times in his past life, but never extensively, so Harry had been anxious this time around, however, his presence was soon ignored.

Harry had also been to a private healer and, after making him swear a privacy vow, had him perform an in depth scan. Harry had been pleased when he had learnt that, without the glamour, he had no need for his glasses, but he still wanted to be checked out. The healer had been horrified after the scans were done and had tried to get Harry to report the damage to the ministry.

Many of his bones had breaks that had healed incorrectly and he had numerous scars. Harry had been given potions to fix the damage as well as an ointment to wear while sleeping. The healer had also worried for Harry's growth and development and given Harry potions to combat the damage, though he would never be tall, Harry hope to gain another inch or two.

With a final glance around, Harry cast a tempus charm that said it was half 10. Deciding to get to the platform early and find a compartment, Harry released Hedwig from her cage.

"You can fly to Hogwarts from here," he said, not wanting her to be cooped up for the long journey. Stretching her wings, Hedwig swooped over to Harry and landed on his shoulder, pecking his ear affectionately before taking flight out of the open window.

Walking down the stairs, Harry was not surprised when he saw Petunia standing awkwardly by the front door. He had had few interactions with the Dursleys in the last month; they had taken his warnings to heart after Harry had once again cursed Vernon, this time with Dudley watching, when the man had tried to hit Harry once he had returned from Diagon Alley the first time.

"You're going then," she said.

"Yes, I won't be back until the summer. If I return at all," Harry told her.

Petunia swallowed again. "Right then, good."

Walking past her with his school supplies shrunk down in his pocket, Harry walked a short distance before apparating onto the platform.

Kings Cross Station, September 1 st 1991

Arriving at the station, Harry walked quickly. There were a few families milling about that Harry chose to ignore in favour of getting onto the train.

Finding an empty compartment, Harry entered and un-shrunk his trunk, levitating it above him before he sat down and conjured the book he had been reading: Mind Magics, Shields, and Webs. Even with his mind protected by his heir ring, Harry wanted to learn occlumency, if only so he would have better control of his emotions. He had so far developed the beginnings of a mindscape and was trying to meditate for at least an hour a day before bed. It was hard going, but he was positive he would have mastered it by the end of the year.

Eventually Harry's solitude was disturbed by knocking on the door to his compartment. Looking up in time, Harry saw a young Susan Bones enter alongside Hannah Abbott.

"Do you mind if we join you?" Susan asked, standing just inside the door.

Smiling Harry nodded. "Of course," he said. He had liked both of these girls in his last life, although they hadn't really been friends. He had known them and worked with them as part of the DA. He also knew they would never be part of Dumbledore's schemes; Susan in particular, as her aunt was the head of the DMLE.

Sitting down opposite him, both girls exchanged a look before Susan held out her hand. "I'm Susan Bones," she introduced herself.

Taking her hand and kissing the air above it, Harry smiled slightly at her blushed cheeks. "A pleasure, Miss Bones. My name is Harrison Potter."

When they heard his name both girls instantly looked at his forehead and to the place his fringe was covering.

Hannah gulped before holding out her hand. "I'm honoured to meet you Harry - I mean, Harrison. I'm Hannah Abbott."

Doing the same to Hannah, Harry kissed her hand before looking at both girls. They were staring at him with fascination that made Harry want to sigh.

"I understand that you've grown up with stories about me, but honestly, I would rather you treat me like every other student. I'm really not that interesting, and please feel free to call me Harrison or Harry. I really don't like it when people act weird around me or treat me special for something I have no memory of doing."

Susan seemed to come to a decision then and smiled at him. "So, Harry," she started, "are you excited to start Hogwarts?"

Happy that he would not be putting up with fangirls for the entire trip, Harry relaxed slightly in his chair. "I am, I've read all about it," Harry said, letting himself act as a soundboard to the two girls, who seemed to explode talking about all they had heard about Hogwarts.