Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea of a story line! J.K.R. owns the rest.

AN: Thanks for all the reviews. Some of the things in this chapter happen in earlier books, but bear with me OK.

Chapter 2: More to Think about (Owls Galore)

His thoughts were interrupted by an owl tapping on his window, which he obliging opened. The rather official looking owl had a letter for him as well as a couple of others. "What now?" Harry sighed. The first was from the Ministry of Magic.

To: Mr. Harry James Potter

We of the Ministry wish to inform you that your Godfather, one Sirius Black,has been cleared of all charges. This is due to the testimony of captured Deatheaters, Peter Pettigrew and Luscious Malfoy, under Veritaserum. His estate has been awarded a sum of two hundred thousand galleons, for wrongful imprisonment, pain and suffering, and lost wages. All property has been returned as well. We understand that some of his belongings have already been distributed according to a private will of Mr. Black's, however the firm of Warbucks, Banks, & Hopkirk request your presence at the reading of the official Black will. This will be held at Hogwarts on July 31. We understand that this will also be your 17th birthday, unfortunately it is the soonest that the reading can be done, due to extenuating circumstances.

Yours cordially,

Amelia Bones

Head of Magical Law Enforcement

PS: Other attached letters will hopefully enlighten you on the delay.

"Sirius is innocent? DUH, I've been telling them that for years. Well better late than never!" The next letter was from Hogwarts. As he opened it and began to read, he noticed several smudge marks, as though whom ever wrote it had been crying.

Dear Mr. Potter,

I know the events of last year have been hard for you. We all lost something important at that time, however I believe Albus would want us to look to the future, not dwell in the past. I am writing to inform you that the Headmaster named you in his will, which will be read here on July 31. It was Albus' request that the reading be done after you were considered of age. In this way, you would be in complete control of your inheritance. Furthermore, your parents will is to, also, be read at that time. It has lain dormant at Gringotts, until you come of age. Remus Lupin and Ms. Tonks shall come to escort you to Hogwarts at 9:00 AM on that day.

I also wish to inform you that the Board of Governors are still deciding whether or not the school will open on Sept. 1st. It is my hope to see you here then, if we are open. I realize you and Albus were doing something to help against Voldemort; I really feel you should wait to conclude this venture until you are better trained. I also realize you will do what you think is necessary, just rember that we are all concerned for you and will be here if you need us in any way. Back to the school issue, all students will be informed of the Board's decision, as soon as possible. I have included the book list, just in case. Wish us luck Harry!

Your friend and Head of House,

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Tears began streaming down Harry's face, anew, at the idea of reading Dumbledore's will. It made his passing all the more final, to him. "Why would he put me in his will? Maybe it has to do with the horcruxes. Could there have been something he didn't tell me? NAHHH!" Harry thought sarcastically. "Wouldn't be like him not to tell me, would it?"

At this point in his musings, he was pelted by a rather annoying feather ball. "Pig" he said rather angrily, "when are you going to learn to calm down?" The little owl in question, scrambled off the bed, where it had crash landed, and ever so slowly walked backed to Harry; then with an indignant hoot flew to Hedwig's cadge for a drink and some rest, promptly turning his back to Harry. "Only Ron would have an owl, who was a maniac one minute and furiously angry, the next!" Harry thought, but couldn't keep from laughing at the birds antics. "Pig, I am sorry if I offended you. I just wish you wouldn't crash into me when you deliver, ok? And, thanks for making me laugh, I really needed it!" The owl seemed to accept his apology and looked at him, as if to say 'I'll try and you're welcome'.

Hey mate,

Have you heard? The MoM caught Wormtail and questioned him and Luscious about Sirius. Sirius was cleared! We got invited to the reading of the will to. McGonagall said Hogwarts might not open this year, guess because of Dumbledore and Snape 'greasy bastard' being gone and the attack. I hope the muggles aren't getting to you. Were are going to Diagon Alley on Aug 23rd if you want to go with us. If you decide to go after the u-know-whats count me in, and don't dare leave without us!

Ron

Harry scratched off a quick note to Ron, telling him he was going to use the time to prepare before leaving on the quest. He would also love to go to The Alley with them, but might go sooner. Then after bribing Pig with a special treat, he sent the letter back. Next thing he knew, two more owls arrived. One a rather dignified owl named Hermes, and the other, who basically climbed in the window and promptly fainted, named Errol. He took the letters and Hermione's owl promptly flew back out the window. Harry laid Errol on a pillow to recover, then sat down to read the letters.

Hi Harry!

My family is on holiday in Italy. We are taking in some amazing sights here. Did you know most of the ruins aren't really ruins, they are just charmed to look that way to Muggles. One was the world's largest library. I spent almost two days there! We also got to see some gladiatorial reenactments at the Coliseum. I'm going to come back here another time just to visit the library again. Any ways, Ron told me about Sirius, isn't that great! Hope you're coping well with last years events. You know that you can always talk to Ron or Myself if you need to. Don't go off without us if you decide to leave, or we'll hunt you down! I really hope Hogwarts is open this year. I would hate to miss my Newts and not get to finish our education. Hopefully we are meeting the Weasleys at Diagon Alley, see you there.

Well TTFN, AN: Ta Ta For Now, for those who don't know.

Hermione

"Just like Hermione to be worried about her education, when the world is coming apart at the seams!" Thought Harry with a grin. "Well, let's see who the other one is from."

Dear Harry,

Hope you are doing OK, and the Muggles aren't getting you down. I wanted to tell you to hang in there, and you can count on me for any support you need. I miss you terribly and hope to see you soon. Don't you run off without me you hear! I know we already talked about this, but let me tell you again. I know you think being your girlfriend puts me in great danger, and that I'd be better off without you around. Just let me tell you something mister! If you ever try to push me out of your life, over some stupid noble idea like that again, Harold James Potter! I will personally hex you so bad that fighting old Voldie will seem like a picnic! PHEW, now that that's out of the way, I love you Harry, more than life itself. I will not allow your noble ideals to stand in the way of the time we can have together. If we lose that time, short or long, we can never get it back! Don't you understand that? I want to be therefor you, in the good times and the bad. No matter what happens, know that I will always love you Harry!

Know that you are in my heart, as I know by your actions, I'm in yours.

Love Forever,

Ginny

With a windblown look to his hair and a combination of tears and a smile, all Harry could choke out was "I love you too Ginerva Weasley!" all the while thinking 'Man her temper comes through even in letters, good thing it wasn't a howler!' Part of Harry's brain was still thinking 'What if she gets hurt?', the rest was saying 'What could hurt more than denying the love you have for her and the time you could share?' Harry smiled, resolving to confirm his feelings to her and apologize for being such a blind fool, in his return letter.

It was late in the evening by the time he was through with his mail. He decided to get some sleep and try to get to Diagon Alley tomorrow. He wanted to get some books on defense and Occlumency to help with the nightmares and his personal training. He would go after work. Harry was currently working at the local library, 'Wouldn't Hermione be proud!' he thought.

Flashback

"Boy you will be getting a summer job this year. I'll not have you lazing around the house, now that you are almost grown! You will start pulling your own weight around here!" Vernon had bellowed at Harry that was almost the most they had spoken to him. Harry wasn't really upset at this because, the more he had to do, the less he brooded on the past.

Surprisingly, Vernon had also made Dudley start working as well. Harry had gotten a job at the library, also he started running in the mornings and working out at the local gym. He also took various martial arts classes. Harry excelled in these and quickly mastered each one. His Sensei told him he had a natural talent for it that rivaled the great Bruce Lee!

Within weeks he had mastered Akido, Karate, all forms of Kung Fu (including Shoulin Styles), Okinawa-te, kick boxing, fencing, boxing, and weapons, he even found an instructor for Ninjitsu. Finally one of the instructors told him to try a dancing class to help with hit foot work and balance. After his initial embarrassment, he loved it. Harry used his money to buy a new wardrobe and get some contacts and new glasses. He also paid 20 pounds a week to the Dursleys. He was really shaping up. Aparently the girls thought so to, he gor stares everywhere he went.

End Flashback

Some how he managed to get Dudley to go to the gym with him, this summer he seemed to be nicer to Harry and was also trying to get in better shape. Dudley had apparently had had some major health issues during the school year, heart trouble and arthritis in his legs. His doctors recommended exercise and weight loss to help, and even though Petunia wouldn't believe it was that bad, Dudley was determined to fix it as best as he could. "There might be hope for you yet Dudley. I'll be glad to help in any way I can" Harry told him. "Harry I really want to apologize about the way I treated you, when we were younger. It was completely wrong of me. I guess it took a doctor telling me I could die soon, to realize how important family and true friends are. Since you are my family and I really don't have any true friends, would you consider helping me fill the gap?" Harry was floored, to say the least, here was his cousin bully and snob offering not only an apology but also friendship to him. Harry stared at his cousin for a few minutes and saw him surrounded by a white aura. This aura had several dark places in it

'What's going on' Harry thought. With his cousin looking expectantly at him, He said "Dudley I accept your apology and your friendship. I promise to help you in any way I can to get better and fill your life with friendship, love and happiness. I only request your acceptance of what I am and my world, which may take time but I am sure you can do it!"

"Cousin, I am most happy to hear that and will strive to be worthy of your forgiveness and friendship! If you should need me don't hesitate to ask, also I would like to learn more of your world. You see I have been quite jealous of your abilities since we were young." At these words the aura surrounding Dudley became brilliant white and the dark spots were completely gone! Harry was rather worried by these events and asked Dudley if he was ok. "I'm Fine Harry, I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I have never felt this good in my life. Why?" Harry explained about the aura and its change, and Dudley asked if it had happened before. Harry said he didn't know anything about it but wanted to find out.

"Dudley, there is a magical hospital called St. Mungos that might be able to help with your heart and arthritis, if you are willing to try it? I would be glad to take you there." "Sounds great when can we go!" "Now if you want." "Well what are we standing around for" Harry couldn't help but grin at his cousins enthusiasm. They walked out to the curb, and Harry raised his wand arm. "What are you doing?" Dudley asked. "You'll see." Harry said, with a crooked smile. POP There in front of them was a bright purple bus. Dudley jumped about a foot in the air, which was quite a feat considering he was still very large. Stan helped them onboard. "Stan. glad to see they finally let you out, what was the Minister thinking locking you up any way?" "Well see it was a case of, me and my big mouth, so to speak." "Oh, I get ya." Harry chuckled. "Where to? And who's your friend?" "Stan meet my cousin Dudley, Dudley meet Stan. He is the conductor for the Knight Bus. And a right nice bloke! We're heading to St. Mungos to get Dudley looked at." "Right O. St. Mungos Earn!" "Dudley you might want to sit and hold on, your in for a wild ride!" Once there, Dudley was amazed by the speed and ability to dodge traffic in the bus. "Stan, Is there a way Dudley can summon the bus. If he should need to?" "Yea Harry, hang on a minute." Stan returned a minute later with a small card that read 'Bus Pass'. "All he needs to do is hold this out by the curb, and we'll be there." Harry thanked him and helped Dudley into the hospital.

Dudley's eyes sparkled with amazement at the way wizarding buildings and places were hidden in plain sight. He saw people in the waiting room with various maladies, and got a kick out of one wizard who maid a funny noise every time he moved AN: Think Robin Williams in Toys. When the doctors examined Dudley, the only thing they could do was give him a potion to clear his arteries, much like the muggle doctor only it was a one time deal with less risk. They couldn't reverse the damage to his heart or fix the arthritis, only offer pain reliving potions. "If we had a Phoenix that would give him some tears that might be able to help. This is about as much as we can do otherwise." The doctor had told them. "I wish Fawkes was here. He would probably help." The moment the words left Harry's mouth, there was a fiery pop, and Fawkes as well as another Phoenix appeared. "'Lo Fawkes. What are you doing here? Do you think you could help?" He trilled something that sounded like 'No but', and looked to the other bird. Harry looked and beheld the most beautiful bird he had ever seen. It was deep green and had black accents on its wings, with gold on the outer edge and under its belly. All in all, it looked like a giant emerald ring! The Phoenix landed on Harry's shoulder and nipped him hard on the ear. "Ouch! What was that for?" The bird then cried two tears onto the wound, healing it instantly.

Sorry for that Harry Potter. It was necessary to bond with you. Please forgive my rudeness "That's ok, wait a minute did I just hear you talking?" Yes I have given you the gift of bird-speak, so we can converse "Wow! Thank you for the gift. What did you mean by bond and do you have a name?" I am now one of your familiars and I have no name. What do you wish to call me? "How about Anneau Vert, Anneau for short, it means emerald ring in French." That would be most acceptable, my friend. I take it you would like me to help your cousin? "If you could I would be most grateful." With that Anneau flew to the examination table and began to cry tears into Dudley's mouth. In moments, Dudley said "Wow! The pain is gone. I feel great, thanks Anneau!" Anneau trilled a very pleasant tune and returned to Harry. When the doctor reexamined Dudley there was no sign of arthritis or his heart disease. After Dudley's clean bill of health, Harry asked the doctor some questions about the aura he saw. "From your explanation it sounds like a diagnostic spell we use to check for magical drain and spiritual damage to the soul! I don't know haw you could have seen such a thing without the spell though. Here let me show you." He pointed his wand at Dudley and said "Spritus Revelio", there was a flash and he was again surrounded by the brilliant white aura. "Was this what you saw?" Yes exactly, only in the beginning it was dimmer and had black areas in it." "Mr. Potter what you were seeing was your cousin's spirit, soul, if you will. I have no idea what has happened, but his is now free of tarnish and very healthy. In fact it is better than most wizards, I have seen. May I have a look at yours?" "Sure go ahead." The older man canceled the spell on Dudley and recast it on Harry. After the flash the brightness from Harry's aura, made the doctor cancel the spell, to keep them from going blind. "My word, Mr. Potter, I have never seen such brilliance in all my life!" "Lovely, there is one more thing special about me!" he said in a somewhat exasperated tone. "Doctor, could we please keep this under wraps, for the time being! The Ministry and the Press already have enough of a field day with my life." "Of course Mr. Potter, I would ask that you check back with me later for some research, if you don't mind." "Not at all doctor just don't mention this to anyone until I give the Ok." "I will wait for your ok then sir." Harry now had several new things to ponder. It was still early in the evening, around 2:00 PM, and Harry wanted to get to The Alley today.

"Hey, would you like to go with me to get some school supplies, or would you rather go no home, Dudley?" "I think, I'll stick with you. That is if you don't mind." "Great Diagon Alley here we come!"

AN: This chapter kinda ran away with me. Any Thoughts on making Dudley magical? Any way I am past my story notes and going to work some more chapters soon, at least this is longer than the last.