Harry Potter and the Forest of Mysteries

1. Fimilar Scenes

Author’s Note: I decided that it was time for a more serious fic. The Plot Bunnies (who have been avoiding me as much as possible) were plotting a sneak attack and that’s how this little one came to view. Bear with me this is my first adventure fic… it’s actually not an adventure fic. Ok enough rants. Reviews are greatly appreciated! Oh and I know this chapter is short, but I wanted to get it posted soon. Expect longer chapters soon!

Harry Potter and the Forest of Mysteries.

Chapter one: Familiar Scenes.

Just as the sun was setting on Privet Drive, a boy by the name of Harry Potter let out a large sigh from his residence in the fourth house of Privet Drive. He laid on his small bed, legs crossed and his hands behind his head, as he continued to watch the ceiling fan turn slowly above him. This scene was a familiar one for Harry. He spent the day on his bed, lost in his thoughts. His mind replayed the night at the Department of Mysteries over and over again. He saw Sirius fall through the veil, the prophecy shattering to the ground, and Hermione getting attacked. He wished his mind would stop.

It was a month into summer holidays and just a few days until he turned sixteen. But none of this mattered to Harry. He didn’t notice how many days he wasted away in his lonely room. The only time he left his tiny living space was to go to the bathroom or grab a small snack.

Soon the sun had set and Harry’s room was engulfed in darkness. His snowy owl, Hedwig, rustled her feathers and flapped her wings against the steel bars of her cage. Harry slowly turned his head to his pet as she began to hoot softly.

“Do you want to go out?” he asked hoarsely rising from the bed that gave loud squeaks as his weight left the springs.

He opened the lock of Hedwig’s cage and stuck his arm in to let the bird climb on. Carefully, he walked her over to the window and after giving her a few strokes with his fingers he stuck his arm out and moved his arm up a bit as a signal for Hedwig to fly off. She opened her wings and with a few flaps, she gracefully left his arm and flew into the night. Harry watched her from the window until she was too far into the night to be seen.

The next morning, Harry woke up to find Hedwig resting on his stomach with two letters tied to her foot. Harry sat up slowly trying his best not to startle the bird. When he was fully sitting up Hedwig stuck out her leg for him to release her of her burden. When he did she flew off to her cage for some water.

Harry recognized the neat handwriting on the front of the first envelope as Hermione’s and he opened that one first.

Dear Harry,

How are you Harry? Are you feeling all right? I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as you can. I’m going insane waiting for our O.W.L. results. Did you get your letter from Ron inviting you to the Burrow yet? I got mine last night so yours should be arriving soon. I can’t wait to see you; I’ve missed you so much! I know it’s only been a month, but it seems like an eternity. Well my mum is calling me downstairs so I must go. I’ll see you soon.

Love, Hermione.

Harry read the letter with a small grin. Just hearing from Hermione made him happier. He guessed the next letter was from Ron before he got a chance to look at it and he was right.

Dear Harry,

Hey mate how are you feeling? Hope the muggles are treating you all right. We talked to Dumbledore and he reckons it’s all right if you come and spend the rest of the summer with us. Tell the muggles not to worry though; dad got a hold of a car from the Ministry so we’ll pick you up on your birthday some time in the morning. Lupin’s coming as well to make sure things go alright. Hope you are well,

-Ron

Harry felt much better now that he was going to the Burrow. He tucked the letters away back into their envelopes and went over to his desk. He pulled out two pieces of parchment and some ink and a quill. He dipped the quill in the ink and passed right before writing. He wasn’t sure what to say. All summer he longed to talk to them and now he just can’t think of anything to say. He took a deep breath and just wrote whatever came into his mind.

Dear Hermione,

Hello Hermione are you? Are you feeling better? I’m doing all right I suppose. The Dursley’s haven’t been bothering me so I’ve just been up in my room for most of the time. How is your summer? I miss you too, Hermione. Can’t wait to see you.

Love, Harry.

He stuffed Hermione’s letter into an envelope and wrote her name on the front before starting Ron’s letter.

“Dear Ron,

I’m doing all right thanks, how are you? The muggles have been out of my way so I haven’t been bothered much. Thanks for the invite to your house. I’m dying to see you guys. What’s been going on? Anything interesting? See you soon,

-Harry”

He wrote Ron’s name on another envelope and stuffed the letter inside.

“Hedwig, do you feel like making a delivery?” Harry asked tying the letter to her leg. “Take this one to Hermione and this one to Ron.” he said, pointing to each one. Hedwig gave a small hoot and flew out the window to deliver the letters.

Harry decided to tell the Dursley’s that the Weasley’s would be coming to pick him up in a few days, so he ventured out of his room and into the kitchen where they were doing what the Dursley’s do best- eating.

Dudley was watching the TV while shoveling hot cakes into his mouth; Vernon was reading the paper munching on a piece of bacon and Petunia was sipping tea.

“Uncle Vernon?” Harry announced himself sitting down at the table. Vernon grunted in response, telling Harry to continue.

“My friends are going to pick me up on Friday sometime in the morning, is that Ok?” Harry asked, knowing that the man would have no choice in letting him go or not thanks to the Order. Vernon slowly let down his paper and Petunia set down her tea.

“Are these the same ones who got you last time? The red heads?” he asked gruffly, some bits of bacon flying out of his mustache.

“Yes, but they’re coming by car this time.” Harry said. After a moments pause Vernon grunted,

“Fine as long as they don’t stay long.”

“Thank you.” Harry said and decided to leave the table, but not before he swooped up a piece of toast to being back to his room.

On Friday morning, Harry woke up early, eager to leave the Dursley’s. He had packed everything the night before and sent Hedwig ahead after he dressed. Around nine, he dragged his trunk and Hedwig’s cage downstairs and went to the living room to wait. The Dursley’s were there all looking rather nervous. Dudley was watching TV, Vernon was reading the paper and Petunia was cleaning.

“What time did these friends of yours say they were coming?” Vernon sneered as Harry sat down on the couch.

“They just said sometime in the morning.” Harry replied, looking out the window for any sign of a car. Vernon snorted and returned to his paper.

It wasn’t long before someone was ringing the doorbell and Harry shot up and bolted out of the room to answer it. Ron and Mr. Weasley were there waiting on the other end.

“Harry! Good to see you!” Mr. Weasley said shaking Harry’s hand.

“Nice to see you too.” Harry said, stepping aside so Mr. Weasley could get in. Ron patted Harry on the back as he entered the house.

“Nice to see you mate. Happy Birthday” he said with a grin. Harry led them into the living room where the Dursley’s were, obviously terrified.

“Well hello nice to see you.” Mr. Weasley said, going over to shake Vernon’s hand. Vernon looked at Mr. Weasley’s hand like it was going to shoot out and strangle him, but he finally took it and immediately dropped it.

“Well we really must be going, Remus is waiting in the car and Molly’s expecting us for lunch. Do you have your trunk Harry?” Mr. Wesley asked cheerfully. Harry nodded.

“Well, it was nice seeing you all again.” Mr. Weasley said going to get Harry’s trunk.

Harry looked at the Dursley’s who have yet to say anything. “See you next summer then.”

Harry helped Mr. Weasley carry out his trunk while Ron took Hedwig’s cage. Outside waiting for let was a nice black car with Remus waiting for them. While Ron and Mr. Weasley were putting Harry’s trunk in the back of the car for him, Remus pulled Harry aside.

“Are you okay?” he whispered to the younger boy. Harry was slightly annoyed for a minute but then he realized that Remus and Sirius were best friends. He wasn’t the only one who suffered the loss.

“I will be. How are you?” Harry asked with a shaky breath.

“I’m all right. Harry, if you ever need to talk, you can come to me ok?” Lupin stated. Harry nodded and his former teacher gave a small grin.

“And Happy Birthday.” he said and got into the car.

“Ready everyone? Good now let’s go!” Mr. Weasley said, clasping his hands together. Ron and Harry climbed into the back seat while Mr. Weasley got in the passenger side up front.

Harry let out a content sigh. Soon enough, he’d be back with everyone and he’d feel better.

2. Back to the Burrow

Author’s Note: Thanks to those of you who reviewed! I’m hoping this this chapter will be longer and better because there will be more dialogue. I would also like to thank my wonderful beta Another!

Please review!

Harry Potter and the Forest of Mysteries: Chapter 2- Back to the Burrow.

The drive to the Burrow was long and mostly silent one. Ron and Harry talked for a little bit but Ron decided not to ask anything that would make Mr. Weasley and Lupin question them.

So they talked about Quidditch. Apparently, Fred and George bought some Quidditch supplies, like a quaffle, resizable posts and two new brooms. They wee planning a nice Quidditch match for when Harry arrived and just thinking about flying again made Harry’s spirits soar.

When they finally reached the Burrow, Mrs. Weasley, Ginny and Hermione were waiting for them outside. Harry and Ron got out of the car and Mr. Weasley and Lupin grabbed Harry’s trunk.

“Harry! Ron!” Hermione said and ran to her friends as fast as she could. She collided into Harry and pulled him into a big hug. Harry hugged back thankful to see her again.

“I’ve only just arrived.” She explained and let go of Harry to hug Ron.

“How are you Harry?” She whispered as the three of them began to walk back up to Mrs. Weasley and Ginny.

“I’ll be fine Hermione. How are you?” he replied automatically.

“I’ve been better, ” she sighed as they reached the house.

“Harry dear!” Mrs. Weasley said warmly and pulled him into a hug.

“Hello, Mrs. Weasley.” Harry smiled back at her.

“How are you?” She mothered him, smoothing away a wrinkle on his shoulder. Harry was beginning to get annoyed with everyone asking how he was.

“Fine,” he muttered back.

“Hey Harry!” Ginny said from beside her mother.

“Hello Ginny,” Harry said to the younger girl. Just then Mr. Weasley came up the walk with Lupin in tow. It seemed they gave up trying to carry the heavy trunk so it was now floating gracefully between the two of them, with Hedwig’s cage perched on top.

“Well now, everyone inside lunch is almost ready,” Mrs. Weasley said, ushering everyone into the house. Fred and George were sitting at the table when they came in.

“Hey Harry,” Fred said, but then he bent over a piece of parchment and ran his hand through his ginger hair.

“Working on a new project.” George winked as Harry walked by. Mr. Weasley dropped the trunk onto the floor and Harry picked it up to bring upstairs. He noticed that it was incredibly light and figured Mr. Weasley must have put a charm on it. Ron and Hermione followed Harry up to Ron’s room, closing the door behind them.

“Harry, have you been having any dreams?” Ron asked worriedly. Harry set down his trunk and scrunched up his face. He remembered one dream, but it wasn’t really a dream. He saw flashes of worm tail talking to Voldemort but he couldn’t hear them or see where they were.

“No,” Harry lied and plopped on Ron’s bed with a sigh. “Why?”

Ron sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

“Well, some of the Order meetings have been held here, and Fred, George, Ginny and I have been using extendable ears, and well, we overheard that you-know-who is looking for allies. Lupin said that his emotions will be high if something goes wrong, or if something goes well and they seem to think that you would dream it.” Ron strained to put the words out, not sure how to say it. Hermione gave a log sigh and looked out the window lost in thought. Ron’s eyes were glued to the floor and he was rocking on the balls of his feet

“What do you mean ‘looking for allies’?” Harry snapped, feeling his temper rise but he wasn’t sure why.

“Well, you know how Dumbledore wanted the giants to be on our side?” Ron asked glancing at Harry.

Harry wasn’t sure how to respond to this. He still, hasn’t told anyone about the Prophecy. He wasn’t sure he wanted to. The three of them stood in uncomfortable silence for awhile wishing they could have something to say. ‘When did things get weird between us?’ Harry wondered.

“Lunch is ready!” they heard Mrs. Weasley’s voice call from downstairs. Harry slowly rose from the bed and the three of them walked downstairs into the kitchen.

Mrs. Weasley set down the last plate as Ron, Harry and Hermione sat down at the table.

“Arthur, when did Bill say he was coming?” Mrs. Weasley asked, sitting down next to Ginny.

“Around dinner time,” Mr. Weasley replied.

“Excellent then we’ll have even teams for Quidditch! One seeker, a keeper and a chaser a team,” George said, winking at Harry.

With the promising thought of Quidditch, Harry’s mood lightened throughout the day. He and Ron played a few games of chess while Hermione read, watching them. For some reason Harry couldn’t get rid of he thought that they weren’t as good of friends as they were. He wanted to tell them about the Prophecy but couldn’t bring himself to do it. He didn’t want them to worry.

After the third game of chess (and Ron’s third win), Harry suggested that the three of them take a walk.

The walked out of the back door and once the fresh air hit them; they all took a deep breath in. They walked in silence as they entered the small woods behind the house. Harry didn’t know what to say. He never thought it would be so weird to talk to his best friends.

They reached a small clearing with a large, smooth rock, big enough for the three of them to sit on. Harry paused for a minute eyeing the rock with interest. Ron and Hermione stopped as well when they notice Harry had.

Harry sighed and sat on the rock resting his arms around his knees. Hermione walked over and climbed up the rock next to Harry, with Ron right behind her. The three sat in silence watching the scenery. Finally, Harry sighed and spoke.

“What’s wrong with us?” he muttered, staring at his feet.

“What do you mean?” Ron asked a little hoarsely.

“You know what I mean. When did things get weird between us?” Harry asked, watching and ant crawl around the rock’s surface.

“Is it that bad?” Hermione asked. She looked as if she was on the verge of tears.

There was a long pause. Harry kept on watching the ant while Ron was studying the ground.

“I’m sorry,” Harry whispered not looking at either of them.

“For what?” Hermione asked turning her head slowly towards him.

“For being so mad at you two last year. I know it wasn’t your fault, but I still took it out on you.” Harry groaned, furious with himself.

“It’s okay Harry, we understand,” Ron muttered. Harry felt a quick surge of anger.

‘They don’t understand.’ he thought flatly. He felt guilty for being angry at them; he was doing what he wanted to be avoided.

“Harry, I want you to talk to us,” Hermione said boldly.

“What do you mean I’m talking to you now?” Harry rolled his eyes.

“No I want you to talk about Sirius,” Hermione whispered, afraid that Harry would start yelling.

Harry took in a sharp breath. He didn’t want to talk about him.

“I don’t want to,” he said bitterly, sliding off the rock and onto the ground.

“This is why things are different between us! You won’t talk to us!” Hermione snapped hopping down to the ground as well. Harry opened his mouth to respond, but instead he sighed and leaned up against the rock.

“Come on Harry, it might make you feel better…” Ron persuaded, looking over at his friend with cautious eyes. Harry kept his eyes on the ground for a moment, letting out several sighs.

“It’s my fault,” Harry said, sticking his hands in his pockets and lifting his eyes to scan the tree tops.

“Oh Harry! Of course it’s not!” Hermione said sympathetically.

“Yes it is! You were right, I’m too much of a hero! I got Sirius killed and I almost got everyone else killed too!” he said, feeling the guilt wash over him.

“That’s because you are a hero!” Ron said joining his two friends on the ground. “If you didn’t go and you-know-who really was torturing Sirius, what would you have done when you found out? You would have blamed yourself just as you’re doing now! You saved him and you saved our lot too!” Ron exclaimed flailing his arms with emphasis. “Do you think Sirius would want you to blame yourself?”

Harry paused at his words.

“He’s right Harry. The only ones who are to blame are Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange. Please Harry, please don’t blame yourself,” Hermione pleaded.

“You don’t understand! It haunts me,” Harry muttered turning away.

“You have to try to forget Harry. Just think of good things, don’t let it eat you alive,” Hermione said grasping his shoulders. Her words seeped into Harry’s mind.

‘She’s right. I can’t let Voldemort take control. I have to stop him before anyone else gets killed,’ he thought feeling his hatred for Voldemort boil in his veins.

After a long moment, Harry slowly nodded and Hermione let her hand slide off his shoulder.

“Are we…OK?” Ron asked stepping over to Harry and Hermione. Hermione glanced over at Harry who nodded.

“Of course, thanks you guys,” Harry said hoarsely, trying to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. The stood there for a moment, each of them trying to gain control of their emotions, when Hermione flung her arms around Harry and Ron. The two boys patted her shoulders awkwardly for a moment before they hugged back.

After a moment, Hermione pulled away, her eyes red and puffy with unshed tears. She flashed them both a smile which they returned.

“Come on let’s get back to the Burrow,” Harry said, looking in the direction of the house.

The three of them started began to head back, all feeling a lot better.

“There you are! Come on now grab your broom Ron, don‘t worry Harry George has a spare for you,” Ginny said to Ron and Harry as they walked back into the house.

“Fred, George and Bill are already out back, hurry up!” she said, rushing out the door.

Ron rushed upstairs and Hermione retrieved her book from the couch.

Harry gave a sigh of longing as Ron returned holding his broom in his hands. His Firebolt was still locked up in the Umbridge’s former office.

They walked outside and George handed Harry a Comet 260.

“Right, the teams will be Harry, George, and Ron versus, Bill, Ginny and I,” Fred said as he mounted his broom.

“Bill and I are the chasers, Ron and Fred are the keepers and Harry and Ginny are the seekers,” George said as he too, mounted his broom. Harry looked at both sides of the pitch where there were now three posts on each side.

“How did they get there?” Harry asked Ron.

“Fred and George invented them. They’re about the size of toothpicks and if you add a bit of water to them, they grow to full height,” Ron explained, and Harry nodded his head, impressed.

“All right, release the snitch!” Bill called to Fred who pulled a struggling snitch out of his pocket and tossed it into the air. George then picked the quaffle from the ground.

“Keepers into positions,” he instructed and Fred and Ron sped off to their posts. Bill and George floated into the air and Fred tossed the quaffle in the air. In the next second, Harry kicked off the ground and into the air.

As the wind flapped around his hair, Harry felt lighter then he had in ages. After spending a few minutes flying back and forth the pitch, getting the feel of fling again, he sped off to search for the tiny golden ball.