Disclaimer: I own absolutly nothing in this story except for the plot and any new characters. I don't think I will have very many new characters, however.

Chapter 1- The Unrecognizable Curses

Everyone at number 4 Private Drive was asleep except for one boy who was propped up on his bed against the headboard reading The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5. He was a very skinny boy for his age, and had deep green eyes that looked like emeralds behind his black rimmed, circle glasses. His untidy black hair stuck up at very odd angles, and came down well over the lightning bolt scar on his forehead. It was this scar that made Harry Potter so very special.

Harry's parents were wizards and very good ones at that. They were hunted down by the darkest wizard of all times, Voldemort, shortly after Harry was born. His parents were murdered, and Harry was left to be dealt with by Voldemort. When Voldemort sent the curse that had killed so many of the best wizards of the age at Harry, the curse rebounded upon the originator, and Voldemort was left weak and powerless. That is where Harry received the scar that has proved both blessing and curse.

It had been 15 years since the day his parents were killed, and Harry was about to reach his 16th birthday. He had been stuck at the Dursley's, his aunt, uncle, and cousin, for a month and was thoroughly annoyed by it. Left to dwell on that fateful day at the Department of Mysteries and the information he obtained afterwards, Harry wished for nothing else but to return to the wizarding world and see his best friends again. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger had been there for him at all times, and Harry knew that just the sight of them would help him in his grief.

Because of this grief, Harry had lost his appetite and absolutely refused to sleep. Every time he would sleep, he dreamed of Sirius falling through the veil. He could not stand to watch his godfather die each time he closed his eyes. It's my fault he's dead. Harry thought each time he pictured his godfathers face. If I hadn't been stupid and played the hero then Sirius would be here now. He knew he should not blame himself completely, but he could not help thinking that if he had just stopped to listen to what Hermione had said, that Voldemort was just luring him into a trap, then Sirius would be alive.

It was also the prophecy that laid heavily on Harry's mind. A prophecy stating that he must defeat Voldemort or die in the attempt, because neither can live while the other survives. Harry had not told anyone about the prophecy, even Ron and Hermione. He feared how they would react and was not ready to see the looks of horror on their faces.

During one of his daydreams in which he would lay on his bed, looking at the ceiling lost in thought, Harry heard a faint tapping on his bedroom window. Upon looking at it, he realized that it was just a couple of owls, each bearing letters addressed to him.

Harry walked over to the window, opened the lock, and let the owls in. There was his own beautiful, snowy owl, Hedwig, along with three others he didn't recognize. Picking up the first letter from a very handsome, dark brown owl, he noticed the neat scrawl of his old Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin. It was obviously one of his almost daily letters from the Order of the Phoenix. He picked it up and read through it looking for anything that might be of interest to him. Today, however, he got lucky.

Dear Harry,

I realize that you have been at your aunt and uncle's for nearly a month now and are most likely very ready to leave. Your departure is currently being discussed thoroughly by the order, and we are well on the way to deciding a safe way to get you away. Dumbledore has informed all of us of your aunt's protection and the importance of keeping you at the Dursley's for as long as possible. We have all agreed that there is no need in keeping you there for much longer, but with all the ways of transportation being watched, it is very hard for us to come and retrieve you.

On a more personal note, Harry, I would really like to know how you are doing. Please send me back a private letter if you don't feel like confiding in the rest of the order. I, of course, do not understand all of the pain you are in, but I do feel as bad, if not worse, about the passing of our dear friend. I want you to know that I am here for you whenever you need me, whether it is about Sirius, or prophecies, or any fears you might have. I know we are not as close as you and Sirius, but I feel it is my responsibility to comfort you in any way possible. Even if that means to stay away from you and advise others to do the same. I really do care for you, Harry. Please write back, and we will try to come get you as soon as possible.

Remus
"Moony"

Harry was not sure if he was ready to tell Remus everything. Yes, he felt just as bad as Harry did. Sirius was his best friend. He had spent a lot more time with him than Harry, but he did not feel like talking about Sirius to anyone at the moment. Harry wasn't sure if he could control his emotions long enough to have a conversation about him. Most likely, he would end up very upset and loose his temper. In the end, Harry decided to write a quick letter to the order saying he can not wait to see them and be away from the Dursley's, and he wrote Remus back separately. He told him that he was doing o.k. but needed time to get over Sirius's death, and he thanked Remus for being there for him.

The next letter was from one of his best friends, Hermione Granger. Harry knew she was worried about him and figured her letter would be filled with warnings and advice on being careful. He picked it up and began reading.

Harry-

Hi, how are you doing? I know that place must be awful for you. I hope you don't end up doing something rash. Please stay safe, Harry. Anyways, I wanted to ask if you would like to come stay a couple weeks at my house before returning to Grimmauld place. Dumbledore has already agreed to let you. I'm sure you are probably not ready to return Grimmauld Place, and so I figured you might like to be with your friends, away from there for a little while first. My parents would not allow me to invite two boys. Therefore, Ron was not invited, but your need is greater than his. I completely understand if you don't want to, but please send Hedwig back, I had to borrow this one from Fred and George, with your answer. If you decide to come we will pick you up on Thursday at noon. Hope your doing well,

-Hermione

Go stay at Hermione's, Harry thought, I guess that would be nice. But Ron won't be there. I wonder if that will be a little weird. I guess not. So Harry scribbled a quick not to Hermione saying he would love to and couldn't wait to see her. He picked up the next letter and dropped it in surprise. It was Sirius's handwriting across the front. How could that be? Trembling, Harry quickly opened the letter, and two pieces of parchment fell out. His face fell when he read the first letter.

Dear Harry,

I am sorry about everything that happened last June and regret having to give this to you. It is from Sirius, and he told me to give it to you as soon as he left us. I understand if you are angry with me, but I must ask you not to be. I am trying to protect you, Harry. You mean more to me than a student ever has. I know it is wrong to have favorites and I am not saying that I favor you over any other student, but you are not merely a student to me. We have a bond that no other headmaster and student have had. Do not be afraid to come to me about anything, Harry. Stay safe, and good day to you!

-Professor Dumbledore-

Harry grabbed the second letter, knowing it was from Sirius. He read and reread it several times before putting it down.

Dear Harry,

If you are reading this then I must have gone to join your parents. As your godfather I was to be there for you and take care of you, but seeing that I am no longer capable, I will set that burden upon Remus. I am sure he will be more than happy to help. As for my property and home, you will receive that along with my money (except for a fair amount left for Remus).

Buckbeak is now yours to do with as you please. If you wish to return him to Hagrid, you are more than welcome to. Not that I can do much to stop you now. Buckbeak has been a very faithful companion and a loyal friend. I trust you will take care of him, and I lay it upon you to give him the best you can offer, even if that is a new home.

Now, lastly I would like to say good-bye. If I never got a chance to tell you, now I am saying it. You mean more than the world to me. I only hope I died defending you, and that I put up a good fight. Always remember that I love you more than you can imagine. You are truly your father's son and I respect you for that. You have reminded me of your father so many times and in so many ways, but you are also you. I do not just love you because I see James through you. I love you for who you are and whatever you become. My biggest piece of advice I can give you is to stay true to yourself and those around you. Never doubt yourself, because I know that you can do anything you put the effort into. I know I didn't get to spend enough time with you, because even 3 lifetimes wouldn't be enough. I know you miss me as much as I miss you, but you need to move on with your life. Go be with your friends and enjoy what time you have left. You will not appreciate how short that time is until it is over. I want you to know that my death was in no way your fault, unless it was by your wand. Do not blame yourself to any extent. I will see you again, Harry, I promise. I love you!

Yours truly with all the love I posses,
Sirius Black

Harry put down the letter trying as hard as he could to hold back the tears. Sirius told him not to blame himself, and if that wasn't proof that it wasn't his fault, then nothing was. Harry had no choice but to accept the fact that Voldemort deceived him and there was nothing he could do about it.

Finally, Harry picked up the last, very official looking letter. As soon as he relieved the owl of its burden, it took off out the window. Harry suspected this was his O.W.L. results, and upon opening it, he knew he was right.

Ordinary Wizarding Level
Mr. Harry James Potter
Number 4 Private Drive

Astrology- P
Care of Magical Creatures- O
Charms- E
Defense Against the Dark Arts- O
Divination- P
Herbology- E
History of Magic- A
Potions- O
Transfiguration- E

Total- 7

Wow! An O in Potions? I can't believe it! How did I get an A in History of Magic? I guess it was because I finished most of my answers. 16 O.W.L.'s! That's pretty good I guess. I can be an auror! Yes!

The rest of the day went by fairly fast for Harry. He was extremely happy about his O.W.L.'s, and even his uncle's bad mood couldn't make him upset. Tomorrow couldn't come any faster, however. Harry couldn't wait to get to Hermione's. That night, he actually got a good night's sleep without any dreams or twinges of his scar.

A deafening scream woke Harry up around 10 in the morning, and he immediately ran downstairs to see who had screamed.

Upon coming down the stairs, Harry saw 4 large, cloaked figures advancing on Aunt Petunia. Quickly Harry whipped out his wand and started sending curses in the Death Eaters direction.

"Stupefy!" He cried.
Then Harry heard the voice of Lucious Malfoy, "Protego!" It yelled.
Harry ducked just as the spell was reflected back upon him. "Expelliarmus, Patreficus Totallus!" Malfoy's wand flew out of his hand, and Harry caught it. Then his arms snapped down to his side, his legs came together, and he fell to the floor, immobile.

"Crucio!" Bellatrix Lestrange called from behind him. Harry didn't have time to react, and the spell hit him full on. He expected to feel excruciating pain, but besides a slight twinge in his scar, he felt nothing. Realizing he didn't have time to ponder this, Harry screamed "Stupefy!" catching Bellatrix off-guard.

The other 2 Death Eaters were not paying any attention to the battle going on behind them. They were focused on capturing Aunt Petunia, who was putting up a good fight.

"Fortificus!" Harry said sending a curse at the remaining Death Eaters. "Latigo Vertica!"

The Death Eaters were knocked to the ground, clearly out cold from the force of the spells. Harry didn't intend on using those spells; he didn't even recognize them. Then realizing what danger the Dursley's were in, he yelled, "GO! TAKE AUNT PETUNIA AND JUST LEAVE! GET HER AWAY FROM HERE! THEY ARE AFTER HER! YOU HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE AND HIDDEN!"

Taking Harry's hint, the Dursley's ran out to the car and were gone in less than five minutes. Harry didn't know what to do now. He was to be leaving for Hermione's in 2 hours, and the Ministry of Magic was bound to be after him. He had preformed some very large magic, some of which he had never heard before.

What were those spells? I have never done those before. I need to contact Dumbledore. But how? Oh! Mrs. Figg's, of course!

Harry ran to Mrs. Figg's, his batty, old, cat-loving neighbor who happened to be in touch with Dumbledore, and told her of the Death Eaters. She immediately flooed to Dumbledore's office, and within a few minutes, both were standing back in her living room.

"Harry, can you please show me to these Death eaters?" Dumbledore asked Harry, pointing towards the door.
"Yes, sir, but there is something else I need to tell you." Harry replied.
"Yes?"
"Bellatrix Lestrange hit me with the Cruciastus Curse, but I didn't feel anything besides a small twinge in my scar. And then I went to simply stun two of the other Death Eaters, but I said curses that I have never heard of before. They were very powerful, and both of the Death Eaters were knocked out instantly." Harry explained in a hurry as they were nearing Number 4, Private Drive.
"Can you tell me the incantations for these curses, Harry?"
"Umm...I can only remember one of them; it was Fortificus."
Dumbledore stopped and turned to look at Harry, the twinkle in his eyes nearly gone. Now they were filled with confusion and concern. "You performed the Fortificus Curse?"
"I guess. I didn't know what it was called."
"Harry, that is a very advanced curse. Not many can perform it. Most professors don't even mention it until NEWT level." Dumbledore quickened his pace and was practically running by the time they reached the house. When they entered the kitchen where the Death eaters were, Dumbledore spotted the two that were hit with the weird curses immediately. It was obvious which ones they were because each had their own results from the curses. The one hit with the Fortificus Curse had blood protruding from his mouth and nose. It was flowing so rapidly that Harry was afraid he was going to die from blood loss. The other was slowly draining in color, and he seemed to be having a series of seizures. Harry was amazed that he had performed those curses. He wasn't quite sure that they were legal.
"Harry?" Dumbledore asked cautiously seeing the frightened look on Harry's face. "These men will not die as long as I perform the counter-curse. You don't have to worry. Now, when is Miss Granger coming?"
"What? Oh, in about an hour and a half."
"Ok, well I suggest you go get packed. I need to get this cleaned up. We don't want Mr. and Mrs. Granger to see this. They might be frightened. I will simply perform the counter-curses and bind them so they will not escape. We will let the Ministry deal with them."
"Yes, sir. I will be back in a few minutes. Oh, may I ask you another thing, sir?"
"Yes, go ahead Harry."
"Do you have any idea at why I performed those curses, and about why the Cruciastus Curse didn't affect me?"
"I have many theories, but there is one that is the most likely, I believe. Now is not the time to explain. You and Miss Granger will be returning to headquarters in two weeks, and once I have researches my theory some, I will tell you then. For now you need to push it to the back of your mind, and try to have fun with your friend."
"Yes, sir."