Chapter 1: Beginnings

Authors note: Realized how inconsistent this story was so I went through and rewrote various parts throughout the story. Maybe it's cause I've gotten older or something else, but the story felt childish and immature and I really just couldn't go on. So I decided to take the time to rewrite it while keeping the parts that made this story special to me in the first place. I hope that my old readers will talk the time to reread through it and I hope my new readers can enjoy this story for what it is.

On a warm summers day a snowy white owl could be seen flying through the air much to the confusion of various residents of Little Whinging. The longtime residents had noticed the strange pattern of owls only being seen during the summers but never bothered to really look into it. After all the owls never did any harm. And this particular owl was just the same, well sometimes. She circled around a medium sized house a couple times before swooping through the open window, which allowed the summer breeze to flow inside.

"Oh, Hey Hedwig!" said an excited raven haired boy as he put his textbook down and got out of his bed to greet the snowy owl.

"Long trip?"

Hedwig hooted with annoyance seemingly offended that her master would doubt her abilities.

"Guess not," said Harry with a chuckle as Hedwig stuck out her leg and he unwrapped the small handful of letters.

Harry opened and read the various letters which contained mostly birthday wishes from all his friends promising gifts to arrive with their respective owls late on. Harry smiled feeling the appreciation, and began to open and read the final letter, which was addressed, to him with a single paw print.

Dear Harry,

I hope this letter finds you in good health, and congratulations on turning 17 and becoming of age! Since you're finally 17 I think it's important for you to learn of the various assets handed down to you from your parents. I recommend you visit Gringotts soon to do this as I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. I also recommend you pack your belongings when you go as I think you'll be able to find a new pad quite easily. Once you've settled these affairs write to me on the device that I've sent. And don't worry about me; I'm recovering nicely and far away from the ministry.

Best wishes,

Padfoot

Harry folded the letter and began to think over his course of action, Dumbledore had told him at the end of the year that once he turned 17 he was free to live and go as he pleases and he hoped that Harry would indeed return to Hogwarts for his final year. There was nothing left for Harry at the Dursleys and with that in mind, Harry decided to take Sirius's advice. Just as Harry was about to get up he saw another owl fly inside, dropping off a package before flying right back out the window. Harry assumed this was the device that Sirius was talking about. He opened it to find that it was a laptop that seemed to be made out of aluminum and looked very sleek in design. Deciding to play around with it later, he got up and moved all his belongings into his trunk before shrinking it and putting it in his pocket. He turned to Hedwig and told her to go live with Hermione for a few days and come find him in a couple days in which she hooted nuzzling his cheek before flying out the window. Looking over his room for the final time Harry walked out the room and headed downstairs.

"Finally of age are you boy?" said Vernon Dursley with a grunt as he folded his newspaper to look at his nephew

"Yes sir," said Harry blankly

" Well I guess you're a man now, and I hope you've learned to take responsibility for your actions like a man should. Good luck out there, this world or that one." Said Vernon with distaste as he got up and extended his hand to Harry.

" I'll see to it that I will," said Harry surprised by his Uncle's strangely kind words as he shook his hand and began to walk towards the backyard where her aunt was.

"I'm leaving now," said Harry

Petunia turned around from tending to her plants to walk up and look into Harry's eyes trying to see her departed sister for one last time.

"Good luck." Said Petunia as she awkwardly patted his back

"Uh, Thanks." Said Harry awkwardly as he never really was good at this kind of stuff.

With his farewells settled Harry walked towards the front door giving a final wave to aunt and uncle before heading out. They were never the kindest to him, sometime far from it. But over the years they seemed to have eased up slightly and it made things easier for everyone.

Harry walked towards the edge of the street about to raise his wand when he heard someone call his name.

"Potter,"

"Dudley," said Harry plainly

"So I guess this it then eh, you're leaving for good?" said Dudley

"Seems like it," said Harry

"Well, good luck out there, wherever you go." Said Dudley as he extended his hand out to Harry

"Thanks Big D," said Harry with smile as he shook it

Harry then stuck out his wand causing a bus to suddenly appear as he got on and looked backed towards a stunned Dudley. With a laugh he told Stan to go and the Knight Bus was off.

When Harry arrived at Diagon Alley he paid his fee for the bus and began to head towards Gringotts. Once inside he walked up to one of the goblins at the front desk and knocked on it to get his attention.

"How may I help you Sir? " said a rather disgruntled looking goblin

"I'm looking to find out about my inheritance and read the Potter wills," said Harry

"Why yes, Right Away Mr. Potter, follow me," The goblin said ushering Harry into a small room where another rather professional looking Goblin sat. And the other goblin shuffled next to him and whispered something in his ear causing his eyes to open wide for a fraction of a second before resuming that professional posture.

"Please take a seat Mr. Potter, I am director Ragnok head of the Gringotts branch in London."

"Pleasure to meet you sir" said Harry as he extend his hand out which seemed to surprise Ragnok as he cautiously shook it.

"Very few wizards take the time to treat our race with any respect these days but I believe there is still some good in the wizarding world. But lets not get into unnecessary matters such as that I believe you're here to inquire about your Inheritance and Potter Wills?" With a snap of his fingers a file appeared with the words "Potter" written across it "let's start with the wills of Lily and James Potter"

This is the last and final testament of James and Lily Potter

We leave everything we own to our son Harry James Potter including Vaults and properties in the event that we are no longer there or able to take care of him.

"Rather formal." Muttered Harry disappointed that there wasn't more

"Such is the nature of wills as its simply just business." Ragnok in a matter of fact type of way

Ragnok took out another sheet of paper and handed it to Harry "Here is a list of everything you own"

Houses

Potter Manor

Godric Hollow

15 Central Park West Penthouse, New York, New York

One Hyde Park complex, London

Stocks

The Daily Prophet: 8%

Microsoft: 10%

Vaults

Potter Vault

Total amount of money: xxxxxxxxxxxx

Harry was surprised about the amount of money that was actually entrusted to him from his family. He thought he was comfortable enough financially, but surprisingly he was extremely well off.

"Now Mr. Potter I know that this might come as a big shock to you but do not worry about going down into your vaults an retrieveing Galleons everytime unless you want to retrieve other items, I have set up an account with a muggle/wizarding company and you can use this card to make all your purchases in the wizarding or muggle world. All your Money is stored in this card so whenever you want to buy something just show them the card and they'll charge it. But if you need physical money just slide your hand across and trace the amount on the card said Ragnok as he handed me a slightly heavy black card with "H. Potter" imprinted on it.

"Now I will personally see to it your investments and stocks as your account manager also with Gringotts taking 3.5% gratuity fee of all shares is that alright?" asked Ragnok with a worried glance

"Sounds good, is there anything else?"

" You may also apply for you apparation and Muggle drivers license here if you want Mr. Potter" Ragnok then took out 2 cards. "Just sign your name on both and you'll be imprinted with the knowledge of how to drive and apparate no need to worry about splinching.

Harry already knew how to apparate but signed both anyways.

"Thank you Ragnok for helping me sort through all this information." Said Harry gratefully

"It is only my job" said Rangnok with a smile as he shook Harry's hand and led him out the door and into Diagon Alley.

After looking around a bit in Diagon alley Harry headed out the leaky cauldron to muggle London where he waved down a taxi and instructed the driver to drive him to Hyde Park as he had no idea where that was.

After about 30 minutes he arrived a fairly luxurious looking complex and without wasting time staring, he headed inside towards the front desk where he was greeted by an attractive receptionist.

"Hello, how may I help you today sir?" said the pretty receptionist probably in her early 20's

"My name is Harry Potter and I think I own a room here?

"Well lets see, may I see an identification of some sort?" said the lady as she began typing into a computer as Harry handed her his driver's license.

"Well it seems you own the penthouse at very top Mr. Potter, now if I can get you to sign these papers I'll be able to hand you your card key and you'll be able to settle in right away." said the receptionist with a smile.

Harry quickly signed the papers and headed up to the room. It was quite a spacious loft with a full panoramic view of London, mini bar, spacious wood/carpet flooring, and an array of modern looking furniture. After settling his belongings in the master bedroom Harry got out his laptop and began typing up an e-mail to Sirius.

Dear Padfoot,

Thanks for the birthday wishes and present, it look amazing! I followed your advice and claimed my inheritance and like you said I was able to find quite a comfortable location to stay in. Hope you're doing well and maybe we'll see each other soon?

Sincerely,

Harry

After finishing up his letter Harry closed the laptop and headed out to the balcony sitting on the edge as he looked over the nighttime lights and reflected on his crazy life.