The days that followed Harry's discovery of the Hilltop Fortress's mysterious protection were some of the longest of his life. The anticipation of exploring the ancient castle filled him with a sense of excitement and wonder that he had never known before. It was as if the fortress was calling to him, urging him to uncover its secrets, and the thought of it consumed his every waking moment.
From the moment he woke up each day, Harry's thoughts were fixated on the castle. The mundane routine of his life with the Dursleys, which had always felt like a never-ending cycle of misery, now seemed even more unbearable as he counted down the hours until he could return to the fortress. Time, it seemed, had decided to move at a snail's pace, dragging out each day into an eternity.
The Dursleys, of course, noticed the change in Harry's demeanor almost immediately. For as long as they could remember, Harry had been a sullen, quiet boy, always keeping to himself and rarely showing any signs of happiness. But now, there was something different about him. He was lighter on his feet, his eyes brighter, and there was a hint of a smile that they found utterly infuriating.
Aunt Petunia, in particular, was suspicious. She watched Harry closely as he went about his chores, her sharp eyes narrowing as she tried to figure out what had caused this sudden shift in her nephew's behavior. She knew Harry better than anyone—knew how to spot the signs of any joy he might try to hide—and she was determined to snuff it out, whatever it was.
"Boy!"
she snapped one morning as Harry was scrubbing the kitchen floor.
"What are you grinning about? You'd better not be up to something, or you'll regret it!"
Harry quickly wiped the smile off his face, but inside, his excitement remained undiminished. The Dursleys could scold him, give him extra chores, or even send him to bed without supper, but nothing they did could ruin his mood. He had something to look forward to now, something that made all their cruelty seem insignificant in comparison.
Uncle Vernon was no less irritated by Harry's newfound contentment. One evening, after Harry had returned home from school, Vernon cornered him in the hallway, his large, meaty hands gripping Harry's shoulders as he loomed over him.
"What's gotten into you, boy?"
Vernon growled, his mustache bristling with anger.
"You're acting strange—stranger than usual. If I find out you're up to something, there'll be hell to pay, you hear me?"
Harry nodded quickly, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.
"Yes, Uncle Vernon,"
he replied, keeping his voice as neutral as even as he said the words, Harry's mind was elsewhere. He could picture the Hilltop Fortress in his mind's eye, could see the crumbling walls and overgrown courtyard, and the thought of it filled him with a sense of peace that Vernon's threats couldn't touch.
Dudley, on the other hand, was too self-absorbed to notice much of anything about Harry, but that didn't stop him from making Harry's life as difficult as possible. He and his gang continued their usual routine of bullying and tormenting Harry at school, but Harry hardly cared. They could chase him all they liked—he knew where he could go to escape them now, and that knowledge gave him an edge that they could never understand.
As the days dragged on, Harry found himself counting down the minutes until the weekend, when he would finally have the opportunity to return to the fortress. Each day felt longer than the last, the hours stretching out endlessly as he went through the motions of his daily life. School, chores, mealtimes—it all blurred together into a monotonous haze, with only the thought of the castle keeping him going.
He even found himself daydreaming about the fortress during lessons, his mind wandering as he stared out the window, imagining what he might find when he finally explored it. Would there be hidden rooms filled with treasures? Secret passages leading to forgotten chambers? Or perhaps the ghosts of long-dead knights, still guarding their ancient stronghold?
The possibilities were endless, and each new thought only fueled his excitement. Even when the teachers scolded him for not paying attention or Dudley's gang tried to trip him up in the hallways, Harry couldn't be brought down. He had something they couldn't take away from him—an adventure that was all his own.
Friday finally arrived, and with it, a surge of anticipation that made it nearly impossible for Harry to focus on anything else. He could hardly sit still during lessons, his legs jittering under his desk as he willed the clock to move faster. Every tick of the second hand seemed to drag, each minute an eternity. But no matter how slowly the time passed, the weekend was coming, and with it, his chance to explore the castle.
As the final bell of the day rang, signaling the end of the school week, Harry practically leaped out of his seat. He grabbed his things and rushed out of the classroom, eager to get home and start planning his visit to the fortress. The walk back to Privet Drive was a blur, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
When he arrived home, Harry was met with the usual sneers and insults from the Dursleys, but even their nastiest comments couldn't dampen his spirits. Aunt Petunia handed him a list of chores for the weekend, her lips curled in a cruel smile as she added,
"And I expect every one of them to be done, or you'll be spending the next week in the cupboard."
Harry took the list without a word, his mind already working out how to complete the chores as quickly as possible so that he could make his way to the castle. He would wake up early, finish the tasks before the Dursleys were even out of bed, and then he would be free to explore.
As he lay in bed that night, Harry's heart was pounding with excitement. Tomorrow was the day—he would finally return to the Hilltop Fortress and discover its secrets. He closed his eyes, imagining himself walking through the ancient halls, uncovering the mysteries that had been hidden for centuries. The thought filled him with a sense of anticipation so strong that it took hours for him to fall asleep.
When Harry did finally drift off, his dreams were filled with visions of the castle—dark corridors lit by flickering torches, hidden doors leading to secret chambers, and the distant echo of footsteps that seemed to follow him wherever he went. The fortress was alive in his dreams, a place of magic and mystery that was waiting for him to uncover its secrets.
The morning light filtered through the small window of Harry's room, waking him from his restless sleep. He sat up quickly, a thrill of excitement coursing through him as he remembered what day it was. Today was the day he would return to the Hilltop Fortress. The wait was finally over.
With a sense of purpose, Harry got dressed and slipped out of his room, careful not to make any noise that might wake the Dursleys. He hurried through his chores, completing each task with a speed and efficiency that would have surprised even Aunt Petunia, had she been awake to see it. By the time the sun was fully up, Harry was nearly finished, and his thoughts were already on the adventure that awaited him.
As he completed the last of his chores, Harry felt a sense of triumph. The Dursleys had tried to make his life as miserable as possible, but they couldn't ruin this for him. The excitement he felt about the Hilltop Fortress was too strong, too powerful to be overshadowed by their cruelty.
Today, Harry would explore the castle on the hill. Today, he would discover the secrets hidden within its ancient walls. And nothing—not the Dursleys, not Dudley's gang, not even the fear that had once gripped him—could stop him now.
The sun rose in the east, casting long shadows over the landscape as Harry approached the familiar boundary separating the ordinary world from the castle's mysterious domain. The small, crumbling wall that stood between him and the castle had become a symbol of the boundary between his dull, oppressive life with the Dursleys and the enchanting world that awaited him beyond. Each step he took brought him closer to that world, filling him with a mix of excitement and anticipation.
Harry scanned the area to ensure that no one was watching before he carefully hoisted himself over the weathered stones, just as he had done before. As he landed on the other side, he felt an immediate change in the atmosphere. The usual sounds of the town faded away, replaced by an almost eerie silence, as if the land itself was holding its breath in anticipation of his arrival. It was as though he had stepped into another realm, one where time moved differently and the ordinary rules of nature no longer applied.
The castle loomed in the distance, its dark stone walls towering against the sky. Up close, it looked even more imposing, its blackened stones forming a formidable barrier that seemed to hold centuries of secrets within. But it wasn't just the castle that captivated Harry's attention. The entire landscape around it seemed alive in a way that was both magical and slightly unnerving.
As Harry began to move forward, he noticed that the castle grounds were filled with trees, plants, and flowers of every kind. The sheer abundance of life was astonishing, as if nature had claimed this place for its own, letting it grow wild and unchecked. Some of the trees were familiar—apple trees with their bright red fruit, peach trees with golden orbs, and plum trees heavy with dark purple jewels—but many others were entirely alien to Harry, their shapes and colors unlike anything he had ever seen before.
One of the first trees that caught Harry's eye was a massive, ancient-looking oak, its gnarled branches stretching out wide, providing a dense canopy of leaves. But this oak was unlike any he had seen before. Its bark was a deep, silvery gray, shimmering in the light as if dusted with stardust. The leaves were a dark, velvety green, and as Harry approached, he noticed that the tree bore clusters of small, silver fruits that glowed faintly, even in the daylight. Curious, Harry plucked one of the fruits and examined it closely. It was soft to the touch, and when he bit into it, a burst of sweet, cool juice filled his mouth, refreshing him instantly.
Nearby, he found a group of trees that looked even more peculiar. Their trunks were slender and smooth, a pale lavender color that reminded Harry of twilight. The leaves were a vibrant turquoise, and they rustled softly in the breeze, producing a sound that was almost musical. The trees bore strange, bulbous fruits that were a deep, midnight blue, and as Harry examined them, he noticed that they seemed to pulse with a soft, internal light. He hesitated before tasting one of these fruits, unsure if it was safe, but the scent was so enticing—like a mixture of wild berries and fresh rain—that he couldn't resist. When he took a bite, he was met with a burst of flavors that were both sweet and tangy, unlike anything he had ever tasted before.
As Harry wandered further into the orchard, he came across a variety of other trees and plants that were just as strange and wonderful. There were trees with bark that glowed faintly in the dark, leaves that shimmered in rainbow colors, and flowers that seemed to hum softly as he passed by. One particularly striking tree had bark that was pitch black, almost like obsidian, and it bore large, crimson fruits that looked like they were on fire. Harry picked one of these fiery fruits, half expecting it to burn his hand, but it was cool to the touch. When he bit into it, the fruit's flesh was surprisingly juicy and sweet, with a hint of spiciness that tingled on his tongue.
But it wasn't just the plants that were extraordinary. The castle grounds were teeming with life, and as Harry explored, he began to notice the various creatures that inhabited this enchanted realm. The first animal he encountered was a small, rabbit-like creature with fur that shimmered in the light like spun gold. It had long, delicate ears and large, luminous eyes that seemed to glow with an inner light. The creature watched Harry curiously for a moment before bounding away into the underbrush, leaving a trail of golden sparks in its wake.
Further along, Harry came across a group of small, fox-like creatures with fur that shifted colors as they moved, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. They had bushy tails and sharp, intelligent eyes, and they moved with a fluid grace that made them almost invisible against the background of trees and plants. Harry watched in awe as they darted in and out of the undergrowth, their bodies flickering between shades of green, brown, and gold.
As he ventured deeper into the grounds, Harry stumbled upon a clearing where a herd of deer-like creatures grazed. These animals were unlike any deer he had ever seen before. They were tall and slender, with fur that was a deep, iridescent blue. Their antlers were long and curved, glowing faintly with a soft, silvery light. The creatures moved with an ethereal grace, their hooves barely making a sound as they stepped lightly on the grass. They seemed to sense Harry's presence but didn't appear frightened; instead, they regarded him with calm, knowing eyes, as if they recognized him as a friend.
Harry's exploration also led him to discover a wide array of magical plants that grew alongside the more familiar trees and flowers. He found a cluster of delicate, white flowers with petals that shimmered like diamonds. When he touched one, it released a soft, sweet fragrance that filled the air, making him feel lightheaded and peaceful. There were also tall, slender plants with long, silvery leaves that hummed softly when the wind blew through them, creating a soothing melody that seemed to resonate deep within Harry's soul.
In one particularly dense thicket, Harry discovered a plant that was unlike anything he had ever seen. It had thick, dark green leaves that were covered in tiny, glowing dots, like a starry night sky. The plant's stems were covered in a fine, silver fuzz, and when Harry brushed against it, the plant emitted a soft, tinkling sound, like the chime of a distant bell. The plant seemed to react to his presence, its leaves rustling and the glowing dots shifting in color, creating intricate patterns that mesmerized Harry.
As he continued his exploration, Harry came across a small, bubbling brook that wound its way through the grounds. The water was crystal clear, and as Harry knelt down to take a closer look, he noticed that the brook was filled with small, glowing fish that darted through the water like tiny, living stars. The fish were a brilliant blue, their scales sparkling in the light, and they seemed to move in perfect harmony, creating swirling patterns in the water as they swam.
Harry cupped his hands and scooped up some of the water, bringing it to his lips. It was cool and refreshing, with a faintly sweet taste that reminded him of the fruits he had eaten earlier. He drank deeply, feeling the water rejuvenate him, washing away the weariness and hunger that had plagued him for so long.
As he rose to his feet, Harry couldn't help but feel a deep sense of wonder and gratitude. This hidden world, with its abundance of food, magical creatures, and enchanting plants, was like a paradise, a place where he could escape from the harsh realities of his life with the Dursleys. It was a place where he could be free, where he could explore and discover at his own pace, without fear of punishment or ridicule.
But even as he marveled at the beauty and magic of the castle grounds, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this place than met the eye. The castle itself, with its towering black walls and air of ancient mystery, seemed to hold secrets that were waiting to be uncovered. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, as if the castle was waiting for him to take the next step, to venture beyond its walls and discover the truth that lay hidden within.
But that would have to wait for another day. For now, Harry was content to explore the grounds, to revel in the freedom and beauty of this magical place. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the landscape in a warm, golden light, Harry found a soft patch of grass beneath a large, shady tree and lay down, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. The events of the day had taken their toll, and he felt a deep sense of contentment as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, the sounds of the enchanted grounds lulling him into a peaceful slumber.
As he slept, the magical creatures of the castle grounds continued their silent vigil, watching over him with eyes that glowed softly in the darkness. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets that only they could understand, and the brook continued its gentle song, a lullaby for the weary traveler who had found refuge in this hidden world.
The castle loomed in the distance, its dark silhouette a silent sentinel, guarding its secrets until the time was right. But for now, those secrets would remain hidden, waiting for the day when Harry would be ready to uncover them.
And so, the night passed peacefully, the stars twinkling above, and the enchanted grounds of the castle continued to thrive, a magical oasis in a world that had forgotten the wonders that lay hidden within its depths.
The next week became a magical routine for Harry, each day filled with a sense of purpose and a secret joy that no one could take from him. From the moment he woke up in his cupboard under the stairs, the promise of the hidden castle grounds filled him with an excitement that made the dreary mornings bearable. The sun was barely rising when Harry would slip out of the house, careful not to make a sound as he crept down the quiet streets of Privet Drive.
On his way to school, Harry always made a stop at the castle grounds. The overgrown archway that marked the entrance had become like a portal to another world for him, a world where he was free from the harshness of the Dursleys and the indifference of the rest of the world. As he stepped through the archway, the air seemed to change, becoming fresher, sweeter, and filled with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze.
The first thing Harry did each morning was to eat. The fruits that grew in the castle grounds were unlike anything he had ever tasted. They were plump and ripe, bursting with flavor that made his mouth water. Harry would wander through the trees, picking fruits that caught his eye—apples as red as rubies, plums with a deep purple sheen, and pears that glowed with a soft, golden light. There were also fruits he had never seen before, with skins that shimmered like silk and a taste that was both sweet and tart, leaving a refreshing aftertaste that lingered long after he had finished eating.
These morning meals were the best Harry had ever had. The fruits were filling in a way that nothing he had eaten at the Dursleys could compare to. They seemed to satisfy not just his hunger, but his entire being, leaving him feeling energized and content. Harry would sit beneath one of the large, ancient trees, enjoying the cool shade as he ate his breakfast. The leaves overhead formed a canopy that filtered the sunlight into soft, dappled patterns on the ground, and the air was filled with the scents of wildflowers and fresh grass.
After eating his fill, Harry would spend some time exploring the grounds. Each day, he discovered something new—a hidden grove of flowering bushes, a small stream that bubbled cheerfully over smooth stones, or a patch of wildflowers that seemed to bloom in every color of the rainbow. The castle itself, looming in the distance, remained a mystery that Harry was determined to solve. Each morning, he would approach the rusted gate, giving it a push or a pull to see if it had loosened overnight. But the gate remained stubbornly closed, the hinges still creaking with rust.
Despite this, Harry didn't give up. He had a plan, after all. Every day, after school, he would sneak into Uncle Vernon's garage and take a little more of the oil he had found. Sometimes he took engine oil, other times car oil, mixing them together in an old jar he had found in the garden shed. In the evenings, after his chores were done and the Dursleys were distracted by the television, Harry would return to the castle grounds and apply more oil to the gate. He worked patiently, rubbing the oil into the rusted hinges, hoping that eventually, it would be enough to loosen them.
Harry's visits to the castle grounds became the highlight of his day, both in the mornings before school and in the afternoons afterward. The thought of his secret place gave him something to look forward to, making the long hours at school and the endless chores at the Dursleys' bearable. As he made his way to school each morning, the memory of the sweet, juicy fruits lingered on his tongue, and the knowledge that he would return in the afternoon for more kept him going.
During the day, Harry's mind would often wander back to the castle grounds. He would sit in his classroom, barely paying attention to the lessons, as he imagined what new discovery he might make when he returned. Sometimes, he thought about the creatures he had befriended, wondering if they would be waiting for him when he arrived. The fox-like creature with the shimmering fur had become his favorite, always the first to greet him when he entered the glen.
The afternoons were his time to unwind after the stress of school and the unpleasantness of the Dursleys. As soon as he stepped onto the castle grounds, Harry felt the tension in his shoulders ease, the weight of his day slipping away. The animals seemed to sense this, too, and they would gather around him, their presence comforting and familiar. The fox-like creature, now bold enough to sit beside Harry, would often nuzzle his hand, seeking out the fruits that he had picked for them.
Harry talked to the animals about everything—his life at the Dursleys, the bullies at school, and the loneliness that he felt every day. The creatures couldn't speak back, but they listened intently, their eyes full of understanding and sympathy. Harry would tell them about how Aunt Petunia always made him do all the chores, how Uncle Vernon yelled at him for the smallest things, and how Dudley and his gang would chase him around the schoolyard, calling him names and pushing him around. The creatures, in their silent way, seemed to offer him the comfort and companionship that he had never found with people.
Harry also shared with them his excitement about the castle and his attempts to open the gate. The fox-like creature would watch closely as Harry described his progress, its head tilted to one side as if considering his words. Sometimes, it would even give the gate a nudge with its nose or paw, as if trying to help. The birds would chirp softly in the trees above, and the rabbit-like creatures would hop around his feet, their fur shimmering in the dappled sunlight.
One afternoon, after another long day at school, Harry decided to try something new. He had been thinking about the tall oak tree near the castle wall, its branches reaching out like a giant's arms, stretching over the wall and toward the castle itself. The idea of climbing the tree had been in the back of his mind all week, but he had been too cautious to try it. The thought of falling and injuring himself had kept him from making any serious attempts. But as the week went on and the gate remained stubbornly closed, Harry began to consider the tree more seriously.
That afternoon, after he had finished his snack of fruits and spent some time talking with the animals, Harry approached the oak tree. He looked up at its thick branches, some of which extended well over the castle wall. The lowest branch was just within his reach if he jumped. It looked sturdy enough to hold his weight, and the bark was rough, providing plenty of handholds for climbing.
Harry took a deep breath and reached for the branch, pulling himself up with some effort. The bark scraped against his hands, but he managed to haul himself onto the branch, sitting astride it like a horse. From this vantage point, he could see over the castle wall, getting a better look at the interior courtyard. His heart raced with excitement as he realized that he was one step closer to finally getting inside.
He spent the next several days working on both the gate and his climbing skills. Each morning and afternoon, he would apply more oil to the gate hinges, and then he would practice climbing the oak tree, getting a little higher each time. The animals watched him curiously, sometimes following him as he moved from branch to branch. The fox-like creature seemed particularly interested, its eyes tracking his every move as it circled the base of the tree.
By the end of the week, Harry had become quite skilled at climbing the oak tree. He had managed to reach a branch that extended directly over the castle wall, offering him a clear view of the courtyard below. The castle grounds were even more impressive from this height, with the towering walls of the castle casting long shadows across the stone-paved courtyard. Harry could see a large, ornate door on the far side of the courtyard, flanked by two massive stone statues that looked like ancient warriors.
The sight of the door filled Harry with determination. He knew that whatever secrets the castle held, they were just beyond that door, waiting for him to discover them. But he also knew that he had to be careful. The tree climb was dangerous, and one wrong move could send him plummeting to the ground below. Still, the thought of finally getting inside the castle was too tempting to resist.
That night, as Harry lay in his cupboard under the stairs, he thought about the week that had passed. It had been a week of discovery and wonder, of new friends and new challenges. The castle grounds had become his sanctuary, a place where he could escape the harshness of his life and find peace and happiness. The animals had become his confidants, their silent companionship providing him with the comfort and understanding that he had never found with people.
As he drifted off to sleep, Harry's mind was filled with thoughts of the castle and the adventures that awaited him. He knew that the next week would bring new challenges, but he was ready for them. The castle had become his world, a world where he was free to be himself, where he was no longer "just Harry," the boy under the stairs, but something more. Something magical.