Harry lay on his bed as he stroked Hedwig, reading Sirius' latest letter.
***
Dear Harry,
I am here safe and undetected at the place Dumbledore directed me to go. He has been notified of Voldemort's return, and is making the necessary arrangements to come and travel with me. I am afraid I must make this letter short, as we are to be leaving soon and Lupin wants to add his own comments. Please keep in touch and whatever you do, remain at your aunt and uncle's house until the term starts. Happy birthday, and I hope you enjoy your gift.
Your godfather,
Sirius
Harry,
I am greatly relieved to hear you are safe, as much as Voldemort's return disturbs me. Do as Sirius says and remain at your aunt and uncle's place. Please remember we are always here when you need us, and you and I will always be friends. Stay safe and keep us in your thoughts as we travel. I hope this finds you well on your birthday.
Sincerely,
Professor Lupin
***
Harry smiled at his former professor's signature. He missed them both, but knew they could take care of themselves. He opened the package, and there, on his bed, lay a new updated version of the Marauder's Map and a quick scrawl from Lupin and Sirius:
Harry,
We know we took this away from you last year, but we feel it will be of more use than sneaking away to Hogsmeade, mainly for the reason of the return of Voldemort. Please, Harry, do not go sneaking around school this year. It's the last thing anyone needs for you to be gone; not to mention utterly selfish to do so.
Happy Birthday from Sirius and Lupin.
Harry was examining the new map's features as the moonlight streaming in his window was suddenly blocked. He looked up as a mysterious black owl came soaring in. He didn't recognize it; it certainly wasn't Pig, and he doubted it was a Hogwarts owl or an owl from Hermione. The owl shook its leg impatiently, snapping Harry out of his reverie. He pulled the note from it and read:
Harry:
While I am still not fond of you, I feel I should be civil to you. Yes, I was once a Death Eater; I'm sure you already know that. Dumbledore says we should unite with one another. As much as I hesitate to, that does include you and I. I always hated your father, such a hatred is not uncommon between you and Mr. Malfoy. But I supposed I should wish you a happy birthday, as that's probably the best thing your life right now. I hope you enjoy your gift. Reluctant as I am, I wish to at least form a civil bond between us. I hope you understand why I am doing this.
Professor Snape
Harry stared in amazement at the letter. Could Professor Snape be trying to be friends with Harry? Shaking his head, he turned the package the owl carried. A pocket-sized book of various brews for beginners. Harry grinned. He tried, at least.
***
(Date check: July 31, 10:34 PM)
A invisible figure roamed the halls of Hogwarts, searching here and there for a familiar statue. Aha! Here it was. The figure mumbled something, and the statue opened to show a staircase. The creature crept up the stairs and disappeared behind the statue.
The figure crept past the sleeping Headmaster's form as he went for the Sorting Hat. He taped the mouth shut and pulled it on his head. He whispered incoherently. The only words heard were "Slytherin…Sorting Ceremony…Gryffindor." Someone was tampering with the Sorting Hat!
A/N: Muahahaha…who is this mysterious figure? And what did they want with the Sorting Hat? Why is Snape suddenly civil to Harry? If you don't review, you'll never know!!!
***
Dear Harry,
I am here safe and undetected at the place Dumbledore directed me to go. He has been notified of Voldemort's return, and is making the necessary arrangements to come and travel with me. I am afraid I must make this letter short, as we are to be leaving soon and Lupin wants to add his own comments. Please keep in touch and whatever you do, remain at your aunt and uncle's house until the term starts. Happy birthday, and I hope you enjoy your gift.
Your godfather,
Sirius
Harry,
I am greatly relieved to hear you are safe, as much as Voldemort's return disturbs me. Do as Sirius says and remain at your aunt and uncle's place. Please remember we are always here when you need us, and you and I will always be friends. Stay safe and keep us in your thoughts as we travel. I hope this finds you well on your birthday.
Sincerely,
Professor Lupin
***
Harry smiled at his former professor's signature. He missed them both, but knew they could take care of themselves. He opened the package, and there, on his bed, lay a new updated version of the Marauder's Map and a quick scrawl from Lupin and Sirius:
Harry,
We know we took this away from you last year, but we feel it will be of more use than sneaking away to Hogsmeade, mainly for the reason of the return of Voldemort. Please, Harry, do not go sneaking around school this year. It's the last thing anyone needs for you to be gone; not to mention utterly selfish to do so.
Happy Birthday from Sirius and Lupin.
Harry was examining the new map's features as the moonlight streaming in his window was suddenly blocked. He looked up as a mysterious black owl came soaring in. He didn't recognize it; it certainly wasn't Pig, and he doubted it was a Hogwarts owl or an owl from Hermione. The owl shook its leg impatiently, snapping Harry out of his reverie. He pulled the note from it and read:
Harry:
While I am still not fond of you, I feel I should be civil to you. Yes, I was once a Death Eater; I'm sure you already know that. Dumbledore says we should unite with one another. As much as I hesitate to, that does include you and I. I always hated your father, such a hatred is not uncommon between you and Mr. Malfoy. But I supposed I should wish you a happy birthday, as that's probably the best thing your life right now. I hope you enjoy your gift. Reluctant as I am, I wish to at least form a civil bond between us. I hope you understand why I am doing this.
Professor Snape
Harry stared in amazement at the letter. Could Professor Snape be trying to be friends with Harry? Shaking his head, he turned the package the owl carried. A pocket-sized book of various brews for beginners. Harry grinned. He tried, at least.
***
(Date check: July 31, 10:34 PM)
A invisible figure roamed the halls of Hogwarts, searching here and there for a familiar statue. Aha! Here it was. The figure mumbled something, and the statue opened to show a staircase. The creature crept up the stairs and disappeared behind the statue.
The figure crept past the sleeping Headmaster's form as he went for the Sorting Hat. He taped the mouth shut and pulled it on his head. He whispered incoherently. The only words heard were "Slytherin…Sorting Ceremony…Gryffindor." Someone was tampering with the Sorting Hat!
A/N: Muahahaha…who is this mysterious figure? And what did they want with the Sorting Hat? Why is Snape suddenly civil to Harry? If you don't review, you'll never know!!!