Disclaimer: I never owned Harry Potter! Unless you count his books. I have all his books.

Chapter 1

The Open Door

Harry Potter's eyes strode over to the smoked salmon Sirius had sent him.

He was absolutely starving, having had no meals and being locked in his room for the time being; the Durlseys were hosting a potluck. They had completely forgotten about him.

Harry got up from his soft and comfortable bed to grab the food. It tasted more delicious than anything else, and right now nothing mattered more than he and the salmon. Of course, like most delicacies, it was soon gone.

Presently, Hedwig flew through his open window, carrying a dead mouse.

"You've got to hide that, Hedwig," said Harry, tossing her some of the salmon. "Aunt Petunia'll go ballistic if she sees it."

Hedwig clicked her beak reprovingly. However, she picked up the salmon and flew into her cage and sat there. A few white flashes caught Harry's eye.

"Oi!" he called. "Are those letters? Have you got letters for me?"

"Whooo," Hedwig hooted softly.

Harry grabbed for the paper. Hedwig dropped it on his bedside table effortlessly.

He opened the first piece of parchment. It said:

Happy Birthday, Harry.

So I didn't know what to get you for your birthday, but Mum had a great suggestion, and I bought you these Honeydukes chocolates from Hogsmeade. Please enjoy them, firstly because they cot a lot of money, second because you're my best friend.

Anyhow-Mum entered the Schrimshire Sweeptsakes for a pleasure trip to Vanishing Island, and guess what-she won. And she's taking all of us with her of course, including Bill and Charlie. How's that for a vacation?

Best wishes,

Ron

Harry smiled as he closed the letter and opened the box next to it. Sure enough, there was a pile of Honeydukes chocolates inside-all filled with a delicious cream Harry could not identify, and after eating most of the Honeydukes chocolate his eyes strode over to Hermione's letter and gift.

Hermione's letter read:

Dear Harry,

Have a happy birthday. I hope you enjoy this Quidditch Through the Ages. I had to search for a long time before I was at HOGWARTS. How's the weather there? Over here it's quite windy, and we're expecting a bit of rain, but nothing serious. Did you hear about Ron and his family? They're going to the Vanishing Island! Oh, I would give anything to go there. I heard it's very beautiful.

Hermione

Harry opened up the package, and there stood the resolute Quidditch Through the Ages. He took out his wand. "Lumos," he whispered. Out came a feeble light. He put his wand to the book.

The whole day had gone by without a single birthday greeting from his aunt, uncle or cousin, and he was thankful to have great friends like Ron and Hermione to give him gifts and chocolates and cards.

Harry read on in the night until he heard a creaking noise. He turned round, facing his door.

There by the door stood Tonks and Lupin. Tonks was holding a teal-eyed baby.

"Teddy?" Harry said. "Tonks? Moony?"

Lupin looked older and had more gray hair than Harry had remembered him, but he smiled; and that glimmery night, Tonks's hair was a pretty golden shade with curly locks.

"Wotcher, Harry," said Tonks.

"Hello, Harry." Lupin smiled.

Harry managed a dry grimace. "Hello.

"What are you doing here?"

"We came to pick you up," said Tonks.

"Why?" Harry asked. "Hogwarts doesn't resume until Septembeer 1st."

"We need to get you out of this dump," said Tonks. "My, so many neat things. I prefer my own house."

Harry began to put his things in a suitcase, including his wand, his broomstick, and various spellbooks. After he was finished, he gave them a sort of silly smile. "So," he said. "Where to?"

"The Burrow," said Lupin. "You're coming with the Weasleys to Vanishing Island, and so is Hermione."

Yay, Harry thought.