Harry Potter and the
Princesses for Magic
Disclaimer: The majority of characters, details, main plot and such are not mine, but are the property of J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. The characters of Ed, Fred and Ned however, are my own creation.
Author's Note: After slaving away at this fanfic novel for a year, I'm finally ready to put it on Fanfiction.Net. Thank goodness! This whole entire story is about Harry's 6th year at Hogwarts. Harry mourns all summer for the death of Sirius Black, although now his time with the Dursleys are more pleasant. He finds out that there is a war in Sicily against Lord Voldemort and is now friends with Remus Lupin. At Hogwarts awaiting him is another adventure, including two new students that will turn the year a bit more exciting than he thought. Even if this is a fanfic of the 6th installment of Harry Potter, I did not include a few details that had taken place from the 5th book, such as the arrest of Lucius Malfoy, dating Cho Chang the previous year, apparating classes and a few minor things. Sorry this author's note is so long, but I have to explain a lot.
Chapter 1
A Good and Bad Birthday
"Come on, you can do better than that!" called out Sirius, barking with laughter as he battled his cousin Bellatrix in the Ministry of Magic.
Suddenly, a spell shot out of his cousin's wand and hit him on the chest, making him fall down. A look of horror and surprise was on his face, as he slowly fell down into the dais.
"Sirius!" shouted Harry, reaching his hand out to him, and....
Harry Potter woke up. It was what seemed like the 100th time he had had a dream of his godfather's death. He was sweaty and breathing heavily from his nightmare.
It was July 31st, Harry Potter's birthday. He was turning 16 years old that day.
He wondered what would be in store for his birthday this year, since every single birthday was a disaster, but this year was different. The members of the Order of the Phoenix who were at the train station told the Dursleys to pay more respect to him, and they were starting to do so. It felt so strange that the Dursleys weren't treating him like dirt anymore (like they had all his life), and now Aunt Petunia almost became lovingly to Harry (like he was really her nephew and not a mangy old dog). At first, they were a bit uncomfortable, but by then they had gotten used to him.
Another great thing about this summer was that he didn't have any summer homework, because he would be studying in his NEWT classes the following year. He was still waiting for his marks to arrive, and he was so eager to find out what he received on his O.W.L. test scores.
But what he missed was his Firebolt, which was locked up in the castle by Professor Umbridge, the awful former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who was now spending her time at St. Mungo's Hospital. Because he had started beating up Malfoy, his arch-enemy, during a Quidditch match, his Firebolt was taken away and he had received a life ban from Quidditch. He dearly loved Quidditch, and it was now taken away from him, and so was his wonderful broomstick, his Firebolt.
That wasn't all he missed, and that wasn't why he missed his Firebolt so much either. His godfather, Sirius Black, had given him that Firebolt out of his own money while he was in hiding, and he wanted it back so much.... just be hold it again.... for it was his dear deceased godfather who gave it to him.....oh, his poor godfather.
That was of course, what he missed most: his godfather. The instant he witnessed his death, Harry grieved and mourned endlessly for Sirius, and wanted every second to have him back. He kept on thinking that it was all his fault, and if it wasn't for him trying to be the hero all the time, Sirius wouldn't have died.... Despite the fact that the Dursleys were treating him nicely, his summer was crushed by his godfather's, and mentor's, death.
Harry woke up at around 8 o'clock, as the rising sun punctured the sky into a luminous, orange glow which poured through the window into his room and waking him up. Drowsy and sorrowful, he stood up from his bed and walked to the long mirror in his messy room. He looked into the mirror at the reflection of himself. He had jet-black hair which was never tidy, just like his father. He had round glasses which he broke so many times that Hermione was doing endless spells to fix them whenever he went back to Hogwarts. Underneath his glasses were green eyes, like his mother. He looked at himself closely, examining all details. He didn't quite look 16 years old. He still looked skinny and fumbly as usual, even if Aunt Petunia was starting to feed him right.
"I look horrible," muttered Harry, staring at his image in the mirror. "Maybe this is why Cho broke up with me."
Still glaring at his ugly reflection, he thought about Cho and their previous relationship. Cho Chang, a Ravenclaw, and Harry had dated for a very short last year, and after noticing how mournful she was over Cedric, broke up with her. Though at the end of the year he got over Cho, his feelings for her came back during the summer. From mourning so much from Sirius, it started to seem to him that Cho wasn't so bad after all.
They were both Seekers in Quidditch. Cho Chang was the Ravenclaw Seeker and Harry was the Gryffindor Seeker. Of course, he didn't know if he'd ever be able to play Quidditch again.
Sighing that he'd never get her back, he went downstairs for breakfast where he found Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley. He had a bushy mustache, didn't have much of a neck and was very fat. Aunt Petunia on the other hand had a skinny body, a pointy nose and a long neck which she used to spy on the neighbors. Dudley was a blond boy his age who was extremely fat. Dudley was always chubby (although he was starting to get a bit muscular the year before), but never like this summer. The previous year he had worked up a bold physique from wrestling, but since wrestling had been cancelled in Dudleys 5th year, he had lost all his muscle and gained, well, just blubber. He filled up two chairs and had many chins. Harry tried counting his chins once. He got lost after counting 5 chins. Uncle Vernon got up and started shouting at Dudley.
"I can't stand it anymore!" shouted Uncle Vernon, putting down his newspaper. "Boy, you are getting fatter by the minute! I don't care what happens, we are putting you on a diet again!
"But Vernon," said Aunt Petunia, "he is a growing boy!"
"He might be growing, but he's not supposed to be filling up 2 chairs! I won't wait until he can't fit in the house!"
Harry was laughing at their fight. They looked at him with a surprised and embarrassed look. They didn't know Harry was there, and they were ashamed of their scene. They always tried to show that they had the perfect family (which was as false as Professor Snape being a kind person). They tried to ignore the situation and went back to what they were doing.
Aunt Petunia gave him his breakfast: a glass of milk with and a muffin, a pancake, an egg and a few slices of bacon. Aunt Petunia went over and gave Champion his meal. Champion was the pug Aunt Marge gave Dudley for his birthday. Aunt Petunia never liked dogs, but she tried hard to like Champion. Harry hated the dog. A week ago the dog chased him up a tree.
"Harry, are you happy it's your 16th birthday?" asked Aunt Petunia with a smile, walking back to Harry.
"I guess so," answered Harry. "I don't look 16 years old though. I look like a messy, scraggy freak!"
"You do not!" said Aunt Petunia, pinching his cheek. "You're becoming less skinny, you know. If you want some more pancakes, I can-"
"It's all right, Aunt Petunia. My breakfast is big enough."
Aunt Petunia nodded and went back and made herself her breakfast.
"Speaking of you being a messy freak, we decided to give you some nice presents," uttered Uncle Vernon bluntly, putting down his newspaper again. "Honey, would you mind getting the presents?"
"Not at all," answered Petunia, running quickly out the kitchen and into the hallway outside. She came back with at least 5 large presents. Harry's heart almost skipped a beat. He had never received so many presents from the Dursleys. Aunt Petunia
laid the presents next to Harry as he glared at them excitedly.
"You can open them now," said Aunt Petunia.
Harry ripped open the presents in awe and saw that the Dursleys had bought him new clothes. He opened their parcels and boxes, and he found many nice sweaters, t-shirts, pants and such. He opened his final gift and revealed a very pleasantly-designed box. He gently opened it and discovered it was a handsome black and white suit with dress pants, blouse, tie and jacket. Harry had never received a suit, despite that Dudley had outgrown many of his. He gently touched the soft fabric of his new suit.
"We thought you needed one," mentioned Uncle Vernon, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Thank you so much!" thanked Harry.
Not controlling his actions, Harry hugged his aunt and uncle. His uncle was startled at what Harry had done, although his aunt was kind of expecting it. Harry had never hugged any of the Dursleys before, but he felt it necessary to. He absolutely loved the gifts.
"We're so glad you like them," said Aunt Petunia. "Now Harry, we're going to be having a meal for your birthday, and I'm baking you a marvelous cake. Is that all right?"
"It's more than all right!" said Harry was a large smile on his face. He was so happy to be having such a wonderful birthday. Suddenly, the dog started barking.
"It seems like Champion needs a walk," stated Dudley after swallowing a mouth full of pancakes. "Harry, would you mind giving Champion his walk?"
Harry, feeling obligated to do it (and he did mind walking Champion), left his already half-eaten breakfast and amazing presents, put the dog on its leash and went out the door. He glared at the house beside him, which belonged to Ms. Figgs, a Squib. She was visiting relatives in Kent, and Harry was starting to miss having tea with her. She was the only one other than Harry who was a part of the wizarding community in the neighborhood.
Harry and Champion took a paced walk around Privet Drive. The neighbors and others living on Privet Drive all stared at Harry as if he was a monster. They heard of the lies Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia had told them the years before. Even though his aunt and uncle told the neighbors they were just joking, they still didn't think good of Harry.
"If only they knew," sighed Harry to himself.
Champion pulled away from Harry. Harry gripped tightly onto the leash as the dog pulled at it. Champion loosened himself out of the leash and ran away from Harry. He quickly realized Champion had escaped and chased after the dog. He finally caught up with him after a long chase around the neighborhood and put its leash back on. He looked up and he didn't like what he saw.
It was Fred, Ned and Ed, Dudley's new friends. Dudley and his friends were the bullies on the block, terrorizing the children and the whole neighborhood. His parents never knew about it of course. They knew their Diddy Dumpkins was a wonderful boy.
Fred had black spiky hair and always wore leather. Ned wore a backwards Lakers hat and L.A. Lakers jersey (they were from America). Ed had blue hair and wore baggy clothes. All of them looked like chubby punks.
They always picked on Harry, and he hated them very much. Dudley had always made light jokes in front of his friends to Harry, but he made sure they didn't hurt him. What Dudley didn't know was that when he wasn't around, the three of them would beat up Harry and had threatened to beat him up even more if he told the Dursleys about them bullying him.
"Well, look who we found!" said Ed.
Harry backed away from them and ran like lightening, still holding onto Champion. He ran across the park and across the park's parking lot. He ran and ran until he was in a dead end. He had no where to go. The bullies were very slow. They were
as fat as Dudley. They cornered him at the dead end, giving Harry no way of escape. They held him against the wall and started hitting and punching him.
"Happy Birthday, birthday boy! Here's your present!" said Ned before he punched Harry.
"Is your mommy going to give you a present? Oh no! I forgot! She's dead!" said Fred.
Dudley told them all about Harry. Harry felt hopeless, he couldn't do anything. All the punches given to him were hurting him immensely.
He felt tears forming in his eyes. He looked at the cars parked at the lot a bit further from him. He was burning red with anger of what Dudley's obese friends were doing to him. He glared at the blue car in the parking lot near them. Suddenly, like magic, he noticed that the blue car was starting to move, and then was heading for them.
With his sore arm loose from being beaten up, he pointed at the car straight ahead.
Ed, Fred and Ned glared at where Harry was pointing his finger and saw the car heading towards them. They screamed and howled in fright and ran away as their chubby bodies could let them, running back to their home.
Harry started laughing his head off. He figured that what got him so angry may have magically moved the car. He remembered the time he blew up Aunt Marge. He thought he would go to Azkaban.
Looking back at the car, he noticed the car was still moving. It was heading for him! Scared at the vehicle approaching him quickly, he ran away as far as he could.
Looking back a few times at the mad car, he ran right into the forest at the edge of the park. It was as if the car was following him in. After a while, the car lost track of him.
Panting and trying to retrieve his breath from running, Harry looked around him. There was no one there in the woods. Not even squirrels or birds were scurrying or flying about. All the giant trees stretched out to the sky and almost covered the bright sky, and instead filled the ceiling with lush, green leaves on their outstretched branches.
It was a beautiful and quiet wood, and he walked backwards, admiring the sight,
right into a ditch.
"Ow!" he shouted, as he ankle twisting with a crack.
He had broken his ankle. He let out a huge scream, but nobody heard him. He lied in pain in the ditch, waiting for help to arrive. His arms and chest were starting to heal from the beatings the three bullies gave him.
After an hour and a half, Champion found him. He sniffed at him and backed away. Harry found a long wooden stick. He used it to get himself up from the ditch he had fallen into. He held onto Champion's leash and limped back to #4 Privet Drive.
By the time he got there, the Dursleys had just started eating dinner. Harry threw the stick aside and hopped on one foot to the door. As he went upstairs, Champion wobbled into the kitchen. Harry could hear the family praising the dog. Aunt Petunia left the kitchen and spotted Harry going to his bedroom.
"Harry, what are you doing? Come downstairs, we can't have the dinner without you!"
"Sorry. It's just, my ankle-"
"Oh dear!" gasped Aunt Petunia, as she saw Harry limping down the stairs. "Go
back upstairs into the bathroom. I'll help you with that."
Angry that he had to limp all the way back upstairs, he went up the stairs and into the bathroom. He sat himself down on the toilet, while Aunt Petunia rushed up their a few seconds afterwards.
"We're going to have to see the doctor tomorrow morning," said Aunt Petunia, entering the bathroom. "I'll make the appointment tonight."
Aunt Petunia searched and searched in the medicine cabinet and the one under the sink for something for Harry's ankle. She found some alcohol and dabbed some on his ankle. She found two short, stiff, wooden rods and a long tension bandage. She put the two sticks on each side of his ankle and wrapped the tension bandage around his ankle.
"This should make it a bit more stable," said Aunt Petunia, putting everything back into the cabinet. "Let's go downstairs. You can lean on my shoulder."
Harry slowly stood up, put his arm uncomfortably around his aunt's long neck and went down into the dining room table. The dinner set was laid nicely on the table with candles, and platters of scrumptious food made Harry so hungry. He had forgotten he had missed lunch, and all the hunger inside him turned his stomach into knots.
Aunt Petunia helped Harry into his chair and tucked him in. They had an unbelievably delicious meal with all of Harry's favourite foods, and he quickly gobbled anything that was put on his plate. A few times, the members of the Dursleys looked at him strangely at the way he ate. He was just so hungry from not having lunch that he ate his food so savagely.
Once all the food was gone, Aunt Petunia cleaned up all the plates and brought from the kitchen a gorgeous cake with strawberries and multi-coloured icing all around the layers of pastry. The glow of the candles shaped as the number 16 reflected into Harry's eyes as he glared amazed at the cake.
"Happy birthday to you," sang the Dursleys (Uncle Vernon and Dudley looking tortured while singing it). "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Harry. Happy birthday to you!"
His aunt laid the cake gently in front of Harry, the candles flickering with light.
"Make a wish," whispered Aunt Petunia, "anything you want."
Harry knew of anything he wanted. He would want to turn back time so that Sirius Black wouldn't have died. He knew, of course, that it was not possible. He immediately thought of a more simple wish.
I wish that my 16th year will be a great year, thought Harry, as he blew out the candles. All the Dursleys clapped softly once the candles were extinguished. The cake was passed around in slices and Harry savoured every morsel of it. During that period of time, Vernon cleared his throat for an announcement.
"I want to make an announcement," announced Uncle Vernon, laying down his fork. "In a few of days, you two boys will be studying for your driver's licenses. I applied both of you in courses starting the 4th of August. It might be soon, but it's good to get it over with."
Harry was thrilled at the announcement Uncle Vernon made. He had completely forgotten that at 16 years old, you could get a driver's license. He was honoured that Uncle Vernon would sign him up for them, and was deeply excited.
"Thank you, Uncle Vernon!" thanked Harry.
"Your welcome, boy."
"Can I get a car?" asked Dudley. Dudley had just finished devouring his 3rd piece of cake.
"Of course, my boy!" answered Vernon. "We'll get you one for when school starts."
"What about Harry?" snickered Dudley, looking mischievously at Harry.
"Now Dudley, we can't afford to buy two cars. Besides, Harry's going to that strange school of his, and he won't need a car."
"That's all right with you, is it Harry?" asked Petunia, making sure they weren't trying to put him down.
"It's all right," responded Harry. "It's great to drive and all, but I don't need a car. I'd be at school most of the time, and I wouldn't need it there."
"Good," said Uncle Vernon.
"May I be excused?" asked Harry. "I'd like to rest upstairs."
"Of course, dear!" said Aunt Petunia. "And remember, tomorrow we're going to the doctor's at 10 am, so you'll have to be ready by then."
Harry nodded and limped out of his chair to the hallway where he tried going up the stairs carefully. He hopped up to his room and laid himself on his bed, his sore ankle propped onto the foot of his bed. While relaxing in his cozy bed, he heard a familiar hooting noise from outside. He looked out the window and found it was his faithful snowy owl, Hedwig. The owl glided in his room, and perched itself on his lap. She nipped his finger affectionately and hopped into her cage.
Follwing Hedwig came 5 other owls behind her. The first owl was a very serious, barn owl who bore a small badge that said, 'O.W.L. Results Delivery'. He looked enthusiastic at that owl, excited and nervous at what his O.W.L. results could be. One bore the Hogwarts crest on its chest. It was holding two letters and a package. The second owl was a small fluffy owl that belonged to his best friend, Ron Weasley. The other two owls he didn't know where they came from, and was curious to know who they belonged to. He took all the letters and packages and let the owls fly back to where they came from. He opened the first letter quickly, anxious to see his O.W.L. results. His heart was racing as he slowly opened it. He was surprised at his score.
Dear student,
You have succeeded at completing your O.W.L.s successfully. After participating in the O.W.L. exams qualified to do in your 5th year, you will receive the marks of which you had been noted by our intellectual and professional examiners. Please keep this
letter for further notice, for many job applications require the marks of your O.W.L.s.
Your marks have been represented using the following the letter marking below:
O = oustanding
E = exceeds expectations
A = acceptable
P = poor
D = dreadful
Name of student: Mr. Harry James Potter
School of student: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Here are your marks of your O.W.L's:
Transfiguration: O
History of Magic: A
Potions: O
Charms: O
Care of Magical Creatures: O
Divinations: E
Herbology: O
Defense Against the Dark Arts: O
Astronomy: E
Ancient Runes: A
The O.W.L. examination staff hopes that you will continue to do good and keep up your good work at your academy of witchcraft and wizardry. We hope that you will do your best at your NEWT exams.
Sincerely,
Griselda Marchbanks,
Head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority
Wow, he had done so well! He had never expected to have done as great as he had. He was completely shocked at his mark for Potions. He was sure he would have gotten either a P or a D. He though about the NEWT exams, which were supposed to be absolutely dreadful.
He quickly opened up his first letter from Hogwarts and scanned it rapidly:
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We are pleased to know that you have succeeded at your O.W.L.s. Please send back a letter stating the NEWT courses you will be taking this year. Considering your career decisions as an Auror, you are required to include these classes in your NEWTs: Transfiguration, Potions, Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. You are also encouraged to take Divinations which can be an aid to tracking down criminals and Herbology for herbal remedies.
Once your letter has come in, we'll send you another letter containing your NEWT school supplies for your courses.
You have also been cleared of your life ban of Quidditch. You may receive your Firebolt when you come to Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Professor McGonagoll,
Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts
He wasn't banned from Quidditch anymore! This was probably the happiest news of all. He would even get his Firebolt back. He'd be so glad to see that broom again, the one Sirius gave him.....
He was also pretty happy at the thought of starting his NEWT classes. He wondered how his NEWT classes would be like. He was so excited. He was frustrated though, that he was encouraged to take Divinations, one of his least favourite classes. Their former Divinations teacher, Professor Trelawney, was fired, and they were now being taught by Firenze, a centaur. Not having Professor Trelawney didn't make matters better, though. He still didn't quite understand it. The second one was from Hagrid, the groundskeeper at Hogwarts. He read the letter:
Dear Harry,
How are you? I hope you're having a good summer, and I hope those Muggles are treating you good. Oh, and happy birthday. The package contains my present. I got some help from Madame Maxime. We're dating again. Have you gotten your O.W.L.s yet? Hopefully, you'll get good marks. I bet you did great in Care of Magical Creatures.
I've got great news! Firenze's back with all the centaurs. They made up and everything! Professor Trelawney has her job back, and now she's happier than ever. I can't wait this year. You're never going to believe what will happen this year. It's top secret, so I can't tell you. Oh, and guess what? You-Know-Who has gone to Italy to take over. He's losing. He only has half his army. The war is in Sicily. I heard Hermione went to Italy. I think she's okay.
Hagrid
Harry was shocked. There was a war in Italy against Lord Voldemort? He thought about this in confusion. He had remembered the talk that he and Professor Dumbledore had at the end of the year. The Headmaster had told him about a prophecy concerning Lord Voldemort and himself. 'Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives', the Prophecy had stated. If he was the only one to vanquish Lord Voldemort, why were others trying to destroy Lord Voldemort? Maybe the Prophecy meant that the 'one' person who can defeat Lord Voldemort was himself, but having armies was a whole entire different story. Even so, they hadn't even asked him to fight, and he could have killed him! He didn't really want to fight in a war, though. It would be too risky.
He also wondered how strong the other side was, and who was in charge of it. He opened the package. They were cookies with the letters HP on every one of them. He took a bite. They tasted good. He remembered how bad Hagrid's cooking was. He put them aside and read Ron's letter.:
Happy birthday Harry! How's your summer? Guess what? My father got a raise! I used some of the money I got for your present. Fred and George now have bought the joke shop in Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley also have a new candy store called "Sweetsland". It's the biggest one in England! I can't wait. I got my O.W.L's. Mom was quiet impressed. I got an O in Potions! Can you believe it? The O.W.L. examination for Potions was all right (probably because Snape wasn't taunting us during the whole thing!). I can't believe about that war in Italy. I heard Hermione's vacationing in Italy, but she's probably not in Sicily. I'll meet you at Diagon Alley!
Ron
Harry opened the package and found a pack of quills and ink bottle with his name engraved on them. He was so happy his friend's father got a raise, since his family deserved it greatly. He put them aside and picked up the third letter. It was from Hermione. From reading the rest of the letters, he became a bit worried about Hermione in Italy. He opened the letter and read its content:
Dear Harry,
I hope you're having a good birthday. By the way, happy birthday! I was shocked of the war in Italy. I hope Lord Voldemort will be defeated. It's still weird saying his name. I'm in Rome. It is so amazing here! It's a whole separate world with no Muggles. It looks exactly like the Muggle Italy, except that the Tower of Pisa is not leaning and the Colosseum is restored to its original shape. They are so up-to-date here. They don't even use quills! They use these kind of pens. The fashion is great, and I'm learning so much here. I saw the Royals' Palace. How did you do on your O.W.L.s? I think I did great, although I only got an E in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Well, I have to go now. I have to finish my tan.
Love,
Hermoine
Royals? What Royals? he thought to himself. Harry was starting to get frustrated about all the things they weren't telling him. This is exactly what they did last year!
Trying not to get too angry on his birthday, he opened the package. It was a beautiful leather dress-robe. He pulled it out of the box and put it on. It fitted him perfectly and he felt very good in it. It also made him feel very handsome and sharp as well, and added shape to his scronny self. He quickly remembered about Cho Chang. He wondered if he'd seem more attractive to her with this on. Who was he kidding, they'd broken up and he'd never get her back, or would he?
He took it off and put it aside, and took the last letter and package (which was quite large). He had no idea who it was from, so he opened it curiously and quicky. He read the letter:
Dear Harry,
This is Remus Lupin. Happy Birthay to you. I thought it necessary to keep in touch with you, considering the loss of Sirius. I thought maybe we could be friends, and we could help each other during this horrible time. I know you're hurting, and I feel I should be there for you. You are my best friend's son and my other friend' godson of course!
I've now landed a great job in the Auror Department, and I'm now one of the chiefs there. It's a large wage too! My grandmother died, and she left me her house and a lot of her fortune in her will. It's a big house in London and you're welcome to come.
If you want, you can stay with me for a couple of weeks. I'm off work for two weeks for vacation. Don't worry, the full moon won't show up during then. Because Voldemort's in Italy, you don't have to worry about anyone going after you.
I'm glad of this war. I hope that evil wizard gets trampled. He obviously will with who's battling him.
I heard about your broom, and you being banned from Quidditch. I talked to the professors at Hogwarts and Ministry, and I found out you were cleared of that, thank goodness! I thought that would give me an idea for a present. I got it imported from Italy last week, though it's been translated into English for you. I hope you get good marks for your O.W.L.s. I heard of what's happening at Hogwarts. Lucky!
Remus
Harry was shocked at the letter. Remus was now speaking to him, like a friend. He was feeling so lost with Sirius gone, and he was overwhelmed with excitement that he'd be able to get to know Remus a bit better.
He wondered if the Dursleys would let him go. He was so excited to see Remus' new house. Remus was fighting with poverty most of his career because he was a werewolf, and Harry was so proud of him that he had a great job.
He was becoming very suspicious about this war in Italy. He slowly took the present out of the package, ripping the paper gently. Once all the parcel was gone, he found out it was a new broom! It was called the Stella-Velocita 29, which was what it said in gold along the side of the stick. It was made of metal and its tail was not made of straw, but straight strings of steal wool. He was impressed by its craftsmanship. It even had a seat and a handle. Strangely, it had a little computer that showed the distance and speed of the broom. It also came with an instruction manual. He became even happier.
But what about his Firebolt? What would he do with it? He thought more about it, about flying on each broom. He couldn't bare to try and fly on the broom Sirius gave to him. It was too dear to him.
He put everything under the loose board under his bed, hopped to his desk, grabbed one of Ron's quills and ink bottle and started writing to Hagrid:
Dear Hagrid,
Thanks! I really like the cookies. I'm really confused about this war though. I also hope L-, I mean You-Know-Who will be defeated. Guess what, Hagrid? Fred and George own their own joke shop in Diagon Alley, Ron's father got a raise, Remus is now a chief at the Auror Headquarters and I might be staying at his house for a while! Hagrid, do you know who the 'Royals' are? I did pretty good on my O.W.L.s. Can't wait to go back to school.
Harry
Harry took another parchment and started writing Ron's letter:
Dear Ron,
Thanks a bunch for the gift! Hagrid got me cookies. They don't taste like Hippogryff droppings either! I'm really happy for you and your family. I can't believe of the war in Italy. And guess what? I got a new broom! It's called the Stella-Velocita 29, and it's imported from Italy. Remus is now one of the chief Aurors, and he has a new house. He asked if we could be friends and everything, and I'm so excited! Hagrid said something special will happen this year. I did pretty good on my O.W.L.s. Can't wait 'til Diagon Alley!
Harry
He started writing Hermione's:
Dear Hermione,
Thanks so much for the robe. It's fantastic! Italy sounds great. I really do hope they get rid of Lord Voldemort! Hermione, who are the 'Royals' ? Hagrid said something great will happen at Hogwarts this term. I can't wait. Remus has a new job and I might be staying with him for a while. Ron's dad got a raise. I'm happy for him! You shouldn't get mad about your Defense Against the Dark Arts mark. It figures, considering that Professor Umbridge was horrible. I got an O in Potions, which is quite surprising. It's probably because Professor Snape wasn't hovering and sneering over me during the OWL's exams. See you at Diagon Alley!
Harry
With excitement, he started writing Remus' letter:
Dear Remus,
I can't believe it! Thank you so much for the offer to visit! I have to ask the Dursleys about it though. It's great being able to talk to you. I've been so lonely this summer. All I can think about is my godfather....
I broke my ankle when walking Dudley's dog. It's a long story. I really do hope You-Know-Who dies. I really can't stand him. Who's the leader of the other side anyway? And what are the 'Royals'? Ron's father got a raise and Fred and George own their own joke shop at Diagon Alley. Hermione's vacationing in Italy. I did pretty good on my O.W.L.s. Thank you so, so, so much for the broom. I can't wait to fly it. I'm going to get my Firebolt back, but I won't fly it. All I'll think about is Sirius on that broom. Hopefully, I'll see you in two weeks!
Harry
Harry took out another piece of parchment for his letter to Hogwarts. Before he dipped his quill in more ink, he put the end of the quill to his mouth in thought. Which classes should I take? he thought to himself. He was obviously going to take the four he needed without a doubt. He absolutely wouldn't take History of Magic. The last thing he needed during his NEWT years were tons of useless notes to memorize. Unfortunately, he would probably take the classes encouraged to be taken. Just when I thought I could get out of seeing into nothing! he though. He would probably take Care of Magical Creatures, since it was his friends Hagrid who would be teaching them. The only ones he wouldn't be taking would be Ancient Runes, Astronomy and History of Magic.
Once his decision was made, he thought what he would write, and started scribbling on the parchment his letter to Professor McGonagoll.
Dear Professor McGonagoll and Administration of Hogwarts,
For my NEWT classes, I have chosen to study Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Divinations (he wrote in frustration).
Harry
"Maybe being 16 years old isn't so bad," he said to himself.
Putting back everything, he spotted the mirror Sirius had given him under his bed. He pulled it out to take a look at it. As he watched his reflection in the mirror, all he could think about was the death of his godfather. The death still hadn't sunken in, and he wanted more than anything to have him back. Clutching the mirror to his chest, he laid back onto the bed and drifted off in sleep, dreaming more about Sirius' death.
Author's Note: I SOOOO hope you liked that. Hopefully tomorrow, or sometime soon, I'll put up the 2nd Chapter called: The Burning Scar. I've written the whole story already, I just have to edit it. AND OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLLLLLEEEEAAASSSSEEEE REVIEW! And please no flames, I'm delicate. This is like my baby.... my precious....OK, that was creepy.
Princesses for Magic
Disclaimer: The majority of characters, details, main plot and such are not mine, but are the property of J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. The characters of Ed, Fred and Ned however, are my own creation.
Author's Note: After slaving away at this fanfic novel for a year, I'm finally ready to put it on Fanfiction.Net. Thank goodness! This whole entire story is about Harry's 6th year at Hogwarts. Harry mourns all summer for the death of Sirius Black, although now his time with the Dursleys are more pleasant. He finds out that there is a war in Sicily against Lord Voldemort and is now friends with Remus Lupin. At Hogwarts awaiting him is another adventure, including two new students that will turn the year a bit more exciting than he thought. Even if this is a fanfic of the 6th installment of Harry Potter, I did not include a few details that had taken place from the 5th book, such as the arrest of Lucius Malfoy, dating Cho Chang the previous year, apparating classes and a few minor things. Sorry this author's note is so long, but I have to explain a lot.
Chapter 1
A Good and Bad Birthday
"Come on, you can do better than that!" called out Sirius, barking with laughter as he battled his cousin Bellatrix in the Ministry of Magic.
Suddenly, a spell shot out of his cousin's wand and hit him on the chest, making him fall down. A look of horror and surprise was on his face, as he slowly fell down into the dais.
"Sirius!" shouted Harry, reaching his hand out to him, and....
Harry Potter woke up. It was what seemed like the 100th time he had had a dream of his godfather's death. He was sweaty and breathing heavily from his nightmare.
It was July 31st, Harry Potter's birthday. He was turning 16 years old that day.
He wondered what would be in store for his birthday this year, since every single birthday was a disaster, but this year was different. The members of the Order of the Phoenix who were at the train station told the Dursleys to pay more respect to him, and they were starting to do so. It felt so strange that the Dursleys weren't treating him like dirt anymore (like they had all his life), and now Aunt Petunia almost became lovingly to Harry (like he was really her nephew and not a mangy old dog). At first, they were a bit uncomfortable, but by then they had gotten used to him.
Another great thing about this summer was that he didn't have any summer homework, because he would be studying in his NEWT classes the following year. He was still waiting for his marks to arrive, and he was so eager to find out what he received on his O.W.L. test scores.
But what he missed was his Firebolt, which was locked up in the castle by Professor Umbridge, the awful former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who was now spending her time at St. Mungo's Hospital. Because he had started beating up Malfoy, his arch-enemy, during a Quidditch match, his Firebolt was taken away and he had received a life ban from Quidditch. He dearly loved Quidditch, and it was now taken away from him, and so was his wonderful broomstick, his Firebolt.
That wasn't all he missed, and that wasn't why he missed his Firebolt so much either. His godfather, Sirius Black, had given him that Firebolt out of his own money while he was in hiding, and he wanted it back so much.... just be hold it again.... for it was his dear deceased godfather who gave it to him.....oh, his poor godfather.
That was of course, what he missed most: his godfather. The instant he witnessed his death, Harry grieved and mourned endlessly for Sirius, and wanted every second to have him back. He kept on thinking that it was all his fault, and if it wasn't for him trying to be the hero all the time, Sirius wouldn't have died.... Despite the fact that the Dursleys were treating him nicely, his summer was crushed by his godfather's, and mentor's, death.
Harry woke up at around 8 o'clock, as the rising sun punctured the sky into a luminous, orange glow which poured through the window into his room and waking him up. Drowsy and sorrowful, he stood up from his bed and walked to the long mirror in his messy room. He looked into the mirror at the reflection of himself. He had jet-black hair which was never tidy, just like his father. He had round glasses which he broke so many times that Hermione was doing endless spells to fix them whenever he went back to Hogwarts. Underneath his glasses were green eyes, like his mother. He looked at himself closely, examining all details. He didn't quite look 16 years old. He still looked skinny and fumbly as usual, even if Aunt Petunia was starting to feed him right.
"I look horrible," muttered Harry, staring at his image in the mirror. "Maybe this is why Cho broke up with me."
Still glaring at his ugly reflection, he thought about Cho and their previous relationship. Cho Chang, a Ravenclaw, and Harry had dated for a very short last year, and after noticing how mournful she was over Cedric, broke up with her. Though at the end of the year he got over Cho, his feelings for her came back during the summer. From mourning so much from Sirius, it started to seem to him that Cho wasn't so bad after all.
They were both Seekers in Quidditch. Cho Chang was the Ravenclaw Seeker and Harry was the Gryffindor Seeker. Of course, he didn't know if he'd ever be able to play Quidditch again.
Sighing that he'd never get her back, he went downstairs for breakfast where he found Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley. He had a bushy mustache, didn't have much of a neck and was very fat. Aunt Petunia on the other hand had a skinny body, a pointy nose and a long neck which she used to spy on the neighbors. Dudley was a blond boy his age who was extremely fat. Dudley was always chubby (although he was starting to get a bit muscular the year before), but never like this summer. The previous year he had worked up a bold physique from wrestling, but since wrestling had been cancelled in Dudleys 5th year, he had lost all his muscle and gained, well, just blubber. He filled up two chairs and had many chins. Harry tried counting his chins once. He got lost after counting 5 chins. Uncle Vernon got up and started shouting at Dudley.
"I can't stand it anymore!" shouted Uncle Vernon, putting down his newspaper. "Boy, you are getting fatter by the minute! I don't care what happens, we are putting you on a diet again!
"But Vernon," said Aunt Petunia, "he is a growing boy!"
"He might be growing, but he's not supposed to be filling up 2 chairs! I won't wait until he can't fit in the house!"
Harry was laughing at their fight. They looked at him with a surprised and embarrassed look. They didn't know Harry was there, and they were ashamed of their scene. They always tried to show that they had the perfect family (which was as false as Professor Snape being a kind person). They tried to ignore the situation and went back to what they were doing.
Aunt Petunia gave him his breakfast: a glass of milk with and a muffin, a pancake, an egg and a few slices of bacon. Aunt Petunia went over and gave Champion his meal. Champion was the pug Aunt Marge gave Dudley for his birthday. Aunt Petunia never liked dogs, but she tried hard to like Champion. Harry hated the dog. A week ago the dog chased him up a tree.
"Harry, are you happy it's your 16th birthday?" asked Aunt Petunia with a smile, walking back to Harry.
"I guess so," answered Harry. "I don't look 16 years old though. I look like a messy, scraggy freak!"
"You do not!" said Aunt Petunia, pinching his cheek. "You're becoming less skinny, you know. If you want some more pancakes, I can-"
"It's all right, Aunt Petunia. My breakfast is big enough."
Aunt Petunia nodded and went back and made herself her breakfast.
"Speaking of you being a messy freak, we decided to give you some nice presents," uttered Uncle Vernon bluntly, putting down his newspaper again. "Honey, would you mind getting the presents?"
"Not at all," answered Petunia, running quickly out the kitchen and into the hallway outside. She came back with at least 5 large presents. Harry's heart almost skipped a beat. He had never received so many presents from the Dursleys. Aunt Petunia
laid the presents next to Harry as he glared at them excitedly.
"You can open them now," said Aunt Petunia.
Harry ripped open the presents in awe and saw that the Dursleys had bought him new clothes. He opened their parcels and boxes, and he found many nice sweaters, t-shirts, pants and such. He opened his final gift and revealed a very pleasantly-designed box. He gently opened it and discovered it was a handsome black and white suit with dress pants, blouse, tie and jacket. Harry had never received a suit, despite that Dudley had outgrown many of his. He gently touched the soft fabric of his new suit.
"We thought you needed one," mentioned Uncle Vernon, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Thank you so much!" thanked Harry.
Not controlling his actions, Harry hugged his aunt and uncle. His uncle was startled at what Harry had done, although his aunt was kind of expecting it. Harry had never hugged any of the Dursleys before, but he felt it necessary to. He absolutely loved the gifts.
"We're so glad you like them," said Aunt Petunia. "Now Harry, we're going to be having a meal for your birthday, and I'm baking you a marvelous cake. Is that all right?"
"It's more than all right!" said Harry was a large smile on his face. He was so happy to be having such a wonderful birthday. Suddenly, the dog started barking.
"It seems like Champion needs a walk," stated Dudley after swallowing a mouth full of pancakes. "Harry, would you mind giving Champion his walk?"
Harry, feeling obligated to do it (and he did mind walking Champion), left his already half-eaten breakfast and amazing presents, put the dog on its leash and went out the door. He glared at the house beside him, which belonged to Ms. Figgs, a Squib. She was visiting relatives in Kent, and Harry was starting to miss having tea with her. She was the only one other than Harry who was a part of the wizarding community in the neighborhood.
Harry and Champion took a paced walk around Privet Drive. The neighbors and others living on Privet Drive all stared at Harry as if he was a monster. They heard of the lies Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia had told them the years before. Even though his aunt and uncle told the neighbors they were just joking, they still didn't think good of Harry.
"If only they knew," sighed Harry to himself.
Champion pulled away from Harry. Harry gripped tightly onto the leash as the dog pulled at it. Champion loosened himself out of the leash and ran away from Harry. He quickly realized Champion had escaped and chased after the dog. He finally caught up with him after a long chase around the neighborhood and put its leash back on. He looked up and he didn't like what he saw.
It was Fred, Ned and Ed, Dudley's new friends. Dudley and his friends were the bullies on the block, terrorizing the children and the whole neighborhood. His parents never knew about it of course. They knew their Diddy Dumpkins was a wonderful boy.
Fred had black spiky hair and always wore leather. Ned wore a backwards Lakers hat and L.A. Lakers jersey (they were from America). Ed had blue hair and wore baggy clothes. All of them looked like chubby punks.
They always picked on Harry, and he hated them very much. Dudley had always made light jokes in front of his friends to Harry, but he made sure they didn't hurt him. What Dudley didn't know was that when he wasn't around, the three of them would beat up Harry and had threatened to beat him up even more if he told the Dursleys about them bullying him.
"Well, look who we found!" said Ed.
Harry backed away from them and ran like lightening, still holding onto Champion. He ran across the park and across the park's parking lot. He ran and ran until he was in a dead end. He had no where to go. The bullies were very slow. They were
as fat as Dudley. They cornered him at the dead end, giving Harry no way of escape. They held him against the wall and started hitting and punching him.
"Happy Birthday, birthday boy! Here's your present!" said Ned before he punched Harry.
"Is your mommy going to give you a present? Oh no! I forgot! She's dead!" said Fred.
Dudley told them all about Harry. Harry felt hopeless, he couldn't do anything. All the punches given to him were hurting him immensely.
He felt tears forming in his eyes. He looked at the cars parked at the lot a bit further from him. He was burning red with anger of what Dudley's obese friends were doing to him. He glared at the blue car in the parking lot near them. Suddenly, like magic, he noticed that the blue car was starting to move, and then was heading for them.
With his sore arm loose from being beaten up, he pointed at the car straight ahead.
Ed, Fred and Ned glared at where Harry was pointing his finger and saw the car heading towards them. They screamed and howled in fright and ran away as their chubby bodies could let them, running back to their home.
Harry started laughing his head off. He figured that what got him so angry may have magically moved the car. He remembered the time he blew up Aunt Marge. He thought he would go to Azkaban.
Looking back at the car, he noticed the car was still moving. It was heading for him! Scared at the vehicle approaching him quickly, he ran away as far as he could.
Looking back a few times at the mad car, he ran right into the forest at the edge of the park. It was as if the car was following him in. After a while, the car lost track of him.
Panting and trying to retrieve his breath from running, Harry looked around him. There was no one there in the woods. Not even squirrels or birds were scurrying or flying about. All the giant trees stretched out to the sky and almost covered the bright sky, and instead filled the ceiling with lush, green leaves on their outstretched branches.
It was a beautiful and quiet wood, and he walked backwards, admiring the sight,
right into a ditch.
"Ow!" he shouted, as he ankle twisting with a crack.
He had broken his ankle. He let out a huge scream, but nobody heard him. He lied in pain in the ditch, waiting for help to arrive. His arms and chest were starting to heal from the beatings the three bullies gave him.
After an hour and a half, Champion found him. He sniffed at him and backed away. Harry found a long wooden stick. He used it to get himself up from the ditch he had fallen into. He held onto Champion's leash and limped back to #4 Privet Drive.
By the time he got there, the Dursleys had just started eating dinner. Harry threw the stick aside and hopped on one foot to the door. As he went upstairs, Champion wobbled into the kitchen. Harry could hear the family praising the dog. Aunt Petunia left the kitchen and spotted Harry going to his bedroom.
"Harry, what are you doing? Come downstairs, we can't have the dinner without you!"
"Sorry. It's just, my ankle-"
"Oh dear!" gasped Aunt Petunia, as she saw Harry limping down the stairs. "Go
back upstairs into the bathroom. I'll help you with that."
Angry that he had to limp all the way back upstairs, he went up the stairs and into the bathroom. He sat himself down on the toilet, while Aunt Petunia rushed up their a few seconds afterwards.
"We're going to have to see the doctor tomorrow morning," said Aunt Petunia, entering the bathroom. "I'll make the appointment tonight."
Aunt Petunia searched and searched in the medicine cabinet and the one under the sink for something for Harry's ankle. She found some alcohol and dabbed some on his ankle. She found two short, stiff, wooden rods and a long tension bandage. She put the two sticks on each side of his ankle and wrapped the tension bandage around his ankle.
"This should make it a bit more stable," said Aunt Petunia, putting everything back into the cabinet. "Let's go downstairs. You can lean on my shoulder."
Harry slowly stood up, put his arm uncomfortably around his aunt's long neck and went down into the dining room table. The dinner set was laid nicely on the table with candles, and platters of scrumptious food made Harry so hungry. He had forgotten he had missed lunch, and all the hunger inside him turned his stomach into knots.
Aunt Petunia helped Harry into his chair and tucked him in. They had an unbelievably delicious meal with all of Harry's favourite foods, and he quickly gobbled anything that was put on his plate. A few times, the members of the Dursleys looked at him strangely at the way he ate. He was just so hungry from not having lunch that he ate his food so savagely.
Once all the food was gone, Aunt Petunia cleaned up all the plates and brought from the kitchen a gorgeous cake with strawberries and multi-coloured icing all around the layers of pastry. The glow of the candles shaped as the number 16 reflected into Harry's eyes as he glared amazed at the cake.
"Happy birthday to you," sang the Dursleys (Uncle Vernon and Dudley looking tortured while singing it). "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Harry. Happy birthday to you!"
His aunt laid the cake gently in front of Harry, the candles flickering with light.
"Make a wish," whispered Aunt Petunia, "anything you want."
Harry knew of anything he wanted. He would want to turn back time so that Sirius Black wouldn't have died. He knew, of course, that it was not possible. He immediately thought of a more simple wish.
I wish that my 16th year will be a great year, thought Harry, as he blew out the candles. All the Dursleys clapped softly once the candles were extinguished. The cake was passed around in slices and Harry savoured every morsel of it. During that period of time, Vernon cleared his throat for an announcement.
"I want to make an announcement," announced Uncle Vernon, laying down his fork. "In a few of days, you two boys will be studying for your driver's licenses. I applied both of you in courses starting the 4th of August. It might be soon, but it's good to get it over with."
Harry was thrilled at the announcement Uncle Vernon made. He had completely forgotten that at 16 years old, you could get a driver's license. He was honoured that Uncle Vernon would sign him up for them, and was deeply excited.
"Thank you, Uncle Vernon!" thanked Harry.
"Your welcome, boy."
"Can I get a car?" asked Dudley. Dudley had just finished devouring his 3rd piece of cake.
"Of course, my boy!" answered Vernon. "We'll get you one for when school starts."
"What about Harry?" snickered Dudley, looking mischievously at Harry.
"Now Dudley, we can't afford to buy two cars. Besides, Harry's going to that strange school of his, and he won't need a car."
"That's all right with you, is it Harry?" asked Petunia, making sure they weren't trying to put him down.
"It's all right," responded Harry. "It's great to drive and all, but I don't need a car. I'd be at school most of the time, and I wouldn't need it there."
"Good," said Uncle Vernon.
"May I be excused?" asked Harry. "I'd like to rest upstairs."
"Of course, dear!" said Aunt Petunia. "And remember, tomorrow we're going to the doctor's at 10 am, so you'll have to be ready by then."
Harry nodded and limped out of his chair to the hallway where he tried going up the stairs carefully. He hopped up to his room and laid himself on his bed, his sore ankle propped onto the foot of his bed. While relaxing in his cozy bed, he heard a familiar hooting noise from outside. He looked out the window and found it was his faithful snowy owl, Hedwig. The owl glided in his room, and perched itself on his lap. She nipped his finger affectionately and hopped into her cage.
Follwing Hedwig came 5 other owls behind her. The first owl was a very serious, barn owl who bore a small badge that said, 'O.W.L. Results Delivery'. He looked enthusiastic at that owl, excited and nervous at what his O.W.L. results could be. One bore the Hogwarts crest on its chest. It was holding two letters and a package. The second owl was a small fluffy owl that belonged to his best friend, Ron Weasley. The other two owls he didn't know where they came from, and was curious to know who they belonged to. He took all the letters and packages and let the owls fly back to where they came from. He opened the first letter quickly, anxious to see his O.W.L. results. His heart was racing as he slowly opened it. He was surprised at his score.
Dear student,
You have succeeded at completing your O.W.L.s successfully. After participating in the O.W.L. exams qualified to do in your 5th year, you will receive the marks of which you had been noted by our intellectual and professional examiners. Please keep this
letter for further notice, for many job applications require the marks of your O.W.L.s.
Your marks have been represented using the following the letter marking below:
O = oustanding
E = exceeds expectations
A = acceptable
P = poor
D = dreadful
Name of student: Mr. Harry James Potter
School of student: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Here are your marks of your O.W.L's:
Transfiguration: O
History of Magic: A
Potions: O
Charms: O
Care of Magical Creatures: O
Divinations: E
Herbology: O
Defense Against the Dark Arts: O
Astronomy: E
Ancient Runes: A
The O.W.L. examination staff hopes that you will continue to do good and keep up your good work at your academy of witchcraft and wizardry. We hope that you will do your best at your NEWT exams.
Sincerely,
Griselda Marchbanks,
Head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority
Wow, he had done so well! He had never expected to have done as great as he had. He was completely shocked at his mark for Potions. He was sure he would have gotten either a P or a D. He though about the NEWT exams, which were supposed to be absolutely dreadful.
He quickly opened up his first letter from Hogwarts and scanned it rapidly:
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We are pleased to know that you have succeeded at your O.W.L.s. Please send back a letter stating the NEWT courses you will be taking this year. Considering your career decisions as an Auror, you are required to include these classes in your NEWTs: Transfiguration, Potions, Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. You are also encouraged to take Divinations which can be an aid to tracking down criminals and Herbology for herbal remedies.
Once your letter has come in, we'll send you another letter containing your NEWT school supplies for your courses.
You have also been cleared of your life ban of Quidditch. You may receive your Firebolt when you come to Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Professor McGonagoll,
Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts
He wasn't banned from Quidditch anymore! This was probably the happiest news of all. He would even get his Firebolt back. He'd be so glad to see that broom again, the one Sirius gave him.....
He was also pretty happy at the thought of starting his NEWT classes. He wondered how his NEWT classes would be like. He was so excited. He was frustrated though, that he was encouraged to take Divinations, one of his least favourite classes. Their former Divinations teacher, Professor Trelawney, was fired, and they were now being taught by Firenze, a centaur. Not having Professor Trelawney didn't make matters better, though. He still didn't quite understand it. The second one was from Hagrid, the groundskeeper at Hogwarts. He read the letter:
Dear Harry,
How are you? I hope you're having a good summer, and I hope those Muggles are treating you good. Oh, and happy birthday. The package contains my present. I got some help from Madame Maxime. We're dating again. Have you gotten your O.W.L.s yet? Hopefully, you'll get good marks. I bet you did great in Care of Magical Creatures.
I've got great news! Firenze's back with all the centaurs. They made up and everything! Professor Trelawney has her job back, and now she's happier than ever. I can't wait this year. You're never going to believe what will happen this year. It's top secret, so I can't tell you. Oh, and guess what? You-Know-Who has gone to Italy to take over. He's losing. He only has half his army. The war is in Sicily. I heard Hermione went to Italy. I think she's okay.
Hagrid
Harry was shocked. There was a war in Italy against Lord Voldemort? He thought about this in confusion. He had remembered the talk that he and Professor Dumbledore had at the end of the year. The Headmaster had told him about a prophecy concerning Lord Voldemort and himself. 'Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives', the Prophecy had stated. If he was the only one to vanquish Lord Voldemort, why were others trying to destroy Lord Voldemort? Maybe the Prophecy meant that the 'one' person who can defeat Lord Voldemort was himself, but having armies was a whole entire different story. Even so, they hadn't even asked him to fight, and he could have killed him! He didn't really want to fight in a war, though. It would be too risky.
He also wondered how strong the other side was, and who was in charge of it. He opened the package. They were cookies with the letters HP on every one of them. He took a bite. They tasted good. He remembered how bad Hagrid's cooking was. He put them aside and read Ron's letter.:
Happy birthday Harry! How's your summer? Guess what? My father got a raise! I used some of the money I got for your present. Fred and George now have bought the joke shop in Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley also have a new candy store called "Sweetsland". It's the biggest one in England! I can't wait. I got my O.W.L's. Mom was quiet impressed. I got an O in Potions! Can you believe it? The O.W.L. examination for Potions was all right (probably because Snape wasn't taunting us during the whole thing!). I can't believe about that war in Italy. I heard Hermione's vacationing in Italy, but she's probably not in Sicily. I'll meet you at Diagon Alley!
Ron
Harry opened the package and found a pack of quills and ink bottle with his name engraved on them. He was so happy his friend's father got a raise, since his family deserved it greatly. He put them aside and picked up the third letter. It was from Hermione. From reading the rest of the letters, he became a bit worried about Hermione in Italy. He opened the letter and read its content:
Dear Harry,
I hope you're having a good birthday. By the way, happy birthday! I was shocked of the war in Italy. I hope Lord Voldemort will be defeated. It's still weird saying his name. I'm in Rome. It is so amazing here! It's a whole separate world with no Muggles. It looks exactly like the Muggle Italy, except that the Tower of Pisa is not leaning and the Colosseum is restored to its original shape. They are so up-to-date here. They don't even use quills! They use these kind of pens. The fashion is great, and I'm learning so much here. I saw the Royals' Palace. How did you do on your O.W.L.s? I think I did great, although I only got an E in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Well, I have to go now. I have to finish my tan.
Love,
Hermoine
Royals? What Royals? he thought to himself. Harry was starting to get frustrated about all the things they weren't telling him. This is exactly what they did last year!
Trying not to get too angry on his birthday, he opened the package. It was a beautiful leather dress-robe. He pulled it out of the box and put it on. It fitted him perfectly and he felt very good in it. It also made him feel very handsome and sharp as well, and added shape to his scronny self. He quickly remembered about Cho Chang. He wondered if he'd seem more attractive to her with this on. Who was he kidding, they'd broken up and he'd never get her back, or would he?
He took it off and put it aside, and took the last letter and package (which was quite large). He had no idea who it was from, so he opened it curiously and quicky. He read the letter:
Dear Harry,
This is Remus Lupin. Happy Birthay to you. I thought it necessary to keep in touch with you, considering the loss of Sirius. I thought maybe we could be friends, and we could help each other during this horrible time. I know you're hurting, and I feel I should be there for you. You are my best friend's son and my other friend' godson of course!
I've now landed a great job in the Auror Department, and I'm now one of the chiefs there. It's a large wage too! My grandmother died, and she left me her house and a lot of her fortune in her will. It's a big house in London and you're welcome to come.
If you want, you can stay with me for a couple of weeks. I'm off work for two weeks for vacation. Don't worry, the full moon won't show up during then. Because Voldemort's in Italy, you don't have to worry about anyone going after you.
I'm glad of this war. I hope that evil wizard gets trampled. He obviously will with who's battling him.
I heard about your broom, and you being banned from Quidditch. I talked to the professors at Hogwarts and Ministry, and I found out you were cleared of that, thank goodness! I thought that would give me an idea for a present. I got it imported from Italy last week, though it's been translated into English for you. I hope you get good marks for your O.W.L.s. I heard of what's happening at Hogwarts. Lucky!
Remus
Harry was shocked at the letter. Remus was now speaking to him, like a friend. He was feeling so lost with Sirius gone, and he was overwhelmed with excitement that he'd be able to get to know Remus a bit better.
He wondered if the Dursleys would let him go. He was so excited to see Remus' new house. Remus was fighting with poverty most of his career because he was a werewolf, and Harry was so proud of him that he had a great job.
He was becoming very suspicious about this war in Italy. He slowly took the present out of the package, ripping the paper gently. Once all the parcel was gone, he found out it was a new broom! It was called the Stella-Velocita 29, which was what it said in gold along the side of the stick. It was made of metal and its tail was not made of straw, but straight strings of steal wool. He was impressed by its craftsmanship. It even had a seat and a handle. Strangely, it had a little computer that showed the distance and speed of the broom. It also came with an instruction manual. He became even happier.
But what about his Firebolt? What would he do with it? He thought more about it, about flying on each broom. He couldn't bare to try and fly on the broom Sirius gave to him. It was too dear to him.
He put everything under the loose board under his bed, hopped to his desk, grabbed one of Ron's quills and ink bottle and started writing to Hagrid:
Dear Hagrid,
Thanks! I really like the cookies. I'm really confused about this war though. I also hope L-, I mean You-Know-Who will be defeated. Guess what, Hagrid? Fred and George own their own joke shop in Diagon Alley, Ron's father got a raise, Remus is now a chief at the Auror Headquarters and I might be staying at his house for a while! Hagrid, do you know who the 'Royals' are? I did pretty good on my O.W.L.s. Can't wait to go back to school.
Harry
Harry took another parchment and started writing Ron's letter:
Dear Ron,
Thanks a bunch for the gift! Hagrid got me cookies. They don't taste like Hippogryff droppings either! I'm really happy for you and your family. I can't believe of the war in Italy. And guess what? I got a new broom! It's called the Stella-Velocita 29, and it's imported from Italy. Remus is now one of the chief Aurors, and he has a new house. He asked if we could be friends and everything, and I'm so excited! Hagrid said something special will happen this year. I did pretty good on my O.W.L.s. Can't wait 'til Diagon Alley!
Harry
He started writing Hermione's:
Dear Hermione,
Thanks so much for the robe. It's fantastic! Italy sounds great. I really do hope they get rid of Lord Voldemort! Hermione, who are the 'Royals' ? Hagrid said something great will happen at Hogwarts this term. I can't wait. Remus has a new job and I might be staying with him for a while. Ron's dad got a raise. I'm happy for him! You shouldn't get mad about your Defense Against the Dark Arts mark. It figures, considering that Professor Umbridge was horrible. I got an O in Potions, which is quite surprising. It's probably because Professor Snape wasn't hovering and sneering over me during the OWL's exams. See you at Diagon Alley!
Harry
With excitement, he started writing Remus' letter:
Dear Remus,
I can't believe it! Thank you so much for the offer to visit! I have to ask the Dursleys about it though. It's great being able to talk to you. I've been so lonely this summer. All I can think about is my godfather....
I broke my ankle when walking Dudley's dog. It's a long story. I really do hope You-Know-Who dies. I really can't stand him. Who's the leader of the other side anyway? And what are the 'Royals'? Ron's father got a raise and Fred and George own their own joke shop at Diagon Alley. Hermione's vacationing in Italy. I did pretty good on my O.W.L.s. Thank you so, so, so much for the broom. I can't wait to fly it. I'm going to get my Firebolt back, but I won't fly it. All I'll think about is Sirius on that broom. Hopefully, I'll see you in two weeks!
Harry
Harry took out another piece of parchment for his letter to Hogwarts. Before he dipped his quill in more ink, he put the end of the quill to his mouth in thought. Which classes should I take? he thought to himself. He was obviously going to take the four he needed without a doubt. He absolutely wouldn't take History of Magic. The last thing he needed during his NEWT years were tons of useless notes to memorize. Unfortunately, he would probably take the classes encouraged to be taken. Just when I thought I could get out of seeing into nothing! he though. He would probably take Care of Magical Creatures, since it was his friends Hagrid who would be teaching them. The only ones he wouldn't be taking would be Ancient Runes, Astronomy and History of Magic.
Once his decision was made, he thought what he would write, and started scribbling on the parchment his letter to Professor McGonagoll.
Dear Professor McGonagoll and Administration of Hogwarts,
For my NEWT classes, I have chosen to study Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Divinations (he wrote in frustration).
Harry
"Maybe being 16 years old isn't so bad," he said to himself.
Putting back everything, he spotted the mirror Sirius had given him under his bed. He pulled it out to take a look at it. As he watched his reflection in the mirror, all he could think about was the death of his godfather. The death still hadn't sunken in, and he wanted more than anything to have him back. Clutching the mirror to his chest, he laid back onto the bed and drifted off in sleep, dreaming more about Sirius' death.
Author's Note: I SOOOO hope you liked that. Hopefully tomorrow, or sometime soon, I'll put up the 2nd Chapter called: The Burning Scar. I've written the whole story already, I just have to edit it. AND OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLLLLLEEEEAAASSSSEEEE REVIEW! And please no flames, I'm delicate. This is like my baby.... my precious....OK, that was creepy.