Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with Harry Potter, if I did I would be extremely rich, but I'm not. It all belongs to J. K. Rowling

Note: This is my own version of Book 7. All I own is some of the plot.

Harry Potter and the Beacon of Hope Chapter One – The Unwelcome Letter

The letter came on Harry's birthday. Harry didn't notice the owls at first, being too busy preparing to leave Privet Drive for the final time to see them swoop through the window, and only saw them when Ron pointed them out. Ron and his father had turned up a few minutes ago to pick up Harry. My Weasley was downstairs talking to the Dursleys but Ron had come up to help Harry pack.

Harry rushed over to the window and took the letters that the owls had been carrying. One was his usual Hogwarts letter; he simply threw this one aside, as he wasn't planning on returning to Hogwarts. The second letter was the one that interested him. He recognised it as a ministry of Magic letter, having received them 3 times in the past. He nervously opened it and read.

Dear Mr Potter,

It has come to my attention that you are planning to not return to Hogwarts School this year. As Minister for magic it is my duty to inform you that if you do not return to Hogwarts this year then you shall have to serve a sentence in Azkaban.

I hope that you understand our concern and do indeed return to school.

Yours sincerely,

Rufus Scrimgeour,

Minister for Magic.

"What!" yelled Harry so loudly it caused Hedwig to squawk in alarm, "he can't do this. I know he wanted me to be the ministry's mascot but this is out of hand. How did he…

"Harry I don't have a clue what you're talking about," interrupted Ron. Harry threw the letter under Ron's nose. Ron grew noticeably pale as he read it. "How did he find out?"

"That's what I'd like to know," snarled Harry. He threw his last possessions into his trunk and locked it. "Someone must have heard our conversation by the lake."

"Reeta Skeeta? Suggested Ron, "She's spied on us before. Erm, you might need this now." He nervously handed the Hogwarts letter back to Harry.

"Lets just go." They carried Harry's trunk down the stairs and were met in the hall by Mr Weasley.

"Ready to go?" he asked, waving his wand, causing Harry's trunk to vanish. Harry and Ron both nodded. Mr Weasley took hold of Ron's arm with his left hand and Harry's arm with his right. Just before the familiar sensation of Apparition came on, he noticed the Dursleys in the Living room had already got out a bottle of Champagne. A few moments later the trio appeared outside the Burrow. After clearing the security questions with Mrs Weasley they entered the kitchen and quite possibly for the last time, Harry entered his favourite house in the world.

Please review, I'll only carry on if you like it.