Please note that most of the characters are the property of J.K. Rowling. I don't own them. None of this material is intended to harm or otherwise disparage Rowling or her books.

I'm not a very amazing author, but please bear with me and be nice. I love to get reviews, so yeah! Please review! Thanks, and have fun reading!

Seventh Year Surprises

By TiredOfRumors

Chapter 1: Last Minute Letters

There were just two more days left till a new year at Hogwarts began. Harry was just sitting at his desk, fiddling with his fingers, bored. He had packed his trunk days in advance, for once, because he had little else to do. And even all that he was able to do, he preferred not to. For example, scrubbing the Dursleys' kitchen floor or cleaning out the toilet. Hedwig was out hunting, so there was nothing to entertain Harry, except for books and letters. Finally, he decided to write to Ron and Hermione, and send off the letter once Hedwig came back.

Hermione,
You'll never believe this! I actually packed all my school stuff in advance. Thanks a bunch for giving me tips on how to be organized! I think it might actually be working. So how's your summer going? Mine is definitely boring. I can't wait till school. I'll meet you at the platform. Till then!
Harry

Ron,
How's your summer going? And how's the joke shop Fred and George started going? I'd definitely be their best customer if only I could go to Diagon Alley more often! I'm really proud of them for carrying through with this whole thing. Can you believe that in a few days we'll see Hogwarts again? I guess I'll see you then. I'll meet you at the station.
Harry

He carefully folded up the parchment, and sealed it, waiting impatiently for Hedwig to arrive. At long last, he heard a delighted screech from outside, and Hedwig flew in, a dead mouse dangling from her beak. He tied the letter to her claws, and sent her off again.

Hermione was sitting at her desk, busily scribbling something or other, when Hedwig flew in with the letter. Recognizing the owl, Hermione smiled widely, happy to hear from Harry, and patted Hedwig. She read the brief letter, and then picked up her quill, a new piece of parchment, and began to scribble again.

Harry,
I am just as impatient as you are to get to Hogwarts! Staying at home with Mum and Dad is fun, but I miss learning. I'm glad to hear that you're finally getting more organized! I knew that it would work. The entire summer, I have been studying, as usual. I'm so nervous that I might say something wrong in class! Harry, you should also try studying. It helps pass the time, and you benefit from it. Well, yes, I'll see you at the platform! Don't be late, Harry. And don't forget anything. I don't want you to arrive at Hogwarts, missing your robes or wand. Good luck!
Hermione.

She briefly glanced over her letter, making sure she didn't leave anything out.

"Oh," she realized, "I forgot to tell him that I like him!" Hermione giggled, knowing she'd never admit it to anyone. Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink, as she sealed the letter, and sent Hedwig off, back to Harry. Then, she once again sat down, scribbling some last minute essays.

In the Burrow, Ron was frantically dumping all his things into his trunk. An assortment of books, socks, quills, and other stuff lay strewn all across the floor, even stuffed under his bed. In short, his entire room was a complete mess.

"Why can't these bloody trunks just pack themselves?" he muttered, shoving a book haphazardly into the trunk.

"Ron," Ginny called from downstairs, "Hedwig is here!"

Upon hearing that, Ron raced down the stairs, skipping every other step. He hadn't heard from Harry in ages, and was beginning to worry that something was wrong. It was unlike Harry to not write. He tore the letter open, and read it.

"Ginny," he shouted, "We're gonna meet Harry at the platform!"

"When, now!" she exclaimed. "Have you gone nuts?"

Ron whacked her head lightly with Harry's letter, and said, "Of course not! When we go to Hogwarts!"

"Hogwarts!" Ginny cried out. "I haven't started packing yet! It totally slipped my mind!"

"Are you crazy," Ron shouted, "start packing already!"

At that moment, Mrs. Weasley entered the kitchen, and intervened. "Ginny," she kindly said, "Ronny is right. You should start. But Ronny, you don't have to yell at your sister so much, do you?" Her was sugary sweet, as though she were urging him to apologize.

Ron made a sour face, and Ginny smiled triumphantly. Ron stomped off, annoyed at his sister for what seemed the hundredth time that summer. He didn't even bother writing back to Harry.