Bringing Darkness Down

It was a beautiful summer day, one where we find peace and quiet in Surrey. Vernon and Petunia Dursley of Number Four, Privet Drive are resting quite comfortably in their lounge, thoughts of their nephew far from their minds. But as the day progresses, one may wonder if peace were not meant to last in this happy household.

For strolling up the walk, a grim look plastered on his face, was their to-be-forgotten nephew, Harry Potter. Harry brought anger to the household, as he was not one of their kind. But to him, they seemed more... fearful than angry. They seemed to be scared of "his kind" as they spoke of Harry's family to the neighbours.

Harry Potter was a sixteen-nearly seventeen- year old wizard. Harry spent every year, Spetember to June, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the only place he had ever really been able to call home. Most wizards were powerful, but Harry was a different, remarkable case altogether. Harry Potter was the only person ever known to survive the words Avada Kedavra which were followed by a flash of green light. In short, the killing curse. The killing curse had been cast on him at the age of one, by Lord Voldemort, the most evil wizard of all time. Many people were afraid to even speak or think his name. Harry had a blood protection, which he had gotten from his father and mother, but mostly his mother, who had given her life to save her small son. Harry had been raised by his Aunt Petunia and his Uncle Vernon, who had one son, Dudley. The family had never given Harry a good life and had tried "to squash the magic out of him" but obviously this had not worked. But then, at the age of 13, Harry found out he could have been happily raised by his godfather, Sirius Black. But then Sirius had died when Harry was 15, leaving him alone in the world. This past year, Harry had been learning all he could about Lord Voldemort so that when the prophecy came true, he could kill the Lord Voldemort, the one who had killed so many, and make him pay. But one week ago today, Harry's greatest protector and mentor, Professor Albus Dumbledore had been killed at the hands of one his own colleagues, Professor Severus Snape. For Harry, this was the first time he was truly alone, but at least this year he could do magic outside of school...

Harry made his way up the walk, keeping his head down and his eyes averted from the stares of the curious neighbours, as he curtly knocked on the door. Harry hated Number Four, Privet Drive and was only returning because he had promised Dumbledore he would. As Uncle Vernon wrenched open the door and saw his sixteen year old nephew standing there, Harry was amazed to see his face turn the exact colour of puce.

"Petunia! He's back!" Uncle Vernon yelled, shocked, before turning back to the tired and forlorn figure standing there in front of him. "What are you here for boy? That school of yours doesn't end for 1 week." He hissed at Harry, careful to keep his voice out of the hearing range of his pesky neighbours.

"My professor died so they sent us home early." Harry announced the world with a melodramatic sigh. Harry pushed past his uncle and trudged up the stairs, then turned around, and evil grin apparent on his face.

"Remember, I can do magic this year here, so you better watch out!" This statement from Harry had the desired reaction and Harry watched with satisfaction as both his aunt and uncle turned pale at the thought of magic.

Harry proceeded up the stairs and flopped down onto his bed. Suddenly all the painful memories flooded back. As Harry attempted to block them out, he thought of Ron, of Bill, of Hermione and of

Ginny

Moaning as he thought of Ginny, of his Ginny, he tried to keep in mind how much he wanted her to be safe. Unless he stopped this, he would trick himself into taking her back and the results would not be good. But everything flooded back as he remembered the look she had on her face as they parted outside the station, making their breakup real. With one last hug and passionate kiss, their fingers were laced together and as they pulled away their hands caught and Harry felt magic rush through them. But he let go and as he walked away he looked over his shoulder at her, cringing at the agonized expression on her beautiful face. He could almost swear he could feel her pain and he hated the little tugs on his heart he felt for it hurt him dreadfully to feel like this.

Switching the path his thoughts had chosen to take, he thought of Ron and Hermione who promised they would soon be coming. He wondered if there was any possible way he could talk them out of it and he made himself comfortable on the bed as he prepared to think.

Harry had no idea how on Earth he was going to convince them to remain behind but so help him, they were going to stay here. He wanted them to be safe, just as much as he wanted Ginny to be safe.

Just as he settled down to some serious thinking, an owl flew in. Harry looked up in surpirse and saw a beautiful white owl that wasn't Hedwig. He sstorde over to the owl cautiously and there was a letter from Ginny attached.

Dear Harry,
Look, I know we just saw each other at the train station and everything but I was curious about something. Harry, are we really over or is this still just you trying to keep me safe? Because for some reason I get the feeling you miss me. AT the train station, it seemed that I could feel your feelings and your despair almost doubled my own. I will wait Harry, but if Ron's coming I am too! I know you want me safe but this my Weasley side coming out and I already have a target on my back so it doesn't matter. You will need my help and I will die waiting for you to come back! Please Harry? Of course, if you can talk Ron and Hermione out of coming I'll give up, but not until then! Don't bet on convincing them Harry!
With Love,
Your Ginny