Chapter 1 - Phoenix Posts

Twinkling stars lit the Prussian blue sky faintly with their dim light. A boy with messy jet-black hair lay on the crumpled covers of a creaky bed. He had bags under his eyes from all the nightmares he had had, dreaming of the veil in the Department of Mysteries, when Sirius had fallen through the veil. He was dead. Harry had almost fully recovered from the shock, but he still felt as if that there was a void in his heart, as if a huge chunk of his life was missing.

A minute to his birthday. Thirty seconds... ten... five... four... three... two... one... "Bound to be attacked by a horde of owls." Harry grumbled. Just as he was saying so, Fawkes appeared out of nowhere, carrying a huge bag. "So, they've decided to send me everything with a phoenix instead of a dozen owls."

"'Lo Fawkes."

Fawkes sang softly in reply. Harry took the bag from Fawkes and set it on the bed, which creaked. Picking up the letter on the top of the pile, he opened it and was greeted by the familiar scrawl of Hagrid.

Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! Got this present for ya. Make a good pair with yer
present last year. ("Why do I have a feeling that it is something that
bites?") Can't write much here. Hope ta see ya soon!
Cheers,
Hagrid.

Harry dug up Hagrid's present from the pile and opened it. True to the very thought, it was a leather bag with fangs. It had been meant to prevent thieves (or him for that matter) from taking anything out and putting anything in. "Next one."

Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I'm at that Grim and old place. I hope that you're coping well with Snuffles death. Whatever you think Harry, it is NOT YOUR FAULT. It is Voldemort's fault and don't blame yourself for it ("Of course I don't." Muttered Harry sarcastically.) Professor Dumbledore will let you come here soon. Remember to finish your homework and I hope that you like the present I've got you. Take care.

Love, Hermione.

Harry extricated Hermione's present and as always, it was a book. "Most useful curses, jinxes and hexes. Sounds interesting. Next one."

Hey Buddy!
Happy Birthday! How are you? Hermione keeps nagging at me to do my homework (as usual). She has finished all of hers! I wonder how she does it! Percy is still being a prat, insisting that the ministry is right even though all evidence points the other way. Hope you like the present. I think that Fred and George have sent you something too. You'd better be careful just in case it blasts your head open or something. See you soon pal!

Ron.

Ron's present turned out to be a chess set from the whole Weasley family. The next letter was obviously from Fred and George as the envelope was of an interesting shade of yellow and purple.

Hello Harry!
We have decided to make you our Honourable Partner in Mischief Making for the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. Thanks to your kind donation and support, we have earned and amazing amount of money. To express our gratitude, we will send you samples of all of our new products from now on. Be good young Harry and don't forget to give our regards to that wonderful cousin of yours!

Chief Mischief Makers, Misters Gred and Forge.

"Looks like even Voldemort's return can't dampen their spirits." Harry said with a slight chuckle. Their presents consisted of all sorts of pranks like Colour Turners, Spectacular Speeches etc. Harry laughed himself silly at the thought of the wonderful shade of puce Uncle Vernon's face would be at the sight of a neon pink Dudley. He opened the next letter.

Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! How are you? Hope that the Dursleys are treating you all right. Life here at Grim and old place is hectic. We are still trying to clean the house but we still didn't succeed in getting rid of the portrait of Snuffles's mum. Kreacher has gone really mad and succeeded in killing himself because of the guilt of betraying the family he served. I must say that I am glad of that ("That's an understatement.") Luna sends her regards and hopes to see you soon!

Ginny.

Ginny had sent him a box of sugar quills and chocolate frogs. "Second last letter."

Dear Harry,
How are you? Happy Birthday! I know that you are still blaming yourself for Padfoot's death. Don't. Padfoot once told me that if he ever died, you are not to blame yourself for his death. He said that if you ever dared to blame yourself for his death, he WILL personally come back to haunt you. This present is from Padfoot and I. Hope that you will like it. I think that you will like what I'm going to tell you. At seven o'clock in the morning, Fawkes will bring you to the Headquarters. Bring everything that you will need for school. Take care and see you soon!

Love, Remus.

Harry unwrapped the present and let out a gasp. The Marauders' book of Murderous Pranks. "Wow!" Harry whispered. "They must have taken a long time to write that!" In the book were records of all the pranks the marauders had played during their school day. Harry opened the last letter. It was from Hogwarts.

Dear Mr Potter,
Please note that the new school year will begin as usual on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave King's Cross Station at eleven o'clock sharp. Enclosed are your OWL results. Please choose the subjects that you wish to take for the NEWTS. Please reply by no later than 15th August and another letter with your booklist will be sent to you. Thank you.

Yours Sincerely, Professor M. McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

There was another piece of parchment in the envelope. It was his OWL results.

The following are the results that Mr Harry James Potter has acquired for the Ordinary Wizarding Levels (OWLs).

Astronomy- Acceptable

Care of Magical Creatures- Outstanding

Charms- Outstanding

Defence against the Dark Arts- Outstanding

Divination- Poor

Herbology- Exceed Expectations

History of Magic- Poor

Potions- Outstanding

Transfiguration- Outstanding

"What? Outstanding for Potions? Who're you kidding?" Harry goggled at his results. He had gotten all the OWLs needed to become an Auror, and would start his sixth year in two months' time. He grinned slightly as he thought of a trick to play on Dudley to pay him out for his constant bullying of him.

A/n: Alright... this fanfic is sort of forced out as it is done for a project so bear with it if it's not fabulous!!! And it's jointly written by me, ice cold star and lameo. And a small part by sam. Yes. So read and review!!! Thanks =) review!!! =) I know it not good... runs around apologising =)