Harry Potter and the Cilicis School
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter :(
Author's Note: Hi! This is my first fanfiction, please read and review, all comments/feedback will be appreciated. Thank you! (note this chapter has been revised)
The summer weather in Little Whinging was unnaturally cool, and the constant sound of rain hitting a small closed window did nothing to improve the raven haired boy's mood. The teen, who's emerald green eyes were staring unfocused at the low ceiling of a dimly lit bedroom, was none other then Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived.
The days following his arrival at the Dursley's house, Harry stayed out of his relatives' way by spending time alone in his room. Unlike many people, he had found that his time was occupied fairly well by contemplating the nightmarish prophesy he had heard only weeks before, and thinking about his late godfather Sirius Black. Although he still missed Sirius, Harry knew that he needed to get over his godfather's death so he could move on with his life and fulfill Sybil Trelawney's prophecy.
Harry's musings were abruptly interrupted when he heard the low chime of the chipped green alarm clock on his desk. He tiredly rubbed his eyes and looked at the clock, he was surprised to see it read 12:00 am, a slow smile formed on the boy's face as he realized it was July 31st, his 16th birthday.
As if the clock's quite alarm had been a signal, 5 owls and a bright red parrot arrived at Harry's small window. Harry hurriedly opened the window to let the wet birds in, he was surprised at the pang of happiness he felt as he saw that Hedwig, Errol and Pig among the mass of feathered animals clustered on the floor. Hedwig stared at Harry with her large amber eyes, and held out her leg so he could open his post. After feeding and collecting parcels and letters from the other birds, Harry lay down on his bed to begin opening his mail.
Harry's first gift was from Hermione, she had gotten him a full set of Defensive Magic encyclopedias. Harry quickly wrote a thank you note to his friend, though he secretly felt bad for Hedwig who had to carry the heavy present. From the Weasleys, he received a variety of homemade goods as well as a basket of chocolate frogs from Ron. Remus had sent Harry a miniature snitch that was created for seekers who wanted to be able to practice their quidditch skills at any given time. Lastly, he cautiously approached the alarmingly red parrot, and untied the small package and letter from its leg. After reading the lime green scroll of parchment, Harry had to stop himself from laughing out loud, (after all the Dursleys were asleep) Fred and George had outdone themselves this time! The infamous Weasley twins had finally opened up their joke shop 'Weasleys Wizard Wheezes' and were using exotic birds to deliver their products. Harry decided that it would probably be safer if he opened the twins' present when the Dursleys weren't around to witness the result.
Just as Harry was about to try to attempt sleep, he noticed a rather larger envelope resting on his night side table. Cautiously, he opened the mysterious envelope and was relieved to see Professor Dumbledore's familiar loopy script.
Dear Harry,
Recent events have led the members of The Order to believe that Hogwarts is no longer a safe location for you to reside during the school year. There has been a significant increase in Death eater activity in the last month. I'm sorry to deliver this unfortunate news, but it has been decided that Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and yourself shall be attending another wizarding school for the duration of your sixth year. In writing I can not give you much information , but I can tell you that the school location is safe, and will an excellent educational opportunity. I shall be seeing you soon; this letter is a portkey that should activate at 10:30 am sharp.
Yours truly,
Albus Dumbledore
Harry slowly re-read the letter, after a minute of staring at the now crumpled parchment, he lay down on his bed and closed his eyes. He could not believe what had just happened, he had gone from happily opening his friends' birthday gifts to finding out that he would not be attending Hogwarts as a sixth year student. 'Well, at least Snape will finally be rid of me,' he thought bitterly.
Number 4 Privet drive was never a home in Harry's mind. Hogwarts was one of the only places he felt safe, but now he would be giving up the only real home he had ever had.