Harry Potter and the Year of Realizations

by Michelle Kay

CHAPTER 23 UP! Harrys' fifth year was a living hell, will his sixth be any better? With Hermione by his side, it might be just that... but why has Voldemort been so quiet lately? And why is it so hard to be away from Hermione? HHr RLuna DG

1. The Letter

Title: Harry Potter and the Year of Realizations

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Harry had a rough fifth year, will his sixth be any better? Harry has a feeling it will be, but he's a little confused about the way Hermione's been acting.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling. (Although sometimes I wish I owned Harry, j/k (strike the 'sometimes'))

Chapter One: The Letter

It was a normal day on the lonely morning streets of Surrey, particularly Privet Dr. People have lived on this street for years and haven't known that they are in the presence of a real live hero, a hero who deserves some glory, but not here. They can never know. For this wasn't an ordinary hero, as ordinary as heroes are, this hero was a wizard, yes, you read right, a wizard, the one and only Harry Potter.

Harry woke up groggily and looked at his watch. It was only 6:30 am, but he was supposed to hear from Ron today about staying with him the next week until school started again.

He got out of bed and got out his over-sized shirts and pants. He put them on and headed down the stairs to make breakfast for the Dursleys. After he finished making breakfast the Dursleys walked down the stairs, completely ignoring Harry. Harry trudged back up the stairs. When he opened his door Hedwig flew in with a letter attached to his talons. Harry reached over and patted Hedwig on the head. "Sorry girl, I'm all out of treats for now." Hedwig only turned away and waited for Harry to take the letter. She turned up her beak and flew back out the window.

Harry opened the letter and read:

Dear Harry,

Hey, mate, how's it going? Probably not too well. I have great news, my mum said it was fine if you spent the last week before school here. Hermione is coming two days before school starts, she wants to finish reading Hogwarts: a History again. Anyway, I'll be seeing you soon. Mum and dad are coming to pick you up at 1:00pm. See you soon, mate.
Your Friend,
Ron

Harry folded the letter back up and laid it with the rest of his stuff. He packed up the rest of his things and put them in his trunk. He then whistled out to Hedwig, who unwilling flew into the room landing on her perch. Harry closed the window and waited for Ron's parents to arrive.