The forest was black as pitch, and the trees were dead gray and intimidating. A fog settled about the ankles. The sky was dark and moonless with thick-gray clouds. Lightning flashed across the sky, but no thunder was heard.

Just ahead a clearing was ablaze with flashes of light, most of them green. A faint hissing noise rose from the clearing easily overlooked by many, but he understood. It said "Come Harry Potter. Come and watch your poor blood traitor and filthy mudblood friends destroy each other." A flash of light knocked him off his feet; a second dragged him into the clearing.

Harry heard the first vile word of the killing curse; and looked up to see Ron pointing his wand at Hermione.

"No Ron!" Cried Harry, "please don't."

"KEDAVRA!" Ron shouted and Hermione fell lifelessly to the ground.

Nevertheless, after a moment she stood up, and screamed "Crucio!" Sending Colin Creevey into an agonizing torment as white-hot needles pierced his skin.

A black light flew past as Ginny placed Neville under the imperious curse. "Find that mudblood whore Granger. Find her and take her the like animal she is," she commanded in a hysterical whisper. "And when you're done, smash her brains on a rock!"

Harry awoke, shaking violently as he recounted yet another dream. That dream was the worst so far, he thought. He could feel Voldemort's presence, as if he had possessed his friends. His friends looked like the very embodiment of the evil that was Voldemort. Their robes torn to shreds, faces hollow, eyes bloodshot, and limbs bent at odd angles.

He was disgusted at the way Ginny had made Neville touch Hermione. How he had ripped off her robes, then forcibly bent her over a tree stump. How he had taken a knife and stuck it through her back to hold her down. How he had undone his pants and,

Harry leaned over and vomited into the wastebasket by his bed.

While he was recovering from evacuating the past weeks meals from his stomach he heard a soft urgent tap at the window. He looked up to see three owls at his window he smiled; his friends had remembered his birthday. He rinsed his mouth with the water from his desk, then got up and opened the window. Two of the owls swooped in and perched on the desk next to Hedwig. The third owl was Pig, his best friend Ron Weasley's owl. Pig was the most energetic owl Harry had ever encountered; had it not been for his superb seeker reflexes, the owl would have flown around his rooms for at least an hour before tiring. He took the letter from the owl's leg and smiled, Ron's handwriting was as messy as ever. He opened the envelope and removed the letter; a small package fell from its folds.

Harry,

Happy birthday mate! I was going to turn this letter into a portkey to get you to the burrow but Dumbledore told me you would have something more important to do soon enough. We're going to Diagon Alley a week before term starts, we'll be staying at the Leaky Cauldron. I had mum shrink your gift so Pig could carry it, it should return to its normal size in a moment.

Ron

He looked at the two unknown owls. One of them was large with jet-black feathers, and a golden marking on its chest. The other was smaller and chestnut in color. He took the letter from the black owl, it was from Professor Dumbledore.

Harry,

It is with my greatest sympathies at heart that I tell you this. You, as of the Eighteenth of June Nineteen Ninety-Six, have become the title-holder of a Number 12 Grimmauld Place. As well as controller of Mr. Sirius Black's Gringotts account. I am also handing, over the deeds to your parent's home in Godric Hollow. If you wish you may stay there for the rest of the summer as I must ask you to continue to allow me to use Grimmauld Place as a headquarters. Your parent's home is safeguarded by a magic long forgotten but you should have no problem getting in. Dobby and Winky have asked to work for you; they have agreed to take wages, and vacation days. I'm sure that their presence will be need in Godric Hollow. As soon as you are ready to go to your parent's home just call Dobby and Winky and they will help you pack and travel. I have taken the liberty of including your O.W.L results in this letter as well.

Albus Dumbledore

Harry looked in the envelope and found another inside. It was made of thick vibrantly purple parchment, with a silver gilded design and the seal of the "Wizarding Examinations Authority"

The Ministry of Magic

Hereby Declares That

The Information Given

Are the Official OWL Results

Of Mr. Harry J. Potter.

You will receive three points for an outstanding mark on the exam. Two points will be awarded for a mark of exceeds expectations. One point shall be given for an acceptable mark.

In the examination of your theoretical knowledge of charms, you have received an Outstanding. In testing your practical comprehension of charms, we have found you to be outstanding.

In the examination of your theoretical knowledge of defensive spells, you have received an Outstanding. In testing your practical comprehension of defensive spells, we have found you to be outstanding.

In the examination of your theoretical knowledge of Transfiguration, you have received an Outstanding. In testing your practical ability to transfigure both animate and inanimate objects, we have found you to be outstanding.

In the examination of your theoretical knowledge of Herbology, you have received an Exceeds Expectations. In testing your practical comprehension of Herbology, we have found you to Exceed Expectations.

In the examination of your theoretical knowledge of Potions, you have received an Outstanding. In testing your practical comprehension of Potions, we have found you to Exceed Expectations.

In the examination of your theoretical knowledge of magical history, you have received an Exceeds Expectations.

In the examination of your theoretical knowledge of astronomy, you have received an Exceeds Expectation. In testing your practical comprehension of astronomy, we have found you to Exceed Expectations.

In the examination of your theoretical knowledge of the care of magical creatures, you have received an Exceeds Expectations. In testing your practical comprehension on the care of magical creatures, we have found you to be outstanding.

Mr. Potter we are pleased to inform you that you have received 38 OWLs. This is the second highest in quite a few centuries.

Freed Bowman

Department of Magical Education

Harry took a moment to take in the fact that he was the second smartest wizard or witch alive. He then moved on to the letter tied to the brown owl's leg. He recognized the elegant script immediately as Hermione's writing.

Dear Harry,

My family and I just got back from the Middle East after touring historical sites of the Crusades. The countries were beautiful, and the food wasn't that bad either.

We started our trip in Istanbul, Turkey. We went to the Hagia Sophia, a museum that's been an Orthodox Church as well as a Mosque. The architecture of the building was amazing; like a muggle Hogwarts. The mosaics on the walls were simply breathtaking, and the stained glass was astounding.

The second day we mostly walked around the city, and received a rather dull tour of the wall around it. The third day was better; we flew into Adana then drove to Antakya, where we visited the Hatay Archeological Museum. I was constantly taking notes and photographs here, as I saw many markings on the artifacts that looked as though they may be runes.

The next couple of days were exciting, but mostly we just toured castles. I would continue to tell you about my trip, but it's getting late. I promise to tell you more when I see you.

I did come across a very interesting book on the seventh day of my trip. We were in Masyaf Castle. We were walking through the castle library, when I saw it sitting on a shelf. I felt as if I needed to have the book, as if my life depended on it. So in true Gryffindor fashion I lingered back a bit from the group and stuck it in my bag. I think it's magical because I can't open it. I also find it strange that this book is without a title. I did ask Dumbledore if you could stay at my place for the rest of the summer. He said no, because you would be doing more important things. I miss you so write back soon.

Love,

Hermione

Harry was glad that Hermione was able to spend some time with her parents. Away from the evil that was plaguing England and perhaps even the entire British Isles within the next few months. He wished all his friends would leave. Voldemort wanted him; no one else should have to die for that. He shook his head to clear his thoughts; he knew his friends would never leave. He retrieved a sheet of parchment from his desk, inked his quill and began his reply to Hermione.

Dear Hermione,

I must say that I would like to look at the book you found. I know you're surprised right now. If your parents don't mind, why don't you stay with me at my parents place for the summer? I'm sure my parents have some books that may help you understand it. Write back if you can.

Harry

Rolling up the parchment, he called Hedwig over, "Oi Hedwig take this letter to Hermione." After nipping his finger once, she took off into the night. He looked over at the clock, which read one-thirty am, figuring he had at least four more hours of sleep he climbed back into his bed. As he lay there listening to the creeks of the house, and a tree swaying in the wind; he thought of seeing Hermione again. A smile fluttered across his face and he drifted off to sleep.