Harry had been staying at the Leaky Cauldron for almost all of summer vacation. He could not easily say what made him leave the Dursley's, especially after the man he admired so much had expressly told him not too. He stared up at the ceiling blankly. Distantly a clock chimed.

It still did not seem like Albus Dumbledore was dead. He shut his eyes tight, blocking the tears that threatened to come through.

Suddenly Hedwig swooped in carrying a mass of letters. Harry sat up confusedly and grabbed them, absentmindedly handing Hedwig a treat. He flipped through the letters. Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, Remus Lupin, the list went on and on. He came to an official looking envelope with "Ministry of Magic" emblazoned on the front. He put the others aside for a moment and ripped the top of the Ministry letter.

Mr. Potter,

Now that you have come of age in the Wizarding world, you are able to do magic outside of school. We must ask that you abide by all wizarding laws in this new use of magic. Attached is an overview of all important laws regarding the use of magic, but we suggest that you obtain a copy of the complete list of wizarding laws as soon as possible

Misuse of Magic Office

Harry stared at the letter. He had forgotten his own birthday. Even when he had no friends when he was younger, no one to send him cards, he always remembered. Dazed, he flipped through the rest of the letters. Most were the same, some variation of "Happy Birthday Harry! See you soon!", some including an inquiry into his condition after Dumbledore's death. But Hermione, ever the over-acheiver, had the longest letter by far.

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday! Sorry I haven't had a chance to write, but everything has been a little crazy here. I have a BIG surprise for you when we get to school. (and not a moment before so don't bother me about it!) I'm afraid that I won't be able to meet you and Ron to pick up school supplies as I had to pick mine up early this year ('Well that's good' Harry thought as he had already picked his up) because of the aforementioned surprise. I can't believe its our last year at Hogwarts! It seems like yesterday that I burst into your carriage asking about Neville's toad. I suppose I didn't come off so well in those first moments…or months. I never did make a good first impression. I should wrap this letter up before I write out all our adventures? Goodness you could probably fill an entire book each year! So I suppose I'll see you on the train!

Hermione

Harry wondered about the "surprise". It wasn't like Hermione to keep something like that to herself. He supposed he would have to wait for the train like she said.

Harry entered the platform early and immediately found an empty compartment. He sat alone and watched as the station filled and families said goodbye. He saw the Weasley's red hair but hadn't seen Ron yet, or Hermione and her surprise for that matter. Suddenly Pigwidgeon flew through the window with a letter attached

Hey Harry – Hermione and I have to stay in the Prefect's compartment because we've been named Head Boy (bet no one saw that coming) and Girl (of course) so we have "debriefing" until we get to Hogwarts. See you at the feast! –Ron

Harry sighed as Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom came into the compartment. He stared blankly out the window. This was going to be a long trip.

As everyone filed into the Great Hall Harry looked around for Ron and Hermione. He saw them sitting at the Gryffindor table with a seat saved. He sat on the other side of Hermione from Ron and sighed with relief as he sat with them.

"You two abandoned me" he said in what he hoped was a hurt sounding voice.

"We didn't mean to Harry!" Hermione immediately said frantically. "Professor McGonagall wouldn't –"

"I'm kidding Hermione!" Harry laughed. "I know you guys couldn't get away."

Hermione and Ron glared at him as Professor Flitwick led the first years into the Great Hall.

"So Hermione about this surprise…" Ron trailed off.

"You'll find out soon enough, Ronald," she said sharply. "The same answer I have given you since the beginning of the train ride!"

Harry snickered as they continued bickering. It was good to be back.

The final first year was sorted and Professor McGonagall stood. Ron grabbed his fork, expecting the food to appear soon, as did many other students, but Hermione stared at McGonagall with a look in her eyes that made Harry suspicious.

"As some of you may know," McGonagall began, "England and America have been on terrible terms in the Wizarding world for a few hundred years, ever since the rebellion in 1620 that caused a group of witches and wizards to leave England. This situation only worsened in 1776 when the colonies broke off and declared themselves independent. Because of this tension, we know nothing of what happens in the Wizarding world of America, and they know nothing of ours."

Harry was beginning to grow bored until he glanced at Hermione again. She looked positively gleeful and was hiding it so poorly that even Ron noticed.

"What are you so happy about?" he grumbled. "The foods not on the table yet and we are getting a history lesson!"

Hermione quickly shushed him and continued watching McGonagall, leaving Harry and Ron no choice but to listen as well.

"In an attempt to breach this animosity, Hogwarts has accepted an exchange student from Salem University for Witchcraft and Wizardry. I ask you all to give a warm welcome to Regina Black."

The doors burst open and a girl stepped in and immediately had the attention of every male in the Great hall. With long, slender legs, an hourglass figure, and perfect features, she could easily have been a model. Her long, straight black hair fell to her mid back, and her striking blue-grey eyes stared out from beneath her thick bangs. She had a slight smile that could almost have been called a smirk and was looking amusedly at the students. She wore all tight black clothes and as she walked purposely to the front of the hall her heel clicked through the silence in the hall. She sent a smile and wave at Hermione who waved back with a grin.

"THIS was your surprise Hermione!" Ron said.

"Yeah, she needed somewhere to stay over vacations and my family decided to do it. You will absolutely love her." Hermione said enthusiastically

Harry just stared as Regina reached the stool and the sorting hat and gracefully sat on the stool. She lightly placed the hat on her head and looked out at the students staring back at her.

A minute passed. Then two. Then the rip at the top of the hat opened and the hat said "Headmistress will you make the girl drop her Occlumency shields!"

McGonagall looked stunned. "Um yes…um Ms. Black I assure you it is completely safe to reveal your mind to the sorting hat."

Regina looked at her. "OK fine," she said exasperatedly. "But if it says anything I'm blaming you."

The students were shocked. No one talked to McGonagall like that. But McGonagall simply smiled slightly and nodded.

Regina sighed and turned back to face the students, sans Occlumency shields.

Two minutes later the hat made its decision. "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted and Regina lightly walked over to Hermione, who had shoved a dazed Harry over to make room for her.