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Chapter One- The End of a Very Long Summer

It was a normal day on Privet drive. The sun was out, the children were playing, and business was running along smoothly. But in the Dursley house there was a shadow of gloom. It was the day before Harry's seventeenth birthday. Harry sat up in his room feeling more depressed then ever. Yes, he was excited about being able to leave the Dursley's for good, but he was also sad about Ginny. That was all he could think about all summer.

Harry was looking out his window daydreaming when he heard a sudden pop. He turned around to find Ron standing in the middle of his bedroom.

"Hey mate, how have you been?"

Harry was filled with excitement; he couldn't contain himself. Before you knew it, he was up hugging Ron. He hadn't seen his friend in weeks.

"Geez what have they done to you?"

"Sorry mate, I haven't seen you in weeks. I haven't seen anyone in weeks. Where have you been?"

"Oh, sorry 'bout that. I've just been so busy, with the wedding and all."

Ron's brother Bill had gotten married over the summer. Harry was invited, but declined the invitation. He knew he couldn't handle seeing Ginny, but used the simple excuse that his Aunt and Uncle wouldn't let him go.

"It's to bad that you couldn't come, it was great. The best part was when they finally left. The house has been so nice since then."

"Well that's great. So how is everything been? I've been so out of touch with the wizarding world and everyone for a while now."

"Everything's great. Hernione's staying with us for the rest of the summer. Mum and Dad have been trying to make the best of things. Fred and George's business seems to be booming. And Ginny, well…"

"Well what? Has something happened?" Harry asked with concern in his voice.

"No, nothing happened, she's just been in this mood all summer. It's like she's really depressed, but is covering it up with anger. To tell you the truth mate, she's miserable."

"Well great, that's just what I need to hear. Thanks, you've made me feel a whole lot better. I have to see her tomorrow ya know."

With feeling even more depressed than ever now, Ron decided that it was safer to change the subject and get off the topic of Ginny.

"So mate, you need any help packing. Won't it be great to get out of this prison?"

"Oh, I know, but that's alright I'm almost done, I just want to get the hell out of here." Harry said looking around the room. The walls were now bare and all that was left to pack up was what was on his desk. On top of the pile there was the photo album that Hagrid gave him after first year. It was open to a page where there was a picture of him and Ginny relaxing next to their tree at Hogwarts. Harry missed Ginny tremendously, but couldn't bear to put her into danger.

"Well mate, gotta run, but I'll be back tomorrow morning to get you."

"Alright mate, I'll see ya."

And with a small pop, Ron was gone and Harry went back to his chair and looked at the photo album on his desk.

The next morning came and Harry felt a little better knowing that he would soon be rid of his retched family. He finished up packing the last of his things and lugged his trunk and Hedwig's cage downstairs. He came to a halt when he was surprised to find a letter waiting for him. It was from the Ministry of magic.

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have become of legal wizarding age. You may now use your powers freely and apparate as soon as you have passed your test. We hope you use your magic wisely.

Sincerely Yours,

The Department of Wizard Legalization

Harry suddenly heard a knock at the door. He opened it to find Ron standing before him and behind him was a car.

"Hey Ron, what's with the car?"

"Well my dad thought it would be safer to have someone drive you to the Burrow then for me to take you, ya know with everything that's been going on and all."

Harry nodded and opened the door wider to let Ron in.

"So are you ready to go?"

"Just give me a couple of minutes, I have some unfinished business to attend to."

With that, Harry turned and walked into the kitchen followed closely by Ron.

"Boy, what in the hell is he doing here?" Uncle Vernon shouted pointing his fat stubby finger at Ron.

"Oh, do shut up." Ron replied

"How dare you speak to me that way. This is my …" But before Uncle Vernon could finish, with a flick of Ron's wand, his voice was gone.

Dudley, not realizing anything that was going on, was glued to the T.V. Harry saw this as an easy way to get back at his cousin. So, Harry pulled out his wand and with the flick of his wrist a pigtail started to grow out of Dudley's butt. Dudley was now running around yelling and with another flick of his wrist he had a snout, two ears, and was now even squealing like a pig. Harry and Ron could do nothing but laugh as Aunt Petunia was running around not knowing what to do.

"Now, that serves you right. We'll be off now, have a nice day!"

Pleased with themselves, Ron and Harry turned and walked out the door. They got into the car and left for the Burrow. The ride wasn't that long. When they finally reached the house Harry looked at the home as his sanctuary. This was the closest to home that he was ever going to get.

A/N: Thanks for reading. I hope you like it. I know, not so good, but it gets better, I promise. Please REVIEW! Loves!