Chapter 2:

Just as she had promised in her letter, Hermione arrived at the Burrow a few days later, much to Ron's delight. It was odd to see them hold hands and be affectionate with each other, so Harry could kind of understand Ron's reservations with his and Ginny's relationship. Still, at least Harry and Ginny tried to conceal their affections. Ron made no effort to be secretive with Hermione, something that Ginny was quick to point out. Ron wouldn't say anything back, but his ears would turn redder than his hair which would make Hermione laugh. The four of them spent a lot of time together playing wizard's chess. Ron, having grown up playing it with his siblings, always won, but Harry was getting better with all of the practice. They also spent hours playing Quidditch. Hermione usually watched from the ground when they played, her nose buried in a book.

"Come on, Hermione, quick reading," Ron teased. "We're not in school anymore."

"Just because you don't want to increase your knowledge on interesting topics doesn't mean I don't want to," Hermione said with a smirk. They were close enough to see the words 'The History of House Elves' on the cover of the book and he and Ron shared an exasperated look.

Being together again made everything feel close to normal. It was easier to forget about the dark persisting thoughts that always begged for Harry's attention, and Quidditch usually exhausted him enough so that he went right into a deep sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. This false sense of security lasted about two weeks after Hermione's arrival. Then one morning the four of them were eating breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley when the mail came. This time it was Ron who divvied out the mail in between bites of food. Harry was surprised when Ron handed him a thick, folded up piece of parchment. His name was written in cursive on the front in heavy, black ink.

"Who's that from?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Not sure. I don't recognize the handwriting." Harry tore open the letter and a smaller piece of parchment fell out onto the table. He picked it up and read:

Harry,

Your dad gave me this letter years ago. I figured you would want to have a look at it. Hope all is well.

-C

Harry passed around the letter to the others, feeling his hands shaking as he looked down at the folded letter in his hands. His dad wrote this? He opened it while the others wondered aloud about the mysterious sender. Before he started reading he stood and left the room, feeling like this letter should be read in private. He hurried up to the room he shared with Ron, taking the stairs two at a time and closing the door softly behind him before leaning against it, breathing heavily. Finally he turned his attention to the letter, trying to steady his hands so he could focus on the words.

Dear Harry,

I've entrusted a close friend of mine to hold on to this letter for me. Your mother and I vowed to keep you safe from the moment we knew your mother was pregnant. The reason why my friend is holding this letter is to warn you of danger in case something happens to your mother and I and we are unable to contact you.

Harry had to stop there. His chest felt tight, constricted. He took a few deep breaths before reading on.

There is very dark and powerful magic in the world besides the kind you know. If you are reading this, you need to find help and safety immediately. Our friend is a Seer and can sense danger before it happens. Your mother and I love you very much, and we hope you never read the words on this letter.

With great love,

Your mother and father

Harry stared at the letter. This had to be a mistake. Maybe this was to warn him about Voldemort when he was still alive and he just received the letter very, very late. What if it was something worse? What if there was another wizard whose powers could completely overshadow any that Voldemort possessed? How would his parents expect him to find help if they didn't tell him what the danger was? What was the point then?

Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when there was a soft knock behind him. He quickly scampered away from the door right before it cracked open and Ron poked his head in.

"Alright, mate?" He was surprised to see Harry on the floor.

Harry shook his head, clutching the letter. "I need to talk to your dad."

Minutes later Mr. Weasley was crouched in front of Harry on the floor next to Ron's bed, his eyes scanning over every word of the letter slowly. He had ordered Ron, Hermione, and Ginny to stay in the kitchen, ignoring their protests. Harry watched his face intently as he read but he remained expressionless.

"Well?" Harry prompted when Mr. Weasley lowered the letter to his lap. "What do you think? I told you something didn't feel right."

"Harry, I think this is some kind of misunderstanding. Or, worse case scenario, a very hurtful prank. I just couldn't imagine what kind of threat this letter would be referring to."

Harry was disappointed Mr. Weasley didn't think it was more serious. Who did he know who would send such an awful prank? Even Malfoy at his worst wouldn't stoop to that level. He didn't know anyone else who would go through so much trouble to scare him. Did Mr. Weasley not believe him about his gut feeling that something wasn't right?

"Look," Mr. Weasley sighed when he registered the betrayal written on Harry's face. "I'll take this to the Ministry of Magic and see what I can find out. They may be able to trace the letter back to it's sender or see if it's been tampered with. For now, though, don't scare the others. If you want I can talk to them and make up some kind of excuse."

Harry nodded, even though guilt flooded through him. He told Ron, Hermione, and Ginny almost everything. Mr. Weasley gave his shoulder a squeeze and went back downstairs. Harry couldn't shake the bad feeling that was clouding his mind. He waited a few minutes before joining the others even though he felt too nauseous to eat. He could feel their eyes on him but whatever lie Mr. Weasley told them sufficed because nobody brought up the letter again.

That night Harry lied awake for hours after Ron's loud snoring had commenced. When he finally did slip into a restless sleep, he tossed and turned until someone was shaking him awake. His eyes shot open to see a slim figure leaning over him in the dim light. He opened his mouth but the shadow put a finger over his lips.

"Shh, it's me, Harry."

"Ginny? What are you doing in here?"

His eyes adjusted to the darkness and her features slowly came into focus, though slightly blurry because he didn't have his glasses on. She was frowning and she looked worried.

"You were talking in your sleep. Almost yelling. I could hear you from across the hall."

"Oh," he whispered, Ron's snoring nearly drowning out his words. "I'm sorry I woke you up."

"I was already awake," she whispered back, slipping her hand in his. "Harry, I'm worried about you. Whatever was in that letter made your nightmares worse."

"Ginny, it was nothing-" He began.

"I know when you're lying," she said, sounding annoyed. "And I know what my dad told us was some kind of cover up. I'm sure Ron and Hermione weren't fooled either."

"Ginny, look, I trust you with my life, but I can't tell you what's going on."

"I know. But I can't stand to hear you suffer by yourself. Whatever's going on, I want to be there to support you." She looked into his eyes with a softness that touched his heart. He felt a rush of gratitude for her and he pulled her down to lie on the bed with him, wrapping her in his arms and breathing in the smell of her shampoo. She rubbed his back and, what seemed like seconds later he was lulled into a peaceful sleep.

Author's note: I've never posted any of my writing anywhere before, so I'd be glad to accept any tips/criticism. Thanks :)