Ch. 2 –
Ronald Weasley got up at the sound of his mom's voice calling up at him from the kitchen on the bottom floor. He sighed and slowly dragged himself out of bed, and opened the window. 'Definitely going to be a miserable day,' he thought to himself. The sun was shining outside and the birds were chirping. Ron stretched and proceeded to close the shade. He was NOT in a very happy mood. Even Fred and George, who were visiting for the holidays recognized his glum mood and snappish behavior, and were forced to leave him alone.
He opened a box lying on his bed stand and looked at the sapphire necklace inside it. He had worked hard all summer at the Ministry with Percy (ugh!) and his dad to earn enough money for it. Now he was going to have to take it back. 'On the plus side,' he thought sardonically, 'at least now I'll be able to buy a new Nimbus 3003.' The reason for his depression was that because of his work in the summer, he had rarely spoken or written to Hermione, his ex-girlfriend. She had sent an owl two days back to break up with him. She said that because of all the time spent apart in the summer break and the arguments that they had been getting in when they were 'together', perhaps it was best they went back to simply being best friends.
Ron snorted with disgust but his attitude once again became sad. Privately, Ron suspected that it had more to do with the return of Victor Krum, internationally held as the greatest seeker now, and his much improved English, than with any problems between them. Victor had even made the cover of Teen Witch Monthly five consecutive times now as the most eligible wizard, according to his sister Ginny. He sighed again and closed the box, and headed downstairs. Even though he was feeling bad, he didn't feel complete despair or anger although he acted as if he did.
"Morning Mum," he called out to his mother, and bent down to kiss her on the cheek. Ron had certainly grown the past two years and stood easily at two inches over six feet tall, but he wasn't really shy about it because Harry was about the same height. It was almost a competition between them, seeing who was taller of the two best friends, one that Ron was coming up ahead in. Thinking of Harry reminded him of something else on his mind.
"Today is Harry's birthday right?" he asked his mother as she laid out a breakfast of pancakes in front of him.
"Yes dear, it is," she said. "Now eat up, I need you to have energy. This morning you have to degnome the garden and then feed the owls." From outside they heard a mighty grunt followed by an easily identifiable "Good show, old bean" coming from outside. "Your brothers have already started," Mrs. Weasely continued, as she sat on a seat opposite to Ron to begin her own breakfast.
"What about Ginny? Doesn't she have to help as well?" Ron asked in between bites. Ginny was the youngest of the Weasley children, and the only girl besides. She once had a crush on Harry, but things had long since changed and she had grown close to Neville Longbottom who returned her affection.
"Sorry," said Mrs Weasley after a sip of her coffee, one of Arthur's delicious discoveries from the muggle world. "She left early this morning by Floo to Kate's house. You still have Fred and George to help you though."
"Oh," Ron said intelligently. "Well I was thinking that maybe we could go pick up Harry this afternoon. He must be having an awful time with those gits he calls relatives.
"Ron! Watch your language," Mrs Weasely chided him, though she did not comment on the description of Harry's relatives. After the experience with them at the station last year, she was amazed by how inconsiderate and rude the guardians of one of the nicest boys she had met could actually be. "Actually, I did get an owl from Professor Dumbledore this morning saying that we could pick up Harry any time from now till school starts if we wanted. We can go get him,
"Yay!" shouted Ron, beaming happily, his eyes lit up with excitement.
"but AFTER you degnome the garden. I've already sent him a note with his special birthday brownies telling him we're coming this afternoon." With that, she pointed her wand to Ron's empty dishes and moved them to the sink whereupon the magic dishwashing gloves began to clean the syrup laden dishes.
"Oh, alright," Ron said irritably, and drained the remainder of his pumpkin juice. Standing up and stretching out, Ron went outside to go degnome with his brothers.
Walking outside, he quickly covered his eyes at the brightness of the sun. Over the past two days, it had been getting extremely hot and dry, to the point of being unusual even though it was summer. Blinking a few times, he removed his hand in front of his eyes and walked up to his brothers where they were wrestling with an especially stubborn gnome. The twins held one leg of the gnome each and were trying to yank him out of the hole, but he was grabbing on to some roots in the earth with unnatural energy, all the while muttering obscenities. Ron walked up to hear the gnome call out, "Leggo of me, ya dirty sons of a cow. Too scared to face me one on onnnneeeeeee...!!" the gnome exclaimed, cut off in mid-insult getting launched out of the yard by the twins, whose faces turned a hue to match the Weasely trademark red hair.
"'Ello Ronnikins," Fred called out to his younger sibling. "We've just about finished out here-," George continued, "but it's still nice of you to finally come out," completed Fred. With that the twins gave each other a glance and then leapt onto their unsuspecting younger brother to avenge the fact they did all the work.
"Gerrof!" Ron called out from underneath, but the mock-pummeling continued. Five minutes later, all red faced and happy, the brothers lay back. "Today might not be such a bad day after all," Ron thought to himself, and then lay back and closed his eyes.
*****
*****
Harry Potter woke up feeling refreshed for once, and was excited to face the day the first time all summer. Today was his 17th birthday, and hopefully the last birthday he would be spending with the Dursleys. After the upcoming year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he could legally move wherever he wanted to, which would probably be with his godfather Sirius Black, who while innocent, was too busy with the work of the Phoenix to be able to fully take care of Harry and offer the same protection that the Dursleys could boast.
Speaking of the wizarding world, Harry noticed a pecking sound on his closed window. He quickly sprang out of bed and opened the window. Five owls, including his own snowy white Hedwig, swooped in and dropped packages on his bed.
Harry felt a kind of euphoria at the knowledge that this would be his last birthday with the Dursleys for another reason also. After this upcoming year at Hogwarts, his prestigious Wizarding school, he would finally have a license to practice magic and would, in theory, go off to find a job in the wizarding world although he still had a sizable fortune left in Gringotts. Even though he there was no need for him to work, Harry felt a kind of obligation to the world that had rescued him from a miserable muggle life and offered him more than he could ever hope to repay. In short, he felt that he had a debt to the magical society and wanted to work it off.
Snapping out of his reverie, he looked at the presents and letters lying in front of him. All of the owls had flown off except his own Hedwig, who settled into her cage to rest and drink water. Picking up a present in green wrapping paper, he carefully opened it and removed a set of quiddich balls that had an orange color scheme. There was also a little picture of cannon on each of the balls with a cannonball roaming all over the ball. Inside the same package, there was another rectangular box in white wrapping and a small platter of brownies and other treats.
Harry pulled out the attached letter and began to read the inscribed message in Ron's messy handwriting:
Dear Harry,
How have you been with the Dursleys? If you need any more ton-tongue toffees to keep the muggles in line, just send Hedwig. Life in the Burrow has become hectic because Fred and George are visiting us. Its not a bad thing though. I was a little surprised at how fast they found a new home to live in. Percy stayed here for almost a year before he got his apartment. Anyway, I got you a set of special Chudley Cannon brand quiddich balls. Don't worry about losing them... just use the whistle that came with them and they will come back to you.
Hermione sent me an owl recently. She decided it was too awkward to be boyfriend / girlfriend with your best friend and broke up with me. I always thought that it was meant to be. Maybe I can talk to her and make her to be my girlfriend again later. What do you think? We can talk about that when (if?) you come here this summer.
Back to happier matters, the twins sent the white package. I'm not sure what it is, but I suspect it has something to do with 'Weasleys Wizard Wheezes'. They have alluded to it, but they have kept most of the information a secret from all of us. The brownies are from Mum of course. Try to hang on to your sanity; I think that you may be able to visit us soon, as soon as Dumbledore agrees anyway. Until then,
Your best friend,
Ron Weasley
Harry was a little shocked that his two best friends broke up. They had been a couple since the summer after their fourth year at Hogwarts. 'Oh well,' he thought to himself, 'If I know those two, they will be back together before a month at Hogwarts has passed.
Harry then proceeded to open the gift from the twins. Out of the white wrapping paper came a colorfully decorated box with three large 'W's placed prominently on the top front of it. Excitedly, he opened it up and found an assortment of joke items perfect to use on a certain despised Slytherin. Inside he found old favorites such as ton tongue toffees as well as new ones, such as five Weasley brand dung bombs that not only had the smell factor, but now turned anyone caught in its blast radius a sickly shade of green-brown. Harry grinned at these and the other useful devices he found and put it aside, eager to see his other presents.
The next present was from Hagrid, who had never failed to get him something since he rescued Harry from the muggles on his eleventh birthday. It turned out to be a wizard kaleidoscope that was very interesting to look through. Whenever you turned the dial not only different shapes and colors appeared, but also different smells and classical music. He particularly enjoyed Canon, composed by a muggle named Pachabel. Harry realized this would prove to be an invaluable aid in helping him sleep or recover from his all too common headaches. He silently promised to himself to thank Hagrid when they visited in the following school year.
Harry then opened a book shaped present that must obviously be from Hermione. An attached letter in her perfect cursive fell on to his bed and he picked it up to read:
Dear Harry,
How have you been? I hope you are keeping up with your course work. Just because you are a prefect doesn't excuse you from having to work less hard! I have just come home from a trip to Brazil where we explored the Amazon rain forest. I actually got to meet some of the native shaman that worked rudimentary forms of magic! It was really exciting and we all had a lot of fun.
In any case, I stupidly broke up with Ron last week because he hadn't written to me the whole summer. I got a letter from Ginny not two days later telling me that he had been working hard all summer at the Ministry to buy me some kind of gift. I hope he'll forgive me for being such a git. In any case, I shouldn't be bothering you with my troubles on your birthday. Think of it, after this year we'll be full wizards and witches! Think of all the opportunities available to us!
Remember Harry, if you ever need to talk to anyone about anything, I'll be here for you, and so will Ron. If your scar is hurting, please tell us about it and we can try to help you. After all, three minds are always better than one. I hope you enjoy your present; it's a book if you hadn't guessed. I'll see you at Diagon Alley hopefully near the end of the summer. Give me an owl if you go to Ron's house so we can set a date.
With Love,
Hermione
Smiling to himself while reading the letter, Harry was gratified to know that his friends would be able to resolve their differences easily. Anyone could see how happy they were together and it would be such a shame if they didn't try a little. Opening up the package, he unwrapped to find a book entitled Charms and Hexes to tease your friends and get your enemies. Harry was amused by the picture on the cover of the book that had a unhappy looking fellow being constantly cursed by a variety of hexes and charms and then being undone, the cycle repeating over and over. He looked through the book and found some charms, such as nasolifantus that made the victim grow an elephant's trunk over their noses.
Seeing an imperious looking package with the Hogwarts seal on it, Harry opened it next. He found the customary list from Professor McGonnell telling him to buy ingredients and books -- Advanced Charms, Grade 7 Spells and Enchantments (apparently Hogwarts was switching from the customary book, or perhaps this was normal for 7th years...), followed by Light Arts for Defense, then The Complete guide to a Magical Garden, and Potions Grade 7, along with some others -- but there was another attached letter similar to the one he got in his fifth year that made him a prefect that caught Harry's attention. Harry gulped and read on like the brave Griffindor that he was. The letter read:
Dear Mr. Potter,
You have accomplished the highest level of success available to a male student in Hogwarts because of your commitment to your studies, achievements on the quiddich field, and ... extra curricular activities. For your incredible work in these past six years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it is with pleasure I award you the position of Head Boy.
Your duties will be to supervise the Prefects in their duty and serve in the capacity of a teacher where one is not present. Further duties will be elaborated on when you come to school September first. You are expected to wear your badge on the train and other ceremonies at school this year. Congratulations,
Sincerely,
Professor Minerva McGonnell
Acting Headmaster
Harry didn't really know what to say about this. He knew it was an honor and on one hand he felt very happy at getting this achievement that he knew his father had also gotten many years before him. On the other hand, he felt sort of unhappy at getting this award because it would only serve to draw even more attention to him. "Anyway", he finally decided to himself, "I just got to deal with it," and put it out of his mind. ..... Next, Harry opened a small parcel in the shape of a box. Inside he found a letter from Sirius that read:
Harry,
Are you keeping well? That last dream is sounding worse than ever, and if what you saw is true, you are out of danger but I'm afraid for the world now. In any case, don't worry too much as the Order of Phoenix is stronger than ever and new members are joining in the fight against Voldemort as they are getting over their fear and learning to stand up for themselves.
I will be a real godfather to you when this war is over and we can do interesting things me and James did as kids that I'm sure you would enjoy. If you were wondering, your gift is the new brand of super miniaturizing trunks that are "the latest style of today's enterprising business wizard", as the catalog put it. All you have to do is say the word inlargus and tap it with your wand to make it grow to its full size. It has seven magical compartments that work similar to the way Barty Crouch Junior's trunk worked. When you want to shrink it again, say the word scrincan and tap it with your wand. I hope you find it useful. If you have any more dreams, remember to let me know. Take care,
Love,
Sirius
PS. If you misplace it, call tornare and wave your wand in a circle motion. After you have bonded to this trunk, it will return to you from where ever it is by teleporting to you when you do this.
The name Barty Crouch induced a shudder in Harry as he read his godfather's letter. Although Harry got over the events of the Triwizard tournament, he still remained sad over the unnecessary death of Cedric Diggory. So many deaths at occurred over the past few years since Voldemorts rise to power again, and the wizarding world was becoming almost as jaded as muggles to death and murder, Harry still felt the twinge in his heart as he thought about that year. Determined not to let past memories ruin his birthday and the gift that Sirius had obviously spent a lot of money on, he opened the package and found a perfect replica of a mohaghany trunk that fit in the palm of his hand. He tried enlarging it and shrinking it a few times and was amazed at the size of each compartment. He could fit his old trunk easily into each one and still have room for his Firebolt.
Harry was pulled out of playing with his new trunk with the sound of buzzing, almost like a Hummingbird. He looked up to find Pig flying circles in his room, as if to slow itself down from its top speed flight. Harry held out his arm and Pig easily glided down to perch itself on his forearm. Harry had to laugh at the excitable creature and detached the letter on its leg. It was a short note from Mrs. Weasely reading:
Dear Harry,
I hope your summer has been well. We have been looking forward to your visit all summer long and Dumbledore has finally agreed to allow you to come for these last few weeks. Arthur and Ron will come to your house around 5 o' clock tonight via portkey to pick you up. I hope to see you soon,
Love,
Molly Weasely
Harry absolutely exploded with happiness now. His birthday was now complete, as he got the final gift. He hadn't dared to hope to be able to go for a few more weeks at the very least, but he wasn't complaining about the good fortune. By now the rest of the household was stirring and it was time to get out of his room and fix breakfast for his "family", if you can call it that, so he shelved thoughts of quiddich in the summer sun and exploring the area surrounding the Weasely property in favor of the question sunny side up or scrambled?
Ronald Weasley got up at the sound of his mom's voice calling up at him from the kitchen on the bottom floor. He sighed and slowly dragged himself out of bed, and opened the window. 'Definitely going to be a miserable day,' he thought to himself. The sun was shining outside and the birds were chirping. Ron stretched and proceeded to close the shade. He was NOT in a very happy mood. Even Fred and George, who were visiting for the holidays recognized his glum mood and snappish behavior, and were forced to leave him alone.
He opened a box lying on his bed stand and looked at the sapphire necklace inside it. He had worked hard all summer at the Ministry with Percy (ugh!) and his dad to earn enough money for it. Now he was going to have to take it back. 'On the plus side,' he thought sardonically, 'at least now I'll be able to buy a new Nimbus 3003.' The reason for his depression was that because of his work in the summer, he had rarely spoken or written to Hermione, his ex-girlfriend. She had sent an owl two days back to break up with him. She said that because of all the time spent apart in the summer break and the arguments that they had been getting in when they were 'together', perhaps it was best they went back to simply being best friends.
Ron snorted with disgust but his attitude once again became sad. Privately, Ron suspected that it had more to do with the return of Victor Krum, internationally held as the greatest seeker now, and his much improved English, than with any problems between them. Victor had even made the cover of Teen Witch Monthly five consecutive times now as the most eligible wizard, according to his sister Ginny. He sighed again and closed the box, and headed downstairs. Even though he was feeling bad, he didn't feel complete despair or anger although he acted as if he did.
"Morning Mum," he called out to his mother, and bent down to kiss her on the cheek. Ron had certainly grown the past two years and stood easily at two inches over six feet tall, but he wasn't really shy about it because Harry was about the same height. It was almost a competition between them, seeing who was taller of the two best friends, one that Ron was coming up ahead in. Thinking of Harry reminded him of something else on his mind.
"Today is Harry's birthday right?" he asked his mother as she laid out a breakfast of pancakes in front of him.
"Yes dear, it is," she said. "Now eat up, I need you to have energy. This morning you have to degnome the garden and then feed the owls." From outside they heard a mighty grunt followed by an easily identifiable "Good show, old bean" coming from outside. "Your brothers have already started," Mrs. Weasely continued, as she sat on a seat opposite to Ron to begin her own breakfast.
"What about Ginny? Doesn't she have to help as well?" Ron asked in between bites. Ginny was the youngest of the Weasley children, and the only girl besides. She once had a crush on Harry, but things had long since changed and she had grown close to Neville Longbottom who returned her affection.
"Sorry," said Mrs Weasley after a sip of her coffee, one of Arthur's delicious discoveries from the muggle world. "She left early this morning by Floo to Kate's house. You still have Fred and George to help you though."
"Oh," Ron said intelligently. "Well I was thinking that maybe we could go pick up Harry this afternoon. He must be having an awful time with those gits he calls relatives.
"Ron! Watch your language," Mrs Weasely chided him, though she did not comment on the description of Harry's relatives. After the experience with them at the station last year, she was amazed by how inconsiderate and rude the guardians of one of the nicest boys she had met could actually be. "Actually, I did get an owl from Professor Dumbledore this morning saying that we could pick up Harry any time from now till school starts if we wanted. We can go get him,
"Yay!" shouted Ron, beaming happily, his eyes lit up with excitement.
"but AFTER you degnome the garden. I've already sent him a note with his special birthday brownies telling him we're coming this afternoon." With that, she pointed her wand to Ron's empty dishes and moved them to the sink whereupon the magic dishwashing gloves began to clean the syrup laden dishes.
"Oh, alright," Ron said irritably, and drained the remainder of his pumpkin juice. Standing up and stretching out, Ron went outside to go degnome with his brothers.
Walking outside, he quickly covered his eyes at the brightness of the sun. Over the past two days, it had been getting extremely hot and dry, to the point of being unusual even though it was summer. Blinking a few times, he removed his hand in front of his eyes and walked up to his brothers where they were wrestling with an especially stubborn gnome. The twins held one leg of the gnome each and were trying to yank him out of the hole, but he was grabbing on to some roots in the earth with unnatural energy, all the while muttering obscenities. Ron walked up to hear the gnome call out, "Leggo of me, ya dirty sons of a cow. Too scared to face me one on onnnneeeeeee...!!" the gnome exclaimed, cut off in mid-insult getting launched out of the yard by the twins, whose faces turned a hue to match the Weasely trademark red hair.
"'Ello Ronnikins," Fred called out to his younger sibling. "We've just about finished out here-," George continued, "but it's still nice of you to finally come out," completed Fred. With that the twins gave each other a glance and then leapt onto their unsuspecting younger brother to avenge the fact they did all the work.
"Gerrof!" Ron called out from underneath, but the mock-pummeling continued. Five minutes later, all red faced and happy, the brothers lay back. "Today might not be such a bad day after all," Ron thought to himself, and then lay back and closed his eyes.
*****
*****
Harry Potter woke up feeling refreshed for once, and was excited to face the day the first time all summer. Today was his 17th birthday, and hopefully the last birthday he would be spending with the Dursleys. After the upcoming year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he could legally move wherever he wanted to, which would probably be with his godfather Sirius Black, who while innocent, was too busy with the work of the Phoenix to be able to fully take care of Harry and offer the same protection that the Dursleys could boast.
Speaking of the wizarding world, Harry noticed a pecking sound on his closed window. He quickly sprang out of bed and opened the window. Five owls, including his own snowy white Hedwig, swooped in and dropped packages on his bed.
Harry felt a kind of euphoria at the knowledge that this would be his last birthday with the Dursleys for another reason also. After this upcoming year at Hogwarts, his prestigious Wizarding school, he would finally have a license to practice magic and would, in theory, go off to find a job in the wizarding world although he still had a sizable fortune left in Gringotts. Even though he there was no need for him to work, Harry felt a kind of obligation to the world that had rescued him from a miserable muggle life and offered him more than he could ever hope to repay. In short, he felt that he had a debt to the magical society and wanted to work it off.
Snapping out of his reverie, he looked at the presents and letters lying in front of him. All of the owls had flown off except his own Hedwig, who settled into her cage to rest and drink water. Picking up a present in green wrapping paper, he carefully opened it and removed a set of quiddich balls that had an orange color scheme. There was also a little picture of cannon on each of the balls with a cannonball roaming all over the ball. Inside the same package, there was another rectangular box in white wrapping and a small platter of brownies and other treats.
Harry pulled out the attached letter and began to read the inscribed message in Ron's messy handwriting:
Dear Harry,
How have you been with the Dursleys? If you need any more ton-tongue toffees to keep the muggles in line, just send Hedwig. Life in the Burrow has become hectic because Fred and George are visiting us. Its not a bad thing though. I was a little surprised at how fast they found a new home to live in. Percy stayed here for almost a year before he got his apartment. Anyway, I got you a set of special Chudley Cannon brand quiddich balls. Don't worry about losing them... just use the whistle that came with them and they will come back to you.
Hermione sent me an owl recently. She decided it was too awkward to be boyfriend / girlfriend with your best friend and broke up with me. I always thought that it was meant to be. Maybe I can talk to her and make her to be my girlfriend again later. What do you think? We can talk about that when (if?) you come here this summer.
Back to happier matters, the twins sent the white package. I'm not sure what it is, but I suspect it has something to do with 'Weasleys Wizard Wheezes'. They have alluded to it, but they have kept most of the information a secret from all of us. The brownies are from Mum of course. Try to hang on to your sanity; I think that you may be able to visit us soon, as soon as Dumbledore agrees anyway. Until then,
Your best friend,
Ron Weasley
Harry was a little shocked that his two best friends broke up. They had been a couple since the summer after their fourth year at Hogwarts. 'Oh well,' he thought to himself, 'If I know those two, they will be back together before a month at Hogwarts has passed.
Harry then proceeded to open the gift from the twins. Out of the white wrapping paper came a colorfully decorated box with three large 'W's placed prominently on the top front of it. Excitedly, he opened it up and found an assortment of joke items perfect to use on a certain despised Slytherin. Inside he found old favorites such as ton tongue toffees as well as new ones, such as five Weasley brand dung bombs that not only had the smell factor, but now turned anyone caught in its blast radius a sickly shade of green-brown. Harry grinned at these and the other useful devices he found and put it aside, eager to see his other presents.
The next present was from Hagrid, who had never failed to get him something since he rescued Harry from the muggles on his eleventh birthday. It turned out to be a wizard kaleidoscope that was very interesting to look through. Whenever you turned the dial not only different shapes and colors appeared, but also different smells and classical music. He particularly enjoyed Canon, composed by a muggle named Pachabel. Harry realized this would prove to be an invaluable aid in helping him sleep or recover from his all too common headaches. He silently promised to himself to thank Hagrid when they visited in the following school year.
Harry then opened a book shaped present that must obviously be from Hermione. An attached letter in her perfect cursive fell on to his bed and he picked it up to read:
Dear Harry,
How have you been? I hope you are keeping up with your course work. Just because you are a prefect doesn't excuse you from having to work less hard! I have just come home from a trip to Brazil where we explored the Amazon rain forest. I actually got to meet some of the native shaman that worked rudimentary forms of magic! It was really exciting and we all had a lot of fun.
In any case, I stupidly broke up with Ron last week because he hadn't written to me the whole summer. I got a letter from Ginny not two days later telling me that he had been working hard all summer at the Ministry to buy me some kind of gift. I hope he'll forgive me for being such a git. In any case, I shouldn't be bothering you with my troubles on your birthday. Think of it, after this year we'll be full wizards and witches! Think of all the opportunities available to us!
Remember Harry, if you ever need to talk to anyone about anything, I'll be here for you, and so will Ron. If your scar is hurting, please tell us about it and we can try to help you. After all, three minds are always better than one. I hope you enjoy your present; it's a book if you hadn't guessed. I'll see you at Diagon Alley hopefully near the end of the summer. Give me an owl if you go to Ron's house so we can set a date.
With Love,
Hermione
Smiling to himself while reading the letter, Harry was gratified to know that his friends would be able to resolve their differences easily. Anyone could see how happy they were together and it would be such a shame if they didn't try a little. Opening up the package, he unwrapped to find a book entitled Charms and Hexes to tease your friends and get your enemies. Harry was amused by the picture on the cover of the book that had a unhappy looking fellow being constantly cursed by a variety of hexes and charms and then being undone, the cycle repeating over and over. He looked through the book and found some charms, such as nasolifantus that made the victim grow an elephant's trunk over their noses.
Seeing an imperious looking package with the Hogwarts seal on it, Harry opened it next. He found the customary list from Professor McGonnell telling him to buy ingredients and books -- Advanced Charms, Grade 7 Spells and Enchantments (apparently Hogwarts was switching from the customary book, or perhaps this was normal for 7th years...), followed by Light Arts for Defense, then The Complete guide to a Magical Garden, and Potions Grade 7, along with some others -- but there was another attached letter similar to the one he got in his fifth year that made him a prefect that caught Harry's attention. Harry gulped and read on like the brave Griffindor that he was. The letter read:
Dear Mr. Potter,
You have accomplished the highest level of success available to a male student in Hogwarts because of your commitment to your studies, achievements on the quiddich field, and ... extra curricular activities. For your incredible work in these past six years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it is with pleasure I award you the position of Head Boy.
Your duties will be to supervise the Prefects in their duty and serve in the capacity of a teacher where one is not present. Further duties will be elaborated on when you come to school September first. You are expected to wear your badge on the train and other ceremonies at school this year. Congratulations,
Sincerely,
Professor Minerva McGonnell
Acting Headmaster
Harry didn't really know what to say about this. He knew it was an honor and on one hand he felt very happy at getting this achievement that he knew his father had also gotten many years before him. On the other hand, he felt sort of unhappy at getting this award because it would only serve to draw even more attention to him. "Anyway", he finally decided to himself, "I just got to deal with it," and put it out of his mind. ..... Next, Harry opened a small parcel in the shape of a box. Inside he found a letter from Sirius that read:
Harry,
Are you keeping well? That last dream is sounding worse than ever, and if what you saw is true, you are out of danger but I'm afraid for the world now. In any case, don't worry too much as the Order of Phoenix is stronger than ever and new members are joining in the fight against Voldemort as they are getting over their fear and learning to stand up for themselves.
I will be a real godfather to you when this war is over and we can do interesting things me and James did as kids that I'm sure you would enjoy. If you were wondering, your gift is the new brand of super miniaturizing trunks that are "the latest style of today's enterprising business wizard", as the catalog put it. All you have to do is say the word inlargus and tap it with your wand to make it grow to its full size. It has seven magical compartments that work similar to the way Barty Crouch Junior's trunk worked. When you want to shrink it again, say the word scrincan and tap it with your wand. I hope you find it useful. If you have any more dreams, remember to let me know. Take care,
Love,
Sirius
PS. If you misplace it, call tornare and wave your wand in a circle motion. After you have bonded to this trunk, it will return to you from where ever it is by teleporting to you when you do this.
The name Barty Crouch induced a shudder in Harry as he read his godfather's letter. Although Harry got over the events of the Triwizard tournament, he still remained sad over the unnecessary death of Cedric Diggory. So many deaths at occurred over the past few years since Voldemorts rise to power again, and the wizarding world was becoming almost as jaded as muggles to death and murder, Harry still felt the twinge in his heart as he thought about that year. Determined not to let past memories ruin his birthday and the gift that Sirius had obviously spent a lot of money on, he opened the package and found a perfect replica of a mohaghany trunk that fit in the palm of his hand. He tried enlarging it and shrinking it a few times and was amazed at the size of each compartment. He could fit his old trunk easily into each one and still have room for his Firebolt.
Harry was pulled out of playing with his new trunk with the sound of buzzing, almost like a Hummingbird. He looked up to find Pig flying circles in his room, as if to slow itself down from its top speed flight. Harry held out his arm and Pig easily glided down to perch itself on his forearm. Harry had to laugh at the excitable creature and detached the letter on its leg. It was a short note from Mrs. Weasely reading:
Dear Harry,
I hope your summer has been well. We have been looking forward to your visit all summer long and Dumbledore has finally agreed to allow you to come for these last few weeks. Arthur and Ron will come to your house around 5 o' clock tonight via portkey to pick you up. I hope to see you soon,
Love,
Molly Weasely
Harry absolutely exploded with happiness now. His birthday was now complete, as he got the final gift. He hadn't dared to hope to be able to go for a few more weeks at the very least, but he wasn't complaining about the good fortune. By now the rest of the household was stirring and it was time to get out of his room and fix breakfast for his "family", if you can call it that, so he shelved thoughts of quiddich in the summer sun and exploring the area surrounding the Weasely property in favor of the question sunny side up or scrambled?