"And what do you think he is up to?" Milvia asked as they walked toward the ice cream shop.

"What? Who are you talking 'bout?"

"Voldemort."

"Oh, I dunno. Maybe trying to get followers."

"Did you think he'll get some?"

"I dunno. Hard to say, really. I don't wanna think too much about that."

"I suppose."

"One scope of vanilla, please."

"A scope of mint chocolate cookie, please. Heard what the Daily Prophet said?"

"No, I haven't."

"Well, they said that whoever is suspected of being a Death Eater will be sent to Azkaban."

"Really. Sounds like the ministry is trying to avoid anyone going with Voldemort."

"I guess." She took out some coins and gave them to the attendant. "But I think that whatever Voldemort is planing, it must be done carefully if he wishes not to arise suspicion."

"I think it may slow him down a bit, but he will strike. There's no doubt in my mind about that."

They continued chatting about Voldemort, but then Harry decided that he should pack. He said his farewells and left Milvia at her home after he wrote her number upon his palm. As he walked, he started to feel quite angry at himself. He was about to turn sixteen, but he continued to be such git, for Christ's sake.

Once Harry got to number four, he decided that he wasn't quite ready to begin packing or continuing the mornings argument with uncle Vernon. He found a shaded patch were he sluggishly laid upon the damp grass of the Dursley's backyard. He looked up into the sky and felt the quiet worry that had plagued him since the return of Voldemort. Ron's letter had clearly stated that everyone was alarmed with the news of Voldemort's return. And yet, he had heard nothing of him nor of his followers. Maybe they were plotting more carefully Harry's demise. And what if Harry could not fulfill his destiny in which he is destined to destroy Voldemort? Maybe Harry had barely survived his last encounter because of Dumbledore's intervention before Voldemort could get a clear shot at him. The more doubt that entered his mind, the more Harry wanted to forget about Sirius. He had gone to help Harry against the Death Eaters only to find his own end. But before Harry could continue wallowing in misery, he saw something soaring downward. It seemed to be something with wings. He sat up and narrowed his eyes to see more clearly the owl which carried a letter on its leg. It was Pig, but to Harry it seemed to look a bit stronger and larger. He opened the letter and quickly read it.

Harry,

Nice to hear that you're fine. Mum said it was fine if your friend comes over. Can't wait to meet her. Hermione says hello. Dumbledore sent mum a letter that said something about you two having a way to get here. Did you tell Dumbledore? The letter came almost right after yours, didn't even gave mum a chance to say a word about the girl coming here. Mum said we will be waiting for you and Milvia to come through the floo powder network whenever you wish.

See you soon,

Ron

"Pig, go up to my window and wait for me there." Harry got to his feet. He rang the door that was promptly opened by aunt Petunia.

"Oh, it's only you. Suppose you're hungry." She looked at him and then said, "Got your glasses repaired?"

"Hello aunt Petunia, yes I did. "

"Get in. Don't try to be smart."

Harry wanted to tell her something smart, but thought better of it and asked, "Aunt Petunia, may I please use the telephone to make a quick call. I promise it won't pass over two minutes."

She looked at him as she cleared her throat and finally asked, "Who are you going to call. Certainly not one of your little friends from that school. They wouldn't know how to use a phone, would they now."

"No, she is a girl who lives on Magnolia."

"Fine, but make it quick."

He told Milvia to pack and take everything she was going to need at school. They planned to leave in the early morning. She told Harry that she would drive her car to number four and drive Harry's heavy trunk to her home.

Harry told his aunt that he would leave tomorrow, but she seemed not to have heard, but then she said, "I don't want any funny business."

Harry gave Pig something to eat and drink before he left. Harry finished packing around five and just in time for dinner when he told uncle Vernon about his early pick up. He felt confident that he was going to be fine and everything was going to be fine.

* * *

Harry woke early. He slowly dragged his trunk downstairs. He found the task difficult and quite arduous. When he went for a drink of water, he was startled to see the Dursleys dressed in their Sunday's best. Harry didn't know what to say or if even he dared to ask.

"What time are you leaving, boy?" Uncle Vernon was drinking from a tall orange juice glass.

"In about ten minutes."

"Very well, boy."

After Harry had brought Hedwig downstairs, he sat on the last step waiting for Milvia. He could hear the Dursleys talking.

"I hope that she isn't wearing those funny clothes."

"I only hope she doesn't attract attention from the neighbors."

The minutes passed and Harry started to worry. Suddenly he heard uncle Vernon.

"Doesn't look like you're going anywhere." He walked toward the a window to peek through. "I see no . . ."

He stopped and opened the door. Harry could see that uncle Vernon was looking at a stunning black car that had just stopped in front of number four. Suddenly, the driver of the vehicle exited. She was wearing a black dress and a cardigan to match.

The girl took off her sunglasses and extended her hand as she said, "Good morning Mr. Dursley. Hope you are having a good day. My name is Milvia. I will be going to school with your nephew this following school year. Is Harry ready?"

Uncle Vernon slowly shook the hand, but was speechless. Even Harry noted that. He saw Milvia had dressed to impress. She looked very different almost as if she were a bit older than sixteen.

"Yes he's ready." Finally uncle Vernon mustered, "My name is Vernon Dursley."

"Nice to meet you sir. Don't you work for Grunnings Drills?" she said has she placed her glasses back on.

"Well, yes I do." Uncle Vernon looked at her carefully.

"My aunt is Virginia Buchanan. She is . . ."

"You are related to Buchanan?" Uncle Vernon's eyes widened.

"Yes, I am. She is co-chair for Grunnings."

"Yes my dear. I know very well who your aunt is."

She started to walk toward the door where Harry was waiting.

"Sorry I'm a bit late. Couldn't find the keys."

"Is all right."

"Well, you can take that end and I'll take the other." But before she could place her hand on the trunk uncle Vernon stopped her.

"No, my son and I will carry it to your automobile." He smiled at her.

"Oh, thank you very much. You are too kind, Mrs. Dursley."

Uncle Vernon called for Dudley to come and he did as he was followed by aunt Petunia.

"Dudley, help me put the trunk in the car."

"But father, it's heavy." Uncle Vernon's face began to color.

"Don't be difficult, Dudley. You don't want to try my patience." Dudley gave Harry a nasty glance, but Harry didn't noticed. He was to busy thinking why uncle Vernon was acting so strangely. He followed them to the car with Hedwig.

Aunt Petunia then began to talk to Milvia.

"Haven't we met before? You look very familiar." Aunt Petunia looked her very carefully, but she was paying more attention to the girl's clothes.

"I don't think we have, Mrs. Dursley."

"I suppose we haven't, but you do look awfully familiar."

"Milvia," Dudley said as he was prodded by his father, "may you be kind enough to open the car." She did and the trunk was tucked in the back.

"Beautiful car. Must have been expensive." said uncle Vernon

"Quite," she said, "but father didn't mind."

Uncle Vernon wanted to say something, but to Harry it seemed that he was debating whether to do so.

"Why didn't a nice girl like yourself go to a . . . well, a finer institution? For instance, Smeltings."

"I was accepted there, but you see, Mr. Dursley, like your nephew, I have certain abilities that cannot be developed in such a place. But you should not worry Mr. Dursley, Hogwarts is a very fine institution indeed."

"Why, does your aunt know what you are? I mean is she like you?"

"No, Mr. Dursley. She doesn't have any abilities, but assure you that every time I see her she whines that she has none." She smiled at him and said, "I think I did a decent job on Harry's glasses. They don't look like that mess he brought me anymore."

Uncle Vernon then saw Harry. "They look as good as new, I would say."

"Thank you, Mr. Vernon. You are too kind. Well, Mr. Vernon, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife." Milvia looked at Dudley. "When you go back to school, can you say hello to Cassidy and Rochelle. I haven't seen those two in ages."

Dudley nodded stupidly.

"Goodbye, dear." said uncle Vernon as he waved. Then Harry heard something he thought he would never hear being uttered by uncle Vernon. "Have a good birthday, Harry."

And with that, they drove off.