A/N This story deals with Harry's fifth year. Voldemort is rising and an order throughout the school begins. Students are being accused for being with the Dark Arts and being taken away from the school. Transfers are occurring, most students leaving Hogwarts. One girl is to be proved more powerful then once believed. Harry, of course, is in the middle of it all and Voldemort will do anything to get to him. You will also meet Ginny's group of friends, a very strange group indeed. And the fifteen year olds will also find romance in their midst.
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Harry jumped when he heard Dudley snore, Dudley's bedroom a few feet away. Harry had carefully been walking up the stairs, cookies and other necessities in his hand. Dudley's diet was still going on, even though it was not having much effect. Harry had reason to believe that Dudley was hiding food (that his loyal sidekick Piers supplied) in his room.
Harry tiptoed into his own bedroom and shut the door cautiously. Glancing down at the food he as clutching in his hand, his stomach rumbled. Harry didn't notice the owls at the window until his own Hedwig impatiently tapped the window.
Harry eagerly opened his window at the sight of presents.
Hedwig carried a neatly wrapped package and a note in Hermione's tidy scrawl. Harry took the present from Hedwig and tossed her a treat. He ripped the wrapping paper off to see a picture of Ron, Hermione, and himself waving at him.
The picture was of all three of them flying on their broomsticks. It was framed in a Quidditch frame, complete with snitches. Harry chuckled quietly when he saw Hermione flying close to the ground and he and Ron trying to get her fly higher.
He opened her card and read:
Dear Harry,
How's your summer so far? Mine's going pretty well. Ron's summer supposedly is too. I just came back from the States. They were fascinating! I visited the Salem School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You should see their library!
At this, Harry rolled his eyes. Then he continued reading.
I don't know if you heard from Ron yet, but we won't be able to visit him for two reasons: Professor Dumbledore and Ginny. I'm sure he'll explain to you. So, I'll see you in Diagon Alley! Is the Wednesday before school an okay time for you? I'll write to Ron asking if he can do that day too. See you then.
Lots of love,
Hermione
Harry wondered how many times it was possible to mention Ron in one letter. He shook his head. They were both too oblivious.
Next he turned to see Pig, Ron's owl. Harry finally realized how much noise Pig had been making and thanked God that Dudley and Uncle Vernon were deep sleepers.
He wondered why Aunt Petunia hadn't wakened, but he really didn't care. Harry jut stuck Pig in Hedwig's cage and threw a thick blanket over it. Boy he wished he could use magic over the holidays. One simple silencing charm...
Harry shook his head and looked at the present that Pig deposited on his bed. It actually was in the shape of a book!
Harry opened it and found "Curses and Countercurses" by Professor Vindictus Viridian. He smiled gleefully then opened Ron's letter.
Hey Harry!
Happy Birthday! Hope Pig isn't bothering you too badly.
Harry glanced over at Pig's cage where he was unmistakably chirping Christmas carols. Harry turned back to the letter.
I hope you like your present. I know you might be thinking "It's a book! Ugg," but if you open it up, you'll see it reads out loud. No effort involved. Pretty cool. I wanted to get you some stuff George and Fred were making, but Mum found out and stopped me. Oh well.
You're probably wondering why I haven't asked you to The Burrow yet. Thing is, you can't come.
First, Dumbledore forbade it, saying you were safer with those batty muggles. (He didn't use those exact words though...)
Second, Ginny hasn't been so well lately. Been kind of droopy if you ask me. Hope she isn't coming down with something. I hope you can survive a couple more weeks with those muggles. Hermione wrote a few times, suggesting August 27th for Diagon Alley. Is that okay with you?
See you later,
Ron
Harry figured the 27th was fine, as long as he had a way to get to the Leaky Cauldron.
Finally, Harry picked up the next package, from Remus Lupin. It turned out to be a thick Defense Against the Dark Arts book and a fair few dungbombs. The note wished Harry a happy birthday and a successful school year.
Harry turned to the next owl, which was from Hogwarts. The owl held a package and a note with a Hogsmeade slip and the annual list of books and instructions.
The package was a gift from Hagrid. It was a book on Manticores.
Harry shuddered at why Hagrid would find it fit to give him this book. Harry quickly read the attached note.
Happy Birthday Harry!
Thought this book might be interesting and maybe we could study manticores this year. See you on September!
Hagrid
Harry decided he was going to have to convince Hagrid into not bring manticores to Hogwarts. Without looking at the book, Harry knew Manticores were highly dangerous with an instant-killing sting and that they repel almost all charms.
Harry turned away from the book and turned to his last present. Harry finally noticed the carrier of the gift -- a giant flying ant. Harry looked at the ant curiously because he thought only birds delivered letters. Harry also wondered where on earth Sirius was now.
Harry opened the present to find a collection of Weasley Whizzes. Harry smiled and read the note.
Hi Harry!
Happy 15th birthday! How do ya like the present? I couldn't believe the shop when I saw it. It's already better than Zonko's! Do me a favor and use the ballerina chips on the slimy git (a.k.a. Snape).
Anyway, I hope you arrive at Hogwarts safely. I'm starting to sound like Professor McGonagall, aren't I?
Well, don't get into too much trouble, but remember. Pranks are always okay.
I'll see you soon!
Sirius
Harry read the last line again. I'll see you soon. He read it over a few more times. What did Sirius mean by that?
Harry looked at his clock. 2:00 A.M. He'll think about it in the morning when he was awake more. For now, he was going to sleep.
A/N Please review!! Let me know if you want me to continue this. Thanks for reading!