*Part 1*
Harry Potter woke up early in the morning on July 31. He groaned as he realized that today was his 15 birthday. He never really was excited about his birthday like other children, because the Dursleys of 4 Privet Drive never gave him any gifts. Harry didn't really expect anything from Dudley, Aunt Petunia, or Uncle Vernon, except for maybe a dirty sock or a coat hanger. This year, however, he was surprised to find a small package with holes that contained a puppy from the Dursleys. It was totally amazing for his mother's sister's family to give him anything so spectacular as this. Harry picked up the puppy just as four owls flew in through his window: one snowy white one, which he recognized as his own Hedwig, a small fluffy owl, which he found familiar, then realized it was the owl Sirius Black had given hid friend Ron Weasley, Marril, and two Harry had never seen before. Each was carrying a package. Harry first grabbed the package which Marril had been carrying, and opened it. Inside were a few packages of Chocalate Frogs, some other wizards candies, and a few copies of The Daily Prophet, all of which had an article about Harry's godfather, Sirius Black. He picked up the letter Ron had sent and read it:
Dear Harry,
I knew you would miss the Wizard world while you were with those horrible Muggles you live with, so I sent you all that Marril could carry. Bless him, he did his best to get them to you. I thought you would find the select copies of the Daily Prophet I sent you interesting, as they are about Sirius. Hope you have a happy birthday!
Your friend,
Ron

The next package Harry grabbed was from Hermione Granger, another of Harry's friends from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He first read the letter:
Dear Harry,
How are you? I hope your summer's been okay, mine sure has. My mum said that if you could, you and Ron could come visit me on the 15 of August. Of course, if it is not a possibility, send me an owl, and I shall see you in Diagon Alley, or if not on the Hogwarts Express. In case you were wondering, that owl is mine; my parents and I stopped and got him in Diagon Alley when we were in London this past month. I hope you enjoy your gift! Have a wonderful birthday!
Love always,
Hermione

Harry ripped the paper off Hermione's gift, and was not surprised to find a book. He looked at the title: The Wizard's Book of World Records. He pushed it aside for a while, intending to go back to it later. Harry grabbed for another package, which turned out to be from Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper. Harry pulled out the letter and read:
Dear Harry,
I am still Care of Magical Creatures teacher, and this year will be much better for your class now that that darn Malfoy kid is not with ya'll. Your present should come in handy for this year. Happy birthday.
Hagrid

Harry pulled out another book; this one was called Magical Creatures and the Way to Handle them. This one didn't bite like the last book Hagrid had assigned; no, this one talked and made snide remarks. Harry threw the book to the side when it called him scar-face, then grabbed for the envelope with the Hogwarts seal. He tore it open and read:

Dear Mr. Potter,
Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross station, platform nine and three-quarters, at eleven o'clock.
Fifth years are permitted to visit Hogsmeade Village on certain weekends. If your parent or guardian has yet to sign the enclosed form in the previous years, please get them to do so.
A list of books for the next year is enclosed.
Yours sincerely,
Professor M. McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress

Harry pulled out the book list.

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 5)
Potions for the Advanced Wizards
Dark Arts Protection Guide Volume 5
Death Omens and What They Mean
Advanced Transfiguration

Then Harry finally looked to the last owl: Hedwig. He carefully took the package from her and unwrapped it. He pulled out the letter.
Dear Harry,
How have things been? I hope you haven't been worried about me and Buckbeak, we're just fine. We are still in hiding, although we allowed a few people to spot us (all Muggles), but all in all we are fine. I hope those nasty old Muggles are treating you right. I was trying to figure out a way to send you your gift when old Hedwig showed up, so I sent it with her. I hope to see you again very soon, as it is awfully lonely, being just me and Beaky. Send old Hedwig out to find me anytime. Happy birthday.
Love always,
Sirius

Harry stared at the letter, awestruck. He hadn't heard his godfather, Sirius Black, in ages. He was happy to have heard from him, and was even happier when he opened the long, thin package from Sirius: In it was a Firebolt 2, a broom even greater than his Firebolt, which Sirius had also given him. Unfortunately, Harry's Firebolt had been burned by Lord Voldemort, who had attacked Harry during his final Quidditch match of the year against Ravenclaw that previous spring. Harry stared at the Firebolt 2 for a few minutes, then wrote a thank you letter to Sirius. Finally Harry descended downstairs.



*Finis*