Chapter 3
Owls and holiday plans
Harry was in his room, late at night, writing an essay for Potions. He was feeling rather tired and he decided to go to sleep. He looked at his night table and realized it was almost midnight. He was going to be 15 in 15 seconds.
He thought about his last year in Hogwarts. Things were really turning out to be dangerous. He couldn't bear thinking about Cedric's death. 8 seconds to go. It was going to be a difficult year. 5 seconds to go. Would he even be allowed to go to Hogsmeade? The teachers always seemed to think something was dangerous for him, but now that Voldemort was back, it would be worse. 2 seconds to go. Of course, he knew they weren't all that wrong, but still… 1 second. 0. He was 15.
He got up and looked out of the window. Hedwig wasn't back yet… Then he saw a dark figure in the sky approaching his room. When it was above the street lamp, he recognized it as an owl. No, actually it was four owls. He moved away from the window to let them enter.
They settled on his bed. There was Hedwig, Pig, and two Barn Owls. They all brought a small package and a letter. He freed them from their burden and the two barn owls left. Hedwig went to her cage while Pig started zooming in the room. Then he started screeching happily. Harry moaned "oh no." If the Dursleys heard him, Harry would have it real bad. He grabbed his wand and put a Silencing Spell on Pig. The owl continued zooming throughout the room, but silently. Harry looked at the packages.
One was from Hogwarts. At least the letter was. The package, he supposed, was from Hagrid. Another, brought by Pig, was certainly from Ron. He decided to open this one first. He opened the letter and read
"Harry,
Happy birthday.
How have you been? I am doing fine, I had a nice summer, even with the twin's stupid jokes and Percy's constant babbling. Ok so I had an average summer.
Dad says you can come here. This weekend. So, send me an owl if you can come. Actually, we'd probably come and get you even if your uncle says no, but ask them anyway.
I have received a letter from Hogwarts. Guess what? I've been made prefect! That was actually the reason for the twin's stupid jokes. And that's also why Percy hasn't stopped babbling. He was "giving me some advice". I guess Hermione is the other prefect.
I sent you a present; it's in the package. It's something new and you won't find it anywhere. I made dad buy it from America (he was there on ministry business). Hope you like it.
Answer A.S.A.P.
Ron"
Harry thought it was great that Ron was made prefect. Even though he wouldn't admit it, Ron really wanted to be a prefect. He opened the package and saw a book. He was surprised at first… But then he saw the title "The Seeker's Best Guide". It was a large book filled with every single move or strategy any seeker might need. It also had pictures that showed famous Seekers in action. It even contained every possible detail on how to pull the Wronski Feint. Harry smiled broadly. He loved it.
He then took the letter brought by Hedwig. It was from Hermione. He read:
"Harry,
Happy birthday!
I sure hope you're doing well. How was your summer so far? Mine was rather nice. I went to Russia with my mother and father this summer for two weeks. I saw Viktor. He showed me every place imaginable (not Durmstrang though, of course). I really had a lot of fun. You couldn't believe it here. They have a special zoo for Wizards and Witches that contains every Magical Creature imaginable. I bought your present here also. There is a note in the package that will explain everything about your present.
You couldn't imagine what great news Hogwarts sent me! I am a prefect! I am so glad!
Well, I guess I'll see you at Ron's soon. My parents will send me there sometime this month.
Have a nice summer!
Hermione.
Ps: Hedwig came to see me again, so I figured I would send your present with her."
Harry couldn't see how Hermione could be surprised at being made prefect. It was so obvious she'd be one! He reached for the package. There was a sort of Amulet in there. It looked really nice, all round and made of a strange metal. It hung on a leather rope. He looked at the note beside it:
"Harry,
This is an amulet I have found in Russia. I have one, and now so do you. I will give Ron his on Christmas (they go together). I bought it in a Magical Artifacts Shop for Witches and Wizards. These amulets have a very strong bond with each other. It is said that they are connected and therefore connect their bearers with each other. It is also said that they help the people who wear them protect each other and keep contact. There were no other like these. I found it very special. I hope you like it.
Hermione"
Harry looked again at the amulet. It was really nice. What he liked most was the idea that they were charmed to connect the people who would wear them. He hung it around his neck.
He then reached for the third letter. This one was from Hogwarts. It felt heavier than usual. He opened it and gasped in shock when he saw a Prefect's badge. He looked at the letter:
"Mr. Harry Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been made a prefect this year. Let us remind you that this is a very important task. You will help students throughout the school year and are expected to set an example for them. You will meet the other prefects on the train to discuss passwords and other matters.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Mc Gonagall,
Deputy Headmistress."
How come he was a prefect? If Hermione and Ron were also… There were supposed to be two a year… Or at least he had thought so. Well, never mind… He was actually glad to be a prefect too. He could take points away from Malfoy… He actually grinned at that thought. And he could be out in the castle a little later than other students. Along with that letter, there was his usual Booklist.
He reached for the parcel. He opened it, and saw a letter in there too. It was from Hagrid:
"Harry,
Happy birthday to you! Hope the Muggles are treating you right. Heard you were made prefect! Congratulations! I have a present for you. It's called a 'Collar'. It's a magical necklace to place around your pets' neck, and there is a tiny whistle also. When you place the necklace around your pet, then you can use the whistle. When you blow it, none but your pet will hear it and it will come straight to where you are, wherever it is. I hope you and Hedwig like it.
Hagrid"
He looked at the 'Collar'. That was a really nice present, very thoughtful also. And, Harry thought, not at all dangerous (unlike the last present Hagrid had sent him. Though it was harmless when you stroked it). The whistle hung on a little chain. It didn't look like a whistle at all, rather like a simple necklace. Harry placed it on his bedside table. He then took the Collar to Hedwig's cage. She wasn't sleeping, so he placed her necklace around her neck. She looked very happy at the gift.
He then returned to open the last letter. It was, as he had guessed, from Sirius. It read:
"Dear Harry,
Happy birthday,
How have you been? I am at Remus' at the moment and everything is well. I hope you are taking care of yourself. How are the Muggles treating you? Professor Dumbledore told me you would be going to the Weasley's for the remainder of the holidays. I hope you will have a lot of fun there. He also informed me you were made a prefect, and I am very glad. Congratulations! I have enclosed a present for you that I hope you will like.
Have fun at Ron's,
Sirius."
He smiled as he read his Godfather's letter and reached for the parcel. He opened it and saw a very large book. He took the letter that was next to it and read:
"Harry, this is a book containing all sorts of spells, counter-spells, curses, counter-curses and charms. They shouldn't be difficult to learn. At Hogwarts, they don't have time to teach you everything and I think these could come in quite useful.
Sirius"
He looked back at the book. Its title was "Magic To Learn" and was really large. He supposed this actually contained more spells than he could remember but it was still a wonderful present. And it would probably come in handy.
By now, Harry was really tired so he placed his gifts and letters on his bedside table and got in bed. Soon he was fast asleep.
The next morning, Harry went down to breakfast. This year, the Dursleys had given up on making Dudley follow a diet. Which was for the best in Harry's opinion. He sat down at the table, where nobody acknowledged his presence, as always. He started eating, and then decided he would rather ask his question now than wait any longer.
"Uncle Vernon?" he said hesitantly.
"hmph" answered his uncle. Harry decided to ask him without further ado.
"The Weasleys have invited me over for the holidays… Can I… Would it be ok if I went?
Uncle Vernon looked at him and said:
"We're going to America for the remainder of the holidays." Harry's heart sank but he didn't have time to wonder why the Dursleys would take him with them on holiday because Uncle Vernon kept talking.
"And Mrs. Figg has gone for the holidays too. So I don't know what I am going to do with you." Harry looked at him; amused he could ever think it possible that his uncle would take him anywhere.
"So I guess the best way to get rid of you is to send you to that lot and not be bothered with you any longer. That way I won't have to pay for anything either."
Harry allowed himself a grin as his uncle returned to his newspaper. Maybe his uncle was being a little kind since he was now so scared after countless annoying events with wizards. And last year's events had probably played their part. Harry had blown up his aunt and ministry wizards had come to help. But much to uncle Vernon's disappointment, Harry didn't get into any kind of trouble. Uncle Vernon now seemed to think Harry could get away with anything, and he wasn't pleased. He decided to not push him too much.
Harry went back up to his room and wrote to Ron, telling him he could come. Pig was still there, so Harry tied the parchment to his leg and sent him off after returning him his voice. The next day he got a letter saying they would come Saturday at two o'clock with ministry cars. Harry told this to his uncle who grunted. Harry thought that meant he didn't have an objection.
Saturday came quickly and soon enough he was in the hall, waiting for the Weasleys with his entire luggage ready. His uncle came out of the living room and turned to him:
"I don't think you need to stay here any longer. Just wait for your lot outside. I don't want any of them in my house."
Harry nodded and opened the door. "Bye" he said. But no answer came. He walked outside, pulling his crest and Hedwig's cage behind him. Ten minutes after, a black car came into Privet Drive. Harry got to his feet as the car stopped in front of him. Out of the car came… Somebody Harry really didn't expect to see at that time…
…… Snape.
LOL! So, anyone wanna know what happens next? Just review and tell me! Anyone feel like flaming me because Hermione spent time with Viktor? Do you think it's stupid for the three of them to be prefects? Just let me know! Please, I could do with a few reviews…
Owls and holiday plans
Harry was in his room, late at night, writing an essay for Potions. He was feeling rather tired and he decided to go to sleep. He looked at his night table and realized it was almost midnight. He was going to be 15 in 15 seconds.
He thought about his last year in Hogwarts. Things were really turning out to be dangerous. He couldn't bear thinking about Cedric's death. 8 seconds to go. It was going to be a difficult year. 5 seconds to go. Would he even be allowed to go to Hogsmeade? The teachers always seemed to think something was dangerous for him, but now that Voldemort was back, it would be worse. 2 seconds to go. Of course, he knew they weren't all that wrong, but still… 1 second. 0. He was 15.
He got up and looked out of the window. Hedwig wasn't back yet… Then he saw a dark figure in the sky approaching his room. When it was above the street lamp, he recognized it as an owl. No, actually it was four owls. He moved away from the window to let them enter.
They settled on his bed. There was Hedwig, Pig, and two Barn Owls. They all brought a small package and a letter. He freed them from their burden and the two barn owls left. Hedwig went to her cage while Pig started zooming in the room. Then he started screeching happily. Harry moaned "oh no." If the Dursleys heard him, Harry would have it real bad. He grabbed his wand and put a Silencing Spell on Pig. The owl continued zooming throughout the room, but silently. Harry looked at the packages.
One was from Hogwarts. At least the letter was. The package, he supposed, was from Hagrid. Another, brought by Pig, was certainly from Ron. He decided to open this one first. He opened the letter and read
"Harry,
Happy birthday.
How have you been? I am doing fine, I had a nice summer, even with the twin's stupid jokes and Percy's constant babbling. Ok so I had an average summer.
Dad says you can come here. This weekend. So, send me an owl if you can come. Actually, we'd probably come and get you even if your uncle says no, but ask them anyway.
I have received a letter from Hogwarts. Guess what? I've been made prefect! That was actually the reason for the twin's stupid jokes. And that's also why Percy hasn't stopped babbling. He was "giving me some advice". I guess Hermione is the other prefect.
I sent you a present; it's in the package. It's something new and you won't find it anywhere. I made dad buy it from America (he was there on ministry business). Hope you like it.
Answer A.S.A.P.
Ron"
Harry thought it was great that Ron was made prefect. Even though he wouldn't admit it, Ron really wanted to be a prefect. He opened the package and saw a book. He was surprised at first… But then he saw the title "The Seeker's Best Guide". It was a large book filled with every single move or strategy any seeker might need. It also had pictures that showed famous Seekers in action. It even contained every possible detail on how to pull the Wronski Feint. Harry smiled broadly. He loved it.
He then took the letter brought by Hedwig. It was from Hermione. He read:
"Harry,
Happy birthday!
I sure hope you're doing well. How was your summer so far? Mine was rather nice. I went to Russia with my mother and father this summer for two weeks. I saw Viktor. He showed me every place imaginable (not Durmstrang though, of course). I really had a lot of fun. You couldn't believe it here. They have a special zoo for Wizards and Witches that contains every Magical Creature imaginable. I bought your present here also. There is a note in the package that will explain everything about your present.
You couldn't imagine what great news Hogwarts sent me! I am a prefect! I am so glad!
Well, I guess I'll see you at Ron's soon. My parents will send me there sometime this month.
Have a nice summer!
Hermione.
Ps: Hedwig came to see me again, so I figured I would send your present with her."
Harry couldn't see how Hermione could be surprised at being made prefect. It was so obvious she'd be one! He reached for the package. There was a sort of Amulet in there. It looked really nice, all round and made of a strange metal. It hung on a leather rope. He looked at the note beside it:
"Harry,
This is an amulet I have found in Russia. I have one, and now so do you. I will give Ron his on Christmas (they go together). I bought it in a Magical Artifacts Shop for Witches and Wizards. These amulets have a very strong bond with each other. It is said that they are connected and therefore connect their bearers with each other. It is also said that they help the people who wear them protect each other and keep contact. There were no other like these. I found it very special. I hope you like it.
Hermione"
Harry looked again at the amulet. It was really nice. What he liked most was the idea that they were charmed to connect the people who would wear them. He hung it around his neck.
He then reached for the third letter. This one was from Hogwarts. It felt heavier than usual. He opened it and gasped in shock when he saw a Prefect's badge. He looked at the letter:
"Mr. Harry Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been made a prefect this year. Let us remind you that this is a very important task. You will help students throughout the school year and are expected to set an example for them. You will meet the other prefects on the train to discuss passwords and other matters.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Mc Gonagall,
Deputy Headmistress."
How come he was a prefect? If Hermione and Ron were also… There were supposed to be two a year… Or at least he had thought so. Well, never mind… He was actually glad to be a prefect too. He could take points away from Malfoy… He actually grinned at that thought. And he could be out in the castle a little later than other students. Along with that letter, there was his usual Booklist.
He reached for the parcel. He opened it, and saw a letter in there too. It was from Hagrid:
"Harry,
Happy birthday to you! Hope the Muggles are treating you right. Heard you were made prefect! Congratulations! I have a present for you. It's called a 'Collar'. It's a magical necklace to place around your pets' neck, and there is a tiny whistle also. When you place the necklace around your pet, then you can use the whistle. When you blow it, none but your pet will hear it and it will come straight to where you are, wherever it is. I hope you and Hedwig like it.
Hagrid"
He looked at the 'Collar'. That was a really nice present, very thoughtful also. And, Harry thought, not at all dangerous (unlike the last present Hagrid had sent him. Though it was harmless when you stroked it). The whistle hung on a little chain. It didn't look like a whistle at all, rather like a simple necklace. Harry placed it on his bedside table. He then took the Collar to Hedwig's cage. She wasn't sleeping, so he placed her necklace around her neck. She looked very happy at the gift.
He then returned to open the last letter. It was, as he had guessed, from Sirius. It read:
"Dear Harry,
Happy birthday,
How have you been? I am at Remus' at the moment and everything is well. I hope you are taking care of yourself. How are the Muggles treating you? Professor Dumbledore told me you would be going to the Weasley's for the remainder of the holidays. I hope you will have a lot of fun there. He also informed me you were made a prefect, and I am very glad. Congratulations! I have enclosed a present for you that I hope you will like.
Have fun at Ron's,
Sirius."
He smiled as he read his Godfather's letter and reached for the parcel. He opened it and saw a very large book. He took the letter that was next to it and read:
"Harry, this is a book containing all sorts of spells, counter-spells, curses, counter-curses and charms. They shouldn't be difficult to learn. At Hogwarts, they don't have time to teach you everything and I think these could come in quite useful.
Sirius"
He looked back at the book. Its title was "Magic To Learn" and was really large. He supposed this actually contained more spells than he could remember but it was still a wonderful present. And it would probably come in handy.
By now, Harry was really tired so he placed his gifts and letters on his bedside table and got in bed. Soon he was fast asleep.
The next morning, Harry went down to breakfast. This year, the Dursleys had given up on making Dudley follow a diet. Which was for the best in Harry's opinion. He sat down at the table, where nobody acknowledged his presence, as always. He started eating, and then decided he would rather ask his question now than wait any longer.
"Uncle Vernon?" he said hesitantly.
"hmph" answered his uncle. Harry decided to ask him without further ado.
"The Weasleys have invited me over for the holidays… Can I… Would it be ok if I went?
Uncle Vernon looked at him and said:
"We're going to America for the remainder of the holidays." Harry's heart sank but he didn't have time to wonder why the Dursleys would take him with them on holiday because Uncle Vernon kept talking.
"And Mrs. Figg has gone for the holidays too. So I don't know what I am going to do with you." Harry looked at him; amused he could ever think it possible that his uncle would take him anywhere.
"So I guess the best way to get rid of you is to send you to that lot and not be bothered with you any longer. That way I won't have to pay for anything either."
Harry allowed himself a grin as his uncle returned to his newspaper. Maybe his uncle was being a little kind since he was now so scared after countless annoying events with wizards. And last year's events had probably played their part. Harry had blown up his aunt and ministry wizards had come to help. But much to uncle Vernon's disappointment, Harry didn't get into any kind of trouble. Uncle Vernon now seemed to think Harry could get away with anything, and he wasn't pleased. He decided to not push him too much.
Harry went back up to his room and wrote to Ron, telling him he could come. Pig was still there, so Harry tied the parchment to his leg and sent him off after returning him his voice. The next day he got a letter saying they would come Saturday at two o'clock with ministry cars. Harry told this to his uncle who grunted. Harry thought that meant he didn't have an objection.
Saturday came quickly and soon enough he was in the hall, waiting for the Weasleys with his entire luggage ready. His uncle came out of the living room and turned to him:
"I don't think you need to stay here any longer. Just wait for your lot outside. I don't want any of them in my house."
Harry nodded and opened the door. "Bye" he said. But no answer came. He walked outside, pulling his crest and Hedwig's cage behind him. Ten minutes after, a black car came into Privet Drive. Harry got to his feet as the car stopped in front of him. Out of the car came… Somebody Harry really didn't expect to see at that time…
…… Snape.
LOL! So, anyone wanna know what happens next? Just review and tell me! Anyone feel like flaming me because Hermione spent time with Viktor? Do you think it's stupid for the three of them to be prefects? Just let me know! Please, I could do with a few reviews…