Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the sole-property of the almighty JK Rowling. I own nothing Harry Potter but my copies of the books, my drawings of the characters, and my original character Saerry Snape (who is not in this story but you can find her in my story Snake and Wolf: The Finding)
Plot: Set seven years before Harry Potter and the Dark Defenses in the trio's seventh year. Harry gets a letter from Voldemort and everything . . . well, to put it simply, everything goes to hell . . .
Harry Potter and the Dark Rising
Chapter 2 – Soooo many letters….
Harry woke up with a crick in his neck and found that he had fallen asleep over his Potions essay. Which was only half finished. Giving a small groan he looked around and jumped when he looked straight into Hedwig's large amber eyes. She hooted softly and he smiled, relaxing.
"Hello girl."
Reaching out, Harry stroked her feathers then reached for the letter to Sirius. Tying it to her leg he said, "Take this to Sirius for me."
Hedwig nipped at his finger then soared out of the window into the night. Harry watched her until he couldn't see her anymore then turned back to his Potions essay. Just as he had gotten finished, three owls swooped in.
Rising, Harry walked over to the three. One of the owls, a tawny barn owl, was carrying a letter with the Hogwart's crest on it. Harry took that first, gave the owl some water from Hedwig's dish, then sent it off. Setting the letter aside Harry reached up and snagged the tiny owl that was fluttering wildly about his head. He had had a lot of practice at catching Ron's owl Pigwidgeon (or Pig) over the years.
The tiny owl was carrying a small package and a card. Harry opened the card first.
Hey Harry,
Hope the Muggles are treating you good. Oh, and Happy Birthday! There's a note inside the box that explains what I got you does.
Oh, and can you come to Diagon Alley a week before September 1? Mum and Dad are letting me and Ginny stay at the Leaky Cauldron. Mum says its 'Practice for living on your own'. And Fred and George still live at the Burrow. Why doesn't she kick them out? Anyway, can't wait to see you again.
- Ron
P.S. Hermione will be there too. She'll be rooming with Ginny and you'll be stuck with me. Life's wonderful isn't it?
Harry chuckled at his friend's letter then set it aside and opened the tiny box. Inside was a watch with a band of shimmering silver. Harry examined the watch then pulled out the piece of paper placed at the bottom. Unfolding it he read Ron's handwriting again.
Harry,
This is a Malum Watch. It's like a Muggle watch except the screen flashes red whenever a Dark Wizard is near. They're really expensive and I only got this one because Dad found it in a Muggle pawnshop. Apparently another wizard lost it or had it stolen. And since . . . well, you know what I'm talking about . . . I thought you might need it. Might come in handy.
- Ron
Harry folded the letter into the other one then slipped the watch on his wrist. The spot where the time was shone in a crystalline blue light. It was 10:14
Harry walked over to his desk and picked up his quill and a clean sheet of paper.
Ron,
Thanks for the watch. Your right, it might come in handy.
Sure I'll come. You just make sure you've got a room waiting for me.
Glad to hear Herm's coming. Can't wait to see you guys again
- Harry
Harry rolled up the letter and snagged Pigwidgeon from the air. He thrust the letter into the minute owl's beak and said, "Go back to Ron now Pig." With that he gave the owl a toss out the window then looked at the other owl, which he recognized as the owl he had given to Hermione last year for Christmas.
"C'mere Osis."
The barn owl flew over to his outstretched arm and affectionately pecked his hand. Harry smiled and ruffled the owl's feathers before untying Hermione's letter from her leg.
Harry,
Happy Birthday! I've got your present with me so I'll give it to you later. Are you coming to Diagon Alley? Ron said he'd ask you but he may have forgotten (just like he forgot to do his Potions essay! *glare*).
Hope to see you soon.
- Hermione
Harry chuckled and flipped the sheet of paper over, jotting his reply on the back.
Hermione,
Yes, he told me. Forgot his Potions essay? And I bet he owled you right? *laugh*
I will be coming to Diagon Alley so I'll see you then.
- Harry
Harry rolled up the letter then tied it back to Osis' leg. He gave the owl an Owl Treat and a drink of water from Hedwig's bowl then sent her off. As soon as she vanished he picked up the Hogwart's letter and opened it.
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.
A list of books for next year is enclosed.
Yours sincerely.
Professor M. McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry sighed. Same letter every year. He pulled out the booklist and scanned over it.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 7) by Miranda Goshawk
An Extensive History of Magic by Simon Sayr
A Expert's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand More Magical Herds and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Even More Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
Defending Yourself Against the Dark Arts by Albus Dumbledore
Harry blinked at the booklist and thought Dumbledore wrote a book? Wow. Refolding the two letters he put them back in the envelope and threw it onto the desk. With a moan he stood up and walked over to the window, closing it and locking it.
Once that was done he shuffled over to his bed and fell into it. As he pulled the blanket up over his shoulders he took off his glasses and sat them on the bedside table next to his wand.
In a few moments he was asleep.
A/N: ACH! Had to go back and reference the first book because none of the other had the bloody booklist in them. Ich. Then I couldn't think of titles and . . . . sweet Merlin, I'm rambling. *duct tapes mouth shut and walks off*