Disclaimer: Guess how much of this I own? Nothing. Pity really. If I did, I promise you I would own more than some CDs and a karate gi. But I don't; alas, JKR does.
Author's Note: This is my first fanfic. I was bored and that is when I started to write. Please go easy on me. I do appreciate feedback and I hope you enjoy this. Chapter 1 is, of course, just the beginning. The real plot will start to come in the next chapter. I take suggestions and constructive criticism. Thanks and happy reading.
Chapter 1
If sleep was for the weak, then Harry was the strongest person on the face of the earth. He had hardly slept a wink since he got back to Privet Drive and his muggle relatives. No one could blame him though. It was hard for Harry to get over what had happened during the third task. He had lost a friend and his worst enemy had returned. Harry had a strong spirit, but all of these depressing events had taken a toll.
It was almost 3 am. Harry sighed. He knew that he would get about 3 hours of sleep and then wake up, unrested, to face the onslaught of chores that the Dursleys always had for him. They didn't know what had happened to Harry, but he knew it wouldn't make a difference to them. They would be disappointed that Voldemort didn't kill him as well.
Things got worse for Harry even after the Triwizard Tournament mess: Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, didn't believe him! This was a slap to the face on so many levels. Not only did Fudge deny the rebirth of Voldemort, but he denounced Harry's claims as preposterous and doubted Harry's sanity. I wish I was insane, thought Harry. Then Voldemort wouldn't be alive and there wouldn't be a threat to both the wizarding world and the muggle world. Harry shook his head and sat up. He didn't wish he was insane; what a horrible thought! Denying what happened would make him as foolish as Fudge, and he would be unwittingly helping Voldemort.
I have to face this and get over my sadness, thought Harry, as he walked over to the window. There is a lot to be done now, and something tells me I will be an important part in it. No more goofing off. It's go time. Cedric was a wonderful person and I will see to it his death wasn't in vain. With his new resolve, Harry stood up straight and tall, and for the first time since he left Hogwarts, he let a smile creep across his face. Things are going to change for the better; I'll see to that!
At this point, Harry caught a glimpse of something in the sky. As it got closer, Harry realized it was about fours owls flying towards his window. He quickly opened it and prepared for their entrance. The four owls swooped down into the room and three landed on various pieces. One, however, found it more suitable to speed around the room and knock over things.
"Get over here and cut that out, Pig!" hissed Harry. "The last thing I need is you waking up my aunt and uncle!" Harry grabbed the little ball of feathers right before it knocked over his inkwell on to his Transfiguration essay.
"I don't know what they feed you, but they need to stop it," murmured Harry as he untied the package from its leg. Pig promptly then flew into Hedwig's cage and sat on the perch for a short break.
Harry completely forgot that it was his birthday; he had lost all track of time since he had been trapped in his own melancholy thoughts. Harry's mood was incredibly lighter now. Life didn't seem so bad now that he remembered he had people who cared for him. Harry tore in to Ron's letter and eagerly read it.
Dear Harry,
I hope this letter finds you well on your birthday. I also hope those muggles aren't getting you down. Things have been crazy here! All kinds of witches and wizards have been stopping by and talking to dad. Apparently, there is some sort of underground movement being formed to prepare for You-Know-Who. Dad has been trying to find trustworthy people inside to ministry to join. Seems like a lot of people are interested; they remember how is was before when "he" was around and they don't want to go through it again. They want to be prepared. Maybe pseudo-Moody was onto something with his whole "Constant Vigilance!" routine. Dumbledore is in charge of this whole group, so things might be a bit different this year around Hogwarts. For the better I suppose.
Anyway, enough gossip. I hope you like your present. It is from the entire family. I don't know if you'll be able to come over this summer. Dad said Dumbledore might make you stay there for some odd reason. I'll keep asking and send you word. Bye for now.
Ron
Harry was a bit sad, curious, and happy when he finished the letter. He didn't like the fact he might not be able to visit the Burrow this summer, but he supposed Dumbledore did have his reasons. He was also intrigued by the gathering of people at the Burrow. What could Dumbledore be up to? However, this was all pushed to the side when he opened his gift. It was a watch, but it was like the clock in the Weasley's house. The hands represented different people Harry knew; there was one for him, Ron, Hermione, Sirius, Fred, George, and Ginny. In place of numbers, there were various locations, such as home, Hogwarts, Quidditch field, traveling, and of course the ever popular, mortal danger. At the moment, everyone's hands were pointing to home, except Sirius's, which pointed to traveling. I guess it is a mission for Dumbledore that he is on.
Harry put the watch on and picked up the package a small screech owl was carrying. Harry could tell it was from Hermione; the neat writing on the envelope and the book-like appearance of the package were dead give-aways. Hermione's letter was a bit short than Ron's.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! How does it feel to be fifteen? Probably no different than 14. Anyway, I am leaving soon to go on a quick family trip, so I am keeping this short. I just hope that you are ok after what happened last year. Ron thinks you are doing just fine, but I can tell he isn't as convinced as he pretends to be. If you are in need of someone to talk to, we are here for you. Don't forget you also have Sirius and even Dumbledore. Well, I have to go. Enjoy the gifts and I will write you again once I get home.
Lots of love,
Hermione
Sometimes it amazed Harry how Hermione could sense that something was wrong. Apparently, distance had no effect on this sense. He opened her gift and found two books: A History of Hogwarts and Winning Quidditch Strategies. I think she is trying to tell me something with these. Harry laughed to himself and set the books on his desk. He figured he would have plenty of time to read them if he couldn't go to the Burrow.
The next package he opened came from a tawny barn owl. Harry recognized it as one of the school's owls. There were two letters also with the package. He opened one of them and found it was from Hagrid.
Hey there Harry!
Happy Birthday! I stopped by Hogwarts briefly so that I could send you a gift. Right now I am in the middle of an assignment for Dumbledore. It is a dozy, but that is all I can say. Enjoy your gift and I will see you this fall.
Hagrid
Harry poked the gift. It didn't move. That was definitely a good sign. Hagrid's twisted sense of what animals were dangerous kept Harry and his friends on their toes. After the biting book incident, Harry used caution when dealing with Hagrid's gifts. He carefully unwrapped the gift. Still not moving; this is good, thought Harry. When he got the paper completely off, Harry was awestruck. The gift turned out to be a beautiful box about the size of a small brick with intricate designs and runes etched into it. It also had 3 different locks on it. Harry picked it up and noticed there was another envelope on the bottom. In side was a note from Hagrid and 3 keys. The note explained that each key unlocked one of three different compartments in the box.
"Hey! This is like Moody's trunk!" he exclaimed. Harry tried it out. He unlocked the first lock and opened the box. To make sure it was what he thought it was, Harry wrote "1" on a scrap piece of parchment and placed it in the box. He closed it and opened the second lock. When he opened it, there was no piece of paper. Hagrid really outdid himself this time.
Harry interest was diverted when he realized there was the second letter that still had to be opened. He had no idea what it was, but figured it was from someone at Hogwarts since a school owl brought it. Harry opened the letter and read.
Mr. Potter,
Salutations on your day of days. Unfortunately, I must be the bearer of bad news, but please do not hold this against me. I am afraid that you will not be able to visit your friend Mr. Weasley this summer. Great precautions have been taken to protect you where you are. Understand that this is for your own good. Perhaps you can spend your extra time preparing for this coming school year. I promise you, it will be unlike any other. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. You are to stay with you aunt and uncle until the new year begins. Sorry, but trust me.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Even in spite of this news, Harry was not upset. He understood that Dumbledore had some plan and that he should do as the wise wizard said. Harry had survived longer periods of time with the Dursleys; he could survive the whole summer. Not that it would be easy but he would survive. Besides, Harry was sure he could at least meet up with his friends in Diagon Alley when he got his supplies for next year.
This left one more gift. It was from Sirius; Harry knew because Hedwig was carrying it, and she had been sent to deliver a note to his godfather. With this thought, Harry looked at his new watch. Sirius was still traveling. I wonder what he is up to. His attention then turned to the letter.
Hey Harry
Happy Birthday to the world's greatest godson! How is life treating you? Not well judging from your letters. What happened wasn't your fault and there was nothing that you could've done to prevent it. We all have to look forward and face the danger head on. Everyone has a part to play, and so do you.
Cheer up! Remus and I have worked hard on your gift. Actually Remus did a bit more work, but I thought of it. Besides, I've been busy doing stuff for Dumbledore. I hope you like it. Keep in touch. I'm sure we'll see each other soon enough.
Love,
Sirius
Harry finished the letter, and thought for a moment. What was Sirius playing at in the letter? He said Harry had a part to play, and hinted that they would see each other soon. Well, I hope he visits soon. The Dursleys aren't much company and I might not see Ron or Hermione any time soon. Oh well………
He unwrapped Sirius's gift. It was a scrapbook. Harry already had one from Hagrid with pictures of his parents in it. He wondered what was in this one. Harry opened it and as he leafed through the first few pages, tears sprang up in his eyes. There were more than just pictures in this scrapbook; Sirius and Remus had put in letters that his parents had written. Harry was beside himself as he looked at his parents' writing and heard their voices in a different context. Before, he had only heard his parents' frantic screams and pleading voices; now he heard happiness and joy. This was definitely the best present.
It was now about 4:30 am. Harry finally felt tired. He let all the owls out except Hedwig and Pig; they were both asleep in Hedwig's cage. Harry put his presents on his desk, and crawled into bed. As his head hit the pillow, Harry drifted off into the best 4 hours of sleep he had ever gotten. Life wasn't so bad after all……
