Chapter 2: What a Letter Holds
Harry looked up at the sky and saw the many stars twinkling. He felt as if he were so small. Right now he couldn't make a difference to anyone, yet just looking at those stars made him happy even if it was just for a minute. This had to be his worst summer yet. Dudley's diet was driving him into hunger that he had never known before. That combined with being locked in his room all day, except to do chores of course, had to make this the worst summer that he had ever known.
Being locked in his room had some upsides he could know do his homework during the day instead of having to stay up very late every night just to be able to finish it by September. Hedwig, his owl, was out hunting. The light was flickering on and off, giving everything in his room a surreal appearance.
When did my feelings change? He was still gazing at the stars but his thoughts wandered to other things. Life had become so complicated last year. Voldermort had regained a body and in the process killed Cedric, an innocent child. Now Fudge has denied it, and even went so far as to call me a fool. I know better than that. He wasn't worried, Albus Dumbledore believed him.
His perspective on life had changed. Yet one thing has become so complicated day by day, his feelings were altered towards his best friends, one he loved like a brother the other he loved... Suddenly, a rap at the window jerked him from his thoughts. In the process it made him fall out of his bed before scampering to the window.
A fully grown snow owl flew over to his bed before he could untie the note that was attached to his foot. Harry could see that whomever wrote him had neat hand writing. That could have only meant one person, Hermione. Having realized this he hurriedly untied the note and ripped it open uncaring of the tired owl.
His hands visible shaking he started to read the letter:
Dear Harry,
I was wondering if you would like to come to my house over the summer. Dumbledore said it would be okay. If all goes well Ron and Neville will be here also. Please this is an amazing important event concerning the shadow. I think you may like to hear me out.
I am begging you. I will pick you up in two days, the muggle way, as not to draw attention to myself. Ron and the others will be arriving about 5 days later. You probably know Ron is in Romania with his family seeing the dragons and Neville is visiting his parents.
Besides two weeks is a dreadfully long time to not be able to see you. I hope that you accept. If you have a hard time just say the word Snuggles and I'm sure they will see reason.
With love,
Hermione
The first thing that came to his mind was that he was getting out of the Dursley's. After re-reading it several times it also struck him that he would be alone with Hermione for 5 whole days before Ron and Neville arrive. Why would she invite Neville over? They weren't even very good friends! Thinking about this he fell into a sleep, uninterrupted by dreams.
***
The next day was Dudley's birthday. What a great present it would be for Dudley to get rid of Harry who he had grown to fear. For two reasons mainly Sirius his convicted God Father and that he had conveniently forgot to tell them that he wasn't allowed to use magic over the holidays. He pocketed his wand, in case it came down to it, and slowly went down the stairs whistling merrily. As he came to the kitchen he remembered, and started to sing Happy Birthday.
Everyone looked at him as if he had lost a screw in his head. Noticing this he said to Dudley, "I have the most marvellous birthday present for you."
A greedy look shone in his eyes, "What could you possibly give me?" He spat and paused as if considering what to say next. He took a deep breath then said, "Well come on then, give it to me."
Harry counted to ten before saying, "In two days you will not have to put up with me, I am going to my friends!" He could visibly see his uncle turn red. It looked as if he were going to explode. It was a matter of seconds before his temper got the best of him.
"You ungrateful little git. We provide for you and the way you thank us is to tell us what YOU are doing! Do you think that we wanted to take you in? NO! We did it because we were afraid that the crack pot Dumbledore would blow us up like your parents!" He took at deep breath before he raised from his chair.
This wasn't going the way Harry wanted it to. At that moment he realized what Vernon had said about his mom and dad. Vernon had never acted like this before. Before he knew it his wand was in his hand.
"Don't... you... ever... insult... my... parents." His rage grew with every breath. Making it hard for him to talk. "Wait... I'll... leave... NOW." He didn't care about what the ministry said, "Accio Hogwarts trunk."
With his truck floating behind him under his invisibility cloak he set off for Hermione's.
***
Kind of boring I know but that was my set up for the next chapter.
