Chapter One

The Dinner Guest

This summer was turning out drastically different from last summer. Harry Potter's Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and Cousin, Dudley, still avoided contact with him and were clearly scared of his Godfather, Sirius, whom they believed was an escaped murderer, but this year was different. Harry still woke up, at least once a night, reliving the events that took place last June, before he left Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He could still see Cedric lying on the ground, lifeless. The words of his Father's ghost still echoed in his head. Every time he closed his eyes he saw his mum gazing lovingly back at him. Besides reliving the horrors of June, Harry had changed physically. He had grown over the past few months adding about five inches to his height. Harry had also developed muscles from all of the chores and yard work his aunt had him doing.

Harry didn't mind having chores because he was able to concentrate on them and not let his mind drift to the horrible past. It also kept him from becoming frustrated with being cut off from the wizarding world. He wanted to be taking action against Voldemort, not staying at home waiting for him to attack. Harry didn't dare try to get The Daily Prophet delivered at the Dursleys. He wasn't suicidal. Harry actually enjoyed some of the freedom's that came with his 'abnormality'.

A few weeks after his arrival at Number 4 Private Drive Dudley asked, "What's with you? Did all of your 'friends' leave you?"

"No, just the darkest Wizard, for over a century, of all times is coming back into power and I'm stuck here." Harry snapped, he hadn't planed on telling the Dursleys about anything happening in the Wizarding world but it just came out. He had to admit watching the blood leave Dudley's face was amusing.

"Don-don't say that! You just said the WORD!! I'm going to tell my Dad!!"

"Dudley, did you hear me? I just told you the world isn't safe, Voldemort is back!"

"If-if-if you don't stop saying that I'm going to tell Dad!"

"Okay, fine, but I did warn you!" Harry said with a sigh returning to his chore of pulling the weeds out of the garden.

Another repulsive development this summer was Dudley, Harry's revoltingly large cousin, had some how gotten a girl friend, Frances. Harry assumed that he was bribing her to be seen in public with him, because he couldn't see how anyone could actually want to spend time with Dudley. Dudley's room was littered with pictures of her that he brought home and displayed them, after showing them to everyone.

Today Frances was coming over for dinner for the first time. At first Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia had planed on locking Harry in his room but the memories of the events that transpired three years ago, involving a pudding and a very important client of Uncle Vernon's, influenced their choice not to try to hide Harry. Harry didn't care; he didn't want to have to be there.

That day Aunt Petunia fussed over Harry's clothes because she wanted to make a good normal impression on Frances. Aunt Petunia picked out an outfit for Harry to wear. He assumed it was the ugliest thing in the closet, to make Dudley look more handsome.

As Harry cleaned the house Dudley cornered him and threatened, "If you make a move on my girlfriend you will wish you were never born!!!!" Harry was used to the threats; he just ignored Dudley and continued cleaning. When he was done with the house, it was spotless and he was exhausted.

Uncle Vernon came home in a surprisingly pleasant mood. Harry believed he saw a rare smile under Uncle Vernon's thick mustache. Vernon had stopped by the bakery on the way home and picked up a nice cake. "You, go upstairs and get dressed!" Uncle Vernon barked at Harry. Harry was only to happy to get out of the room, he couldn't take another minute of Aunt Petunia exclaiming "My Dudley-poo has his first girlfriend!!" It wouldn't have been too bad, if she hadn't proceeded to burst into tears every time.

Harry couldn't escape Aunt Petunia's jabbering. Her voice was one of those voices that carried up the stairs right into his room very clearly. He finally got relief when Uncle Vernon had her go change clothes to meet Frances. This was the first time Harry had appreciated anything his uncle had done.

Tonight's events should be amusing, Harry thought to himself. For starters Dudley was on an even stricter diet, it had been reduced from 1/4th of a grapefruit to 1/8th, which of course meant that everyone was forced to diet with him. After Harry had written Ron and told him about the diet he received a large parcel of mincemeat pies, courtesy of Mrs. Weasley. Harry had lost 2 pound the first week back at number 4 Privet Drive, so he was sure Dudley was cheating. Dudley's diet had been lifted for this meal because the Dursleys wanted to make a good impression on Frances.

As Harry was drifting off in a good daydream about Quidditch, the number one sport in the wizarding world and the best sport ever according to Harry and his best friend Ron Weasley, Uncle Vernon's voice boomed up the stairs. "Are you dressed boy?!?! Frances will be here in 5 minutes and you need to come down here and set the table!!!"

Harry obligatorily got to his feet and went downstairs leaving his pleasant daydream in his small room. It was amusing watching people other than Aunt Petunia fuss over Dudley, Harry thought as he watched Uncle Vernon fix Dudley's bow tie for a third time.

Aunt Petunia had Harry wearing one of Dudley's old dress shirts and old pair of khakis, both were about eight sizes too big. Harry felt ridiculous knowing his appearance reflected his sentiment, but was thankful for not having to wear a bow tie. When he reached the kitchen Aunt Petunia, wearing a salmon colored cocktail dress and a sever look on her face, was waiting with the dishes in hand for Harry to set the table with. She watched as he placed everything where it belonged, occasionally moving a fork or a knife slightly to make it straight.

In no time the doorbell was ringing and Dudley was greeting Frances. Her voice was as shrill and irritating as Aunt Petunia's. Harry could hear it all the way in the kitchen as he placed the last cup in its correct location. Frances was a tall girl about Dudley's age; she also had a horse like face with brown hair. The Dinner went smoothly and Harry enjoyed eating the steak that Aunt Petunia had cooked. It was a nice change from raw celery sticks. Dudley obviously enjoyed it as well, helping himself to a third helping. While they ate Dudley talked a lot about school and how wonderful he was. Frances also spoke a lot about school and the dances they would be allowed to attend during the coming term. Harry hated to say it but Frances was a good match for Dudley. She reminded him of a young version of Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. Frances actually genuinely liked him, and like the Dursleys she barley acknowledged Harry's existence. The most eventful part of the night was when Dudley's elbow wound up in the butter dish, bringing to Harry's mind an instance at the Burrow when Ginny, Ron's younger sister, accidentally placed her elbow in the butter dish. He tried his hardest not to laugh at the situation, avoiding making eye contact with any of his relatives.

Aunt Petunia sliced the cake for dissert before they moved into the formal sitting room. As they ate the cake Uncle Vernon commented, "Petunia this was the best cake you have ever made!" This seemed to impress Frances. She seemed like the kind of person who was impressed by cars and money.

Before she left Dudley, blushing slightly asked "If it is okay with your parents would you like to go to London with us tomorrow? We have to buy new school clothes for me, and I'm sure we could go see a movie or a play while we are there." Harry stifled a laugh thinking that Dudley had never been to a play in his life.

Clearly surprised by the question Frances blushed before answering "Yes, I'm sure they would let me. I'll call them right now." She moved to the phone and dialed her phone number. "Hello Daddy, Dudley just invited me to go into London with him and his family tomorrow, so is it okay if I go?" She gave Dudley a large grin while she waited for a response. "Thank you Daddy!" She replied sounding to Harry like she was trying to be sugary sweet. "He said yes." She told an eager looking Dudley, grabbing his hand. This sight made Harry sick to his stomach. He had to get out of the room before he puked.

"Um… Is it okay if I go upstairs?" Harry asked at an opportune time.

"Yes, go on Harry." Aunt Petunia replied trying, like Frances had on the phone, to sound sugary sweet. Harry headed up stairs where he changed into his pajamas and laid down on his bed trying to find the nice daydream he was having before this evening began. He finally found it when a person opened his door. Harry turned to see who it was and was greeted by the silhouette of a tall bony woman, Aunt Petunia.

"Harry, we are going into London tomorrow to buy my Dudley-wudley's new school uniforms because he has grown too tall for his old ones." Aunt Petunia hesitantly explained. Harry suspected that he had not grown taller but wider. Aunt Petunia was obviously disturbed to be in Harry's room with out Uncle Vernon. He hopped for a moment that he would be aloud to stay home for his birthday but Harry's hopes were dashed with the next sentence out of Aunt Petunia's mouth. "Mrs. Figg has been in bad health and has not answered our phone calls or returned our messages, so, we have to take you." She explained. With this news Harry felt as disappointed as his aunt looked. "So, go to bed."

Aunt Petunia quickly turned and left the room without another word. As Harry thought about the torture his birthday would be he stared out the window and realized something was flying towards him. He opened the window as Five owls flew into his room, each carrying a package. After he untied the packages from their legs all but one small owl, and one owl whom seemed to have passed out from the effort of flying, flew off. The small owl hooted obviously pleased with his delivery.

"Hi Pig! Calm down." Harry said as he grabbed the hyper bird placing him in Hedwig's cage. She gave Harry an insulted hoot showing she was not happy with her energetic guest.

Harry closed his eyes and chose a package. It was from Hermione. He read the letter before looking at the present.

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday!

How are you doing? Are the Dursley's treating you better? I'm sure Ron has told you, but I am going to visit Victor next week. When I return I will be meeting Ron in Diagon Alley. Can you come? I hope to see you soon.

Love from,

Hermione

As he folded the letter and placed it in his school trunk he thought about the differences between this summer and the previous one. With a shake of his head Harry pushed the memories of June out of his brain and reached for the package that accompanied Hermione's letter. After unwrapping it he grinned at the sight of a book of unusual spells and curses. A card fell out of the pages as he flipped through them. He smiled at the muggle card that only Hermione would send him.

Harry,

I thought you would appreciate this. It might prove to be useful.

Happy Birthday again,

Hermione

Harry put the book and card aside, moving on to the next package. This one was from Hagrid.

Happy Birthday Harry!

How are you doing? Madam Maxime and I are on our mission from Dumbledore. I wish I could tell you what we are doing but I promised him I wouldn't. Everything is going well. If everything keeps going the way it has been I hope to be back at the school before term starts. I picked up your present while in Bath, I hope you enjoy it. They are believed to protect the owner against Dark Magic.

Your friend,

Hagrid

As Harry ripped off the wrapping paper on the small parcel another owl flew into his room caring what appeared to be a home made card. He untied it and went back to Hagrid's present. Inside a tan leather pouch was seven smooth stones with what appeared to be runes on them. He realized the runes as some he had seen on Hermione's homework one day. After examining them closely for several minutes he put them back in the pouch and put the pouch aside, moving to the most recent delivery. Harry was surprise at who it was from.

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday!

I hope your birthday is lots of fun. I want to keep in touch with you and Victor so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to write you. My summer has been wonderful, as I hope yours has been. I spent two weeks with my family in Vela, France, outside the city of Calais, before moving to London. I hope to see you soon, maybe we can meet and have lunch or something when you go to Diagon Alley to buy your school supplies. We can have lunch with the Weasleys too.

Yours truly,

Fleur Delacour

Harry couldn't help but blush, remembering the beautiful Beauxbatons student with whom he had competed for the Triwizard tournament, only a little more than a month ago. He placed the card aside, with Hermione's and Hagrid's, thinking that he would have to write her back.

Harry found another letter that had been attached to the owl that was now lying on his bed, half-dead. The owl was Eroll, the Weasley's family owl. He grabbed the letter and opened it.

Dear Harry,

I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I hope to see you soon here at the Burrow. We will all have fun when you get here. Take care of yourself, and no blowing up family members while you wait for us to come and get you. Try to enjoy your time away from Hogwarts. I'm sure it is hard at your relative's house but please try!

I'll see you soon.

Love,

Ginny

This letter caught Harry by surprise, even more than the one from Fleur. Ginny had barely spoken to Harry in the past four years, but she had sent him a birthday card. The act of kindness that was displayed by this simple gesture touched Harry in an odd way. He had never really thought about Ginny and yet she sent him a Birthday card. Harry decided that this showed that she was finally over the crush that had stunted their friendship in the past. He would have to write her back.

He then turned back to the remaining two packages. He chose one and opened it. This package only contained a letter that was from Sirius Black, his Godfather. It was defiantly the most unusual letter.

Dear Harry,

How are you doing? Can you get out to meet me tomorrow? Mrs. Figg, your elderly neighbor, will be calling the Dursley's and offering to take care of you all day to give them time to go into London. I assume they will jump at the opportunity. I will meet you at her house, where we will be able to spend the day together.

Love,

Sirius

Harry starred at the letter not really reading it, but thinking about what it said. Why would Sirius want to meet at Mrs. Figg's, she is a muggle, or is she? Could she be a witch? Has she been watching him all of this time and not said anything? He had so many questions he almost forgot what day tomorrow was, his Birthday, not like the Dursleys would remember, but he would be spending his birthday with his Godfather! What would be better? After rereading the letter for about the hundredth time he was finally able to put away the card deciding that tomorrow would come soon enough and he would be able to ask all the questions he wanted to then. He then turned to the final package, which he had almost forgotten about. It was from Ron, his best friend.

Hi Harry,

Happy Birthday!

How are you? Are you doing better? Mum is really worried about you! Did you hear about Hermione going to visit Krum? I thought she didn't like him that much! I was in shock when I read my letter from her a few days ago. Fred and George worked out some type of deal with Zonko's where Zonko's is going to be caring Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. They invested TONS of money. I don't know where they got it. They keep saying it is from an anonymous donor.

Dad has been sending Dumbledore inside information from the ministry about the comings and goings of the Death Eaters. There have been several attacks that the ministry is covering up right now, including several muggles. The ministry still doesn't believe that You-Know-Who is back! The attacks haven't been grave enough for them to believe Dumbledore and you.

Bill has been transferred to the London branch of Gringots. He and Fleur Delacour are dating! Can you believe that? They say they met last year before the third task, when Mum and Bill came to see you. They kept in touch and when he was transferred, three weeks ago, they started dating. Mum is reluctant to become too excited because she realized Fleur is part Vella, and as she says, "Never trust a Vella," but Fleur is the first serious girlfriend Bill has EVER had. So she can't be upset about it. Sure he has dated many girls but none of them more than twice, lucky git.

Dumbledore said you could come and stay with us for all of August! Bill and Charlie will be home for vacation so the Burrow will be packed, again. We will come and get you tomorrow. Mom sent a letter to them, this time with only one stamp thanks to your explanation; they should get it today. We are coming and taking you regardless of what the muggles say. See you soon.

Your friend,

Ron

After reading Ron's letter Harry put it aside with the others and opened his present. The first part was a small cake from Mrs. Weasley; the other part was a book on the latest Quidditch moves. Harry couldn't believe his luck, he was going to the Weasleys for a whole month and he was going to be spending his birthday with his godfather. He pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. After arranging his cards and making sure everything was in order for tomorrow Harry allowed himself to drift off to sleep, smiling.