(A/N: Hey! Thanks to everyone that reviewed my last chapter. I was hoping
for more, but I'm not complaining. Anyway, I know I promised action,
mystery, and updating in this chapter...but it looks like you'll have to
settle for interesting facts, mystery, and updating. But please bear with
me. Something unbelievable is about to happen in the next couple chapters!
Anyway, enough rambling! Please R/R! On with the story...)
Disclaimer: I own zip, nada, nothing! Er....well, I own the plot...that's something, right?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*The Summer~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry clutched his scar in pain, breathing deeply. After a few moments the pain faded. Harry got out of bed to look at his scar in the mirror. This wasn't the first time Harry had woken up in the middle of the night with a terrible pain in his scar. He knew that it was because of dreams of Voldemort, but could never remember what the dream was about. He could remember something about this dream though. It was something about lighting a torch, and it seemed oddly familiar.
Harry sighed as he stumbled around his room looking for his glasses. He felt his hands touch a stack of letters he had received since the end of the school year. He had gotten a lot more then usual. Sirius wrote him often telling Harry of searching around for members of an order created to fight Voldemort, and how it was difficult because many of them scattered after Voldemort fell from power. Hermione wrote Harry regularly to tell of her travels around Europe with her parents, always making sure to ask how Harry was and if he needed anything. Ron, on the other hand, wrote Harry almost every day. Ron's letters contained information about his dad and Percy's spying in the ministry. Ron's dad, Arthur, was trying to get as much information about what Fudge was doing about Voldemort's return. Of course, Fudge still refused to believe that Voldemort had risen to power, and therefore did nothing. Percy was trying to climb fast through the ranks of the ministry, asking those of high power what they made of the attacks. Some one that hadn't written Harry quite as often was Hagrid. Hagrid's letters usually were short and would only tell Harry that his "secret business" with Dumbledore wasn't going as well as planned. That his "clients" were very stubborn, but he and Olympe were starting to make progress.
Harry finally found his glasses, and put them on to check his scar. The pain had completely faded, and as far as Harry could tell, it looked perfectly normal. Then a terrible thought crossed his mind. Voldemort had killed someone again. The person probably died as pointlessly as Cedric. Harry frowned as he thought of Cedric. Harry knew in his head that he wasn't really responsible for Cedric's death or Voldemort's return, but he felt guilty nonetheless. Hagrid's words came to mind:' what will come will come, and we will meet it when it does'. Harry sighed and looked closer at himself. He had grown a couple inches in a short period of time. His attention was suddenly brought to the mane of hair he had, sticking up worse then usual. Harry tried to push it down, but eventually gave up. He took his glasses off again, and fell to sleep easily.
Harry woke at about 8 o'clock in the morning the next day, having completely forgotten about waking up in the middle of the night. He walked down stairs to the kitchen to see his Aunt Petunia cutting 3 grapefruits in half and feeding her husband and her massive son 2 of them. They all ignored Harry as he entered the room, and sat down to eat his usual nibblets for breakfast. Harry privately laughed to himself as he thought of the first morning of the summer, when he came down to breakfast. His Aunt Petunia had already sliced a grapefruit and placed it in front of the chair where Harry sat. Harry frowned and said, "Since I don't need to go on a diet, might I have a bit more grapefruit...or" he had added thoughtfully, "might I have some biscuits". He had asked very politely in a generous tone, but his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin had reacted in a way that might make you think Harry had threatened to blast them into oblivion. Harry came to breakfast every morning after that to find a plate full of nibblets. Harry looked up to his Uncle Vernon, who was reading the newspaper and was grunting at whatever was in the muggle news. As Harry was about to return to his food, he caught sight of Dudley watching Harry's food intently with his piggy eyes; obviously waiting for the perfect moment to steal some nibblets, a moment that would never come. Dudley's diet wasn't going very well, but it wasn't really failing either. Dudley hadn't gained any weight, but certainly hadn't lost any. Harry knew that Dudley must be sneaking food out of the fridge at night because Harry didn't hear his snoring until later, and would sometimes hear his aunt shriek in the morning when she saw half the food in the fridge had "disappeared".
The Dursley's had done their best to completely ignore Harry all summer and had succeeded greatly. Though this was a vast improvement to every other summer he had spent in number 4 Privet Drive, Harry had quickly become bored. He finished his breakfast and headed back up the stairs to his room to continue working on his extensive homework. He had been given much more this summer than usual, as it was the year he took his O.W.L's. (Ordinary Wizard Level)
Another boring and uneventful day had past. Harry looked up at the clock that read 11:14 pm and decided it best to put away his essay for Divination ("Explain how the movements and positions of the stars help us to divine") and go to sleep. Harry crossed off another day on his calendar counting down to September 1st, before drifting off into a pleasant sleep.
A few days later, Harry had been working on a rather nasty essay about a healing potion for Snape that had to be two and a half rolls of parchment long, when Hedwig flew into his room and held out her leg to show that she had a letter. Harry grinned at her. 'Finally, something to do!' he thought as he stroked her feathers and took the piece of parchment.
"It's from Ron!" Harry said excitedly. "I wonder why it took him longer to reply" he said thoughtfully. Harry opened up the parchment to read the letter to himself:
Harry,
Hey, how are you? Things here are as boring as usual. Fred and George have been in their room all summer inventing new stuff. I think after they blew up our toilet, my mom came to terms that they're not gonna go into the ministry. But you know it's odd, they seem to have all this money and mom hasn't got a clue where they got it. They actually bought me two new dress ropes. They are made out of black crushed velvet and silk, and are a lot nicer then the lace one my mum bought me last year. I haven't tried them on yet. I'm still in the middle of checking for hexes. I bet Fred and George put some charm on it where it melts away or turns invisible when I'm in public....
Harry laughed at this and continued reading.
My dad said there was another attack on a muggle town and that Fudge claims it was an attack by werewolves. There were 38 casualties without a scratch on them. Boy, those werewolves are getting awful tidy about their work! If I ever have to get bitten, I hope it's by one as clean as those! Fudge still denies You-Know-Who's return. Dumbledore sent an owl to my house last week asking my dad and Percy how things were going in the ministry and if they had heard anything. I asked my dad to ask Dumbledore if you could spend a few days or so at my house. This is why this took so long to get to you, because I was waiting for an answer. Dumbledore said that you MIGHT be able to come to our house in a couple weeks IF he thinks its safe enough. I hope all is well. Are the muggles treating you right?
- Ron
Harry wasted no time in writing Ron back. He searched his room for a piece of clean parchment and a quill. After five minutes, he finally found both and wrote to Ron. When he was finished, he checked it over...
Ron, How are things at the burrow? They couldn't possibly be as boring as the Dursley's, but I guess it is better then having to actually talk with them. Really? Fred and George have all this mysterious money? I wonder where they got it. I bet Ludo Bagman paid them back, and they don't want your mum to know they betted. I'm sure they bought you the robes to apologize for the time they burned a hole in your tongue with those acid pops. Then again, you never really know with Fred and George, so I would be on the look out. I can't believe Fudge still can't face facts that Voldemort has returned. Where did the death eaters attack? Have your father or Percy heard anything new? I do hope to be able to come to your house, as it is very dull here. I'm perfectly fine though, Muggles aren't giving me any trouble. I hope all is well at the burrow. Write back soon.
Harry
Harry was satisfied with his letter and folded it up before sending it back out with a tired Hedwig.
2 weeks later was July 31st, Harry's 15th birthday. Harry woke up to find 6 owls sitting on his window, bed stand, and in Hedwig's cage starring down at him. Harry was a little shocked at the sight at first, but suddenly realized that it was his birthday. A broad, mischievous grin spread across Harry's face as he jumped out of bed to open the gifts and letters that each owl carried. He first took the small package from Errol, the Weasley's family owl....that had obviously been forced to do another mission that was slightly above it strength, and pig, Ron's own tiny owl. He opened the parcel to find a large, orange Chudley Cannons Qudditch book that had "Chudley Cannons greatest moments! 348 - 1789" written across the top in bold, gold writing. Harry grinned at Ron's gift, and set it on his bed. The next owl was brown, with a white head. Harry realized it was a book, and therefore was from Hermione. Harry unwrapped the packaged parcel to find "Hogwarts, A History" in front of him. Harry raised his eyebrows and read the note that was attached:
Dear Harry, Happy Birthday! Now you will be able to know the History of Hogwarts! It took me a while to think of this gift. I knew you probably had enough quidditch stuff lying around, so I got you this! I know it will be as useful to you as it was to me! Hope you're well!
Yours truly,
Hermione
Harry grinned at Hermione. 'You have to hand it to her, learning always thrilled her, so obviously it will thrill me' Harry thought jokingly to himself. He set the second book on his bed next to his Chudley Cannons and continued to the next owl which was a plain brown barn owl that carried a large envelope that had "Mr. H. Potter" written on the front in green writing. Harry detached the parchment from the barn owl, and opened his first letter and read:
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 skimmed the piece of parchment which contained his list of books, and then set the parchment down. There was another letter inside the envelope, which Harry opened with curiosity.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confederacy of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter, I am pleased to inform you that you have been appointed a Gryffindor prefect, starting on September the first of this year, 1994. You are to be observant of the conduct of your fellow students, and uphold the rules written in the Hogwarts School doctrine. We expect nothing but the best from our prefects. As a prefect, you will be allowed certain privileges such as access to certain facilities not open to the general student population. You will be required to attend regular meetings of all of the prefects in the fifth, sixth and seventh years, which are directed by the Head Boy and Head Girl. I hope to see you at the welcoming feast on September the first! Congratulations on receiving this honor!
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"Me? A Prefect?" Harry said loudly in bewilderment. Then a grin swept across his face. He was a prefect. Just like his parents. Harry continued to the next owl, which was very small...and rather ruffled looking. Harry knew immediately it was from Hagrid, as Hagrid kept his owl inside one of his many coat pockets. Harry off took the bag the owl had tightly bound to it leg, and looked inside to see a beautiful blue stone that looked liked the morning sky and ocean all mixed into one. There was a note stuffed harshly inside the bag with it. Harry read another birthday note:
Dear Harry,
Happy birthday to ya! I didn't have a lot of time to find a good gift, but I thought this amulet would have to do. I hope you like it. It's supposed to protect you from evil and sickness. At least that is what the store manager told me. I hope you are having a good birthday.
Hagrid
Harry looked at the amulet and its beauty closely. He tied the string the amulet was bound to around his neck, and hid the amulet beneath his over sized shirt. Harry was definitely in a good mood today. He finally reached the last gift, which was a carried by an aging gray owl that was carrying a parcel as small as Harry's palm. Harry opened the parcel and slid 3 rings into his hand. Harry examined the 3 rings closely. One was a sparkling diamond ring, with a green crystal lily surrounding it. The other two were simple gold ring bands, one was smaller then the other. Harry opened the parcel to see that its packaging was actually a letter. Harry read the last letter with more curiosity then any of the others. It said:
Dear Harry,
I couldn't decided on a proper gift to get you, as you deserve something very great. I finally decided to have Moony search my vault for your parents wedding and engagement rings. I would have gotten them to you sooner, but the circumstances wouldn't allow that. I hope you are having a good birthday. And I hope you like your gift. It's from me and Moony both. I'll see you sometime soon. My search is nearly over. I hope you are having a good summer. If you need me for anything, send your owl and I'll be there.
Sirius
Harry sat down on the bed re-reading the note and looking at his parents rings for the next few hours...skipping breakfast and lunch, completely lost in thought. Finally, Harry grinned. This was the best Birthday present anyone could have ever possibly given to him.
(A/N: Ah! Such a sentimental ending. I usually hate those in stories, because they are usually corny and I love action. But I think that its necessary you see how deep this story goes. And I promise 100% action and mystery for the rest of the story. This was a slow, sad chapter. But the rest of the story will be completely action packed and fun! Hope you liked it! Please, please, pretty please review! Thanks!)
Disclaimer: I own zip, nada, nothing! Er....well, I own the plot...that's something, right?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*The Summer~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry clutched his scar in pain, breathing deeply. After a few moments the pain faded. Harry got out of bed to look at his scar in the mirror. This wasn't the first time Harry had woken up in the middle of the night with a terrible pain in his scar. He knew that it was because of dreams of Voldemort, but could never remember what the dream was about. He could remember something about this dream though. It was something about lighting a torch, and it seemed oddly familiar.
Harry sighed as he stumbled around his room looking for his glasses. He felt his hands touch a stack of letters he had received since the end of the school year. He had gotten a lot more then usual. Sirius wrote him often telling Harry of searching around for members of an order created to fight Voldemort, and how it was difficult because many of them scattered after Voldemort fell from power. Hermione wrote Harry regularly to tell of her travels around Europe with her parents, always making sure to ask how Harry was and if he needed anything. Ron, on the other hand, wrote Harry almost every day. Ron's letters contained information about his dad and Percy's spying in the ministry. Ron's dad, Arthur, was trying to get as much information about what Fudge was doing about Voldemort's return. Of course, Fudge still refused to believe that Voldemort had risen to power, and therefore did nothing. Percy was trying to climb fast through the ranks of the ministry, asking those of high power what they made of the attacks. Some one that hadn't written Harry quite as often was Hagrid. Hagrid's letters usually were short and would only tell Harry that his "secret business" with Dumbledore wasn't going as well as planned. That his "clients" were very stubborn, but he and Olympe were starting to make progress.
Harry finally found his glasses, and put them on to check his scar. The pain had completely faded, and as far as Harry could tell, it looked perfectly normal. Then a terrible thought crossed his mind. Voldemort had killed someone again. The person probably died as pointlessly as Cedric. Harry frowned as he thought of Cedric. Harry knew in his head that he wasn't really responsible for Cedric's death or Voldemort's return, but he felt guilty nonetheless. Hagrid's words came to mind:' what will come will come, and we will meet it when it does'. Harry sighed and looked closer at himself. He had grown a couple inches in a short period of time. His attention was suddenly brought to the mane of hair he had, sticking up worse then usual. Harry tried to push it down, but eventually gave up. He took his glasses off again, and fell to sleep easily.
Harry woke at about 8 o'clock in the morning the next day, having completely forgotten about waking up in the middle of the night. He walked down stairs to the kitchen to see his Aunt Petunia cutting 3 grapefruits in half and feeding her husband and her massive son 2 of them. They all ignored Harry as he entered the room, and sat down to eat his usual nibblets for breakfast. Harry privately laughed to himself as he thought of the first morning of the summer, when he came down to breakfast. His Aunt Petunia had already sliced a grapefruit and placed it in front of the chair where Harry sat. Harry frowned and said, "Since I don't need to go on a diet, might I have a bit more grapefruit...or" he had added thoughtfully, "might I have some biscuits". He had asked very politely in a generous tone, but his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin had reacted in a way that might make you think Harry had threatened to blast them into oblivion. Harry came to breakfast every morning after that to find a plate full of nibblets. Harry looked up to his Uncle Vernon, who was reading the newspaper and was grunting at whatever was in the muggle news. As Harry was about to return to his food, he caught sight of Dudley watching Harry's food intently with his piggy eyes; obviously waiting for the perfect moment to steal some nibblets, a moment that would never come. Dudley's diet wasn't going very well, but it wasn't really failing either. Dudley hadn't gained any weight, but certainly hadn't lost any. Harry knew that Dudley must be sneaking food out of the fridge at night because Harry didn't hear his snoring until later, and would sometimes hear his aunt shriek in the morning when she saw half the food in the fridge had "disappeared".
The Dursley's had done their best to completely ignore Harry all summer and had succeeded greatly. Though this was a vast improvement to every other summer he had spent in number 4 Privet Drive, Harry had quickly become bored. He finished his breakfast and headed back up the stairs to his room to continue working on his extensive homework. He had been given much more this summer than usual, as it was the year he took his O.W.L's. (Ordinary Wizard Level)
Another boring and uneventful day had past. Harry looked up at the clock that read 11:14 pm and decided it best to put away his essay for Divination ("Explain how the movements and positions of the stars help us to divine") and go to sleep. Harry crossed off another day on his calendar counting down to September 1st, before drifting off into a pleasant sleep.
A few days later, Harry had been working on a rather nasty essay about a healing potion for Snape that had to be two and a half rolls of parchment long, when Hedwig flew into his room and held out her leg to show that she had a letter. Harry grinned at her. 'Finally, something to do!' he thought as he stroked her feathers and took the piece of parchment.
"It's from Ron!" Harry said excitedly. "I wonder why it took him longer to reply" he said thoughtfully. Harry opened up the parchment to read the letter to himself:
Harry,
Hey, how are you? Things here are as boring as usual. Fred and George have been in their room all summer inventing new stuff. I think after they blew up our toilet, my mom came to terms that they're not gonna go into the ministry. But you know it's odd, they seem to have all this money and mom hasn't got a clue where they got it. They actually bought me two new dress ropes. They are made out of black crushed velvet and silk, and are a lot nicer then the lace one my mum bought me last year. I haven't tried them on yet. I'm still in the middle of checking for hexes. I bet Fred and George put some charm on it where it melts away or turns invisible when I'm in public....
Harry laughed at this and continued reading.
My dad said there was another attack on a muggle town and that Fudge claims it was an attack by werewolves. There were 38 casualties without a scratch on them. Boy, those werewolves are getting awful tidy about their work! If I ever have to get bitten, I hope it's by one as clean as those! Fudge still denies You-Know-Who's return. Dumbledore sent an owl to my house last week asking my dad and Percy how things were going in the ministry and if they had heard anything. I asked my dad to ask Dumbledore if you could spend a few days or so at my house. This is why this took so long to get to you, because I was waiting for an answer. Dumbledore said that you MIGHT be able to come to our house in a couple weeks IF he thinks its safe enough. I hope all is well. Are the muggles treating you right?
- Ron
Harry wasted no time in writing Ron back. He searched his room for a piece of clean parchment and a quill. After five minutes, he finally found both and wrote to Ron. When he was finished, he checked it over...
Ron, How are things at the burrow? They couldn't possibly be as boring as the Dursley's, but I guess it is better then having to actually talk with them. Really? Fred and George have all this mysterious money? I wonder where they got it. I bet Ludo Bagman paid them back, and they don't want your mum to know they betted. I'm sure they bought you the robes to apologize for the time they burned a hole in your tongue with those acid pops. Then again, you never really know with Fred and George, so I would be on the look out. I can't believe Fudge still can't face facts that Voldemort has returned. Where did the death eaters attack? Have your father or Percy heard anything new? I do hope to be able to come to your house, as it is very dull here. I'm perfectly fine though, Muggles aren't giving me any trouble. I hope all is well at the burrow. Write back soon.
Harry
Harry was satisfied with his letter and folded it up before sending it back out with a tired Hedwig.
2 weeks later was July 31st, Harry's 15th birthday. Harry woke up to find 6 owls sitting on his window, bed stand, and in Hedwig's cage starring down at him. Harry was a little shocked at the sight at first, but suddenly realized that it was his birthday. A broad, mischievous grin spread across Harry's face as he jumped out of bed to open the gifts and letters that each owl carried. He first took the small package from Errol, the Weasley's family owl....that had obviously been forced to do another mission that was slightly above it strength, and pig, Ron's own tiny owl. He opened the parcel to find a large, orange Chudley Cannons Qudditch book that had "Chudley Cannons greatest moments! 348 - 1789" written across the top in bold, gold writing. Harry grinned at Ron's gift, and set it on his bed. The next owl was brown, with a white head. Harry realized it was a book, and therefore was from Hermione. Harry unwrapped the packaged parcel to find "Hogwarts, A History" in front of him. Harry raised his eyebrows and read the note that was attached:
Dear Harry, Happy Birthday! Now you will be able to know the History of Hogwarts! It took me a while to think of this gift. I knew you probably had enough quidditch stuff lying around, so I got you this! I know it will be as useful to you as it was to me! Hope you're well!
Yours truly,
Hermione
Harry grinned at Hermione. 'You have to hand it to her, learning always thrilled her, so obviously it will thrill me' Harry thought jokingly to himself. He set the second book on his bed next to his Chudley Cannons and continued to the next owl which was a plain brown barn owl that carried a large envelope that had "Mr. H. Potter" written on the front in green writing. Harry detached the parchment from the barn owl, and opened his first letter and read:
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 skimmed the piece of parchment which contained his list of books, and then set the parchment down. There was another letter inside the envelope, which Harry opened with curiosity.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confederacy of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter, I am pleased to inform you that you have been appointed a Gryffindor prefect, starting on September the first of this year, 1994. You are to be observant of the conduct of your fellow students, and uphold the rules written in the Hogwarts School doctrine. We expect nothing but the best from our prefects. As a prefect, you will be allowed certain privileges such as access to certain facilities not open to the general student population. You will be required to attend regular meetings of all of the prefects in the fifth, sixth and seventh years, which are directed by the Head Boy and Head Girl. I hope to see you at the welcoming feast on September the first! Congratulations on receiving this honor!
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"Me? A Prefect?" Harry said loudly in bewilderment. Then a grin swept across his face. He was a prefect. Just like his parents. Harry continued to the next owl, which was very small...and rather ruffled looking. Harry knew immediately it was from Hagrid, as Hagrid kept his owl inside one of his many coat pockets. Harry off took the bag the owl had tightly bound to it leg, and looked inside to see a beautiful blue stone that looked liked the morning sky and ocean all mixed into one. There was a note stuffed harshly inside the bag with it. Harry read another birthday note:
Dear Harry,
Happy birthday to ya! I didn't have a lot of time to find a good gift, but I thought this amulet would have to do. I hope you like it. It's supposed to protect you from evil and sickness. At least that is what the store manager told me. I hope you are having a good birthday.
Hagrid
Harry looked at the amulet and its beauty closely. He tied the string the amulet was bound to around his neck, and hid the amulet beneath his over sized shirt. Harry was definitely in a good mood today. He finally reached the last gift, which was a carried by an aging gray owl that was carrying a parcel as small as Harry's palm. Harry opened the parcel and slid 3 rings into his hand. Harry examined the 3 rings closely. One was a sparkling diamond ring, with a green crystal lily surrounding it. The other two were simple gold ring bands, one was smaller then the other. Harry opened the parcel to see that its packaging was actually a letter. Harry read the last letter with more curiosity then any of the others. It said:
Dear Harry,
I couldn't decided on a proper gift to get you, as you deserve something very great. I finally decided to have Moony search my vault for your parents wedding and engagement rings. I would have gotten them to you sooner, but the circumstances wouldn't allow that. I hope you are having a good birthday. And I hope you like your gift. It's from me and Moony both. I'll see you sometime soon. My search is nearly over. I hope you are having a good summer. If you need me for anything, send your owl and I'll be there.
Sirius
Harry sat down on the bed re-reading the note and looking at his parents rings for the next few hours...skipping breakfast and lunch, completely lost in thought. Finally, Harry grinned. This was the best Birthday present anyone could have ever possibly given to him.
(A/N: Ah! Such a sentimental ending. I usually hate those in stories, because they are usually corny and I love action. But I think that its necessary you see how deep this story goes. And I promise 100% action and mystery for the rest of the story. This was a slow, sad chapter. But the rest of the story will be completely action packed and fun! Hope you liked it! Please, please, pretty please review! Thanks!)