CHAPTER 1
The Diary
The girl's mother was close to tears. She obviously felt uncomfortable with her daughter's idea of apparating to Diagon Alley alone.
"I always thought this was a bad idea." She shivered slightly. "Why don't you let us take you the normal way?"
She nudged her husband to support her.
"Honey!" said the girl's father, who is middle aged and slightly bald headed. "She is seventeen now and she already passed the apparition test. So, I don't think there is anything to worry about."
"Thank you very much father," said the girl gratefully. "I think I should get going. I will come back by evening so that we can leave early in the morning tomorrow." The girl raised her wand and muttered a few words and vanished in thin air, leaving her father to calm down her mother, who was positively howling.
The girl instantly reappeared in Diagon alley. She was fascinated by the freedom of being left alone so that she could do her shopping peacefully. She couldn't tell whether she was happy or sad now that this was the last year at school. Being a fully trained witch would open doors to many possibilities and an enticing future. However, it would also mean not having a special someone in front of her eyes all the time...
She caught herself before drifting back into the painfully familiar thoughts. "Honestly!" she said to herself. "I have one more year to stay at Hogwarts, which is plenty of time to tell him what I feel for him."
With this thought in her mind, she took an envelope out of her pocket that bore a large green 'H' on it. This would be the last time she received any letter from school. The thought was bitter, but somehow, she managed to shake it off and headed towards the shops.
She quickly scanned her list of school supplies for anything new and specific for the year. She had most of them. She only had to buy an advanced potion kit and a book called 'Analysis of the unforgivable curses and how to confront them'.
She sighed deeply and said to herself. "One fun year this is going to be. Being exposed to unforgivable curses."
After buying everything, she was about to dissaparate, when suddenly her eyes fell on a store that she had never visited before. The store was called 'Lucky Supplies' and the girl wondered what the name meant. She was intrigued with curiosity. She hesitated for a moment and headed off towards the store.
When she first entered the shop, she was surprised to see that it was the most unusual place she had ever been to. The paint on the walls was peeling off and things were scattered all over the floor. She wouldn't have believed they were actually for sale if she hadn't seen the price tags on them. The floor was filled with amulets and talismans of all kinds, spell cards that supposedly make your wishes come true, incanted dolls, wish boxes, lucky lockets, miniature broomsticks, candles, and scented oils.
The atmosphere was eerie and the girl was glad that there was no one in the shop except her and the owner. She would better leave before anyone caught her in that place. She turned towards the door and was about to leave when she tripped on a book of some kind. It was the only book that she saw in that place and it was rather grand with a golden colored cover and silver embroidered borders. It's the kind of a book that can never be missed. She picked up the book, curious to know what it was for. She was about to open it, when the shop keeper approached her.
The shopkeeper was old and had a bent back. His clothes were ragged and he had a squashed face, which made the girl remember a cat called Crookshanks.
"Ah, the diary!" said the shop keeper. "Now that's 10 sickles if you want to buy it."
The girl was suddenly aware that she had to leave before someone came in. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to buy anything in here. I was just looking...I have to leave."
"Leave?" said the shop keeper with a raised eyebrow. "How many times in your life do you think you will get a chance to be an owner of this magnificent diary?"
"Er," said the girl, "What exactly does this diary do?"
"The diary is incanted to bring luck to anyone who uses it. Before opening the diary, ask it to fulfill one wish of yours and it will do the rest for you."
The girl didn't understand how exactly a diary could make her wish come true. However, she was attracted to its exterior. It certainly wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. Besides she certainly was planning to keep a journal of her own.
"I will take it!" said the girl. She paid for it and left the shop, feeling cheerful than she was before.
After coming out of the shop, she held the diary firmly in front of her. "Hey, you are supposed to be my lucky charm. Then just make sure the person I love loves me back."
She put the diary inside her bag and raised her wand. Before dissaparating, she said one last time. "I love you Harry."
Harry woke up with a start. He had been dreaming about someone in a peculiar shop, holding a book of some kind. The book was the only part of the dream he clearly remembered. The girl headed out of the shop and said something to the book that woke Harry up.
Harry got up, put his glasses on and went to the window. It was early in the morning and Privet drive looked as normal as it could possibly look on an early summer morning. Harry looked into the dawning sky and wondered who the girl could be. The more he was trying to hold on to the dream, the faster it seemed to be fading away. At last he gave up. He was certain about one thing. Whoever the girl was, she seemed to be in love with him.
A tingling sensation ran through his spine that he thought woke him up. Some one in love with Harry potter? The thought was exhilarating and for a while he wondered who it could be? Could it be Cho?
He realized he hadn't thought about Cho since his fifth year at Hogwarts. After learning about the Prophecy from Dumbledore, he took for granted that there wasn't going to be a prospect of a normal life in his future. He felt everything was of unimportance except what lay ahead. He was furtively preparing himself for the great confrontation with Voldemort, when suddenly in his 6th year, he found himself facing his worst fears. Years of hate, despair and deprivation made him plunge his head into Voldemort's ribs and before he even had time to recover, Harry pointed his wand at Voldemort's forehead and fiercely shouted the killing curse.
Harry shuddered at the thought. His action was totally spontaneous and he was totally drained of his potency. He found himself in the hospital wing at Hogwarts with all the teachers looking thoroughly pleased with something. The first thing he wanted to do was to talk to Dumbledore and find out what happened, when Dumbledore suddenly approached his bed and said the golden words. "Voldemort is dead, Harry."
At that time, Harry was sure he could have produced the world's best Patrons. He destroyed Voldemort. He was free. He was going to start a safe and peaceful year at Hogwarts and nothing could deprive him of the normal life he always wished to lead.
He thought of the dream for a while again and wished it would come true. Now that he doesn't have to worry about Voldemort, it's time to be in a relationship. He wanted to love. He wanted to be loved. He wanted to obtain everything he had missed on since he was born. If this wish came true, his life would be perfect. He was also excited at the thought that he could now ask Cho out without any distractions encircling his mind.
He was suddenly pulled back into reality with a loud knock on the door. It was Aunt Petunia and Harry was sure that nothing she could say could depress him any longer. He was surprised she woke up early in the morning, and politely answered the door.
"Good morning, Aunt Petunia!" greeted Harry.
Aunt Petunia said nothing for a while. It was an awkward silence and Aunt Petunia was the first one to break it. "So."
"Er, I don't understand Aunt Petunia," said Harry trying to be as polite as possible.
"When are you leaving?" asked Aunt Petunia with a note of impatience in her voice.
"Oh!" Harry almost forgot. Aunt Petunia, Dudley, and Uncle Vernon were going somewhere on a vacation and he was supposed to leave. He wrote to Mrs. Weasley and she was more than glad to let him stay in the Burrow for the rest of the summer.
"Sorry Aunt Petunia," said Harry. "I almost forgot. I will just freshen up and get going."
Aunt Petunia still stood there as if she was pondering whether to ask him something or not.
"How are you going to go?" said she finally. She quickly added, "Not that I care or anything."
"I am going to use my broomstick. I can't apparate with my trunk and Hedwig's cage."
"Whatever you do, just make sure no one sees you," said Aunt Petunia stiffly and strode off downstairs.
Harry sighed deeply and went into the bathroom. He came out, fully dressed and went to his trunk. He put back his Transfiguration book he had been reading before into his trunk and locked it. He went downstairs, with his trunk in one hand, and Hedwig's cage in the other, while his broom stick obediently followed him by his side.
Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were standing near the door as if waiting for him to leave. The moment Uncle Vernon saw the broom stick soaring in midair by itself, he bellowed, "WHAT THE DEVIL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?"
For a moment, Harry didn't understand what Uncle Vernon was talking about. He followed Uncle Vernon's eyes and realized that his broom stick was the cause of his panic.
"I can't hold it since my hands are full," said Harry. "It's quite harmless by the way."
"WHATEVER IT IS, JUST GET IT OUT OF MY SIGHT!" snarled uncle Vernon.
Harry mumbled a quick goodbye to the both of them. He left the house and reached the spot at the cornet of Privet drive, where he was planning to take off from. From there, he was conspicuous, being hidden by the trees. With out any further ado, he tied his trunk and Hedwig's cage to the broom stick with 2 thick ropes he acquired the day before from Aunt Petunia. Double checking to make sure everything was intact, he mounted on his broom and took off into the clear sky.
Mr. Weasley had described him in his mail how to reach their house by broom stick and he had been revising the route from the moment he got it. By now, he knew it by heart and he was glad to see that the surroundings below were just as Mr. Weasley had described them.
It seemed to take ages to get there. After a thoroughly exhausting journey, Harry reached the Burrow and his heart leapt with happiness at the sight of the magically held house. He was going to spend the rest of his summer at his favorite place. He wondered if he could take any more good news.
He halted right in front of the Burrow and approached the front door. He wasn't sure if there was a bell of some kind to let them know he was out side. Every time he came there, it was with Ron and Mrs. Weasley seemed to know and opened the door for them. He speculated if she would do the same. Just when he was wondering if he should knock first, Mrs. Weasley opened the door and greeted him.
"Hello Harry dear!" said Mrs. Weasley. "It's so nice to see you. We were just starting to worry if you followed the directions correctly. Oh, come on in!"
"No problems with the directions Mrs. Weasley," said Harry as he came in.
"I am glad. We were just getting ready for breakfast. Come and join us," said Mrs. Weasley and strode off towards the kitchen.
Harry now knew where every room in the burrow was as his own. He went upstairs to Ron's room, put his belongings in a corner and went down to the kitchen where everyone was sitting for Breakfast.
The kitchen was small and was cramped with an old wooden table and chairs in the middle. Just as he entered, he was greeted from all directions.
"Harry!"
"How are you mate?"
"I am fine," beamed Harry.
"Nice to see you Harry," said Mr. Weasley, a middle aged man, with square spectacles and a slightly bald head.
"Thanks for letting me stay here, Mr. Weasley," said Harry gratefully. "I was getting restless."
"Don't mention it Harry. We were actually planning to ask you if you could come and stay here for the summer. In the meanwhile we got your letter."
"Hey Harry," said Fred and George together, "how is that revolting cousin of yours?"
"He is good," answered Harry. "And big," he added, which made the twins howl with laughter.
Harry turned to Ron. "Did you get any letter from Hermione?"
"Why? She is right here of course," said Ron, loading his plate with second helpings of sausages.
"She is!" exclaimed Harry. "She never wrote to me this summer and I was getting a bit worried."
"Oh. Come on Harry. It's Hermione. You know her."
"But still-" he was cut short by Mrs. Weasley beckoning him to eat his sausages before they got cold. They didn't speak until they finished their breakfast and Ron and Harry hurried upstairs to their room.
"You know," said Ron, "the Daily prophet is filled with news about you and your fight with Vol-Voldemort last year." Ron looked surprised at his own daring. Harry was glad.
"Now that he is dead, things should be perfect for you," continued Ron. "After all that he did to you.Wait a minute Harry, I didn't have time to ask you last year. Dumbledore wouldn't let us talk to you after that fight. He said the end of term exams were cancelled on behalf of Voldemort's death," he shuddered again at the name but continued swiftly, "and we didn't even have a chance to talk to you. How exactly did you kill Voldemort Harry?"
Harry waited for Ron to finish. "Well, I don't know how exactly I did it. I was surprised my killing curse worked the first time. Dumbledore told me that I was emotionally wrecked and the sight of Voldemort provided me enough energy to get back what I have missed on. So, without even thinking, I knocked him out by slamming my head into his ribs and I pointed my wand to his forehead and said the curse. I passed out right after that."
"So the rumors were right. You did use the killing curse," said Ron impressed.
"They are. I was terrified when I woke up in the hospital wing. I thought they would put me in Azkaban-"
"Put you in Azkaban? What would they do that for?"
Hermione and Ginny came and sat on the bed Harry and Ron were sitting on.
"Why Harry?" repeated Hermione. "Why would they want to put the 'Boy who killed the Dark Lord' in Azkaban?"
"For using the Killing curse," said Harry through gritted teeth. "Now you tell me why you didn't contact me over the summer."
Hermione looked uncomfortable. It was her turn to give explanation.
"I am really sorry Harry," said Hermione guiltily. "Things sort of went out of hand at my house lately. My dad insists I have to continue as a healer, which I don't want to be by the way. Just because they are dentists, it doesn't mean that I have to be one. I was really depressed. I didn't know what to do.
Nothing seemed to be viable. I wasn't myself the whole summer. I know it's not a good reason for not sending you an owl. Besides, I thought after what had happened you should be left alone with out any disturbance for a while," she finished.
Hermione knew her excuse didn't satisfy Harry. "I am sorry," she added.
This seemed to cool down Harry a bit. She was right. He did want to be left alone for a while after going back to the Dursleys.
"It's alright," he said, feeling sorry for Hermione's situation. "Don't worry about it."
Hermione seemed greatly relieved. Beside her, Ginny let out a fake cough as if to let them know that she existed.
"Oh, Hello Ginny," greeted Harry. He felt awkward.
"So what are you two up to?" asked Ron, turning towards Ginny. "You and Hermione seem to be spending a lot of time in your room lately."
"It's none of your business," snapped Ginny. "We girls have a hundred things to share between ourselves."
Looking at Ron's offended face, she quickly added, "Come on Ron, we were just busy doing some research. Hermione's findings were quite fascinating!"
"Hermione Syndrome," muttered Ron to Harry. "Quite contagious!"
Harry forced a laugh. He noticed that Hermione had a troubled expression on her face.
There was a tap on the window and Harry saw that it was an owl. It was slightly bigger than Pigwidgeon. It flew to Pigwidgeon's cage, took a sip of water from the bowl (Pigwidgeon greatly disproved of it), and flew to Harry and settled on his shoulder.
Harry untied the letter and the owl flew through the window back into the clear sky.
They looked at the unexpected owl soar through the sky for a while and when it disappeared, turned their gaze to the letter in Harry's hands.
"Who is it from Harry?" asked Hermione, slightly anxious.
Harry was used to sharing his personal stuff with his best friends. He didn't look any more uncomfortable than he was before. Ginny was about to excuse herself, but Harry stopped her saying she didn't need to.
"It doesn't say who it is from. Let me read it."
As he read the letter, he realized he was regretting every moment he asked Ginny to stay there.
Looking at Harry's face, Ron asked, "Who is it from Harry?"
Harry didn't answer. He quietly passed the letter to Ron and suddenly seemed to be greatly interested in the frog spawn in the jar at the window sill.
Ron looked at the letter and much to the annoyance of Harry started reading it aloud.
Dear Harry,
Sorry for not mentioning my name. I am not sure if I should. For all
I know, you haven't a slightest clue as to who I am and I prefer it
to be that way till I decide it's time. I didn't even want to send
this letter to you, but I can't resist this any longer. I have
waited 2 full years to tell you this Harry. I Love you.
I fell in love with the bravery you possessed when you fought
Voldemort single handedly.
I fell in love with the concern you showed in your bright emerald
eyes when you saved Fleur's sister in the second task in the
Triwizard Tournament, even though it wasn't your job to do so.
I fell in love with the compassion you exhibited when I heard that
you gave your entire Triwizard winnings to the Weasley twins.
Lastly I fell in love with you when you undertook such a great risk
to share your knowledge of Defense against the Dark Arts and started
an entire army of yours.
I know I won't be able to know your reaction if you don't know who I
am in the first place. But the fact that I let you know what I feel
for you will be more than enough to calm down my heart for the time
being. You can expect me to show you myself or tell you who I am in
some way or the other before I leave Hogwarts forever. But for now,
bye Harry. I love you. Take care.
Yours lovingly
Your me
Ron looked at Harry, not knowing what to speak. Hermione was looking with her mouth slightly open. Before she could say something, Ron blurted out.
"WHO TOLD THIS GIRL THAT HARRY GAVE HIS TRIWIZARD WINNINGS TO FRED AND GEORGE?"
Hermione shook her head fervently and Ginny bit her lip.
"Ginny!" said Ron aghast, "You did it?"
"I did what?" said Ginny defensively. "I didn't send that letter!"
She looked uncomfortable. "I was just about to say I told people that Harry gave his money to Fred and George."
"But why did you even do that?" asked Ron, his voice slightly menacing.
"Oh Ron," said Ginny in a voice that indicated deep annoyance, "I just wanted people to know. Besides even mum asked me to spread it. She wanted to give full credit to Harry."
Ron was about to say something and was cut short by Hermione. Her eyes rounded on Harry and she was looking at him intently. "So, what do you think Harry?"
Harry wasn't paying attention to the conversation. He was too busy thinking about the dream and the letter.
"Er, what Hermione?"
"I asked whom do you think this letter is from," repeated Hermione, looking concerned.
Harry thought about this a bit. He looked at Hermione and saw that she looked hopeful for his answer.
He finally said, "I think its Cho."
Ginny giggled. Even Ron seemed to forget the matter regarding Fred and George.
"Cho?" said Ron with amusement in his voice that made Harry look away again. "Isn't she the one you kissed in our fifth year?"
Hermione threw Ron a nasty look that wiped the smirk off his face. "Harry, if you think its Cho, I think you have to go and directly ask her. I mean," she pondered for the right words, "you fancy Cho and if she loves you, then I don't think there is any problem in this. Besides, I think you deserve it."
Harry felt grateful for Hermione. He wanted to confide everything in her. He looked at her intently as if trying to convey a message.
Hermione got what Harry was trying to say. She beckoned Ginny to go downstairs with her and later returned without her.
"So," she said as she sat down on the bed. Harry thought she looked exhausted. But she was enthusiastic all the same. "What did you want to tell, Harry?"
"I recently had a dream that somehow relates to this letter," said Harry.
Hermione was looking at him with great attention. Ron, however found everything rather amusing.
"A dream! Harry, dreams never come true. I don't think it's worth your time to think about it."
"I know dreams are silly. But this was one of the few dreams I had that had an air of reality in them. As you know, I dreamt about Voldemort and most of the time, they turned out to be right. I also dreamt about your dad getting injured and I was right then too. This was sort of like that." He felt stupid. "It's as if I was there."
"Never mind him Harry." Hermione cut in. "So what was the dream about?"
Harry wanted to make things as brief as possible. "It was about this girl. I couldn't see her face. She was holding a book of some kind and said something about loving me and then I felt a tingling sensation and I woke up."
Hermione was at the edge of her seat. "So you think this is the same girl?"
"I think so. Anyways, I don't think it's that much of an importance. When time comes, she will show up herself".
Hermione looked slightly disappointed. She finally said, "As a girl, Harry, I understand how she feels like. When she does show up, just make sure you justify your reasons before making any decisions."
"Hermione!" said Ron loudly. "Harry just arrived and don't bore him with your silly lectures. Want to play a game of Quidditch Harry? Fred and George are ready!"
Without speaking another word, Harry and Ron left downstairs in high spirits leaving an extremely annoyed Hermione behind.
****** The rest of the summer passed very quickly much to Harry's disappointment. However, as he approached the start of the term at Hogwarts, he was left with memorable events that he thought he would cherish his whole life.
He went to Fred and George's Joke shop, experimented with quite a few of their products, played Quidditch, degnomed the garden, visited Hogsmaede and did a whole bunch of other stuff he lost track of. He was poignant when he realized that their train to Hogwarts was the very next day.
"I got all your school supplies for you Harry," said Mrs. Weasley before they went to bed.
Harry completely forgot about his school supplies. "Thank you very much Mrs. Weasley," he said gratefully.
"Don't mention it, dear," said Mrs. Weasley and swiftly closed the door behind her.
Harry woke up the next day and got ready to go to Hogwarts. He was sad for leaving the Burrow behind. But the prospect of going to his home-like Hogwarts was more than enough to keep up his good mood.
Harry thanked Mrs. Weasley again for all that she did to him. She was the only one, who he considered next to his mother.
"Have a great year Harry. Remember to visit us after school. You don't need an invitation!"
As the train started moving, Mrs. Weasley dissaparated and Harry was on his way home.
The Diary
The girl's mother was close to tears. She obviously felt uncomfortable with her daughter's idea of apparating to Diagon Alley alone.
"I always thought this was a bad idea." She shivered slightly. "Why don't you let us take you the normal way?"
She nudged her husband to support her.
"Honey!" said the girl's father, who is middle aged and slightly bald headed. "She is seventeen now and she already passed the apparition test. So, I don't think there is anything to worry about."
"Thank you very much father," said the girl gratefully. "I think I should get going. I will come back by evening so that we can leave early in the morning tomorrow." The girl raised her wand and muttered a few words and vanished in thin air, leaving her father to calm down her mother, who was positively howling.
The girl instantly reappeared in Diagon alley. She was fascinated by the freedom of being left alone so that she could do her shopping peacefully. She couldn't tell whether she was happy or sad now that this was the last year at school. Being a fully trained witch would open doors to many possibilities and an enticing future. However, it would also mean not having a special someone in front of her eyes all the time...
She caught herself before drifting back into the painfully familiar thoughts. "Honestly!" she said to herself. "I have one more year to stay at Hogwarts, which is plenty of time to tell him what I feel for him."
With this thought in her mind, she took an envelope out of her pocket that bore a large green 'H' on it. This would be the last time she received any letter from school. The thought was bitter, but somehow, she managed to shake it off and headed towards the shops.
She quickly scanned her list of school supplies for anything new and specific for the year. She had most of them. She only had to buy an advanced potion kit and a book called 'Analysis of the unforgivable curses and how to confront them'.
She sighed deeply and said to herself. "One fun year this is going to be. Being exposed to unforgivable curses."
After buying everything, she was about to dissaparate, when suddenly her eyes fell on a store that she had never visited before. The store was called 'Lucky Supplies' and the girl wondered what the name meant. She was intrigued with curiosity. She hesitated for a moment and headed off towards the store.
When she first entered the shop, she was surprised to see that it was the most unusual place she had ever been to. The paint on the walls was peeling off and things were scattered all over the floor. She wouldn't have believed they were actually for sale if she hadn't seen the price tags on them. The floor was filled with amulets and talismans of all kinds, spell cards that supposedly make your wishes come true, incanted dolls, wish boxes, lucky lockets, miniature broomsticks, candles, and scented oils.
The atmosphere was eerie and the girl was glad that there was no one in the shop except her and the owner. She would better leave before anyone caught her in that place. She turned towards the door and was about to leave when she tripped on a book of some kind. It was the only book that she saw in that place and it was rather grand with a golden colored cover and silver embroidered borders. It's the kind of a book that can never be missed. She picked up the book, curious to know what it was for. She was about to open it, when the shop keeper approached her.
The shopkeeper was old and had a bent back. His clothes were ragged and he had a squashed face, which made the girl remember a cat called Crookshanks.
"Ah, the diary!" said the shop keeper. "Now that's 10 sickles if you want to buy it."
The girl was suddenly aware that she had to leave before someone came in. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to buy anything in here. I was just looking...I have to leave."
"Leave?" said the shop keeper with a raised eyebrow. "How many times in your life do you think you will get a chance to be an owner of this magnificent diary?"
"Er," said the girl, "What exactly does this diary do?"
"The diary is incanted to bring luck to anyone who uses it. Before opening the diary, ask it to fulfill one wish of yours and it will do the rest for you."
The girl didn't understand how exactly a diary could make her wish come true. However, she was attracted to its exterior. It certainly wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. Besides she certainly was planning to keep a journal of her own.
"I will take it!" said the girl. She paid for it and left the shop, feeling cheerful than she was before.
After coming out of the shop, she held the diary firmly in front of her. "Hey, you are supposed to be my lucky charm. Then just make sure the person I love loves me back."
She put the diary inside her bag and raised her wand. Before dissaparating, she said one last time. "I love you Harry."
Harry woke up with a start. He had been dreaming about someone in a peculiar shop, holding a book of some kind. The book was the only part of the dream he clearly remembered. The girl headed out of the shop and said something to the book that woke Harry up.
Harry got up, put his glasses on and went to the window. It was early in the morning and Privet drive looked as normal as it could possibly look on an early summer morning. Harry looked into the dawning sky and wondered who the girl could be. The more he was trying to hold on to the dream, the faster it seemed to be fading away. At last he gave up. He was certain about one thing. Whoever the girl was, she seemed to be in love with him.
A tingling sensation ran through his spine that he thought woke him up. Some one in love with Harry potter? The thought was exhilarating and for a while he wondered who it could be? Could it be Cho?
He realized he hadn't thought about Cho since his fifth year at Hogwarts. After learning about the Prophecy from Dumbledore, he took for granted that there wasn't going to be a prospect of a normal life in his future. He felt everything was of unimportance except what lay ahead. He was furtively preparing himself for the great confrontation with Voldemort, when suddenly in his 6th year, he found himself facing his worst fears. Years of hate, despair and deprivation made him plunge his head into Voldemort's ribs and before he even had time to recover, Harry pointed his wand at Voldemort's forehead and fiercely shouted the killing curse.
Harry shuddered at the thought. His action was totally spontaneous and he was totally drained of his potency. He found himself in the hospital wing at Hogwarts with all the teachers looking thoroughly pleased with something. The first thing he wanted to do was to talk to Dumbledore and find out what happened, when Dumbledore suddenly approached his bed and said the golden words. "Voldemort is dead, Harry."
At that time, Harry was sure he could have produced the world's best Patrons. He destroyed Voldemort. He was free. He was going to start a safe and peaceful year at Hogwarts and nothing could deprive him of the normal life he always wished to lead.
He thought of the dream for a while again and wished it would come true. Now that he doesn't have to worry about Voldemort, it's time to be in a relationship. He wanted to love. He wanted to be loved. He wanted to obtain everything he had missed on since he was born. If this wish came true, his life would be perfect. He was also excited at the thought that he could now ask Cho out without any distractions encircling his mind.
He was suddenly pulled back into reality with a loud knock on the door. It was Aunt Petunia and Harry was sure that nothing she could say could depress him any longer. He was surprised she woke up early in the morning, and politely answered the door.
"Good morning, Aunt Petunia!" greeted Harry.
Aunt Petunia said nothing for a while. It was an awkward silence and Aunt Petunia was the first one to break it. "So."
"Er, I don't understand Aunt Petunia," said Harry trying to be as polite as possible.
"When are you leaving?" asked Aunt Petunia with a note of impatience in her voice.
"Oh!" Harry almost forgot. Aunt Petunia, Dudley, and Uncle Vernon were going somewhere on a vacation and he was supposed to leave. He wrote to Mrs. Weasley and she was more than glad to let him stay in the Burrow for the rest of the summer.
"Sorry Aunt Petunia," said Harry. "I almost forgot. I will just freshen up and get going."
Aunt Petunia still stood there as if she was pondering whether to ask him something or not.
"How are you going to go?" said she finally. She quickly added, "Not that I care or anything."
"I am going to use my broomstick. I can't apparate with my trunk and Hedwig's cage."
"Whatever you do, just make sure no one sees you," said Aunt Petunia stiffly and strode off downstairs.
Harry sighed deeply and went into the bathroom. He came out, fully dressed and went to his trunk. He put back his Transfiguration book he had been reading before into his trunk and locked it. He went downstairs, with his trunk in one hand, and Hedwig's cage in the other, while his broom stick obediently followed him by his side.
Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were standing near the door as if waiting for him to leave. The moment Uncle Vernon saw the broom stick soaring in midair by itself, he bellowed, "WHAT THE DEVIL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?"
For a moment, Harry didn't understand what Uncle Vernon was talking about. He followed Uncle Vernon's eyes and realized that his broom stick was the cause of his panic.
"I can't hold it since my hands are full," said Harry. "It's quite harmless by the way."
"WHATEVER IT IS, JUST GET IT OUT OF MY SIGHT!" snarled uncle Vernon.
Harry mumbled a quick goodbye to the both of them. He left the house and reached the spot at the cornet of Privet drive, where he was planning to take off from. From there, he was conspicuous, being hidden by the trees. With out any further ado, he tied his trunk and Hedwig's cage to the broom stick with 2 thick ropes he acquired the day before from Aunt Petunia. Double checking to make sure everything was intact, he mounted on his broom and took off into the clear sky.
Mr. Weasley had described him in his mail how to reach their house by broom stick and he had been revising the route from the moment he got it. By now, he knew it by heart and he was glad to see that the surroundings below were just as Mr. Weasley had described them.
It seemed to take ages to get there. After a thoroughly exhausting journey, Harry reached the Burrow and his heart leapt with happiness at the sight of the magically held house. He was going to spend the rest of his summer at his favorite place. He wondered if he could take any more good news.
He halted right in front of the Burrow and approached the front door. He wasn't sure if there was a bell of some kind to let them know he was out side. Every time he came there, it was with Ron and Mrs. Weasley seemed to know and opened the door for them. He speculated if she would do the same. Just when he was wondering if he should knock first, Mrs. Weasley opened the door and greeted him.
"Hello Harry dear!" said Mrs. Weasley. "It's so nice to see you. We were just starting to worry if you followed the directions correctly. Oh, come on in!"
"No problems with the directions Mrs. Weasley," said Harry as he came in.
"I am glad. We were just getting ready for breakfast. Come and join us," said Mrs. Weasley and strode off towards the kitchen.
Harry now knew where every room in the burrow was as his own. He went upstairs to Ron's room, put his belongings in a corner and went down to the kitchen where everyone was sitting for Breakfast.
The kitchen was small and was cramped with an old wooden table and chairs in the middle. Just as he entered, he was greeted from all directions.
"Harry!"
"How are you mate?"
"I am fine," beamed Harry.
"Nice to see you Harry," said Mr. Weasley, a middle aged man, with square spectacles and a slightly bald head.
"Thanks for letting me stay here, Mr. Weasley," said Harry gratefully. "I was getting restless."
"Don't mention it Harry. We were actually planning to ask you if you could come and stay here for the summer. In the meanwhile we got your letter."
"Hey Harry," said Fred and George together, "how is that revolting cousin of yours?"
"He is good," answered Harry. "And big," he added, which made the twins howl with laughter.
Harry turned to Ron. "Did you get any letter from Hermione?"
"Why? She is right here of course," said Ron, loading his plate with second helpings of sausages.
"She is!" exclaimed Harry. "She never wrote to me this summer and I was getting a bit worried."
"Oh. Come on Harry. It's Hermione. You know her."
"But still-" he was cut short by Mrs. Weasley beckoning him to eat his sausages before they got cold. They didn't speak until they finished their breakfast and Ron and Harry hurried upstairs to their room.
"You know," said Ron, "the Daily prophet is filled with news about you and your fight with Vol-Voldemort last year." Ron looked surprised at his own daring. Harry was glad.
"Now that he is dead, things should be perfect for you," continued Ron. "After all that he did to you.Wait a minute Harry, I didn't have time to ask you last year. Dumbledore wouldn't let us talk to you after that fight. He said the end of term exams were cancelled on behalf of Voldemort's death," he shuddered again at the name but continued swiftly, "and we didn't even have a chance to talk to you. How exactly did you kill Voldemort Harry?"
Harry waited for Ron to finish. "Well, I don't know how exactly I did it. I was surprised my killing curse worked the first time. Dumbledore told me that I was emotionally wrecked and the sight of Voldemort provided me enough energy to get back what I have missed on. So, without even thinking, I knocked him out by slamming my head into his ribs and I pointed my wand to his forehead and said the curse. I passed out right after that."
"So the rumors were right. You did use the killing curse," said Ron impressed.
"They are. I was terrified when I woke up in the hospital wing. I thought they would put me in Azkaban-"
"Put you in Azkaban? What would they do that for?"
Hermione and Ginny came and sat on the bed Harry and Ron were sitting on.
"Why Harry?" repeated Hermione. "Why would they want to put the 'Boy who killed the Dark Lord' in Azkaban?"
"For using the Killing curse," said Harry through gritted teeth. "Now you tell me why you didn't contact me over the summer."
Hermione looked uncomfortable. It was her turn to give explanation.
"I am really sorry Harry," said Hermione guiltily. "Things sort of went out of hand at my house lately. My dad insists I have to continue as a healer, which I don't want to be by the way. Just because they are dentists, it doesn't mean that I have to be one. I was really depressed. I didn't know what to do.
Nothing seemed to be viable. I wasn't myself the whole summer. I know it's not a good reason for not sending you an owl. Besides, I thought after what had happened you should be left alone with out any disturbance for a while," she finished.
Hermione knew her excuse didn't satisfy Harry. "I am sorry," she added.
This seemed to cool down Harry a bit. She was right. He did want to be left alone for a while after going back to the Dursleys.
"It's alright," he said, feeling sorry for Hermione's situation. "Don't worry about it."
Hermione seemed greatly relieved. Beside her, Ginny let out a fake cough as if to let them know that she existed.
"Oh, Hello Ginny," greeted Harry. He felt awkward.
"So what are you two up to?" asked Ron, turning towards Ginny. "You and Hermione seem to be spending a lot of time in your room lately."
"It's none of your business," snapped Ginny. "We girls have a hundred things to share between ourselves."
Looking at Ron's offended face, she quickly added, "Come on Ron, we were just busy doing some research. Hermione's findings were quite fascinating!"
"Hermione Syndrome," muttered Ron to Harry. "Quite contagious!"
Harry forced a laugh. He noticed that Hermione had a troubled expression on her face.
There was a tap on the window and Harry saw that it was an owl. It was slightly bigger than Pigwidgeon. It flew to Pigwidgeon's cage, took a sip of water from the bowl (Pigwidgeon greatly disproved of it), and flew to Harry and settled on his shoulder.
Harry untied the letter and the owl flew through the window back into the clear sky.
They looked at the unexpected owl soar through the sky for a while and when it disappeared, turned their gaze to the letter in Harry's hands.
"Who is it from Harry?" asked Hermione, slightly anxious.
Harry was used to sharing his personal stuff with his best friends. He didn't look any more uncomfortable than he was before. Ginny was about to excuse herself, but Harry stopped her saying she didn't need to.
"It doesn't say who it is from. Let me read it."
As he read the letter, he realized he was regretting every moment he asked Ginny to stay there.
Looking at Harry's face, Ron asked, "Who is it from Harry?"
Harry didn't answer. He quietly passed the letter to Ron and suddenly seemed to be greatly interested in the frog spawn in the jar at the window sill.
Ron looked at the letter and much to the annoyance of Harry started reading it aloud.
Dear Harry,
Sorry for not mentioning my name. I am not sure if I should. For all
I know, you haven't a slightest clue as to who I am and I prefer it
to be that way till I decide it's time. I didn't even want to send
this letter to you, but I can't resist this any longer. I have
waited 2 full years to tell you this Harry. I Love you.
I fell in love with the bravery you possessed when you fought
Voldemort single handedly.
I fell in love with the concern you showed in your bright emerald
eyes when you saved Fleur's sister in the second task in the
Triwizard Tournament, even though it wasn't your job to do so.
I fell in love with the compassion you exhibited when I heard that
you gave your entire Triwizard winnings to the Weasley twins.
Lastly I fell in love with you when you undertook such a great risk
to share your knowledge of Defense against the Dark Arts and started
an entire army of yours.
I know I won't be able to know your reaction if you don't know who I
am in the first place. But the fact that I let you know what I feel
for you will be more than enough to calm down my heart for the time
being. You can expect me to show you myself or tell you who I am in
some way or the other before I leave Hogwarts forever. But for now,
bye Harry. I love you. Take care.
Yours lovingly
Your me
Ron looked at Harry, not knowing what to speak. Hermione was looking with her mouth slightly open. Before she could say something, Ron blurted out.
"WHO TOLD THIS GIRL THAT HARRY GAVE HIS TRIWIZARD WINNINGS TO FRED AND GEORGE?"
Hermione shook her head fervently and Ginny bit her lip.
"Ginny!" said Ron aghast, "You did it?"
"I did what?" said Ginny defensively. "I didn't send that letter!"
She looked uncomfortable. "I was just about to say I told people that Harry gave his money to Fred and George."
"But why did you even do that?" asked Ron, his voice slightly menacing.
"Oh Ron," said Ginny in a voice that indicated deep annoyance, "I just wanted people to know. Besides even mum asked me to spread it. She wanted to give full credit to Harry."
Ron was about to say something and was cut short by Hermione. Her eyes rounded on Harry and she was looking at him intently. "So, what do you think Harry?"
Harry wasn't paying attention to the conversation. He was too busy thinking about the dream and the letter.
"Er, what Hermione?"
"I asked whom do you think this letter is from," repeated Hermione, looking concerned.
Harry thought about this a bit. He looked at Hermione and saw that she looked hopeful for his answer.
He finally said, "I think its Cho."
Ginny giggled. Even Ron seemed to forget the matter regarding Fred and George.
"Cho?" said Ron with amusement in his voice that made Harry look away again. "Isn't she the one you kissed in our fifth year?"
Hermione threw Ron a nasty look that wiped the smirk off his face. "Harry, if you think its Cho, I think you have to go and directly ask her. I mean," she pondered for the right words, "you fancy Cho and if she loves you, then I don't think there is any problem in this. Besides, I think you deserve it."
Harry felt grateful for Hermione. He wanted to confide everything in her. He looked at her intently as if trying to convey a message.
Hermione got what Harry was trying to say. She beckoned Ginny to go downstairs with her and later returned without her.
"So," she said as she sat down on the bed. Harry thought she looked exhausted. But she was enthusiastic all the same. "What did you want to tell, Harry?"
"I recently had a dream that somehow relates to this letter," said Harry.
Hermione was looking at him with great attention. Ron, however found everything rather amusing.
"A dream! Harry, dreams never come true. I don't think it's worth your time to think about it."
"I know dreams are silly. But this was one of the few dreams I had that had an air of reality in them. As you know, I dreamt about Voldemort and most of the time, they turned out to be right. I also dreamt about your dad getting injured and I was right then too. This was sort of like that." He felt stupid. "It's as if I was there."
"Never mind him Harry." Hermione cut in. "So what was the dream about?"
Harry wanted to make things as brief as possible. "It was about this girl. I couldn't see her face. She was holding a book of some kind and said something about loving me and then I felt a tingling sensation and I woke up."
Hermione was at the edge of her seat. "So you think this is the same girl?"
"I think so. Anyways, I don't think it's that much of an importance. When time comes, she will show up herself".
Hermione looked slightly disappointed. She finally said, "As a girl, Harry, I understand how she feels like. When she does show up, just make sure you justify your reasons before making any decisions."
"Hermione!" said Ron loudly. "Harry just arrived and don't bore him with your silly lectures. Want to play a game of Quidditch Harry? Fred and George are ready!"
Without speaking another word, Harry and Ron left downstairs in high spirits leaving an extremely annoyed Hermione behind.
****** The rest of the summer passed very quickly much to Harry's disappointment. However, as he approached the start of the term at Hogwarts, he was left with memorable events that he thought he would cherish his whole life.
He went to Fred and George's Joke shop, experimented with quite a few of their products, played Quidditch, degnomed the garden, visited Hogsmaede and did a whole bunch of other stuff he lost track of. He was poignant when he realized that their train to Hogwarts was the very next day.
"I got all your school supplies for you Harry," said Mrs. Weasley before they went to bed.
Harry completely forgot about his school supplies. "Thank you very much Mrs. Weasley," he said gratefully.
"Don't mention it, dear," said Mrs. Weasley and swiftly closed the door behind her.
Harry woke up the next day and got ready to go to Hogwarts. He was sad for leaving the Burrow behind. But the prospect of going to his home-like Hogwarts was more than enough to keep up his good mood.
Harry thanked Mrs. Weasley again for all that she did to him. She was the only one, who he considered next to his mother.
"Have a great year Harry. Remember to visit us after school. You don't need an invitation!"
As the train started moving, Mrs. Weasley dissaparated and Harry was on his way home.