The Phoenix Prophesy
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 3.
~*~*~*~
Despite the fact that he had been up late, Harry was the first person to wake up the next morning. Opening his eyes, he gazed around in confusion for a moment, before remembering the night before.
With his heart beating fast, he looked down and stared at the girl who was, in all reality, his sister.
Her long red hair spilled over his pillow like rays of sunshine, and her pale face wore a peaceful look on it. One of her hands was curled up under the pillow, while her other lay across her stomach.
Harry stared down at her in awe. She was his sister! He had one more blood family member left, save for aunt Petunia. He had one more chance to keep the Potter family going, even if he had to die in the attempt.
And it was then that Harry made himself a solemn vow.
Never, would he allow anyone to harm his sister. No matter what price he had to pay, no matter what he had to do, *no one* would hurt his sister.
"Harry?" Came a soft voice. Harry looked down into the emerald eyes that were so much like his. Rose had a small smile on her lips, and her eyebrow was quirked.
"Shouldn't you be asleep? It's only six-thirty." She whispered, brushing a strand of his dark hair, away from his scar and staring at it. Harry shrugged and lay back.
"I was just thinking."
"About what?"
"You. How did you find out about me?" He asked, looking her in the eye. Rose shifted uncomfortably as he asked this and then sighed.
"Harry, I will tell you, but you can't tell anyone else. It would put me in danger if you did." She murmured. Harry flinched and nodded, not so sure he wanted to know anymore.
"Harry...I'm a seer."
"A WHAT?" He hissed, sitting up and staring down at her with horror in his eyes. Rose nodded.
"I am a type of seer. I can see things that have already happened, or are happening. I can usually block things out, but some of the stronger visions come through anyway." She murmured. Harry shook his head slightly, trying to clear his head.
"So...you saw me in a vision?" He asked. Rose giggled softly.
"I've seen you in lots of my visions. I found out about you when I was eight, and I had a vision of Dudley chasing you and you ending up on the school roof." She laughed. Harry winced.
"Yeah, you probably did." He muttered, starting to grin. Her laughter faded away.
"I saw you the night you defeated that horrible teacher of yours. I saw you save Ginny Weasley and Sirius. I saw Voldemort come back, and I saw Sirius die. I see a lot of things, but most of them are of you." She murmured. Harry noticed that she didn't wince as she said 'Voldemort'.
"So, I guess you know about Sirius?" Harry asked. Rose's eyes sparkled.
"Know about him? I've met him!"
"What?!"
"When he escaped during your third year. He came to Florida, where May had taken Jackson and I for a vacation. He stayed with us there."
"But...did May know?" Harry asked, shocked. Rose grinned and nodded.
"Yes. You see, May knew Sirius from school. In fact...May used to be his fiancee." Rose stated. Harry's eyes widened.
"She was?"
"Yes. That is the reason Jackson is here today." Rose giggled. Harry wrinkled his nose, but grinned.
"But...they got even closer on his last trip back. Harry...they got married." Rose whispered. Harry's eyes went wide.
"THEY WHAT?!?! AND HE RISKED HIS LIFE, HIS HAPPINESS, TO COME BACK TO BE WITH ME?!?!" He shouted, ignoring the fact that the Dursley's may hear. Rose covered his lips and nodded.
"He loved you, Harry. And May was just as willing to have him here with you. In fact...she visited him there, when no one else was around. He would lock Kreacher in his 'room', and visit with her. I even went to Sirius's house once, with Jackson, on Jackson's Birthday." Rose commented. Harry frowned.
"And you didn't mind all those yelling pictures?" He teased.
"No. Jackson didn't seem to upset, either. He was happy to see his father, and Sirius seemed to love having us. But they decided not to tell anyone that Sirius had a son, because if Voldemort knew that there was another Black running around, he might just come after Jackson." Rose shivered at this, and Harry slid his arms around her.
"So I guess May knows about the Marauders and my mum?" He asked, wanting to know more about their relationships.
"Oh, yes. Lily was May's best friend. I think that's why mommy asked May to take me when I was born. May was the only one she could trust to keep that secret." Rose commented. Harry lay back and gazed up at his ceiling.
"How did Sirius react when he found out about you?" Harry asked quietly. Rose sighed.
"We didn't tell him. He thought that May adopted me from an agency in America, and we didn't argue with him. It was better that he didn't know." Rose stated. Harry sighed.
"I still don't know if I can handle this." Harry murmured. Rose smiled.
"Perhaps if you talk to me about Sirius's death, it wouldn't be so bad." She suggested. Harry hesitated, wondering if he was willing to go through that pain, but finally decided that it was time to let it go.
He told her everything. About Sirius's letters, his conversations, his jokes, everything. Rose listened in silence, smiling whenever another of Sirius's antics was brought up, and looking sad as she learned exactly why he had died. Then Harry went on to tell her about Cedric's death, about Voldemort's return, and about many other things he had faced in the past few years.
After Harry was finished, they lay in silence for a while, trying to take everything in.
For the first time since Cedric's death, Harry felt as if the world had been lifted off his shoulders. The pain he had felt since Sirius's death, had seemed to be disappearing rapidly as he spoke, and now Harry felt almost healed. Granted, the thought of Sirius still made him sad, but not as sad and depressed as before.
"I didn't know, Harry. I can only see pieces of things, not the whole picture." Rose murmured softly. Harry smiled.
"I'm glad I told you. It made me feel better."
"Time to get up!" Came a call from outside the door. It was aunt Petunia. Harry stiffened as her voice cut through the peaceful silence in his room, and Rose winced.
"And be quiet about it. Rose is still asleep." Petunia called in a softer voice, before walking away. Rose snickered and Harry smirked.
"I take it you shut your door?" He asked. She giggled and nodded.
"I'd better get dressed. See you downstairs." She whispered, going over to the door and disappearing from sight. Harry watched after her with a smile.
"My little sister..." He murmured to himself, before starting out to get dressed.
~*~*~*~
//Dear Ginny:
She's here! And she is great! Her name is Rose McBride, and she is really nice. I think you would like her. She's your age, she's got red hair and green eyes, like mine. In fact, she looks almost exactly like my mother did at that age. She is a little quiet, but has a great sense of humor, and the Dursleys seem to like her. They're taking her to Stonehenge next week, and I am going with them.
Anyway, enough about that. How are you? Is Ron still ranting about Hermione? Is Hermione still being bookish? Is Victor still in the picture? Are you feeling lonely without your Dean? Hehehehehe.
Well, I'm going to have to make this short. I promised Rose I'd show her how to play chess. Fun, fun.
Your friend,
~Harry//
~*~*~*~
//Dear Jackson:
It is the best, here! The family I am staying with, the Dursleys, are taking me to Stonehenge next week! Can you believe it?!?! Oh, and the Dursleys still have no idea that I am a witch. Well, actually, their nephew, who lives with them, figured it out. His name is Harry Potter.
Yes, *the* Harry Potter. He is really nice and funny. He has dark hair that is really messy all the time, and green eyes, just like mine. He is pretty tall, and not at all arrogant, like Shane insists he is. He is actually quite modest and quiet. He even promised to teach me how to play muggle chess!
Oh, the family I am staying with are decent, too. I mean, they are not quite as nice to Harry as I would have thought (all right, they downright dislike him, it seems), but they are nice to me. But I think that would change if they knew that I too, was a witch. I have been sending out Kaya every day, so she won't make any noise and alert the muggles that I am a witch. Harry assures me that if they don't suspect I am, I have nothing to worry about. Hehehehe, really reassuring!
Anyway, everything is good on this end, but what about yours? How is May? How are you? How are Shane and Rae and Shirah? How is Neville? May said that he was coming to visit this year. Will he be there when I get back? We need to get the family together again!
Well, I'd better go!
Lovingly, your sister (sort of),
Rose//
~*~*~*~
//Rose:
Mom is fine, given the circumstances (Dad, need I say more?). I'm all right, but I miss dad a lot. Shane's great, and as sarcastic as ever. Raya is as quiet/cheerful as ever, and Shirah is her old happy/grumpy self (oh the wonders of constant PMS!!!). Oh, and Neville is here. He is leaving to visit his parents later in the summer, but he should be returning around the time you do. And yeah, the 'family' will be together again, I promise.
HARRY POTTER? MY G*D, HARRY POTTER? YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now we can form a sort-of next-generation Marauders group, or something! You know, a Black, a Potter...and we can replace Shane and Neville for Lupin and (shame on him) Pettigrew. But Harry is always labeled with those friends of his...Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Neville's told me about them. Supposedly, Weasley would make a good Marauder too, and he's a prefect, like Remus was.
Enough about that. I know you won't get this letter until you get back from Stonehenge, but I want to wish you a good time, 'little sis'. And the famous Harry Potter had better keep you safe, or he's going to hear from me!!!
Lovingly, your 'brother',
Jackson//
~*~*~*~
"Are we there yet?"
Harry laughed as Dudley jokingly continued this mantra. Uncle Vernon had told them that they would get there within an hour's time, so Dudley had taken to asking this question ever five minutes or so. Rose, who also found it quite funny, giggled as Vernon made a face and told his son (for the seventeenth time), that they would be there soon.
'There', was the inn that Vernon and Petunia had booked for them to stay in. Apparently Petunia and Lily had gone there as children, with their parents, and now Petunia was more than thrilled to share it with her son and Rose. Harry, of course, was not surprised when he was not included in this little 'walk down memory lane', but he didn't mind.
"Look, Harry!" Rose whispered, leaning over and pointing to something in a passing field. Harry saw nothing but a heard of sheep, but Rose seemed entranced by the baby animals running around through the heard. Harry smiled at her enthusiasm and continued to look out the window for a while.
He, of course, had been stuck in the middle seat, while Dudley and Rose got the window seats. But for the first time in his life, Dudley seemed unhappy with the arrangement. Harry supposed that this was because he had taken a liking to the pretty girl, and Harry shuddered at the thought of his cousin liking his sister.
"Here we are." Vernon called back, several minutes later, as the car entered a small town. They then pulled up in front of a small, well-kept inn, and Vernon went inside, while the others remained in the car. He soon came out again with the keys to the rooms, and the group lugged their things inside.
"Oh!" Rose exclaimed, as she caught sight of the quaint, homely atmosphere of the place. Harry too, felt immediately at ease here.
"Come on, all." Vernon called, leading them up a flight of sturdy wooden steps to a long hallway.
"Petunia, we are here. Dudley, you are next to us. Rose, you are across the hall, and you, boy, are across from Dudley." Vernon said, slapping the key into Harry's hand, none-to gently. Rose smiled sweetly as Petunia handed her the key to her own room, and she quickly disappeared out of sight.
Curious, Harry unlocked the door to his room and smiled as he caught sight of it.
His room was painted white, with dark green trimming and furnishings. He had his own over-stuffed chair that sat under the large window. A tall dresser rested on one side of the bed, while a bed-side table resided on the other. A small walk-in closet, and a bathroom completed the room.
Harry quickly put his things away, and then wandered into the hall. Making sure that his aunt and uncle weren't in sight, he softly knocked on Rose's door.
"Come in."
"Your room is nice." He stated, as he shut the door behind him and sat on her bed. Rose wrinkled her nose prettily.
"And yours is not?" She asked teasingly. He grinned.
"It makes my room at the Dursleys look like junk...of course, almost any room would do that..." He said thoughtfully, making her laugh again. Harry smiled as he watched her put her things away.
This was the only time Harry had truly been on, what one would call, a vacation. And with Rose here, it was going to make it all the more enjoyable.
~*~*~*~
"Wow."
Harry's eyes were glued to the wonder in front of him as Rose's words broke through the awed silence. Harry couldn't help but agree.
After spending the day they had arrived and yesterday, exploring the town, Vernon had finally brought them to the main event of the trip.
In front of them stood the majestic Stonehenge. It was a rather wet day, so mist clung to the moor around the structure and made it seem almost ghostly. The huge pillars of stone rose into the air, cutting into the fog like knives. The ground was moist beneath their feet, and whatever grass was left, was a yellowed-green.
"It's amazing." Whispered Rose, raising her camera to her eye and taking a few photos. Then she began to take pictures of the Dursley's awed faces. Harry snickered as he caught sight of her taking a picture, just as Dudley slipped in a puddle of mud and toppled to the ground. Rose also giggled at this, before helping the poor boy up.
"Here. Let me try." Harry murmured, taking the camera from her and taking a few pictures, mostly of Rose struggling to get Dudley off the ground. Harry laughed the entire time this show went on, and when Dudley was finally up, Harry managed to take a picture of his muddy backside, before giving the camera to Rose again.
"This is a wizard's camera. These pictures are going to move, when they are developed." Rose whispered to him, when they were on their way back to the inn. Harry chuckled and told her of the picture of Dudley's backside. Rose began to giggle hysterically, and only stopped when they got back to the inn.
"Did you have fun?" Petunia asked, when they were seated around a table in the dinning room that night. Rose nodded enthusiastically, her lovely emerald eyes sparkling.
"I never knew that one place could look so majestic." She murmured. Dudley puffed out his chest and smiled at her.
"Yes, that fog certainly added some beauty." He stated, trying to sound as if he truly understood what he was talking about. Harry and Rose looked at each other out of the corner of their eyes, and then had to look away, to keep from bursting out laughing.
Yes, for the first time in his life, Harry was happy being with the Dursleys. And having Rose there made it all the better.
~*~*~*~
//Dear Ron:
Sorry I haven't written, mate. The Dursleys took Rose and I to see Stonehenge, a muggle structure. You would've liked it.
By the way, if you don't know who Rose is, she is an exchange student from America, who is staying at the Dursleys for two months this summer. She is fifteen, the same age as your sister. She is also quite nice, and the only reason I got to see Stonehenge was because she asked my aunt and uncle if I could go. Some nerve, the girl has, let me tell you.
So how are things on your end of the owls? How is Hermione? Have you had any more rows, lately? Have you snogged her silly, yet?
Well, I had better go. Dinner is soon!
~Harry//
~*~*~*~
//Dear Hermione:
Sorry I haven't written. I have been busy visiting Stonehenge. I am sure you know what that is. And yes, I went with the Dursleys. They were taking Rose, and she insisted that I go too. (By the way, if you want to know who Rose is, ask Ron. I don't want to have to explain it again.)
How are things between you and Ron? Have you solved your differences? Have you snogged each other senseless, yet?
Sorry, I just had to ask. But I suppose you are seething now, and it would be best if I end this, so I will!
Your friend,
~Harry//
~*~*~*~
//Dear Ginny:
If you hear simotainious shouts of anger, embarrassment, or annoyance, be assured that I was the one who instigated it! Why, you ask? Well, I dared to ask Hermione and Ron if they have snogged yet. Innocent question, and I really want them to stop arguing.
Anyway, Stonehenge was amazing! Rose brought her camera and I took a picture of Dudley falling into a mud-puddle and then a picture of his dirty back-side. It was really funny! Rose is going to get them developed and we are going to make a special 'memories book', so she can put all of her photos into it.
Oh, remember to tell me 'Mione's and Ron's reactions to my owls, all right? I really want to know!!! (Did Ron turn cherry red, or did his ears just flame up? Did Hermione look horrified or did she avoid Ron's eyes to the best of her ability?)
Anyway, I had better go. Supper is soon, and aunt Petunia is hollering for me to hurry.
Your friend and fellow sufferer of Ron/Hermione-ness,
~Harry//
~*~*~*~
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 3.
~*~*~*~
Despite the fact that he had been up late, Harry was the first person to wake up the next morning. Opening his eyes, he gazed around in confusion for a moment, before remembering the night before.
With his heart beating fast, he looked down and stared at the girl who was, in all reality, his sister.
Her long red hair spilled over his pillow like rays of sunshine, and her pale face wore a peaceful look on it. One of her hands was curled up under the pillow, while her other lay across her stomach.
Harry stared down at her in awe. She was his sister! He had one more blood family member left, save for aunt Petunia. He had one more chance to keep the Potter family going, even if he had to die in the attempt.
And it was then that Harry made himself a solemn vow.
Never, would he allow anyone to harm his sister. No matter what price he had to pay, no matter what he had to do, *no one* would hurt his sister.
"Harry?" Came a soft voice. Harry looked down into the emerald eyes that were so much like his. Rose had a small smile on her lips, and her eyebrow was quirked.
"Shouldn't you be asleep? It's only six-thirty." She whispered, brushing a strand of his dark hair, away from his scar and staring at it. Harry shrugged and lay back.
"I was just thinking."
"About what?"
"You. How did you find out about me?" He asked, looking her in the eye. Rose shifted uncomfortably as he asked this and then sighed.
"Harry, I will tell you, but you can't tell anyone else. It would put me in danger if you did." She murmured. Harry flinched and nodded, not so sure he wanted to know anymore.
"Harry...I'm a seer."
"A WHAT?" He hissed, sitting up and staring down at her with horror in his eyes. Rose nodded.
"I am a type of seer. I can see things that have already happened, or are happening. I can usually block things out, but some of the stronger visions come through anyway." She murmured. Harry shook his head slightly, trying to clear his head.
"So...you saw me in a vision?" He asked. Rose giggled softly.
"I've seen you in lots of my visions. I found out about you when I was eight, and I had a vision of Dudley chasing you and you ending up on the school roof." She laughed. Harry winced.
"Yeah, you probably did." He muttered, starting to grin. Her laughter faded away.
"I saw you the night you defeated that horrible teacher of yours. I saw you save Ginny Weasley and Sirius. I saw Voldemort come back, and I saw Sirius die. I see a lot of things, but most of them are of you." She murmured. Harry noticed that she didn't wince as she said 'Voldemort'.
"So, I guess you know about Sirius?" Harry asked. Rose's eyes sparkled.
"Know about him? I've met him!"
"What?!"
"When he escaped during your third year. He came to Florida, where May had taken Jackson and I for a vacation. He stayed with us there."
"But...did May know?" Harry asked, shocked. Rose grinned and nodded.
"Yes. You see, May knew Sirius from school. In fact...May used to be his fiancee." Rose stated. Harry's eyes widened.
"She was?"
"Yes. That is the reason Jackson is here today." Rose giggled. Harry wrinkled his nose, but grinned.
"But...they got even closer on his last trip back. Harry...they got married." Rose whispered. Harry's eyes went wide.
"THEY WHAT?!?! AND HE RISKED HIS LIFE, HIS HAPPINESS, TO COME BACK TO BE WITH ME?!?!" He shouted, ignoring the fact that the Dursley's may hear. Rose covered his lips and nodded.
"He loved you, Harry. And May was just as willing to have him here with you. In fact...she visited him there, when no one else was around. He would lock Kreacher in his 'room', and visit with her. I even went to Sirius's house once, with Jackson, on Jackson's Birthday." Rose commented. Harry frowned.
"And you didn't mind all those yelling pictures?" He teased.
"No. Jackson didn't seem to upset, either. He was happy to see his father, and Sirius seemed to love having us. But they decided not to tell anyone that Sirius had a son, because if Voldemort knew that there was another Black running around, he might just come after Jackson." Rose shivered at this, and Harry slid his arms around her.
"So I guess May knows about the Marauders and my mum?" He asked, wanting to know more about their relationships.
"Oh, yes. Lily was May's best friend. I think that's why mommy asked May to take me when I was born. May was the only one she could trust to keep that secret." Rose commented. Harry lay back and gazed up at his ceiling.
"How did Sirius react when he found out about you?" Harry asked quietly. Rose sighed.
"We didn't tell him. He thought that May adopted me from an agency in America, and we didn't argue with him. It was better that he didn't know." Rose stated. Harry sighed.
"I still don't know if I can handle this." Harry murmured. Rose smiled.
"Perhaps if you talk to me about Sirius's death, it wouldn't be so bad." She suggested. Harry hesitated, wondering if he was willing to go through that pain, but finally decided that it was time to let it go.
He told her everything. About Sirius's letters, his conversations, his jokes, everything. Rose listened in silence, smiling whenever another of Sirius's antics was brought up, and looking sad as she learned exactly why he had died. Then Harry went on to tell her about Cedric's death, about Voldemort's return, and about many other things he had faced in the past few years.
After Harry was finished, they lay in silence for a while, trying to take everything in.
For the first time since Cedric's death, Harry felt as if the world had been lifted off his shoulders. The pain he had felt since Sirius's death, had seemed to be disappearing rapidly as he spoke, and now Harry felt almost healed. Granted, the thought of Sirius still made him sad, but not as sad and depressed as before.
"I didn't know, Harry. I can only see pieces of things, not the whole picture." Rose murmured softly. Harry smiled.
"I'm glad I told you. It made me feel better."
"Time to get up!" Came a call from outside the door. It was aunt Petunia. Harry stiffened as her voice cut through the peaceful silence in his room, and Rose winced.
"And be quiet about it. Rose is still asleep." Petunia called in a softer voice, before walking away. Rose snickered and Harry smirked.
"I take it you shut your door?" He asked. She giggled and nodded.
"I'd better get dressed. See you downstairs." She whispered, going over to the door and disappearing from sight. Harry watched after her with a smile.
"My little sister..." He murmured to himself, before starting out to get dressed.
~*~*~*~
//Dear Ginny:
She's here! And she is great! Her name is Rose McBride, and she is really nice. I think you would like her. She's your age, she's got red hair and green eyes, like mine. In fact, she looks almost exactly like my mother did at that age. She is a little quiet, but has a great sense of humor, and the Dursleys seem to like her. They're taking her to Stonehenge next week, and I am going with them.
Anyway, enough about that. How are you? Is Ron still ranting about Hermione? Is Hermione still being bookish? Is Victor still in the picture? Are you feeling lonely without your Dean? Hehehehehe.
Well, I'm going to have to make this short. I promised Rose I'd show her how to play chess. Fun, fun.
Your friend,
~Harry//
~*~*~*~
//Dear Jackson:
It is the best, here! The family I am staying with, the Dursleys, are taking me to Stonehenge next week! Can you believe it?!?! Oh, and the Dursleys still have no idea that I am a witch. Well, actually, their nephew, who lives with them, figured it out. His name is Harry Potter.
Yes, *the* Harry Potter. He is really nice and funny. He has dark hair that is really messy all the time, and green eyes, just like mine. He is pretty tall, and not at all arrogant, like Shane insists he is. He is actually quite modest and quiet. He even promised to teach me how to play muggle chess!
Oh, the family I am staying with are decent, too. I mean, they are not quite as nice to Harry as I would have thought (all right, they downright dislike him, it seems), but they are nice to me. But I think that would change if they knew that I too, was a witch. I have been sending out Kaya every day, so she won't make any noise and alert the muggles that I am a witch. Harry assures me that if they don't suspect I am, I have nothing to worry about. Hehehehe, really reassuring!
Anyway, everything is good on this end, but what about yours? How is May? How are you? How are Shane and Rae and Shirah? How is Neville? May said that he was coming to visit this year. Will he be there when I get back? We need to get the family together again!
Well, I'd better go!
Lovingly, your sister (sort of),
Rose//
~*~*~*~
//Rose:
Mom is fine, given the circumstances (Dad, need I say more?). I'm all right, but I miss dad a lot. Shane's great, and as sarcastic as ever. Raya is as quiet/cheerful as ever, and Shirah is her old happy/grumpy self (oh the wonders of constant PMS!!!). Oh, and Neville is here. He is leaving to visit his parents later in the summer, but he should be returning around the time you do. And yeah, the 'family' will be together again, I promise.
HARRY POTTER? MY G*D, HARRY POTTER? YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now we can form a sort-of next-generation Marauders group, or something! You know, a Black, a Potter...and we can replace Shane and Neville for Lupin and (shame on him) Pettigrew. But Harry is always labeled with those friends of his...Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Neville's told me about them. Supposedly, Weasley would make a good Marauder too, and he's a prefect, like Remus was.
Enough about that. I know you won't get this letter until you get back from Stonehenge, but I want to wish you a good time, 'little sis'. And the famous Harry Potter had better keep you safe, or he's going to hear from me!!!
Lovingly, your 'brother',
Jackson//
~*~*~*~
"Are we there yet?"
Harry laughed as Dudley jokingly continued this mantra. Uncle Vernon had told them that they would get there within an hour's time, so Dudley had taken to asking this question ever five minutes or so. Rose, who also found it quite funny, giggled as Vernon made a face and told his son (for the seventeenth time), that they would be there soon.
'There', was the inn that Vernon and Petunia had booked for them to stay in. Apparently Petunia and Lily had gone there as children, with their parents, and now Petunia was more than thrilled to share it with her son and Rose. Harry, of course, was not surprised when he was not included in this little 'walk down memory lane', but he didn't mind.
"Look, Harry!" Rose whispered, leaning over and pointing to something in a passing field. Harry saw nothing but a heard of sheep, but Rose seemed entranced by the baby animals running around through the heard. Harry smiled at her enthusiasm and continued to look out the window for a while.
He, of course, had been stuck in the middle seat, while Dudley and Rose got the window seats. But for the first time in his life, Dudley seemed unhappy with the arrangement. Harry supposed that this was because he had taken a liking to the pretty girl, and Harry shuddered at the thought of his cousin liking his sister.
"Here we are." Vernon called back, several minutes later, as the car entered a small town. They then pulled up in front of a small, well-kept inn, and Vernon went inside, while the others remained in the car. He soon came out again with the keys to the rooms, and the group lugged their things inside.
"Oh!" Rose exclaimed, as she caught sight of the quaint, homely atmosphere of the place. Harry too, felt immediately at ease here.
"Come on, all." Vernon called, leading them up a flight of sturdy wooden steps to a long hallway.
"Petunia, we are here. Dudley, you are next to us. Rose, you are across the hall, and you, boy, are across from Dudley." Vernon said, slapping the key into Harry's hand, none-to gently. Rose smiled sweetly as Petunia handed her the key to her own room, and she quickly disappeared out of sight.
Curious, Harry unlocked the door to his room and smiled as he caught sight of it.
His room was painted white, with dark green trimming and furnishings. He had his own over-stuffed chair that sat under the large window. A tall dresser rested on one side of the bed, while a bed-side table resided on the other. A small walk-in closet, and a bathroom completed the room.
Harry quickly put his things away, and then wandered into the hall. Making sure that his aunt and uncle weren't in sight, he softly knocked on Rose's door.
"Come in."
"Your room is nice." He stated, as he shut the door behind him and sat on her bed. Rose wrinkled her nose prettily.
"And yours is not?" She asked teasingly. He grinned.
"It makes my room at the Dursleys look like junk...of course, almost any room would do that..." He said thoughtfully, making her laugh again. Harry smiled as he watched her put her things away.
This was the only time Harry had truly been on, what one would call, a vacation. And with Rose here, it was going to make it all the more enjoyable.
~*~*~*~
"Wow."
Harry's eyes were glued to the wonder in front of him as Rose's words broke through the awed silence. Harry couldn't help but agree.
After spending the day they had arrived and yesterday, exploring the town, Vernon had finally brought them to the main event of the trip.
In front of them stood the majestic Stonehenge. It was a rather wet day, so mist clung to the moor around the structure and made it seem almost ghostly. The huge pillars of stone rose into the air, cutting into the fog like knives. The ground was moist beneath their feet, and whatever grass was left, was a yellowed-green.
"It's amazing." Whispered Rose, raising her camera to her eye and taking a few photos. Then she began to take pictures of the Dursley's awed faces. Harry snickered as he caught sight of her taking a picture, just as Dudley slipped in a puddle of mud and toppled to the ground. Rose also giggled at this, before helping the poor boy up.
"Here. Let me try." Harry murmured, taking the camera from her and taking a few pictures, mostly of Rose struggling to get Dudley off the ground. Harry laughed the entire time this show went on, and when Dudley was finally up, Harry managed to take a picture of his muddy backside, before giving the camera to Rose again.
"This is a wizard's camera. These pictures are going to move, when they are developed." Rose whispered to him, when they were on their way back to the inn. Harry chuckled and told her of the picture of Dudley's backside. Rose began to giggle hysterically, and only stopped when they got back to the inn.
"Did you have fun?" Petunia asked, when they were seated around a table in the dinning room that night. Rose nodded enthusiastically, her lovely emerald eyes sparkling.
"I never knew that one place could look so majestic." She murmured. Dudley puffed out his chest and smiled at her.
"Yes, that fog certainly added some beauty." He stated, trying to sound as if he truly understood what he was talking about. Harry and Rose looked at each other out of the corner of their eyes, and then had to look away, to keep from bursting out laughing.
Yes, for the first time in his life, Harry was happy being with the Dursleys. And having Rose there made it all the better.
~*~*~*~
//Dear Ron:
Sorry I haven't written, mate. The Dursleys took Rose and I to see Stonehenge, a muggle structure. You would've liked it.
By the way, if you don't know who Rose is, she is an exchange student from America, who is staying at the Dursleys for two months this summer. She is fifteen, the same age as your sister. She is also quite nice, and the only reason I got to see Stonehenge was because she asked my aunt and uncle if I could go. Some nerve, the girl has, let me tell you.
So how are things on your end of the owls? How is Hermione? Have you had any more rows, lately? Have you snogged her silly, yet?
Well, I had better go. Dinner is soon!
~Harry//
~*~*~*~
//Dear Hermione:
Sorry I haven't written. I have been busy visiting Stonehenge. I am sure you know what that is. And yes, I went with the Dursleys. They were taking Rose, and she insisted that I go too. (By the way, if you want to know who Rose is, ask Ron. I don't want to have to explain it again.)
How are things between you and Ron? Have you solved your differences? Have you snogged each other senseless, yet?
Sorry, I just had to ask. But I suppose you are seething now, and it would be best if I end this, so I will!
Your friend,
~Harry//
~*~*~*~
//Dear Ginny:
If you hear simotainious shouts of anger, embarrassment, or annoyance, be assured that I was the one who instigated it! Why, you ask? Well, I dared to ask Hermione and Ron if they have snogged yet. Innocent question, and I really want them to stop arguing.
Anyway, Stonehenge was amazing! Rose brought her camera and I took a picture of Dudley falling into a mud-puddle and then a picture of his dirty back-side. It was really funny! Rose is going to get them developed and we are going to make a special 'memories book', so she can put all of her photos into it.
Oh, remember to tell me 'Mione's and Ron's reactions to my owls, all right? I really want to know!!! (Did Ron turn cherry red, or did his ears just flame up? Did Hermione look horrified or did she avoid Ron's eyes to the best of her ability?)
Anyway, I had better go. Supper is soon, and aunt Petunia is hollering for me to hurry.
Your friend and fellow sufferer of Ron/Hermione-ness,
~Harry//
~*~*~*~