Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. If you think I do, please get some help right away.

A/N: After this chapter, I'm taking a break from this story so I can work on my LOTR story, which I personally like better. So, in about two weeks, I will get back on this story. Enjoy!

Ron's room was filled with owls, all of them chirping and holding letters in their beaks.

"What on earth?" said Ron disbelievingly. "Who are all of these for?"

"Well, this one's for me," said Harry, looking at a letter. "And so is this ones. Ooh, it's a birthday card!"

"I think all of them are for you, Harry," said Ron incredulously. "Wow, when did my best mate get so popular? Harry, it's all fan mail!"

"This is actually very scary," said Harry, slowly circling the room, picking up letters and shooing away the owls.

"Well?" said Ron and when Harry gave him a confuse look, Ron clarified by saying, "Aren't you going to respond to your fan mail? That's what you're supposed to do!"

"Er, right," said Harry. "I guess I better, um, respond to my legions."

Ron grinned at him. "Don't get cocky, mate."

Harry sat down and took out some of Ron's ink and parchment.

Dear Estella, he began,

Thank you so much for the birthday card! I appreciate it a lot and it just warms my heart to know that such a kind and caring person is out there. Good luck in the future!

Lots of love,

Harry

"Warms your heart?' said Ron. He made gagging noises and handed Harry another letter.

After about a dozen more letters, Harry asked Ron, "Is it just me or are most of these letters from girls?"

"It's not you," said Ron, laughing. "As a matter of fact, all of them are from girls."

"Great," murmured Harry. "I really don't want to turn out like Lockhart, sending out autographs all night long."

"Don't answer all of them," Ron told him. "Just some random ones you pick from the pile."

Just then, an owl flew in and dropped a letter on Ron's head. He shook his fist at the owl and picked up the letter from the floor.

"Hey!' exclaimed Ron. "It's from Hermione! When did she get an owl?"

Dear Harry(read the letter),

I borrowed this owl from a friend. I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday! I'm going to be arriving at the Burrow tomorrow! I can hardly wait to see you both! I better go pack now!

Lots of hugs and kisses,

Hermione

"That's nice," said Harry. "At least it's not on the, uh, what did this one say? Oh yes, the sparkle and wit in my emerald green eyes. This is scary, Ron. April from London sent me five letters already."

Ron stared at him for a moment and then burst out laughing. When he finally calmed down, he said, "Looks you got yourself a bona fide stalker, Harry!"

Harry looked down at the pile of letters that he had not yet opened. He felt suddenly exhausted and he really wanted to just burn all these letters that said how hot he was and how much they loved him, respected him, adored him, etc.

"Hey Ron, why don't we go play some Quidditch. I don't have my broom, but maybe there's one I can borrow?"

"I think that Fred left his here after his escape from Hogwart's," replied Ron. Sure that sounds like a lot of fun! Come one let's go!"

July 31st, Harry's birthday:

"Harry!" Harry suddenly found himself ambushed by a wad of bushy brown hair. It was Hermione and she had a huge smile on her face.

"Hermione!" said Harry, shocked. "Y-You're taller than me! When did that happen?" He threw his arms around her and gave her a warm, friendly hug.

She grinned at him, somewhat evilly. "This summer, I guess. So, how are you, Harry? Oh, I have your birthday present! Did I tell you, Mum signed me up for singing lessons? No matter how many times I practice, I'm still a terrible singer!"

Harry held up his hand. "Ok, slow down Hermione. Why don't we sit down and have a nice little conversation, alright?"

Hermione looked at him like he was crazy and then laughing, followed him out the door to the garden. Behind them, Ron was looking at there retreating backs with jealousy in his eyes.

A/N: No, I will not have a romance between Harry and Hermione. But maybe some friction between her and Ron..::rubs hands together and grins evilly::