Chapter 2
Owls, Presents and Dudley
Harry examined the owls. Two of the owls he knew were Hedwig; his own snowy white one, and also Pigdwideon from Ron. He inspected the other three owls carefully. One held its head up high, and had an air of importance. Harry guessed that it must come from Hogwarts. One of the other owls had a rather strange appearance. The owl had purple colored wings, white body with golden streaks down the back. What was most protruding was that the owl had shiny green eyes. Harry checked the mail on that owl.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday, Harry! I know it's tomorrow, but I'm just saying this so you know I haven't forgotten your birthday. This is Tonks. How's your summer going? Are the Muggles treating you right? I hope they still remembered that warning Moody, Lupin, Authur and I gave to them. Just give me a reason and your uncle and aunt will regret that they're born! Oh, by the way, my owl looks weird, right? Well tell you what; this owl is also a metamorphmagus. Although she can't change her shape, she can change the color of her feathers; and her current wing color is my current hair color. She changes with me, very adorable. Oh, and Lupin wants to say HI.
Tonks
So it was from Tonks, Harry thought amusingly. That explains the weird colored feathers the owls has got. There was a package that came with it, and Harry had no trouble guessing it was his early birthday present. He ripped off the wrappings with one swift movement, out dropped a book. Harry picked it up, and read from the cover How to Become an Animagus. With it, was a note from Lupin:
Happy Birthday! Your father, Sirius and the bloody traitor used this book when they learned to become Animagus. I thought you might be interested. However, I am not saying that you HAVE to become and Animagus. Professor Dumbledore has assured me that IF you have the interest, he could let Professor McGonagall to help you out, which means private lessons. Another thing, Moody has also got a birthday present for you, but he decided to hand it personally to you; in case the owl got intercepted.
Love,
Remus Lupin
Harry thought for a moment, and made up his mind; I am definitely going to become an Animagus, no matter how hard it is. Harry thought in determination. I wonder what animal I'll become.
He chuckled to himself as his gaze landed on the last owl, if you could call it an "owl". The bird had an owl face, but it was then that he realized the owl had the body of a cat. He wondered if he should open the letter tied onto the "owl's" leg, or should he just throw the letter away, in case it was jinxed. Harry debated in his head and finally decided to open the letter.
Hello Harry,
This is Luna Lovegood. Thanks to you for that article about You-Know- Who coming back. Dad and I are currently touring in Sweden to find Crumple- Horned Snortbacks. I think we're on their tracks, and we'll find one soon enough. Have you heard from Ronald, and Hermione yet? Well, say "hi" to them, for me.
Luna Lovegood
Harry laughed at the way Luna called Ron, "Ronald". It would sound ridiculous if Harry called Ron that. He bet if Hermione saw this letter, she would snort so loud that people would think she had a day sleeping disorder. Hermione doesn't believe in Crumple-Horned Snortbacks.
Speaking of Ron and Hermione, Harry just remembered that they also had sent him letters and presents. He quickly tore Ron's open.
Hiya Harry,
Harry you're never going to believe this! I just received my O.W.L report a few hours ago. You are never going to believe what I got! Hermione reckons that I was only lucky. Hmph, count on her to make snide remarks on my hard earned scores.
Harry barely repressed a snort of laughter. Ron-hard earned scores-yeah right. Though somewhat relieved that Ron at least did well in his O.W.Ls.
Okay, here is a list of my scores, It's amazing:
Transfiguration-E
Charms-O
Potions-O (And Snape was saying we are all a bunch of dunderheads at the start of term!)
History of Magic-A
Defense Against the Dark Arts-O (all down to your help mate!)
Herbology-E
Divination-P (well, now I can drop it, finally! It was loads of rubbish in the first place!)
Astronomy-A
Care of Magical Creatures-O
There. That's a nice piece of report sheet for mom. I mean 8 O.W.Ls! I'm almost as good as Percy (though he's still a git); and I'm still a prefect. God, you should see mom; she's practically drooling over me! Tomorrow's your birthday, Harry! -As if I didn't know, Harry thought grinning-Happy 16! We've a surprise for you, but I won't.more like I can't go into the details. You know, still the same thing, about owl communication might be intercepted; just get your trunk ready. So you just wait, and you'll see. I hope you like the presents. It's not much, though.
Ron
Harry tore open the package from Ron. He received 10 amazing posters of the Chudley Canons, his favorite Quidditch team. He grinned ear to ear as he stared at the moving pictures zooming happily around. Along with Ron's present, were the usual delicious mince pies and a birthday cake from Mrs. Weasley.
My birthday, Harry thought, if only he was still alive then my birthday would definitely be better. Harry's mood sank a definite 180 feet at the thought. He tried hard to stop the tears that were forming in his eyes, but barely succeeded. Sirius. I'm sorry. It was all my fault. I should have listened to Dumbledore and practiced Occlumency. Then suddenly, his sorrow turned to anger, his insides boiling. Voldemort! How much longer are you going to kill those I love around me! Bellatrix Lestrange! I'm going to make sure that you pay for Sirius's life! I swear that I'll get you one day!
Harry wiped off his tears with his sleeves, and tried to control his emotions, not allowing these absurd thoughts to ruin his day. Hmmm.. I guess I'll start on Hermione's letter. He tore it open.
Dear Harry,
I just received my O.W.Ls report! Guess what I got, Outstanding for every subject! No surprises there, Harry thought. Ron is being ridiculously immature. Just because he caught me writing a letter to Victor, doesn't mean I'm his girlfriend. He should know better. Anyways, what's he got to do with me writing to Victor? It's not like he's my boyfriend and I'm betraying him. Could it possibly mean he likes me? Well, Happy Birthday, Harry! Even though it's a day early. Well, be ready for a surprise tomorrow! I'd better go help Mrs. Weasley with lunch. Have a nice day, Harry.
Hermione
Hermione gave him a book, called Step By Step Guide On to Becoming a Good Auror. Even though books weren't his things, it was certainly very useful, like the book he received from Lupin.
Speaking of O.W.Ls report, Harry was sure that the owl carrying his last letter was his O.W.L report along with his usual school list of supplies. His stomach lurched, and he felt lucky he only ate a piece of toast for breakfast. Slowly, he opened his letter.
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that your performance on your Ordinary Wizarding Level test was quite astounding. The scores below of each subject are the average of your practical and written exams. Below is the list of your scores:
Transfiguration-O
Charms-O
Potions-O
History of Magic-A
Defense Against the Dark Arts-O+
Herbology-E
Divination-P
Astronomy-A
Care of Magical Creatures-O Your performance on DADA was exceptionally well, so we decided to give you a bonus on that subject. Congratulations.
O.W.Ls team P.S-Attached is a form we will like you to fill out for next semester's NEWT level classes.
Harry felt the gloom lift from him. Wow, he thought, 8 O.W.Ls! That's the same as Ron's score. That's a lot of classes he'll be attending. I think I'll drop a few classes, to make way for my private lessons on Animagus. Astronomy and Care of Magical Creatures needs to go, after all, they are not required into becoming an Auror. It looks like he's got hope to being an Auror after graduation, after all. Harry clutched his O.W.L report in his hands, feeling that it was certainly his best birthday yet, even thought it hadn't come yet!
Just then, he heard a knock at his door. Who the ruddy hell is it? Harry thought. I thought the Dursleys are ignoring me.
"Come in." Harry said suspiciously. Thinking probably was Aunt Petunia to tell him to clean the carpet. However, to his surprise-
"Can I come in?" a nervous looking Dudley said, poking half of his puny head into Harry's doorway.
"What do you want?" Harry snarled, accusingly. "And for your information it's ' May I come in?'.
"Yes, yes. May I come in?" Dudley said. Harry was sure Dudley was trying to keep his temper and with that he said with a half concealed voice of satisfaction, " okay then. Make it quick, I don't have all day."
Dudley looked behind his back, as if assuring he wasn't being followed and spied on, quickly moved his fat features into Harry's room.
"I-I-I wanted to say Happy Birthday, H-Harry."
Harry stared at him.
"I-I know it's one day early-but-but I just wanted to make sure Mom and Dad don't find out." And with this, he gave Harry a small wrapped present.
Harry still stared at him, not believing what he heard. Dudley, the boy who spited him just last year was now congratulating him for his birthday and offering him a birthday present. This is not right.
With much effort, Harry finally said, "Why are you doing this?"
"I just wanted to thank you for saving me last summer. At first I did think you had attacked me, but after hearing your account of what happened and thinking it over..I-I realized that you really had saved me."
Harry still didn't answer.
Dudley, with his face the shade of blush and gradually turning darker, said huffly, " well if you don't want it then bye. I could just keep this for myself. It was stupid of me trying to do this! You're nothing but a wierd boy with your stick" and with that, turned his back at Harry and was about to leave.
"Dudley, WAIT!"
Dudley stopped dead in his tracks. ".Thank you Dud, I'm sorry. I'll take the present." Said Harry, in a low voice. Dudley threw him the present and walked out the door, without so much as a backward glance. Harry watched as he exited the door. Harry opened the present; it was an old GameBoy with a single game card. Harry grinned again. He was sure that although unbelievable, he had made a friend with Dudley Dursley.
Owls, Presents and Dudley
Harry examined the owls. Two of the owls he knew were Hedwig; his own snowy white one, and also Pigdwideon from Ron. He inspected the other three owls carefully. One held its head up high, and had an air of importance. Harry guessed that it must come from Hogwarts. One of the other owls had a rather strange appearance. The owl had purple colored wings, white body with golden streaks down the back. What was most protruding was that the owl had shiny green eyes. Harry checked the mail on that owl.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday, Harry! I know it's tomorrow, but I'm just saying this so you know I haven't forgotten your birthday. This is Tonks. How's your summer going? Are the Muggles treating you right? I hope they still remembered that warning Moody, Lupin, Authur and I gave to them. Just give me a reason and your uncle and aunt will regret that they're born! Oh, by the way, my owl looks weird, right? Well tell you what; this owl is also a metamorphmagus. Although she can't change her shape, she can change the color of her feathers; and her current wing color is my current hair color. She changes with me, very adorable. Oh, and Lupin wants to say HI.
Tonks
So it was from Tonks, Harry thought amusingly. That explains the weird colored feathers the owls has got. There was a package that came with it, and Harry had no trouble guessing it was his early birthday present. He ripped off the wrappings with one swift movement, out dropped a book. Harry picked it up, and read from the cover How to Become an Animagus. With it, was a note from Lupin:
Happy Birthday! Your father, Sirius and the bloody traitor used this book when they learned to become Animagus. I thought you might be interested. However, I am not saying that you HAVE to become and Animagus. Professor Dumbledore has assured me that IF you have the interest, he could let Professor McGonagall to help you out, which means private lessons. Another thing, Moody has also got a birthday present for you, but he decided to hand it personally to you; in case the owl got intercepted.
Love,
Remus Lupin
Harry thought for a moment, and made up his mind; I am definitely going to become an Animagus, no matter how hard it is. Harry thought in determination. I wonder what animal I'll become.
He chuckled to himself as his gaze landed on the last owl, if you could call it an "owl". The bird had an owl face, but it was then that he realized the owl had the body of a cat. He wondered if he should open the letter tied onto the "owl's" leg, or should he just throw the letter away, in case it was jinxed. Harry debated in his head and finally decided to open the letter.
Hello Harry,
This is Luna Lovegood. Thanks to you for that article about You-Know- Who coming back. Dad and I are currently touring in Sweden to find Crumple- Horned Snortbacks. I think we're on their tracks, and we'll find one soon enough. Have you heard from Ronald, and Hermione yet? Well, say "hi" to them, for me.
Luna Lovegood
Harry laughed at the way Luna called Ron, "Ronald". It would sound ridiculous if Harry called Ron that. He bet if Hermione saw this letter, she would snort so loud that people would think she had a day sleeping disorder. Hermione doesn't believe in Crumple-Horned Snortbacks.
Speaking of Ron and Hermione, Harry just remembered that they also had sent him letters and presents. He quickly tore Ron's open.
Hiya Harry,
Harry you're never going to believe this! I just received my O.W.L report a few hours ago. You are never going to believe what I got! Hermione reckons that I was only lucky. Hmph, count on her to make snide remarks on my hard earned scores.
Harry barely repressed a snort of laughter. Ron-hard earned scores-yeah right. Though somewhat relieved that Ron at least did well in his O.W.Ls.
Okay, here is a list of my scores, It's amazing:
Transfiguration-E
Charms-O
Potions-O (And Snape was saying we are all a bunch of dunderheads at the start of term!)
History of Magic-A
Defense Against the Dark Arts-O (all down to your help mate!)
Herbology-E
Divination-P (well, now I can drop it, finally! It was loads of rubbish in the first place!)
Astronomy-A
Care of Magical Creatures-O
There. That's a nice piece of report sheet for mom. I mean 8 O.W.Ls! I'm almost as good as Percy (though he's still a git); and I'm still a prefect. God, you should see mom; she's practically drooling over me! Tomorrow's your birthday, Harry! -As if I didn't know, Harry thought grinning-Happy 16! We've a surprise for you, but I won't.more like I can't go into the details. You know, still the same thing, about owl communication might be intercepted; just get your trunk ready. So you just wait, and you'll see. I hope you like the presents. It's not much, though.
Ron
Harry tore open the package from Ron. He received 10 amazing posters of the Chudley Canons, his favorite Quidditch team. He grinned ear to ear as he stared at the moving pictures zooming happily around. Along with Ron's present, were the usual delicious mince pies and a birthday cake from Mrs. Weasley.
My birthday, Harry thought, if only he was still alive then my birthday would definitely be better. Harry's mood sank a definite 180 feet at the thought. He tried hard to stop the tears that were forming in his eyes, but barely succeeded. Sirius. I'm sorry. It was all my fault. I should have listened to Dumbledore and practiced Occlumency. Then suddenly, his sorrow turned to anger, his insides boiling. Voldemort! How much longer are you going to kill those I love around me! Bellatrix Lestrange! I'm going to make sure that you pay for Sirius's life! I swear that I'll get you one day!
Harry wiped off his tears with his sleeves, and tried to control his emotions, not allowing these absurd thoughts to ruin his day. Hmmm.. I guess I'll start on Hermione's letter. He tore it open.
Dear Harry,
I just received my O.W.Ls report! Guess what I got, Outstanding for every subject! No surprises there, Harry thought. Ron is being ridiculously immature. Just because he caught me writing a letter to Victor, doesn't mean I'm his girlfriend. He should know better. Anyways, what's he got to do with me writing to Victor? It's not like he's my boyfriend and I'm betraying him. Could it possibly mean he likes me? Well, Happy Birthday, Harry! Even though it's a day early. Well, be ready for a surprise tomorrow! I'd better go help Mrs. Weasley with lunch. Have a nice day, Harry.
Hermione
Hermione gave him a book, called Step By Step Guide On to Becoming a Good Auror. Even though books weren't his things, it was certainly very useful, like the book he received from Lupin.
Speaking of O.W.Ls report, Harry was sure that the owl carrying his last letter was his O.W.L report along with his usual school list of supplies. His stomach lurched, and he felt lucky he only ate a piece of toast for breakfast. Slowly, he opened his letter.
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that your performance on your Ordinary Wizarding Level test was quite astounding. The scores below of each subject are the average of your practical and written exams. Below is the list of your scores:
Transfiguration-O
Charms-O
Potions-O
History of Magic-A
Defense Against the Dark Arts-O+
Herbology-E
Divination-P
Astronomy-A
Care of Magical Creatures-O Your performance on DADA was exceptionally well, so we decided to give you a bonus on that subject. Congratulations.
O.W.Ls team P.S-Attached is a form we will like you to fill out for next semester's NEWT level classes.
Harry felt the gloom lift from him. Wow, he thought, 8 O.W.Ls! That's the same as Ron's score. That's a lot of classes he'll be attending. I think I'll drop a few classes, to make way for my private lessons on Animagus. Astronomy and Care of Magical Creatures needs to go, after all, they are not required into becoming an Auror. It looks like he's got hope to being an Auror after graduation, after all. Harry clutched his O.W.L report in his hands, feeling that it was certainly his best birthday yet, even thought it hadn't come yet!
Just then, he heard a knock at his door. Who the ruddy hell is it? Harry thought. I thought the Dursleys are ignoring me.
"Come in." Harry said suspiciously. Thinking probably was Aunt Petunia to tell him to clean the carpet. However, to his surprise-
"Can I come in?" a nervous looking Dudley said, poking half of his puny head into Harry's doorway.
"What do you want?" Harry snarled, accusingly. "And for your information it's ' May I come in?'.
"Yes, yes. May I come in?" Dudley said. Harry was sure Dudley was trying to keep his temper and with that he said with a half concealed voice of satisfaction, " okay then. Make it quick, I don't have all day."
Dudley looked behind his back, as if assuring he wasn't being followed and spied on, quickly moved his fat features into Harry's room.
"I-I-I wanted to say Happy Birthday, H-Harry."
Harry stared at him.
"I-I know it's one day early-but-but I just wanted to make sure Mom and Dad don't find out." And with this, he gave Harry a small wrapped present.
Harry still stared at him, not believing what he heard. Dudley, the boy who spited him just last year was now congratulating him for his birthday and offering him a birthday present. This is not right.
With much effort, Harry finally said, "Why are you doing this?"
"I just wanted to thank you for saving me last summer. At first I did think you had attacked me, but after hearing your account of what happened and thinking it over..I-I realized that you really had saved me."
Harry still didn't answer.
Dudley, with his face the shade of blush and gradually turning darker, said huffly, " well if you don't want it then bye. I could just keep this for myself. It was stupid of me trying to do this! You're nothing but a wierd boy with your stick" and with that, turned his back at Harry and was about to leave.
"Dudley, WAIT!"
Dudley stopped dead in his tracks. ".Thank you Dud, I'm sorry. I'll take the present." Said Harry, in a low voice. Dudley threw him the present and walked out the door, without so much as a backward glance. Harry watched as he exited the door. Harry opened the present; it was an old GameBoy with a single game card. Harry grinned again. He was sure that although unbelievable, he had made a friend with Dudley Dursley.