Chapter Two
Once his senses were fully reintegrated, Harry stared around in amazement. The amazement stemmed from the simple fact that the sun was just cresting the eastern horizon. It was the first time he had slept for more than a few fitful minutes since the end of the Triwizard Tournament. Not only had he gotten a decent amount of sleep, he realized next, but he had also, for the first time since he had begun at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, missed being awake for his birthday. Judging by the appearance of the sun, Harry had been fifteen now for nearly seven hours.
Glancing more carefully around the smallest bedroom of Number Four, Privet Drive, Harry realized that at least someone had not forgotten his birthday. No, that was incorrect, several someone's. Grinning, Harry's eyes fell on a half dozen owls waiting patiently on the window sill or wherever they could find perches.
Harry first turned his attention to his own snowy owl, Hedwig. The beautiful bird had a rectangular package strapped to her leg along with a note. If he had to guess, Harry would have to believe that the expression on Hedwig's face was one of smug satisfaction as if to say "of course I remembered it was your birthday". Unwrapping the parcel from her leg, Harry was elated to see the neat and someone loopy script of one of his best friends at Hogwarts, Hermione Granger. Ripping open the envelope, Harry began to read:
Dear Harry:
How are you doing? I know its only been a couple of weeks since I last saw you, but I can't help thinking about you and wondering if you are okay. After the end of the last school year, I have had my concerns.
I was going to go see Viktor Krum in Bulgaria; however, when I told my parents, they nearly had a fit. They seem to think that "Vicky" (ironic how they use the same name for him that Ron does) is too old for me and that he is only after me because he is too ugly to get a girl his own age. Maybe I shouldn't have shown them his picture, but then I guess things would probably have been worse. I mean, I know he is not the best looking guy on the block, but that is not his fault. Oh well, that is enough complaining on my part for now.
I am going to go to The Burrow in a few weeks. I hope that your aunt and uncle will allow you to come as well. Ron is practically begging me to go there now, because he claims that the twins are about to send him to St. Mongo's with all of their new inventions. He doesn't know how, but he seems to think that someone has given the twins a lot of money to continue their plan for a joke shop.
Oh well, write me back when you get a chance. I hope to see you soon. I miss you Harry, and never forget that you have friends who love you.
Enjoy your present.
Love from,
Hermione
Harry reread the letter a couple of times, all the while with a big smile plastered on his face. It was nice to know he had such loving friends as Hermione. Ron was great, but he did not have the ability or the patience to show his concern in the same way that Hermione did.
Tearing off the paper on her present, he was happy, if not surprised, to see a beautifully bound leather book inside. Looking at the title, he was even more pleased. The book was called 'The Aurors Guide to Dueling' by .. .. ..
Harry's eyes widened at the author. It was a name he had heard only a couple of times before. Each time had been in Dumbledore's office. The author of the book was Frank Longbottom. Briefly, Harry wondered if Neville knew his father had written such a work. He made a mental note to discuss it with him once they returned to school. Maybe he'd even send his classmate an owl. He had the feeling that Neville was never included in any activity with fellow Hogwarts students outside of school. He'd have to try and change that. After all, Neville was not only his dorm mate but his friend, accident prone even though he was.
Harry set it aside carefully, making a mental note to thank Hermione very soon. He next turned his attention to the small flying ball of fluff that was Ron's owl Pigwidgeon. Once he had captured the annoying fiend, he tore off the wrappings on Ron's package. Inside, he was not surprised to find a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Ron's note was fairly short, and by the time he was finished reading it, Harry was clutching his sides with barely suppressed howls of laughter.
Harry:
Hope you like these beans. They are the normal ones, I promise. The terror twins have made a new flavor, one they call "After Dinner Gas". The first time I tried one, I had to run outside and spit it out. Whoever thought a smell could be converted so accurately in to a taste.
Anyway, life here is good. Ginny wanted to send you one of her bras, but I told her not to bother as she had nothing to show off anyway. I got slapped for that one.
Mum and dad are still trying to convince Dumbledore to let you come to The Burrow. I'll keep you posted.
Don't let the Muggles get you down.
Ron
Finally, Harry got his laughter under control enough to resume with the presents. Sirius had sent him a book on becoming an animagus. Harry made a note to himself to read that book carefully. After all, he had the legacy of his father to uphold, and if he could convince Ron and Hermione to join him in his venture, then all would be right with the world.
The twins sent Harry a box of their latest joke products, including the previously mentioned After Dinner Gas Beans. Harry thought his laughter would wake up his horrid relatives when he uncovered a box of Weasley Wankers, condoms that were supposed to change shape and make comments about your anatomy as you tried to put them on.
The fifth owl contained a small box and a brief note.
Harry:
Enclosed is a piece of property that I believe belongs to you. Also, Hagrid has asked me to forward his birthday present to you as he is not in a position to write to you. Have no fear though. He is well. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are still wanting you to go to The Burrow. If I can set up security measures that I believe will be adequate, I will contact you. Otherwise, I am sorry to say that you will need to stay with your relatives.
Take care Harry from your friends at Hogwarts.
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
Harry opened the box. Inside was a beautiful gleaming hunting knife with the carved head of a lion engraved in to the handle. Also enclosed was a handsome leather sheath for the blade. This present pleased Harry greatly and he knew that it must be from Hagrid. Leave it to the gentle giant to cheer him up even without uttering a single word.
Also inside, to Harry's great relief and pleasure, was the Marauder's Map which had been borrowed by the fake Mad-Eye Moody the previous school year and, Harry had decided long ago, he had never expected to see it again.
Feeling happier than he had in a long time, Harry turned his attention to the final owl. Opening the package it contained, Harry was nonplussed. Inside was an odd assortment of items, most of which Harry had no idea what they were. The only thing he recognized was a fairly small sheet of metal and a couple of things that looked like crystals of some sort. Harry was just about to look back to the owl to see if he had missed a parchment tied to its leg when a small folded piece of paper caught his eye. It was folded underneath the parts in the box. Carefully fishing it out, Harry read the following:
Mr. Potter:
When the time comes, the Force will show you what you need to know. In the meantime, keep this box close to you and keep it secret.
There was no signature.
Harry sat back, the earlier good mood dampened somewhat. He had nearly forgotten about his peculiar dreams with the realization of the fact that it was his birthday. Now, however, he was more curious than ever. Finally, however, he decided there was nothing he could do until he had more information. Deciding to make the best of things, Harry lay back on his bed, glancing happily at his gifts. Idly, he wondered how Dudley would like to try out some of Gred's and Forge's inventions. Maybe he'd get a chance to find out.
TBC
Once his senses were fully reintegrated, Harry stared around in amazement. The amazement stemmed from the simple fact that the sun was just cresting the eastern horizon. It was the first time he had slept for more than a few fitful minutes since the end of the Triwizard Tournament. Not only had he gotten a decent amount of sleep, he realized next, but he had also, for the first time since he had begun at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, missed being awake for his birthday. Judging by the appearance of the sun, Harry had been fifteen now for nearly seven hours.
Glancing more carefully around the smallest bedroom of Number Four, Privet Drive, Harry realized that at least someone had not forgotten his birthday. No, that was incorrect, several someone's. Grinning, Harry's eyes fell on a half dozen owls waiting patiently on the window sill or wherever they could find perches.
Harry first turned his attention to his own snowy owl, Hedwig. The beautiful bird had a rectangular package strapped to her leg along with a note. If he had to guess, Harry would have to believe that the expression on Hedwig's face was one of smug satisfaction as if to say "of course I remembered it was your birthday". Unwrapping the parcel from her leg, Harry was elated to see the neat and someone loopy script of one of his best friends at Hogwarts, Hermione Granger. Ripping open the envelope, Harry began to read:
Dear Harry:
How are you doing? I know its only been a couple of weeks since I last saw you, but I can't help thinking about you and wondering if you are okay. After the end of the last school year, I have had my concerns.
I was going to go see Viktor Krum in Bulgaria; however, when I told my parents, they nearly had a fit. They seem to think that "Vicky" (ironic how they use the same name for him that Ron does) is too old for me and that he is only after me because he is too ugly to get a girl his own age. Maybe I shouldn't have shown them his picture, but then I guess things would probably have been worse. I mean, I know he is not the best looking guy on the block, but that is not his fault. Oh well, that is enough complaining on my part for now.
I am going to go to The Burrow in a few weeks. I hope that your aunt and uncle will allow you to come as well. Ron is practically begging me to go there now, because he claims that the twins are about to send him to St. Mongo's with all of their new inventions. He doesn't know how, but he seems to think that someone has given the twins a lot of money to continue their plan for a joke shop.
Oh well, write me back when you get a chance. I hope to see you soon. I miss you Harry, and never forget that you have friends who love you.
Enjoy your present.
Love from,
Hermione
Harry reread the letter a couple of times, all the while with a big smile plastered on his face. It was nice to know he had such loving friends as Hermione. Ron was great, but he did not have the ability or the patience to show his concern in the same way that Hermione did.
Tearing off the paper on her present, he was happy, if not surprised, to see a beautifully bound leather book inside. Looking at the title, he was even more pleased. The book was called 'The Aurors Guide to Dueling' by .. .. ..
Harry's eyes widened at the author. It was a name he had heard only a couple of times before. Each time had been in Dumbledore's office. The author of the book was Frank Longbottom. Briefly, Harry wondered if Neville knew his father had written such a work. He made a mental note to discuss it with him once they returned to school. Maybe he'd even send his classmate an owl. He had the feeling that Neville was never included in any activity with fellow Hogwarts students outside of school. He'd have to try and change that. After all, Neville was not only his dorm mate but his friend, accident prone even though he was.
Harry set it aside carefully, making a mental note to thank Hermione very soon. He next turned his attention to the small flying ball of fluff that was Ron's owl Pigwidgeon. Once he had captured the annoying fiend, he tore off the wrappings on Ron's package. Inside, he was not surprised to find a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Ron's note was fairly short, and by the time he was finished reading it, Harry was clutching his sides with barely suppressed howls of laughter.
Harry:
Hope you like these beans. They are the normal ones, I promise. The terror twins have made a new flavor, one they call "After Dinner Gas". The first time I tried one, I had to run outside and spit it out. Whoever thought a smell could be converted so accurately in to a taste.
Anyway, life here is good. Ginny wanted to send you one of her bras, but I told her not to bother as she had nothing to show off anyway. I got slapped for that one.
Mum and dad are still trying to convince Dumbledore to let you come to The Burrow. I'll keep you posted.
Don't let the Muggles get you down.
Ron
Finally, Harry got his laughter under control enough to resume with the presents. Sirius had sent him a book on becoming an animagus. Harry made a note to himself to read that book carefully. After all, he had the legacy of his father to uphold, and if he could convince Ron and Hermione to join him in his venture, then all would be right with the world.
The twins sent Harry a box of their latest joke products, including the previously mentioned After Dinner Gas Beans. Harry thought his laughter would wake up his horrid relatives when he uncovered a box of Weasley Wankers, condoms that were supposed to change shape and make comments about your anatomy as you tried to put them on.
The fifth owl contained a small box and a brief note.
Harry:
Enclosed is a piece of property that I believe belongs to you. Also, Hagrid has asked me to forward his birthday present to you as he is not in a position to write to you. Have no fear though. He is well. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are still wanting you to go to The Burrow. If I can set up security measures that I believe will be adequate, I will contact you. Otherwise, I am sorry to say that you will need to stay with your relatives.
Take care Harry from your friends at Hogwarts.
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
Harry opened the box. Inside was a beautiful gleaming hunting knife with the carved head of a lion engraved in to the handle. Also enclosed was a handsome leather sheath for the blade. This present pleased Harry greatly and he knew that it must be from Hagrid. Leave it to the gentle giant to cheer him up even without uttering a single word.
Also inside, to Harry's great relief and pleasure, was the Marauder's Map which had been borrowed by the fake Mad-Eye Moody the previous school year and, Harry had decided long ago, he had never expected to see it again.
Feeling happier than he had in a long time, Harry turned his attention to the final owl. Opening the package it contained, Harry was nonplussed. Inside was an odd assortment of items, most of which Harry had no idea what they were. The only thing he recognized was a fairly small sheet of metal and a couple of things that looked like crystals of some sort. Harry was just about to look back to the owl to see if he had missed a parchment tied to its leg when a small folded piece of paper caught his eye. It was folded underneath the parts in the box. Carefully fishing it out, Harry read the following:
Mr. Potter:
When the time comes, the Force will show you what you need to know. In the meantime, keep this box close to you and keep it secret.
There was no signature.
Harry sat back, the earlier good mood dampened somewhat. He had nearly forgotten about his peculiar dreams with the realization of the fact that it was his birthday. Now, however, he was more curious than ever. Finally, however, he decided there was nothing he could do until he had more information. Deciding to make the best of things, Harry lay back on his bed, glancing happily at his gifts. Idly, he wondered how Dudley would like to try out some of Gred's and Forge's inventions. Maybe he'd get a chance to find out.
TBC