Harry got out of bed the next morning and headed straight to Remus' quarters. After telling Remus about the vision of Voldemort and Snape (Dumbledore was at the ministry over seeing the voting process) Harry headed back to his room. He continued on his now daily routine of running around the lake, then working out with the weights.

Harry then ate a light breakfast and decided to read a few letters that Remus had given to him. Taking a peek at the letters he figured he might as well start with Luna and work his way back to Hermione and Ron. Harry opened the bright orange letter that no doubt came from Luna. At first glance Harry thought she had written the letter in another language, the letters were all loopy and dramatically swirled at the ends. As his eyes adjusted to the unusual handwriting he began to read:

My Dearest Harry,

I just wanted to send a letter letting you know Daddy and I are okay. He had been looking for a reason to upgrade the presses for The Quibbler for a while now. He is absolutely giddy with the prospect of new toys to tinker with. Either that or he ate a Tiki Fairy, which are known to create high emotions, either way he is very happy. We are still in Sweden looking for a Crumpled-Horned Snorkack. I feel certain that we will come across one soon.

I know the loss of your Godfather coupled with the loss of your muggle family must have you feeling pretty bad. Just remember they are always there lurking just out of reach watching over us. Try not to grieve for to long and forget to enjoy your life. From what I have been told by the others, he would want you to live your life to the fullest. If you want you can write me back, I am an extremely good listener due to the fact that I was bitten by a Rognark when I was young .If not, I will see you on the train back to Hogwarts.

Lovely,

Luna

Ps- Daddy wanted to let you know if you give another interview he would love to put it in The Quibbler again. It was surprisingly one of his biggest sellers.

Pss- Daddy said he hoped Madam Bones won the election since she didn't like Heliopaths or Goblin pies. He did say she would occasionally run around in the middle of the night naked, but I think he might have made that story up or maybe he just dreamt about it.

Harry laughed out loud to himself at the letter. The one thing Luna could do in her own unique way was present a different perspective on a subject. Harry was glad he had became friends with the eccentric Ravenclaw, deciding to write a response as he went he grabbed a quill and ink and set to work. He found it extremely easy to write to her. He knew she would never judge or over analyze anything he wrote down.

Luna

I wanted to say thank you for the letter. I am sorry I didn't write sooner, but I have been extremely busy.

First off I want to thank you for going with me that night. I am sorry that I led us all into a trap. I am working on making sure I am never tricked by Voldemort again. I am terribly sorry about your home and The Quibbler tell your father I would like to help pay for rebuilding them. You can also stay with me, until you have your home rebuilt it will be nice to have company if you so decide.

I am trying to deal with the loss of Sirius. It is just so hard to do sometimes. Even though I know that they are, as you said, watching us. I hope all my work is making them proud of me.

Enough about me, did you find all of your things at the end of last year? I really hope so. I know you said it didn't bother you but I really wish they wouldn't do that to you. Luna, I just want you to know I consider you a close friend now, if you ever need anything I will be there for you.

Write back when you get a chance.

Warmest Regards,

Harry

Ps If Madam Bones is elected; I believe we will all be getting a surprise!

Harry hoped they wouldn't take him up on the offer of staying with him, since he didn't even have a place to call home right now. But if they did he would figure out something. All that money he had sitting in the bank had to be good for something.

Looking over the remaining letters he noticed there was not one from Neville. Realizing he hadn't spoken to Neville since he had lost all of his family, Harry started to feel guilty for not writing Neville sooner and quickly found a spare piece of parchment and Quill. Harry took a deep breath and began to write him a letter.

Neville

I am terribly sorry for the tragic loss of your Parents and Grandmother. I know this is an extremely hard time for you right now. I just wanted to let you know if you need anything, just ask and I will do my best to help you get it.

I wanted to also say Thank You for your help last June at the Ministry. I probably wouldn't be alive if not for you.

Have you gotten another wand yet? Professor Dumbledore told me you were staying with your Great Uncle Algie for the time being. I hope he is treating you well. If you need a place to stay before school starts you are more than welcome to stay with me. I can't say in a letter where I am but I am sure arrangements could be made.

If Madam Bones is elected as Minister of Magic, be prepared to get that wand quickly, if you haven't already gotten it.

Your friend,

Harry

Wishing he had more to write to Neville after his loss, Harry felt guilty that the note was so short. What else could he say 'Hey Neville guess what, if Voldemort would have went after you all those years ago we could have switched places and the entire future of the world would be on your shoulders'…

Nope probably wouldn't make him feel any better about the loss of his family.

He then looked down at the letter from Ginny. He no longer thought of her as the scrawny little sister of his best friend Ron. No, she had proven that she was much more than that. Besides being an extremely talented witch, she had proven her friendship and loyalty to him at the ministry of magic. Harry remembered back to when she had a crush on The-Boy-Who-Lived. She never acted shy around him anymore and he liked it. Harry thought to himself that Ginny made a fine addition to the group with her spunk and resourcefulness. He ripped open the letter and began to read:

Dear Harry

I hope that this letter finds you someplace safe. We have been trying to snoop around and overhear were you might be. It seems Mom and Dad really have no clue where you are.

I know you must be feeling terrible about the past few weeks. Please don't shut us out again like last year. We are your friends and will always be here for you. Okay enough with the serious junk lets get on to the good stuff.

Mom hasn't decided if she is going to hug you or kill you for giving the twins the money to start the joke shop. She was in a right state about them taking the money. I swear I thought she was going to hex them good right there in the living room till they told her they had made you a partner and part of the profits went to your vault. The store seems to be doing really great. I can't wait to go see it. They have even talked about branching out. How great would it be to have them closer to Hogwarts? I bet Filch would have a fit!

Ron seems to be doing better; he was quite worried when we heard of the attacks on everyone else. I won't lie he did get a little jealous of you for giving another interview. Then he realized it was to help get Madam Bones elected and calmed down. I was fascinated by one of the other articles in the paper that day. I wonder how many of the girls at school took notes so they might be able to catch the famous Harry Potter-Brooding-Reluctant-Hero. Just kidding, thought that might make your stomach turn a little. Don't worry Hermione and I will help beat them off of you…. That is if you want them to get off of you!

Percy is trying to apologize, but his pride is making it difficult (along with Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Ron and Me). But hey at least at times we are all together and that seem to make mom very Happy.

That night of the attack here at The Burrow was a little scary and exciting; I managed to stun one of the Death Eaters (don't let Ron say it was him) before they all left. There were a lot of spells being shot back and forth. Luckily only Percy (pompous git) was hit with a stunner. Everyone else got by with some very minor injuries. I guess this makes it real, the war and all. It's scary to think what is ahead but we will be prepared for it.

Mom about had kittens after hearing about Voldemort attacking your muggle house personally. I thought she was going to attack Dumbledore when he wouldn't tell her where you were staying. She insisted on seeing you and truth be told I think that Dumbledore was scared of what she might do. I was so glad to here you had already been moved. I wonder why You-Know-Who is always after you?

Have you talked to or written Neville yet? Poor guy, this must be really hard on him to. I mean he lost his parents a second time and his Grandmother, who was basically acting as his parent. I can't imagine, and don't want to, not having my parents. This is war and I guess we will be hearing a lot more things like this.

Well I guess I better stop here. Ron said we had to give the letters to Professor Lupin to give to Professor Dumbledore to get them to you. Professor Lupin is here now, I can hear mom trying to force him to eat downstairs. You would think he would have learned by now not to fight her on it and just eat something. She won't stop until he does.

Please take care of yourself and write back or face the consequences. Just ask any of my brothers, you don't want me mad at you.

Love, Ginny

Harry quickly grabbed his ink and quill not wanting to be on the bad side of the feisty redheaded witch. He began writing in the neatest handwriting possible for him:

Dear Ginny,

Thanks for the letter. I am sorry not to have been in contact sooner, it's just that I have been really busy. I know, not a great excuse but it is true. I am glad to hear you and everyone else at The Burrow are okay. I believe you when you say you hit the Death Eater not Ron. He was probably to busy thinking of getting something to eat! I think I might be able to give a Ron a run for his money now in eating. I really seem to stuff it down lately.

I am sending a note to Neville at the same time I am sending you this. Along with a letter to Luna, Ron, and Hermione, I haven't sent any of you anything this summer. I did send of some short notes to Dean, Seamus, Lavender, and the Patil twins the other day.

How are things going for your Dad at work? How about Percy? You mentioned that he was trying to make amends. I hope that is going well, even though he is still a huge git.

Have you been using any of the twin's ears to catch any good gossip? If so, don't hold out on me. Write in a letter or tell me as soon as we are back together. I hope your Mom doesn't get to mad at me for giving them the money for the shop. I just didn't want or need it and they can put it to good use. I do hate they made me a partner. I didn't want any money out of it. I may have to write them a letter and tell them to put my part back into the store to make it even better.

Please tell your Mum and Dad not to worry about me, too much. I am as safe as I can possibly be while keeping everyone else safe as well. I think only Professor Dumbledore knows where I truly am. I am extremely comfortable and well fed; please pass that bit of information on to your mum.

Say hello to everyone for me and I will see you when I can. If Madam Bones gets elected be prepared for a surprise! That's all I can say about that for now.

Did you get any owls for using underage magic that night? If you did I hope they don't make you go in front of the full Wizengamot, not a pleasant experience I can assure you.

Love,

Harry

With his hand and head hurting Harry figured if he didn't read the last two and reply his best friends in the world might actually kill him. Deciding he needed a quick break he went over and worked out a little. He needed a quick shower before returning to his letters. After the shower he went over to his desk to finish the letters. He started with Ron's:

Hey mate

Man has the start of this summer been wild or what! Of course, what else is new? I mean your family being killed (by the way sorry about that, I know you weren't close but I'm still sorry). Neville's family all being killed. Hermione and Luna having their homes destroyed. Thank Merlin neither was home when it happened. I mean could you imagine Hermione trying to fight of a group of Death Eaters by herself. She was the first one to go down that night at the Ministry. Though she probably would have at least gotten a few rare spells in on one of them.

The battle here was pretty cool (now that its over and I don't feel like wetting myself anymore!). I think I stunned at least 3 or 4, no matter what Ginny says. We all got a kick out of the interview in the Prophet. I wonder why they didn't interview the rest of us. Not famous enough I recon, oh well Mom has been going bonkers wondering where you are. You know her; she tore into Dumbledore when he came by. He let her get on a roll and there was no stopping her. I think he was either impressed or scared to death of her. It was kinda fun watching her tear into someone else for a change.

Where are you anyway? We can't get anything out of anyone. I hope you can at least slip me a clue or two in you reply. And there better be a reply!

Do you think they will lift your Quidditch ban for this school year? I hope so, I figure either Katie or I will probably be captain this year. Either way with Ginny wanting to play chaser you shouldn't have any problem winning the seeker spot back. I hope to see you soon. Take care of yourself, wherever you are.

Ron

Harry just started laughing as he finished the letter. He thought it was funny that Ron could embellish the truth about stunning Death Eaters that easily, but then he did the same thing after the second task of the Triwizard Tournament.

He hadn't really thought about being Quidditch Captain, but why should he not be in the running for it. Katie though probably is the best choice he thought. He hoped Ron wouldn't get jealous this year if his name appeared in the paper more. He still had to give Rita another interview for The Quibbler. His head started to ache again at the thought of another interview.

His minded floated back to the letter in his hands. He was glad Hermione wasn't home at the time of the attacks, not because he didn't feel she could hold her own. No he thought she would do fine next time they got into a fix (because there is always a next time with them). He just didn't like the idea of her fighting by herself and getting killed or captured.

Once again grabbing his stuff he sat about writing a reply to Ron.

Ron,

This summer has been pretty hard for me. First losing Snuffles and now everything else that happened since has just made it worse. I feel that I am pretty safe here. It almost feels like home. Hopefully it won't be to long before we can meet up. It will probably at the same place as last year. Though I'm not sure if it is safe for me to travel.

I have a feeling I will be able to play next season. I don't really care who is captain. I just want to play. It was tough watching everyone last year. I really hope we can get in some form of practice before the school year starts.

Please tell your Mum not to worry I will be fine. I told Ginny to tell her, but I want you to tell her as well. Maybe if she hears it enough she'll settle down a bit.

Later,

Harry

Deciding the best thing to do was just open the letter and see what Hermione had to say.

Dear Harry,

How are you? Fine, I know, but that isn't going to work this year not with me anyway. I am one of your two best friends in the world. You will not shut me out this year like you did us last year. If I do not receive a response to this letter within two days I swear a witch's oath to come hunt you down myself and hex you into oblivion. I have been studying up on location charms, so do not under estimate me. I will find you if I have to!

I am so sorry about your relatives; I wish I was there to help you right now, between Sirius and the Dursleys you must be feeling awful. I know you are probably blaming yourself, but don't. Voldemort tricked you that night and he killed your relatives not you. I wish there was something more I could say to help but words don't seem enough in a situation like this. I hope you know you can write to me about anything. I would not mention it to another soul if you don't want me to. Again I am deeply sorry for you loss.

On another note, Can you believe Professor Dumbledore himself came to check on us and tell us about our house! I mean I had never seen Fawkes or someone flash in with a Phoenix (or whatever you want to call that, Flash is the best way to describe it I think). That was something to see. We were sitting in our hotel room getting ready to go out for dinner when, BAM. The headmaster was standing in the middle of our room. Of course I initially pulled my wand on him until I had him verify his favorite muggle candy. My parents were in shock at the news but found solace in the fact that we all were still together and unharmed.

It was so sad to here about Neville's parents and grandmother being murdered. I wonder how he is doing and where is he staying? I am going to write to him and I hope you will find time to do the same.

Where are you staying by the way? I know you probably can't say directly but some very small, very coded hints in your reply would be great. It will give me something to work on and some peace of mind knowing where you are. I must have asked Professor Dumbledore that night and Professor Lupin this morning at least fifty times each.

Professor Lupin then showed me the Prophet that had your interview in it and asked if I wanted to read it and write you a new letter since you hadn't replied to any of my other letters. Shame on you for that by the way, I am expecting a lengthy reply to this one.

The interview was great Harry; I bet Madam Bones is elected easily after that interview. That was a really brave thing to do with all of the things happening around you right now, but being brave or doing the right thing is nothing new to you now is it? I was really interested in the other article about you. You know the one on how to "Catch the Brooding Hero" I bet you just loved seeing that article in the paper. Did like the mention of trying to become close friends with me since I am your best friend (and a girl). At least it didn't have any rubbish about us dating. I suppose truth was part of the interview deal.

I can't wait for our OWL results to come in. I hope I passed everything. I mean really shouldn't we get to retake the Astronomy test since it was interrupted by them attacking Hagrid. I know you did just fine on all of your exams. I wouldn't be surprised if you got the highest mark in DADA in a good many years.

Well Professor Lupin is looking at me impatiently. I think he is ready to head back home. We are having a great time here. The scenery is just beautiful. I will be back in England the week before your birthday. I hope to see you then.

With love,

Hermione

He knew he had better write a nice long reply. Then have it quickly delivered to her. He really didn't want her any angrier with him than she might already be. Grabbing his ink, quill, and a couple of pieces of parchment Harry sat down to write one of the tougher letters he had written.

Hermy,

Thought I would use your new nickname, thanks to our little friend for that one. I will use it for as long as you quote or tease me from that stupid article about me. I can't believe that they would write something like that. I am not a hero and certainly not worthy of chasing, I have no clue when it comes to girls are any of that junk. The fact is that anyone close to me will probably end up dead anyways, since I keep putting everyone around me in danger. I mean really, as if Voldemort hunting after me isn't enough, I have to watch out for star stuck girls jumping out at me. I don't know which one is scarier, Death eaters or girls.

Let's be honest the only reason any of you were attacked is because of me. Sirius died because I was weak, Cedric died because I talked him into taking the cup with me, my parents died to protect me for Voldemort, and the Dursleys' died because I lived with them. I can't stand for anyone else to die for me. The thought that I could have lost you again this summer, makes it all the more important to prepare for Voldemort.

I am going to ask you to do me a favor; I haven't asked any of the others for yet, stay away from me this year. Trust me it is only going to get worse. I really think that Voldemort feels he has to kill me to prove to the world that he is not weak. I don't want you or any of the others near me when he comes at me again. I couldn't live with myself if anything else were to happen.

I don't really care about my grades anymore, it doesn't really matter how I did. I am thinking of asking Dumbledore to let me drop out of school and just go live and train with Mad-Eye. They say he was one of the best aurors in his time. I did tell a few other Gryffindors that we would continue the DA if allowed to or not.

I am terribly sorry that I didn't listen to you that day in June. You were right I do have a "saving people thing" and Voldemort used it to perfection. I was so scared when you got hit with that curse I thought you were dead. What were you thinking silencing instead of stunning? That reminds me, you should have seen Dumbledore and Voldemort in the Atrium. You could feel the power radiating off of the spells they cast. Neither one of them screamed or said the spells just thought and concentrated it was wicked.

Well I must be going I have a few things to take care of. Please do not write back I will see you later this summer or on the train to school.

Love,

Harry James Potter

Wow that was hard to write he thought to himself. She is so going to kill me the next time I see her. I bet she writes me at least a letter a day till I respond, he thought grinning mischievously. She may even send a howler, if I pissed her off bad enough. Well, I'll just wait and see.

Realizing he had missed lunch Harry hollered for Dobby. In an instant the house elf appeared in front of him.

"Yes Mister Harry Potter sir" Dobby asked while bowing so that one of his many hats fell from his head

"Dobby please just call me Harry I was wondering if I could have some lunch up here in my room. I was reading some letters, time got away from me and I missed lunch" Harry looked down at the little elf.

"OF course sir just a second" Dobby disappeared and returned within seconds "Here you is sir" Dobby said smiling as plates of food appeared on the common room table.

"Thank you Dobby would you care to join me for lunch" Harry said gesturing to the food now spread across the table.

"Oh no sir, House elf not be eating with wizards like an equal no sir" Dobby squeaked

"Dobby you are my friend not a servant" Harry pointed out to the elf.

"Dobby must be leaving now," Dobby said and with a pop he was gone.

Harry sat there in silence eating and thinking about everything happening: Sirius, the Dursley's, Longbottom's, the Prophecy and his friends and the attacks on them. He sat there vowing to himself to become a more powerful wizard.

Another thought crossed his mind of pushing his friends away for their own safety. He knew they would fight him on it but it was truly the only way in his mind to keep them safe. It wasn't the first time the raven-haired boy had though about it. He had it all worked out in his mind how to do but wasn't sure if he could go through with it.

Harry, wondering were Moony was, ran up stairs and grabbed his map, after scanning it for a couple of seconds he found Moony, Snape, and McGonagall all together in the Great Hall. Not wanting to deal with Snape Harry decided to just stay in his room until Moony found the time to come see him.

He worked on clearing his mind a building and layering his thoughts so that the important ones were deep inside his mind with all the useless information as a buffer around it. He felt he was getting better at hiding his thought, but he knew he still had a long way to go before he could keep Voldemort out completely.

Checking the map again he saw Snape was still in the castle and he had no want to accidentally run into the greasy git today.

Having nothing else to do at the moment Harry climbed on the treadmill (Dumbledore had charmed it so it would run on magic) and began running. Since trying to make his way out to the lake could lead to an encounter with Snape.

A/N Please review!