A boy could be seen looking from an upstairs window. He was a few inches taller than he had been the previous year, and his looks had greatly improved. His toned body had become more muscled and a six-pack was slowly developing . Also his normally pale skin was tanned, and his hair as messy and his eyes as brilliant green as before. Most of this, of course, had been when his Aunt and Uncle had forced him work long hours in the baking sun.
The boy, no, young man, Harry Potter, was unusual by any means. He enjoyed school, hated holidays, wanted to do homework, and was also a Wizard, and not a normal one by any means.
He was sitting up, staring at the cracks in the cream wall, just to numb the pain.
Only last month, in the Ministry of Magic, he had been killed by Bellatrix Lestrange, Sirius' cousin. It was all his fault, he was so sire. If only he had not quit Occulmency. If only Snape had not been so cruel, and Harry was sure, useless. If only he had tried to contact Sirius with the mirror. If only...so many if onlys that he would never fade from his burdened mind.
Ron and Hermione had written to him daily, their letters carefully written incase they upset him, but he felt they were keeping something from him. He did not like this feeling. This had happened to him last year, and it was not something he would take lightly if it happened again.
He escaped from his thoughts, long enough to look at the alarm clock beside his bed, which stated,"4.59am."
It was too early to get up, and too late to go to bed, so he started to go back to his thoughts...it was better than falling back into his plagued dreams.
Hermione was actually helping him with these feelings. She kept telling him he was only trying to help, and that Sirius would not want him to be like this. He felt almost normal again, but that place in his heart, would never be filled again...an empy void, just another in his life.
"Hermione, Hermione, Hermione...WAIT!!! Do I like Hermione...?!?"
Harry had been thinking about that question all summer. He started to again, and didn't notice the official looking owl perched on his windowsill. He was snapped back into reality, when the owl gave a large hoot.
"Sorry." Harry muttered apologetically, handing it an owl treat from the cage of a disgruntled Hedwig, and after it took some water, and quickly set off, he looked at the letters that had been left on his bed. There were two letters. The first, were his OWL results, and for the first time that Summer, excitement filled him, as well as nervousness.
Ordinary Wizarding Level Results for...Potter, Harold J.
Astronomy:E (Results increased by one mark due to circumstancesduring exam).
Care of Magical Creatures: O
Charms: O
Defence Against the Dark Arts:O
Divination: D
Herbology:A
History of Magic: T
Potions: O
Transfiguration:O
Also, from your marks, we are pleased to inform you that you received the highest marks for Defence Against the Dark Arts for the year.
Congratulations
Professor D.G. Fenwick Head of OWL examination board
Harry was in shock. He pinched himself, and it REALLY hurt, so he concluded from that that he was awake. He couldn't believe it.
He burst out laughing. He didn't know why, but he felt really happy. This sudden joy made all his depressing thoughts and feelings leave him. This was one of the times this summer he was truly happy.
Suddenly, he remembered the other letter, which had the wax Hogwarts stamp on the back of the envelope it was in.
Dear Mr Potter,
We have enclosed a list for you to fill in due to your results in your previous OWL examinations.
Also enclosed is your Quidditch Captain's badge, due to you being the most senior member of our team, as well as your Prefect's badge. There will be a meeting on the train to school, where you will be provided with your rota and more details.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Quidditch Captain AND Prefect!
A smile crept again across his face. He never thought he would be a Prefect! Suddenly, another little surprise came through the window. Well, to be more precise, a little bird. Ron's owl, Pig.
He took a letter of its leg, and it continued circling his head, which was slightly frustrating, and he itched to reach out and grab it. Pig was truly like a furry Snitch.
Harry tore off the envelope.
Dear Harry,
Hope you're all right, mate. I still haven't got my OWL results. I hope to see you soon. We've been trying, to nothing yet. If not, I'll see you one the train. Anyway, I dunno how you're gonna get here. Mum just said someone would take care of it. Nothing else has been happening...just a pretty boring summer.
Happy Birthday
Ron
(P.S – I hope you like your present!)
Harry got the feeling that he wasn't telling him something. This was starting to annoy him. Hermione was also like that. Her letters not as detailed as they once were.
"The Big Book of Quidditch Tactics, Skills and Necessities", Harry read out, grinning like a madman. Ron knew him too well.
He dove into it in a Hermione-like fashion, scouring the different tactics recorded, famous matches and numerous other deials. There was also a section on what to look for in a player for each position.
It was amazing. He knew he would have to thank Ron when he saw him, and senta letter straight to Dumbledore, hoping he could see his friends soon, even if it meant going back to Grimmauld Place...the place he ached to go, yet ached to stay away from.
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