Disclaimer: I neither own the characters or the wonderful books written by J.K. Rowling, but I will admit that I own my mind and all of the creative outbursts that follow. Enjoy!

HBP Spoiler WARNING! Both the Minister of Magic and the Headmaster at Hogwarts are retiring. There seems to be only one choice for Headmaster, but will he rise to the post, or put his name in the hat for Minister (after all, the wizarding world is demanding that a highly valued member of their society take up the job). Neville kept a promise he was bound to keep (in more ways than one!). Emotions are high as Britain once again hosts the Quittich world cup. Resentment between old enemies flares up as momentum for the impending elections continues to grow. Old memories are brought to the surface as Harry's old group of friends come together for the highly anticipated game. Yet, before any of this begins, Harry visits for the last time the place that was once his hell on earth…number four Privet Drive.

Chapter 1

In a town nearly forgotten, a snowy white owl flew gracefully into the kitchen window of number four, Privet Drive. Shocked by the sudden intruder, Mrs. Dursley grabbed her throat to stifle a scram. Of course she had been expecting an owl, but the appearance of one had not graced her spotless kitchen in over 30 years. She timidly strapped a note to his leg, and no sooner had she fastened the leather pouch, the owl was gone. Solemnly closing the kitchen window, Petunia went about her business, cleaning the table the owl had used as a momentary perch. Her hand shook slightly as she turned off the lights and headed up to bed, alone. Sleep was the only reprieve she would afford herself now. She no longer had the opportunity to dote upon her only son. Why me? She thought to herself, waiting for sleep to overcome her fatigued body.

Earlier that week

Petunia had been skimming through the newspaper, unable to avoid her old habit of searching for gossip material within its pages. All at once she let out a gasp of surprise at the name that appeared on page 2.

Long Suspected Criminal Caught!

The likes have never been seen before in modern day Britain. A sorceress of evil and witchcraft, Hermione Granger, was apprehended last night in a police sting that had been formed to protect British citizens from what the government has deemed "unnatural and bizarre criminals." The Prime Minister will be speaking later today, in hopes that he will be able to provide Londoners with a sense of security through this new development of the war against witchcraft. Granger, "impervious to questioning," says a police detective who has been with the witch since her apprehension, "will not perform any sorcery in our presence, hoping that the we will release her on faulty charges. While other suspected witches have been sighted, they have done everything in their power to avoid apprehension," the detective continues. Other citizens (who have been investigated) say that this new flare for retribution is ludicrous. A native London businessman states, "Our government is strenuously trying to cover is failed efforts at war abroad, and is now saying that this nonexistent group of sorcerers is to blame. Anyone who believes the accusations coming from the Prime Minister should re-examine their mental stability. There were no real witches in the dark ages, what makes the government believe that they can….

Hermione Granger? Petunia thought. Isn't that the girl that Harry went to school with? It was so long ago; if it is? Petunia set down the paper and got to her feet. This was the opportunity she had been searching for, maybe if she could reach the Granger girl, maybe she could get to Harry. With a new determination burning inside Petunia, she collected her things and left the house quickly.

In London…

"GRANGER?"

"Yes"

"You've made bail." The police officer gave her a scathing look as he let her out of the cell that Hermione could have apparated from at any moment she so chose. As she walked to the front office of the precinct, she saw the woman who had paid the 100,000 pound bail. They looked at one another for several moments before either could speak.

"Mrs. Dursley, You didn't have to."

"Yes, I did. I need your help."

"Excuse me?"

"I need you to contact Harry for me. This is hard since I haven't nor spoken to him in so long."

"Yes, I can imagine. Well, there is no way to reach him other than through other means, but please, can we discuss this elsewhere?"

"Oh right, of course. Let's nip into the coffee shop near here. I don't need your attention for too long." As the two women left the precinct, Hermione could only imagine why Harry's aunt needed to get in contact with him. Once safely in the confines of the coffee shop Petunia began again. "I need you to contact Harry, it is very important to me."

"What do you want me to tell him?"

"Only that I wish to speak with him in person. It's about his uncle and his cousin."

"He won't like not having more detail," said Hermione. Petunia went limp at these words; it seemed impossible that she would ever be able to speak of her personal tragedy.

"Would it be possible to have him send his owl to me, so I could write him then?"

"That I imagine he would do. He'll at least appreciate your attempt at contacting him through our means. I'll send word immediately."

"Thank you."

"No Mrs. Dursley, thank you. Let me at least pay you back."

"You have that kind of money? I thought since you were still in jail that…"

"I apologise, I was only trying to prevent any undue allegations. I was already in very deep. I still am."

"Why did you act so clumsily. I thought your people could…"

"Yes, we can, but that is not the point. I was trying to act like a muggle in order to stem this new wave of persecution. I didn't want them to give them more reason to suspect me. Just because I was caught appearing suddenly in a building that was closely watched by the police, that doesn't give them enough evidence to convict me. Though I will have to stand trial, nothing we do now of days ever bodes well for our society anymore." Hermione looked around quickly, realizing that she could be overheard still. "Again, let me at least pay you back. I can't stay here too long."

"No, I will not take your money. Please just let Harry know that I need to send him a note."

"Mrs. Dursley, don't worry. You will be able to receive Harry's owl in a few hours time. Just go home and leave a window open. I will make sure you can speak to Harry as soon as possible." The two women gave one last look at each other before Hermione got up to leave. Petunia, keen on keeping all her appointments, left soon afterwards.