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!

I know that I really left the first chapter hanging so hopefully this time I will be able to end things a bit more satisfactorily. I would greatly appreciate it if you would drop a review. I know that all my fellow authors would agree that a little acknowledgement is valued. Of course I will continue to post, regardless if I get any reviews (good or bad).

Chapter 2

Harry paced the Hogwarts astronomy tower obviously thinking very hard to himself. Earlier he had read that his best friend was in a muggle jail, only to hear from her later that same day! In her letter, Hermione explained how his aunt had bailed her out of jail to ask for her assistance. He was to send his owl to number four Privet Drive as soon as he got her message. It was imperative that he follow these instructions she said. Not used to such demanding language, Harry quickly sent his owl Jalil, realizing that he had just opened himself up to a life he had quite literally left behind. Where is that stupid bird? Harry thought aloud. Since Jalil had left earlier that day, it was all Harry could do to not leave the school and confront his aunt in person. He grew impatient, and his students received the brunt of his wrath. He ended up jinxing a fifth year when the student asked about werewolves (they had made the news seeing as how the witch who had been fighting for their rights suddenly couldn't apparate her way out of a simple muggle police sting). What's more, why couldn't Hermione just tell him what was wrong with his aunt? Why all the intrigue and suspense? His family had been rigid in their desire for normalcy at all costs. Yet, before he had the opportunity to mull over these questions, Harry heard the screech of an owl in the distance. Looking out over the Forbidden Forest, he could see a tiny white dot grow, as it made a b-line to where Harry stood. Jalil landed quietly on the ledge and held out his leg. Harry took the note and quickly read it by the light of the moon.

Dear Harry,

I realize how long it has been since we last talked, but I have some unfortunate news. Uncle Vernon and Dudley died over the weekend. They were in a fatal car crash. The emergency staff had pronounced them dead at the scene. Believe me when I say this, I have missed you very much Harry. It would mean a great deal to me and your family if you could attend their funeral. It is Saturday, at 2:00 pm. They will be laid to rest in the cemetery here in Little Winging. I hope you can attend.

Love,
Aunt Petunia

Automatically stroking Jalil, Harry reread the letter, apparently dumbfounded by what Petunia had written. It had been a long time, indeed, but he wasn't sure he could stand facing his aunt after such a pregnant silence between them. He wondered whether his aunt found her husband and son's death at all ironic. She had once told Harry the same thing about his parents, but of course it was a lie. Now, in the eve of her life, his aunt was dealing with the same sorrow Harry had to face each day. Obviously he would go, but he wouldn't put up with any language against the wizarding world or his parents. He had made that clear enough the night he left the Dursley's for what he thought was for good.

Flashback

"What the bloody hell do you think you are doing?" The vain above Uncle Vernon's temple was pulsating dangerously. Harry pointed his wand at the Dursley's intent on making his point clear.

"Once and for all, I want you all to know how it has been to live here, knowing that you hate me. You never could accept my mum and dad, and you certainly couldn't accept me. If it weren't for-" Harry paused at this, he couldn't bear to say his former headmaster's name yet. The memory of his demise still rang clearly in his mind. "If you all had not been threatened, I would have been turned away from this house long ago. Since the magic that kept me bound to this place is gone, so am I." It was his seventeenth birthday, and he wanted nothing more than to provide the Dursley's with a parting gift (he was taking the knight bus to the Burrow). Yet, all he could muster was a body binding hex. As he let them fall to the ground, Harry levitated his belongings and walked out to the sidewalk and stuck out his wand arm. Moments later, he was gone; leaving the Dursley's on the floor, waiting for the hex to ware off.

Once on the knight bus, Harry's rage subsided, leaving him with the desire to sleep. So when the knight bus arrived at the Burrow 30 minutes later (after dropping off the only other passenger, an elderly witch with a bat as a pet), he felt even more exhausted as he made his way up the drive. Mrs. Weasley stood outside allowing herself to pull Harry into a motherly hug.

"Let's get you inside Harry. Ron is waiting for you. I think you two should go straight to bed. We will celebrate your birthday tomorrow."

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley." Harry felt grateful when she didn't offer him food or tea. Heading up the stairs, he noticed that there was somebody sitting at the top of the first flight. "Ginny? What are you doing up?"

"I just…I thought that I would make sure you got here safely." She sounded as if she was about to cry.

"You wanted to make sure I would come here at all. Tell me if I am warm."

"Alright, I wasn't sure if you would blow us off. I figured you might try to go to your parents' house, and you know…"

"Ginny, I promised I would come here for Bill and Fluer's wedding. Why would I break my promise?"

"I don't know; I just wasn't certain you would is all. Since you're here, I guess my mission now is to get some sleep. Goodnight Harry."

"Goodnight Ginny. Sweet dreams." At this, Ginny froze. She wouldn't dare allow herself to falter. She turned the corner quickly without letting Harry see the tears now flowing from her eyes. What a prat! Harry thought to himself as he ascended the stairs. Why had he said that? Little habits like that had to be avoided; Harry didn't want to hurt Ginny anymore than he already had. Harry pushed this thought to the back of his mind once he reached the attic though. Ron was standing in the doorway, beaming.

"Harry! Just throw your stuff wherever. I got something for you."

"Ron, you really shouldn't have, I don't…"

"Balderdash! It's your birthday. Here, it isn't much. Just something I know you will like." Harry reluctantly opened the present that Ron had shoved into his hands. It was a picture of all of his friends. Ron had magically sealed it so nothing would damage it.

"Thanks."

"Yeah well, I thought just in case…" They both looked down at the picture. Everyone was smiling and waving up at them. Harry suddenly remembered the picture of the original Order of the Phoenix. How many people in that picture had died or gone insane? The thought was unbearable. Harry slipped the photo in his trunk and pulled out his pajamas. Neither Harry or Ron said a word as they got into bed. The present was a nice gesture, but to Harry it meant so much more. It might be the only record he would have of his friends before everything was said and done. As sleep overcame Harry, he vowed to do everything in his power to protect those close to him; include alienating them if that is what it took.

End Flashback

"Harry?"

"Huh? Oh, Ginny, it's you."

"You did send owl asking me to meet you tonight. I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Sorry, I just was up here waiting for a note from my aunt."

"Your aunt?"

"Yeah, my uncle and cousin died earlier this week, she asked me if I would come to their funeral."

"Well, are you."

"I will if you come with me," said Harry as he enveloped Ginny in a massive hug. She kissed him lightly before taking his hand and leading him toward the stairwell. It had been nearly 40 years since their wedding day, and Harry couldn't help but feel as he did on that day.

"I love you Virginia Potter."

"I love you too." She continued to toward the stairwell, but Harry pulled her back and kissed her, trying to forget the terrible memories that plagued the both of them. As he released her, he could swear he heard the song of a phoenix in the distance. At this, Harry let Ginny lead him back into the castle.

I know this is a cliff hanger! I just want to have material for next time. Don't worry it will be very soon.

I welcome your reviews!