It was a hot summer day when Harry arrived home from his fifth year at
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry had never been so
excited. This was due to the fact that two weeks ago he had learned that
his godfather, Sirius Black, was finally freed from Azkaban to keep him
safe from Lord Voldemort, the darkest sorcerer of the time. Dumbledore had
freed Sirius so Harry would feel safer. It was rumor, and Harry had
witnessed it, that Lord Voldemort was alive with full strength, and he,
Harry Potter, was probably at the top of his list of who to kill this time.
Harry, however, had other worries at this present time: his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and cousin Dudley. They were furious that several times in his history he escaped near-death situations and was not killed. Every time he had come across He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, he had survived. When he was just a baby, Voldemort had tried to kill him, but his plan had backfired. Voldemort lost all his powers the day he tried to kill Harry, and every year except his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry he had come face-to-face with him, he had managed to escape. Harry escaped his first experience, when he was a baby, with only a scar.
Harry was not a normal child, even without his past history. He was a wizard, the son of the deceased Lily and James Potter. His aunt and uncle hated magic. They hated Harry. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had a son named Dudley, of whom they enjoyed to spoil. Harry, on the other hand, was treated like he didn't exist. Unless you lived at 4 Privet Drive, you wouldn't know that another boy lived there. The Dursleys were what wizards called Muggles, in other words, non-magical.
"Harry, get over here this instant," said the familiar voice of Uncle Vernon. Harry skipped down the stairs, hardly noticing Dudley trying to trip him. Harry then walked into the dining room.
"What did I do wrong now?! I didn't use magic so don't blame me whatever it is," Harry said.
"That's not why I wanted to talk to you, but you never did the laundry. I called you down here so I could let you know that we are going out to dinner--and Petunia and I have decided to let you stay here. However, if we come home and see that there is anything different that only could have been done by your kind then you will be in a large amount of trouble. If I were you, I'd just get a nice head start on the laundry," Vernon said as he stared at an amazed Harry.
"Thank you! I never thought that I'd be here," Harry said as Dudley interrupted.
"I don't think we should leave him here. He thinks he is being awarded a Grammy or something," Dudley said with the look of mischief in his eyes.
"I was trying to be polite," said an annoyed Harry.
"Well, you seemed more impolite to me," said Dudley.
"Look, Dudders, we are leaving Harry here. You don't want him to come with us, do you?" Uncle Vernon said to Dudley. A worried Dudley shook his head.
"Why would I want such a piece of a useless thing with me for one of the most important nights of my life, Dad? If my girlfriend sees Harry she will think I am crazy!" said Dudley, as he added, "Oops!"
"Your girlfriend?!" said an astonished Harry. "What did you have to do to make her say yes, threaten to strangle her with your elephant-sized hands?"
"Now, now, Harry, you should be grateful that we are leaving you here. Behave yourself, or else!" said Petunia with fear in her voice.
"If we come home to any abnormal changes, you will be locked upstairs, and will remain there until the day you go back to that school of yours. You may NOT let out your owl unless she makes a racket. You also cannot call any of your freakish friends on the phone. Any questions?" said Uncle Vernon, and Harry shook his head. "Not a single spell while we are gone," he said and he locked the door.
"Alone at last," said a happy Harry, who immediately grabbed some parchment an
to write letters to Ron, Hermione, Sirius, and Draco Malfoy. They read:
Ron,
My "family" finally left me alone in the house so I can write. How is your summer going? Everything is quite well here, but as always I miss you, Hermione, and Sirius. You and Hermione truly are my best friends. Don't betray me, like Peter did my parents.
Also, someone told me that this year would be "the year of differences." Do you know anything about it? Let me know as soon as possible, for I may end up out of the house if the Dursleys find out that I am communicating with you guys. Owl-me at night, okay?
Harry
He then picked up another piece of parchment and wrote a letter to Hermione, his other best friend.
Hermione:
The Dursleys must be somewhat crazy or someone must have rearranged their minds--they left me alone at Privet Drive so I can write. (And no, I didn't threaten them or do anything magical to make them say yes.)
What's been going on? Have you been doing the summer holiday homework? I haven't had any chance to. I mean, why should I give up an oppurtunity to send you, Ron, and Sirius letters? I know this would be an exvellet oppurtunity to take care of my homework, but I'd rather send you guys letters.
Well, as soon as it is possible I probably will be sent to get my stuff because my "family" might want me out of the house. Don't ask why, as I don't know myself. All I know is that they will blame me for everytbing that goes wrong so I will probably be out of the house. Be sure to write, okay?
Harry
After finishing this note, he found another scrap of parchment and wrote to Sirius.
Sirius:
The Dursleys must be scared that I am going to ruin Dudley's date (why shouldn't they? And how did he get a date?) but I am finally here alone and have time to write.
How has it been going? Nothing is up here, except some Muggles on my street have been all acting strangely. Everyone seems to know that I live here. I'm confused-- no one else has seen me here. Is there a possibility that someone is watching me? I keep getting the feeling someone is, but I don't know.
I have to go. I'll write more when the Dursleys leave me alone again. (If they ever do again-- muahaha.) Just kidding.
Harry
He then found himself writing a letter to his nemesis, Draco Malfoy.
Draco Malfoy.
I feel weird to be doing this, but because I know you may know something about it because your father works in the Ministry,
I have heard that this year at Hogwarts will be the Year of Differences. Do you know anything about it?
I need to make sure that I am prepared--if I get a chance to leave the house to go back to school that is, the Muggles I live with hate me and all that I stand for. I know you will probably be delighted by this information, but so be it. My aunt believes that her sister has serious problems and being a wizard is a disgrace to the family.
If you reply, PLEASE do not send a Howler. I wouldn't be able to explain it to my aunt and uncle. They also may never leave me here again and I may never get a chance to write to anyone again. If you don't send anything, see you at Platform 9 3/4!
Harry
Hedwig fastly set out on her journey to deliver the letters, but she returned in only half an hour holding five! Harry had just opened the letter from someone he didn't know, and quickly read it. It was from a family of witches and wizards, the Filman family. They said they had just moved in. Harry put the letter aside and grabbed the letters from Hedwig. She had only delivered one, as it appeared.
Harry:
BLIMEY! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???! Communicating with Draco Malfoy? Did the Muggles ruin you? Are you sure you are okay? If so, don't worry about writing--see you September 1!
Hagrid
Harry put aside Hagrid's letter and opened another one that was addressed to him. It was from Draco Malfoy.
Potter!
WOW! You were the last person I expected to recieve a letter from. Thank you for including me in your letter list.
I didn't know how I was going to get this to you, but then your owl showed up and I told her to get this to you pronto after I read your note. What did you say her name was? Hedwig?
Well, to answer your question, yes I did hear about this year being the Year of Differences. Father told me all about it. He says that everyone will be resorted. He wouldn't tell me anything else, but I overheard him talking to the Minister of Magic (he has quite a bit of influence) and they said something about another ghost as a teacher. When we are resorted though, I hope I stay in Slytherin , for my family has been in Slytherin for generations. My dad would kill me if I wasn't in it. That Sorting Hat never would think twice if it was in it's right mind--oh wait, it doesn't have one! I guess I'll have to hope nothing changes. I won't write more, but I will see you on September 1!
Draco Malfoy
"Wow!" Harry said, a bit too loud. Suddenly, the house shook. The Dursleys were home, and they had brought along Dudley's "new girlfriend."
"POTTER!!! What are you doing up there?" screamed Uncle Vernon.
Harry quickly hid the letters. "Nothing, Uncle Vernon," said Harry.
"Get down here right now!" Petunia shrieked, "and do something about your hair!"
"Be right there," Harry said, as he walked gingerly down the stairs to see Hedwig zoom into view. He signaled her to go into her cage in his room, and she flew into his room. Harry was grateful that she didn't inturrupt them. However, Hedwig then flew out again. Harry knew what must have happened. Hedwig had dropped off and picked up Hermione's reply. Harry continued down the stairs to see a different owl zoom into his room, grab something, and set off down the stairs to Harry, dropping off a letter. Harry fled to his room, placed the note on his desk, and hurried back downstairs to see Dudley with his girlfriend. She was just as big as him, except he heard Dudley ask why she was on a diet. Harry had to hide his face to hide his laugh as he saw Dudley lean forward and fall face flat on the floor in front of him. Harry then ran upstairs after he heard Aunt Petunia yell that the laundry wasn't done. He ran upstairs to see Hedwig had returned, and was in her cage as he wanted. There were seven letters on his bed, and at least five of which he figured contained birthday greetings. Harry put the Hogwarts letter aside as he opened the first letter. As he opened it, two pieces of paper fell out. Harry knew at once who this one was from. It was from the Weasleys. The second the paper was picked up, the gift from them fell out. Harry read the letter aloud to himself.
Harry:
Happy birthday! Here is your gift.
And to answer your question, yes, this year is going to be the year of differences. Everyone is going to be resorted, can you believe it? I can't say much because it's supposed to be 'Top Secret' Ministry business.
Well I won't write much more, but my family and I thought you might like this gift. Use it wisely!
Ron
Harry picked up the parcel. Its shape was very different. He opened the gift and out flew a tiny Snitch and Bludgers along with a Beater's club. Harry then remembered--Angelina Johnson, the captain of his House's Quiddich team, had finished his years at Hogwarts. "Am I the new Captain?" He picked up the second letter, which was from Hermione.
Harry!
Happy Birthday!
I am suprised that you haven't even started on your homework. I'm already finished with it! I am enjoying my summer at Ron's house. His mom came over by Floo Powder and picked me up. Do you want to come over? I didn't have time to get you a gift, but Ron and I have a surprise for you if you can come. Please try Harry, we both miss you--Ron just doesn't want to admit it. He has been kind of touchy around me lately and it's beginning to scare me. When you are around though he never acts that way. Don't tell him I told you!
Hermione
Harry decided to write a letter to Hermione real quick, letting her know that he would love to have them come get them, but he wasn't going to ask the Dursleys. He told Hermione to drop by and act like she was taking him because he was going to an orphanage, and he never would have to deal with the Dursleys again! While Hedwig left, the letter to Hermione and Ron bound to her with the plan, suddenly another owl zoomed into view. It was a beautiful golden eagle owl, one of the most expensive owls in existence. He read the address and realized it was from Draco Malfoy.
Potter, someone told me it was your birthday, and I think that because we may end up sorted in the same house soon, we better start getting along right now.
Draco Malfoy
Harry opened the parcel and another note fell out. Confused on what it could be, he opened it quickly--but nothing was in it! Shaking his head in confusion, he put it aside and attempted to open the gift from Malfoy. This was a shock--Draco being nice? That was a first--what had happened to the little crybaby who loathed him and tortured him all the time. He then thought of Hermione--what would she say if she found out he was communicating with someone that thought she was a 'Mudblood'? Harry put his confused thoughts aside and opened the parcel.
Harry picked up the parcel and out fell an "Figure-Outer". Harry suspected that he could ask it a question and he would be told the answer. "Wow, I'll have to thank Draco when I see him," Harry said as he picked up the next package.
Harry!
Remember me? Cho Chang? I was told that your birthday was coming up and I don't like to forget things as important as that. Well, here's something that you may like along with something that you may find useful next year. Have fun and see you in school!
Cho
"What?" Harry asked as he opened the gift. Out fell a new set of potion ingredients and a book called The Night that Changed Them All. Isn't that a romance novel? Well, why did she send me this, we aren't even really friends?! I thought I made it clear to her that I didn't like her anymore and I was not to be used as a pillow or towel to cry into Harry thought, confused and feeling flattered at the same time. He then picked up the fifth letter.
Harry:
Happy Birthday! Here's your gift. It may be useful in class next year. I don't know. But it still will come in handy the year after this one.
Hagrid
Harry seized the gift and a book, The Three Throbs, fell out. Harry figured that the book would be required the next year in the class Hagrid taught, Care of Magical Creatures. Harry continued with his thoughts while he grabbed the next letter.
Harry Potter!
I am so suprised and happy I found out that tomorrow was your birthday! I hope this comes in handy.
You are probably wondering who I am. We never have been introduced. My na;me is Cristy Filman, I am in the same year you are at school, and I just moved here when my father, who works in the Ministry of Magic, heard about the Year of Differences being this year. He wants me to experience it firsthand so I can help him plan if it will happen again and what to change the next time. Don't tell him I told you about it, but everyone is going to be resorted, one teacher will go back to school, and also the teachers' houses will all be rearranged. That's all. Bye now.
Cristy Filman
"Well, I don't know the girl. Should I open the package? It might be poison! Well, I'll take the chance, she seems nice," Harry thought as he opened the package. 100 Galleons fell out, accompanied by a book about Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry then saw the Hogwarts crest on the next piece of parchment, and therefore started to become nervous. He knew that his OWL results would be back soon, and he had a feeling that they were in the letter. When he opened the parchment, he almost squealed.
NAME: Harry Potter
SCHOOL: Hogwarts
CAREER AREA: Defense Against Dark Arts
CURRENT JOB WISH: Auror
RESULTS:
Defense Against Dark Arts: OUTSTANDING
Potions: OUTSTANDING
Divination: Acceptable
Care of Magical Creatures: OUTSTANDING
Charms: OUTSTANDING
Herbology: OUTSTANDING
Means you no longer have to take the class for your current career area wish.
Sincerely,
And a list followed with all the school governers except Lucius Malfoy, who was currently on the run because he was to be put in Azkaban. After reading this, he opened the next letter, which was the list of new supplies for the coming year. The other two letters were not normal. Harry read aloud,
"'You, Harry Potter, are guaranteed a spot on the Quiddich team of your House as Seeker, no matter who else is in your House this year.' I always have been Seeker, why do they have to remind me? Oh wait, the Year of Differences! If another House's old Seeker becomes in the same House as me this year, then I don't have to worry! That's a major plus!" Harry said plainly as he grabbed the second piece of abnormal parchment.
Harry. Potter. You. Will. Die. This. Year. No. Matter. What. Anyone. Else. Says. I. Do. Not. Care. What. Anyone. Else. Says. You. Hurt. Me. And. You. Think. It. All. Passed. It. Doesn't. Matter. What. Anyone. Else. Says. YOU. WILL. DIE!
Harry, however, had other worries at this present time: his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and cousin Dudley. They were furious that several times in his history he escaped near-death situations and was not killed. Every time he had come across He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, he had survived. When he was just a baby, Voldemort had tried to kill him, but his plan had backfired. Voldemort lost all his powers the day he tried to kill Harry, and every year except his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry he had come face-to-face with him, he had managed to escape. Harry escaped his first experience, when he was a baby, with only a scar.
Harry was not a normal child, even without his past history. He was a wizard, the son of the deceased Lily and James Potter. His aunt and uncle hated magic. They hated Harry. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had a son named Dudley, of whom they enjoyed to spoil. Harry, on the other hand, was treated like he didn't exist. Unless you lived at 4 Privet Drive, you wouldn't know that another boy lived there. The Dursleys were what wizards called Muggles, in other words, non-magical.
"Harry, get over here this instant," said the familiar voice of Uncle Vernon. Harry skipped down the stairs, hardly noticing Dudley trying to trip him. Harry then walked into the dining room.
"What did I do wrong now?! I didn't use magic so don't blame me whatever it is," Harry said.
"That's not why I wanted to talk to you, but you never did the laundry. I called you down here so I could let you know that we are going out to dinner--and Petunia and I have decided to let you stay here. However, if we come home and see that there is anything different that only could have been done by your kind then you will be in a large amount of trouble. If I were you, I'd just get a nice head start on the laundry," Vernon said as he stared at an amazed Harry.
"Thank you! I never thought that I'd be here," Harry said as Dudley interrupted.
"I don't think we should leave him here. He thinks he is being awarded a Grammy or something," Dudley said with the look of mischief in his eyes.
"I was trying to be polite," said an annoyed Harry.
"Well, you seemed more impolite to me," said Dudley.
"Look, Dudders, we are leaving Harry here. You don't want him to come with us, do you?" Uncle Vernon said to Dudley. A worried Dudley shook his head.
"Why would I want such a piece of a useless thing with me for one of the most important nights of my life, Dad? If my girlfriend sees Harry she will think I am crazy!" said Dudley, as he added, "Oops!"
"Your girlfriend?!" said an astonished Harry. "What did you have to do to make her say yes, threaten to strangle her with your elephant-sized hands?"
"Now, now, Harry, you should be grateful that we are leaving you here. Behave yourself, or else!" said Petunia with fear in her voice.
"If we come home to any abnormal changes, you will be locked upstairs, and will remain there until the day you go back to that school of yours. You may NOT let out your owl unless she makes a racket. You also cannot call any of your freakish friends on the phone. Any questions?" said Uncle Vernon, and Harry shook his head. "Not a single spell while we are gone," he said and he locked the door.
"Alone at last," said a happy Harry, who immediately grabbed some parchment an
to write letters to Ron, Hermione, Sirius, and Draco Malfoy. They read:
Ron,
My "family" finally left me alone in the house so I can write. How is your summer going? Everything is quite well here, but as always I miss you, Hermione, and Sirius. You and Hermione truly are my best friends. Don't betray me, like Peter did my parents.
Also, someone told me that this year would be "the year of differences." Do you know anything about it? Let me know as soon as possible, for I may end up out of the house if the Dursleys find out that I am communicating with you guys. Owl-me at night, okay?
Harry
He then picked up another piece of parchment and wrote a letter to Hermione, his other best friend.
Hermione:
The Dursleys must be somewhat crazy or someone must have rearranged their minds--they left me alone at Privet Drive so I can write. (And no, I didn't threaten them or do anything magical to make them say yes.)
What's been going on? Have you been doing the summer holiday homework? I haven't had any chance to. I mean, why should I give up an oppurtunity to send you, Ron, and Sirius letters? I know this would be an exvellet oppurtunity to take care of my homework, but I'd rather send you guys letters.
Well, as soon as it is possible I probably will be sent to get my stuff because my "family" might want me out of the house. Don't ask why, as I don't know myself. All I know is that they will blame me for everytbing that goes wrong so I will probably be out of the house. Be sure to write, okay?
Harry
After finishing this note, he found another scrap of parchment and wrote to Sirius.
Sirius:
The Dursleys must be scared that I am going to ruin Dudley's date (why shouldn't they? And how did he get a date?) but I am finally here alone and have time to write.
How has it been going? Nothing is up here, except some Muggles on my street have been all acting strangely. Everyone seems to know that I live here. I'm confused-- no one else has seen me here. Is there a possibility that someone is watching me? I keep getting the feeling someone is, but I don't know.
I have to go. I'll write more when the Dursleys leave me alone again. (If they ever do again-- muahaha.) Just kidding.
Harry
He then found himself writing a letter to his nemesis, Draco Malfoy.
Draco Malfoy.
I feel weird to be doing this, but because I know you may know something about it because your father works in the Ministry,
I have heard that this year at Hogwarts will be the Year of Differences. Do you know anything about it?
I need to make sure that I am prepared--if I get a chance to leave the house to go back to school that is, the Muggles I live with hate me and all that I stand for. I know you will probably be delighted by this information, but so be it. My aunt believes that her sister has serious problems and being a wizard is a disgrace to the family.
If you reply, PLEASE do not send a Howler. I wouldn't be able to explain it to my aunt and uncle. They also may never leave me here again and I may never get a chance to write to anyone again. If you don't send anything, see you at Platform 9 3/4!
Harry
Hedwig fastly set out on her journey to deliver the letters, but she returned in only half an hour holding five! Harry had just opened the letter from someone he didn't know, and quickly read it. It was from a family of witches and wizards, the Filman family. They said they had just moved in. Harry put the letter aside and grabbed the letters from Hedwig. She had only delivered one, as it appeared.
Harry:
BLIMEY! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???! Communicating with Draco Malfoy? Did the Muggles ruin you? Are you sure you are okay? If so, don't worry about writing--see you September 1!
Hagrid
Harry put aside Hagrid's letter and opened another one that was addressed to him. It was from Draco Malfoy.
Potter!
WOW! You were the last person I expected to recieve a letter from. Thank you for including me in your letter list.
I didn't know how I was going to get this to you, but then your owl showed up and I told her to get this to you pronto after I read your note. What did you say her name was? Hedwig?
Well, to answer your question, yes I did hear about this year being the Year of Differences. Father told me all about it. He says that everyone will be resorted. He wouldn't tell me anything else, but I overheard him talking to the Minister of Magic (he has quite a bit of influence) and they said something about another ghost as a teacher. When we are resorted though, I hope I stay in Slytherin , for my family has been in Slytherin for generations. My dad would kill me if I wasn't in it. That Sorting Hat never would think twice if it was in it's right mind--oh wait, it doesn't have one! I guess I'll have to hope nothing changes. I won't write more, but I will see you on September 1!
Draco Malfoy
"Wow!" Harry said, a bit too loud. Suddenly, the house shook. The Dursleys were home, and they had brought along Dudley's "new girlfriend."
"POTTER!!! What are you doing up there?" screamed Uncle Vernon.
Harry quickly hid the letters. "Nothing, Uncle Vernon," said Harry.
"Get down here right now!" Petunia shrieked, "and do something about your hair!"
"Be right there," Harry said, as he walked gingerly down the stairs to see Hedwig zoom into view. He signaled her to go into her cage in his room, and she flew into his room. Harry was grateful that she didn't inturrupt them. However, Hedwig then flew out again. Harry knew what must have happened. Hedwig had dropped off and picked up Hermione's reply. Harry continued down the stairs to see a different owl zoom into his room, grab something, and set off down the stairs to Harry, dropping off a letter. Harry fled to his room, placed the note on his desk, and hurried back downstairs to see Dudley with his girlfriend. She was just as big as him, except he heard Dudley ask why she was on a diet. Harry had to hide his face to hide his laugh as he saw Dudley lean forward and fall face flat on the floor in front of him. Harry then ran upstairs after he heard Aunt Petunia yell that the laundry wasn't done. He ran upstairs to see Hedwig had returned, and was in her cage as he wanted. There were seven letters on his bed, and at least five of which he figured contained birthday greetings. Harry put the Hogwarts letter aside as he opened the first letter. As he opened it, two pieces of paper fell out. Harry knew at once who this one was from. It was from the Weasleys. The second the paper was picked up, the gift from them fell out. Harry read the letter aloud to himself.
Harry:
Happy birthday! Here is your gift.
And to answer your question, yes, this year is going to be the year of differences. Everyone is going to be resorted, can you believe it? I can't say much because it's supposed to be 'Top Secret' Ministry business.
Well I won't write much more, but my family and I thought you might like this gift. Use it wisely!
Ron
Harry picked up the parcel. Its shape was very different. He opened the gift and out flew a tiny Snitch and Bludgers along with a Beater's club. Harry then remembered--Angelina Johnson, the captain of his House's Quiddich team, had finished his years at Hogwarts. "Am I the new Captain?" He picked up the second letter, which was from Hermione.
Harry!
Happy Birthday!
I am suprised that you haven't even started on your homework. I'm already finished with it! I am enjoying my summer at Ron's house. His mom came over by Floo Powder and picked me up. Do you want to come over? I didn't have time to get you a gift, but Ron and I have a surprise for you if you can come. Please try Harry, we both miss you--Ron just doesn't want to admit it. He has been kind of touchy around me lately and it's beginning to scare me. When you are around though he never acts that way. Don't tell him I told you!
Hermione
Harry decided to write a letter to Hermione real quick, letting her know that he would love to have them come get them, but he wasn't going to ask the Dursleys. He told Hermione to drop by and act like she was taking him because he was going to an orphanage, and he never would have to deal with the Dursleys again! While Hedwig left, the letter to Hermione and Ron bound to her with the plan, suddenly another owl zoomed into view. It was a beautiful golden eagle owl, one of the most expensive owls in existence. He read the address and realized it was from Draco Malfoy.
Potter, someone told me it was your birthday, and I think that because we may end up sorted in the same house soon, we better start getting along right now.
Draco Malfoy
Harry opened the parcel and another note fell out. Confused on what it could be, he opened it quickly--but nothing was in it! Shaking his head in confusion, he put it aside and attempted to open the gift from Malfoy. This was a shock--Draco being nice? That was a first--what had happened to the little crybaby who loathed him and tortured him all the time. He then thought of Hermione--what would she say if she found out he was communicating with someone that thought she was a 'Mudblood'? Harry put his confused thoughts aside and opened the parcel.
Harry picked up the parcel and out fell an "Figure-Outer". Harry suspected that he could ask it a question and he would be told the answer. "Wow, I'll have to thank Draco when I see him," Harry said as he picked up the next package.
Harry!
Remember me? Cho Chang? I was told that your birthday was coming up and I don't like to forget things as important as that. Well, here's something that you may like along with something that you may find useful next year. Have fun and see you in school!
Cho
"What?" Harry asked as he opened the gift. Out fell a new set of potion ingredients and a book called The Night that Changed Them All. Isn't that a romance novel? Well, why did she send me this, we aren't even really friends?! I thought I made it clear to her that I didn't like her anymore and I was not to be used as a pillow or towel to cry into Harry thought, confused and feeling flattered at the same time. He then picked up the fifth letter.
Harry:
Happy Birthday! Here's your gift. It may be useful in class next year. I don't know. But it still will come in handy the year after this one.
Hagrid
Harry seized the gift and a book, The Three Throbs, fell out. Harry figured that the book would be required the next year in the class Hagrid taught, Care of Magical Creatures. Harry continued with his thoughts while he grabbed the next letter.
Harry Potter!
I am so suprised and happy I found out that tomorrow was your birthday! I hope this comes in handy.
You are probably wondering who I am. We never have been introduced. My na;me is Cristy Filman, I am in the same year you are at school, and I just moved here when my father, who works in the Ministry of Magic, heard about the Year of Differences being this year. He wants me to experience it firsthand so I can help him plan if it will happen again and what to change the next time. Don't tell him I told you about it, but everyone is going to be resorted, one teacher will go back to school, and also the teachers' houses will all be rearranged. That's all. Bye now.
Cristy Filman
"Well, I don't know the girl. Should I open the package? It might be poison! Well, I'll take the chance, she seems nice," Harry thought as he opened the package. 100 Galleons fell out, accompanied by a book about Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry then saw the Hogwarts crest on the next piece of parchment, and therefore started to become nervous. He knew that his OWL results would be back soon, and he had a feeling that they were in the letter. When he opened the parchment, he almost squealed.
NAME: Harry Potter
SCHOOL: Hogwarts
CAREER AREA: Defense Against Dark Arts
CURRENT JOB WISH: Auror
RESULTS:
Defense Against Dark Arts: OUTSTANDING
Potions: OUTSTANDING
Divination: Acceptable
Care of Magical Creatures: OUTSTANDING
Charms: OUTSTANDING
Herbology: OUTSTANDING
Means you no longer have to take the class for your current career area wish.
Sincerely,
And a list followed with all the school governers except Lucius Malfoy, who was currently on the run because he was to be put in Azkaban. After reading this, he opened the next letter, which was the list of new supplies for the coming year. The other two letters were not normal. Harry read aloud,
"'You, Harry Potter, are guaranteed a spot on the Quiddich team of your House as Seeker, no matter who else is in your House this year.' I always have been Seeker, why do they have to remind me? Oh wait, the Year of Differences! If another House's old Seeker becomes in the same House as me this year, then I don't have to worry! That's a major plus!" Harry said plainly as he grabbed the second piece of abnormal parchment.
Harry. Potter. You. Will. Die. This. Year. No. Matter. What. Anyone. Else. Says. I. Do. Not. Care. What. Anyone. Else. Says. You. Hurt. Me. And. You. Think. It. All. Passed. It. Doesn't. Matter. What. Anyone. Else. Says. YOU. WILL. DIE!