Title: Freedom
Author: insanegolfur (Andrea)
Pairing: none
Rating: G
Summary: The day before Harry comes of age.
Spoilers: Yes, tells who died in HBP.
Disclaimer: All characters are owned by J. K. Rowling. I own no one and know no one.
Harry sat in his room counting down the minutes before his seventeenth birthday. He knew that the minutes he turned seventeen he was free. He was free from ever returning to the Dursleys, free from ever having to see or speak to Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and Dudley. A smile appeared on his face as he remembered what Dumbledore had told him the previous summer.
Just as fast as the smile appeared it disappeared. It was replaced with a frown and a tear. The memory of what happened at the end of the last year came rushing back to him. He knew that Dumbledore wasn't coming back. The last close parental figure he had was taken from him just like the others, by the hands of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named either directly or indirectly…
Harry was suddenly jolted out of his trance by a tapping on the window. He glanced up and saw that Hedwig had returned. Hedwig didn't look happy at all. She had been out there for a while. Harry hastily opened the window and let her in. Hedwig headed straight for her cage. Once there she stuck out her leg letting Harry know he had mail. Harry quickly undid the letters and allowed Hedwig to take a well-deserved break. Harry opened the first one. It was from Ron.
Harry,
Of course you can stay here. Mum will be happy to see you. It'll be great to have you here so close to Fleur and Bill's wedding. Ginny will be happy to see you. She hasn't worked up the nerve to respond to your letters. She doesn't want to say anything that'll make you upset . Don't get me wrong, it's nothing bad, she just doesn't want you to hurt anymore.
I know you'll be coming of age soon and that you'll be free of your aunt and uncle. I bet you're excited. Just promise me one thing, that you won't go out there looking for horcruxs by yourself. Remember that Hermione and I aren't backing down, not now not ever. I'll see you when you get here.
Be safe,
Ron
Harry had tears in his eyes because he knew exactly what Ron was trying to say. He tried so hard to sound like nothing had happened but both of them knew that that would be impossible. The mention of Ginny had caused him to cry even harder. He wanted to be with Ginny but knew he couldn't. At the end of last year when he talked to her, he knew it was breaking her heart, but his heart was breaking even more. He picked up the next letter and saw that it was from Hermione.
Harry,
I don't know how many times I can say I'm sorry that this is happening to you. You don't deserve this! I wish that I could do something to help you.
I hear that you are going to stay with Ron after your birthday, at least until you get a place for yourself. I wish you good luck. You know that Mrs. Weasley will not let you do that. Anyway Hedwig is about to lave if I don't finish up. I will see you at the wedding.
Love,
Hermione
Leave it to Hermione to try to comfort you, not that Harry wasn't thankful. He did feel better after reading the letters. He knew that he had true friends…
He glanced at his clock. It showed 12:00 A.M. As he pulled the covers over him he thought, "Happy Birthday Harry! When you wake up you'll be free."