I have been tinkering with fan fiction since the 1980s (hence my screen name). I don't even know if it was called fan fiction back then, and there definitely was no sharing and reviewing over the Internet, since Al Gore hadn't invented it yet (ha ha!) I am new at posting fan fiction, though, so please bear with me if I don't have all the nuances down yet. A big thank you to everyone who reviews me – I appreciate constructive criticism!
-c.k.
CHAPTER ONE: Solitary Summer
Perfect summer days in England are a rarity, so when a sunny, slightly breezy, pleasantly warm day occurs, it seems the whole population embarks outside to enjoy the ideal weather. The air becomes filled with the buzz of lawn mowers and weed trimmers, so that when the sound is missing, things feel too quiet. Children can be heard laughing and calling to each other as they ride bicycles or play in the park, and elderly couples sit on their doorsteps in the evenings to watch the sunset. Even the residents of number four, Privet Drive change their routine to take advantage of these beautiful days. Dudley Dursley spends less time in front of the televisions, even if it is only to walk to the area shops and stand outside the storefronts with Piers Polkiss and an assortment of other bullies. Dudley's gang's favorite outdoors activity is to lean against the brick buildings and mutter rude observations about passersby to each other, laughing nastily while drinking bottled soda and smoking cigarettes. Dudley's parents still knew nothing of this habit, as Dudley was very careful to only smoke far away from home, to chew gum or eat something when he was finished, and to make sure his clothes no longer smelled of smoke when he returned to Privet Drive.
As for Dudley's parents, Vernon Dursley could be seen walking to the nearby café on his lunch break when the weather was nice. Occasionally he would swing his briefcase, or whistle. Petunia Dursley spent more time in her garden, wearing a huge sunhat which seemed could topple her bony frame if she wasn't careful and stood up too quickly. The only member of Privet Drive who didn't venture outside to enjoy the idyllic summer days, who didn't even notice the cloudless blue skies and sparkling sun, was Harry Potter.
In fact, Harry had spent so much of the summer alone in his bedroom that some neighbors had begun to wonder if "that Potter boy" had even returned from his school for the summer holiday. Of course, these neighbors also believed that Harry's school was St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys. They had no idea that Harry really attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
There was one person on Privet Drive, besides the Dursleys, who did know that Harry was a wizard. Arabella Figg, whom Harry had beforehand only thought of as an eccentric, cat-loving old woman, was actually from a wizarding family. It was just last summer that Harry had discovered that Mrs. Figg had been residing on Privet Drive mainly to keep watch over him. Considering that Harry's parents had been murdered by the dark wizard Voldemort, and that Voldemort had also tried to kill Harry, it stood to reason that he might need some protection. Although Harry had escaped Lord Voldemort's fury five times now, and not one of the times had Mrs. Figg been helpful in aiding him. Unfortunately, Mrs. Figg was a squib – a member of a magical family who has no magic talent. The fact that Harry's summer "protector" was somewhat useless didn't bother Harry as much as it could have… Number four Privet Drive was one place where Harry was usually quite safe from Lord Voldemort. When Harry had been placed on Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia's doorstep some fifteen years ago, Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore had cast a spell that made Harry safe while inside the home of his only remaining family. This was one reason why Harry had been spending the majority of summer indoors. The other reason was that the sunny, joyful days held no happiness for him.
For once, it wasn't the Durselys' influence that had prompted Harry's demeanor. Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley had taken to heart the "direction" they had received from Harry's wizarding friends at the beginning of the summer holiday. Arthur Weasley, Mad-Eye Moody, and Remus Lupin had informed the Dursleys that Harry was to be treated with respect and fairness while at Privet Drive, which included telephone privileges and the opportunity to contact his Hogwarts friends. And at the beginning of the summer Harry had put his family to the test, as the phone regularly rang with calls from Hermione, and as Hedwig delivered him a variety of encouraging letters on a nightly basis (for Uncle Vernon was still adamant that "that ruddy owl" didn't leave her cage during daylight hours). But Uncle Vernon had not refused Harry any of his phone calls, and more often than not, Harry had been left alone to talk on the telephone in peace. Whenever Uncle Vernon or Aunt Petunia had started to look like they might protest, all Harry had to do was say something like, "Okay, but if my friends are worried about me, they might just come here to Little Whinging to see if I'm all right. I mean, Mad-Eye Moody already knows the way…" The threat worked quite well. Uncle Vernon would turn away, his face becoming purple as he mumbled something to himself about "Only a few more years…"
Harry often had the same thought. He was almost sixteen. In just a few years he would be an adult, able to leave the Dursleys and be on his own. He would be done with his Hogwarts schooling, and could decide where he was going to go next to get the best education for his chosen career. And it was this train of thought that eventually drove him into a bleak depression. He had wanted to be an auror. He had wanted to live with Sirius. But Sirius was dead, and suddenly magic, Hogwarts, and everything and everyone that went with it didn't cheer Harry as it used to. At first, the phone calls and letters from his friends had been somewhat heartening. It was helpful to know that even while Sirius was gone, Ron, Hermione, Lupin, and Hagrid were still a big part of his life. They were all sincerely concerned about him, and contacted him regularly to see how he was doing. But it was only a short while before all of the attention became almost suffocating. Sirius was dead, and nothing could bring him back. It didn't matter how much comfort his friends offered, they still couldn't change the fact that Sirius was gone. First Harry had lost his parents, whom he had never known. Now he had lost Sirius, before he had really gotten to know him, either. He was sick of it. He was sick of being reminded of it. So he stopped calling Hermione, and stopped writing to Ron. He stopped visiting Mrs. Figg, who had been treating him almost as a long-lost grandson now that he knew her identity. And as Harry detached himself from his magical friends, they slowly decreased their constant contact. Hermione sent a few confused letters by owl post. Arthur Weasley even wrote to Harry, saying in no uncertain terms that if Harry needed anything, he wasn't to hesitate in contacting the Weasleys. Harry didn't respond. He felt a little guilty, but he was also fairly sure his friends had daily updates on his welfare from Mrs. Figg. The Dursleys had no idea about Mrs. Figg's magical background, and when she tottered by to chat at Aunt Petunia about a cat that had gone missing or about Aunt Petunia's garden, Harry knew that what she was secretly doing was gazing up at his bedroom window. Aunt Petunia merely nodded at Mrs. Figg and murmured random answers to her questions, all the while wrinkling her nose as if ready to sneeze. Aunt Petunia was allergic to cats.
The summer days melted into one another, so that when Harry's birthday approached at the end of July, he was surprised the day had arrived so quickly. Hedwig had been noticeably absent from her cage for several days, and it was this fact more than the calendar that made Harry aware that his birthday had arrived. Most likely, Hedwig was collecting his birthday regards.
True to Harry's assumption, Hedwig finally returned to Privet Drive just past sunset on Harry's birthday. She was accompanied by Pigwidgeon, Ron's minute owl, and another haughty-looking tawny owl that Harry could only guess held a delivery from Hermione. Hedwig swooped into the open window gracefully, which was somewhat difficult considering the large package she was grasping in her talons. Dropping the brown paper-wrapped package on Harry's bed, Hedwig headed for her cage, only to have her route blocked by Pig. Ron's owl had also dropped his delivery (it fell on the floor with a thunk, prompting Harry to hope Ron hadn't sent anything breakable). Being much smaller than Hedwig, Pig was able to beat the snow-white owl to her large cage. Pigwidgeon helped himself to the water in Hedwig's bowl while Harry's owl hooted impatiently.
The tawny owl had stopped in the window to perch on the sill. It also began to hoot, trying to get Harry's attention as it held out its leg. "All right, all right, just shut up, will you?" Harry muttered, wondering if Uncle Vernon could hear the chorus of hoots coming from his bedroom. Harry untied the bulky envelope from the tawny owl's leg, and with a final hoot, it turned and took off into the twilight sky. Meanwhile, Pig had finished sampling Hedwig's water, and after dipping around Harry's head a few times, he followed the tawny owl out the window. Harry was left alone with Hedwig and the three deliveries.
He picked up Ron's package first, and unwrapped it quickly. There was a parchment letter wrapped around a heavy box of individually wrapped taffy-like candies. The outside of the box was decorated with several small entwined red W's, and in larger letters it read: "Two W's Tricks and Treats." Harry grinned as a rush of happiness that he hadn't felt in a long while came over him. Fred and George had made a go of it – they were actually producing and selling the magical sweets they had been practicing brewing up over the past few years. Turning the box over, Harry read the description of the wrapped candies contained inside:
Red: Instant warmth. Never worry about frostbite again! Gain an edge on your opponents during winter quidditch matches.
Blue: Instant cool. Muggles would love to get their hands on these! Much easier than "air conditioning."
Yellow: Also known as Cat's Eyes. Amaze your friends by being able to see in the dark without your wand!
Orange: Having a bad day? Try these "chewable cheer charms."
Green: Ever wanted to be a few inches taller? Try one of these, and you'll grow like a weed!
Setting the box aside, Harry picked up Ron's letter.
Harry,
I hope you are doing all right. My dad said Dumbledore has been keeping an eye on you, and that as long as we don't hear anything, you must be okay. I hope he's right.
We've been in London for most of the summer. A lot has happened. Mum is finally talking to Fred and George again. She was really upset with how they left school, but I think she didn't want things to end up like they did with Percy, so they are trying to work things out. Fred and George even compromised with her a little and closed the shop they had rented on Diagon Alley. I feel sorry for my dad, though – Mum ended up getting mad at him instead. Just because he helped Fred and George find a new shop to rent in Hogsmeade.
I think Hogwarts is going to be very different this year. I've talked to Hermione a couple of times (she came here to visit). We both can't wait to talk to you. I can't really say more in a letter. Just that there are going to be some big changes.
Have a Happy Birthday, Harry. Maybe we'll see you in Diagon Alley. Are you coming early to get your new books? Hermione and I will look for you in the Leaky Cauldron.
Ron
P.S. Be careful with Fred and George's sweets. If you take two reds at once, you'll get sunburn. And Lee Jordan ate a green one that Fred and George reckon was defective – he's outgrown all his clothes. His mum is pretty mad.
Ron
Harry eyed the box of candy warily. He'd seen the effects that "defective" Weasley concoctions produced. Maybe it would be best to save them to sample once back in Hogwarts, when he would be close to the hospital wing.
Hermione's letter was next. Opening the envelope, he shook out both Hermione's letter and a small box which appeared to be a deck of cards. When he looked at the box more closely, he saw that was exactly what it was: a deck of Wizard Solitaire. Harry put the cards down and picked up Hermione's letter.
Dear Harry,
I hope this letter finds you well. Ron and I have been writing back and forth, and he told me his father assures him you are all right. I would like to hear that from you directly, but I understand if you don't feel like writing. I miss Snuffles, too, and I know it must be much worse for you.
Harry paused in reading Hermione's letter as her last sentence sunk in. A wave of selfishness overwhelmed him. Hermione and Ron had been close with Sirius, too. Harry had been so busy with his own pain that he hadn't stopped to think that his friends were also hurting. He had already been feeling guilty that his friends still had been thoughtful enough to send him birthday presents, even when he had been rudely ignoring them. Now the guilt was doubled. Harry made a mental note to start composing thank-you notes tonight, then returned to Hermione's letter.
I have visited London and our friends once this summer. There are some big changes coming, especially at Hogwarts. You're going to be surprised. I can tell you more when I see you. Ron and I are planning on meeting at the Leaky Cauldron the week before term, to buy our new supplies and catch up after the summer. I hope you can meet us. Please let us know.
Happy Birthday,
Hermione
Harry folded Hermione's letter, and looked again at the solitaire game. It occurred to him the hint that Hermione had dropped by sending him this particular card game. "Very funny, Hermione," Harry said quietly, but found he was smiling as he said it.
The last package was the large one Hedwig had brought. Inside the brown paper were several cards, all bundled together. After removing the string, Harry looked at each card in turn. There were ones from Ginny, Tonks, Mad-Eye Moody, Lupin, Hagrid, Kingsley Shacklebolt – it seemed there were regards from almost everyone in the Order of the Phoenix. Harry could only imagine how all of these cards had been collected so that they could all be delivered to him on time. He looked up at Hedwig and saw that she was asleep in her cage, her head burrowed down into her feathers as she breathed deeply. He had an idea she had been flying quite a bit the past few days. She wouldn't be very happy when he sent her out before dawn with the thank-you notes.
Harry gathered the cards up again, and put them, along with Ron and Hermione's gifts, in the drawer of his desk. Although Uncle Vernon hadn't been bringing up Harry's "abnormality" quite as much this summer, it still wouldn't do to leave items out in the open that would touch off his uncle's temper. Especially considering the last sweets that Fred and George had brought into Privet Drive, and the rather unfortunate effect they'd had on Dudley.
Next Harry rummaged in the trunk at the foot of his bed until he found a quill and some parchment. He sat down to write to his friends.
Once he began, he found it wasn't nearly as hard as he had thought it would be.