Chapter Five:

Harry woke the next morning to a strange tapping noise. He reached for his glasses and looked around. Hedwig was at the window, with Hermione's response. He glanced at the clock on his way to the window, it read 6:02 am. Hermione must be eager. He let Hedwig in, took off the letter, and opened it up. The letter read:

Dear Harry,
I'm so glad you finally wrote back! I can't wait to get started. Listen, I've got some ideas. First, I think we should meet at Grimmauld Place. That is, if you're okay with it. It will be deserted and we can spend a few days their planning our journey. Meet me there at noon on July 31st? I was thinking we could bring our things there- call it our new home for a while… I've been reading everything I could get my hands on lately, I think I've got a few ideas. Write me back and I'll see you Sunday, I hope.
Yours, Hermione

Grimmauld Place… Harry promised himself last year he'd never step foot in that place again. It'd bring back too many memories. But Hermione was right, it would be the perfect place. He'd just have to get over himself. If he was going to finish off the Voldemort, how hard could it be to go into a house? He wrote back Hermione, saying he'd see her Sunday. Then he picked up with his packing where he'd left off last night.

On Sunday, he'd be seventeen. He'd be of age. Could use magic legally now! He finished packing quickly enough, then settled down on his bed and began to think. He tried thinking of efficient things, like how he'd find the Horcruxes, but his mind kept slipping back to Sirius. "Arghhhhhhhhh!" he suddenly roared, and broke off the corner of his wooden bed frame and threw it at his desk. His aim was a little off, it flew straight past Hedwig, almost hitting her. She gave an angry screech and flew off through the open window. Ug, what was he supposed to do all day now? "Thanks a lot, Hermione. Sending me that stupid letter this early. Now I'm awake with nothing to do. Gosh, you blubbering nitwit," he said aloud. "FREAKING IDIOT!"

Their was nothing else to do besides go down for breakfast, which Harry did. He found the kitchen empty. The Durlsey's would be waking up soon to go to work. He ate fast then went back upstairs. Harry tried going back to sleep but it was no good. He spent the rest of his day wandering around the neighborhood, taking what he hoped would be his last walk around these horrible streets. After dinner, when Harry was back in his room, he spotted his letter to Hermione still lying on his desk.

"Bloody hell," Harry cursed. He'd forgotten to send the letter. Hedwig was back now, so he tied it on and let her out the window. She was still mad at him for throwing the piece of his bed at her. She glared at him right before taking off and Harry stuck his tongue out at her. She took off. "Stupid bird!" Harry yelled after her. "Flying around like you think you're so much better than me because I can't fly. Just because I don't have wings doesn't make me any less special than you!" And with that, he slammed the window shut so hard, all the glass shattered out. "Take that!"