It was 25 July in the summer between 5th and 6th years. A 17-year-old Hermione Granger had just passed her apporition test a few days ago. She was meeting a good friend at the Leaky Cauldron. Then both she and her friend; Amber Hursman, had planned to go to Diagon Ally to buy a birthday present for Harry Potter. He would be turning 16 and she know could use some cheering up after what had happened last year.
She apporated into the pub and found her friend waiting for her. Hermione's smile faded at the fear and sadness in her friend's eyes. With trembling hands she passed Hermione a letter. A look of horror came over her face as she read it. Harry's handwriting showed his haste as he'd written;
Dear Amber,
I know you don't want to hear this. Really I'm doing it for you; you and Hermione, and Ron, and Dumbeldor, and everyone else. I hope this reaches you after it's happened. I just don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me. I've already suffered and caused so much. I'm sorry I just don't think I can take it anymore. Tell everyone I'll miss them and please don't come I don't want you to see. I love you as if you were my sister tell Ron and Hermione I'll miss them very much.
Good Bye Forever,
Harry
P.S. Take care of Hedgwig for me.
"Has he…" Hermione could not finish the sentence, but Amber shook her head in the negative. She turned to go into the courtyard where her phoenix Ember waited. Hermione too took hold of the bird's feathers as it lifted into the sky before disappearing. They floated through space with shapes and colors flashing past. Then in seconds they stood on the frond stoop of Number 4 Privite Drive. As one they began pounding on the door. Petunia Dursly opened it abruptly with a scowl on her face.
With a hasty apology Amber lead Hermione up the stairs where they encountered Dudley trying to force his way into the bathroom, "Dad! Harry's locked himslfe in!" he whined.
"Move! Dudley get out of the way!" Amber said drawing her wand. He didn't need telling twice. As she drew back her wand Vurnen appeared on the landing looking outraged at the sight
"What are you going to do?" he demanded but she ignored him
Defendo! Amber shouted and the door burst open. Hermione rushed in and she followed they knelt beside him. Harry had not done it yet. They were both relieved and sighed but they still were frightened he might try.
Tears were streaming down his face and he was shaking with anguish. Hermione put her arms abound him. They were both crying. Amber gently took the knife from his hand and placed it on the counter before wrapping her arms around them both. They stayed like that for a few minuets as he tried to collect himself enough to speak.
"H-how d-did you get here?" Harry managed through his sobs
"Nothing could keep us away," Amber consoled soothingly massaging his shoulders. Hermione nodded unable to speak. Harry looked at these two who'd come to stop him and was glad they had. It seamed a miracle they'd made it in time.
"How did Hedgewig find you so fast?" he marveled expecting that they'd been in different places; perhaps even miles apart.
"It wasn't hard," Hermione sniffed, "We were meeting in the Leaky Cauldron to buy your birthday present," she explained quietly.
"Come on lets get off the floor," Amber said pointing her wand at the door Repero!
Harry reddened with embarrassment as the girls opened his bedroom door. They both tried to be nonchalant about it but he could tell the smell had caught them both off guard. The room was a disheveled mess to put it nicely. Amber shook her head and began cleaning this and straightening that as she encountered it.
Now calmed down Harry asked, "Won't you be in trouble with the Ministry for using magic?" She shook her head without turning giving no other answer. He decided that would be sufficient for now. He watched her and Hermione undo the damage he'd wrought on his room for the last few weeks. In a few minutes they'd finished.
Once that task was done Amber turned to him, "I'm going to go tell the Order about this," she addressed Hermione, "you staying with him?" Hermione nodded. Harry found he didn't care too much who found out. Maybe now I'll have someone to talk to? He thought knowing it was selfish of him but not caring at the moment.
Amber smiled knowing his thoughts. She simply nodded on her way out. Sometimes it's good to be selfish she thought. He turned to Hermione as Amber left the room The look Hermione gave him was warm and caring. He smiled glad she'd stayed behind. Then he wondered why he'd been so glad? Was something different?