The mood in Privet Drive was grim. Even the weather seemed to disagree with them. Dark clouds filled the sky moodily, and gave shade to a skinny dark-haired boy setting in an alley between Number Four and Number Five.

The boy was the only living thing on the street, and most who would see him would disagree. His face was as pale as death and the only real defining features on his face were his vibrant green eyes and a thin lightning shaped scar on his forehead. His dark hair lay messily over his expressionless eyes.

Harry Potter was reading his letters from his wizarding correspondences. The one from Lupin was short and sweet. It read:

Dear Harry,

The Order is regrouping. We have new strategies and plans since last June. We are sending a Guard to protect you on your way to Sirius's old home. Please stay RIGHT where you are and DON'T go ANYWHERE. Death Eaters are everywhere and danger is lurking around every corner.

Sincerely,

Remus J. Lupin

Harry thought this letter was slightly amusing. It reminded him of the summer that the dementors had appeared at Little Whinging. 'Stay where you are, don't go searching for trouble,' those were the warnings they all gave him. He felt like a misbehaving puppy that was being punished.

Ron's letter was in two parts. One section was from Ginny, and the other, from Ron. It was rather long, though it looks hurriedly written, as if he was being rushed to write it.

Dear Harry, It said,

How are you? We've been cramped in Grimmauld Place for the entire summer. We haven't even seen our yard since last June. The place is exceptionally tidy now, though mum's been in sort of frenzy to keep it clean. She pursues us with flyswatters and threatens to smack us with one if we so much as grease her precious cleaning. The Order has been talking about bringing you here, but you might already know. I have to end this note here; Ginny is wrenching the quill out of my hand. So rry if these last le tters ar e mess ed up………

Dear Harry,

It's Ginny. Ron is a git and wouldn't give me the quill. So, how's your summer? Probably awful, I expect. Well, I got seven OWLS, so mum is happy. The Order is bringing you here, and I'm so excited! Hermione is not here yet, because her parents were informed of the goings on in the wizarding world, and they are not letting her go. Stay safe, Harry. I'll see you soon,

-Ginny

Harry loved getting the letter from Ginny. She was always so optimistic and strong. Harry yearned to go out with her again, but he knew she would be in danger if he did.

Pondering always took your mind away from things. This happened to Harry just then, and he didn't notice the cloaked figure approach stealthily, wand drawn.

When Harry finally looked up, he gasped.

"YOU!" He screamed, his voice cracking with rage.

There before him stood the cause of most of his misery, the traitor who ensnared him like a fly to a trap. It was Severus Snape.

"How can you come and face me?" Shouted Harry, his words leaping from his throat without thought.

Snape said nothing. He just raised his wand.