Chapter 6

Letters and Diagon Alley

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, horrified. Both of them knew that Ron had had a major crush on Hermione since the trio's third year. Neither wanted to lose Ron's friendship, but nor were they willing to give up what they had so recently found together.

"I guess we had better write him a letter," Harry said after they had returned to the Grangers. Hermione nodded and pulled out a quill and some parchment.

Dear Ron,

I don't know how much you know about what happened with my uncle, but Aunt Petunia and I are staying with Hermione and her parents until we can get settled.

What Harry is trying to say, Ron, is that Harry and I made a discovery that we need to tell you, but neither of us know how to say it.

Hermione...I..., Ron, we like each other, like boyfriend and girlfriend.

But, Ron, we don't want to lose your friendship either. Please write back soon. We really want to hear from you.

Hermione and Harry

"Well," Harry said as he tied the letter to Hedwig's leg. "All we can do now is wait." Hermione nodded and the couple watched as the owl flew out the window.

They didn't have to wait very long. They went up to Harry's room right after supper and Hedwig was calmly sitting on her perch. Harry untied the letter, and Hermione leaned over his shoulder as he read it.

Harry and Hermione,

I think that everyone knew that this was going to happen, except you two. Don't worry about me...I've been seeing Mandy Brocklehurst lately. Anyway, when are you coming to Diagon Alley? We are going next week. Mum wasn't too happy, since I only got 6 O.W.L.S (failed HOM and Divination and only one O...DADA.) She's mad since I am no longer a prefect because of it. All my letter said was that the highest score would get it. Seamus got 10...bet it's him. Well, mate see you in Diagon Alley.

Ron

Harry and Hermione finishedreading the letter and ran downstairs.Since Harry's birthday was the following week, and neither could think of a better place to spend it. Dumbledore had hinted that he wanted Harry and Hermione to continue with the Defense group that they had started the previous year, and Harry wanted to pick up some advanced defense and potions books. The thought of Professor Snape crossed his mind and as soon as Hermione left, Harry pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment and loaded a quill with fresh ink.

Dear Professor Snape,

It has taken me a while to gather the courage to write this. Some Gryffindor. I wanted to apologize for being too stubborn to pay attention to the occlumency, not to mention invading your privacy. For five years you have reflected a hatred for my father on to me. Yes, my father was an obnoxious, arrogant prat, but sir, I am not my father. I apologize again for invading your pensieve, and hope that your holidays are enjoyable. I'll see you next term in Potions, since I managed an O on the O.W.L.S.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Harry rolled up the letter and tied it to Hedwig's leg, stroking her feathers.

"I know you're tired girl, but can you take this to Professor Snape? I don't know where he is, but if it is too far away, just leave it at Grimmauld Place, ok girl." The owl hooted and flew out again. Harry opened his Advanced Potions book and read until he fell asleep.

On Harry's 16th birthday, all of them went down to Diagon Alley with their booklists. Harry had gotten a letter informing him that he was replacing Ron as the male Gryffindor prefect. Ron's response was noticeably cool, even though he said he was glad to be rid of the responsibility. Inside Madam Malkins, Harry finally got some wizarding clothing besides his school uniform, along with new muggle clothes that fit him properly. Aunt Petunia had found a small cottage in a small community full of wizarding families, including Neville and his Gran, the Finnigans and the Patils, so Harry and Petunia would need robes so they would not stand out as much.Petunia had opened her own account Gringotts while Harry was at Flourish and Blotts. They met up with the Weasleys at Quality Quidditch supplies, and after drooling over the Firebolt II, they finally went back to the Leaky Cauldron.

As Harry walked into the pub, the sight that met his eyes caused his jaw to drop to the floor. Most of Harry's classmates, as well as the members of DA and the Order were there.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday, Harry!" As he walked further into the room, Harry could see that one table was covered with presents, and the other had a huge cake and bottles of butterbeer. Aunt Petuniawalked up to Harry, smiling.

"Well, what's it going to be, Harry? Cake or Presents.?" Harry grinned and they walked over to the presents, Harry sitting on the stool and picking up the first package. To Harry From Aunt Petunia. Harry opened it to reveal a brand new cd player, along with several CDS. Harry smiled and hugged her and reached for a heavy box. The card simply said Apology accepted...now you can stay out of mine and actually be prepared for N.E.W.T. Potions. Harry glanced toward the back of the room and spotted his Potions Master Severus Snape nodded as Harry opened the box. Inside was a large stone basin with runes engraved on the rim that Harry immediately recognized as a Pensieve. Next to it was The Beginners Guide to Pensieves and Most Potente Potions. Harry smiled his thanks to the taciturn manand was surprised to receive what appeared to be a small smile in return. The next package was from Hermione, beautiful gold phoenix on a chain. Inscribed on the back was "To Harry All My Love, Hermione." Harry put the necklace on and promptly kissed his girlfriend, only to hear whistles and catcalls. Blushing, the two parted, and Harry began to open the rest of his gifts. There was a huge box of Chocolate frogs from Ron, a years subscription to the Quibbler from Luna Lovegood, a box of Weasley Wizard Wheezes from Fred and George, a bag of Bertie Botts from Ginny, and books from the rest of the Order of the Phoenix. As soon as Harry finished, the group began to dig into the huge birthday cake. Finally sated, the group began to depart, and Harry and Petunia were able to spend their first night in their new home.