Disclaimer: I don't own a single character in this story. They all belong to J.K. Rowling. Enjoy! I assume you read all the books, so I'll leave out the pointless explanations of most things.

Chapter One: Summer Thoughts

Harry Potter lay awake in his bed at Number Four, Privet Drive. He had had another nightmare. It came to him every night once he fell asleep: the death of his godfather, Sirius Black. Tears filled Harry's eyes once again, Sirius is really gone, he thought miserably.

But that wasn't the only thought racing through Harry's head. Lupin shouldn't have held me back; I could have saved him. Harry often pondered what would have happened if he had reached through the veil. Could that have saved him? Would that have killed me? Once again, he was left only with unanswered questions.

Harry glanced at his clock; it was still too early to get out of bed. Harry closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but one vivid thought invaded his mind: Voldemort. Voldemort had returned to power, and Harry felt powerless to stop him from his tiny room at Privet Drive. For all he knew, Voldemort could be watching him at this moment or reading his mind through the art of Legilimency. But most of all, he worried about his friends. Hermione Granger was muggle-born and best friend of Harry Potter. Harry knew this made her a prime target. Ron Weasley, also Harry's best friend, came from a wizarding family who are well known for their ongoing work against the Dark Lord. Harry hadn't received a single letter from either of his friends, but he took this as a good sign; surely someone would tell him if something had happened to them.

Harry wished he could see them before the new term began, but he doubted he could. He had been told already that this house was the only one truly safe for him due to his Aunt Petunia. He suddenly thought of Grimmauld Place. He must be able to go there, it was the headquarters for the Order, and it was undoubtedly safe. Harry raced to his desk and took out a piece of parchment. He soon realized that he had no idea of where to send the letter. Sirius no longer owned Grimmauld Place, so who would be living there? Harry settled on sending the letter to Dumbledore, at least then he'd know he'd get on honest answer.

Professor Dumbledore,

Professor, do you think I could be allowed to spend my summer holiday at Grimmauld Place? I feel isolated from the wizarding world, and I want to know what is going on. Please send your reply as soon as possible. –Harry

Harry read over the letter quickly, attached it to Hedwig's leg, and watched as she flew into the night.

Harry returned to bed and slowly drifted back to sleep, only to once again see his godfather die.