Chapter 24
Harry walked slowly up to the Owlery, dragging his feet as he went, to see if it was possible that Percy had returned his letter yet, even though he knew that Hedwig would come directly to him. It had been three days since Draco had extended the hand of friendship to him, and Harry was so desperate for someone to talk to, he was actually considering taking Malfoy up on his offer. But then he took the time to seriously contemplate the consequences of being friends with Malfoy, shuddered, and decided he would MUCH rather be friendless. Harry sighed as he trudged up the last stairs to reach the Owlery. He entered and immediately began searching for white in the sea of brown and tawny colors. After a few seconds of searching, he spotted Hedwig drinking some water.
"Hey! Why didn't you come straight to me! I've been waiting forever!" Harry shouted at Hedwig. Hedwig gave him a look that strongly reminded Harry of the look that Professor McGonagall often gave students with the feeble excuse of, "My owl ate my homework." Harry muttered his apologies and Hedwig stuck out her leg for Harry to receive his letter. Harry grabbed at it as greedily as Dudley would grab at a cookie and almost tore it in the process of unrolling it. It read:
Harry-
I am deeply sorry for the treatment that you have received from my brother and sister. Before I responded to your letter, I wrote to Ron and Ginny, and they sent a letter back. I, of course, asked what in Dumbledore's name was going on! They responded with harsh, hurtful answers that I do not wish to relay to you, but it is evident that they reciprocated their feelings of jealousy that they harbored towards you. I hope that although my brother and sister may have tarnished our family name in your eyes, we may still be friends. Please feel free to write back anytime you wish, as I know the sudden loss of your best friends must be painful and lonely. I hope to hear from you soon.
-Percy Weasley
Harry finished the letter quickly, confused. They were jealous? Why would they be jealous? It made no sense whatsoever to Harry, but then again, Ron and Ginny didn't have a reason to lie to their own brother. And come to think of it, Ron had been jealous of him in their fourth year. Maybe it was true. These thoughts came as no consolation to Harry, although knowing that Percy welcomed his letters lightened his spirits considerably.
Over the next few weeks, Harry and Percy wrote letters back and forth almost every single day. Harry still had no one he really liked to talk to or sit to eat with, but he was almost completely happy anyways. He still had friends, but none of them seemed to measure up in anyway to his old ones, except for Percy. Percy, Harry discovered, had a great personality and often made funny jokes in his letters to Harry. Harry always felt much better when he was eating breakfast and a letter from Percy came swooping in. It almost made school more bearable for Harry, although he still despised certain classes, like Potions. He still hated doing his work, but as he had nothing better to do, he managed to finish his schoolwork, projects, essays, and any other work he had to do, and turn it in on time, surprising all of his teachers.
Harry woke up one bright Monday morning and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. He cleaned up quickly, changed and went downstairs to eat breakfast. He had started loading up his plate when he saw Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all enter together. Although he now had Percy as his closest friend, he couldn't help but fell a twinge of pain seeing his three old friends together and happy. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Ginny glance at Harry with what seemed to be sadness, but when Harry turned his head towards her to examine her face further, she looked the other way. He decided he probably just imagined it and looked up as he heard the owls come in the Hall. He looked for Hedwig and promptly saw her swooping down. He waited in extreme anticipation, for the two days ago he had replied to Percy's letter, which had asked him when the next few Hogsmeade weekends were. Harry desperately hoped this meant that Percy could possibly visit him in Hogsmeade, although he didn't want to seem clingy, so he simply gave Percy the information, although he sat waiting for his response. As soon as Hedwig's talons hit the table, Harry was grabbing the letter from her leg. He unrolled it and started to read frantically:
Harry-
I am pleased to tell you that at your Hogsmeade visit this Saturday, I will be in Hogsmeade on business. Maybe we can meet in the Three Broomsticks at noon and spend some time together. I hope to see you there, and if you should have any trouble meeting me at that time, let me know immediately.
Hope to see you there, Percy
Harry finished the letter, and for the first time in a long time, anticipating a Hogsmeade visit. He rummaged through his bag and pulled out a parchment and quickly scribbled his response that the time was fine and he looked forward to seeing him. Hedwig had left, and as she had just traveled quite a ways, Harry decided to wait until after dinner to have her deliver the note. Harry sat impatiently through all his classes that day and finished his dinner as fast as he could without choking on it. He rushed up to the Owlery as soon as he finished and gave his letter to Hedwig. She seemed a bit wary to take the letter right away, so Harry gave her some owl treats and a promise of more when she returned to make it more worth her while. She gave one last soft hoot before flying out the window and into the darkness.