Letters
Harry came downstairs for breakfast the next morning, feeling much better than he had for days. He hadn't woken up once - lately, he'd been jerking awake in the night, positive that he had heard something - but that hadn't happened at all last night. Instead, he had slept like a baby in its mother's arms. He smiled, truly relaxed for the first time in what felt like ages.
"Morning," Caedmon said as he got to the kitchen. "How are you feeling?"
"Wonderful," Harry said, sliding into "his" chair. "I feel great, really."
"That's good. You have some mail."
Harry lost his dreamy-eyed look and fastened his eyes on Caedmon. "Huh? Mail? From who?"
"Everybody, it would seem," Caedmon said, grinning and handing it over to Harry. "They all arrived this morning."
Harry took the stack of letters and began to look through them. There was one from Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, Hagrid, Lupin, Moody, Tonks, Fred, George, Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape (Harry had to look at that one twice to make certain his eyes weren't playing tricks on him) Neville, Dean, Seamus, and several other people that he had never met had sent him letters. He opened the one from Professor Dumbledore first, in spite of the fact that he was still a little angry with him from last semester.
Dear Harry, he read.
Well, the barmy old codger says hello. Harry laughed at that, he remembered Dobby telling him that Dumbledore had told the little house elf that he could call him that. I hope that you are well, and that you are comfortable with Caedmon. Let him know that I am still looking forward to that game of chess he promised me five years ago. Enjoy your time with him, he is a person worth knowing, once you get to know him. So far, since that debacle at the Ministry last June, Voldemort has been doing nothing that I have been able to see. My reports are that he is plotting, but my sources are unable to tell me what. Whether it has something to do with you or not, we have no way of knowing. I hope that he has finally seen the error of his ways and is getting ready to apologize and make amends, but I know that such an event would only happen in a perfect world. Since the world is not perfect, I must keep hoping. When you return, you may be surprised at all of the things that await you here. We have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and I am certain that you will like him. He has already charmed the rest of the staff, me included. He is easy to like, I can tell you that. Gifts have been arriving for you here since before your birthday - it seems that the entire wizarding world has taken you to its heart. Don't worry, we're screening them carefully. You will certainly like the one in the gold wrapping, and the one in the wrapping patterned with Snitches is absolutely fabulous. I won't tell you any more here, they are supposed to be secret. I shall see you on September 1st. You take care of yourself.
Warmest Regards,
Dumbledore.
Harry smiled and slipped Dumbledore's letter back into its envelope. "He wants me to remind you about that chess game you promised him five years ago," he said, reaching for Hagrid's letter.
Caedmon groaned. "I should never have promised him that," Caedmon said. "I didn't think before I said it."
"It's only a chess game," Harry said, slitting the envelope open.
"Well, I can't really play," Caedmon confessed, serving them both breakfast.
"Don't worry," Harry said, grinning a little. "I can teach you." Having said that, he started Hagrid's letter.
Hello, Harry!
I've been worried about you, but Dumbledore says that I shouldn't worry at all since Caedmon's a good man, so I'll try not to. Lots of things have been going on, but it's supposed to be secret, all the stuff happening at Hogwarts, so I won't tell you no more here. You'll love our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher - he's excited about the start of term and has been getting ready for it since he got here, but he still found time to help me in the garden today. Fang likes him too, and so does Fluffy. He gave me a small dragon statue not too long ago, saying that he's no use for it, but he thought I would like it. I've named it Norbert Jr. Fang stares at it a lot, but I'm sure he likes it too. Well, I'll see you when the term starts - I've got lots to get ready, we're starting on water creatures this term! See you soon, Harry, and you take care.
Cheers,
Hagrid.
Harry gritted his teeth, wondering who the new teacher was. Not knowing was going to drive him crazy! Hagrid and Dumbledore certainly liked him. He re-read the line about the water creatures and thought, Great. Now we're in danger of getting killed and drowned. Ooh, boy. Deciding to worry about that later, Harry picked up Hermione's letter and read it. She was busy doing research for the Order, and she had included about five pages of stuff about the Caedmon family, saying how lucky he was since he could learn lots from Caedmon. Harry shook his head, marveling at how Hermione's thoughts were always bent toward learning. Lupin's letter was enlightening.
Dear Harry,
Well, I've revised my opinion of Caedmon and I'm no longer planning on biting him. I was worried that he wanted you simply for prestige or some other nefarious reason, but he seems genuine. He has invited all of us to come visit you, so look for us soon, all right? I've been awfully busy since you've been there, but I'm not supposed to tell you anything. It's for your safety that I'm not telling you, and us telling anyone would ruin the plan. I'm taking a gamble, but I feel it is worth it. Oooh, wait until Voldie finds out! His face will be priceless! I'll see you soon, and have a good time. We all think of you here.
Lupin
Now feeling a little confused, and very intrigued, Harry set to his breakfast with good will. If Lupin didn't tell him anything, that was okay, but he was going to tell him everything once it was safe, he would see to that!