Harry hadn't slept well very often that summer, with nightmares plaguing his dreams. He sat in the on his trunk, in the dark of the Dursleys' living room at midnight. However, he hadn't been woken up by blood curdling screams coming out of his own mouth. Today, Ron and Hermione were coming to take him away from the Dursleys forever.
He had carefully checked every nook and cranny of "his room", searching for forgotten books or old hidden food and possessions. He had then put all his clothes and things into his trunk, and dragged it, as quietly as possible, downstairs, holding Hedwig's empty cage between his teeth. He checked the mantle clock. 12:59…
Harry jumped at a sharp popping noise that was coming from outside. He ran to the window, peering out. In the shadows, he could see two familiar figures.
Ron and Hermione.
They ran up to the door, knocking on it tentatively. Harry quietly opened it a crack. Ron and Hermione slipped inside.
"Got your stuff mate?"
"Yeah".
"Then come on! Mum's already making food for you."
The trio stepped outside without another word. With two pops, Hermione disappeared with Harry's trunk, and reappeared again in front of them. She put out her hand to get Ron, but he leaned forward and whispered, "We can apparate Hermione…"
"But Ron, you don't have a license yet, and Harry isn't even of age. If the ministry detects him doing magic here, they'll send a letter, and he will probably have to go to trial again. Also, keep in mind that Voldemort still has some spies in the Ministry. If they find out you've left the Dursleys, they wouldn't waste a minute in attacking!"
Harry and Ron sighed, realizing the truth behind her statements. They didn't want to attract attention to themselves. Ron pushed Harry forward, saying "I can legally defend myself if something happens. Take him first." Harry scowled, but let Hermione grasp his arm tightly, and side-along apparate him away to the Burrow. As soon as they arrived, she let go of him, and left with another pop .
The twins were waiting there, in front of the house, to greet him. Fred stepped forward.
"Jolly good day, isn't it Harry m'boy!"
"Ah yes! Wonderful day!"
"You got all your stuff?"
"Good. We'll be off then!"
"I hope your uncle likes cupcakes… We made some, and they are simply scrumdidlyumtious!"
"Yes… could you just sign this note?"
Harry took the quill from George's hand, and read it over quickly:
Goodbye, Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley.
I would just like to say thank you for taking care of me. Here are some lovely chocolate cupcakes that I would like to present to you to show you my gratitude! Enjoy them.
Yours truly,
Harry signed the note, with a small grin on his face. The twins took it, folded it, and apparated away.