Harry's Decision
Surprisingly, the conversation he had had with his aunt made him feel a lot better. He was still depressed, but the realization that his aunt didn't hate him after all comforted him.
Harry spent the next few weeks in his room, refusing any meals. After Uncle Vernon asked him during dinner "So, is anybody else dead that you know?" he decided he did not feel like eating at all. When Aunt Petunia left him meals outside his door, he tried to eat, but immediately felt like vomiting and left the meal almost untouched. Dumbledore's death affected him more than it affected others, and Harry wondered whether life would ever be the same.
As his birthday drew nearer, Harry started to think of the horcruxes, and who the bloody hell R.A.B might be. He wondered whether R.A.B destroyed all of the horcruxes, just the locket, or maybe neither. Perhaps Voldemort killed him before he got a chance to destroy any of the horcruxes—meaning that Harry had a long, almost impossible way to go.
A distant owl suddenly caught his attention and stopped his train of thought.
Harry smiled when he recognized this owl; it was from Remus, probably letting him know when he would be picked up.
Harry,
How are you doing these days? Are you feeling any better? Please try to enjoy your summer. I know it is hard, with Dumbledore's death and everything that you have on your mind; but remember that Dumbledore wouldn't have wanted you to shut yourself away from everyone. I'm sure he told you the same thing when Sirius died.
I am writing to inform you that a select group of us will be picking you up the night of your birthday. We will arrive at 12 AM sharp, so be ready to leave. Make sure to say goodbye to your relatives; I am positive that deep down inside, they truly care for you. (Harry snorted at the thought of his uncle caring for him—if Voldemort killed Harry, Vernon would be the first to throw a party). What your uncle did to you was horrible, and I am sure he regrets it. 'Yeah Right,' Harry snorted.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Moony
Harry could not wait for his birthday. Time seemed to be passing by at a snails pace - much slower than his usual stay at the Dursleys. Perhaps it was because this time he knew he wouldn't be coming back or because he was anxious for what was waiting for him in the Wizarding World.
Harry spent his free time researching curses and spells that might help him on his journey. He did not bother doing his homework, since he knew he would not be returning to Hogwarts, even though the school was re-opening the upcoming year. Harry felt extremely guilty for Ron and Hermione not returning to school, but nonetheless he was grateful. He thought of Hermione, probably disappointed because she wouldn't be able to take her N.E.W.T exams, and Ron not being able to play more Quidditch. The thought of himself not being able to play Quidditch this year was quite horrifying too, but he knew he had to do this soon, or he might never succeed. The fact that Ron and Hermione were willing to give this up for him proved their loyalty to him.
He also thought of Ginny. He couldn't believe that he spent almost 6 years in Hogwarts not noticing her as more than Ron's little sister. And now that he had, he regretted not doing so sooner. He was terrified at the thought of not seeing her again, but immediately pushed this thought out of his mind; there was no reason to be even more depressed than he already is without having a reason to. 'Well,' he thought to himself, 'you don't have a reason to. Yet.'
Another week passed, and he soon found himself facing the day before his birthday. He looked up at the sky, hoping to see another owl flying towards his window. Indeed, an owl was heading towards his direction; it would probably be a letter from Ron, since he hadn't heard from him or Hermione ever since he arrived at Privet Drive. He wondered whether Dobby could have had anything to do with this.
He untied the scroll of parchment from the owl's leg, let the owl rest in Hedwig's cage, and began reading.
Hey mate,
How's everything going? I hope those muggles are treating you well. Sorry I didn't write, we had some complications back at home. Death Eaters attacked our house, and demanded to know when you would arrive at the Burrow. I don't know what they were thinking, seeing as there was no chance of us telling them. Dad was injured, but the rest of us are fine. He's getting better though, he will be going back to work in a week. Just thought I'd let you know, the wedding is this weekend. Will you be able to make it?
Hope to see you real soon,
Ron
Harry was slightly taken aback at his letter. He could not believe there was an attack on the Weasleys. And, what a surprise—it was because of him. At that moment, Harry made a decision; and he was determined not to let anyone change his mind.
