Disclaimer: I don't own "Harry Potter", it is hereby © to J.K. Rowling. I wrote this story when I was 11-12 years old and between the years 2001-2003, so the actual "Order of the Phoenix" had not been released yet. Errors in spelling and grammar have been purposely left in to preserve originality and my skill as a young writer. This story is complete. This is a repost.
Chapter One: The Letter
It was Mid-August and Harry sat on his bed in the Dursley's spare bedroom. He was staring at the ceiling, visions of his previous year at Hogwarts floating through his mind. Dudley was having another tantrum and Harry's bedroom walls were being pounded. Following the pounding was the sound of Dudley throwing something out the window and then screaming. Then after that, the attempts of Aunt Petunia trying to calm him down. Harry ignored it. He continued to stare at the ceiling.
Then an owl flew through Harry's window. Harry didn't recognize this owl. The owl looked at him and dropped a letter at his feet. Harry picked up the letter and opened it. The envelope was addressed in silver ink. It was mesmerizing. He carefully opened the letter and his jaw dropped when he read the signature at the bottom. It was from Cho. He decided to read the letter aloud to himself. Besides, it'd help drown out the racket coming from Dudley's bedroom.
I was wondering if you'd like to stay with me at my house for the last two weeks of summer holiday until we go back to Hogwarts. I don't know why I've asked you, but, I guess I'm just alone. You're the only person I could think of who probably wouldn't have plans for the summer...Anyway, I'm planning on inviting Hermione and Ron as well, but my owl can't seem to locate them. I guess they're too far away...Maybe you could send them an owl and ask them...My Dad will come over and pick you up at your house. We know where you live already, (a friend told me) so you don't have to give us your address. So send me an owl if you can come. If the Dursley's say that you can't go, that's alright...Hope to see you soon!!!
Harry couldn't believe it! He felt as if he could walk on air! He would've cheered and whooped but, he didn't want to make the Dursley's get mad at him. When he came back to his senses a couple seconds later, Harry wrote back to Cho, every so often glancing up at the owl that delivered the letter. He finished the letter as fast as he could and tied it to the owl's leg. Then the owl spread its great wings and soared out the window. Harry woke up Hedwig who was snoozing in her cage, and he whispered "I've got a job for you." Harry unlatched the clasp holding Hedwig's door shut, then carefully carried her out of the cage. Hedwig flew onto a bedpost and sat there while Harry wrote a letter to Ron and Hermione informing them of Cho's offer.
He finished the letters and walked towards Hedwig who held out her leg and waited patiently as Harry tied the letters to her. Then she flew away. Dudley finally stopped his tantrum and Harry could smell breakfast cooking downstairs.
Harry had gotten the usual birthday presents from Sirius, Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley. All of them sent him cakes, cards, and a present. Harry began to get his Hogwarts things together so he could pack them away when he would leave. That is, if he would leave. He walked downstairs and saw Uncle Vernon sitting on the new sofa that he bought after a promotion from Grunnings. He was reading the paper and cleared his throat several times while he was doing so.
Harry walked past him and he could hear the faint sound of Dudley's voice in the kitchen. Harry opened the door to the kitchen to see at least fifty presents all of them were for Dudley. He'd forgotten! Again. That today was Dudley's birthday. As it began to sink in, Harry let out a loud groan which caught Dudley's attention and made him turn around with his beady little eyes and smirk at him.
"What do you want?" Dudley said irritably.
"Nothing. I just want breakfast." Harry replied softly.
"Duddy-dums, would you like to open some of your presents?" Aunt Petunia asked sweetly.
"Ok." Dudley said grinning.
"And as for you," Aunt Petunia said turning to Harry. "I want you to finish making breakfast and hurry and eat. We're going to have guests over and I don't want you to be seen in our house." She continued.
"Aunt Petunia! I've just remembered something! I won't have to hi-" Harry began.
"Not now, finish making breakfast!" Aunt Petunia snapped.
After that, Harry was silent. He finished making breakfast and sat down to the table, having served everyone their plates. He stared at his small piece of melon and small fraction of grapes. He hardly touched them. He drank his glass of juice and then cleared his plate. Uncle Vernon, who had recently joined the table, looked up at Harry then continued to eat. He grunted a few times and finished his breakfast. Dudley and Aunt Petunia finished their breakfasts and left the table. Harry grabbed all the dishes and utensils left on the table and he washed them and brought out some of the nicer plates and glasses. He then set the table for the guests that were to arrive.