Part 4

"Dear Ron," Harry began, "I've only just got home and all ready in my room. The Dursley's have gotten even more paranoid than usual about being found out. I bet you're glad to be home. How's Bill? And Charlie, and your dad, and mum and Fred and George and Fleur and Ginny and...everybody!! Hedwig is mad at me now because I won't let her out of her cage. I want to, but it's not like she understands that. I've already been grounded from supper. Good thing that I saved some of the Pumpkin Pasties and Chocolate Frogs from the train ride. I'll feast tonight!

Dudley's gotten even larger. I didn't think it was possible. I know he was supposed to be on that diet, but I guess he probably has a stash of candy hidden somewhere too. Either that or his porky friends are supplying him. I guess that's all to tell. I can't wait to see you for Bill and Fleur's wedding! I haven't asked the Dursleys yet but if it means getting rid of me a month early, they'll jump for joy.

That's all to say for now. Can't wait to hear from you, so send Pig back ASAP, okay?

Gotta go write to Hermione now, so bye!

Harry"

Harry sighed and scratched the back of his neck. Leaning over, he petted Hedwig through the bars of her cage. "Listen," he said. "I'll let you out when it's dark, to make some deliveries. You can stay out as long as you want hunting, just please wait till it's dark. And be quiet as you leave, or else the Dursleys will have my hide!"

Hedwig hooted softly and looked at Harry with her beautiful amber eyes. She nipped his finger gently and Harry smiled. "Glad we're friends again," he said.

With one last pat and a look out the window, Harry pulled out another piece of parchment to write to Hermione.

"Dear Hermione,

How are you? Were your parents glad to see you? I bet that you have a terrific summer planned. I guess I'll just have to imagine how much fun you guys are having. You are safe with the Muggles, right? I mean, do you think that...Voldemort will try anything? Oh damn, now I've started worrying. Oh well.

The Dursleys are as wonderful as ever, maybe even more so. In my opinion, they are more paranoid than ever. I've already been grounded from supper, but don't worry, I won't starve.

Hedwig can't wait till it's dark so I can let her out. I don't dare let her out when the Dursleys are still awake. If Uncle Vernon saw her I'd be dead.

Anyway, I hope that you are well and will write back soon. Oh, and send your owl at night so the Dursleys don't see it.

Thanks,

Harry"

Looking at his clock, Harry saw that it was already 5:00. With a sigh, Harry noted that the sun was still high in the sky. He wouldn't be able to send Hedwig out till late. At least this time the Dursley's hadn't locked him in his room and barred his windows. And they hadn't locked up his spell books and trunk and wand which was also a plus.

Harry opened his bedroom door and walked down the stairs quietly, hoping not to draw any attention to himself. Suddenly..."CREAK!" Harry winced and froze but the rumble of conversation from the kitchen didn't stop. Breathing a sigh of relief, Harry tiptoed the rest of the way down the stairs and out of the house.

The warm sun hit his face and Harry smiled. Being out of the Dursley's house was like being free from all his problems. The wind blew through his messy black hair, leaving it more ruffled than before. He could never get it to lie straight. Straightening his glasses, Harry walked down the street to the playground nearby. Dudley and his cronies had been there recently. Already the see-saw was broken and one of the swings was so twisted up, they would need maintenance people to come and fix it. Sighing, Harry sat on the undamaged swing and leaned his forehead against the cool metal. Suddenly, he heard a crack behind him. Harry bolted straight up and reached for his wand that was hidden in his inside jacket pocket. It sounded like someone was apparating or disapparating. Looking around warily, Harry tried to see whether there was anything unusual, anything out of place. He stood motionless for five minutes before finally letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Suddenly, the free environment of outside felt too open. Harry shivered and pulled his jacket tighter around him. Walking quickly, Harry got back to the house in record time. The Dursley's hadn't even finished their supper yet. Quietly, Harry ran back up to his room and sat at his desk, breathing hard. Taking out yet another piece of parchment, Harry dipped his quill in the ink and began to write.

"Dear Sirius," and then Harry stopped. Even though it had been almost two years, Harry still couldn't believe his godfather was really dead. Crossing out the name, Harry instead re-wrote, "Dear Dumbledore," before throwing his quill down in frustration. Dumbledore was dead too! Dead because of Draco Malfoy's school-boy foolishness. Harry paced up and down his room, the tears that he hadn't cried at Dumbledore's funeral ran down his cheeks and past his lips. The people that Harry usually went to for help and advice...they were both gone. Dead and snatched away saving him from Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Harry soon got tired of pacing and lay down tiredly on his bed. He still felt terrible, the tears still were running down his cheeks, but he was tired. And so, the famous Harry Potter, the "Chosen One," cried himself to sleep on his little bed in his room on Privet Drive.