"Hermione, why can't you tell me what's in that box?" I asked for the twentieth time or so since she had given me said box with the instruction to only open it when I was back at the Dursley's home.

"Harry, it's a SURPRISE." The brunette giggled as she grabbed her trunk before she exited the compartment, giving me a challenging smirk that I returned in a heartbeat.

"Alright, Miss Granger, and what does that surprise contain?" I asked when we were making our way out of the Hogwarts Express and I tried to suppress the negative thoughts that arose inside of me when I realized what returning to King's Cross meant for me.

"If I were you then I'd stop asking questions or you'll never be allowed to open the box." My best friend countered and I chuckled when I opened a door for her, revealing the train station outside.

"You know, I could open it right here, right now." I told her with a shrug of my shoulders and Hermione's eyes narrowed on mine dangerously.

"Oh no, you won't." She simply said and that was enough to stop my questioning.

"Alright, alright.. I was just joking." I said in my defence and the witch just smiled knowingly at me.

"You could never do anything that I tell you not to, Harry." She stated and with that, she stepped onto the platform, me not far behind her.

We said goodbye to a few of our friends and the Weasley twins sank down on their knees in front of me, worshipping me for giving them the prize money, and when they asked me what I wanted in return I had to smile.

"Just make sure that Ron gets pranked without mercy for the rest of his life." I said with a mischievous tone and the twins immediately agreed before we shook hands, and then they were off, probably in search for the victim of their pranks.

"They didn't even ask questions why!" Hermione exclaimed when we passed the border to the muggle train station and I smiled weakly.

"Yeah, I'm actually quite glad for that. Though I'm sure they'll find out soon enough.." I responded, my voice a lot more gloomy than mere moments before.

Although I absolutely thought that ending my friendship with Ron was the right thing to do I also couldn't deny that it hurt. For almost four years we had been friends.

But maybe I was too naive. Thinking that if I didn't judge him for every mistake that he made and believing that I could keep his bad side at bay truly turned out to be a huge mistake of my life. But it also made me realize something:

Kindness was an incredibly powerful yet dangerous tool. If used correctly, then it could make things a ton easier, and if not.. well, it only makes things more complicated.

"You gotta have a clear line that nobody should be allowed to cross." I thought to myself when Hermione suddenly stopped in front of me.

"I'm gonna help you find your aunt and uncle before I leave you." The brunette announced and I gave her a thankful smile for that little but so meaningful gesture.

"What are you gonna do in the holidays, anyway?" I asked when I realized that I hadn't spoken with her about HER free summer.

"Oh, I'm staying at home, just like you. My parents and I decided we could maybe visit a few nearby cities for a day if we wanted or spend a day at the sea, you know it's not too far away from London.", She explained, "But of course I'll do all the homework before I allow myself to indulge in the fun of free time activities."

I grinned at her, not a tiny bit surprised by her answer.

"I would doubt that you were Hermione Granger if you said anything different." I admitted, which earned me a light slap on my back before we continued searching for my relatives that surely couldn't wait for me to return to their house…

"Wait a second, is this Professor Lupin?" I asked a few minutes later when I noticed two men leaning against a pillar of the train station, their gazes wandering across the hall as they talked with each other. And one of them looked just like my old teacher!

"Well, I don't know who his companion is, but that's him." Hermione responded and marched towards the duo of wizards without another word. I glimpsed before I realized what had happened and I quickly followed my best friend before I lost sight of her.

"Professor Lupin, is that you?" She asked when the two of us were in earshot for the two men to hear. With quite an exhausted sigh I came to a stop in front of my dad's friend.

"Well, well, so we meet again. Surprised?" The werewolf asked us with a raised brow and I chuckled heartily.

"Yeah, but I don't mind a bit seeing you here. By the way, have we met?" I asked the man at Lupin's side who smirked in response.

"Harry, I'm quite disappointed that you wouldn't recognize your own godfather." The man winked at me and my jaw dropped. Now way!

"Padfoot, what are you doing here?!", Hermione exclaimed in a mixture of happy surprise and concern, "Aren't you afraid of getting caught?"

"Well, I haven't heard of a spell that could detect a polyjuice potion." Sirius now winked at Hermione with a rakish smile before I embraced my godfather warmly.

"I thought I wouldn't see you.. well, for quite some time." I admitted and looked into the face of an entirely different man.

"Now, that almost sounded like you missed me, Harry." He grinned before patting me on the back and hugging Hermione while I shook hands with my old teacher.

"Professor Lupin." I said as I couldn't help but smile at the man that taught me so, so many things at Hogwarts.

"It's good to see you again, Harry. But please, call me Remus from now on. I'm not your teacher any more." He told me before hugging Hermione as well.

"Now, where is Ron?" Sirius asked when he realized that the third person of our trio was missing and I shot Hermione a helpless look.

"Oh please, I don't want to talk about that now." I thought but luckily the brightest witch of our generation came up with a quick response.

"He's already apparated back home to the Burrow with his parents. Don't worry, we already said our farewells." She said and I couldn't help but notice the sarcastic nature of her reply.

"What a farewell it had been indeed." I thought as my godfather shrugged his shoulders.

"Do you actually know whose body that is you currently occupy?" Hermione than asked silently, keen on changing the subject. Though I was sure she really wanted to know the answer to that question.

"I don't know. A random muggle I'd say." Sirius said and snickered when he saw Hermione's eyes narrowing on his.

"Well, anyway. I assume that right now, you're a bit confused to see an old teacher and your godfather, right Harry?" Remus interfered before his friend could have triggered Hermione's famous fury and I nodded firmly.

"Padfoot and I are here to bring you to the Dursley's home. And believe me, there's quite a surprise waiting for you there.." The werewolf told me and I grinned when I realized that I wouldn't have to survive one of these truly uncomfortable journeys back to Surrey in the car. The silence was unbearable.

"I guess that means goodbye for now, then.." Hermione said with a sad smile before she parked her trunk for a second, walked towards me for a bear-like hug and kissed me on both cheeks, an intoxicating tingle and feeling of warmth coursing through my body the second her lips made contact to my skin.

I hugged her back with the same stregth and couldn't help smiling brightly before I leant down to her ear slightly.

"We'll see each other soon enough, 'Mione." I whispered before I let her out of my arms, though I did so only reluctantly.

"You sure that's the way you wanna say goodbye to your girlfriend, Harry?" Sirius teased and wiggled his eyebrows at me, which made me blush intensely.

"We're just best friends!" We both exclaimed before increasing the distance between our bodies as to emphasize the truth of our words.

"They really look like James and Lily, don't they?" Remus sighed with an amused smile and I rolled my eyes, now knowing that I wouldn't get any support from Moony in this matter.

"See you later." I then said, not being able to form a better phrase than this, and Hermione looked at me once again with a smile before she waved at me and then turned around, searching for her own parents.

"What was that for?" I pointed my finger at the two best friends who just snickered as they shot each other a meaningful glance.

"Ah, Harry.. Sometimes I think your father would be so, so proud of you." Sirius stated before he grabbed my trunk and raised a brow.

"Shall we?" He asked with a rakish smirk and I nodded, thankful for the change of topic.

"Then let's a find a place to apparate you back to Surrey." Remus remarked before patting my back and leading us out of the train station…

As soon as the dizziness in my head disappeared and I felt like I didn't have to spill the content of my stomach any more, I glimpsed and took in the most repelling view there was for me on this entire planet: Privet Drive Number 4.

How I hated that blasted place, from the way it looked like to the people living in it, I felt anger rising in my chest simply by reminding myself how alone I was whenever I slept under this roof. And it was all Dumbledore's fault.

"No, I think I was a bit too optimistic when I thought that I could let the past go.. Because the past still lives on, for now." I thought with gritted teeth.

"I know, not the loveliest of places in the world." Sirius sighed and Remus gave me a compassionate look.

"You're gonna feel better once we're inside, believe me." The werewolf told me and I knitted my brows in confusion.

"We? I could swear my aunt and uncle wouldn't allow two wizard in their house." I asked and Sirius chuckled.

"Well, let's find out then, mh?" My godfather smirked as he reached into the pocket of his shirt before revealing a shiny silver key that he promptly handed to me.

"Wow, even I've never touched that key in thirteen years, how is it you have it?" I asked in amazement and Sirius shrugged his shoulders.

"They handed us the key with pure reluctance but did so anyway." He said like it was nothing special and I was about to ask the next question when Remus raised a hand to silence me.

"Once inside, you'll get all the answers that you want." He promised me and now I grinned, having the feeling that something was oddly promising about this summer.

Only when I already stood in front of the main door did a certain thought spring to my mind.

"Wait, you know that they'll probably want to insult me for an hour before they let me.. Remus!" I couldn't even finish my sentence as the werewolf already shoved me inside, my godfather giving him a high-five in return.

For a second I just stared at the entrance hall, sensing that something strange was going on here, and then I realized that the thing that was going on here was in fact.. nothing?

Not a single sound indicated of people currently moving through this house, not a single sound of a radio or a television welcomed me, no. The only sounds came from me, Remus and Sirius.

"Where.. are they?" I asked the two friends and my godfather smirked at me with twinkling eyes.

"On holiday." He responded with a snicker and I turned around to the Marauders, my jaw dropping in disbelief.

"You mean I have the house for myself? How did you do that?" I blabbered without another thought and hugged my dad's old school colleagues heartily.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but it was Dumbledore that made them go away.." Remus admitted in all honesty but I chuckled.

"How long are they gone?" I asked, not being able to comprehend my luck.

"Until the last week of the holidays. Now, Harry, if you don't mind, we'd like to discuss something with you." The werewolf announced and with a nod I lead them into the living room, where I gestured them to settle down.

"Do you want a tea or something to drink?" I asked, and for the first time in my life did I voluntarily offer my help in this household.

"No, we don't wish to cause you any trouble." Remus politely declined.

"Yes, why not?" Sirius grinned at me with rakishness and I shook my head with a grin of my own, before I quickly went into the kitchen and made a tea for my godfather.

"You really have no manners Padfoot, do you?" I heard Remus hissing under his breath, which only made the Black snicker even more.

"Hey, he offered it, there's nothing wrong with accepting it." He defended himself and Remus sighed in defeat…

"Now, what do you guys want to talk about with me?" I asked when all the three of us were seated in the living room, Sirius of course not being able to resist the temptation of resting his feet on a coffee table in a house that had such strict rules. Normally.

"We wanted to warn you. It might seem obvious to you, but I want to stress how important it is that you won't do anything stupid during this summer. It's not only Voldemort that concerns me, though. The ministry for magic is for the moment an enemy just as dangerous as the dark lord. They try to deny the fact that Voldemort has returned, and with the press on their side it seems like it's only a matter of time until you are framed a conspiracy theorist. You are their target as well, keep that in mind." Remus explained and I nodded firmly, really not looking forward to risk my life in the near future again.

"But that's not all: Dumbledore is just as much of a plotter as the other parties.." Sirius added and I could already guess what he wanted to tell me.

"The reason why this house is yours for the next weeks, is Dumbledore's work. The reason why we were allowed to pick you up at King's Cross is because Dumbledore allowed it. You might think that it's not a bad thing at all, but Harry, Dumbledore also uses you for his own plans. They might ensure the survival of the established wizarding world, but they completely neglect the well-being of individuals. Yours more than anybody else's." My godfather explained and I again nodded.

"I know that already. Hermione told me so after her talk with Dumbledore." I explained and Remus raised a brow in curiosity.

"No offence, but I would have expected quite a bit of rage from you, Harry." He remarked.

"Well, Hermione talked to him and I really got the feeling that he'll change from now on. It's Hermione, after all. She always makes people see reason." I explained but Remus shook his head.

"This is Albus Dumbledore we're talking about. His faith in his own plans is unwavering and I honestly doubt that he'll change just because of one conversation, no matter how brilliant Hermione's convincing was.", he countered, "But even if he realises that he has committed a lot of sins in the past, I would expect more of you than to just forgive him.."

"To be blunt Harry: This man is responsible for you getting physically and mentally abused in your childhood, he is responsible for almost all the pain that you had to go through in your young life and now that the dark lord has returned, he doesn't even feel remorse when he initially wanted to isolate you during this summer. This man only cares for you because you are the most crucial part of his plan to stop Voldemort. If Draco Malfoy was that person, he wouldn't give a damn about you." Sirius cut Remus off and as the words began to sink in, I couldn't help but feel betrayed and stabbed in the back. But hot anger didn't shoot up in me, no, it was cold rage. That kind of rage that makes your heart feel numb.

I blamed the fact that I had been so exhausted after my argument with Ron for my willingness to forgive Dumbledore. The stress and everything had hindered me from really understanding the words that came out of Hermione's mouth when she explained everything to me. But now it hit me like a truck head-on.

I leant back in my seat, closed my eyes and massaged my forehead, feeling the cold nature of this reality and somehow I hoped to just wake up and that somebody told me that this was only a dream, a mere and very bad joke. But of course it never happened.

"So what do you want me to do about it?" I asked with the most composed voice I could muster and Remus sighed.

"It would be wrong to advise you to distrust Dumbledore completely, but if I were you Harry, then I'd give him a hard time to prove that he is worth your trust again." He said and I opened my eyes again.

"But what if Dumbledore just assumes that I'll follow his orders no matter what? What will happen when I disobey?" I asked and Sirius looked me directly in the eyes before continuing.

"Then we will have to deal with Albus Dumbledore, as much as I'd like to avoid it. But family sticks together, Harry." He told me and gave me a reassuring wink that made me grin for a second.

"You know, that reminds me of something: If Dumbledore should be willing to cooperate in order to regain my trust, then I want him to arrange a trial so you don't have to walk around in the form of another ever again. Short hair just doesn't suit you well." I said and Sirius gestured his outrage while mumbling unintelligible things to himself.

"That tea sucks as well, by the way! It's cold." My godfather countered and Remus and I snickered.

"That might be because you've neglected it until now." He remarked and Sirius rolled his eyes.

"Anyway. Long story short Harry: Don't do anything stupid, don't trust the ministry and respect Dumbledore without trusting him. If we have any luck, then you're life is gonna be better after this summer than before." He concluded before he got up and Remus followed his lead.

"Ah, before I forget it: There's something I want you to have."

Sirius then pulled something out of his pocket that looked like.. a mirror?

"What's that?" I asked him when he had given me his present and I eyed the rectangular piece of glass with curiosity.

"That is a two-way mirror. If you say my name then you'll see my reflection on your mirror and vice versa. Yep, who would have thought, I have the other one." He explained with a chuckle and showed me another, identical mirror in his other hand.

"You can also talk through them. You see, your mother invented them when the lot of us was at Hogwarts. I think she got the idea from.."

"Telephones, yeah. Though you can only speak with somebody with a phone." I interrupted and Sirius smiled.

"You wouldn't believe how many times James and I have used them for our pranks.." My godfather sighed.

"What Sirius actually wanted to say is that if you should need anything from him then all you have to do is use your mirror. And if I might add, it would be wise to carry it around with you when you leave the house. 'Cause if something happens.."

"Then I can inform Sirius." I finished Remus explanation and my old professor gave me a weak smile.

"Well then Harry, I think we're done here for today. Sirius, if you would be so nice.." The werewolf said and gestured his friend to follow him to the entrance hall. I of course accompanied them to the door.

"Now, you see, right now we're quite busy with the or.. eh, I mean with fighting Voldemort, but I'm sure I'll find some time for my godson if he so wishes. Just use your mirror and I'll see what we can arrange." Sirius told me at the door before he hugged me and gave me a manly pat on the back.

"I hope your summer won't be as miserable as the others, now with the entire house for yourself.." ,Remus sighed as he hugged me as well, "And I cross my fingers that Dumbledore will change his mind."

"Yeah, me too Remus." I responded in all honesty before I opened the door and my guests stepped outside.

"Goodbye, Harry." They said in unison before they disapparated. I was alone for now.

I went inside again, grabbed my trunk and Hedwig's cage before climbing the steps to the first floor.

I entered my bedroom and sighed sombrely.

"Is it that time of the year again?" I mumbled as I took in the small room, everything standing or lying where it had been almost a year ago, and I started unpacking my stuff.

The very first thing that caught my attention was the box Hermione had given me on the Hogwarts Express mere hours ago, and I smiled when I realized that I could open it now.

"Oh, I completely forgot about that!" I thought as I sat down on my bed and quickly unboxed whatever lay inside. And out fell a small letter and a.. cassette?

Knowing that my answers would be found in the letter accompanying Hermione's surprise for me, I unfolded the piece of paper.

If there is anything that can make people's life easier on this world, then it is music. And since I don't know if I'll be able to visit you in person, I at least wanted to give you something from me that can make your time easier in Surrey. Or assure that you won't fall into a depression.

I'm quite sure you know how to use a cassette, but did you know that you can actually record music with a cassette player?

My idea was simple: You put the cassette into the cassette player and record songs from the radio that you like and tada! You've got yourself a true elixir of joy.

And if you're struggling to find songs that you like, here is a little tip: Have you ever heard about the radio channel called "Sound of Manchester"? They play the best music, all day, all night, if you ask me.

Why is that? Because Manchester is home to many famous and popular bands, and since the channel's name is ,,Sound of Manchester" they only play Mancunian music. So I hope you'll find your joy there, Mr Potter.

P.S: My favourite bands are New Order and Joy Division

P.P.S: We'll see each other soon again

P.P.P.S: I miss you already

"Aw, how cute of her.." I thought with a dreamy smile until my eyes widened in alarm.

"That's your best friend you're thinking about, Potter!" I groaned and lay down on my bed for a moment.

"Great, that's exactly what makes Sirius and Remus think that Hermione is my girlfriend.." I whispered to myself and closed my eyes, the stress of the day suddenly so present again…


Author's note:

Another chapter that I wrote in less than a day! I have so much fun writing this story that I can write more than 4k words a day, which I NEVER managed with "A week of excitement". There probably are even crazier people out there that can write more, but for me, 4k words is A LOT. And quite motivational for me, I must admit.

As you probably have read in the story description, this story will focus on fifth year. And now we're finally entering that era, so the first sparks will fly soon enough, believe me ;-)

Don't forget to leave a review and 'til the next time!

NewOrderFan05