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#4 Privet Drive - Sunday, 11 July 1993 – Evening

After a dinner wholly insufficient for a growing boy, Harry trekked up to his room with the multiple locks and cat flap from last summer. He had expected to see Hedwig's perch empty but was surprised to see Errol, the Weasley's post owl sleeping there instead. Frankly, the owl looked dead on its feet, or wings as nature would have it. Errol was quite old, and Harry didn't think he had many years, if not flights, left in him. As he entered the room and closed the door, Errol lifted his head and gave a quiet hoot.

"Hello there, Errol. Do you have a letter for me?" Harry asked.

Errol cooed and extended his leg. There was a letter attached in Ron's messy scrawl. Harry smiled. He had missed Ron. Maybe he would send his message back with Errol.

Or maybe not. Harry thought as he took a closer look at the poor bird. Hedwig would probably like to have some exercise. Although regular owls didn't fly very far for hunting, post owls were breed with magic which gave them enhanced durability, speed, and the ability always to find the letter's recipient. As such, Hedwig got moody if she was shut up or not given many errands to run.

Harry gave Errol some of Hedwig's owl treats (he would need to get more in Diagon Alley) and pushed her water bowl a bit closer to the old owl so that he didn't have to reach as far. Poor thing looked like he was going to drop dead.

Dear Harry,

How's life with the Muggles? I hope you're not having too tough a time. I'm sorry about the telephone call. I asked Dad, and he reckons I shouldn't have shouted. Mom should be sending you a basket soon. I'll sneak in some treacle tart. I know how you like it.

Now, I know it sounds weird, but I've been thinking about school. My Grandad has been visiting. He's the one who taught me chess. He's really cool. Well- we were playing, and we got to talking about Hogwarts. I've never really thought about it, but if I ever want to be recognized as anything other than just another Weasley, I need to do better, like Bill or Charlie. I know it sounds weird, but my grandpa thinks I can do it and after thinking about it, I think I want to try. I know we picked easy classes for next year, but now I'm wondering if that was the right idea. I don't know, Harry. Am I crazy? I just need to talk, and you're my best friend. Please write back soon.

Ron

P.S.

You might want to send Hedwig back with your letter. Errol isn't looking too good.

Harry was surprised, and frankly didn't know what to think. His emotions ranged from surprise, to doubt, to humor, to contemplation. Once or twice Professor McGonagall had told Ron and Harry about how although their grades were satisfactory, she thought that they could do better. For years, Harry had dumbed down his academic zeal due to how the Dursleys would react. Any grade higher than Dudley's was seen as cheating and would see him locked in his cupboard. It was a shame because as a kid, Harry had loved learning.

However, now that he thought about it, at Hogwarts, the Dursleys couldn't give a flying pixie about his grades now. Indeed, before Harry's first year, he had read as much as he could, and it was only after becoming friends with Ron and Snape's unfair treatment that Harry had stopped trying so hard. However, in the back of his mind, Harry was still thrilled with the thought of magic and the wizarding world and wanted to excel.

Well, if Ron was going to go down this road, then Harry was more than glad to follow him. Ron always had been smarter than he seemed. After all, Ron had been the one to get them past the giant chess set in their first year and knock some sense into Hermione during the Devil's Snare challenge. He had also been able to produce a non-verbal slug-eating hex at Malfoy. The only reason the spell didn't work was Ron's broken wand. Even then, the spell had worked. It had just, unfortunately, come out the wrong end.

Dear Ron, Harry started.

Who are you, and what have you done with Ron Weasley? I'm just kidding. Truth be told, I think that it's a great idea. Maybe McGonagall could send us some information so we could choose different classes.

Actually, Ron, I've been thinking about my family. I know practically nothing about them. I wonder what classes my parents took and how they would feel about my current grades. The Dursleys don't care, and during primary school, they got mad if they did better than their precious Duddykins.

Did you know how I could learn about my family? Do you know who I should contact for that information? Write back soon. It's nice to talk. Tell your mum that I'm looking forward to her basket.

Harry

P.S.

Yeah, the yelling wasn't the best idea. I'm sending a letter to McGonagall about the classes. You can send yours with Hedwig, too.

Harry smiled as he finished his letter. Now all he had to do was wait for Hedwig to get back from her hunt. He also wrote a letter to Professor McGonagall to ask for more information on the classes and if it wasn't too late to change courses. Ron could add his message and Hedwig would deliver them both.

Harry started working on his transfiguration homework while he waited. He was only working for about an hour when Hedwig came back, a small lizard in her beak.

"Hello, girl!" Harry called, Hedwig looked at the old visitor and ignored him for the most part. Hedwig didn't seem to mind Errol using her perch.

"Once you're done with that, are you up for an important job for me?" he asked.

Hedwig fluffed her wings and looked a bit excited. "I need you to take these to Ron and Professor McGonagall. I know Hogwarts will be a bit of a flight, but I know you can do it," Harry said, stroking her pride. Hedwig puffed up and looked proud, every bit the regal snowy owl she was. She shot Errol a look as if to convey her superior abilities.

"Now don't be acting like Malfoy, Hedwig," Harry chided with a chuckle. Hedwig looked affronted by the thought. She took the letters and left after giving Harry a slightly harder nip than usual. Harry smiled as he watched her fly off. Turning to Errol, Harry said, "You can relax here as long as you need to, Errol. The Dursleys never come in here if they can help it." Errol hooted thankfully and placed his head under his wing and went back to sleep. Harry went back to his homework. All there was to do now was wait.

A/N: Thank you to the 483 people who read my story between the last time I posted and now. You guys are the reason I write this. Shout out to my new readers in Sri Lanka, Japan, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Brunei Darussalam, Romania, Egypt, and Luxembourg. I am sorry that this chapter is so short, but it allows me to turn out chapters faster and I will try to make future chapters longer.

Special thanks to geekymom, Quills-messyhands, and L H Barbie for reviewing. Since words of affirmation is my love language, I can honestly say that your and all my other reviewers bring great joy to my heart.

A/N to Guests:

I am glad that you have enjoyed the last chapter and yeah, the movies tend to make Ron look dumb, but in reality, he is pretty smart and funny in the books. That is what I like about him.