Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. JK Rowling does… or maybe Warner Bros. Does. I'm not quite sure… all I know is that I'm not making any money off of this so please don't sue me.
Harry Potter and the Elements of MagicSummery: OotP SPOILERS!!! A 6th year fic. Voldemort's quest for the weapon, which is being protected by the order, continues. Strange events start happening at Hogwarts and the students all suspect the new exchange students are to blame but Harry, Ron, and Hermione know better... (H/Hr, R/OC)
A/N: Well, this is my first real fic. I hope I did an ok job. I had started writing a 5th year one but OotP came out so it's kind of impossible now. I COMMAND THEE TO REVIEW!!! Wow I'm ok… really… but please review, I want feedback so I can make the story better.
Chapter 1: Begin Again
Harry rolled over in bed, debating whether or not to wake up. Reality was something he had tried to avoid at all costs this summer though sleep wasn't much better. If he slept, he would dream of the death of Sirius, Cedric, professor Umbridge's rule, Grawp, the centaurs, the prophesy… the list seemed to go on forever. While if he woke up, he couldn't pretend all these events were just dreams. The latter choice reigned supreme, as always, and Harry crawled out of bed. As he did, he heard the familiar tapping at the window signaling Hedwig's return. He opened the window and the owl flew to him, brandishing a roll of parchment in his face.
"Thanks, Hed," said Harry in a zombie-like way. Hedwig then nipped his ear affectionately and flew over to her perch to sleep.
Harry walked over to his desk and unfurled the letter.
Hey Harry,
Glad to hear you're alive and well… at least… you say you're well. You're letters are getting shorter and shorter. What's up? We're all worried about you… Mum's nearly panicking. We're probably all over reacting but I just thought I'd put that out there. Anyway, you're birthday's next week (like you forgot…) and we were all wondering if you'd want to come to The Burrow (we'll pick you up tomorrow at noon if it's alright). Dumbledore said it would be ok and Hermione's coming this week anyway; I think it would be good for all of us to get together. Plus, we could all compare how horribly we failed the astronomy O.W.L.s and go to Diagon Ally together. Just write us back and we'll figure out a way to get you here if you want to come.
Talk to you soon,
Ron
P.S. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes is making record business. Mum is disappointed that they dropped out of school but she's still supporting them.
Harry was shocked; he had forgotten it was his birthday next week. He would certainly be glad to get out of the Dursley's much earlier than he had expected to. It wasn't encouraging that they immediately left a room as soon as Harry entered it. Though at the same time, he wasn't sure if he really wanted to deal with people, they would just want to talk about Sirius, not exactly his favorite topic at the moment.
He decided it would be fun to go to The Burrow. The hecticness of the Weasley household would surely take his mind off of things. He took out a fresh piece of parchment from Dudley's old desk and wrote his reply.
Ron,
I'm sorry my replies have been so short lately; I guess I've just had a lot on my mind. It sounds like a great idea to come by your house. I'll tell the Dursleys if they sit still long enough but if they don't just come and pick me up anyway. They won't care. As for astronomy, I suspect I'll get a D for sure. I'm glad your brothers are doing well for themselves, we're going to have to drop by them while we're in Diagon Ally of course.
See you soon,
Harry
"Hedwig, I have another letter for you," Harry called. Hedwig merely opened one eye a crack and threw him a look of utmost disgust. "Look, I'm sorry I have to send you out again so soon" Harry said exasperatedly, "but please just take this to Ron."
Hedwig sat on her perch for a moment, staring at him with her newly opened eyes, and reluctantly flew over.
"Thanks," said Harry, tying the note to her leg. Hedwig nipped his ear, harder than usual this time, and flew out the open window.
Harry watched her fly out into the pink post-dawn sky until she was merely a speck on the smooth horizon. Once she left, Harry started packing for lack of anything better to do. The Dursleys wouldn't be up for another hour so he wouldn't be able to ask permission until then.
He gathered his old robes and was about to put them in his trunk when he discovered the broken shards of Sirius's two-way mirror. Guilt rushed through his body once again remembering how it could have saved his godfather's life, and several of his friends' injuries. Guilt was swiftly replaced by anger of his own stupidity and his quickly chucked his pillow at the wall with all his might.
"God damn it! Why do I screw everything up?" he sobbed and threw himself onto the sagging mattress.
***
Breakfast with the Dursleys was never a pleasant experience. The only good thing is that they had finally given up on Dudley's diet to prevent mass starvation. Harry thought it best to spring his plans on his porky uncle as soon as he finished his ham and cheese omelet.
"Er, Uncle Vernon?"
"What is it boy?"
"My friend Ron, you've met him, wanted to know if I could spend the rest of the summer with him. They would pick me up tomorrow at noon and you wouldn't have to deal with me until next summer," Harry said rather quickly hoping that his uncle wouldn't catch all of it.
Vernon sat for a moment, his face turning a brilliant shade of magenta, considering his options. Harry could tell that getting rid of him several weeks earlier than they had ever hoped for was a rather wonderful idea for him but dealing with the Weasleys again…
Vernon glanced towards his living room, "how will they be picking you up, car?"
"Er… I think so… yeah…" Harry replied.
"And it'll just be them right? Because we haven't been mistreating you too horribly this summer, have we?"
Harry suppressed a laugh. He doubted being avoided at all costs would be considered treating him well by most people but for the Dursleys, it was certainly an improvement. The order probably wouldn't be called in.
"I don't think so…"
"Well alright then, the sooner you leave, the better."
"Thanks," Harry replied and left the table without another word.
***
Harry finished packing in a much better mood than he had been in when he started. He had spent every birthday he could remember with the Dursleys and they never gave him as much as a second glance. Now he was going to spend it with his two best friends and have a party. He couldn't wait.
A/N: well what do you think? I don't think it's too bad. The chapters will get longer once I think of more to say (the Dursley house isn't very exciting, ok?). Just REVIEW and I'll get the next chapter out ASAP. Remember, I eat REVIEWs so I won't be able to keep writing unless you REVIEW because I will starve and die. So remember to REVIEW!!! Hmm… that was settle don't you think *coughREVIEWcough*