The New Zealand Experience

Chapter 1 - The Competition

It was the summer after Harry's fifth year. He was sitting in his room at number four. A cool, evening, breeze played across his face as he stared out the open window, but at this moment he was not interested in his current surroundings. His thoughts were with his friends, who he believed he would not see again until the first of September. He hoped that they would write soon, as he was lonely and bored. Looking out his window he was happy to see Hedwig returning to him from a hunt. The surprising thing was, she had a letter. Sure, he had hoped his friends would write to him but he hadn't expected it this early. Recognising the writing on the outside Harry ripped the letter open.

Dear Harry,

I know we only got home two days ago, but I have exciting news. During the Christmas holidays I entered the Weasleys into a competition. They don't know yet, but they won! The prize is a trip for the family to New Zealand. I have already asked my parents, and they will pay for me to go as well. I know you have some money in your vault, so maybe you could come too. I also know you will have to write to Dumbledore but I have prepared some facts to help you convince him it will be okay.

1. New Zealand is in the South Pacific. About as far away from Britain as you can get.

2. New Zealand has only four million people even though it is the size of Britain.

3. The South Island (where will be going) is the largest of the two main islands, but has only around one million people.

4. We will be going to Ski Fields and who has heard of Death Eaters skiing?

5. We will be travelling the muggle way.

6. He can send anyone he wants with us.

This is so exciting! We will get to learn about Maori. They are the natives of New Zealand. I don't know much about them in the Magical way, but I know they have wizards and many magical creatures, like the Taniwha.

I haven't told the Weasleys yet. Perhaps you could help me?

Love,

Hermione

"New Zealand?" Harry thought. "It sounds like an interesting place. If it really is as isolated as Hermione says, what would the chance be of finding trouble there? It does seem like a great holiday and I know I can afford to go, but will Dumbledore let me? Well, the only way to find out would be to ask." Grabbing his quill he started to write.

Ten minutes later he finished and sent Hedwig on her way. With that done Harry lay down on his bed and started to read the letter again. When he got to the bit about the Death Eaters he stopped. Thinking about Death Eaters brought up memories of the attack at the Ministry and of Sirius. Trying hard not to get angry, Harry decided that there was nothing he could do that would change things and would have to get on with his life, for Sirius' sake. Accepting his fate, although bitterly, Harry drifted off to sleep.

-=-=-=-=-=-

The next morning Harry was just heading down the stairs when he heard someone knocking on the door. Pausing so he could see whom it was, he watched as his uncle came out of the kitchen. The door opened, and to Harry's shock, he saw Dumbledore standing in the frame.

"What do you want?" his uncle asked with a very irritated voice.

"I have come to see Harry," Dumbledore replied without showing he had heard the tone of the question.

"Boy!" Vernon yelled, his face turning purple with rage. "Get down here now! One of your kind to see you."

Harry finished coming down the stairs and walked over to meet Dumbledore.

"Ah, Harry, I received your letter and Miss. Granger's points have helped convince me that your holiday would be suitable. I have here your new passport, and I am sure the Grangers will help you with any other arrangements," Dumbledore told Harry as he handed him an envelope. "I would accompany you myself, but I cannot because of other matters. I am not sure I would be able to ski either, so instead I am trusting that the Weasleys will be enough. I will also have other operatives over there, but they will not be in direct contact with you."

"Thank you," Harry only just managed, as he was so happy that he could actually go, not to mention without escorts.

"I must go. See you later Harry," Dumbledore said before disappearing with a soft 'pop'. Harry turned and ran back up to his room.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Dear Hermione,

I can go! Dumbledore just visited and said I could. He also gave me a passport. I will need you to help to get my ticket and accommodation though. I guess I need to go to Diagon Alley now to convert some money. Maybe we could meet the Weasleys there and tell them the good news? I can take the Knight Bus. Would Thursday be okay? If so could you tell the Weasleys?

See you later,

Harry

-=-=-=-=-=-

Dear Harry,

Thursday is fine. We will meet you in the Leaky Cauldron. I thought you would come, so I got my parents to book for you at the same time as they booked for me. You can just pay yourself. We can plan out how we will tell the Weasleys when we meet tomorrow (Thursday). I can't wait until we get to see the look on their faces! Especially Ron. Imagine how excited Mr. Weasley will be about travelling the muggle way, in planes. I hope they will accept it, you know how they are about what they think is charity. If not, I am sure we can force them to come with the excuse that you need them for support and protection.

Love,

Hermione

As Harry read Hermione's reply he felt his excitement building. This was really going to happen, and it would all start tomorrow. He had never really been on a holiday before, and was not sure what to expect. All he knew was that as long as his friends were there with him, that he would enjoy it. He really hoped that Voldemort would not be able to find him so far away in such a sparsely populated country. As Harry settled down to sleep he realised that he was doing exactly what he told himself to do, he was getting on with his life. Just like Sirius would have wanted him to do. His sleep was one of the most peaceful in weeks, and was filled with mountains, snow, and him spending time with his friends in an unknown country.