Harry Potter tossed and turned on his bed at Number 4 Privet Drive. He struggled to awaken, but something held him with in the clutches of sleep.
Harry groaned, knowing what was to happen. Harry was sweating profusely now, trying to open his eyes. But to no avail. He jolted awake, the lightening bolt-shaped scar burning his forehead in agony.
Harry gasped for breath, clutching his scar. He couldn't be too loud, as it would wake his aunt and uncle. Not really a good scenario. Once the pain had diminished, Harry rose from his bed, pacing the room. "The Light and the Dark? If that was a prophecy, it was pretty dull. Obviously I'm the Light and Voldemort is the Dark." Harry shook his head, wondering what he should do. "Write a letter to Sirius, I suppose. He would want to know about it. Wish I knew what he was up to," the Boy Who Lived muttered to his owl, Hedwig. She hooted softly in response.
Harry sat at his rather small desk, taking out a quill and piece of parchment.
Dear Sirius,
Hey, it's Harry. Suppose you knew that though, since Hedwig is delivering this letter. I had another dream tonight. Pretty much the same one as all the others...you know, what happened at the Tri-Wizard tournament with Voldemort. But this one had a different ending. The Dark Lord told me something about the Light and the Dark facing off and only one could prosper. I don't know, do you think it was a prophecy?
Thought you would want to know. So, where are you anyway? It's been a while since I've heard anything from you; so let me know if everything is going ok. I may only be fifteen, but I do worry. I'm not a total git.
Hope I hear something from you soon. I'm going off my rocker here at the Dursley's.
Bye for now, Harry.
Harry quickly folded the parchment and tied it around Hedwig's leg. The owl followed him to the window as he went to open it. "Do be careful, won't you, Hedwig?" Harry stroked the bird fondly as she nipped slightly at his fingers. "I'll see you soon, then." With that, she took off, gliding gracefully through the night sky.
Harry sighed and turned from his window to face the clock. 3:45 AM. Harry paused, thinking momentarily. "Well, well," he chuckled to himself. "Perhaps I really am a git. It's my birthday and I completely forgot about it. Happy number fifteen," he told himself. "Wonder if Ron or Hermione are going to send anything."
As though to answer his musings, a small brown thing came hurtling into his room. By the looks of the sporadic flying patterns, it was definitely Pig, Ron's hyperactive owl. Harry reached out with his right hand and caught the owl as it flew past him. "Honestly, Ron could have his Mum put a Calming Charm on you. Oh well, let's take a look at what you've brought." Harry untied the rather small package and a letter from Pig's leg. The owl sat there for a moment, before taking off through the window. "Oh fine," Harry muttered. "Now I can't send a note off to Ron."
Turning his attention back to the matter at hand, Harry tore the letter open first.
Harry,
Hey, mate! Happy Birthday! Can you believe you're fifteen already? Doesn't seem possible that we're starting our 5th year at Hogwarts, does it? I know the package is kind of small, but believe me it's worth it. Hope you like it.
Unfortunately, I do have some more serious news. Ginny's gone missing. She disappeared out of the back yard about a week ago and there hasn't been a trace of her. Everyone here is running around like headless chickens, frantic with worry. Mum and Dad, along with most of the rest of us, seem to think You-Know-Who got her somehow. Percy says that it would be impossible for that to happen, as 'the rumors about You-Know-Who's return are simply that. Rumors.' I swear Fudge has him under the Imperius Curse. Just kidding, of course. But I'm really worried about Ginny. I hope they find her soon.
In light of everything that's going on right now, Dumbledore told me to tell you that you couldn't come stay at the Burrow this summer. Says you're more protected with the Muggles. Sorry about that. Hermione is coming to stay for the last week; it'll be safer for her here than with her parents. Oh the irony of it all! I think we were planning on meeting up on August 20th to go to Diagon Alley and get our school supplies. Let me know if we can come pick you up or if the Muggles will drop you off. Well, gotta run! Hope you like your present.
Ron
Harry sat on his bed, staring out the window pensively. He turned back from the window, looking at the package Ron had sent. He tore off the wrapping quickly, gasping in surprise as what ever it was seemed to grow larger. It was a shiny black case for his Firebolt. Along the side, engraved in gold was his name: Harry James Potter. Harry opened the case, gasping at what he found inside. Not only was the interior of the case lined with red velvet, it also contained letters from the rest of his friends, the Marauder's Map, an old broomstick and two rather used-looking wands. At the tail of the broomstick were the words Thunderbolt, James Harold Potter. Harry's eyes filled with tears as he traced his finger over the words.
He reached for the first letter, recognizing Sirius' handwriting.
Harry,
Hope this finds you in good health. I know it's been a while since I've written...I'm sorry. Dumbledore has had Moony and I out on a few assignments. They're top secret, so I can't tell you anything. I will tell you though that this year will be a lot different from your previous years at Hogwarts. Especially for you. Enough of that, though! Happy Birthday! Fifteen already...your parents would be so proud. Which brings me to the menagerie of stuff in the broomstick case. The wands belonged to your parents. I managed to fish them out of the wreckage the night of the attack and hide them at my house. I only just found them while I was cleaning and thought you might like them. The broomstick belonged to James, obviously. He gave it to me for safekeeping when we found out about Voldemort's plan to attack. Wanted to you to have it, just in case something happened. And of course, I had to return to Marauder's Map. Just be careful with it this year! Only use the Map in extreme emergencies, no sneaking out for some midnight rendezvous. All right, I've got to go now. Moony and I are off on another mission. Do be careful, Harry. A lot of things are going to happen this year, and you're the central figure to everything.
I'll see you soon. Sirius.
Harry refolded the letter and placed in the case. He shrugged and reached for an envelope with loopy green writing on the outside.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock
Supreme Mugwump, International Confederation of Wizards)
Mr. H Potter
The Upstairs Bedroom
Number 4 Privet Drive
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you will begin your fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed is a list of the supplies you will need for the coming year.
We would also like to congratulate you on being selected as one of the Prefects for Gryffindor. You will find your badge in the envelope as well.
We will see you when term begins, on September 1st.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress.
Harry began to fold up the letter, but realized there was something else below McGonagall's signature. This looked like Dumbledore's handwriting, but he wasn't sure.
Mr. Potter,
First of all, congratulations on the honor of being made Prefect. I'm sure you and Miss Granger will treat the honor with responsibility. Secondly, I believe birthday wishes are in order? I do hate to be the bearer of bad news on what should be a joyous occasion; however, I fear I must do so.
I'm certain you've read the letters from Mr. Weasley and Sirius, so I'll not tell you anything regarding their news. I realize Sirius was rather vague in his letter about the importance of you being especially careful this year. That was by my request, as I wanted to tell you myself. You are to begin extra magical training this year at Hogwarts so as to prepare you for the Magical War we are about to face. Professors McGonagall, Snape, Lupin and myself will run these training sessions. Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger will be joining you in the training, as well as Miss Weasley, as soon as she is returned to us.
I understand that you may have some questions, yet I cannot reveal all in this letter. Come to my office directly after the Sorting on September 1st, and all will be explained there. You have powers beyond your imagination, Mr. Potter and we hope to harness those powers and use them for the Light.
If anything happens, anything at all, I request that you would owl me as soon as possible. Thank you for your bravery and cooperation. See you on the 1st!
Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster.
Harry groaned in frustration. Everyone insisted on being incredibly cryptic with him. Powers beyond his imagination? At least Dumbledore had been a little more forthcoming with information. Harry scanned the letter again, his eyes resting on the name Lupin. Maybe he was coming back to teach DADA. Harry thought, grinning at the possibility. Once again, he turned to the clock, checking the time. 4:52 AM. About three hours left until the Dursley's would make Harry get up and start his chores. Just enough time to sleep. Harry put everything aside and crawled back into bed, resting his head on the pillow. "I will not dream...I will not dream," he muttered to himself repeatedly. The Boy Who Lived closed his eyes and did not dream.