Harry and His Most Strange Year

Chapter 1: The Calvary

Harry sat on the edge of his bed staring at a calendar on the wall across from him. It marked the days off until he returned to Hogwarts. It had been only two weeks since his return to the muggle world, but felt like a lot longer. Harry stayed shut up in his room most of the day, thinking back to three weeks ago.

Three weeks ago he had lost someone and almost gotten his friends killed. One night three weeks ago had been the worst night of his life. That night, after he had left the Headmaster's office, he had gone straight to the hospital wing. He could still see Ron lying on a bed knocked out from potions that the nurse had given him. He had then turned his attention to Hermione, who had been laying there lifeless and still, but breathing. Harry remembered every detailed of her face and features from that night. How pale and cold she was...Harry shuddered. He did not want to remember that. Harry still held onto the promise he had made that night in the hospital wing with Ron and Hermione looking like death. He had promised himself that he would protect his friends at all costs, that he wouldn't let them get hurt or killed just because they were associated with him.

Harry got up and walked over to the window. He looked out it for a long while. He saw a big dark shadow heading towards his window and moved to let eight owls in. They all bore letters for him. Harry sighed and untied the letters. At once all but two owls took flight; Harry recognized the remaining two owls as Ron's and Hermione's. He sighed again and opened them one at a time and began to read them.

Dear Harry,

Hi, how are you? We are just fine here. Of course we are coming to get you soon so don't worry! Wother Harry!

-Tonks

Harry laid that aside and opened another.

Dear Harry,

How are you? Are you ok? Those muggles treating you ok? Jus' let me know if they ar'nt ok? All the best, Hagrid.

Dear Harry,

How are you holding up? I hope you are ok. I have some good news for you when we see each other. Sincerely,

Remus Lupin

It went on like that until he came to Hermione's. Hers was a bit like the others but more emotional.

Dear Harry,

How are you? Are you ok? Of course you aren't, what am I saying? Well I just wanted to let you know that I am here for you if you want to talk about- well, you know...

How's your summer so far? Mines been pretty quiet. Mum and Dad are officially afraid to go anywhere this summer because of Voldemort. I don't see why they are afraid. If anything I shou8ld be that way. Now don't go blaming yourself, Harry, because I know that's what you're doing at this moment. IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT! Well, I will see you soon.

Love from,

Hermione

How was it that she knew what he was doing? She amazed him sometimes... she really did. If he had lost her- he wasn't going to think about that. Harry heard Uncle Vernon yelling about something or other.

"Boy, get down here now!"

Harry got off his bed and down to the hallway. The sight he saw there not only shocked him but confused him. At the door stood Hermione and her parents looking like they were a Calvary sent to save the prince.