The Calm Before the Storm

Prologue

July 26th

Hey Ron,

It was good to hear from you. Things are god-awful over here. Bored as hell but at least, thanks to the intervention from Moody, they want to have as little to do with me as possible. You should have seen the look on my cousin's face when I walked into the living room this morning. Looked like he thought Moody was gonna climb right out of my arse or something. I didn't even have my wand with me or anything. Not that it would have made a difference. Anyway, have you gotten round to asking your parents if Hermione and I can stay over again till school starts? Don't mean to be pushy or anything (I guess that's Hermione's job, eh?) but could you do it soon? I would love to get out of this neighbourhood ASAP.

Till then.

Harry

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July 28th

Dear Hermione,

Thanks for the advice. It's good to know I'll always have someone to talk to about it. I think I'm sort of past the worst of it now so I guess I'll be okay. Well, it's my birthday soon so maybe you'll get this after you send my present. (No pressure!) I haven't heard from Ron yet about us going to his place but I would like to spend some time in the wizarding world before starting sixth year. Besides, I don't think my Uncle Vernon would greatly appreciate having to drive me all the way to King's Cross. Here's hoping Ron asks his parents soon. I'll see you when I see you.

Harry

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July 29th

Dear Ron,

Just a short note to remind you for the millionth time, ask your parents! I know they're busy with You-Know-What and all but think of poor Harry, stuck with that family while you're having a grand old time doing whatever it is that you do! Do it, Ron before I owl your mother myself. And do give my regards to Ginny.

Love, Hermione

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July 30th

Dear Hermione,

Ron hasn't been able to reply himself to Harry's and your letters because he was so stupid as to test some of the twins' handiwork. One Bedtime Bonbon and he's been asleep for the past five days. No one is quite sure exactly when he'll wake up but I will make sure he gets your letters. Oh, by the way, you'll never believe this but I heard from a fourth-year Hufflepuff from down the street, you probably don't know her so don't worry about it, that Hannah Abbott LIKES Justin Finch-Fletchley. Like, LIKE likes! What do you reckon? I personally think it'll never happen. From what I've heard of her, she's a bit of a ditz. But I suppose you would know, being in her year and everything. Write back!

Love, Ginny

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July 30th

Dear Harry,

As I have explained to Hermione, Ron has been asleep for several days now due to his idiotic consumption of one very potent experimental candy by Fred and George called a Bedtime Bonbon. He will probably remain in this state for another few days or so, according to the twins. I will be sure to pass on your letters to him as soon as he regains consciousness.

Ginny

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-Harry-

Perched on the edge of my bed, in my room at four, Privet Drive, I clutched Ginny's letter in one hand and read it one last time. Ron has been asleep for several days now...Remain in this state for another few days... I was still in a state of disbelief at my best friend's stupidity. Hermione would never pull something like this, I thought sourly. This meant I had gods know how long to wait. Staying here of all places for an indefinite period of time would be sheer torture.

School hasn't even started yet, hell, holidays only started three weeks ago and already someone's been knocked unconscious, I thought with mixed anger and amusement. One thing's for sure. The way things are going, this will probably turn out to be a very interesting year.

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