Harry Potter and the Forest of Mysteries

Author’s Note: I decided that it was time for a more serious fic. The Plot Bunnies (who have been avoiding me as much as possible) were plotting a sneak attack and that’s how this little one came to view. Bear with me this is my first adventure fic… it’s actually not an adventure fic. Ok enough rants. Reviews are greatly appreciated! Oh and I know this chapter is short, but I wanted to get it posted soon. Expect longer chapters soon!

Harry Potter and the Forest of Mysteries.

Chapter one: Familiar Scenes.

Just as the sun was setting on Privet Drive, a boy by the name of Harry Potter let out a large sigh from his residence in the fourth house of Privet Drive. He laid on his small bed, legs crossed and his hands behind his head, as he continued to watch the ceiling fan turn slowly above him. This scene was a familiar one for Harry. He spent the day on his bed, lost in his thoughts. His mind replayed the night at the Department of Mysteries over and over again. He saw Sirius fall through the veil, the prophecy shattering to the ground, and Hermione getting attacked. He wished his mind would stop.

It was a month into summer holidays and just a few days until he turned sixteen. But none of this mattered to Harry. He didn’t notice how many days he wasted away in his lonely room. The only time he left his tiny living space was to go to the bathroom or grab a small snack.

Soon the sun had set and Harry’s room was engulfed in darkness. His snowy owl, Hedwig, rustled her feathers and flapped her wings against the steel bars of her cage. Harry slowly turned his head to his pet as she began to hoot softly.

“Do you want to go out?” he asked hoarsely rising from the bed that gave loud squeaks as his weight left the springs.

He opened the lock of Hedwig’s cage and stuck his arm in to let the bird climb on. Carefully, he walked her over to the window and after giving her a few strokes with his fingers he stuck his arm out and moved his arm up a bit as a signal for Hedwig to fly off. She opened her wings and with a few flaps, she gracefully left his arm and flew into the night. Harry watched her from the window until she was too far into the night to be seen.

The next morning, Harry woke up to find Hedwig resting on his stomach with two letters tied to her foot. Harry sat up slowly trying his best not to startle the bird. When he was fully sitting up Hedwig stuck out her leg for him to release her of her burden. When he did she flew off to her cage for some water.

Harry recognized the neat handwriting on the front of the first envelope as Hermione’s and he opened that one first.

Dear Harry,

How are you Harry? Are you feeling all right? I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as you can. I’m going insane waiting for our O.W.L. results. Did you get your letter from Ron inviting you to the Burrow yet? I got mine last night so yours should be arriving soon. I can’t wait to see you; I’ve missed you so much! I know it’s only been a month, but it seems like an eternity. Well my mum is calling me downstairs so I must go. I’ll see you soon.

Love, Hermione.

Harry read the letter with a small grin. Just hearing from Hermione made him happier. He guessed the next letter was from Ron before he got a chance to look at it and he was right.

Dear Harry,

Hey mate how are you feeling? Hope the muggles are treating you all right. We talked to Dumbledore and he reckons it’s all right if you come and spend the rest of the summer with us. Tell the muggles not to worry though; dad got a hold of a car from the Ministry so we’ll pick you up on your birthday some time in the morning. Lupin’s coming as well to make sure things go alright. Hope you are well,

-Ron

Harry felt much better now that he was going to the Burrow. He tucked the letters away back into their envelopes and went over to his desk. He pulled out two pieces of parchment and some ink and a quill. He dipped the quill in the ink and passed right before writing. He wasn’t sure what to say. All summer he longed to talk to them and now he just can’t think of anything to say. He took a deep breath and just wrote whatever came into his mind.

Dear Hermione,

Hello Hermione are you? Are you feeling better? I’m doing all right I suppose. The Dursley’s haven’t been bothering me so I’ve just been up in my room for most of the time. How is your summer? I miss you too, Hermione. Can’t wait to see you.

Love, Harry.

He stuffed Hermione’s letter into an envelope and wrote her name on the front before starting Ron’s letter.

“Dear Ron,

I’m doing all right thanks, how are you? The muggles have been out of my way so I haven’t been bothered much. Thanks for the invite to your house. I’m dying to see you guys. What’s been going on? Anything interesting? See you soon,

-Harry”

He wrote Ron’s name on another envelope and stuffed the letter inside.

“Hedwig, do you feel like making a delivery?” Harry asked tying the letter to her leg. “Take this one to Hermione and this one to Ron.” he said, pointing to each one. Hedwig gave a small hoot and flew out the window to deliver the letters.

Harry decided to tell the Dursley’s that the Weasley’s would be coming to pick him up in a few days, so he ventured out of his room and into the kitchen where they were doing what the Dursley’s do best- eating.

Dudley was watching the TV while shoveling hot cakes into his mouth; Vernon was reading the paper munching on a piece of bacon and Petunia was sipping tea.

“Uncle Vernon?” Harry announced himself sitting down at the table. Vernon grunted in response, telling Harry to continue.

“My friends are going to pick me up on Friday sometime in the morning, is that Ok?” Harry asked, knowing that the man would have no choice in letting him go or not thanks to the Order. Vernon slowly let down his paper and Petunia set down her tea.

“Are these the same ones who got you last time? The red heads?” he asked gruffly, some bits of bacon flying out of his mustache.

“Yes, but they’re coming by car this time.” Harry said. After a moments pause Vernon grunted,

“Fine as long as they don’t stay long.”

“Thank you.” Harry said and decided to leave the table, but not before he swooped up a piece of toast to being back to his room.

On Friday morning, Harry woke up early, eager to leave the Dursley’s. He had packed everything the night before and sent Hedwig ahead after he dressed. Around nine, he dragged his trunk and Hedwig’s cage downstairs and went to the living room to wait. The Dursley’s were there all looking rather nervous. Dudley was watching TV, Vernon was reading the paper and Petunia was cleaning.

“What time did these friends of yours say they were coming?” Vernon sneered as Harry sat down on the couch.

“They just said sometime in the morning.” Harry replied, looking out the window for any sign of a car. Vernon snorted and returned to his paper.

It wasn’t long before someone was ringing the doorbell and Harry shot up and bolted out of the room to answer it. Ron and Mr. Weasley were there waiting on the other end.

“Harry! Good to see you!” Mr. Weasley said shaking Harry’s hand.

“Nice to see you too.” Harry said, stepping aside so Mr. Weasley could get in. Ron patted Harry on the back as he entered the house.

“Nice to see you mate. Happy Birthday” he said with a grin. Harry led them into the living room where the Dursley’s were, obviously terrified.

“Well hello nice to see you.” Mr. Weasley said, going over to shake Vernon’s hand. Vernon looked at Mr. Weasley’s hand like it was going to shoot out and strangle him, but he finally took it and immediately dropped it.

“Well we really must be going, Remus is waiting in the car and Molly’s expecting us for lunch. Do you have your trunk Harry?” Mr. Wesley asked cheerfully. Harry nodded.

“Well, it was nice seeing you all again.” Mr. Weasley said going to get Harry’s trunk.

Harry looked at the Dursley’s who have yet to say anything. “See you next summer then.”

Harry helped Mr. Weasley carry out his trunk while Ron took Hedwig’s cage. Outside waiting for let was a nice black car with Remus waiting for them. While Ron and Mr. Weasley were putting Harry’s trunk in the back of the car for him, Remus pulled Harry aside.

“Are you okay?” he whispered to the younger boy. Harry was slightly annoyed for a minute but then he realized that Remus and Sirius were best friends. He wasn’t the only one who suffered the loss.

“I will be. How are you?” Harry asked with a shaky breath.

“I’m all right. Harry, if you ever need to talk, you can come to me ok?” Lupin stated. Harry nodded and his former teacher gave a small grin.

“And Happy Birthday.” he said and got into the car.

“Ready everyone? Good now let’s go!” Mr. Weasley said, clasping his hands together. Ron and Harry climbed into the back seat while Mr. Weasley got in the passenger side up front.

Harry let out a content sigh. Soon enough, he’d be back with everyone and he’d feel better.