CHAPTER 6

Harry got up from the arm chair and flopped down onto his bed, grinning to himself. Ron had been getting a lot more attention from girls ever since he left Hogwarts, which Harry assumed was partly because had had grown his hair and acquired a sense of style, and partly because he was the minister for magical games and sports. Harry smirked to himself as he remembered how terrified Ron used to be of girls, and then how intense he had been with Lavender Brown, a fellow Gryffindor the last year…

Harry awoke suddenly and realised he had drifted back to sleep. He peered out the window to see dark and gloomy looking clouds rolling in towards the castle. The weather seemed to automatically put him in a gloomy mood, and it wasn't until Harry looked at the calendar, pinned up next to his bed, that he brightened right up. Ever since his 2nd year, Harry had got into the habit of crossing off the days leading up to September 1st, when school started, and he had noticed that today was the day that Hogwarts saw the return of its students, and that meant one thing to Harry, and that was Ginny.

Harry took his time to have a shower, get dressed and groom himself. He wanted to look his best for Ginny, as he hadn't seen her for so long. After spending a few minutes trying to get his hair to stay combed, he gave up, realising that he was trying to be someone he wasn't and that Ginny used to tell him she liked his messy hair. After ruffling his fingers through his jet black locks a few times to make it extra messy, Harry finally put on some shoes and then left his room.

Just as he was about to head down a flight of stairs towards the staffroom, Harry changed his course and set out for the Owlery. He wanted to send a letter to Ron, and he thought it would be a good opportunity to send one to Hermione as well, as he hadn't talked to her for some time. Harry made his way up the stone steps and into the circular tower. It didn't take long to spot Hedwig, his snow-white owl, perched up in the rafters. She hooted and flew down onto Harry's shoulder as he rummaged through his bag for some parchment and a quill. Leaning the parchment on the window sill, Harry began to write.

Dear Ron,

How are you mate? As much as I hate being woken up in the morning, it was great to see you in my fireplace. I'm so sorry I haven't been in contact for so long. It's been hard work, all this Voldemort stuff, but its my own personal struggle, and I don't want to drag you, Hermione or anyone else into it. Anyway as you must have heard, because you stuck your head in my office, I'm a teacher at Hogwarts! It's seriously weird going into the staffroom and I even get to call Snape 'Severus' its so funny. I wish you were here! I hope your well and the Ministry is looking after you! Send me an owl if you ever have a spare ticket to the quidditch!

Talk to you soon,

Harry

P.S Who is that girl you were meeting up with?

Harry put his quill down and sealed the letter with his wand, before tying it to Hedwigs leg, which she had promptly stuck out when he had finished writing.

"Thanks Hedwig" Harry said appreciatively. Hedwig gave Harry an affectionate nip on his finger and then soared out the window and towards the horizon. Harry took out another piece of parchment, and started to write.

Dear Hermione,

Harry pondered over whether to tell her about his new job. She had always suggested that he take up teaching (ever since he taught defence against the dark arts to fellow students in his 5th year) and he didn't want to admit that she was right. Harry sighed, and continued writing.

Dear Hermione,

How have you been? Sorry I haven't been in contact for awhile, I've been really busy with things. How's everything going at the Ministry? I saw your picture in the Daily Profit! Anyway I thought maybe we could catch up sometime with Ron? I'm assuming you haven't seen much of him either! I know it probably seems like I've been avoiding you both, but everything I've been through, well it's been a personal thing for me, and I don't want anyone else to get hurt.

Hoping to hear from you soon,

Harry

Harry read and reread the letter, trying to work out where he could fit in some sort of hint about Hogwarts, but decided against it. He would tell Hermione soon enough. Harry again sealed the letter, and then tied it to the leg of a tawny coloured school owl, which looked rather old and tired. The owl seemed to give Harry a menacing glare, before taking off through the window. He had never really liked the school owls.

Grabbing his quill and bag, Harry set off down the staircase and back through the castle towards the Staffroom. He wondered what Ron & Hermione were doing and if they had spent any time at the Burrow with the rest of the Weasleys. Harry missed them all so much, they were now his only family. As Harry walked along the corridor he realised he was once again thinking about Ginny. He was starting to feel almost nervous, as he contemplated her arrival that evening. Harry had been so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't notice the tall figure striding towards him, who was also engrossed in thought and not paying attention to his surroundings. In a split second, Harry found himself running straight into the man and consequently falling onto the floor. Harry straightened up his glasses, which had fallen askew and looked up into the sallow greasy face of Severus Snape.

A/N Sorry about the delay..been really busy! I hope you all like this chapter..and i again sorry for re-uploading it...i forgot to edit it first! PLease leave a comment and remember I'm still looking for a beta reader! Thanks!