Meeting Of Swords and Wands

Chapter 4: The Americans

Sunlight began to peek through the window of the top floor of the Burrow, basking 14 year old Harry Potter in its golden rays. Harry turned over in a vain attempt to keep sleeping. But, it was no good. Between his nightmares and the pricking sensation of his scar, there was no way he was going back to sleep. Groaning, he got up and wiped the sand out of his eyes. He looked at the bed his best friend was sleeping on. Ron was still snoring soundly, deep in his slumber. Harry let out a chuckle at how his best friend was so catlike in the way he managed to sleep in the most crooked manners. Harry then got up and got his day started. School was coming up and the boy couldn't be any more excited to get to go back to the place he considered his home. Sure, the Burrow comes in a close second, but Hogwarts has been his true home for the last 3 years, despite the fact that he nearly gets killed every year. When you're the Boy Who Lived, danger is a constant friend. The events of the Quittich World Cup proved that fact. Ron's dad and brother Percy, both of whom work for the Ministry, have been working overtime trying to smooth things over. Ron, Hermione, and he have been talking at length about the event and coming up with reasons why the Death Eaters attacked and who was involved. As for the first question, there seemed to be no other answer than to show the world that the Death Eaters were still kicking and dangerous. The latter question always came up with the name of Lucius Malfoy, the father of Harry's rival, Draco Malfoy.

But, that conversation is far from Harry's mind as he went about his morning routine. Lately, his scar has been pricking and he has had nightmares about Wormtail, or Peter Pettigrew, helping what looked like a mutilated infant. Could Voldemort be returning? The thought sent chills down Harry's spine, despite the warm air. He had two run ins with the Dark Lord since he started Hogwarts. Once was in his First Year when Voldemort occupied the head of his first Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and the second was when Voldemort as Tom Riddle took over Ginny's body and nearly killed her after she gave his diary too much power. Both times, Harry barely escaped with his life and both times he wound up in the Hospital Wing. Seriously, Madam Pomfrey was going to get a bronze name plate just his bed.

Harry walked back into Ron's room and saw the red head getting his day started.

"Morning!" Harry said. Ron looked up as he finished putting his shirt on.

"Morning!" Ron replied. "Long day today I reckon."

"Yup," Harry replied, slipping his shoes on, "Diagon Alley is probably going to be busy with school shopping."

"Another school year," Ron said longingly, "another year of fun, danger, and excitement."

"Well, I do have a record to keep." Harry replied dryly. The two got done and started to make their way down to the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley was practically guaranteed to have breakfast almost done. If there's one thing Harry loved about the Burrow was Mrs. Weasley's cooking. As they were making their way down to the kitchen, they ran into Hermione.

"Morning Hermione!" Harry greeted warmly.

"Morning Harry!" She replied, "Morning Ron!"

"Morning 'Mione!" Ron greeted back. "Were you on your way up to our room?"

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley asked me to make sure you two were up." She said. The three started to make their way down the stairs. Harry's scar began to prick him, so he scratched it a little. "Harry, is your scar hurting again?"

"Yes 'Mione", Harry replied, stopping his scratching.

"You should tell Dumbledore." She said, worried.

"Hermione, Dumbledore probably has more important things to do than to worry about my scar." Harry replied.

"Harry," Hermione began, "each time your scar hurts, it means that Voldemort is near."