Seven: With a grim smile, I set out towards home.

I pass the remainder of my vacation comfortably. I do miss the posts from Ron and Hermione and I've studiously avoided the Daily Prophet since seeing the headline: "BOY-WHO-LIVED LIKES BOYS" scrawled across the front in screaming letters and my face grinning up at me. It was sickening. Since then, I've remained locked in my room, calling for all my meals and making damn sure my disguise is firmly in place before it reaches me (Daily Prophet perched on one corner, and quickly consumed by flame only moments after delivery) and so here I am, Friday August 30th, ready for school. My hair has been shortened; face shaved clean, concealer removed and glasses back to their unattractive shape. I find myself looking at a stranger.
The only thing I regret is not having time to change into my Animagus form and go flying before I go back to school, but I suppose that's neither here nor there.
It's been dark for an hour and the alley below my window is completely deserted. I won't be going out the door (of course I won't, I would likely get mobbed) but I've already paid up to Monday, so they shouldn't mind too much that their patron snuck out on them. Taking a deep breath, I slip out my window and land quietly in the alley. My heart is both warmed and heavy at the thought of returning to Hogwarts; it's all I've thought about all summer, because, come what may, Hogwarts is home.
With a grim smile, I set out towards home.

Fin

Author's note: Continued in "Come What May" (Title pending)