May quickly merged into June and soon the hottest day of the year was upon them. The blistering heat had caused everyone to step indoors and make the most of the coolness of the castle. Most of the students had returned home to their families or had gone abroad on vacation. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny would be going to the Burrow the next day.

Right now they were all sitting in their favourite armchairs by the window in the common room. Harry and Ron were playing wizard chess and Harry was losing badly. Hermione and Ginny were talking about what places they'd go to in the holidays. Being wizards, they just needed a permit from the Minister of Magic and had to have enough muggle money to go to any country. They also needed a written letter of approval from the minister of the country they were going too.

"So I was thinking Italy would be cool but France is nice too," Hermione was saying."Paris is the most amazing place I've been too. You guys will love it!!"

"I want to go Paris! I saw your pictures, Mione. It seemed wonderful. And the muggle theme park...." Ginny paused.

"Disneyland," said Hermione with a laugh.

"Check!" said Ron grinning like a cheshire cat. "I win! Again!"

"Don't gloat Ron." grumbled Harry "Next time ___"

"Yeah, yeah whatever, mate."

A small boy came to them at that moment. He had blonde hair and big blue eyes. He looked like he was in first year.

"H__hi" he stuttered "Professor McGonagall wants to talk to you all."

"Thanks." said Hermione, smiling at the boy. "Do you know the password to her study?"

"It's still Dumbledore." he said.

"Alright," replied Hermione and he scampered off to join his friends by the window.

Harry and Ron packed up the chess pieces and folded the board before the four of them got up and made their way out of the portrait hole. "What do you suppose she wants?" Ron asked.

"I have a hunch but I'm not sure." Hermione answered him. "You guys know my parents are in Australia at the moment, right? So earlier, I asked her if I could go look for them. She said she had to arrange it with the Australian minister of magic. Maybe she wants to tell us it's done."

They walked on in silence. The corridors were empty except the occasional straggling first years. Everyone else has retired into the common rooms.

They reached the stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the Headmistress's study.

"Dumbledore," said Harry clearly and they stepped on the moving spiral staircase. They moved up towards the door to the Headmistress's study.

"Enter," said a voice when Hermione had knocked three times on the door. Professor McGonagall was seated behind the desk in the chair Harry had so often seen Dumbledore.

"Well, how are you four?" she asked gesturing at them to sit. They sat down and Harry looked behind her at the wall that had the portraits of all the previous headmasters. A portrait of Severus Snape hung right next to Dumbledore's.

"We're fine, thanks Professor," Ginny smiled.

"Have a biscuit?" asked Professor McGonagall and Harry was reminded of his fifth year. "I'm afraid you all won't be able to leave for the Burrow tomorrow."

"But why? I thought the castle_" Ron started.

"The castle is done, Mr Weasley and will be fit for students. But hasn't Miss Granger told you why you're here?"

"They know, Professor," said Hermione "But are you sure we can go? I mean; the permit__?"

"Has been taken care of. You may leave for Australia anytime. My sources also tell me that your parents: Wendell and Monica Wilkins are currently living in Sydney. I shall give you the address before you leave. "

"Great! So we can leave tomorrow!" said Harry.

"You could leave tomorrow, Harry, but there's something else as well," she said."Since the war is over, your aunt, uncle and cousin have returned to their home in little Winging. You left your Firebolt there, I presume?" Harry nodded so she continued. "You need it as you're still the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain, and I think your aunt and uncle would like to see you."

Harry wasn't sure if that last bit was true, but at the end it was settled that the four of them would leave for Number four Privet Drive in the morning and cone back in the evening the next day.