For the next few days, Hermione and Ron closely observed any change of mood or behavior with Harry. Harry figured that it had something to do with his previous dream. But after detecting a change in Ginny’s behavior whenever Harry got close enough to listen to her conversations with Hermione and Ron, Harry thought it must be something else.

As the days went by, Harry became increasingly sure that they were talking about him. As the end of July approached, nothing seemed to happen. However, on one peculiar morning, Mr. Weasley announced something.

“There’s been a breakout from Azkaban!” exclaimed Mr. Weasley.

Harry eagerly spoke, “Who?”

Mr. Weasley, folding the Daily Prophet and laying it down, replied, “Lucius Malfoy. Apparently, he’s gone mad, says something about revenge for the death of his master and other rubbish.”

Harry raised his eyebrows, but Mr. Weasley shook his head, smiled, and continued, “No need to worry, Harry. He won’t be on the run for a long time since You-Know-Who’s gone and all the Death Eaters are cornered.” He gave Harry a slight wink and added, “Thanks to you.”

But Harry, still not satisfied with his answer, said, “But there might be someone who’s behind it all! Maybe Draco!”

Mr. Weasley shook his head and replied, “Harry, how could Draco get his father out of Azkaban single-handedly? There must be someone much powerful to do that.”

Harry was surprised to see Jeremy, who said, “Yeah, Harry. He’s right. Anyway, he escaped months ago. The news seems to be printed late, unfortunately.”

Harry looked at Mr. Weasley, who nodded. Harry, glancing back at Jeremy, said, “But how did you know all of this, Jeremy?”

Jeremy’s face twitched for a second and then replied, “Well, news travels fast in the wizarding world.” Harry continued to look at him suspiciously, but Jeremy didn't seem to notice.

Time continued to crawl like a tortoise. Harry began to wonder sometimes about the dream he saw a few weeks ago: did it mean something? And what about the voice that threatened him in the dream? He was sure he had heard it before but could not remember where.

One morning, Harry was awoken by a knock on the bedroom door. He got up, rubbed his eyes, and slowly shuffled his way towards the door. When he opened it, he saw Jeremy standing there, stone faced.

“What’s the matter, Jeremy?” asked Harry. Jeremy didn't speak but gestured to follow him downstairs.

“But what--?” said Harry, as Jeremy descended the steps, signaling him to follow. And Harry did.

Finally, as Jeremy and Harry reached the bottom step and walked into the living room, Harry looked around. The place was deserted. Jeremy stopped abruptly and turned around to face Harry.

Jeremy gazed at Harry, but his face was expressionless, until…

“Happy birthday, brother!” exclaimed Jeremy. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, George, Bill, Fleur, Hagrid, and all of the people he knew (in the wizarding world) jumped from there hiding spots and shouted as well.

As everyone sang “Happy Birthday”, Mrs. Weasley brought out a humongous cake, oddly shaped like a lightning bolt. It looked quite delicious. She laid the cake on the table and hugged Harry.

“Have a wonderful day, dear! I hope the cake’s delicious,” said Mrs. Weasley.

Ron walked over and patted Harry on the back, handed him a wrapped present, and said, “There you go, mate. Chocolate Snitches. You’re gonna love them!”

Ron leaned closer and whispered, “Don’t worry. These aren't from Romilda Vane.”

Hermione walked forward, gave Harry a book, and said, “Many happy returns for the day, Harry!” she said, “I know what you are thinking, but this isn't a normal book. I wrote this one myself. I’ve written about all the adventures we had last year. You’re going to be amazed at how much we travelled, Harry. The dragon and goblin part were my favorite!”

Ron snorted loudly and said, “I knew it! A book, just like last year.”

Hermione, glaring at Ron, snapped, “Oh, yeah? Suit yourself. You left us, don’t you remember? So there wasn't much about you to write in the book.” And with that, she stormed upstairs.