Enemies… Enemies all around.
Where I walk, I feel eyes at my back. I turn around and see the ghosts of my past. Are they coming back for me?
I hide. But I can feel them haunting me, seeking for me. Please don't let them find me! I have blood in my hands but it was because they forced our hand. We didn't have a choice but to fight. They wanted to establish dominance, brainwash us with the wrong beliefs, and snatch our wills. We stood up for what is right. We won. We lost. They killed my brother, tortured my friends. The Dark Lord is no more and his minions are scattered. But I am suspicious. They might be everywhere. They might be stalking around, waiting for the opportunity to avenge their master. They might be after me.
I look around. I see people. Are they friends? Are they enemies? Are they enemies masquerading as friends? I can't trust anybody. I don't trust anybody.
I walk faster, averting my eyes, not returning their greetings. I can practically hear them taunting me, telling me that its just a matter of time before they lunge at me from where they are stalking me, reading my thoughts. I see them at every corner, at every street, everywhere. I see and hear them everywhere. Swearing, laughing, and goading me.
I jump at the slightest sounds, my heart racing.
I see threat whenever people so much as look at me.
Who do I turn to?
Is Harry still the person I know before? Is Hermione still the lady I'd ever love? Is my family too grieved at Fred's murder and blame it on me? Did the Horcrux ever leave its influence over me when we destroyed the locket? I don't know. I can't ever be sure.
Its all too much. I closed my eyes. I put my hands over my ears. Just once, I don't want to see, hear or feel.
I shut myself from the outside, from the world and its perils.
Day and night, the same. I don't keep track of time. The days stretched to weeks, months… years.
They came to me, one by one. Telling me they will always be there for me. They feed me, clothe me, talk to me, tell me of the wonderful things happening outside. But I doubt it. The world will never be the same. My childhood innocence was taken away from me. In fact, I don't believe I'd even remember feeling that way ever. The world is evil. They are plotting against me. They steal my thoughts and twist it, making me feel so horrible about myself. What have I done to deserve this?
They were patient. They never leave me. They sing songs about hope and growth.
He tells me that everything is gonna be okay. We are best friends and he will protect me like I did for him before. He encourages me to run with him. Every morning we run. We don't think too much and just run. It helps and I smile. At least I have one I can trust.
They tell me I look much better. My family were there. Always there. Eating with me, urging me to play with them. They tell of the people who gave them so much strength and that they wish me well. That I should give humanity a chance because not all of them are bad. I doubt that but I nod. At least I know my family is good.
She tells me she loves me. Love. We were best friends but she said it is the other kind of love. That I should begin to trust again because those who love me won't fail me. That she would cherish me and follow me no matter what. I might not trust again completely but I will try. I promise her, I'll try.
I can feel myself starting to heal. It isn't going to be easy. But I will be okay.
The voices are still hounding me but its effect on me diminishes somewhat over time.
I smiled, feeling supported and loved. I'm gonna be okay because…
Friends… I have friends around me.