Harry yawned, heavy eyes staring down at the bacon that slowly began to
shrivel up and turn black though it didn't really bother him. Aunt
Petunia, however, saw the bacon and knocked him aside, pulling the burnt
meat from the pan with a small metal spatula. Once the meat was safe she
turned to him and wave the spatula in his face threateningly.
"What is the matter with you boy? I said cook the bacon! Not burn it!" She yelled, ready to say more when the wind blew open the window. Gusts of air and rain stormed into the kitchen knocking over glasses and plates, causing them to shatter. Harry sighed and began picking up the shards of glass.
This summer had been especially dismal. It had rained a good part of the time, and the Dursleys had become even more antagonistic towards him. Harry had made an effort to leave the house whenever possible.
Harry looked up to Petunia, who was once again fussing over breakfast, and quickly moved out of the kitchen. He grabbed the old umbrella from beside the door and walked outside. He glanced around, taking in his surroundings as he did every day. Several of Mrs. Figg's cats wandered around, and he spotted a stray dog wandering down the street, its dark brown fur-dripping wet. The dog, having noticed him, padded over and stood at his side. A sad smile crossed Harry's lips and he pet the dog's wet fur softly.
"Come on then." He began to walk down the street, the brown dog trotting along side him. He walked to the small park where he normally sat. No parent would let a child out in this weather, and so he was sure he could be alone. Though when he got there he found a girl, about his age, sitting on one of the swings.
"Excuse me?" He stood in front of her, holding the umbrella so it would cover them both. She looked up at him with the most entrancing blue eyes he had ever seen. The girl was stunning to put it simply. She sat in a short black dress, lace trimmings at the end of the sleeves and skirt, a black corset laced with a silver ribbon around her already tiny waist, two crosses stitched on the skirt in silver thread, black tights covering her legs, and black high heel shoes on her feet. Her blond hair was braided and entwined with silver and black ribbon.
"Hello." She said softly, her voice so quiet that he had to strain to here her words. Harry stood, trying to decide if it was the rain falling down her cheeks, or if she had been crying. Without a second thought, he brushed away the water droplets.
"Why are you sitting out here? You'll get sick . . ." He wasn't sure if it was merely the girl's beauty doing this to him, but he felt the need to protect her, whether it was from a person or from nature. She laughed softly and looked down.
"It doesn't matter." She began to swing slightly, her eyes now fixated on the ground. "How about you? Why are you here?"
"I had to get away from my aunt. I always come here." Harry sat down on the swing beside her, and set the umbrella down. "Do you live around here?"
"No. I live very far away from here."
"Are you visiting someone?"
"No."
"So . . .If you don't mind me asking; Why are you here?" Harry asked. The girl looked up at him and shook her head.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." With that she stood up and walked away. "I have the feeling I will see you again soon."
Harry watched her leave, his eyes following each graceful step she made until she was out of site. He remained on the swing for a while longer, slowly moving back and forth. Hedwig landed on his shoulder, dropping a letter onto his lap and then flying away; eager to get out of the rain. He looked at the letter, noticing that it seemed untouched by the rain, and then opened it.
Harry,
Stay where you are. We will be arriving momentarily to pick you up.
Remus.
Harry reread the short note again and looked to the sky. One figure flew by, obviously Tonks, her hot pink hair standing out against the dreary gray sky. He bent down and pet the dog on the head, and shooed him away. Remus landed beside him and smiled.
"Morning Harry. Ready to go?" Harry nodded; moving to take the broom Remus was offering him when he noticed a small photograph laying in the dirt under the swing the mysterious girl had sat on. He picked it up quickly and shoved it in his pocket. Remus took to the skies again, Harry following close behind. A small group, much like the one last summer, then met the two.
Members of the order gathered in the kitchen for dinner. Mrs. Weasley moved around quickly setting down trays of food and butterbeer while plates and silverware flew in front of everyone. Once everyone had began eating Harry turned to Remus.
"It's great to be here, but Remus, why? Dumbledore said I had to stay with the Dursleys this summer." Though Harry had tried to speak softly, it seemed everyone had heard him, and they all went silent.
"There was a very powerful magical force located near you. It's been there since midnight. We informed Arabella, and she has been watching you until we could pick you up." Remus said, taking a sip of his butterbeer afterward.
"I didn't see anything. Well, except this girl . . .She was a bit odd." Harry thought back and shrugged.
The rest of the night went fine. Harry explained his meeting with the blond to Remus, and then he, Ron, and Hermione went up to the bedrooms. The rest of the summer was peaceful as well. The three finished all their homework, and talked about everything. They made a game of coming up with the most outrageous people to be the next Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher; vampires, banshees, pixies, and hideous old hags among them.
*~*
Hogwarts. How he had missed the great castle that had become his home over the past few years. He could have stayed here forever if given the chance. He looked up at the staff table and spotted, whom he would guess, the new DADA teacher. He was frightening. The man had a glare to match Snape, platinum blond hair so well kept it could put Gilderoy Lockhart and Draco Malfoy to shame, and robes that looked so expensive that not even Lucius Malfoy could afford them. From the look of his skin, which was extremely pale, he could've been a vampire. Dumbledore then rose from his seat and looked around at all the students.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few start of term notices. The Dark Forest, as always, is off limits to everyone. Everyone is to be in their common room by 10 o' clock. Also, Professor Snape would like me to inform you that if you are caught of bed after hours you will be serving detention with him. Finally, as I'm sure you've all been wondering, this is Professor Vittorio. He is your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Now, without further delay, tuck in!" Dumbledore smiled and sat down as the tables filled with food.
Then the doors of the Great Hall opened again and she walked in. Harry nearly fell out of his seat in surprise as the girl from Privet Drive stepped into the hall. She walked up to the staff table, but avoided meeting any one's gaze. Professor Dumbledore stood and began to talk to her, and Professor Vittorio walked around the staff table. The girl, who ever she was, did not seem to like Vittorio and quickly moved away. She then passed out, Professor Vittorio catching the frail girl and taking her away.
"Harry, mate, did you see her? She was just . . . wow. Beauty." Ron smiled, but Harry only nodded dumbly and left. Standing outside the door to the infirmary Harry could see the new Professor, but it seemed the girl had awoken.
"Stay away from me! Who are you? What do you want from me?" She cried, her fists pounding at the professor's chest in fury. "Why won't you just leave me alone? Taking away the ones I love wasn't enough for you?" She slid off the bed and pushed herself to her feet, backing away from the adult.
"I didn't take them from you. You wanted this. I just granted your wish. You wanted to be rid of them." He began.
"No! I didn't want to have to keep fighting! You used my love for them against me!" Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stumbled towards the door. Harry looked around. Where was Madam Pomfrey? She wouldn't allow this. The feast. She had been at the feast. He turned again to watch, knowing he would probably get detention for eavesdropping if he was caught. Vittorio chuckled, a cold laugh that reminded Harry of Voldemort.
"Ah, and it was so easy too. My dear sweet Usagi; the ever-naive rabbit of the moon, you feel so easily into my plan, and all it took were a few nice words. You know what you must do if you want to go home. With your power it would be simple all you have to do is- "
"No! I won't do it! I will tell that man, Dumbledore! He will help me, and I will be free of you!" She was trembling with fear as the blond man continued making his way towards her, until he had her pinned to the wall by her wrists.
"You say one word to that old man, and I will make damn sure you never see your loved ones again even if you do manage to get home." He hissed moving to kiss her, only to have her turn away. Harry was outraged, and stormed into the room with his wand in hand.
"Get away from her!" He growled. He dropped Usagi to the ground, and advanced on Harry.
"Or you'll what? Boy, I could kill you before you had the chance to mutter a single spell. Now put the silly little stick away before you hurt yourself." He turned and pulled Usagi up by the collar. "Usagi, dear, best be sure he doesn't tell anyone of our little conversation. You know what'll happen if he does. Remember the pretty child who told?" He smiled and kissed her firmly before leaving. Harry dropped to his knees and looked to Usagi who sat on the floor shaking violently as she wept. Unsure of what to do or say, Harry just sat with her.
This is Ars Moriendi.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I know I shouldn't be writing another story while I have another one still unfinished, but I can't think of what to happen next in that one and I sort of just started writing this out of boredom. What do you think? Ars Moriendi means The Art Of Dying by the way. ^^
"What is the matter with you boy? I said cook the bacon! Not burn it!" She yelled, ready to say more when the wind blew open the window. Gusts of air and rain stormed into the kitchen knocking over glasses and plates, causing them to shatter. Harry sighed and began picking up the shards of glass.
This summer had been especially dismal. It had rained a good part of the time, and the Dursleys had become even more antagonistic towards him. Harry had made an effort to leave the house whenever possible.
Harry looked up to Petunia, who was once again fussing over breakfast, and quickly moved out of the kitchen. He grabbed the old umbrella from beside the door and walked outside. He glanced around, taking in his surroundings as he did every day. Several of Mrs. Figg's cats wandered around, and he spotted a stray dog wandering down the street, its dark brown fur-dripping wet. The dog, having noticed him, padded over and stood at his side. A sad smile crossed Harry's lips and he pet the dog's wet fur softly.
"Come on then." He began to walk down the street, the brown dog trotting along side him. He walked to the small park where he normally sat. No parent would let a child out in this weather, and so he was sure he could be alone. Though when he got there he found a girl, about his age, sitting on one of the swings.
"Excuse me?" He stood in front of her, holding the umbrella so it would cover them both. She looked up at him with the most entrancing blue eyes he had ever seen. The girl was stunning to put it simply. She sat in a short black dress, lace trimmings at the end of the sleeves and skirt, a black corset laced with a silver ribbon around her already tiny waist, two crosses stitched on the skirt in silver thread, black tights covering her legs, and black high heel shoes on her feet. Her blond hair was braided and entwined with silver and black ribbon.
"Hello." She said softly, her voice so quiet that he had to strain to here her words. Harry stood, trying to decide if it was the rain falling down her cheeks, or if she had been crying. Without a second thought, he brushed away the water droplets.
"Why are you sitting out here? You'll get sick . . ." He wasn't sure if it was merely the girl's beauty doing this to him, but he felt the need to protect her, whether it was from a person or from nature. She laughed softly and looked down.
"It doesn't matter." She began to swing slightly, her eyes now fixated on the ground. "How about you? Why are you here?"
"I had to get away from my aunt. I always come here." Harry sat down on the swing beside her, and set the umbrella down. "Do you live around here?"
"No. I live very far away from here."
"Are you visiting someone?"
"No."
"So . . .If you don't mind me asking; Why are you here?" Harry asked. The girl looked up at him and shook her head.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." With that she stood up and walked away. "I have the feeling I will see you again soon."
Harry watched her leave, his eyes following each graceful step she made until she was out of site. He remained on the swing for a while longer, slowly moving back and forth. Hedwig landed on his shoulder, dropping a letter onto his lap and then flying away; eager to get out of the rain. He looked at the letter, noticing that it seemed untouched by the rain, and then opened it.
Harry,
Stay where you are. We will be arriving momentarily to pick you up.
Remus.
Harry reread the short note again and looked to the sky. One figure flew by, obviously Tonks, her hot pink hair standing out against the dreary gray sky. He bent down and pet the dog on the head, and shooed him away. Remus landed beside him and smiled.
"Morning Harry. Ready to go?" Harry nodded; moving to take the broom Remus was offering him when he noticed a small photograph laying in the dirt under the swing the mysterious girl had sat on. He picked it up quickly and shoved it in his pocket. Remus took to the skies again, Harry following close behind. A small group, much like the one last summer, then met the two.
Members of the order gathered in the kitchen for dinner. Mrs. Weasley moved around quickly setting down trays of food and butterbeer while plates and silverware flew in front of everyone. Once everyone had began eating Harry turned to Remus.
"It's great to be here, but Remus, why? Dumbledore said I had to stay with the Dursleys this summer." Though Harry had tried to speak softly, it seemed everyone had heard him, and they all went silent.
"There was a very powerful magical force located near you. It's been there since midnight. We informed Arabella, and she has been watching you until we could pick you up." Remus said, taking a sip of his butterbeer afterward.
"I didn't see anything. Well, except this girl . . .She was a bit odd." Harry thought back and shrugged.
The rest of the night went fine. Harry explained his meeting with the blond to Remus, and then he, Ron, and Hermione went up to the bedrooms. The rest of the summer was peaceful as well. The three finished all their homework, and talked about everything. They made a game of coming up with the most outrageous people to be the next Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher; vampires, banshees, pixies, and hideous old hags among them.
*~*
Hogwarts. How he had missed the great castle that had become his home over the past few years. He could have stayed here forever if given the chance. He looked up at the staff table and spotted, whom he would guess, the new DADA teacher. He was frightening. The man had a glare to match Snape, platinum blond hair so well kept it could put Gilderoy Lockhart and Draco Malfoy to shame, and robes that looked so expensive that not even Lucius Malfoy could afford them. From the look of his skin, which was extremely pale, he could've been a vampire. Dumbledore then rose from his seat and looked around at all the students.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few start of term notices. The Dark Forest, as always, is off limits to everyone. Everyone is to be in their common room by 10 o' clock. Also, Professor Snape would like me to inform you that if you are caught of bed after hours you will be serving detention with him. Finally, as I'm sure you've all been wondering, this is Professor Vittorio. He is your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Now, without further delay, tuck in!" Dumbledore smiled and sat down as the tables filled with food.
Then the doors of the Great Hall opened again and she walked in. Harry nearly fell out of his seat in surprise as the girl from Privet Drive stepped into the hall. She walked up to the staff table, but avoided meeting any one's gaze. Professor Dumbledore stood and began to talk to her, and Professor Vittorio walked around the staff table. The girl, who ever she was, did not seem to like Vittorio and quickly moved away. She then passed out, Professor Vittorio catching the frail girl and taking her away.
"Harry, mate, did you see her? She was just . . . wow. Beauty." Ron smiled, but Harry only nodded dumbly and left. Standing outside the door to the infirmary Harry could see the new Professor, but it seemed the girl had awoken.
"Stay away from me! Who are you? What do you want from me?" She cried, her fists pounding at the professor's chest in fury. "Why won't you just leave me alone? Taking away the ones I love wasn't enough for you?" She slid off the bed and pushed herself to her feet, backing away from the adult.
"I didn't take them from you. You wanted this. I just granted your wish. You wanted to be rid of them." He began.
"No! I didn't want to have to keep fighting! You used my love for them against me!" Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stumbled towards the door. Harry looked around. Where was Madam Pomfrey? She wouldn't allow this. The feast. She had been at the feast. He turned again to watch, knowing he would probably get detention for eavesdropping if he was caught. Vittorio chuckled, a cold laugh that reminded Harry of Voldemort.
"Ah, and it was so easy too. My dear sweet Usagi; the ever-naive rabbit of the moon, you feel so easily into my plan, and all it took were a few nice words. You know what you must do if you want to go home. With your power it would be simple all you have to do is- "
"No! I won't do it! I will tell that man, Dumbledore! He will help me, and I will be free of you!" She was trembling with fear as the blond man continued making his way towards her, until he had her pinned to the wall by her wrists.
"You say one word to that old man, and I will make damn sure you never see your loved ones again even if you do manage to get home." He hissed moving to kiss her, only to have her turn away. Harry was outraged, and stormed into the room with his wand in hand.
"Get away from her!" He growled. He dropped Usagi to the ground, and advanced on Harry.
"Or you'll what? Boy, I could kill you before you had the chance to mutter a single spell. Now put the silly little stick away before you hurt yourself." He turned and pulled Usagi up by the collar. "Usagi, dear, best be sure he doesn't tell anyone of our little conversation. You know what'll happen if he does. Remember the pretty child who told?" He smiled and kissed her firmly before leaving. Harry dropped to his knees and looked to Usagi who sat on the floor shaking violently as she wept. Unsure of what to do or say, Harry just sat with her.
This is Ars Moriendi.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I know I shouldn't be writing another story while I have another one still unfinished, but I can't think of what to happen next in that one and I sort of just started writing this out of boredom. What do you think? Ars Moriendi means The Art Of Dying by the way. ^^