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Death Still Follows Me

The war was over, the Dark Lord had been defeated, and the wizarding world was finally safe. Everyone had begun to celebrate the dawning of a new age. They buried the dead and cherished the few that had survived. No side was safe from loss, even death eaters have family. However, away from the celebrations, on a small swing set in a desolate park sat one young man who wasn't celebrating the end of the war. This man was the Saviour of the Wizarding World; The Chosen One; The Boy Who Lived. But none of that mattered now, the war was over, he could finally be 'Just…Harry', right? Harry wasn't sure what he would do now, he had lost everyone. The Weasley's, Hermione, Sirius, Remus, Luna, Neville…all gone. What would he do now that he was the only one left?

A sudden pop alerted Harry of another wizard apparating into the area. He slowly slid his wand into his hand and listened to the approaching footsteps. As the stranger got closer Harry spun around with his wand aimed neatly at the crook of, Kingsley Shackelbolt's neck.

"Whoa Harry, it's just me!" cried Kingsley.

"Sorry, reflexes you know." Harry shrugged sheepishly.

"Harry, I'm sorry to do this to you after everything that's happened over the past few days but I have something very important to tell you." Kingsley looked very serious and Harry new that he wouldn't be free to live his life anytime soon. Harry dreaded the answer but asked, "What is it this time?"

"It isn't good Harry and I'm doing my best to stop it."

"Just tell me, please; don't you think leaving me in the dark has done enough damage?"

Harry had to give him credit; Kingsley did look at him with an apology in his eyes, that wouldn't bring his loved ones back though.

"It's the minister; I overheard him and his daughter talking about your wedding."

"But I'm not getting married." Harry was fairly confused at this point; his brain couldn't take much more of this.

"Exactly! Minister Smith has decided that you are to marry his daughter Penelope."

"But…who's Penelope?" Harry was beyond confused now. He didn't want to get married, he wanted to be free to mourn and live.

"I know you do, and that's why we need to get you away from here." Harry hadn't realised he'd said that last thought out loud.

"How are we going to do that when everyone knows who I am in Britain?" It wouldn't work, the minister would find him, and why did it matter so much that he leave so suddenly. "Kingsley, can't we just explain to him why I can't marry his daughter?"

"Harry, he doesn't just want you as a son-in-law, if you marry Penelope and you die all your money and possessions will go to them."

"Oh…" What was it about him that made people so hell bent on killing him? Death seemed to follow him where ever he went and he was getting sick of it.

"Harry I have a plan, and I'm hopeful that you'll like it." Kingsley said, and although the topic of conversation was serious he had a glimmer of mischief and giddiness in his eyes.

"Kingsley, as long as it gets me far away from here then I know I'll love it." Harry was sick of people trying to use him. Just this once, couldn't he live his own life?

"I have a cousin, she lives in America. Her parents are from a long line of squibs on my mother's side, so she knows all about the wizarding world." Kingsley sounded so excited that Harry couldn't do anything but smile, even though he didn't really want to go and be a burden on someone he didn't know, it seemed like the only option he had. While Harry had been thinking Kingsley had still been talking, all about his cousin who lived in America. Harry was slightly worried, now he was being sent off to live with someone who he knew nothing about. Harry attempted to interrupt Kingsley to find out about this mysterious cousin. However Kingsley didn't stop. Instead he slowed down and his tone slanted towards the melancholy.

"I was talking to her the other day to, well, say goodbye just in case I didn't make it, and I got to thinking that it would be nice just to get away. So what do you think?" Kingsley finished looking at Harry expectantly.

"Uh, what do I think of what?" Harry looked so lost and confused. In that moment Kingsley realised that this strong solider was really just a child forced to grow up long before his time.

"Oh Harry, I'm going to send you to America! You'll act as a muggle, you'll travel, you'll learn, and most importantly Harry, you'll live."

Harry didn't know how long he'd be hiding for, how long he would be on his own. But getting away from here, from the wizarding world, it sounded brilliant. So naturally, all Harry could do was smile.