Author's Note: Hello again! I never thought I'd actually be starting on a third fic. But I realised that it helps me to think and broaden my ideas if I think of different plots at the same time. I got the inspiration to write this fic after reading several Azkaban!Harry faces and realising that they all shared several ideas that were the same. This fic is an attempt to put a different twist on those ideas, and I'll leave it to you to spot them. Cookies to those who do - just let me know! Okay, you know the drill, do review, it feels good to know your writing is being read and appreciated.
Chapter 1.
Looking back, he could say with complete certainty that the whole thing was a scam, flawed from the very beginning. It was a complete shambles, something which even someone with the most meagre intelligence would recognise was wrong. No, it was too much to hope that somewhere, a brain would kick into gear. It was pushing the bounds of expectation to hope that the whole system wasn't collapsing inwards into itself. "Yes", he thought, "It was time for change, and change there would be."
It was cold. It was dark. But at the same time it was oddly comforting. He knew that he would be safe, or at least that nothing would hurt him here. It would be nice to have a decent meal and sleep in a warm bed, but all in all things could have been worse.
His ears twitched as he heard a noise towards the end of the corridor, a noise which he identified as the sound of footsteps moving towards him. His senses probed the darkness, and he knew, almost on an instinctual level that the light was coming, that things would soon be over.
He stood with an air of grace that belied the ragged state he was in as the footsteps, no; several sets of footsteps stopped in front of his door and, as it opened made a beckoning gesture that could be interpreted as a sign of welcome. Light spilled through the opening and he noted with amusement the surprise on the faces of those standing there. He immediately recognised all the people standing there - well of course he would, it had only been six months since he had seen them last. His heart leaped with joy as he saw his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger smiling at him. His face broke into an ear-splitting grin as Hermione leapt forward and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him so hard the air was nearly knocked out of him.
"Harry! It's wonderful to see you again. How are you? I hope things weren't too bad. Don't worry, everything's been sorted out and we'll be out of here in no time." she gushed.
"Hermione. Air." he gasped.
"Oh!" she said, blushing crimson and loosening her hold on him slightly, but still keeping in contact.
"Hiya mate." said Ron, slapping him heartily on the back. "Long time no see."
"Yeah, I guess." Harry replied. It was good to see that Ron and Hermione hadn't changed a bit. He stepped out of Hermione's embraced and looked around at the others who had remained silent up until now. Albs Dumbledore, Chief Warlock and head of the Wizengamot, Leader of the Order of the Phoenix, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and considered by many to be the most powerful wizard alive and by Harry as a grandfather figure and mentor. Tonks, an Auror working for the Department of Law Enforcement and also a member of the Order. Her joyful nature and slight clumsiness made her likeable to nearly everyone. Finally there was Kingsley Shacklebolt, another Auror and working in the same role as Tonks. The tall, dark wizard with his deep, slow voice gave off an air of trust and confidentiality. There was one thing that all these people had in common: they were all with him, all routing for him, no matter how close-mouthed they were about it.
"Hello everyone, Professor, Tonks, Kingsley." he said, looking around at them all and meeting the eyes of each. "It really is good to see you again. Thanks for coming to get me. I knew you would."
"Watcher Harry!" said Tonks, her hair changing through all the colours of the rainbow in her excitement.
"I am glad to see that you are in good spirits, Harry." said Professor Dumbledore, the ever-famous twinkle present in his vibrant blue eyes. "A lot has happened in the last six months and I will need to speak with you soon to discuss it all. But first, I think we should make our way from here."
"Very good point, Professor. I fully agree. I have spent far too much time here already." Harry turned to Ron and Hermione. "If you two can grab hold of my hands we'll be going."
A surprised looked flitted across their two faces but they did as asked. "See you soon!" said Harry, smiling beatifically at the remaining two wizards and one witch. A white light seemed to engulf Harry and the two students holding on to him, warmth flooded through them and a moment later they were gone, leaving three gob smacked people in their wake.
Harry Potter was free from Azkaban.
