Memories 1 – Chapter 2
As soon as Harry stepped outside the Headmasters' office, he met the inquiring stare of the new Headmistress.
"Well, I'd like to inform you that I'm coming back at school to finish my education".
"That's wonderful, mister Potter. Now, I believe you have to go. See you in September".
With those words, Harry and Remus made their way to Hogsmeade, outside the wards of the School, to be able to use their portkey. As they arrived in the Dursley living room, aunt Petunia came out of the kitchen.
"There you are, Harry. I would like to have a few words with you. You can come along, Remus".
"Thank you Petunia. I'm glad you still remember me".
"Wait!!! You two knew each other?" said a startled Harry.
"Of course I knew him, he was after all a close friend of my sister". They went in the kitchen and sat at the table, where tea was waiting for them in three cups. "Now, I really don't know where to begin... As you probably know, your mother was 2 years younger than me. So, when she received her letter, it was obvious that I didn't have the powers she had. I was so jealous, Harry. Also, we were really close, and then she had to go to that school for almost 10 months per year. I felt left alone, and I started to isolate myself from my family and especially my sister. I grew up, and as soon as Vernon asked me to marry him, I left the house, and had no more contacts with Lily. I told Vernon of your mother, and he thought I did the right thing. But believe me, it was really hard for me, because I really cared for her deep inside me. Of course I knew she married that Potter, as I knew you were born. But my stupid pride kept me from coming to visit her. Then, about fifteen and half years ago, you were left at my door with a note explaining the fate of your parents. I was shocked, because I never had a chance to say to my sister how much I cared for her. I hated me for this, and I hated you for being here to remind me my faults. Now I fully see my mistakes, and I would like to say that I'm really sorry for the way you've been treated, Harry".
"Wow, that's a lot to digest. What to say... Well, this place has not been a Hilton, that's true, but anyway...uh... you took me in instead of taking me to an orphanage, and that gave me shelter thanks to your blood, the same as my mother's. So, aunt Petunia, while it is hard to say I've felt cared for in these years, it's also true that I'm alive thanks to you. I think that's all I can say for the moment. Now I have to go packing, because I'm moving to stay at my house in London with my friends".
"Of course, Harry. I understand. You may go, but please feel free to visit, especially in the morning, when Vernon is at work. He doesn't know of this talk I had with you".
After a quick (and strange) hug with his aunt, Harry led Remus into his room, where he tried to see if he could really perform magic even if still underage. With a flick of his wand all his belongings flew into his trunk, which he then shrunk and put in his pocket. This time, no ministry owls came to notify any infraction, and the pair took another portkey to Headquarters.