Chapter 2

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"I promise. I promise that no matter what I'll never give up and I'll wait for you. I'll wait for you to come and get me. I love you. And then we could be together forever."….

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The air around the castle was peace and quiet in the morning. The sun has only begun to rise and rays could be seen in the horizon. It makes the castle look very enchanting in the morning. For those who get up early, they would be the lucky ones to have witness such beauty.

While nearly all of its occupants (minus the soldiers on duty) are still sleeping, there is one man, who is already awake but continues to lie under his covers, staring blankly at his ceiling. He is, of course, none other then Lord Conrad Weller.

Normally, it was natural to stay awhile longer in bed and stare at random things for no reason or just simply to wait until the brain is fully conscious. But in Conrad's case, it was different all together.

For a few years now, Conrad didn't get a good night sleep or a peace of mind for that matter. He didn't know why but there are certain times he felt totally anxious… like something terrible is going to happen. Up until a month ago, he blames it all on the war with the forbidden box! And the fact that Yuri might not be returning the realm again or who is their next King, etcetera, etcetera. But that assumption flew out the window after the war has ended and Yuri is still their King!

So why is he still so anxious?

Conrad groaned and buried his head under his pillow. Who was he joking with… if he cared to admit to himself and acknowledge it, he probably already knew the reason why.

'Will you forget me?'

"Harry…" Conrad said softly. Just thinking of the cute and sweet little green eyed boy makes him feel so touched, so alone and guilty sometimes, but glad and happy all the same.

Like Yuri, Harry can make Conrad feel better or brighten his day just by looking at him or thinking of him. Every time Harry asked him something before, he didn't have the heart to say no. He never could. Maybe because Harry will stare at him with a cute pout and a huge, big puppy dog eyes. But, unlike Yuri, Harry can make him feel genuinely happy and content.

Conrad hugs one of his pillows just the way he hug Harry before he left. Since the day he met Harry, his world turned upside down. He began to look forward to the future, looking forward in meeting with Harry again. And since that fateful day, he can't stop thinking of Harry!

"It's impossible to forget you Harry" said Conrad. "How could I…"

It wasn't easy being parted with Harry. In fact, it was one of the most difficult thing he had to do. With how Harry was treated, and the abused he suffered by his own relatives, he had been tempted, so very tempted, to take Harry with him.

But he couldn't. No matter how much he wish, he couldn't.

Conrad rose and immediately get out of bed and walked to his bathroom to freshen up. Pining over things that could have been, will get him no where. He might as well get dress and start his daily routine.

And maybe, A stray thought occurred to Conrad. Maybe I can have a word with Lady Ulrike, for a possibility of me visiting Earth now that the war is over.

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Harry lay flat on the grass. It was late at night. The wind blows calmly, but it was still cold and Harry shivered. It was already late in the evening, and the park where he is at is, more or less deserted.

Harry stared at the night sky, thinking of all the things that happened to him. For the past five years, his time is anything but peaceful. Since that fateful day when the letter arrived and his introduction to the hidden world and by default, his true heritage; his life has been full of adventure. Adventures dangerous enough that could have kill him if he makes even the slightest of mistakes. It wasn't by his own accord of course. Troubles finds him anywhere. His tenure with the wizards wasn't smooth sailing. He has many enemies; from dark lords to their minions, those stupid ministry and their vendetta against him. And let's not forget, all the things that happened just at school, alone.

His recent adventure, however, had changed him. It came with too high a price.

They had cost him Sirius.

Harry holds back his tears that threatened to escape. Ever since Sirius died, he finds himself unable to sleep at night. The moment he did, images of Sirius falling into the veil would appear. Sirius fall, his screams, Bellatrix insane laughter, all which kept playing in his mind over and over. Thanks to the lack of sleep is taking its toll on Harry's body. He was tired. So very tired.

Promise me that no matter what… don't give up…

Harry gritted his teeth as the tears flows down his cheeks freely. He gripped the grass so hard that it was tearing out of the soil as his palm was beginning to numb because there was no blood circulation. His body was shaking as he silently cried.

Why didn't he come? Harry wordlessly dry out in anguish. He promised that he will come back! Why didn't he come?! How long must I wait I'm so tired. I kept my promise but aren't they good enough?

Harry's body was shaking so hard that it was difficult to do anything but give in to his emotions. He didn't even realized that a pair of arms reached out for him and wrapped him in its warm embraced. At first, he tensed, but when he recognized the scent of the person who holds him, Harry clings to him, desperately.

Once Harry is calm enough, his brain starts functioning properly and realized that he was being rocked him back and forth, much to his mortification. Harry looked up and was met with Remus worried gaze.

"Harry," asked Remus, softly. "You alright, cub?"

Harry didn't answer him immediately. In fact he was shocked at seeing Remus, or Moony which Remus insist to be called at, very untidy. His own eyes were red, which suggest that he had been crying and he too looked like he hadn't eat nor sleep in days.

Seeing Remus reminded Harry that he isn't the only one grieving. Harry may have lost his godfather, but Remus has lost his last remaining best friend, his sworn brother, his pact-mates.

"I'm fine," said Harry coarsely.

"You are most certainly not fine," said Remus. "Talk to me."

Harry just take one good look at Remus and before he knew it, he poured everything out and tell him everything. Everything. Including about his friendship with Conrad Weller.

"So you missed him," said Remus after Harry has finished explaining.

"How could I not, Moony." said Harry grouchily. "He promised he come back! But he didn't. I don't even know what happen to him. Is he alive or is he dead? We haven't saw each other let alone contacted one another ever since he went away!"

"And here I thought that you were crying for Sirius."

"I am. Don't get me wrong. Sirius is everything to me. He gave me hope when there was none left. Invite me to stay with him once his name is cleared. But his death took that hope away from me. Time like this always reminds me of Conrad. Even though I have given up on him, but a small part of me believes that he will come back for me," Harry furiously rubbed the stray tears still leaking down his cheeks. He looked up to Remus wearily. "Am I being selfish, Remus?"

Remus just smiled and ruffles Harry's unruly hair. "Can't blame you. That bloke did promise after all. I have this strange feeling he will show up soon."

Harry looked at Remus, puzzled. "And how did you know that?"

Remus shrugged. "I just do. Maybe it's destiny." said Remus, with a weird smile on his face.

"Moony… you're freaky when you're acting mysterious all of the sudden."

"Just a feeling Harry. I might be wrong."

"I will be in heaven if you're right." mumble Harry softly to himself.

"What was that Harry?" asked Remus. But he heard him anyway. Being a werewolf an all.

"Nothing Moony. I got to go." said Harry as he got up to leave for The Dursley.

"Wait Harry."

Harry half turn at look at Remus.

"I'm leaving for Japan in a week time on a business. I was wondering if you like to come with me."

"What kind of business? The orders?"

"Not exactly. Dumbledore didn't know of this. He thought I'm going on vacation. But I'm meeting a man who.. let say.. very close to your parents."

Harry eyebrow bent together in confussion. "Why the secret? And why are you telling me this? Isn't Dumbledore trustworthy enough? And you're not telling me enough for me to decide"

Remus scoffed and said. "First, trust need to be earned. You can't give it blindly. Second, I disagree with the way Dumbledore runs things. Leaving you in the dark, like the prophecy for example, and only tell you when the current events have cost you something or when he felt that you are ready. Third, the less you know for now… the less chance Dumbledore will try to persuade you otherwise. So if you asked me, I say that Dumbledore didn't seem trustworthy anymore."

Harry shivers when he saw how angry Remus became when talking about Dumbledore. Why did he have this feeling that there was a lot more to it?

"Fine Moony. I'll go with you. I don't know what's going on but I aspect full answers later on the plane."

Remus nodded. "You still have your passport that I made for you, right?"

Harry nodded. "But what about my friends?"

Remus dig into his robes and pull out several letters and hand them to Harry. "You might want to take a look at this… and I want you to know that I knew nothing of this until recently."

Harry's head is full of questions but it is better kept for later. His head feel like it's going to explode.

"Okay. I'll see you in a week," said Remus. He let down whatever barrier that he put that Harry wasn't aware off and with a pop, he was gone.

Harry started to walk back toward the Dursley. He is totally confused by Remus behavior. Not to mention with all the mystery. What the hell is going on? Who is Remus meeting? Was whoever it is really close to his parents? Right now, he didn't know. But hopefully after a week, he will get some answers.

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Review on your way out!

-Elvina P.