DIVERGENCE

3. Dawn

As they say, nothing is coincidence in life. Some things are fated. With myriad of events happening in life, no one stops to ponder their effects. Then one day while reminiscing you have this staggering realisation, that they changed you and shaped your very presence.

Harry would always remember Mr. Jon as a friend who shaped his life. He was his friend, philosopher and guide.

That day in care home Harry first time met Mr. Jonathan Ray. Mr. Jon, as Harry called him, was old and kind man who was contented with his life. He was the grandfather Harry never had.

"Harry, you should confront your fears. There is nothing wrong in self defence. Don't let them bully you. ", he looked at him sagely.

This was their third meeting. One event Harry had come to appreciate so much. Wherever he was in Mr. Jon's presence, he felt calm. In their first two meetings Harry acted very shy. He just sat and listened to him, as he went on observing people and telling Harry numerous things of elderly wisdom.

"I am not afraid of them. I tried to fight back! I just don't know how I can last... when all others just side with Bob. " , Harry whined.

"No dear, a problem doesn't always get solved with straightforward solutions, Think... Think about why others listen to him and how you can change that. "

"Mr. Jon, I did as you told but nothing happened. There is no change."

"Well then try something different", he stated. Obviously...remained unheard but implied.

Mr. Jon was like that...he had this knack of making Harry feel guilty. He tried harder and harder to please Mr. Jon. Harry first time had someone who cared and appreciated his efforts genuinely. Harry had thought Mr. Jon would complain to Mrs. Crook when he became aware of his situation, but he did nothing.

"You have to fight your battles on your own. No one will help you. Consider that orphanage of yours as training field, Harry. Outside world would not give you this chance. It's ruthless", he had said gravely.

"Observe the people and act accordingly. Yours greatest asset is your mind...Keep it open." Mr. Jon peered at Harry. Harry nodded, He understood.

At the age of six... nearly seven, Harry sometimes didn't get what Mr. Jon was trying to teach him... But he knew that whatever it was, it is important.

Slowly but surely Harry noticed the change. He implemented Mr. Jon's teaching in his daily life. On that day, when he neatly framed Bob and then... oh so graciously came to his rescue, bullying stopped. He got Bob's protection and automatic respect of other children.
Harry had ranted about this to Mr. Jon, about how fickle the children were being as they now regarded him with such great esteem. Did they really think that he will forget the past!

"The world is not black and white. It's not grey as some people would say. It is filled with myriads of colours. Only those who understands that subtle difference would reach the pinnacle and Harry, my boy, you have that potential", he smiled proudly at Harry.

Harry filled with warm glow. Whenever he saw those proud brown eyes, he felt like he could do anything. Nothing can stop him...someday he is going to become great. Just like Mr. Jon said.

Harry became such a confident, good boy that everyone at orphanage nearly forgotten that earlier small, insecure child. He became popular with other children. His teachers had always appreciated his academic performance but now Harry had this strong desire to prove himself which reflected in his school studies. He now started to spend more time in library perusing various subjects.

Harry knew he was not a genius but as Jon would say, 'If you don't get it easily...try harder.'

But all other good things comes to the end...Harry faced this heart stopping movement when news of Mr. Ray reached. Apparently Mr. Jon was suffering from terminal disease which he hid from Harry. Harry didn't shade single tear although his heart felt like it might never beat as before. He had lost his mentor and only true friend in this world.

He had mourned as the man would have wanted him. When Harry visited the grave he vowed to follow each and every teaching the man had told him. Those were his blessings to an orphan.

Harry had followed this resolution. Always improving, resourcing, and thinking rationally. Today he got this surprise and he knew it opened endless opportunities and possibilities before him. There were many things which seemed fishy and needed careful investigation.

This so called professor told him reasons he left here and why he should still remain here...muggle world as they called this world. He had tried very hard to plead his case which was very suspicious. Harry just hated manipulators...treating him like some naive child. He was not gullible.

He let the old man think what he wanted. No use of forming opinions just like that...he still needs more information about this unknown world. He welcomed guide for his shopping...like he would go to any unknown territory without guide! But man showed some relief when he agreed readily...like he was expecting him to protest...curious, very curious.

'Tomorrow he will start a new adventure... he can't wait to explore that world. '

A/N: Let me know what you guys think... Thanks to those who read this story. In next chapter Harry will enter in wizarding world. R & R