When Harry first time saw 'Hermel', the shop, he thought it was really nice place. And it was. They sold all sorts of things, there was always someone there, his boss was really cool guy who gave him a permission to play his guitar there.. And normally, now when he had to quit he felt kinda sad. His boss knew he was going to work only over the summer and had no problems with that. At the end of his shift, his boss payed him and said goodbye. It was that simple. For him, because Harry knew that in a week all this will be over and he'll go back to his 'destiny' and all shit he had to do. He felt so tired. Goddammit, when will all this end? 'When you kill Voldemort' said the voice in his head. 'Yeah..'
Harry was walking down the street which lead to Rick's place. He had to go, to say goodbye. They became really close during those lessons he took. It was really strange, you know, having friends. He wasn't used to it. He never had friends before, he thought that no one would like to hang out with him, who would do it anyway, after Dudley threatened them? Didn't Chris said at one point "We never had many problems with you, you know. If a controller shows his powers in front of someone, his friend or anyone, we have to go and wipe his memory. Lucky for us, you had no friends, so we didn't have to worry about that." But it was quite surprising for him to find out that he made friends really quickly. Like Savannah said, he was lovable. He laughed again when he remembered her. Savannah was Rick's younger sister who had voice like an angel and a crush on Harry, though he didn't knew that.
He remembered the song she sang the first time he came on instructions and started humming. She was jumping all over the house and he could hear her voice standing two blocks away. He did considered it a quite interesting coincidence that every time he came over she was singing. But not this time. He was now approaching the house, but Savannah's voice was gone. Their old Chevrolet in front of the house was replaced by white Volvo on which big blue POLICE letters were emphasized, but Harry's eyes were not paying attention to that. There was ambulance car beside that one. And beside the ambulance car, there was Savannah, on the ground, gripping tight her brother's dead body.
Harry froze. He could not believe his eyes. No, no, no, no... the only thought going through his mind. This is not happening. This is not real. No. NO. I.. I don't understand.. what.. why?
But it was quite real. And the doctors shared Harry's opinion. No one knew how did it happen. Or why.
'We will make some examinations in the.. yes. Err.. we can't really say why did this happen.. Did.. Was he ill? Had some sort of big health problems? Ms., I know you're hit by this, but it's quite important for us to know!' one of the policemans was there, questioning Rick's mother who was just standing and staring at her daughter who was crying and yelling at the man who told her she has to step away from her brother's body. Rick.. Rick.. Dead? In her head, everything was in mess. Why? Why her baby? He was 15, for God's sake! 15! Did someone did this? Obviously. But why? No, no one did this, why would someone want to harm Rick? He was such a sweet boy. But.. was it a heart attack? She knew nothing about medicine, but was it possible for a boy his age to have a heart attack? Even if it was, he wasn't sick. He never even had a flu! Savannah was the one who was sick all the time. Savannah... She looked at her daughter again. She was crying and trowing punches... That was Savannah, that was her way of dealing with things. But that can't be like that, she can't let her act like that. Jesus, what would Mike think if he was alive and saw this? Her daughter there, yelling... He would blame Jennifer for that, of course, he always blamed Jennifer,... and he would be right!
'Savannah!'
Savannah looked at her mother, and couldn't believe what she saw. Her mother was standing there, cold and her face dry, while she was pretending she was a fountain over here. Her brother just died. Her mother's son just passed away, and her mother was standing there looking at her... she knew that look. It was the 'it's all my fault' look. She had it while dad was alive all the time. She knew what must be happening inside her mother's head. Her mom was thinking about Mike. What would Mike say if he saw their daughter acting like this. For him, it wouldn't matter the fact that Rick just died.. Honour. Keep calm. her father's words were echoing through her head.
Jennifer could see that her daughter got what she wanted to say. She could see her daughter kissing Rick's forehead and slowly stepping away. Jennifer didn't even dare to look at him properly. She had no strenght, she knew that if she looks at him, that will be the end and she'll lose it.
'Ms.!'
She could see the police officer, =Gardner= it said on the card, waving his hand in front of her eyes. She knew that was rude, but she was not the one who will teach, hmm.., a 35-yeah old man she concluded, and was right, how to behave.
'Yes? I'm sorry, sir. It's been a bit..ah.'
'Yes, I understand, I am sorry, but we have to go through this.' He looked at her, waited for her to have a brake down in front of him, or at least punch him, like others used to do (God knows why. Stress, he assumed), but she just nodded, telling him he could ask whatever he wants.
Officer Gardner, the same one who questioned Ms. Jenkins, Rick's mother, was on his way to the police station feeling confused. He was looking at the road and felt something was wrong, really wrong. If someone saw him, he would've assumed officer is having stomach problems, not that something serious is going on in his head like it did. But the fact was that officer was not the only one who thought the Jenkins case is weird, everyone did. He talked to his partner, and other officers and the doctor, and they all said they never saw something like that. If you saw the boy, you would say that there's nothing wrong with him, (well.. he was dead) it seemed like he died naturally. But even him, who knew nothing about medicine, dead bodies and causes of death, knew there's no chance in hell that a 15 year old boy could've died by a natural cause. Not a heart attack, that's what the report said. Nothing. No inner injuries, he looked healthy, and was healthy. According to his mother, he was never sick, never even had a flu. But he was dead, and not knowing a cause of death was a huge problem for everyone.
However, there was, or were, someone who knew the cause of death.

Harry sat on his window, looking at the moon who was shining brighter than usual. People would expect to see him crying, trowing things around or doing something crazy, he was his best friend after all. At least that's what two teenagers who sat on his bed expected him to do. Amelia was more frightened of this, him being silent and calm than she would've been if he started punching her or Christian. There was a strong wave of energy around him who changed colors every two minutes, and Christian was pretty sure that if he came near him he would be erased from this planet.
There were so many things going through those two's minds, but through Harry's mind there was only one thought torchering him. It's all my fault. All this happened because of him, it's his fault. What was he thinking?! How could've he been so damn stupid?! He knew he was one of the most guarded persons on the world, he should've known that besides those who were there to guard him (even though he knew how to defend himself) there were those who were trying to harm him. Christian and Amelia told him it was very stupid of them not to think of that, that he should not blame himself, it's not his fault... They talked and talked, in fact, they could've been talking in that precise moment, he wasn't paying attention. He just turned off. Just like Rick turned off. They, they turned him off. He turned him off. Amelia told him he was not the one to blame, but he knew it was not like that. She was saying that only because she didn't want him to worry, he after all had to fight Voldemort, they needed him, he wasn't supposed to dissipate his energy on something so unimportant as Rick... What was he saying? Of course that wasn't what Amelia thought when she told him not to worry. Or did she? He felt like his mind was about to explode, and didn't really care.
'They knew they can't get close to you, they were not able to get pass the security around you, but there were moments when you escaped Dumbledore's men in order to meet us or to go to Rick's or to go to your job. They couldn't see you when you were meeting us because you did that protection spell, so they must've seen you going to Rick's and.. well they saw how close you are to him and that you were friends with him. You know how it works better than I do, Harry. They wanted to destroy you, to destroy everything you built with him. To make you weak, easy target. Don't let them Harry. Don't give them what they want!' he wasn't aware that Amelia was standing right besides him and the words weren't really going through the wall he made in his mind, but it worked. He looked at her, and saw she was smiling. They were just trying to help, and he had to appreciate that.
'C'mon mate, let's go. Take a walk. Get up. Shower? You'll feel better, I promise. And I'll feel better too, mate, you're not mountain flowers, you know.'
Harry hasn't noticed it was dawn. He felt like it's been minutes instead of hours, he hasn't noticed that those two were there whole night, that Christian had bags under his eyes, that Amelia was sweating because she used too much energy so she can get close to him... He never noticed things, just like he, like everyone on the institute said, the most powerful elemental wizard in the millennium, didn't notice two deatheaters who followed him and killed Rick.

He's not ready. He is just not ready. He can't face it all. He can, but everyone will notice the change, he can't hide it. It destroyed him. But he looks like he's fine. Why does he look like he's fine? asked Amelia herself as she watched Harry standing in the park his guitar hung over his shoulder, his eyes away, in other galaxy, with the stars. She didn't want to say she's there, she just wanted to see if he's ready, if he's ok. She thought he'll be a mess after what happened to Rick, thought he'll want revenge or something, but he seemed fine. She had to smile. Even though she never thought about him in that way, she had to admit he's a nice looking dude. He was tall, athletic, (and how wouldn't he be with all those trainings Christian has been torching him with?) with his messy black hair and bright green eyes (or red, or blue, or white or yellow or..well, it depends on the mood, but he had nice eyes). She saw him smiling, she wasn't sure was he aware that he was smiling, but she was glad he smiled. That was what she needed, a proof he's ok and even after all that he feels happy, as happy as he can be, not thinking about death or revenge. Satisfied, she left.

He saw her. She watched him, she wanted to make sure he was fine, but didn't want him to see her. Well, too bad, you trained me too well, he thought. He knew he was ready for new year at Hogwarts, he knew he'll be able to keep it all a secret because if he was able to fool Amelia to think that he's happy, then everyone will believe him. Ah, secrets, lies and deaths, nice start. He was never the one who kept secrets from anyone, he never lied (nothing as huge as this) and he wondered if his friends at Hogwarts will notice the change on him, or will he be able to hide that too from them? How alone and miserable he felt, and that feel... he wanted to see Voldemort fall, to see him pay, and who ever killed Rick, he will pay too. And then, he will punish the one who was the only one to blame for everything bad that happened in his life, himself. Your parents, Rick, Cedric, their blood is on your hands, and even though everyone thinks there's no justice on this world, I'm sure there will be punishment for you. He thought how silly it was for him to talk to himself like he was talking to another person. Potter, act normal! he ordered to himself and smiled a bit because he knew how stupid all that sounded.
'Well, well.. I didn't knew you had a guitar, Potter. You asked mom and dad for permission?' came a voice from the dark. Harry recognized it in a second.
'I don't need anyone's permission for anything, Dudley. I do whatever I want, because, unlike others, I know how to tie my shoe laces without my mom telling me what to do and how to do it.'
He could see Dudley's face turning red, a mixture of anger and embarrassment because he knew perfectly well that Harry was telling the truth. He consulted his mother with everything since he was 8, but no one knew that. None of his friends, of course. He couldn't even imagine what would they say that his new AC/DC T-shirt was carefully picked by his mother, his new cool ripped jeans were ironed, that his shoes were polished, and that his mom gave him the money for his badass music CDs.
'At least I have with whom to talk to and someone to consult.'
Harry felt that temperature of his blood raised. Keep it cool. He just passed by Dudley, trying to think about something else, not just how his fist perfectly fitted between Dudley's eyes.
'Soft spot, huh? Of course it is, you poor little thing. Lost your parents so young, left on our doorstep...c.c.c..' Dudley was trying to keep up with huge steps Harry made just so he can get into his room where he can punch his pillow instead of Dudley's pig like face.
'You know, I've been thinking..' said Dudley after few minutes of silence.
'Poor you, it must've been a terrifying experience. Did it hurt, sweety?' replied Harry sarcastically. He felt a little better, Dudley gave him material so he can do what he does best, he was sarcastic.
Dudley's face was slightly pink now. It was astonishing how much he looked like uncle Vernon, thought Harry.
'Your parents probably died happy, you know.'
Harry froze. 'Excuse me?'
Dudley grinned, this conversation was having the affect on Harry he hoped it will.
'Well, you must've been a horrible son, even when you were 1. Have you ever thought that... if there wasn't for you.. they would still be alive?' Dudley was amused, as it seemed. But Harry was pale. Of course he thought about that, but it was different when someone else says it at loud.
Dudley's amused face now faded when he saw Harry getting closer to him and drawing out his wand. He won't use it, he won't. It's forbidden in that school of his, he'll get expelled. But as Harry came closer and closer, Dudley wasn't sure whatever Harry remembers number one rule in his school, so he had to remind him. Dudley wouldn't be scared if Harry wanted to punch him (even though he noticed that Harry changed over the summer) because he thought he was stronger. He can fight with fists, because that was what he usually does, but if his cousin hurts him with his... thingy..., Dudley's massive presence would mean nothing.
'You can't use it! Put it down, someone will see us! Put. It. Down. Or I'm telling dad!' Dudley saw the change in Harry's murderous look. But he had no time to analyze it because suddenly, he felt cold. Not cold like in winter when warm jumper and a cup of tea will do the thing and you'll stop being cold. He felt coldness in every bone, it was impossible to breathe and he felt his blood freeze. Then a rush of memories.. Horrible memories, things he wanted to forget, things he never wanted to show to anyone.. 'St..op..No..'
As those words went through his mouth, it stopped. He could breathe again. And that breath was the most beautiful thing in his life. He wasn't cold anymore...Splash! Pain. He felt like someone whipped him across the face.
'Get up, you moron! Get. UP!' Harry punched him again and again, and continued to punch him until his idiotic cousin got up.
'You.. YOU DID THIS.' the first thing Dudley said when he got on his feet.
What. An. Idiot. God, give me patience. 'Dudley, moron, if I wanted to hurt you you wouldn't be here to accuse me that I did it. Which means, you would be dead. I didn't do this, that was the dementor... Oh, hell, why a I telling you all this?' because you're a bloody fool 'Come here. I won't hurt y..' Harry was standing there, and Dudley, obviously didn't believe him and thought that it was safer for him to start running from his cousin. Harry started to get angry. Now, that's enough!
He waved his hand and Dudley's massive body appeared in front of looked into his cousin's face, and saw a frightened boy's face on a sumo wrestler's body. Harry touched Dudley's forehead with his hand and watched how confusion and fear on his face were replaced by that amused look he had right before the attack.

'What?!' screamed Amelia, 'how can that be possible? Dementor. Here. C'mon, Harry, you're joking! Tell me you're joking.'
Harry found her reaction very amusing. 'C'mon, Amelia, it's not like I don't know how to defend myself. I took care of it, no worries.' he said casually
'That's not the point, Harry. We know you know how to deal with that stuff, but the problem is that there were two attacks near you in less than a week. Either someone is trying to get rid of you or you have really bad luck. We all know it's both.' Christian was worried, even though Harry told them he erased Dudley's memory and did that spell they showed him so the Ministry doesn't find out he used magic.
But Harry himself was worried too, even though he didn't show it.
'I thought the Ministry controlled them..'
'And I thought that those idiots, actually, idiot, were prepared for this kind of situations. They were here to protect you, and at the end it turns out you have to protect them. I'm going to kill that moronic, idiotic...MORON!'
'Who's she talking about?' asked Harry quietly.
'Madndungus Fletcher,' replied Christian absently,'he was the one who was supposed to take care of you tonight.'
'I don't know why are you getting so excited about him. I thought we all agreed that I can take care of myself better than he can. Just. Leave it.' he raised his hand when Amelia wanted to speak. 'It doesn't matter! I'm alive, nobody got hurt, end of story. Now, we have to find out how did that lovely fellow came here. And maybe this and what happened to Rick, maybe it's all connected? I don't know..' Harry started pacing.
'You might be right, you know. Maybe they were here because Voldemort or some of his death eaters ordered them.' Christian started pacing too.
'But, why would they listen to him?'
'Because in the last war, dementors worked for Voldemort.' Christian noticed Harry's confused look and answered his question. 'Last.. last time when all this started t happen, when Voldemort wasn't in the mood to go and murder and torcher people, or he had something important to do, and his death eaters were busy, he would send them to do things for him. And think about it, if you were Voldemort, you wouldn't want them on your enemy's side, would you now? I don't think he was worried that they would harm him, dementors suck out person's soul, and I'm pretty sure he has no soul so.. no, he was worried about.. maybe his death eaters? No? I don't know..' Christian shaked his head in frustration and sat on the bed.
'Look guys, I don't want to be rude but you should go. I'm off to Hogwarts tomorrow and I need to get my beauty sleep.' Harry was tired of all this. He didn't want to think about all this right now. He was sure that when he comes to Hogwarts he'll have something other to worry about and now this..
'Yeah.. Of course. Bye, honey.' Christian send him a kiss and jumped through the window.
Amelia was preparing to jump when she suddenly turned around. 'I almost forgot. Here.' she pulled a peace of parchment out of her pocket and layed it on his table. 'Those are the rules. I wrote them nicely so you don't forget. Just don't show it around, will you? Thanks.' and without waiting for the answer, she too jumped through the window and disappeared into the darkness.

The only thing that kept Harry going was Hogwarts. He kept to that thought when Rick died, when he had to watch the funeral behind a tree, when he had to watch Savannah cry for her brother's name, when he listened to his uncle's voice that yelled, something, God knows what.., when the dementor was coming close and he wasn't able to breathe, when he heard his mother's screams, when he saw Cedric fall and fall again and again in his dreams, every time he awoke after a nightmare and the last thing he saw was the green light, a picture of Hogwarts appeared in his mind and he felt calmer.
Maybe he would go through all this much easier if he was able to communicate with Hermione and Ron and Sirius and Lupin.. but he wasn't. He was happy he could see them on the train and enjoy the ride, playing chess, exchanging experiences and opinions about all that happened on holiday, eating and laughing without having to think who's the next person who's going to attack you.
But as it seemed, this year won't be like the others because Ron and Hermione got their prefect badges. Hermione was pleading with her eyes to forgive her, Ron was acting like he hasn't decided if he's proud that he became a prefect now and beat Harry in something, or he's sorry for leaving him alone. Harry just acted cool and at the end finished in a compartment with Ginny, Neville and Luna Lovegood. They were later joined by Ron and Hermione who were exhausted, and furious. At least Ron was. 'Malfoy! Draco Malfoy is a prefect! I'm going to murder myself!'
He continued to complain and murmur about that whole the time until the lights of their school were visible and Harry wasn't sure if Ron was saying anything else after that about Malfoy or anyone else because he turned off. He had eyes only for that place he was looking forward for two months. His home.