DETERMINATION is a powerful thing.
Harry sat on his cot, kicking his legs back and forth as he thought and fanned himself with his notebook.
He had finished his chores for the day, and now he had to figure out how he was going to leave the house, because he had to do that before he could even think about going to the library.
And before he could even do that, he would need permission to leave, not because anything was stopping him, at least not as far as the library went, but because the Dursleys were weird. They hated him and never wanted to be around him or see him, but they also never wanted him to leave the house.
But lucky for me, Harry thought as the sounds from TV started to reach him, I know just who to ask.
Not that I should need permission to leave the house, with how the Dursleys are always going on about how they want me gone, and how much of a burden I am on them. They should be happy to see me gone, but no, they pretend like I'm not there when I'm doing chores around the house, but as soon as I want to go somewhere, they need me to stay in the house to do something else. They don't want me here, but they also don't want me gone. The Dursleys are so strange sometimes.
Despite knowing all this, Harry knew that if he asked Petunia to leave while she was distracted with something else, she would just wave him off, and for Harry, that was as good as an ok.
I could probably go up to her and tell her that the sky is brown, or that Dudley had just turned into a pig somehow, and she would just agree. Though it actually wouldn't be all that bad if that did happen, Harry laughed as he imagined it, that would actually be an improvement, because at least pigs have cute tails.
Vernon was at work, Mondays were lay in, late days for Dudley now that it was summer, and Petunia was usually drinking tea and watching her morning soap operas at around 10, and since he could hear the TV, things were going on as they usually did.
Harry asked the lock to open, and stepped out. Petunia didn't look up when he did, but Harry didn't think that she would. Petunia, as Harry found out over time, tended to be just as aware as Vernon when it came to making sure his door was locked or unlocked, so she tended not to question him whenever he would walk out to do something.
Harry walked until he was standing to the right and just a little behind Petunia, who was sitting on the sofa closest to the TV.
"Aunt Petunia, may I go outside?" Harry asked, and she nodded absentmindedly, waving him away like Harry knew she would.
"Thank you Aunt Petunia, I'll be sure to be back in time to prepare dinner." She didn't give any type of response this time, but Harry wasn't expecting her to.
He went back to his cupboard to grab his backpack, and then headed to the front door, making sure not to lock it, so that when he came back he could just slip back in.
It was as he was walking down the sidewalk that he hit the first major snag in his plan. He didn't actually remember which way the library was.
He had only visited it once when he was 6, and only for a few minutes.
The visit, of course, wasn't for Harry. Petunia, in an effort to introduce the joys of reading to Dudley, decided to bring him to the library. Harry, who would have enjoyed the visit much more than Petunia seemed to think Dudley would, was only brought along in order to prevent him from setting the house on fire, or whatever other reason she thought up for why Harry couldn't be left alone in the house that day.
Anyway, long story short, when Dudley realized that the library was a place full of books, and not a restaurant or toy store, he threw a tantrum to rival all tantrums that he had previously thrown that week, and they never went back since.
While I don't remember much about that day, besides the fact that I was annoyed that we couldn't stay for longer, or that I couldn't just sneak away, I do kind of remember that the library was in the opposite direction of the park, and that it didn't take us long to get there.
On that thought, Harry began walking away from the park.
I wonder if this counts as an escape attempt, Harry thought as he skipped over the cracks in the sidewalk, does what I'm actually trying to do matter? Because I'm definitely not trying to run away again, at least not now, but maybe it's how far I go that counts. When I tried to leave before, I always walked pretty far past the park, so it might only count when I go past a certain point. I'll have to experiment with how far I can go later, and if the reason why I'm leaving makes a difference.
Though I might get a chance to start those experiments now, depending on how far away the library is. Hopefully, the answer is not far at all.
If the library was outside how far he could go, then he was out of luck.
Harry rounded the corner and saw to his relief the top of a building, the words Public Library in big, white letters printed on the front.
Well, that's one less thing to worry about. Now I know that the library is closer than I thought, and how to get to it.
Harry continued walking until he reached the front steps of the library, and was surprised to see that it was much bigger than he remembered.
He walked up the steps and pushed open the front doors, a wave of cool air greeting him when he did. He looked around once he was inside, and saw that besides himself and the woman working behind a big circular desk near the entrance, there were only two other people in the library that he could see so far, but they were busy with what they were doing, and didn't pay any attention to Harry.
Or did they?
Harry hurried further into the library and ducked behind the nearest bookcase, peeking around so that only his eye was visible as he kept watch of the people in the front.
I can't forget that someone's watching me, and until I find out who, it could be anyone. Maybe the woman behind the desk, or the man reading the book in the corner. I need to be extra careful, and keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior.
None of the people he was watching looked like they spent their time watching and waiting for him to try and run away, before they grabbed him and snuck him back into the Dursleys house, but he also didn't know what someone who did that would look like, so that didn't really help.
Was the person who was doing this tall? Short? He knew they had to be older than him, but were they really old, or only a little old? A man? Woman? Wearing a funny hat? A giant bird creature with flaming eyes and a monkey tail? He didn't think it was that last one, but if it was, they would be really easy to spot.
I have to remember to always be on the lookout, there's no telling ... Harry trailed off once he finally gave himself a chance to look around, his eyes growing wide.
He was surrounded by more books than he had seen in his entire life, and he was still only in the first row of bookcases!
Looking at all the shelves full of books, Harry couldn't understand how the library wasn't full of people. There was so much to learn, all the books just sitting there, lonely, begging to be read!
But they didn't have to worry, because Harry was here now, and he was going to read everything.
But where should he start? Should he just pick a random shelf and go from there? Or maybe he should start with something that he already knew.
I think I'll start with fairy tales. I already know that I love the few I've read, and I want to read something fun right now.
With his mind made up about what books he was going to start reading first, Harry made his way further into the library.
The bookcases towered over Harry as he walked between them, though considering how short he was, most things did, so that wasn't anything special. What was special, though, was how many books there seemed to be on any single subject.
Harry ran his fingers along the spines of the books as he walked, mouthing the titles to himself as he did, and as he passed by the bookcase labeled Mythology, his attention was caught by all the strange words in the titles that he didn't know.
Hmm, mythology sounds interesting. Once I'm done with all the fairytales, I'll probably head back over here, unless something else catches my attention.
Before long, Harry reached a part of the library that was full of color, with soft cushions on the floor and posters with kids' reading taped on the sides of the bookcases around the little area.
This is probably where they keep all the kids' books, so time to get started!
He looked around, making sure he was still alone, and walked over to the nearest bookcase, looking over the books that were there.
Now that I've found them, I'll read as many as I can before I have to leave. I left the house at around ten, so I have a good few hours before I have to head back, plenty of time to read at least a few stories.
He grabbed the first four books that caught his eye. If he was going to read all the books here anyway, Harry decided, it didn't matter where he started.
With his books in hand, Harry headed over to a gap between two bookcases that looked like it was the perfect size to hold him, and when he sat down in it, he realized that he was right. The space was just big enough that Harry could scoot back and press his back against the wall, while still having enough space to keep him and his books completely hidden, and light to read the books by.
It's better that I stay as hidden as possible while I'm here, so this is the perfect spot. My back is against the wall, so no one can come up behind me, and the space I'm in is small enough to not stand out.
I'm out of sight, out of mind, and I'll be able to see anyone coming to get me.
The Dursleys were good for teaching me at least one thing. When you're treated like you aren't really there, and just part of the background, you learn how to make yourself less noticeable. And when people don't realize that you're there, they talk about things as if you really weren't. So it isn't my fault that I now know that the real reason why Dudley and I switched schools was that Dudley was going to be held back a grade. Honestly, it isn't. So just like it wasn't my fault then, it won't be my fault now, if whoever's watching me just so happens to, I don't know, reveal their full name and reason for following me and I just happen to be around to hear.
Harry moved to sit with his legs crossed, and picked up the first book in the stack next to him.
Book in hand, Harry flipped to the first page, settled back, and began reading Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the first book of what was to be many, many, more.
In what seemed like no time at all, Harry was closing the back cover on the third book in the pile, with one more left to go.
This seems like a good time to stop and go over what I've learned so far. So, to recap, from Snow White I've learned to not eat apples given to me by old witches, as it will probably be poisoned, mirrors, specifically talking ones, usually make situations worse, and are not to be trusted, evil queens do things for very strange reasons, and that you should always have a prince nearby, as they can cure eternal sleep with a kiss.
Next is Cinderella, who kind of reminded me of myself, actually, I learned that bad things like to happen to good people, glass slippers are comfortable to walk in, but only fit the person they were made for, balls can be fun when you're dancing with the right person, and that once again, a prince is a good thing to have around, especially if you're looking for true love.
And finally Rapunzel, where I learned that you should never steal or make deals with a witch, long hair is very useful, maybe I should grow my own out? Not that Petunia would let me, but something to keep in mind, Rapunzel was really bad at keeping secrets, tears can heal people, and that there's nothing worse than being trapped in a place, knowing that there's only one way out, and not being able to use it.
Harry, looking back at what he had learned so far, knew that while some of what he learned only made sense in the stories they came from, some things could also be applied to real life.
For instance, from Snow White, he learned to not accept things from strangers, from Cinderella he learned that you have to be able to push forward and deal with the bad things in life, before you can reach the good. And lastly, from Rapunzel, he learned not to steal, at least not unless you're completely sure that you won't get caught, to be better at keeping secrets, and that...long hair can be useful if you end up trapped in a tower? He would have to think more about that one.
Oh, and how could he forget? He also learned that princes are good to have around, as they are capable of waking people up if they should happen to fall into an eternal sleep.
Harry put Rapunzel with the books he had finished reading, and looked up at the window on the wall across from him, trying to figure out what time it was by where the sun was in the sky, wincing as the light tried its best to blind him.
I really need to think about somehow getting a watch, especially if I'm going to be making it a habit to come to the library, which I plan to do. But anyway, looking at the sun it's probably...not too late? I should still have some time, so I'll just read the last book that I have here before leaving. The earlier I get back, the less chance there is of Vernon realizing I was gone.
Harry picked up the last book, noticing as he did that it was much thicker than the other books had been. The title of the book was odd too, with half of it being a word that Harry didn't understand.
The front cover of the book contained the title with the word Harry didn't know, followed by the brothers who must have written it. The title read Grimm's Märchen in big fancy black letters, and underneath it was written Compilation of stories by the Brothers Grimm.
This is different, Harry thought, though that does explain why it's so much bigger than the other books. I don't know what a compilation is, but since it says stories maybe that just means that there's more than one story inside, so it has to be bigger than a book with only one story in it. I might have to start reading it now and finish it later whenever I come back.
Harry placed the book in his lap, and quickly skimmed over the index (there were so many stories, over 100!), and turned to the first story and started reading, or at least he tried to.
It was rather hard, as Harry soon found out, to try and read a story when it was written in another language, one he didn't know, seeing as he was taught, and could only speak and read English.
Well, isn't this a surprise. What am I supposed to do now? I definitely can't read a book that's written in a language I can't read, and I don't even know what language this is.
Oh well, Harry thought as he moved to stand up, I guess I just have to put it back and leave. How annoying, and it looked interesting too...wait. Harry stopped, frozen, as the meaning behind what was happening caught up to him.
I never even realized that things could be written in different languages, I mean, I know that people speak different languages, but I never really thought about it.
Harry frowned, looking down at the book in his hands. This...was an unexpected problem, but what could he do about it? Just staring at the book wouldn't suddenly make him understand it, and he couldn't help but think about how many more books he wouldn't be able to read because he couldn't understand them either, all because he only knew English.
He didn't have anyone to teach him other languages, but maybe he could teach himself? There had to be books about how to learn languages, and what better place to find them then in a library? Where there were probably books about how to do all sorts of things, and all he had to do was find them.
If books were going to be written in different languages, then he was just going to have to learn every language.
Harry's grip on the book tightened, and his eyes showed his determination. He was excited, and he couldn't wait to start. He was going to find out what language the book was in, and he was going to learn it. He was going to read this book, no matter what, and every other book that tried to hide itself from him.
If he had to learn 100 different languages, then he would, because there was no reason not to, no reason to say that he can't, that it's too hard, too much, because as long as he was alive, Harry knew that he could do anything, or try to, at any rate.
Harry refused to let language be an obstacle for him.
I swear that I won't let anything stop me from learning, I won't. And then, as if in answer to his thoughts, Harry felt a rush of warmth spread through him, starting from his heart, and getting stronger with every beat.
Harry's eyes began to glow an otherworldly green, and his skin seemed to light up from within, but this stopped before Harry was able to notice that something was wrong.
The warmth and the glow only lasted for a moment, before Harry was back to his regular self, save for a lingering feeling of heat that was fading even as he thought about it, and an enhanced memory that went unnoticed altogether.
This must be what true determination feels like. How...nice.
Harry didn't have long to enjoy the feeling before the sound of approaching footsteps broke him out of his thoughts.
He hurriedly gathered up the rest of the books he had and stepped back into the shadows provided by the two towering bookcases that offered up an excellent hiding place.
The footsteps came closer, before stopping to the left of Harry. They stayed there for a few minutes, before going back the way that they came.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, and relaxed against the wall he was standing against, his arms heavy with the weight of the books he was holding.
I think that that's enough for today. I can always come back next Monday, or even later this week if I manage to sneak away. But now that I have something specific that I'm trying to learn, I think things will run a bit smoother. Right now my focus is languages, but that doesn't mean that I can't look at other things while I'm learning them.
For now, though, I really should be heading back.
Harry knelt down and put the books he had into his backpack. He wasn't sure if you could just take books from the library, but if no one stopped him, then he figured it was fine.
With that done, Harry continued on his way to the library entrance, noticing as he reached the area in the front with the tables that the man who was sitting there earlier was gone.
Maybe he was the one who came by where I was earlier, I should have checked when I had the chance, though why he didn't come back before me is anyone's guess.
Before he left, Harry noticed a clock over the doors and saw that it was now closer to 3 than he thought.
Vernon usually gets home around this time, so I better hurry.
Harry quickly exited through the front and made his way down the steps. Once he was back on the sidewalk, Harry simply retraced his steps, and before long, he was walking down the sidewalk leading to the Dursleys house.
Harry walked up to the front door, and carefully lifted the cover over the mail slot in order to hear what was going on in the house. He heard the sound of the TV, but not the grumbling that usually accompanied Vernon watching it, or the whining that signaled Dudley, so that meant that Dudley was probably still upstairs. Along with the TV, Harry heard the sound of running water, so that meant that Petunia was in the kitchen doing something.
All that meant was that this was the perfect time to come back inside, so Harry let go of the mail slot cover, and slowly eased the door open until he had a space just big enough to slide through. Once he was inside, Harry gently pushed the door closed and locked it.
Petunia didn't come out of the kitchen, so Harry knew that she didn't hear him when he came in.
The TV was on like Harry thought, and seeing the channel it was on, he knew that she must have just gotten up to go to the kitchen.
So today it seems like I've been especially lucky. I wonder if that means tomorrow is going to be horrible? I hope not, but considering that it's me hoping, it probably will be.
Harry decided to leave all thoughts about luck, good or bad, for later, and quietly made his way over to the cupboard.
Once he was inside, Harry took the books out of his backpack before shoving it back underneath the cot.
This has been a rather productive day, and I'm happy with myself, so how about a Cheers?
Harry had seen Petunia watching a movie through the crack of his door one night, and in the movie there were all these people wearing fancy clothes, holding glasses in their hands, clinking them together. They looked so happy when they did, shouting out Cheers! , celebrating with each other, and Harry had always wanted to try that, at least once.
Right now, I'm happy, and I don't need someone else to do cheers with, but, maybe…
Harry sat up and raised his arm towards the ceiling, and with his hand formed around an imaginary glass, toasted his parents who he hoped were watching and happy for him.
"To me, and happiness, and learning new things, cheers!"
Harry drank his imaginary glass, and laughed, falling back down to lie on his cot.
Yes, he was still with the Dursleys, and yes, he did still have someone watching him, but he was finally doing something that wasn't cooking, or cleaning, or gardening. Something that wasn't for the Dursleys, and he could be happy, even if it was just for a moment, for that at least, couldn't he?
Harry believed that he could, and that's why he continued to laugh, even when Vernon started yelling for "The Freak to stop with all his senseless nonsense, couldn't he tell that good respectable were around, and that he was interrupting them?"
