"I am Harry Agnello, it's nice to meet you as well" Harry responded calmly, silently thanking Guide to Advanced Occlumency for its help in remaining calm.
The woman who had previously been so unhelpful and rude now appeared to be fumbling for words. "Of- of course, I can have it expedited and sent to you within a few days" she stuttered.
Arcturus smiled easily, "thank you, that would be lovely"
Arcturus turned to look at Harry and spoke. "Walk with me? Perhaps I could escort you to Madame Marchbanks?"
Harry nodded stiffly and did his best to brush aside the fact that somehow Arcturus knew he was here to see Madame Marchbanks despite allegedly just hearing his name in passing.
"Thank you, the hallways seem to intentionally rearrange themselves in order to make me walk in circles." Harry responded as the pair made their way to the elevator.
Arcturus nodded and let out a chuckle, "yes, they sometimes appear to have a mind of their own"
The pair remained quiet in the filled elevator until they arrived at the Department of Magical Education, where they were alone again.
"I must admit, my running into you wasn't entirely coincidental. When I heard an Agnello heir was running around, I initially took them as nothing more than rumors. But I see now that I was mistaken..." Black confessed, almost looking ashamed of his actions. Harry wondered if it was a show for his benefit or real.
"Yes, well, I'm still identification-less, so currently I'm nobody" Harry joked.
"Perhaps... but with your blood and your eyes, you'll never be nobody," Black said smoothly.
Harry stiffened. "You've met one of my family?" Harry realized.
"No, never. The last one in Britain disappeared before my time. But my own grandmother was an Agnello by birth, you almost look and remind me of her. You certainly have her eyes… She never did reveal what happened to your family... The reason for your family disappearing or even if you had truly disappeared. Even my grandfather's and later my father's begging wasn't enough. I wonder if you'd satisfy an old man's curiosity?" Black asked as the pair rounded a corner to the hallway with Marchbanks' office.
"We uh... left Britain, lived in many countries until I decided to return our family to Britain," Harry lied. He had been practicing lies and coming up with stories for any questions that may be posed of his identity. But Harry had been surprised by the question and foolishly stumbled over his answer. The look on Black's face revealed that he did not believe him in the slightest. He wasn't asking to fulfill simple curiosity either, Harry decided.
But he let it rest all the same and spoke again, "I see... Well, it appears I will have to leave you shortly. My granddaughter, Bellatrix, will be attending Hogwarts, a sixth year as well. Please feel free to ask her for any help you may need. If the ministry's hallways have a mind of their own, then Hogwarts' hallways have a will of their own... and they quite like tricking new students." Black warned.
The pair arrived at the door of Griselda Marchbanks' office. "Please feel free to call on me for my help as well. If you intend for the Agnellos to return to Britain, then I assume you will step forward to claim their seat on the Wizengamot? I can help you there. Those old bastards love to devour fresh faces..." Black trailed off as he seemed to be remembering something fondly.
"Of course, with your help I'm sure I'd be okay" Harry lied smoothly. Inside, he was panicking. There was an Agnello hereditary Wizengamot seat?
Of course there was.
Of course... Harry hadn't known there was. But he wouldn't let Arcturus know that.
And now he claimed he would take his seat in future... he just kept digging himself in deeper.
"Agnellos and Blacks working together to help improve our world, just as our ancestors did... Well, good luck on your exams." Black spoke with a smile before turning and slowly walking away.
Harry had turned the door handle when Black spoke again. "One more thing, Mr Agnello. I shall be hosting a Christmas party at my home this year. I would love for you to attend, so we can continue this discussion."
Before Harry could speak, Black continued.
"Great, I'll have my granddaughter come to you with details closer to the date." Arcturus said with a small smirk as he once again turned away.
Harry shuddered as the man walked away. That man is slimy, he decided.
Harry turned back to Madame Marchbanks' office.
"Hello? It's me, Harry Agnello, I'm here for my OWLs?" Harry called out as he entered the office.
Madame Marchbanks smiled at him and pointed to another door in the room. "Yes, we'll be right through there today. I figure we'll do as many written tests today as we can, so no practicals" she said before putting an arm around Harry's shoulder and walking him towards the other room.
Harry nodded in understanding and opened the door to the next room. It looked like a practice room, there was no decoration and the walls and ceiling had protective charms on them. There was a single desk in the center of the room that Harry sat down in.
The hours ticked by slowly and when the clock struck four, Harry's hand was aching. He had managed to get through four written exams. Harry had only been scheduled to take three exams that day. However, he had finished his DADA exam early, so Marchbanks offered him another. If he could manage to take another four exams the following day, then all that would be left would be practical testing.
"I would expect nothing less of Pelias and his ilk," Madam Marchbanks said as Harry walked her to the main floor of the ministry.
Harry nodded but didn't comment as he really didn't want to start this conversation again.
Madame Marchbanks continued to stare at Harry, most likely wishing he would make a comment that she could latch onto.
When Harry didn't she sighed and asked "is he dead?"
Would confirming his death be the best thing for Harry? It could explain why Harry didn't know much about him, or why he was unable to talk to him. But what if he wasn't and showed up one day... and how would she react to him being dead... Harry internally debated.
Though if Pelias showed up one day alive, Harry supposed he'd have bigger problems than a lie once told to Madame Marchbanks. Regardless, he still felt it better to say nothing conclusive.
"He's... not dead." Harry finally decided.
Harry sighed internally as he continued, he had chosen the harder option. "He told me about you once. When he talked about Hogwarts. He had this… look in his eye. It got his wife into quite the stir" Harry lied easily.
If he told her that Pelias cared about her and that she was a sore spot for his wife and him, she would surely believe his lie. Not because it was true, or because it was a good lie, but just because she wanted to believe it.
Accepting the lie, her face lit up with delight as a smirk formed on her face. "I bet! Whoever old Pelias married didn't want him remembering me! That's made my day, boy!" Madame Marchbanks laughed as she put a hand on Harry's shoulder to stabilize herself.
When she was finally able to calm down, the pair were standing in front of the fireplaces to flop home.
"Make sure to ask about me, especially if the old woman is around. He could tell you stories that would make her livid, no doubt." Madame Marchbanks laughed wickedly as she stepped into the fireplace.
Harry was left with the distinct feeling that she never really got over her "crush" on Pelias. He smirked at the old woman's antics before he too went back to his temporary home.
Harry had planned to study a little more before he went to sleep. However, upon seeing his bed, he all but collapsed onto it. His mind hurt from the amount of thinking and remembering he was forced to do. How Hermione could do it all the time was just incomprehensible to Harry.
But it paid off, at least... Harry hoped it did. He felt confident that he passed all the exams. But whether he did good on them was another question. There was still the practical portion to worry about as well.
Harry didn't have much time to think about it, as sleep quickly took him.
...
Harry once again found himself in front of Madame Marchbanks' office, like he had for the past two days.
'This day will be much better' Harry hoped. It was just practicals, so he would actually be using magic, unlike the previous days.
Once again the pair found themselves in a practice room, but the desk was pushed off to the side.
"I expect nothing but the best from you, Mr Agnello" Madame Marchbanks said seriously as the door closed behind them.
Harry gruffly nodded as he mentally prepared. He wasn't too worried, he was always better with the practical portion of magic versus the theoretical.
The next few hours flew by as Harry easily followed through the tasks Marbanks gave him.
"If you did as well on the written exams as the practical ones, then I have no doubt you will receive many OWLs." Madame Marchbanks said after they finished the last practical of the day, transfiguration.
"Thank you. I've done nothing but study for the last weeks" Harry joked, half serious.
"As you should've... Now tell me, have you thought any more about what I said? I'd be more than happy to offer you the Runes or any other exam you wish" Marchbanks asked.
Harry's face reddened as he walked towards the exit. "I have started studying Runes and Arithmancy to help with warding and enchanting... so maybe next summer. I don't think I'm at a competent level yet."
Madame Marchbanks' eyes seemed to lite up with joy and an evil glint as she redirected Harry back into the testing room. With a flick of her wand the desk was back in the center and Harry was forced to sit down in it.
"You should try anyway, you never know what might happen, you could always surprise yourself." Madame Marchbanks explained before placing a Runes test that had been suspiciously hidden in the corner of the room.
Harry groaned internally as he looked down at the parchments. Another test... and from the looks of it, one he won't even know half of.
Harry's protests didn't stop Marchbanks however, who continued to swear he should just try. Harry eventually gave in and found himself spending another four hours at the ministry.
After the Magical Runes exam, Madame Marchbanks of course insisted he should try the Arithmancy exam. It was only after Harry put his foot down at the Latin OWL did she relent and move onto the practicals... of which Harry did not fare much better. He was only able to successfully complete about half the drills asked of him. With his ego and confidence severely shot, Harry finally managed to escape that godforsaken room.
"Your results will be sent to yourself and Hogwarts before term starts, don't worry. I'll make sure they are sent on time." Madame Marchbanks informed him as the pair once again found themselves walking together. Harry simply nodded, not wanting to do anything to set the woman off about taking an English OWL as well.
"You did very well. I was surprised. When I saw what OWLs you would be taking, and after I first met you, I will admit I was not sure. But you're an Agnello alright. When you get to Hogwarts, consider taking... more advanced classes. It will be hard, much harder on you. But I have no doubt you could do it." She said seriously, a slight grip around his arm.
"I doubt that, with my OWL scores, I won't be able to take much more than the cores." Harry responded, not sadly, but in a resigned tone.
Marchbanks gave him an odd look, "you never know..." she said almost mysteriously.
The pair walked quietly through the twisting ministry halls. It was later than the two usually left, and there were much fewer people consequently.
Finally, Madame Marchbanks spoke again. "There's something coming. I don't know what... but you get to my age and you start noticing the signs. It's why you need to take advantage of all you can at Hogwarts. I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that's why Pelias sent you here instead of keeping you in whatever hole you've been in. Learn as much as you can and make as many allies and friends as you can. You'll need them, for whatever that may or may not come." Madame Marchbanks said seriously, almost desperately, before she detached herself from Harry's arm.
Harry wasn't given an opportunity to speak as she continued. "Now thank you for walking with an old lady, but I can manage from here. There are a few things I need to do here in the ministry. Good luck at Hogwarts." Marchbanks said before walking down a hallway that Harry would swear hadn't been there the day before.
Harry stood numb in the elevator. She had said something was coming... there was something coming, alright. But how did she know? Had Voldemort already started acting? Did Harry have less time than he initially thought? Harry's heart clenched at the thought.
Thoughts of Dumbledore returned in full swing once again. Perhaps he should tell him at least something? Nothing about himself or the prophecy. But stuff any other time traveler would know.
That way, Dumbledore could focus on the war and Harry could focus on himself. Harry tried not to think about it as shifting away the responsibility for the carnage and death to come. But it still tasted bitter in his mouth.
With Dumbledore knowing, however, it would tie a noose around Harry and his own efforts. If Harry informed Dumbledore of all the future Death Eaters at Hogwarts. If, say, two months later, Bellatrix has a happy accident and tumbles down the stairs, Dumbledore would undoubtedly look at Harry.
Future Death Eaters or not, Dumbledore wouldn't look kindly on such an action.
But perhaps it would still be better to talk to Dumbledore. Harry's first instinct was to talk to Dumbledore, and he was only put off from it by the abyss. Who Harry wasn't positive was a trustworthy or credible advisor.
Harry walked through the ministry, towards the fireplaces, before flooing to his temporary home.
It wouldn't be long until he met his parents, Harry realized as he stared up at the cracked ceiling. All of them. Remus, Sirius, even Peter Pettigrew. Harry would have his Occlumency practice to thank if he resisted cursing Peter.
There would undoubtedly be many of his old friend's parents at Hogwarts. The Longbottoms for one, Harry knew would be at Hogwarts. The Weasleys as well, perhaps.
Not just them, but his enemies and the parents of his enemies would be mere school children now. Draco's mom and her sisters Andromeda and Bellatrix. Harry briefly remembered the disgust he felt when Arcturus brought her up, and how he had to resist shuddering.
Harry seriously wondered if he would be able to resist cursing them all. He wondered if he could resist cursing them... if he should.
...
Time drew on slowly as the last days passed by. True to her word, Harry had received his identification a day after his last exam.
All that was left were his OWL scores, which Harry had started to worry wouldn't arrive until after the term started. But sure enough, a week after his last exam, they arrived in the early morning on August 29th.
"ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS
Pass Grades:
Outstanding (O) Exceeds Expectations (E) Acceptable (A)
Fail Grades:
Poor (P) Dreadful (D) Troll (T)
HARRY AEOLUS AGNELLO
Potions (O)
Transfiguration (O)
Charms (O)
Defense Against the Dark Arts (O)
Divination (D)
Care of Magical Creatures (D)
History of Magic (E)
Astronomy (A)
Herbology (E)
Study of Ancient Runes (E)
Arithmancy (E)
Harry couldn't believe it. Nine OWLs?
Harry reread the letter to confirm. He counted nine once again. He had definitely improved in potions over the weeks of studying. But had he improved to the point where he could get an O? The paper sure said so.
He even managed to get an E in History of Magic. Harry felt slightly guilty as he thought of his friend Hagrid and the Dreadful score he received in his class. Divination however was nothing besides expected.
But the two most surprising scores were Arithmancy and Study of Ancient Runes. He had gotten an "Exceeds Expectations" in both subjects...
Harry wasn't stupid. He knew that no miracle happened the night before he took the exams. He didn't magically gain years worth of knowledge in a few weeks, he had barely been able to answer a fourth of the questions, completely ignoring the practical side. Something Draco once said came rushing back to him. "It's not about what you know, but who you know."
Had Draco not been lying and claiming his usual superiority as Harry had assumed? Harry suddenly felt very bitter and slightly irritated.
Madame Marchbanks had changed his scores. She had given him OWLs in subjects he had no right to have OWLs in. The rest of his scores instantly became invalid as well. Who's to say he really earned that O in Transfiguration?
Harry looked through his scores once again. Marchbanks had let her distaste of his electives be well known, and while he was no genius in them, he had tried in Care, for Hagrid's sake. Did she give him a failing grade just so he couldn't continue them?
Harry felt as if he had just wasted weeks of his time. He had, really. All that time studying and worrying about the exams, then when he finally took them and received his scores, he had no way of knowing they were really his.
Harry sat back down on his bed, the letter clenched in his fist. There was nothing he could do now. The exams had been taken, the scores sent and finalized. Harry couldn't do anything without being labeled a cheater and a liar, like he had been in his own time. Even if he tried to speak out against Madame Marchbanks, families such as Draco's would just rush to her defense. If her interference came to light in his own scores, who's to say she hadn't done the same with others?
Harry briefly considered going to ministry and letting her know how he felt. But those childish desires were quickly put to sleep. He would gain nothing from such an action and likely lose a helpful ally.
Harry sighed as he got up from his bed and put the letter on a nearby desk. It wasn't a terrible thing in general, but it was frustrating. Being able to take NEWT level classes he shouldn't be in would be extremely challenging but they could also be extremely beneficial.
As much as he didn't want to admit it, anything he managed to pick up from advanced Arithmancy would be vastly more help than a whole year's worth of Care. "Sorry Hagrid" Harry apologized internally.
It was only a day later that Harry received his Hogwarts acceptance letter. That was also the moment Harry realized just how much he needed. It had slipped Harry's mind that he couldn't just go back to the burrow or Grimmauld place or even Privet 4 drive and grab his trunk.
He was missing pretty much all of his Hogwarts supplies and, as Harry was bitterly reminded, an owl.
At least he had his wand, Harry thought, shoving thoughts of duplicate items to the back of his mind.
He hoped that it would be late enough in the summer for most of the school shopping to be done already. Hogwarts usually sent out their letters weeks earlier than Harry had received his.
Harry quickly realized he was wrong as he shoved his way through the packed crowds of Hogwarts families.
He had already been fitted for robes as right next to the mirror shop, where he lived, was a robes shop.
All he needed after that were writing supplies, a potions kit, and his school books.
It was midday when Harry arrived at Flourish and Blotts once again. His legs hurt from standing in lines and queues, and he just wanted to sit down with Ron and Hermione in the Gryffindor Common room. Only one of those things could be done, Harry reminded himself.
Harry grimaced as he saw who was working behind one of the counters. "Back again? This time for school shopping I assume... No black eyes! Good! I see you took my advice! Or did you simply manage to keep your magazines hidden? I'm surprised I-" The obnoxious worker asked with a grin.
Before Harry could curse the worker, another voice cut in. "Could you two finish this some other time? I have better things to do than listen to your... no doubt scholarly discussion."
Harry was momentarily taken aback by the beautiful girl standing in front of him. Her black wavy hair fell from her head until it reached just below her shoulders. Her face was pale, with high cheekbones that screamed well-bred. She stared haughtily at Harry with dark, piercing eyes.
"I... I don't know him" Harry managed to stumble out, still taken aback by the girl.
The girl's upper lip curled slightly before she flashed a smile that Harry knew was meant to look fake. "But you two seem to share such a passionate interest in illicit material. If you're not friends now, I'm sure you will be soon." The girl said in a mocking tone.
Harry felt his heart race and his face burn in embarrassment. But before he could explain himself, the girl turned to look at the worker. "Sixth year required books" she demanded simply. The worker limply pointed to a shelf in the back. He was clearly suffering from the same illness that Harry was.
"Man... was she hot. Would I kill to have a magazine of her-"
"Would you shut up?" Harry snapped before turning to leave. With a second thought, he turned back to the man, "aren't you like 30? She's a sixth year, you know?" Harry asked before stalking after the girl.
He tried to hide a shelf away from the girl as she picked out her books. He didn't want to be weird and make even more of a fool of himself.
Of course, she made it easy for him. "So, a stalker as well as a degenerate?" She asked as she stood in front of him. Harry briefly looked around, shocked and uncertain at how she managed to sneak up on him.
"Well?" The girl demanded before crossing her arms.
Harry stumbled out in response. "I'm not a stalker!" Harry rushed out with a red face.
The girl's lips curled in amusement, "oh? You are a degenerate, then?" She asked with a smirk as she leaned against the shelf, blocking his escape.
"N-no! Neither! Merlin-"
The girl cut Harry off and continued her insults. "Then what are you? A predator? You told that filthy worker off so he wouldn't intrude on your catch?" The girl asked.
She's the devil, Harry realized.
"N-no! No, I'm none of those things! I promise! I came in here weeks ago to buy books on wards. He just assumed I had the same use for them as he had. And I'm not stalking you either, I was waiting for you to leave, so I could grab my books. I'm going to be a sixth year as well" Harry rushed to explain.
The girl broke into cruel laughter which sounded eerily familiar before a look of recognition came across her face. "You're Harry Agnello" she ordered. If he hadn't been Harry Agnello, he was now.
"How did y-" Harry's mind trailed off.
No...
She's a sixth year, has wavy black hair, looks at you like you're a bug... her laughter which had previously sounded enchanting echoed in his mind as that of Bellatrix Lestrange.
Harry had to repress the urge to throw up. He had just called Bellatrix beautiful! He had stumbled around, abashed and red-faced, over Bellatrix Lestrange. The woman who had killed Sirius, who had tortured Neville's parents into insanity, who had committed an uncountable amount of heinous crimes. He had let her fluster him.
All the embarrassment flew from Harry's face as his fingers twitched for his wand.
The beautiful girl in front of him was slowly distorted until all he could see was the insane woman of his time. The one with sickly skin and brown teeth. The one who had clumped and greasy hair. The one-
"My grandfather told me about you... he told me to help you if you needed it..." Bellatrix explained slowly, all hints of mocking and teasing gone from her voice. She had noticed the drastic shift in the boy and was hesitant.
"That won't be necessary" Harry gritted out through clenched teeth.
Bellatrix's mocking smile returned, but it was clearly half-hearted at best. "Why am I not good enough for you? P-prefer one of your magazine girls?" She teased, but stuttered in the middle.
Harry's hand twitched, but he managed to keep it at bay. Yeah, whoever discovered Occlumency deserves a massive thank you, Harry managed to think clearly.
"No, you're not" Harry stated before coldly brushing past Bellatrix. It was all he could do to stop himself from cursing the girl. Sirius' blank face whispered the word "traitor" over and over in his mind.
Harry barely registered the girl's gasp as he walked past and gathered his sixth year books. Bellatrix continued to stare at Harry, slightly dumbfounded, as he once again ignored her in favor of walking towards the counter.
"Who do you think you are?" She finally hissed before he could reach the counter.
Harry opened his mouth to brush her off once again, but a livid Bellatrix continued. "I am Bellatrix Black. Granddaughter of Arcturus Black. There is no family purer, more distinguished, more powerful than the Blacks. Not even the Agnellos. To have such a disgusting little boy say I'm not good enough?" Bellatrix ranted before taking a deep breath.
She leveled Harry with an icy stare but it was nothing compared to the look Sirius had given him as he fell through the veil.
Harry's hand twitched closer and closer to his wand with every passing second he was forced to look at her. "You mean there is no family more inbred, more evil, more disgusting than the Blacks? Not even my own? You're right about that. We would never have a daughter such as you" Harry spat.
Bellatrix's eyes widened in shock before her wand suddenly appeared in her hand. Faster than Harry could react, the wand was ripped away, towards something behind him.
Harry whirled around to see Arcturus Black standing behind him with a diplomatic smile. "Ah, Mr Agnello, it's good to see you again. I see you've met my... lovely granddaughter." Black said before grabbing Harry's shoulder like an old friend.
"You children... always so quick to action after mere words, words are but wind, don't you know?" Arcturus trailed off before leveling Harry with a stare, his diplomatic smile slipping away.
"Although being so new to Britain, it does not do, to make wind. As your house isn't yet strong, it would not take much to blow it down." Arcturus spoke, his grip tightening around Harry's shoulder. The pair stared at each other for a moment longer before Arcturus relented and released Harry from his hold.
Harry's stomach clenched in fear and adrenaline shot through his body. There was something about the man that just screamed "danger!" Arcturus had threatened him, of that Harry had no doubt. He hadn't used any threatening words, but the point was clear as glass.
"Grandfather..." Bellatrix breathed, looking ashamed of herself in front of him.
"And you" Arcturus turned towards his granddaughter accusingly. "Was it not you who said the first words about Mr Agnello and his family?"
Bellatrix nodded stiffly, though it was clear she wanted to argue.
Arcturus sighed, "or perhaps an old man is simply being too harsh. Young love can sometimes start in the weirdest of ways..."
Harry's face crinkled in disgust as he looked at the young Bellatrix, "never," he said, momentarily forgetting his fear.
Bellatrix looked like she wanted to agree, but was held back by either her Grandfather's presence or her desire to not agree with Harry no matter what.
Arcturus looked between Bellatrix and Harry, an odd glint in his eyes, for a moment. "Of course, I apologize Mr Agnello, I look forward to seeing you this Christmas. Come, Bella, we shall buy your books later." Arcturus ordered, not waiting for a response or argument, he turned heel and marched away.
Bellatrix offered Harry one last withering glare as she turned away.
The employee who had previously been hiding underneath the counter suddenly popped back up. He watched wistfully as Bellatrix left the store. Finally, he locked eyes with Harry and said, "man, why are the hot ones always crazy? But honestly, if it was for her... I think I could stomach a bit of a crazy."
Harry stared at the man as if he was corn in shit. "What is wrong with you?" Harry finally asked after an uncomfortably long pause.
The man only laughed as if it were some kind of compliment. Which to him… perhaps it was.
Harry found his head hurting as he walked back to his apartment. He would have to deal with Bellatrix on the daily at Hogwarts. Not only her but her future cohorts of eager Death Eaters. If she now had a bone to pick with him, Harry wasn't sure he would be able to stop himself...
'Perhaps you shouldn't' a voice which sounded eerily like Sirius said.
Harry almost instantly regretted his outburst and lack of control as he exited the store. He was supposed to remain under the radar, get through school with the least bit of attention drawn. At least until Voldemort was defeated.
He had done the exact opposite. He had drawn the attention of exactly the wrong people. He had turned Bellatrix's sights onto himself, with her would come her Death Eater friends. Not only that, but if her grandfather hadn't already been interested in him, he was now. What reason could a 16-year-old boy have to detest someone he's never met before, her, and her whole family?
Arcturus' belief that it was simply young love would act as a good cover. At least until it became clear that it wasn't. As much as he detested the idea, it would benefit him. Black wouldn't act against him if he thought he could get his granddaughter into the Agnello conspiracy. Not that there was one, but he sure seemed to think there was.
Harry collapsed onto the bed as he entered his room. This had become a common action to him. It was fun to dramatically fall after a day's work of studying or shopping.
He listened to the clock tick by as he studied the crack that he could glean nothing more from. It was the times when he had nothing to do at all, that's when it all came back to him. When all he could do was sit and listen to time tick by.
Harry's eyes watered as memories of long red hair plagued his mind. Hermione, Ron, and him sitting by the fire in the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore's Army, and how all his classmates and friends looked to him for help. It all came rushing back. But a realization was always quick to follow.
Pointlessness.
What had his entire life been for? He had 16 years worth of memories, of friends, of people, of enemies. It was all equally... pointless.
All the situations which had previously felt so life or death. All the situations which were never more than a passing smile or scowl. All of it felt equally empty in Harry's mind. None of it had happened yet and if Harry had his way, none of it ever would. So what, then, are the memories inside of Harry's head purpose?
Harry sat up in his bed and wiped away his tears. He refused to allow himself to cry for longer than a few minutes at a time. Not until his mission was complete. Then, and only then, could he sit back and hope it wasn't as pointless as his life so far had been.
Harry walked to his desk. He realized as he sat down that he had forgotten something. Harry let out a few heated curses as he once again left his room to buy his school books.