27. Rejection

With the basilisk of the Chamber of Secret dead, things returned to normal within Hogwarts. All petrified students were healed and Dumbledore had assured everyone that the matter had been resolved.

Having Hermione back in the group was a massive relief to both Harry and Ron. No matter how much Ron liked to argue with her.

Ever since waking up, Harry had felt fantastic. Interestingly enough, he had two more items in his headwear, a blue tear and a red stone. Each hung beside the black feather and it just felt right.

Harry shook his head to focus on the game. He was playing in the final match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Malfoy wasn't the opposing seeker this time. To be frank, he hadn't seen hide or hair of Malfoy in quite a while and he didn't care to.

Almost casually, he swooped past the opposing seeker and clutched the snitch. The crowd went wild, cheering his name, adoration and respect clear in their faces. It felt very hallow to him. After the game, the guys were all cheering for their victory in the locker room.

As the others went to celebrate the victory, he went to the Oliver Wood, the team captain. "I wish to formally resign from my position on the team."

"You don't mean that Harry. What brought this about?" Wood questioned blankly.

Harry glared at that. "Flying is one of the greatest things I've ever done. It's a great experience for me. When I joined this team, I was hoping to fly with friends. But when the petrification incidents began, the team turned on me just like everybody else." Harry paused and shook his head, "I don't want to spoil the experience by doing it with people that will turn on me so easily. Goodbye Wood."

Harry didn't turn back. It wouldn't be long until the rest of the team learned of this and started to bother him about rejoining. Harry sighed deeply. Shade covered his form from the Sun. Looking up he say the Pale Lady hold her umbrella above him.

It was with great pleasure that he noticed that his creation was hooked to her belt.

"Have you ever had a hard time letting things go?" Harry questioned. The two continued their walk. He would've offered to hold the umbrella, but he was a fair bit shorter than her.

The Pale Lady placed a finger on her cheek, "Moving on can be very unpleasant business. Tossing aside things and or people you've grown used or attached to makes on feel very vulnerable. Are you regretting something?"

"I don't know. I thought Quidditch would be amazing, but it fell flat."

"Maybe you aren't so much disappointed at the team as opposed to the wizarding world in general. Friendships take time and they can falter, just like anything else that involves a human."

Harry shoved his hands into his pockets and lamented. "So you think I was overreacting and shouldn't have quit."

She smiled kindly at him, "Not at all. Just because imperfection is expected, doesn't mean you should have to endure it. Never were you once formally suspected of an attack. They had no grounds to turn on you like that. But I'm concerned for you Harry."

Slowing to a halt, she crouched down to meet him at eye level. Her rich eyes connected to his. "You hope for much and wound so deeply. I am sorry to say, but magic doesn't simply make one a better person. Do you understand?" Her voice was kind, clashing with her firm words.

He wanted to cringe at that. Magic hadn't improved his people skills. Just like with the Dursleys there were those that made him a scapegoat to alieve themselves from the burden of responsibility.

She continued, "Don't be in such a rush for attention. You, Ron, and Hermione didn't exactly mesh well in your first year, if I recall correctly. I believe you're the type to keep closer friends. I suggest you look around and find those in similar positions to you and try to reach out. You aren't the only one that holds fears of the social realm."

"I believe moderation will be the best. Don't isolate yourself whenever troubled," she said that portion eying him a bit before continuing, "but don't feel the need to appease everyone. A nice person like you should be able to make some more good friends."

"I don't know", Harry mumbled, disheartened.

"Give it one more go, for me?" She held her hands together and gave a small wink to Harry.

He folded almost immediately. "I suppose two years is a little early to close my friend prospects."

She patted his back endearingly. They continued their stroll down the walkway. As they walked by, Harry noticed a blonde girl. She walked alone and her back was just a touch slouched. She wore no socks or shoes. Not too far off, there was a group of girls laughing at her.

Harry hadn't realized that he had stopped walking. Memories of his own lonely walks back in elementary school plagued his mind. A supportive hand rested on his shoulder as the Pale Lady whispered, "Go on ahead, I can wait."

He squeezed her hand for comfort and nodded in thanks. Harry walked off to speak to the bare footed girl.