35. Desolation

Silver light sputtered out of his wand as Harry failed the Patronus Charm for the umpteenth time. Frustration was bubbling underneath the pressure.

He only had the dog as company. Professor Lupin had been kind enough to tutor him on the charm. It came as a bit of surprise when he found out that the man had been friends with his father during school. He hadn't gotten much information about his parents, besides the usual pleasantries he got from the staff.

They rattled the same things, he was a good man and it was a shame he was dead. With further time, he hoped to pull more detailed stories. Still lessons had been informative, but unsuccessful.

Days of work hadn't provided him with much success. This spell would be his only real defense against the Dementors, less he wished to have a repeat of the train incident. Before he had left, Lupin had advised him to think of his happiest moment.

So Harry lowered his wand and remembered.

He had been so much younger and smaller then. A too strong gust of wind could have easily toppled him down. If one saw his eyes, there would see dullness where once radiance made its home. The boy lived from inherent stubbornness and optimism. One day, he believed, things would be better, they had to be.

It was a particularly cold winter in Surrey that year. He had earned his relatives' ire through some means, as was usual. It was too bad they didn't tell him what he did, so he could stop doing it.

It was decided that he would clear the front yard of snow. Too bad it was night and he could barely see, the shovel was nearly twice his height, and it made his hands hurt. Half the job was wrestling with the large clothing hanging off his form. The jacket wasn't really comfortable or warm. Though, he was grateful that he stopped shivering from the cold after so long.

Wind started to pick up and threw the pile of snow on him. It took several minutes to dig his way out. Harry cracked a tiny smile now that his face stopped hurting too. Pinching his cheek, he hardly felt anything! That must've been him getting tougher.

Harry went right back to work, if he did a good enough job, his family would be much nicer to him. He was sure. He had to be sure. But, it was a lot of work for little Harry. As time dragged on, Harry began to notice a figure watching him.

It was faint at first, merely an outline. But the closer he came to completion, the more detailed the figure, no woman, became. Having company made the task just a little bit more bearable.

Sleepiness slowed his efforts, but he pushed on. In little less than an hour, he was finished. Drained he made to return inside, until the lady spoke up.

"If I could have a moment of your time?" Her voice rang like chimes blown by a gentle spring wind. It was soothing to his ears and nerves. Her voice welcomed him and promised security and comfort. Most of all, it promised of sweet, sweet, wonderful rest. No more yelling or difficulties. All of that would come to a gentle stop.

Almost in a state between sleep and awake, he shakily walked up to her.

She smiled widely and kindly. Slowly, she placed a rather large mug into his hands. Steam stretched out inches above the cup and he could scarcely see the liquid due to the generous amount of marshmallows. Despite the steam, he could hardly feel the heat on his hands. Seeing her encouraging look, he took a sip. It was like liquid bliss had seeped into his mouth. Rich chocolate tickled his taste buds and warmed his insides.

He kept chugging down the hot chocolate as the woman laughed lowly. Finishing, he asked, "Why?" Hot chocolate was something his family made sure not to give him. When they drunk it, they gave him lukewarm water, provided that he was good.

"An insufferable man I know told me that there's nothing better to celebrate a new friendship than a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows." From the soft look on her face, she must've been good friends with the person.

"Friends?" Harry questioned with disbelief. His first friend? His body began to tremble again.

"Yes, friends. You seem a nice enough person. Ah, but I have responsibilities to take care of. You may have mine as well. When you're finished, leave the mugs behind, I shall retrieve them later."

After her last words, she was gone. Harry looked around and couldn't see a trace of her, but there was another mug on the ground. Picking it up, he took a slow sip as his eyes burned from the tears.

He had a friend.

Harry opened his eyes and broke away from the recollection. That had been his most precious memory. "Let's give this one more try."

Lifting his wand, he chanted, "Expecto Patronum!" Silver exploded from his wand. At first, it was simply a thick mist, but slowly it morphed into a corporeal form. A proud and mighty moose stood before him.

Its antlers branched out majestically as it swayed its head. Harry felt a sense of security and warmth as though he was back on that winter day. Yes, this form would do nicely.

As though in congratulations, the dog barked.