73. Secret

Harry put one final painting inside of his expanding bag. He took one last look at the room he had resided in during his stay in the Dursley household. Every piece of magical wonder had been stripped from the room. It was just as mundane as he remembered, if not cleaner. Despite the years of residence, he felt no sense of sadness or nostalgia.

He stepped out of the room. The inside of the house was dark as the residents were sleeping. It was peaceful leaving like this. He didn't have to deal with their overjoyed expressions over his departure.

All was silent as Harry reached for the doorknob.

"Boy," a voice called out.

He paused and looked over his shoulder. Frowning, he saw Petunia staring at him. Morbidly curious, he replied, "Yes?"

She paused and collected herself, "You are leaving."

"Of course I am. I assure you that you will not have to trouble yourself with my presence anymore," he impatiently pointed out.

"Would you like some tea? You have a fondness of it," she mentioned.

Eyes full of suspicion; he walked closer to her and took a seat at the table, "I do. I didn't think you were capable of noticing."

Petunia gave no reply to his statement and made her way to the kitchen. When she returned she had two cups of tea with her. Tensely, she placed one of the cups before him and sat across from him.

Harry took a sip of the tea, it was lacked any strong flavor and appeared to be poorly made. The tea's temperature was lukewarm. This was easily the worst cup of tea he had ever drunk. It was also the nicest thing a Dursley had ever willingly given him.

She broke the silence between them, "My family used to be a happy, normal family. Then Lily demonstrated her talents, hmph. From there Lily could do no wrong. Magical girl Lily was so amazing. Mother and Father couldn't be bothered with a normal human like me. Even wonderful, perfect Lily couldn't be bothered to answer any my letters, pay me any visits, or speak to me. After years of finding some inner sense of worth and having a normal and happy family, they came."

"Thank you for the tea," Harry interrupted his voice terse. Standing up he looked backed at her, "If your words are true, then I'm sorry my mother made you feel small over something as insignificant as not having magic. But if what you say is true, then I can see the family resemblance. You and your family have done everything in your power to make me feel small and unwelcomed, but you needn't worry about this terrible reminder of your sister getting in the way any longer. May you and your family live the life you've so desperately desired. The shame of your blood will stay out of your way."

She appeared to have no further words to share so he left the Dursleys' household. A place that wasn't big enough to house him in any of the ways that he ever truly desired.

Outside of the house he took one last look at the magical barrier he had always seen around the household since his first year at Hogwarts. Just like every previous year, it looked increasingly frail. While the nature of the barrier was one of the most complex he had ever seen, it was built on such poor foundations that he was amazed that it withstood any kind of force. Well, it was no longer any concern for him.

As he walked down the street, he heard the sound of a great shattering that was akin to the smashing of hundreds of mirrors yet he did not spare a glance behind him.

His trek down the street was quiet and contemplative. His only company was the bugs that flew through the lights of the lamps above him. His eyes eventually caught sight of a figure sitting on a bench beside a light pole. It was of pleasant surprise to see Teleute lingering there.

She smiled at him and he returned the gesture. She scooted to one side of the bench and he sat beside her.

"Did something good happen?" Her words were teasing and light.

"Perhaps," he answered in the same tone. "I've decided to look for better rooming. My last landlords were the worst."

"Oh, I can't say I relate. I'm a proud owner of my own place. So what are your plans my dear Harry?"

Harry shrugged, "I'll stay at an inn for a few days and work out my future plans." Though he had few plans, he still felt freer than he had in years.

Teleute tapped her cheek before snapping her fingers, "Why don't you come over to my place. I have plenty of space."

"Thanks, but you don't have to do that. I wouldn't want to intrude," he responded with a chuckle.

She placed her hand on top of his and light squeezed, "Nonsense, it's no trouble at all. I may not have to do this, but I want to. Don't fight me on this. That is unless you find me as unpleasant as your last landlords."

That brought an unpleasant shiver done his spine, "You have a long way to go until you get on their level." Finally he laughed to himself, "How bold of you, what would the neighbors think?"

"What can I say? Your wicked charms have that kind of effect on me. I suppose I must deal with your impish ways. In the name of my good reputation, we will have to keep this as our forbidden secret" she falsely lamented.

The couple shared a quiet laugh between them.

"Thank you," Harry said sincerely. Time and time again Teleute had been by his side during the changes in his life. The assurance of having someone on his side was always a comfort, especially after losing Sirius. It was a trust that he had once hoped to foster between himself and the Dursleys. The naiveté of youth was quite powerful.

Teleute leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, "You're very welcome. Let's leave this dreary place."

Harry agreed and stood up. Hand in hand, the pair walked away and disappeared within the darkness outside of the lamp lights.

Harry Potter was never again seen at Privet Drive. All parties were pleased.