A/N: Hey guys, welcome back. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Harry's world is about to open up.
Shoutout to my beta bren97122
CHAPTER 2: I am a what?
"HARRY, GET UP"
Harry startled awake, bolting up after hearing his aunt's shrill voice ring through his ears. In his haste to get up, he got tangled in the bed sheets and fell face first onto the floor. He barely got his hands out in time to brace himself.
"Ouch," he groaned before rubbing his right forearm that took the blunt of the impact.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
"C'mon, get up Potter!" yelled Dudley as he jumped up and down on the stairs right above the cupboard.
Harry scowled as dirt landed in his hair. He got a mischievous glint in his eye. He bent down and took out a long stick from under his bed. It was a broken broom that had no bristles on it. Harry opened the door a couple of inches. He held the stick horizontally and stuck it through the hole. It was a foot above from the ground.
As Dudley came down the stairs, he turned around and ran. Unfortunately (for him), his foot got stuck on the stick and he landed on the ground with a hard thump. There was a moment's silence before a cry ran through the house.
"AAAAAAAAH!" Dudley wailed.
Petunia came running through the kitchen and saw him sprawled on the ground.
"Dudders! Oh, my poor boy!" she bent down and with great effort sat him up.
"What happened, baby? I told you so many times not to run in the house!" she cooed before smothering him with kisses all over his face.
Harry was fighting so hard to keep his laughter down. He was holding on to his stomach as it hurt from laughing so hard.
Dudley saw him as the door was now fully open and glared at him. He then saw the stick lying on the ground next to him.
"It was him!" he yelled, scaring Petunia who yelped and landed on her butt.
"He did it," he went on, pointing toward Harry. Harry's laughter had died down and he looked at the stick and hastily tried to put it under his bed.
"Stop right there!" yelled Petunia, narrowing her eyes before standing up and walking over to him.
"Hand it over" she gestured with her hand. Harry handed her the stick before standing up.
"Did you do it?" she asked with her nostrils flaring.
Harry looked at Dudley who was smirking at him from the ground before looking back at her.
"Yeah. I did."
Petunia gasped at his bluntness as steam came out of her ears. Her knuckles cracked and turned white from gripping the stick as if her life depended on it.
"That's it! I've had it with you! You're not coming out till I say so!"
She slammed the door and locked it from outside.
Harry sat on the bed and laid on his back. He closed his eyes, and his lips twitched at the corners. Soon, it turned into a full smile as he opened his eyes and started laughing hysterically, not caring one bit who heard him.
Harry was lying in bed playing with his coin. It was night. He'd only woken up after sleeping for eight hours. After his aunt locked him in, he started working on a new drawing. He worked on it for five hours before he couldn't ignore his rumbling stomach. He was starving. So, he thought that sleep would be the best option since he won't be getting any food.
He looked at the alarm clock by his bedside. It said 11.45. In fifteen minutes, he would be 11. Even though the Dursleys never celebrated his birthday, they always gave him a present. Whether it be the alarm clock last year so he could wake up before everyone and make breakfast. Or the year before that when they handed him Dudley's old shoes and a couple of his oversized t-shirts.
Harry sighed as he rolled on to his side. Lying there deep in his thoughts, he made a promise to himself. That when he was old enough and felt that he could take care of himself, whether it be in five, three, or even two years, he would leave this dump and never look back. He'd be alone but there would be no more orders to follow, no more beatings from Dudley and his gang or getting yelled at and feeling as if his life was no better than that of a low-life beggar. As he lied contemplating his past, he thought nothing could be worse than this. This life he's been living since he could remember.
He watched the alarm. Only 10 seconds left till 10. 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!
Harry sprang up, his heart thumping wildly. He knew the knock came from the main door. He heard someone coming down the stairs. By the sound he could tell it was his uncle. But it was tentative. He could hear every creak the wood made.
"Who could it be?" Harry heard Aunt Petunia speak with a tremor in her voice.
"Stay back," Vernon replied.
Harry put his ear to the door. He heard a gun cocking. He didn't know why or how but he had a feeling that something very momentous was about to happen.
"Who is it?" he heard his uncle say. He could hear fear in his voice, which he'd never heard before.
The next second, Harry heard the lock turning followed by the door creaking open.
"What! What is happening?! Who are you?" Vernon yelled.
There was silence for about 5 seconds before Harry heard a deep baritone voice reply calmly "Hello Vernon."
He heard a loud gasp that came from right above him. It was probably his aunt. He didn't think Dudley was awake or he would've heard him by now.
"You! What are you doing here?" Petunia croaked. Harry could imagine his aunt's ashen white face right now.
"Petunia, you know him?" Harry heard his uncle exclaim, disbelief in his voice.
There was no reply. All Harry could hear was footsteps getting closer. But they weren't his uncle's. Harry backed away from the door as they came to a halt in front of the cupboard. He couldn't think of any other time he'd been this scared. There was sweat forming in his brows.
The lock opened with a click, but he didn't hear anyone turning the knob. He held his breath as the door opened. He couldn't shut his eyes as much as he wanted to. It was as if he wasn't in control of his body.
The first thing he noticed was that it was a man. But he gathered that just from his height and build, since he could only see from the waist below because the door was only 4.5 feet long. And second, and more importantly, was that he was wearing something that Harry had never seen anyone ever wear before. It was all one piece of greyish-blue colour made from some kind of cloth that ended at his feet. Harry backed away further as fear gripped him.
The figure crouched down, and his face came into view.
"Hello, Harry."
Harry couldn't speak. He was spellbound. It was an old man. Probably in his 80s. He had a long sliver beard that ended at his chest. He was wearing half-moon glasses and a pointy hat. His face had a youthfulness to it that was only enhanced by the mirthful look in his eyes. His eyes. They were so lively and had a twinkle in them. Harry didn't know why, but he felt that this man could answer all his questions. Even the ones he didn't quite understand himself.
His fear had all but dissipated. He didn't feel scared anymore.
"Happy birthday. My name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. But you can call me Professor for now," he said with a smile.
Harry didn't know what to say. His thoughts were all jumbled and weren't making any sense, so all he ended up saying was "Huh."
Dumbledore's smile widened as he stretched his hand towards Harry. He nodded at him to take it.
Harry tentatively reached for his hand. When it was clasped in his, Dumbledore slowly pulled him out. Harry looked around when he was out of the confines of his cupboard. His eyes landed on his uncle who was standing near the door. His knuckles were white from tightly holding onto his rifle, his face ashen. He'd never seen him this scared before. And that included Dudley falling into a snake house last year on his birthday.
Harry looked at Dumbledore again and noticed he was much taller than he thought. Well over 6 feet. He turned around and saw his aunt standing on the stairs. She was supporting her weight while holding on the railing.
"Why don't we all take a seat as I'm sure we have much to talk about," Dumbledore broke the silence.
"Petunia, tea for everyone, if you would please" he said with a twinkle in his eye.
Everyone was seated around the dining table. Dumbledore and Harry opposite each other and Vernon at the front. His rifle was placed by his side. Dumbledore hid a smirk at this. Petunia was putting water onto the kettle with trembling hands. Harry was staring at his lap. Every few seconds he would sneak a glance at Dumbledore only to be caught. He was pretty sure he even winked at him one time.
Petunia put the kettle on the table and poured everyone a cup. Harry was astonished when she placed a cup of hot boiling tea in front of him. He looked at her and knew that she didn't even realize. She took a seat next to her husband.
"Petunia, it would be best if you start by telling us all how you know of me." Dumbledore started. He sneaked a glance at Vernon, who had steam coming out of his ears.
"I think Vernon would appreciate it."
Petunia came out of her reverie after hearing her name. She looked at everyone before settling her eyes on the table. She lifted her cup with trembling hands and took a sip.
"She always spoke about you. From the time she first got on that train, it was always you or this Severus fellow long before James came into picture."
She wiped her nose.
"The last time I saw her," she took a deep breath before continuing, "she showed me one of those moving photographs with you in it. She told me that I should trust you completely if you were to ever get in contact with me."
Dumbledore's eyes softened at hearing this. Harry on the other hand couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't know who she was talking about until she said James. He'd never heard his aunt talk about his mother in this manner. There was no resentment in her voice.
"And you didn't tell me? Even when they left him at our door?" Vernon exclaimed. His face had gone purple.
Petunia whimpered as she tried to speak. "I didn't know what was going on. I was scared." she stammered. Her jaw clenched as she got a hard look on her face.
"Imagine finding out that your sister, whom you had not heard of in months is dead from a letter," she shot her husband a piercing look.
Vernon averted her eyes, but it did not look that he was satisfied with that answer.
Harry couldn't control it any longer. His shock had died down, which only left him curious and angry. That anger bubbled up to a boiling point when he slammed his fist hard on to the table.
"WILL ANYONE TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON?" he shouted.
All three of them looked at him. Petunia's eyes turned wide when she saw blood splattered between his knuckles and the table. She made to stand up but was stopped by Dumbledore.
Harry looked at his right hand as it throbbed painfully once his adrenaline had died down.
"Here, Harry. Give me your hand" Dumbledore said with a warm smile.
Harry tentatively placed his hand on the table palm down.
"It's been a while since I have done this mind you. Always placed all my trust in the hands of Madam Pomfrey, who I think you'll get quite acquainted with." he finished with a twinkle.
He waved his hand over Harry's and in a flash all the blood was gone along with the bruise that was starting to form. Harry sat there looking stunned with his eyes comically wide and mouth hanging open. Vernon and Petunia were clasping each other's hands tightly after witnessing their first bout of magic. They were both shaking and on the cusp of fainting any second.
Dumbledore had an amused look on his face as he saw everyone's reaction. He cleared his throat loudly and everyone looked at him.
"Wh… What was- was that?" Harry stammered out. He couldn't believe what had just happened.
"Why don't we take a walk Harry, hmm? It's perfect weather for a stroll, wouldn't you say?"
Dumbledore rose out of his chair. Harry's heart was beating wildly in his ribcage. He didn't particularly fancy taking a walk with a man he just met, and not just any man, but someone who could heal his hand with just a wave of his own. Maybe he was going crazy, but he trusted him. Trusted him to not let any harm come over him. He didn't spare his aunt and uncle a look as he moved back his chair and stood up. Dumbledore smiled at him and they both started walking towards the door.
Dumbledore was staring up into the night sky while walking as Harry tried to keep up with his long strides. They came to a small park that was around the corner from the Dursleys house.
He led them towards a bench. Dumbledore looked at the small playground to his right.
"It always amazes me how far the muggles have come. I remember when they were still trying to figure out how to work the radio," he chuckled.
"Muggles?" Harry asked furrowing his brows.
Dumbledore turned around to face him and gave him a small smile before turning serious.
"It is very imperative that you listen carefully and wisely for what I am about to say now, Harry. It will not be easy for you to understand, you may even question if what I am saying is true."
He waited until Harry nodded for him to continue.
"You're a wizard, Harry," he stated simply.
"What?" Harry gasped.
Surely not, he thought.
He must be taking a mickey out of him. But the longer he looked into his eyes, the more he realized that he wasn't joking. There was only sincerity and understanding in his eyes and a hint of sadness. But Harry still refused to believe it.
"No. It can't be. It isn't real."
"But you saw it with your own eyes. No less than fifteen minutes ago."
"It could've been a trick."
Harry didn't know who he was trying to fool.
Dumbledore lips twitched at the corners.
"How about this?"
A leaf from the ground floated around Harry's head three times and tickled his nose before settling in his lap.
Harry gulped as he looked up at Dumbledore. He had so many questions he wanted to ask. In the end, he just settled for one request.
"I want to know everything."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in the moonlight.
"I won't go much into our history Harry as I'm sure you'll learn that at Hogwarts as you grow older. Let's just focus on you hmm?"
Harry didn't know what Hogwarts was, so he just nodded.
"There was a wizard by the name of Lord Voldemort who waged a war which went on for a decade and ended ten years ago. I won't go into his reasons about why he did it, but that is not me hiding anything from you, Harry. It's just that I believe that you wouldn't understand and fully grasp the complexity of things. These were dark times Harry and not fully comprehending them I think would be an insult to those who were a part of it."
His tone softened in the end as he flashed him a smile.
Harry responded by nodding. He was hanging on to his every word.
"Your parents, Harry, yes your parents"
Harry opened his mouth after hearing about his parents but closed it once Dumbledore put his hand up.
"They were part of a group that I was the head of. It was called The Order of the Phoenix."
At this, he took out a small leather-bound book. He opened it to the first page where a picture was placed turned down. He took it out and handed it to Harry. Harry turned it around and dropped it to the ground in fear. He thought his aunt was just babbling nonsense when she mentioned moving photographs. But it was real. He looked at Dumbledore who was sporting an amused look.
He motioned with his eyes for Harry to pick it up. Harry did so but this time he was prepared for it and wasn't as freaked out. There were at least 20 people in it but the moment he saw it, he spotted his parents right away. They were standing right next to each other, holding hands and smiling at him. They were both so young. A tear trickled down his cheek that he didn't even bother wiping. He touched their faces lightly as he smiled, he felt truly happy for the first time in his life.
His eyes then shifted to a man standing behind them. Harry realized it was Dumbledore. He looked a tad younger with his hair falling behind his shoulders.
"The members of 'The Order of the Phoenix' were front and centre in the fight against Voldemort, so naturally they also became his main targets. Though we were not the only ones who stood against him, mind you, people who believed in all that is good in the world and were against Voldemort's beliefs rallied against him."
He paused for a moment for that to sink in.
Harry couldn't wait any longer. He had to ask one question that was most important to him. The one he is looking for all his life.
"What happened to my parents?" he looked at Dumbledore straight in the eye. Not once blinking. It was his way of letting him know that he wanted the truth. The truth.
Dumbledore sighed as he smiled inwardly.
Just like his father. Blunt and to the point.
"They were murdered, Harry."
At Harry's sharp breath he faltered for a second before continuing.
"By Voldemort himself. They were staying in their house in Godric's Hollow when it happened. He killed your father first." He stopped upon seeing an anguished look of pain on Harry's face.
He touched his shoulder. Harry looked up at him. "Even though I wasn't there when it happened, I can assure you that he fought bravely. Your father was the one of the bravest men I have ever met."
His mouth turned up at the corner.
"A little foolhardy, perhaps, as your mother would say."
This brought out a watery smile upon Harry's face after hearing it.
"Your mother fled with you in her arms to your room. Her body was found lying on the ground facing you while she had a hand on your crib." He took a breath before continuing. "Now what I am about to tell you is considered even in our world the most remarkable thing Harry. After killing your mother, Voldemort tried to kill you, but he couldn't. You are the sole survivor of the killing curse Harry. No one, and I repeat no one has been able to survive it." he finished.
Harry looked wide-eyed back at him. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"But how? I was just a baby. Plus, I can't even do magic."
"People have written books about it Harry. They all contain different theories. Some rather extreme mind you." He added as an afterthought. "If you ask me, I think that it was your mother's love that protected you. You see Harry only something as powerful as love can counter death. She loved you till her dying breath. That's why Voldemort couldn't touch you. When he tried to kill you, the killing curse rebounded back to him. It was only her undying love and sacrifice that protected you."
Harry couldn't stop the tears from rolling down his cheeks. He felt pain and loss for not knowing his parents. But most of all he felt hatred and anger towards Voldemort. It was all because of him.
He looked up at Dumbledore.
"What happened to Voldemort?" he demanded firmly, anger coursing through his veins.
Dumbledore was little taken aback by his tone. He recovered quickly before replying.
"No one knows. He hasn't been seen ever since. Some believed he died that night while others think he escaped."
Harry looked at him and Dumbledore knew what he was asking. He heaved a sigh before answering his unspoken question.
"As I said during the start Harry, I won't lie to you," at Harry's nod he continued, "I never believed he was truly gone."
"Good," Harry said. His eyes focused on something over Dumbledore's shoulder. "Then, I can kill him myself."
In his anger he didn't realise blood coming out of his hand from the hold he had on his fist.
Dumbledore saw it and with a wave, wiped his hand clean. Harry was very much oblivious to it.
He placed a hand on his arm.
"Come now Harry."
With that, he stood up. Harry followed him.
"Oh, I almost forgot."
He rummaged through his pockets trying to find something.
"Ah, there it is."
He took out an envelope and handed it to Harry.
"The reason I was here in the first place."
Harry took the envelope from him and opened it. He took the letter out and began reading.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"On the back you'll find everything that you'd need before the term starts." Dumbledore said.
Harry turned it around to read the list of books and equipment. Some of the things didn't even make any sense to him. Like students could bring an owl to school. 'That doesn't even make any sense', Harry thought.
He looked at Dumbledore with confusion written over his face.
"What does it mean that they await my owl by 31 July? That's today."
"You don't need to worry about that Harry. The letters are sent in the middle of July, but I thought that since I was going to deliver it to you, it might make it more special to do it on your birthday.
Harry nodded still looking at his letter.
"But where would I find all this?"
"You need not worry about that, Harry. Next Thursday, you will have a visitor who'll take you to get all the things you require for the start of the term."
"But why can't you take me?"
Harry didn't fancy going with anyone else. Dumbledore was the only person he really trusted at the moment.
Dumbledore smiled wistfully. He knew why Harry was asking this.
"Believe me Harry, as much as I would like to accompany you on this special day, it's just not possible. Being me has its perks, Harry, but it has its disadvantages as well. This is sadly one of them."
Upon seeing his face fall Dumbledore crouched down to his level.
"How about I let you in on a little secret?"
His eyes twinkled brightly under the moonlight. Upon seeing Harry nod, he continued.
"Technically, I'm not even supposed to be here." Harry's eyes turned wide slightly. Dumbledore leaned in a bit closer as if talking conspiratorially. "In fact, everyone believes that I am in my quarters at this precise moment."
He winked at him and leaned back.
"So, you don't go to all the students houses to give them their letter?" asked Harry.
"No, Harry. Only students who are muggles receive their Hogwarts letters by a faculty member. They then explain all about our world to the student and his or her parents or in some cases, guardians. The rest receive them by owl delivery. I'm sure you can understand why I had to be here in person today," he finished with a pointed stare.
Harry nodded before frowning.
"But how do you know if someone can do magic or not? How do you know if I can? Is it because of my parents?"
They had started walking back. Dumbledore didn't respond immediately. Harry looked up at him expectantly.
"Yes and No Harry. Although it is true that there is a much higher chance for a child to have a magical core if his or her parents are a wizard or a witch, it does not mean that kids with muggle parents can't have it."
He paused and arched an eyebrow while looking down at Harry.
"Take a look at your mother for example."
Harry's mouth formed an 'O' shape.
"Magic, as you like to call it, Harry, doesn't choose people. That's what's so special about it. No one and I mean no one can describe it to you. There's never been a definition written about it."
He looked down to find Harry in deep thought with a small frown on his face. He sensed he wasn't satisfied with that answer.
'It seems he has inherited his mother's curiosity as well,' Dumbledore thought with a fond smile.
They turned left at the corner and continued walking.
"Let me put it this way Harry. Did you ever question why you breathe air?"
He arched an eyebrow at him. Harry looked at him as if he'd gone mad. Of course, he didn't question it. No one did. It was part of life. Suddenly it all made sense to him, or as much sense he could comprehend at the moment. That's what it was. Magic was a natural part of life for those who had a magical core.
Dumbledore hid back a smile as he watched comprehension wash over his face.
"The quill of acceptance, or magical quill as some like to refer to it, writes down the name of all magical children that are born in the 'Book of Admittance.' It is kept in the Ministry vaults."
"So, my name is in that book?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily as he answered "I'm quite sure that not one person checked to find your name in it, Harry. James and Lily Potter's son a squib. The world would have turned upside down before that happened." Dumbledore was pleased to see his mouth twitch at the corner as a small smile graced his face.
"So, a squib is a person who is born in a magical family but has no magical core?" he inquired, furrowing his brows.
"Quite right, Harry."
They walked in silence the rest of the way. Dumbledore faced Harry once they reached the house. Harry was looking anxiously at the door. He didn't fancy going in and facing his relative's questions. Hopefully they went to bed, he thought. He looked back up at Dumbledore to find him staring at him with a knowing look. Harry found it quite eerie that he could always tell what he was thinking about.
"Um, so when will I see you next? He asked apprehensively. He didn't know why but a lonely feeling crept into his heart at the prospect that he wouldn't see Dumbledore again. He hated it. He promised himself that he would never depend upon another person ever.
Dumbledore's gaze softened as he spoke.
"Very soon, Harry. In fact, in one month to be exact. Though our next meeting will be not so frank in conversation," he said with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
Harry didn't know why but his heart got a little lighter.
"About this trip next week, who is going to take me?" he asked with trepidation in his voice.
Dumbledore gazed at him for a second longer. He knew it was his way of asking that if he trusted this person. He wasn't expecting Harry to be this closed off. It was quite worrying that he seemed to be wary of every person he met. He decided to talk to the Dursleys next week once Harry was gone to get his supplies. He put on a smile for his assurance.
"His name is Rubeus Hagrid. He is a gatekeeper at Hogwarts. He was the one that brought you here the night your parents died, Harry."
He paused for a moment as he let that sink in his mind.
Harry's eyes grew wide for a second as this new piece of information was revealed to him.
"There are very few people I would trust more with my life than him."
Harry could hear pride in Dumbledore's voice as he spoke about this person. He still wasn't a hundred percent sure about him, but he figured if Dumbledore trusted him, he could give him a chance. Plus, he was the one that brought him here the night of his parent's murder. That alone counted for some trust.
He nodded, silently telling him he would be okay. Dumbledore patted his shoulder before taking out his watch from inside his left pocket. He put it back in after taking a quick peek at it.
"I'm afraid this is where we part ways Harry."
He crouched down to his level and rested a hand on his shoulder.
"I've never thought of 'goodbye' as a proper farewell when parting, it's never a good feeling, don't you agree?"
He waited for Harry to respond but he just kept looking at him with a stoic expression.
"Unless of course you dreaded the company" He saw a ghost of a smile break through his face and felt warmth settle in his heart.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Blame this clattered old mind on old age, Harry," he said with a chuckle.
After scrambling in his pockets for a moment, he held his hand up. It held what seemed like sweets of different shapes and colours.
"I apologise as this is the best I could do for now, Harry. You see, baking or cooking of any sort has never been my forte and the elves are under Madam Pomfrey's order to keep my diet in check. So, I couldn't ask them either. These are Bertie Botts every flavoured beans and a couple of sherbet lemons if I'm not mistaken.
Harry tentatively reached his hand and took a purple flavoured bean. He slowly put it into his mouth. Harry didn't think he had ever tasted anything this good before, and by the look on his face he had a pretty good idea that Dumbledore agreed with him.
"They are all yours, Harry. Here."
With a swish of his hand and they all vanished from his palm. Harry felt a weight shift in his left trouser pocket. He checked it and found it filled with the sweets.
"Thank you," said Harry, not meeting his eyes.
He didn't know how to respond as he wasn't accustomed to receiving anything by anyone before.
"You're welcome, Harry."
With that he stood up to his full height, once again reminding Harry of how tall he was and with a wink disappeared. Harry stood with his mouth agape. He walked over to where Dumbledore was standing just mere seconds ago. He waved his hand in the air a couple of times.
Harry was lying on his back in his bed, staring at the drawing above him. Luckily for him, his aunt and uncle were nowhere in sight when he entered the house. But he was still cautious in his movements to not make any sound as he tiptoed his way to the cupboard.
He had to pinch himself more than once after he lied down. If someone would have told him yesterday that tomorrow on his birthday, his whole world would change, he'd had called them stupid.
He still couldn't believe that he could do magic or that there is an entire other world out there that his parents were part of.
He now remembered instances that didn't make sense and he simply discarded them as odd. But could he do magic? Will he be able to fit in this new world? These were the questions that were going through his brain at the moment. He took out the picture that Dumbledore had given him of his parents. As he looked at his parents' smiling faces one more time he knew that the life he'd been living for the past 10 years meant nothing. It was all a lie. And whether he would be accepted by the magical community or not he knew that he would try his best to live his life as his parents had hoped for him.
He didn't know how long he kept staring at his parents, but eventually his eyes started to feel heavy and the picture dropped to his chest as he fell into a deep slumber. His dreams that night were of his parents smiling faces.