Harry's True Dilemma
Chapter 2
A/n: thanks so much for the reviews, it's great to hear words of encouragement. Anyways, I realized the first chapter was not named, that's cause I doubted if I would even continue to write it. But I have. so, chapter 2 is called 'Kings Cross at last', if you can't guess what it's about, perhaps you need to take a nap! I certainly do, but first the next installment.
Disclaimer: nothing is mine, ::tear::
It had been several weeks since Harry had seen any trace of Hedwig. He spent each troublesome night trying to sleep, but could not. If Harry was paranoid before he sent the letter to Dumbledore, he was a terrible mess now. He hadn't eaten at all while Hedwig was gone, and being locked up in his room (the Dursley's to afraid to release him) left Harry with only his terrifying thoughts to keep him company.
As Harry lay quite still on his bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to think of nothing at all, he heard the soft swoosh of wings and a fuzzy ball landed atop him.
"Hedwig!! Your home!" He shouted in a hoarse voice, then he quickly untied her bundle and began to read allowed what Dumbledore had written.
"Dear Harry,
I'm well, but the search for Voldemort continues in slow progress, he seems to have disappeared right after your encounter and thankfully no one has been attacked recently. Perhaps he is gathering strength, for I'm sure your battle left him feeling drained. Now about this dream, do not fear, Harry. I doubt that any student would ever succumb to Voldemort and his horrendous powers. I dare say, Hogwarts is not impenetrable, but I have faith in its attendants, and I wish that you do too. Please Harry, do not fret over something you or I have little control over. As for the dreams, I only wish I could help. See you soon
Sincerely, Dumbledore"
"Wow, it looks as though Dumbledore sent this as soon as he could, I imagine he was very busy." Harry glanced at Hedwig, who returned to her cage and was now staring at him with the utmost attention. Harry returned to his bed and thought about what Dumbledore had said. 'Hogwarts is not impenetrable.. faith in its attendants. Did Dumbledore think that Harry trusted no one?' Although he did have to admit, he was willing to bet his Firebolt, that nearly all the Slytherins would be Death Eaters, or Death Eaters in training come school time. Malfoy, Harry was sure, would be strutting through the corridors all year if Voldemort was not put to an end soon. All this thought about Hogwarts was making Harry homesick, he turned and looked at his make-shift calendar on the wall above his bed. One more week of this hell, then Harry would be amongst his friends and foes. Home once more.
Suddenly, Harry heard more wings flap in, and a disapproving click from Hedwig's side of the room. He knew at once Pig was there. He turned round once more to see Pig sitting merrily on the back of his desk chair, huffing and puffing with excitement. Harry raced over and grabbed Pig's note.
"Wonder what Ron's got to say." He said to the owls as he opened it. The letter read:
'Harry,
Dammit, this just sucks! I can't believe you couldn't make it to the Burrow this summer. It must be terrible there. Oh well, the family all says hi! They wish you were here, I can vouch for my sister's behalf, only yesterday she was going on about how unfair it was that you had to stay in muggle-ville.all alone. I think she fancies you. It's kind of scary. You'd better watch yourself this year at school, I'm sure Ginny and her little group of friends will be following you everywhere! Just hoping for you to drop your pencil so they can steal it. Crazy they are! Oh did you hear about Hermione! You wouldn't believe it, she broke up with Krum!! She kept going on about how they were never really together, whatever, and for some reason she stopped talking to him all together!! Should I be feeling bad for her? Hahahahahahahahahahaha! I think not! Harry this year will be completely different from all the rest! See you at the platform, if not, then the usual compartment!
~ RON'
Harry smiled at the letter, Ron was really excited about Hermione and Krum splitting up or whatever it was they did, come to think of it, so was Harry. Now Hermione didn't have to worry about anymore terrible rumors being passed around anymore. And what was with this whole Ginny problem. That was something he definitely did not need. Harry decided to write his friend back, and even write to Hermione and inform them about his new terrible situation- total isolation.
After his letters were sent, (he decided to use Pig for both of them since Hedwig needed the break) Harry looked over all the letter's he received this summer. Especially the one from Hogwarts, this letter was different from everyone else's because unlike the rest, Harry was given specific instructions to wait for a wizard's taxi to come pick him up, they weren't going to take any chances. In fact, Harry had not left the Dursley's all summer long, not even to Diagon Alley, to get new supplies. All of his goods had been sent to him via owl every night for a week. Small things at a time, like his books, potion's supplies, and even some new robes! Harry was ready to leave, but his stomach was not. Harry was starving, after receiving Dumbledore's letter, and Ron's e highly energetic one, Harry himself felt more active. He looked at his clock, 'whoa, it was nearly midnight already' Harry thought in astonishment. He hadn't realized what time it was when Hedwig first arrived but he was sure it was around dinnertime, for Harry did recall smelling pork chops sometime around then.
His stomach growled as he carefully opened his door. The lights downstairs were all off, the only noise from the house, (besides his stomach) were that of his whale of a cousin, snoring up a storm. With a cover like that Harry was home free to reach the kitchen. He carefully opened the fridge, grabbed one of the many leftover chops, and ate it with only the light of the fridge shining in the room. He quietly finished his supper, and crept back upstairs to bed. Perhaps his dreams wouldn't be so terrible now that he had some food in his stomach. He laid down and watched his clock's hands move to midnight, then he closed his eyes and let the wonderful feeling of relief wash over him. Dumbledore had answered his letter, and although it was not what he'd expected, the headmaster's answer was appreciated all the same.
How Harry managed the next week, he'll probably never know, but September 1st, couldn't have come any sooner. Harry was pacing in his room, his trunk packed, wand in his pocket, and Hedwig all secure; Harry's only thoughts were about the taxi. He walked to his window to see down the street, when an olive green cab rolled up to the house. Although Harry had seen many cars like this before, the driver he'd seen only once. The driver was wearing a bright green suit and capped hat, he was obviously a ministry driver. Harry ran down the stairs and opened the door to find the driver standing on the stoop, arm raised, about to knock. He smiled at Harry who was slightly taller than himself
"How's it goin, sir?" He asked in a much deeper voice than Harry would've thought coming from such a small man.
"Er- fine." Harry replied.
"Where's the luggage?"
"Upstairs, first door on the right." Harry told as the short man hurried upstairs to fetch his bags. Just then Uncle Vernon appeared.
"So, off to school, are you?" He sneered.
"Yes sir." Harry glared back, 'What crap was Uncle Vernon going to say next?'
"Go on then." He snapped and walked back into the depths of the house. The driver carried down Harry's stuff and placed it in the back of the cab. Harry took Hedwig and sat her cage in the backseat next to him. He climbed in himself, and buckled up. The driver had already started the car, and was pulling out when he asked,
"So, your Harry Potter then?"
"Um, yes that's right." Harry answered, feeling a tad bit annoyed that he was going to be questioned all the way to the station. He made himself busy by staring out his window. He could feel the driver's gaze through the rear-view mirror.
"Is it true?"
"What?"
"That, you know, You-Knows-Who is back?"
"Yep." Harry said dryly, he definitely did not want to talk about last year with a complete stranger, especially if he hadn't told Hermione or Ron yet.
"Are you afraid?" His gaze was not lifted once from Harry as he asked, and Harry thought it quite possible that they could crash, if the driver kept it up. Harry shifted in his seat uneasily and looked at an old woman cross the street to the supermarket outside.
"Don't have to say nothin'. I understand if you don't want to talk about it. Who really does? Definitely not the Ministry, though. Mr. Fudge is going crazy whenever someone mentions dark anything. Why, just the other day."
But Harry wasn't listening anymore, he was thinking about Cornelius Fudge and how he had acted that night after Harry returned and after Crouch was killed. 'That coward makes me sick. What a disgrace to witches and wizards all over, I suppose he hasn't accepted the fact that Voldemort is back, still. I wonder how Dumbledore got the ministry to drive me if Fudge thinks I'm mad?'
The driver continued to ramble on about anything and everything until they reached King's Cross. Harry was only too happy to be there. Not only was he free of that driver, but also he was close to seeing his friends again.
"How should I pay for this?" Harry asked the driver after he returned with a trolley.
"It's all taken care of, but maybe you could do me a favor?" He asked cautiously. 'Anything to shut him up.'
"What?" Harry asked, looking about for any sign of Ron of Hermione.
"Say hello to your parents for me." He hissed.
A/n: ok, it's kinda late, and I really want to get some sleep. I'll work out the rest of this tomorrow. ~~sam
Chapter 2
A/n: thanks so much for the reviews, it's great to hear words of encouragement. Anyways, I realized the first chapter was not named, that's cause I doubted if I would even continue to write it. But I have. so, chapter 2 is called 'Kings Cross at last', if you can't guess what it's about, perhaps you need to take a nap! I certainly do, but first the next installment.
Disclaimer: nothing is mine, ::tear::
It had been several weeks since Harry had seen any trace of Hedwig. He spent each troublesome night trying to sleep, but could not. If Harry was paranoid before he sent the letter to Dumbledore, he was a terrible mess now. He hadn't eaten at all while Hedwig was gone, and being locked up in his room (the Dursley's to afraid to release him) left Harry with only his terrifying thoughts to keep him company.
As Harry lay quite still on his bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to think of nothing at all, he heard the soft swoosh of wings and a fuzzy ball landed atop him.
"Hedwig!! Your home!" He shouted in a hoarse voice, then he quickly untied her bundle and began to read allowed what Dumbledore had written.
"Dear Harry,
I'm well, but the search for Voldemort continues in slow progress, he seems to have disappeared right after your encounter and thankfully no one has been attacked recently. Perhaps he is gathering strength, for I'm sure your battle left him feeling drained. Now about this dream, do not fear, Harry. I doubt that any student would ever succumb to Voldemort and his horrendous powers. I dare say, Hogwarts is not impenetrable, but I have faith in its attendants, and I wish that you do too. Please Harry, do not fret over something you or I have little control over. As for the dreams, I only wish I could help. See you soon
Sincerely, Dumbledore"
"Wow, it looks as though Dumbledore sent this as soon as he could, I imagine he was very busy." Harry glanced at Hedwig, who returned to her cage and was now staring at him with the utmost attention. Harry returned to his bed and thought about what Dumbledore had said. 'Hogwarts is not impenetrable.. faith in its attendants. Did Dumbledore think that Harry trusted no one?' Although he did have to admit, he was willing to bet his Firebolt, that nearly all the Slytherins would be Death Eaters, or Death Eaters in training come school time. Malfoy, Harry was sure, would be strutting through the corridors all year if Voldemort was not put to an end soon. All this thought about Hogwarts was making Harry homesick, he turned and looked at his make-shift calendar on the wall above his bed. One more week of this hell, then Harry would be amongst his friends and foes. Home once more.
Suddenly, Harry heard more wings flap in, and a disapproving click from Hedwig's side of the room. He knew at once Pig was there. He turned round once more to see Pig sitting merrily on the back of his desk chair, huffing and puffing with excitement. Harry raced over and grabbed Pig's note.
"Wonder what Ron's got to say." He said to the owls as he opened it. The letter read:
'Harry,
Dammit, this just sucks! I can't believe you couldn't make it to the Burrow this summer. It must be terrible there. Oh well, the family all says hi! They wish you were here, I can vouch for my sister's behalf, only yesterday she was going on about how unfair it was that you had to stay in muggle-ville.all alone. I think she fancies you. It's kind of scary. You'd better watch yourself this year at school, I'm sure Ginny and her little group of friends will be following you everywhere! Just hoping for you to drop your pencil so they can steal it. Crazy they are! Oh did you hear about Hermione! You wouldn't believe it, she broke up with Krum!! She kept going on about how they were never really together, whatever, and for some reason she stopped talking to him all together!! Should I be feeling bad for her? Hahahahahahahahahahaha! I think not! Harry this year will be completely different from all the rest! See you at the platform, if not, then the usual compartment!
~ RON'
Harry smiled at the letter, Ron was really excited about Hermione and Krum splitting up or whatever it was they did, come to think of it, so was Harry. Now Hermione didn't have to worry about anymore terrible rumors being passed around anymore. And what was with this whole Ginny problem. That was something he definitely did not need. Harry decided to write his friend back, and even write to Hermione and inform them about his new terrible situation- total isolation.
After his letters were sent, (he decided to use Pig for both of them since Hedwig needed the break) Harry looked over all the letter's he received this summer. Especially the one from Hogwarts, this letter was different from everyone else's because unlike the rest, Harry was given specific instructions to wait for a wizard's taxi to come pick him up, they weren't going to take any chances. In fact, Harry had not left the Dursley's all summer long, not even to Diagon Alley, to get new supplies. All of his goods had been sent to him via owl every night for a week. Small things at a time, like his books, potion's supplies, and even some new robes! Harry was ready to leave, but his stomach was not. Harry was starving, after receiving Dumbledore's letter, and Ron's e highly energetic one, Harry himself felt more active. He looked at his clock, 'whoa, it was nearly midnight already' Harry thought in astonishment. He hadn't realized what time it was when Hedwig first arrived but he was sure it was around dinnertime, for Harry did recall smelling pork chops sometime around then.
His stomach growled as he carefully opened his door. The lights downstairs were all off, the only noise from the house, (besides his stomach) were that of his whale of a cousin, snoring up a storm. With a cover like that Harry was home free to reach the kitchen. He carefully opened the fridge, grabbed one of the many leftover chops, and ate it with only the light of the fridge shining in the room. He quietly finished his supper, and crept back upstairs to bed. Perhaps his dreams wouldn't be so terrible now that he had some food in his stomach. He laid down and watched his clock's hands move to midnight, then he closed his eyes and let the wonderful feeling of relief wash over him. Dumbledore had answered his letter, and although it was not what he'd expected, the headmaster's answer was appreciated all the same.
How Harry managed the next week, he'll probably never know, but September 1st, couldn't have come any sooner. Harry was pacing in his room, his trunk packed, wand in his pocket, and Hedwig all secure; Harry's only thoughts were about the taxi. He walked to his window to see down the street, when an olive green cab rolled up to the house. Although Harry had seen many cars like this before, the driver he'd seen only once. The driver was wearing a bright green suit and capped hat, he was obviously a ministry driver. Harry ran down the stairs and opened the door to find the driver standing on the stoop, arm raised, about to knock. He smiled at Harry who was slightly taller than himself
"How's it goin, sir?" He asked in a much deeper voice than Harry would've thought coming from such a small man.
"Er- fine." Harry replied.
"Where's the luggage?"
"Upstairs, first door on the right." Harry told as the short man hurried upstairs to fetch his bags. Just then Uncle Vernon appeared.
"So, off to school, are you?" He sneered.
"Yes sir." Harry glared back, 'What crap was Uncle Vernon going to say next?'
"Go on then." He snapped and walked back into the depths of the house. The driver carried down Harry's stuff and placed it in the back of the cab. Harry took Hedwig and sat her cage in the backseat next to him. He climbed in himself, and buckled up. The driver had already started the car, and was pulling out when he asked,
"So, your Harry Potter then?"
"Um, yes that's right." Harry answered, feeling a tad bit annoyed that he was going to be questioned all the way to the station. He made himself busy by staring out his window. He could feel the driver's gaze through the rear-view mirror.
"Is it true?"
"What?"
"That, you know, You-Knows-Who is back?"
"Yep." Harry said dryly, he definitely did not want to talk about last year with a complete stranger, especially if he hadn't told Hermione or Ron yet.
"Are you afraid?" His gaze was not lifted once from Harry as he asked, and Harry thought it quite possible that they could crash, if the driver kept it up. Harry shifted in his seat uneasily and looked at an old woman cross the street to the supermarket outside.
"Don't have to say nothin'. I understand if you don't want to talk about it. Who really does? Definitely not the Ministry, though. Mr. Fudge is going crazy whenever someone mentions dark anything. Why, just the other day."
But Harry wasn't listening anymore, he was thinking about Cornelius Fudge and how he had acted that night after Harry returned and after Crouch was killed. 'That coward makes me sick. What a disgrace to witches and wizards all over, I suppose he hasn't accepted the fact that Voldemort is back, still. I wonder how Dumbledore got the ministry to drive me if Fudge thinks I'm mad?'
The driver continued to ramble on about anything and everything until they reached King's Cross. Harry was only too happy to be there. Not only was he free of that driver, but also he was close to seeing his friends again.
"How should I pay for this?" Harry asked the driver after he returned with a trolley.
"It's all taken care of, but maybe you could do me a favor?" He asked cautiously. 'Anything to shut him up.'
"What?" Harry asked, looking about for any sign of Ron of Hermione.
"Say hello to your parents for me." He hissed.
A/n: ok, it's kinda late, and I really want to get some sleep. I'll work out the rest of this tomorrow. ~~sam
