Chapter Three

"I've been in hell, metaphorically speaking." Harry said softly, "not by choice.  I would have contacted you if I'd been able to, but there was nothing I could do.  I've been gone ten years, as far as my body and mind knew until this morning, and I'm as emotional as a rock because emotions are a risk.  If you have emotions, people can hurt you."

"Where was this 'hell'?"

"I'm not one hundred percent sure, but I believe it was Ambrosia.  The people in Ambrosia aren't nice, and I suffered because of it.  There was little I could do.  I ended up in Ambrosia because Dumbledore sent me there."

"You expect us to believe that Dumbledore did that?" Remus asked, "condemned you to what you called 'hell'? He wouldn't!  He's the best wizard in centuries!"

"I don't expect you to believe anything.  Hell, I'd understand it if you didn't believe me.  If you want me to, I'll leave you alone and never contact you again, but I am telling you the truth as far as I know it," Harry looked at them his eyes and face completely devoid of emotion.

Sirius blinked and his face hardened, "I think that's the best idea, Harry.  I don't appreciate being lied to, and neither does Remus.  If we need to contact you we'll send you an owl."

Harry nodded, tears coming into his eyes that he blinked away quickly, "I'll be going then.  Thanks for being there for me in third, fourth and fifth year, Sirius, Professor Lupin.  I'm sorry that it ended up this way."

With a wave of his hand, his mug of coffee disappeared back into the kitchen where it cleaned itself and climbed back into the cupboard.  He walked to the door, opened it and left, a single piece of paper dropping out of the back of his pocket (purposely, of course) and flying in on the wind to land on the table in front of Sirius.

Sirius picked it up and tentatively slit the seal, opening it, feeling something tug at his heart as he turned his godson, and the son of his best friend away.

Dear Sirius, and Professor Lupin (if you're there),

If you get this letter then everything is turning out the way I had hoped it wouldn't.  I'm sorry you don't believe me about my absence, but to my mind and to those who were with me, it is true.  Albus Dumbledore transported me to a different realm, promising he would tell you, where I stayed for ten years.

Upon my return, I discovered that only two years had passed here.  If you can never forgive me for my mistake in trusting my former headmaster, I understand – I regret it more than you will ever know.  He did what he thought was best, as always, but the consequences were far more serious than he will ever know, or understand.

You will probably see me around Hogwarts between now and Voldemort's death, as I am working with Dumbledore to achieve the end of his reign of Terror.  I apologize if this upsets you.  I would not be working with Dumbledore unless I thought it would speed up the process, he knows about my animosity towards him, and although he doesn't accept it, he is dealing with it.  He will be able to answer many of your questions.

I will always hope that you can forgive me, or begin to rebuild a friendship.  I always thought of you as something of surrogate parents.  If anything happens to any of us, know this – I love you, I always have.  You are my Patroni, and for your love during the time that I knew you, I am eternally grateful.  It was the thought of you that allowed me to carry on as I tried to escape from the realm and return to you.

Harry.

A tear slipped down his cheek, dropping off the bottom of his chin, "It truly is the end of the Marauder's, then?" he said to Moony.

"It looks that way," Remus responded, "do you think we were a bit harsh, Padfoot?"

Sirius shrugged sadly, "perhaps, but it's too late now, isn't it?  We'll see him again, he said as much, and he did say that he would never turn away an owl from one of us."

Remus nodded distractedly, "What would James say?" he asked quietly, "He and Lily dead, Wormtail a traitor, his son estranged, blaming Dumbledore for something that apparently didn't even happen…"

"The world is a sad place, Remus," Sirius said sadly.

Harry lay down on his bed, after sending a short letter to Ron, Hermione and the Weasley Family.  He wondered exactly what had been happening in his absence.  As he lay down, a letter appeared on his desk.

Dear Harry,

Please see me tomorrow, with regard to the Order of the Phoenix,

Albus Dumbledore.

He shut his eyes and sighed, dozing off into a sleep haunted by Voldemort and his actions.  There was no doubt in his mind that the coming weeks were going to be the most draining he'd ever experienced.