Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JKR, various publishers of the HP series. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. I think the song is credited to Frankie Valle, and I have no idea who owns the movie Truly, Madly, Deeply. A trailer from the movie inspired this fic.
Chapter 1 – Home from Hogwarts
When the Dursleys picked him up at Kings Cross train station, he rode home in the back seat of the car. There had been conversation in the car, but Harry wasn't listening or talking. He sat in the back seat, staring at the driver's headrest in front of him with his arms crossed. When they got back to Number 4 Privet Drive, Harry pulled his own trunk out of the boot and dragged it upstairs to his bedroom. Uncle Vernon was yelling at him for some sort of response, but Aunt Petunia, sensing something was very wrong, hushed her husband, telling him not to draw attention from the neighbors.
They let him mope in his room for a few days before demanding he come downstairs for meals and that he perform his share of chores. That was the only time Harry chose to be out of his room, other than going to the bathroom. Harry's lack of appetite didn't concern the Dursleys. He forced himself to eat the meager portions put in front of him and he didn't complain, in fact, he didn't say anything or even look up from his plate. It was all just fine with Uncle Vernon. But Dudley hated it. Dudley's favorite punching bag wasn't any better than the red one hanging inside the garage. He got absolutely no reaction from yelling at Harry or from beating on Harry. Harry didn't care about a bloody lip, he didn't care about the fist in his ribs, he didn't care about anything.
Unbeknownst to the Dursleys, the Order was keeping a close eye on Harry's behavior and the Dursley's reactions. After noticing that Harry stayed in his bedroom the first few days, even ignoring the calls to the meal table, Tonks made a phone call and talked to Aunt Petunia. She told Petunia that Harry was mourning the loss of his godfather and if Harry wasn't fed soon, the Dursleys could expect a visit from some very angry wizards. So either someone bring food to him, or they force Harry down to the kitchen. This was also backed up with unanswered owls to Harry.
It was unknown if Harry even read the notes, which were now scattered on the bedroom floor, all he did in his bedroom was lay on his bed crying. Nights were silent, as he stared blankly at the ceiling. He didn't sleep. Sleep would mean dreaming. Dreams would turn into nightmares. Nightmares were filled with the green light which killed his parents, Sirius falling back into the veil at the Department of Mysteries, Voldemort killing Cedric in the graveyard. No, he stared at the ceiling, his mind numbed. His heart was numb.
-----ooOoo-----
Early one morning, as Harry stared into the ceiling, a tall, dark haired, well dressed wizard came through the bedroom door.
"Sirius? Is that you?" Harry rubbed his eyes. Sirius didn't look like the withered man he had come to know for the past year since escaping Azkaban Prison. This Sirius stood tall and straight. He was strong and well built, his cheeks were full, and color was perfect. His hair was full, fluffy, and cut to his shoulders. He wore fine quality black robes, custom tailored to fit.
"Stop that, Harry, your eyes are red enough." Sirius sat down on Harry's bed and pulled his hands from his eyes.
"Sirius! You're here! You're really here!" Harry sat up to hug his godfather.
Returning the hug, "Yes, Harry, I'm really here."
Speaking into Sirius's shoulder, "But how? Where have you been since the battle at the Ministry?"
"You called me here, Harry. And here I am"
With his arms still around his godfather's neck, "Don't go, please don't leave me."
"I'm not going anywhere, Harry." Sirius patted Harry on his shoulder, "I'm here."
The tender scene was interrupted by Uncle Vernon pounding on Harry's bedroom door. "Boy, wake up! Get downstairs and cook breakfast. Now! And don't burn the bacon."
Harry didn't answer his uncle, but he got up and looked back at Sirius sitting on the bed. As he went out the door, he stuck his head back in to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. Sirius waved and smiled, "Go on Harry. Get on with your life. I'll be here when you get back."
-----ooOoo-----
To be continued...