Sorry about the rant I went on during my previous chapter, I just wanted
everyone to understand my reasoning behind Harry...I want to again thank
all my wonderful readers and reviewers...I'm moved you've enjoyed my story
hence so far.
I haven't written a new chapter in a few days, so I might not publish
tomorrow, but who know, I probably will....
Anyways. Thanks again. Nothing is my Own Read and Review *******************************************************************
Chapter Thirteen: Another Visit to The Closed Ward
The week was one of the worst Harry could ever remember. A fear lingered in the hallways, the whispers and shadows seemed to haunt the happiness once known as Hogwarts. He could still hear her voice in his ear, her smell on his cloths, and her smile in his mind. Everything he knew told him one truth, it was all his fault.
Cho was not the only victim of the Dementor attack on Hogmeade, several citizens of the town and three Hogwart students had met the ill fate of a Dementor's kiss. Harry didn't personally know any of the other students, but felt responsible. All outdoor activities had been canceled until further notice, which included Quidditch, Care for Magical Creatures and Herbology.
Hagrid had taken the news of the cancellation incredibly hard, and had promised to double their lessons as soon as classes were back in session. Harry felt a bit bad for neglecting Hagrid the way he had this year, but he seemed to always want to talk about Sirius, and that was a subject Harry just wanted to forget.
DA wasn't much of a break from his misery. Harry remembered how much danger he had lead the DA into last year, and regretted it. He loathed Hermione for forcing him into this year again. Classes were a blur, even Snape's taunts seemed to be wasted. When Snape had taken 25 points from Gryffindor because Harry didn't know what Red Woppling Root was used for, Harry didn't even protest.
Hermione and Ron continued on their disappearance spree, and he had given up on trying to solve that mystery. Ginny wasn't talking to him, because of his actions when he had come from the hospital wing the day of the attack, and Pavarti's conversation were just mindless chatter that he had developed an ability to block out. He was alone.
He followed his feet down the cold stone corridor leading back towards the Gryffindor common room after dinner, he had taken the long way. The week had finally ended, but the bleak prospect of the next didn't cheer him up.
"Mr. Potter, what are you doing wandering the halls alone?" asked a concerned looking Professor O'Riley as she exited her classroom.
Harry forced a smile, "I'm just heading back from dinner."
She nodded, "feeling a bit down? I understand, I've been there myself."
"I seriously doubt it," Harry thought selfishly to himself.
"You know, your mother use to wander he halls alone when she was feeling a bit down."
Harry tried not to sound to sarcastic, "most people do."
"Sarcasm is not a prized quality to possess. Trust me, when I was younger I seemed to have an abundance of it." the young Professor tried to joke. "Would you like to join me for a cup of tea, it helps me stay warm in this cold castle."
"No thanks Professor, I really need to get back," Harry lied.
"Oh come boy, what are you going to do when you get back? You don't seem to be in hurry like somebody is waiting on you," Professor O'Riley urged.
Harry lowered his head, "I'm not, I just don't think I'd be very good company."
A curl crossed her lips, "I figured you'd be curious what me and Professor Lupin were doing in Hogmeade the other day."
He had completely forgotten, "did you see me there?"
"Come off it, you were really obvious when you were spying on us," she laughed.
December O'Riley turned quickly leaving the door open for Harry to follow.
"What were you and Remus doing in Hogmeade?" Harry inquired.
Professor O'Riley lowered her head, "he was telling me about a fallen friend." She had to fight the tears forming on her eyes.
"Then why were you two laughing?" Harry pushed.
"Well, that is a story I think should be saved till your older," she shook her head.
She poured a red looking tea from her kettle into a cup in front of Harry and then into her own cup, "your mother got me drinking this stuff, silly muggle habit."
Harry eyed her carefully, "what really happened, with my parents."
"Which part of the story are you asking about?" she said delicately, gaining a slightly more serious composure.
Harry lowered his eyes, " I saw one of Snape's memories last year when he was teaching me, remedial potions." He wasn't sure if Professor O'Riley knew about his Occlumency lessons.
"Well out with it, what do you want to know," she said rather impatiently.
Harry narrowed his eyes, "I don't really know, everything I guess."
"Do you remember which memory you saw?"
"Well, it was their fifth year after their Defense OWLs," Harry said with a slight frown.
December O'Riley nodded, "Ah yes, your father was a bit arrogant back then. Oh how he annoyed your mother."
"Uh, that's what Remus and Sirius told me too," he said quickly, remembering the last time he had spoken to his God Father.
"I know you've been though a lot Harry. I know more than you can imagine. Hold on," she fumbled though her desk and pulled out a shiny golden snitch, "look familiar?"
Harry watched her hand astonished, "is that what I think it is?"
"Yes actually, your father was quite the show-off," she handed him the golden ball.
Harry fondled it, "how did you get it?"
Professor O'Riley closed her eyes, "I found it." "It's your, if you want it."
"Thank-you," Harry said thinking back to the memory of his father he had seen in Dumbledore's pensive.
December O'Riley rose to her feet, "well, I think this is as good of time as any."
Harry look up slightly puzzled, "for what?"
"To face you fears Harry, Dumbledore asked me to bring you to St. Mungo to see Miss. Chang."
He turned his face feeling his anger return, "I don't want to go see her."
"Well, you haven't a choice. You'll thank me for it later," she said strictly and with a wave of her wand Harry's body was not longer his control.
"Professor Dumbledore has gotten approval from the ministry to make this port key to St. Mungo," she explained before forcing Harry to grab it.
Once they reached the stark white walls of the magical hospital, December O'Riley removed the curse she had placed on him. Harry started to protest, but she just walked away leaving him with no choice but to follow her.
"Seeing Miss Chang will do you some good, maybe you'll quit mopping around blaming every miserable misfortune on yourself," Professor O'Riley said sternly, not turning around to face him as she spoke.
Harry finally lost his tongue, "what would you know about guilt, you've never been responsible for somebody's death!"
"Do not speak of what you don't know Harry. You know nothing about me, yet you're quick to judge. You couldn't fathom the misery I've lived, your not the only one who feels their life is cursed," she said offensively.
Harry felt a lump develop in his throat as he remember what Dumbledore had told him about Professor O'Riley, "I'm sorry."
She didn't offer her own apology she just kept up her fast pace down the halls into the unmistakable closed wing. He couldn't help but wonder if Professor Lockhart was still recovering from his backfired memory charm.
"I hear you sent one of your previous professor to this ward Mr. Potter," Professor O'Riley said suddenly, it almost seemed like she knew what he was thinking.
"Well, it wasn't actually our fault you see. He tried to do a memory charm on Ron Weasley with a broken wand and it backfired," Harry tried to explain.
She shook her head, "no need for a lengthy explanation, I've known Lockhart and his problem of taking credit for things other people have done for a long time, and well, he had it coming."
"Not that I condone you attacking a teacher," she added.
Harry was about to defend himself, since he hadn't really ever attacked a teacher, unless you consider Snape, but they had reached their destination.
"Take your time, I'm going to see how her parents are holding up. Come find me in the lobby when your finished," she said softly before disappearing down the corridor.
He willed her not to go, he didn't want to face what was on the other side of this door alone. His frozen hand hovered above the door knob as he tried to clear his foggy mind. Honestly, he believed his conscience was better off not knowing how bad off she truly was. Harry took a deep breath and swallowed the nervousness that had been building in the back of his throat.
Cho's room was decorated with pictures and familiar objects. Obviously her parents were trying to help her progress. Cho herself looked terrible, she was still unconscious. Her cheeks were burned raw from the thousands of tears that had fallen from her eyes. Her perfect hair was matted and unkempt. Her porcelain skin looked patchy and frail.
"Cho," he said softly, unsure if she would respond or not.
She twitched slightly and began to mutter under her unconscious breath, "Cedric? No, please no."
Her tears began to fall freely and she withered as if trying to escape a horrid monster.
"Cho it's me, Harry," he tried inching closer to her.
"I'm sorry Cedric, I'm so sorry," she continued.
Harry felt his feet stop as he watched her, wondering what kind of misery she must be facing at his moment. He wanted to touch her hand and comfort her, but he couldn't.
She twisted viciously, "please don't hate me, I can't do this anymore."
Her tears were now muffling her sobbed words, "I'm in love with someone else, please Cedric, don't die."
Harry wanted to run far away from the sight before his eyes.
"The doctors say she reliving the most miserable moments in her life. That is why she won't wake," said a soft voice from behind him.
A short Chinese woman stood behind Harry clinching a handkerchief, "she's strong, I know she'll fight though this."
He couldn't speak, he wanted to but he wasn't sure what to say. Mrs. Chang's only daughter lay withering in her past misery and it was all his fault.
"I'm sorry," he started.
"Oh no dear, it isn't your fault, we don't blame you."
Harry wished he could believe that, "is she going to get better?"
Mrs. Chang pulled the handkerchief close to her lips and nodded, "we can only pray. The doctors say it all depends if she can face these demons of her past. If she can overcome them, she'll pull out of this and be fine."
He turned back towards Cho who seemed to be over her fit now as was settling back down.
"My daughter must think very highly of you," she said in her soft tone.
Harry lowered his head, trying hard not to let his eyes glaze over as he watched Cho on the bed, "why do you say that?"
"She keeps calling your name," Mrs. Chang's tears began to fall freely and she walked over and grabbed her daughters hand.
"I should be going," Harry said suddenly, feeling very uncomfortable in this situation.
He had almost reached the door when a question stopped him, "you where with Cedric when he died?"
He nodded and let his hand fall from the door knob in his grasp.
"I know that must have been hard for you. To see someone so young die. I don't know what happened between that young man and my daughter."
"I've seen a lot of death in my life," Harry said bluntly, feeling an emptiness swell in his stomach. She suddenly stood up and walked towards him, "here, this will protect you from all the evil that haunts your life."
Mrs. Chang placed her protection crystal firmly in Harry's hand, "Cho said this protects you from evil spirits."
"And now it will protect you," she said sweetly, and with a firm nod she returned to her daughters side.
Harry turned around for one more glance, "if she wakes, tell her I was here?"
"Of course, but she already knows," Mrs. Chang said lightly squeezing Cho's lifeless hand.
Hundreds of emotions raced though Harry's mind as he walked to the lobby to find Professor O'Riley. He felt hate, anger, sorrow and regret surging through. His feet seemed glued to the floor with every step, and it amazed him how much energy it took to pick up his feet and walk.
Professor December O'Riley sat in the lobby with none other than Professor Lockhart sitting next her badgering her for an autograph.
"I can sign it for you with my left and right hand, making it twice as valuable," he was saying with a large smile.
"That is okay Mikel, I don't need an autography," Professor O'Riley replied.
"Why are you calling him Mikel?" Harry asked as he approached.
She didn't answer, "Harry, ready to go?"
He narrowed his eyes, but didn't say yes or no, "hello professor," Harry greeted.
"Professor, blimey, I'm a Professor?" Lockhart said suddenly amazed.
Harry closed his eyes and shook his head, apparently his condition wasn't improving.
His new defense teacher lead him away from Lockhart, shaking her head. Their trip back to Hogwarts was silent, it appeared both had things on their mind.
"I'll give you a pass to be in this halls this late hour incase somebody stops you on the way back to your common room," Professor O'Riley said, breaking the silence as he reached her office.
"Thanks professor," Harry offered, not wanting to continue the conversation any further.
She walked over a grabbed a piece of parchment off her desk, "I'll see you at DA tomorrow."
Harry nodded and left, he wasn't sure how late it was, but by the looks of the corridors, it was past curfew. Since he had a pass he took the long route. Letting the walk clear his mind, but his brilliant plan backfired and only fueled his rage. When he finally reached the portrait that was the hidden entrance to the Gryffindor common room he spat the password so viciously that the Fat Lady demanded he apologize before he permitted him to enter.
He was thankful the common room was empty, thankful because nobody saw him slam his fist into the brick wall before he took a seat. Harry's hand was bloody from the impact, but he didn't give it much thought. He stared at the dying fire, filling absolutely miserable.
He had fought it for so long, all the pain that burned inside him. The tears he had fought for so long, he could no longer fight. They fell freely, searing down his angry face. His hands collapsed into his hands and he rocked back and forth as he cried.
"Harry, are you okay?"
He tried to look up but couldn't, he was paralyzed by his hate, his pain. It was impossible from him to stop this outburst now that it had started.
Pavarti approached and placed a warm arm around his shoulders and tried to comfort him, "it's okay, just let it out."
Harry felt like such a fool, here he was showing weakness when he was expected to be strong and brave.
He tried to wipe his eyes as he welcomed her embrace, "I'm sorry."
She placed an understanding kiss on his cheek and stroked his hair, "you don't need to apologize."
Finally, he gained control of his runaway emotions and the tears stopped falling. He pulled his self out of her embrace and took a deep breath, "I'm just feeling so lonely right now."
Pavarti let her hand gently touch his face as she brushed a strand of hair with her fingers, "you can talk to me, I'm a good listener."
Harry wanted to tell her everything, but he knew he couldn't. He let his hand touch her face, and he drew her near.
Anyways. Thanks again. Nothing is my Own Read and Review *******************************************************************
Chapter Thirteen: Another Visit to The Closed Ward
The week was one of the worst Harry could ever remember. A fear lingered in the hallways, the whispers and shadows seemed to haunt the happiness once known as Hogwarts. He could still hear her voice in his ear, her smell on his cloths, and her smile in his mind. Everything he knew told him one truth, it was all his fault.
Cho was not the only victim of the Dementor attack on Hogmeade, several citizens of the town and three Hogwart students had met the ill fate of a Dementor's kiss. Harry didn't personally know any of the other students, but felt responsible. All outdoor activities had been canceled until further notice, which included Quidditch, Care for Magical Creatures and Herbology.
Hagrid had taken the news of the cancellation incredibly hard, and had promised to double their lessons as soon as classes were back in session. Harry felt a bit bad for neglecting Hagrid the way he had this year, but he seemed to always want to talk about Sirius, and that was a subject Harry just wanted to forget.
DA wasn't much of a break from his misery. Harry remembered how much danger he had lead the DA into last year, and regretted it. He loathed Hermione for forcing him into this year again. Classes were a blur, even Snape's taunts seemed to be wasted. When Snape had taken 25 points from Gryffindor because Harry didn't know what Red Woppling Root was used for, Harry didn't even protest.
Hermione and Ron continued on their disappearance spree, and he had given up on trying to solve that mystery. Ginny wasn't talking to him, because of his actions when he had come from the hospital wing the day of the attack, and Pavarti's conversation were just mindless chatter that he had developed an ability to block out. He was alone.
He followed his feet down the cold stone corridor leading back towards the Gryffindor common room after dinner, he had taken the long way. The week had finally ended, but the bleak prospect of the next didn't cheer him up.
"Mr. Potter, what are you doing wandering the halls alone?" asked a concerned looking Professor O'Riley as she exited her classroom.
Harry forced a smile, "I'm just heading back from dinner."
She nodded, "feeling a bit down? I understand, I've been there myself."
"I seriously doubt it," Harry thought selfishly to himself.
"You know, your mother use to wander he halls alone when she was feeling a bit down."
Harry tried not to sound to sarcastic, "most people do."
"Sarcasm is not a prized quality to possess. Trust me, when I was younger I seemed to have an abundance of it." the young Professor tried to joke. "Would you like to join me for a cup of tea, it helps me stay warm in this cold castle."
"No thanks Professor, I really need to get back," Harry lied.
"Oh come boy, what are you going to do when you get back? You don't seem to be in hurry like somebody is waiting on you," Professor O'Riley urged.
Harry lowered his head, "I'm not, I just don't think I'd be very good company."
A curl crossed her lips, "I figured you'd be curious what me and Professor Lupin were doing in Hogmeade the other day."
He had completely forgotten, "did you see me there?"
"Come off it, you were really obvious when you were spying on us," she laughed.
December O'Riley turned quickly leaving the door open for Harry to follow.
"What were you and Remus doing in Hogmeade?" Harry inquired.
Professor O'Riley lowered her head, "he was telling me about a fallen friend." She had to fight the tears forming on her eyes.
"Then why were you two laughing?" Harry pushed.
"Well, that is a story I think should be saved till your older," she shook her head.
She poured a red looking tea from her kettle into a cup in front of Harry and then into her own cup, "your mother got me drinking this stuff, silly muggle habit."
Harry eyed her carefully, "what really happened, with my parents."
"Which part of the story are you asking about?" she said delicately, gaining a slightly more serious composure.
Harry lowered his eyes, " I saw one of Snape's memories last year when he was teaching me, remedial potions." He wasn't sure if Professor O'Riley knew about his Occlumency lessons.
"Well out with it, what do you want to know," she said rather impatiently.
Harry narrowed his eyes, "I don't really know, everything I guess."
"Do you remember which memory you saw?"
"Well, it was their fifth year after their Defense OWLs," Harry said with a slight frown.
December O'Riley nodded, "Ah yes, your father was a bit arrogant back then. Oh how he annoyed your mother."
"Uh, that's what Remus and Sirius told me too," he said quickly, remembering the last time he had spoken to his God Father.
"I know you've been though a lot Harry. I know more than you can imagine. Hold on," she fumbled though her desk and pulled out a shiny golden snitch, "look familiar?"
Harry watched her hand astonished, "is that what I think it is?"
"Yes actually, your father was quite the show-off," she handed him the golden ball.
Harry fondled it, "how did you get it?"
Professor O'Riley closed her eyes, "I found it." "It's your, if you want it."
"Thank-you," Harry said thinking back to the memory of his father he had seen in Dumbledore's pensive.
December O'Riley rose to her feet, "well, I think this is as good of time as any."
Harry look up slightly puzzled, "for what?"
"To face you fears Harry, Dumbledore asked me to bring you to St. Mungo to see Miss. Chang."
He turned his face feeling his anger return, "I don't want to go see her."
"Well, you haven't a choice. You'll thank me for it later," she said strictly and with a wave of her wand Harry's body was not longer his control.
"Professor Dumbledore has gotten approval from the ministry to make this port key to St. Mungo," she explained before forcing Harry to grab it.
Once they reached the stark white walls of the magical hospital, December O'Riley removed the curse she had placed on him. Harry started to protest, but she just walked away leaving him with no choice but to follow her.
"Seeing Miss Chang will do you some good, maybe you'll quit mopping around blaming every miserable misfortune on yourself," Professor O'Riley said sternly, not turning around to face him as she spoke.
Harry finally lost his tongue, "what would you know about guilt, you've never been responsible for somebody's death!"
"Do not speak of what you don't know Harry. You know nothing about me, yet you're quick to judge. You couldn't fathom the misery I've lived, your not the only one who feels their life is cursed," she said offensively.
Harry felt a lump develop in his throat as he remember what Dumbledore had told him about Professor O'Riley, "I'm sorry."
She didn't offer her own apology she just kept up her fast pace down the halls into the unmistakable closed wing. He couldn't help but wonder if Professor Lockhart was still recovering from his backfired memory charm.
"I hear you sent one of your previous professor to this ward Mr. Potter," Professor O'Riley said suddenly, it almost seemed like she knew what he was thinking.
"Well, it wasn't actually our fault you see. He tried to do a memory charm on Ron Weasley with a broken wand and it backfired," Harry tried to explain.
She shook her head, "no need for a lengthy explanation, I've known Lockhart and his problem of taking credit for things other people have done for a long time, and well, he had it coming."
"Not that I condone you attacking a teacher," she added.
Harry was about to defend himself, since he hadn't really ever attacked a teacher, unless you consider Snape, but they had reached their destination.
"Take your time, I'm going to see how her parents are holding up. Come find me in the lobby when your finished," she said softly before disappearing down the corridor.
He willed her not to go, he didn't want to face what was on the other side of this door alone. His frozen hand hovered above the door knob as he tried to clear his foggy mind. Honestly, he believed his conscience was better off not knowing how bad off she truly was. Harry took a deep breath and swallowed the nervousness that had been building in the back of his throat.
Cho's room was decorated with pictures and familiar objects. Obviously her parents were trying to help her progress. Cho herself looked terrible, she was still unconscious. Her cheeks were burned raw from the thousands of tears that had fallen from her eyes. Her perfect hair was matted and unkempt. Her porcelain skin looked patchy and frail.
"Cho," he said softly, unsure if she would respond or not.
She twitched slightly and began to mutter under her unconscious breath, "Cedric? No, please no."
Her tears began to fall freely and she withered as if trying to escape a horrid monster.
"Cho it's me, Harry," he tried inching closer to her.
"I'm sorry Cedric, I'm so sorry," she continued.
Harry felt his feet stop as he watched her, wondering what kind of misery she must be facing at his moment. He wanted to touch her hand and comfort her, but he couldn't.
She twisted viciously, "please don't hate me, I can't do this anymore."
Her tears were now muffling her sobbed words, "I'm in love with someone else, please Cedric, don't die."
Harry wanted to run far away from the sight before his eyes.
"The doctors say she reliving the most miserable moments in her life. That is why she won't wake," said a soft voice from behind him.
A short Chinese woman stood behind Harry clinching a handkerchief, "she's strong, I know she'll fight though this."
He couldn't speak, he wanted to but he wasn't sure what to say. Mrs. Chang's only daughter lay withering in her past misery and it was all his fault.
"I'm sorry," he started.
"Oh no dear, it isn't your fault, we don't blame you."
Harry wished he could believe that, "is she going to get better?"
Mrs. Chang pulled the handkerchief close to her lips and nodded, "we can only pray. The doctors say it all depends if she can face these demons of her past. If she can overcome them, she'll pull out of this and be fine."
He turned back towards Cho who seemed to be over her fit now as was settling back down.
"My daughter must think very highly of you," she said in her soft tone.
Harry lowered his head, trying hard not to let his eyes glaze over as he watched Cho on the bed, "why do you say that?"
"She keeps calling your name," Mrs. Chang's tears began to fall freely and she walked over and grabbed her daughters hand.
"I should be going," Harry said suddenly, feeling very uncomfortable in this situation.
He had almost reached the door when a question stopped him, "you where with Cedric when he died?"
He nodded and let his hand fall from the door knob in his grasp.
"I know that must have been hard for you. To see someone so young die. I don't know what happened between that young man and my daughter."
"I've seen a lot of death in my life," Harry said bluntly, feeling an emptiness swell in his stomach. She suddenly stood up and walked towards him, "here, this will protect you from all the evil that haunts your life."
Mrs. Chang placed her protection crystal firmly in Harry's hand, "Cho said this protects you from evil spirits."
"And now it will protect you," she said sweetly, and with a firm nod she returned to her daughters side.
Harry turned around for one more glance, "if she wakes, tell her I was here?"
"Of course, but she already knows," Mrs. Chang said lightly squeezing Cho's lifeless hand.
Hundreds of emotions raced though Harry's mind as he walked to the lobby to find Professor O'Riley. He felt hate, anger, sorrow and regret surging through. His feet seemed glued to the floor with every step, and it amazed him how much energy it took to pick up his feet and walk.
Professor December O'Riley sat in the lobby with none other than Professor Lockhart sitting next her badgering her for an autograph.
"I can sign it for you with my left and right hand, making it twice as valuable," he was saying with a large smile.
"That is okay Mikel, I don't need an autography," Professor O'Riley replied.
"Why are you calling him Mikel?" Harry asked as he approached.
She didn't answer, "Harry, ready to go?"
He narrowed his eyes, but didn't say yes or no, "hello professor," Harry greeted.
"Professor, blimey, I'm a Professor?" Lockhart said suddenly amazed.
Harry closed his eyes and shook his head, apparently his condition wasn't improving.
His new defense teacher lead him away from Lockhart, shaking her head. Their trip back to Hogwarts was silent, it appeared both had things on their mind.
"I'll give you a pass to be in this halls this late hour incase somebody stops you on the way back to your common room," Professor O'Riley said, breaking the silence as he reached her office.
"Thanks professor," Harry offered, not wanting to continue the conversation any further.
She walked over a grabbed a piece of parchment off her desk, "I'll see you at DA tomorrow."
Harry nodded and left, he wasn't sure how late it was, but by the looks of the corridors, it was past curfew. Since he had a pass he took the long route. Letting the walk clear his mind, but his brilliant plan backfired and only fueled his rage. When he finally reached the portrait that was the hidden entrance to the Gryffindor common room he spat the password so viciously that the Fat Lady demanded he apologize before he permitted him to enter.
He was thankful the common room was empty, thankful because nobody saw him slam his fist into the brick wall before he took a seat. Harry's hand was bloody from the impact, but he didn't give it much thought. He stared at the dying fire, filling absolutely miserable.
He had fought it for so long, all the pain that burned inside him. The tears he had fought for so long, he could no longer fight. They fell freely, searing down his angry face. His hands collapsed into his hands and he rocked back and forth as he cried.
"Harry, are you okay?"
He tried to look up but couldn't, he was paralyzed by his hate, his pain. It was impossible from him to stop this outburst now that it had started.
Pavarti approached and placed a warm arm around his shoulders and tried to comfort him, "it's okay, just let it out."
Harry felt like such a fool, here he was showing weakness when he was expected to be strong and brave.
He tried to wipe his eyes as he welcomed her embrace, "I'm sorry."
She placed an understanding kiss on his cheek and stroked his hair, "you don't need to apologize."
Finally, he gained control of his runaway emotions and the tears stopped falling. He pulled his self out of her embrace and took a deep breath, "I'm just feeling so lonely right now."
Pavarti let her hand gently touch his face as she brushed a strand of hair with her fingers, "you can talk to me, I'm a good listener."
Harry wanted to tell her everything, but he knew he couldn't. He let his hand touch her face, and he drew her near.