To everyone who reviewed the last chapter:
Thank you so much. I really hope you all continue reading and reviewing my fic. Hope you all enjoy this chapter. It's the longest so far, so have a good time!
Death's Shadow: I think this chapter will answer your question. Thanks for your review!
PantherGuide: lol, nice guess, but it's quite the opposite!
Draken Smythe: Because if they celebrated his birthday on the 31st of July, some of the big shots (think Dumbledore) would be too busy preparing for school. Anyway r&r! : P
spacecatdet: Yup, Lupin's alive. He said something in the second chapter. Ron is an idiot and I like him that way. Mwahahaha.
jenine: Don't worry, Harry won't go evil. Well, maybe a little dark, but definitely not evil.
What else do you want from me?
Chapter 3
"Sorry, mate, I had to do it. Your parents' orders." Ron mumbled.
Harry trembled with fury. "Can't you just keep your nose out of my business?" he shouted. "You just have to interfere every single time! And what in the world has my parents got to do with you? You could have just said 'no' right?"
Ron's face turned red and he shouted back, "You were my friend! Of course I had to help you reunite with your family!"
"Exactly. I was your friend." Harry said coolly. "And since when did I ask you to help to bring my family together? Since when did I even want to reunite with my family? Admit it; it's none of your bloody business!"
"Harry!" Hermione shrieked, outraged. "Stop it, you two!"
"Oh joy, someone's trying to play the part of a peacemaker." Harry said sarcastically.
"Shut up!" Ron yelled. "C'mon, Herm, let's just get out of here!" He dragged his wife out of the room where Harry had been portkeyed to.
Good riddance.
At that moment, Lily and James entered the room. Harry looked away and said, "Can't you just stay away from me? You weren't there when I was growing up, you weren't there when I first learnt how to read and write, you weren't there when I was abused by the Dursleys, you weren't there when I received my Hogwarts letter of acceptance, you weren't there when I received my OWL and NEWT results, you weren't there when I faced Voldemort, so what makes you think that I need you now?
"You seem to forget that it was our money in the Gringotts account which helped you in the wizarding world. It was our money which provided you with your basic needs. Have you ever thought about where you would be right now without that us?" James said dangerously.
"Ahem, ahem. In case you want to know, I have replaced every single knut, every single sickle, and every single galleon in your account with my hard-earned money. So, financially speaking, I owe you nothing." Harry said. "And would you be so kind as to tell me where I am right now?" he said with mock courtesy.
"You are at your home, Godric's Hollow. We rebuilt it after we came back. And don't try to get away, because this room is heavily warded. For the time being, you'll be staying here, until you learn to show your parents some proper respect." his father smirked with satisfaction.
Harry looked around. There was a small cot, a cupboard and a door in the room – which probably led to the lavatory.
"I'm extremely sorry to turn down your generous invitation to stay here, Mr Potter. I have patients who need tending to."
"Ah, Harry, you must have misunderstood me, this is not an invitation. And as for your dear patients, I'm sure the hospital will be able to find someone to cover up for you." James said.
"Honestly father, if you weren't such an ignorant little twit, you'd have realized that as we converse in this marvellous little room, there are people dying and suffering in the world out there. Unlike you, most people don't run away from their problems." Harry spat. He could feel anger surging through his veins, building up in his body. "Control your emotions," a familiar voice said in his mind. With great difficulty, Harry suppressed his rage. Then, he disappeared.
Someone has obviously forgotten to remind them that I've escaped from Voldie's high security cell before.
"How did he do that?" James shouted, outraged.
"According to Dumbledore, our son is a very powerful young man, darling," Lily said.
"He is, indeed," Albus said, stepping into the room. "I suggest you give him some time to calm down first before bringing him back. No one knows what happened during his duel with Voldemort. Those who witnessed part of the fight were dead. He simply brought the body with him back to Hogwarts. Then he settled his affairs and left. Perhaps if we manage to bring him back to the wizarding world, we'll be able to get some answers from him. The public has been extremely curious."
Dumbledore then proceeded to tell Lily and James about what Harry saw when he looked into the Mirror of Erised during his first year.
"Perhaps there is some hope in forcing him back, after all," James said, with a glint in his eyes.
"I must warn you not to force him into anything, though. Harry is not a person to be meddled or manipulated with, as I had learnt during his sixth year." Dumbledore said thoughtfully.
"Well, I'm sure there are many people who would be willing to help us. Ron, Hermione, Remus, Molly…" Lily trailed off.
"I did not expect it to turn out this way." Dumbledore sighed. "I had expected him to fall into place perfectly without making such a big fuss. After all, he did want to have a family."
*
Harry entered his house, his shoulders slumped with weary. The first thing he saw was Remus Lupin sitting on his sofa. Harry straightened up immediately and said sharply, "Mr and Mrs Potter sent you, didn't they,"
"Actually, Harry, I came out of my own accord." the man said.
"Well, what do you want?" Harry demanded.
"I want to know why you find it so hard to forgive your parents."
"And after this, you'll go and report to them your findings, right?" the young doctor said. Before giving Lupin a chance to reply, he continued, "Very well then. If you want to be their stool pigeon, then go ahead. First, they barged into my life and expect me to 'show them proper respect' after leaving me alone for twenty five years of my life. Then they forced me to go back with them to their house and threatened to lock me up until I learn to act like their little pet dog. They didn't even have the guts to explain to me personally about how and why they just dumped me with the Dursleys –"
"Enough!" Remus barked. "Your parents had no choice, Harry! If they had stayed together with you then you would all have died together! If they brought you along, then no one would be there to finish Voldemort off!"
"Even if the three of us died under the hands of the dark lord, at least we died together as a family! And since my sole purpose of existence is just to 'finish Voldemort off', then why do you all care whether or not I'm still around?" Harry asked calmly.
Lupin mouthed soundlessly for a few moments before sighing in exasperation. "Can't you just try to get along with them?"
"This is not the right time, Remus. And besides, from the way they're behaving, do you think they are trying to get along with me? They are simply trying to force me under their thumb. They seem to have forgotten that I'm no longer the baby boy they left behind. I've got my own life now. They just have to accept the fact that I grew up without them." he said quietly. Then he stood up, "If there's nothing else, then please leave. I'm sure you're extremely eager to report to them what I just told you."
*
"Are you sure this is going to work, dear?" Lily anxiously.
"Of course, darling," her husband said confidently. He cast a charm and both of them became invisible. "Let's go."
The two Apparated to the hospital closest to Harry's apartment. "I'm not sure if this is the place he works at, but we can always try our luck." Lily murmured.
They walked along the corridors, weaving their way through the many nurses and doctors who seemed to be rushing towards every single direction.
"Did you notice something, dear?" James said, looking around.
"What?" came the whispered reply.
"All of them seem to be wearing masks."
"Well, maybe it's some kind of stupid trend that muggle youngsters love to come up with." Lily said.
"I don't think so. That old hag over there is wearing one too." James mumbled.
"Darling? Drop it." Lily hissed into her husband's ear.
"Look there!" her husband said, pointing to one corner. The names of all the doctors' had been printed on plastic and nailed to the wall.
"Dr Harry Potter #05-78" Lily read.
They took the elevator to the fifth floor entered their son's clinic and removed the invisibility charm. "Good afternoon. May I help you?" the old lady at the counter said.
"We'd like to see Dr Potter," the two said.
"Have you made an appointment?" she asked.
"Er, no." James mumbled.
"Then I'm afraid you'll have to wait. Dr Potter has gone to check on his patients."
"But it's lunch time now, isn't it?" Lily said.
"Dr Potter doesn't go for lunch, ma'am. May I have your name?" the woman asked.
"We'll come back later," James declared.
"Very well. Oh, and do put on a mask."
"Where are the wards located?" the messy-haired man asked.
"At the eighth floor. Dr Potter is there right now, but you won't be able to go there.
"Why?"
"Because of the virus, of course." she replied.
The couple glanced at each other, shrugged, and left.
"What makes them so obsessed about masks?" Lily said irritably once they were out of the clinic. Her husband shook his head. The couple took a lift to the eighth floor. There was a large, glass door with several buttons on one side. "Alohomora!" James said. The two hurried in and walked along the corridor which was lined with many doors with numbers on them.
The place was eerily empty. "There's no one out here," Lily murmured. "There are so many doors. There's no way we'd be able to find him."
Her husband sighed. Their plan had failed, again.
*
A week later, Lily lay in bed, moaning. Her head throbbed and she had great difficulty breathing. "James," she called out to her husband weakly. He rushed to her side and asked, "Lily, what's wrong?"
"Not feeling well," his wife murmured. He frowned and placed his hand on her forehead. Fever burned her body. He carried her to the fireplace and threw some Floo powder in. "St Mungo's Emergency Department!" he bellowed.
*
After registering at the counter, one of the healers brought Lily to a ward, where she was examined. James paced up and down the corridor, his hands clasped behind his back. Minutes passed. Finally, the healer stepped out He rushed to her and asked anxiously, "Is my wife all right?" She sighed. "I am sorry, Mr Potter. We don't know what is wrong with her. There is kind of mysterious virus that is affecting her lungs and weakening her body. We have fed her with many different potions. None have helped. We have contacted Professor Snape from Hogwarts to see if there is anything he can do to help."
James flinched and turned bright red. "My wife is dying and you are asking Snape for help? What kind of a healer are you?" he shouted. "Are you out of your mind?"
"Mr Potter, this is a hospital. Please control yourself. Professor Snape is the best potions master in Europe, and that is why we are asking for his help. He may be our only hope to come up with a cure for your wife."
Just as the healer finished her sentence, the door burst open and a tall wizard dressed in black robes burst in. His face twisted into a sneer when he saw his nemesis. "Potter," he spat.
"Snivellus. We meet again." James said coldly.
"I'm here to save your precious wife, Potter."
"On Dumbledore's orders, no doubt."
"Or rather, on Dumbledore's request. I can choose to let her die if I want. So, mind your manners." Snape hissed dangerously.
James paled with rage. He detested the slimy git, but he detested feeling threatened even more.
Get a grip on yourself. He's the only one who can save Lily.
He gave Snape a curt nod and tried not to look afraid. Severus stalked into the ward.
*
Meanwhile, Harry was at the hospital, going from ward to ward, tending to the patients together with his colleagues. There were so many ill people that the hospital could not accommodate any more new patients. Many health-care workers had been infected with Virus 31 and there was a shortage of doctors.
"When did you have your last meal, Harry?" Dr Williams asked sternly. Harry pretended not to hear as he gave his patient a shot. "Answer me, boy." Harry sighed. He recognized the tone his mentor spoke with. It was the don't-mess-with-me-or-you'll-regret-it tone.
"I don't remember, sir," he mumbled.
"Go to the pantry and get something to eat, boy. How many times have I told you not to go without your meals? For heaven's sake, you're twenty-six and you can't even look after yourself!" Dr Williams chided.
"But what about the patients? I can't possibly leave them alone…" he protested.
"If you cannot look after yourself, then how can you look after your patients? I know you're worried about them, Harry. So am I. But you can't let your immune system weaken during this period of time. I can't afford to loose you. Your patients will benefit more if you're healthy and awake. Go eat something and then go home and have a rest, boy. You look dead on your feet." Dr Williams commanded.
"But sir, what about you?" Harry argued.
"I'll manage, Harry. Don't worry about your patients; I'll look after them. I'm old, Harry. You're young and you still have a long way to go. Now, go to the pantry." his superior said with a tone of finality.
"We don't have enough people –" before Harry could even finish his sentence, Dr Williams cut in, "Don't make me lose my patience, Dr Potter. If you do not leave the ward now, I'll confiscate your identification card and ban you from the hospital for twenty-four hours. If I catch you stopping at one of the wards on your way to the pantry, it'll be forty-eight hours. Is that clear?"
"Crystal," his protégé said. He dashed out of the room with a look of horror plastered on his face. Dr Williams smiled fondly. Then he sighed and went back to work.
*
Meanwhile, at Dumbledore's office, Snape was seated in front of the Headmaster. "I do not know what is wrong with her, Albus. Her lungs are infected and she is having a high temperature. We don't have much time left," Much as he loathed Potter, Severus and Lily were friends in their seventh year and that was perhaps the only reason as to why he was helping his enemy's wife.
Dumbledore rummaged through the objects in his drawer and pulled out a muggle newspaper which he subscribed to. He pushed the newspaper to Snape and the potions master scanned through it briefly.
Virus 31 Infects Hundreds Across the UK
A mysterious disease, code named Virus 31, was discovered a week ago in the United Kingdom. Efforts to contain the virus within the country have been successful so far. However, hundreds of people, including health-care workers, are being infected each day. The symptoms of this air-borne disease include high fever, difficulty breathing and chest pains. All who show signs of this highly-contagious disease are to call for an ambulance immediately. People who came into contact with the victims have been quarantined. Members of the public have been encouraged to don masks…
The article continued for several pages. "Do you believe that Lily is infected with this Virus 31?" Snape asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes." Dumbledore answered. "She and James visited a muggle hospital a few days ago to look for Harry. She may have contracted it then." Snape smirked slightly when the Headmaster mentioned the Golden Boy's name. He could imagine the boy's reaction when he found out that his parents were alive.
"What will we do next, Headmaster?" Snape asked, drumming his fingers against the table.
"Contact Harry."
*
"Hi." Dr Potter said, slouching into the pantry. His colleague and close friend, Dr Kelly Matthews, was standing by the counter stuffing a sandwich into her mouth.
"Tough day?" she said, between bites.
"Duh."
Dr Matthews was a muggle-born witch who decided to live as a muggle after graduating from Hogwarts. There were several other witches and wizards like Harry in the hospital, who worked and lived as muggles, simply because they preferred it that way. He had palled up with them within days of working at the hospital.
"Williams made me stop." he grumbled, reaching for a cookie.
"You can't argue with the Grand One," she said dryly.
"How's the situation at your department?" Kelly asked.
"The word 'pandemonium' describes it wonderfully." Harry answered.
"Same over here. But the number of new cases is decreasing, anyway, so hopefully the madness won't last long."
"May peace reign in the hospital wards," Dr Potter said sardonically, raising his glass of milk in a mock toast.
"Hear, hear," his friend smirked, raising her own cup.
The two chatted for a little while more before parting ways.
*
Harry trudged home and saw a figure lingering at his door.
At least this person is polite enough not to barge in. I really should start using magic again.
Ever since Harry entered the muggle world, he kept magic out of his daily life, only resorting to it when he was in dire situations.
"Professor Snape," he said, nodding his head slightly as a way of greeting. He ushered his ex-teacher into his flat. During his last years at Hogwarts, Harry had gained a certain respect and perhaps even a slight affection for that 'dungeon dwelling moron', who had guided him towards his task of defeating Voldemort.
"There's no time for pleasantries, Potter. Your mother is ill." Snape said sharply.
Once again, a cold mask fell over Harry's face.
"That's none of my –"
"We believe that she's been infected with what the muggles call 'Virus 31'."
All blood drained from Harry's face. He grabbed his phone and dialed quickly.
"Kelly, I need your help. It's spread to the other side. Contact the others and come immediately. I don't care what you're doing, this is important, girl! They've got no protection over there! Just Apparate over to my place together with the rest of them, okay? Make it quick, for god's sake!"
Within two minutes, Dr Matthews arrived with four other doctors – all of them covered in gowns, gloves and masks.
*
The door banged open. James looked up, startled. Six people, dressed in white and covered in rubber and plastic, charged into his wife's ward. He stood up quickly.
"I'll take this one and the rest of you take the others. Hurry!" a very familiar voice shouted.
"May I know where you are taking my wife to?" James asked icily.
"Oh, don't forget to take that one!"
Before James could protest, strong hands swept him up and he was Stunned.
Several hours later, James regained consciousness. He blinked and looked around. He was lying on a hospital bed, similar to the one at St Mungos. There were strange machines and apparatus all around him. The very last thing he remembered was being stunned. "Where am I?" he asked. The figure by his side, who was covered up from head to toe, said, "You're in a muggle hospital. Dr Potter will be here shortly. Please be patient."
Harry strode into the ward and asked the young woman, "How is his condition?"
"No signs of it yet, but I suggest we keep him under observation for at least another day." she answered. Then she left the two alone.
"Where is Lily?" James demanded. "And why have you brought me here?"
"Mrs Potter is in another ward. You are being put under observation to see if you have been infected with Virus 31." his son said coldly. "And in case you don't know, Virus 31 is an extremely contagious disease which your dear wife almost spread to the whole wizarding world. Right now, the seven healers who are in charge of her are infected with this virus and so is Professor Snape. Oh, and the other patients who came into contact with the seven healers are also in a critical condition. Being her husband, you run a high risk of being infected and that's why you are here."
"What the hell are you thinking of? You are entrusting dying people in the hands of these pathetic muggles?" Get us out of here and bring Lily back to St Mungos!"
"You ignorant idiot! Can't you see that we are trying to save your pathetic lives? Can't you see that there are certain things that Muggles can do and wizards can't? Can't you see that everyone, be it muggle or wizard, has their own abilities?" Harry hissed. "What makes you think you are better than those 'pathetic muggles'? Can you come up with a cure for that disease? Did you know that both magical and muggle healers are working twenty-four hours a day just to ensure that you pull through? Do you know how much we go through? No! Did you know how much trouble you caused the wizarding world and the muggle world, just because of your foolish decision to visit me at the hospital? Obviously not. Honestly, if you had just stayed where you were, then the healers and Professor Snape and your darling wife would be safe and sound! Can't you see what you have done?"
Anger blazed in Harry's eyes. His fists had balled and a white nimbus surrounded his frame. His hair seemed to move around in a wind that no one except himself felt. James tried to keep up a brave façade, but his eyes betrayed his fear. Anyone in his right mind would have been afraid. Apparently, Dumbledore had forgotten to tell him never to cross the young man.
Cold fury seemed to freeze the blood in Harry's veins. He was no longer Dr Potter, the kind and dedicated doctor, respected by his patients and well-liked by his colleagues. Anger had turned him to a Mage, a Warrior. Anger had turned him to his magical self. With a single, well-chosen word, he transferred the pent-up fury, frustration and despair in his very soul to his hand.
James gasped in shock and horror and cowered against the headboard. His son's hand seemed to be encased in ice. With a quick, swift motion, Harry slid his hand into his father's chest.
Author's Note: Cliffhanger…I hope you all enjoyed the first part of Harry's Big Blow-Up. Anyway, review and I'll update as soon as possible! Cheers.