Just One Wish
by Cerise S
Author's Beginning Notes: This story contains OOTP spoilers so if you haven't finished it yet, I would highly recommend clicking on the back button on your browser.
Chapter One
Harry had been sixteen for approximately four hours and twelve minutes. He wouldn't have even known had Hedwig not come flying through his window an hour ago carrying packages for his birthday from various people. Only minutes after Hedwig's arrival, Pig and Errol had come with packages from the Weasley family. The pile was significantly larger than it had been in past, and he knew that was a result of the friends he had made with several members of the order last year. Still, without taking a second glance at the pile, Harry knew he was one package or letter short. There was a spot where Sirius' present would be.
He knew Dumbledore would blame himself for a long time for what happened, but Harry knew there was very little blame at all in Dumbledore's name. After many hours of reflecting on the year, Harry had grudgingly concluded that not even Snape was responsible for Sirius' fate. There was only one person he could blame anymore, and that was himself. He had lost counts of the many reasons he had that made him aware that it was his fault Sirius had died. If he had remembered the parcel with the mirror Sirius had given him if he ever needed to contact him, if he had only remembered Snape was member of the order, if he hadn't been so stupid to think Snape wouldn't understand his warning, if he had learned occlumency like he was supposed to, and the one that stung him the most often if he hadn't gone playing the hero. Hermione's words still sounded in his ears when he went to bed, "You do have a saving people thing" he murmured softly looking at the letter and package from Hermione. There was something about those words that wouldn't leave him alone, no matter what he did.
With a sigh, he started by opening the letter from Mrs Weasley. He could already see an assortment of food and sweets slipping from a small bundle.
Harry,
How are you dear? I hope you've been enjoying your holiday.
And of course, Happy Birthday Harry! I've sent you some sweets
and treats, hopefully the next time we meet you won't be so thin.
I know you must want to come and visit us soon, and I promise,
We will be seeing you soon, so please be patient. I know this is a
difficult time for you, but remember I love you dearly and miss you.
Enjoy your birthday! ~Mrs Weasley
What possible response to that was there? Harry stared guiltily at the note. He looked down at the other letters on his bed. He knew without even reading, they all cared about him. They wanted to help him and be there for him. He could see Professor Lupin's letter sitting on the top. Lupin, who made a point of sending a letter every three days, and insisting on a response. He could see Hermione's neat script, and Ron's hastily thrown together signature. It pained him almost to see the pile of presents before him. Everything happening the way it always did. His birthday, then leaving 4 Privet Drive, then he would go to school, then in the end of the year he'd manage to pull of a heroic act and get admired, and sent home miserable.
He almost laughed at how predictable his could be at moments. Still the thought was anything but funny to him. Sirius' death hurt in many more ways less direct than he had thought it would. His nights were spent up late realizing the danger he put anyone around him in. By caring about his own godfather, he had sent him to his death. He didn't even bother contemplating just how major his role was in the death of so many other peoples. Dumbledore had said it as well, 'I cared about you too much'. The truth of those words stung bitterly in him as well. He knew to let anyone still show any compassion was risky, and he didn't have the courage to push any of them away either.
He carefully shifted the presents to the side of the bed against the wall. Then lay in his bed. As he drifted to sleep he thought briefly of sending a reply with Pig thanking people for their presents, but had closed his eyes drowsily before he could finish contemplating it.
~*~*~
"Boy! Wake Up" Aunt Petunia's voice carried through the doorway, "Hurry up, if you want your breakfast you'd best be down in five minutes"
Harry groggily grabbed his glasses and shoved them on his face. He knew the Dursley's wouldn't dare do anything to upset them. Moody's threat had been remembered throughout the summer and his life was definitely easier on Privet Drive than it used to be. He didn't bother changing his clothes, because he knew there was very little his aunt and uncle could do to scold him. They had yelled at him once earlier in the summer, and received a very strongly worded howler from Moody. Although Harry hadn't even mentioned the scolding to anyone, which was when he knew that he was still being watched like he had been last year.
As he settled into a seat and the kitchen table he was shocked to see his Aunt and Uncle place a small birthday cake in front of him. Their faces were tight and they were grimacing, but nonetheless the cake in front of him had his name.
"What's this for?" he blurted out.
"Birthday present" Uncle Vernon grunted, he reached to hold back Dudley's hand which had extended from his own plate to try to take a large handful out of the cake.
Harry let his eyes travel from his uncle, to his aunt, and finally to a letter which lay crumbled on the counter, an understanding forming mentally.
"They, your friends, said they'd pick you up this afternoon" Aunt Petunia said forcing the words out with a great effort to keep her voice civil.
Harry looked at her expectantly, watching Aunt Petunia squirm under his oppressive stare.
"What?"
"Did they give an exact time?" he asked impatiently, "Is it for the rest of summer, or just for the day?"
Uncle Vernon's face was turning a bluish red as Harry glared at his aunt for answers.
"They said late afternoon" she stammered, "I-uh, read the letter yourself!". She carelessly tossed the letter at Harry, who reached for it.
He skimmed over it quickly frowning. It started out reminding his aunt and uncle of his birthday, and suggesting pointedly that they show their appreciation of his birthday. Then said a few of them would be stopping by later to take him to stay with them for the night, then would return tomorrow afternoon. He crumbled the parchment and tossed it in the rubbish bin as he went upstairs.
He was very upset that he would only get to leave for one night, but he wasn't about to refuse the chance to get out of the house, even if it was only for a few hours. He considered opening the large assortment of packages he had left tangled in his blankets last night, but ended up reaching for his charms textbooks, and starting his charms essay. He shook his head dismayed at how bored he had become, if he had resorted to doing his homework on his birthday. Which was exactly what he had been doing when he heard the backdoor opening, and Aunt Petunia's shriek. A moment later, Uncle Vernon's angry voice joined in the commotion.
Harry scrambled down the stairs, and slowed his pace as he entered the kitchen where Uncle Vernon was shouting at the group of wizards and witches that Harry knew too well. Professor Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Alastar Moody, Sturgis Podmore, and Hestia Jones. All six had been among the group to come and pick him up last year. In the back of the group, Kingsley was preventing Moody from hexing Uncle Vernon to shut him up.
"Hi everyone" Harry said awkwardly, watching everyone jump in surprise at his unexpected presence in the room.
Professor Lupin immediately strode forward though, and wrapped his arms around Harry lightly in a hug. "Happy Birthday Harry! How are you doing?"
Harry gave a light shrug, "I've been better" he said. He instantly regretted his words and silently cursed himself as Lupin gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Well, why don't we go upstairs to your room" Lupin suggested, "It'll be a while before we get the signal to leave"
"Are we flying again?" Harry asked, remembering how frozen he had been the last time he been.
Tonks nodded, "Dumbledore doesn't want us to risk the floo network being monitored" she said, "He figures its best to leave the order secret for now"
"Why? The ministry has conceded Voldemort is back?" Harry asked, "Shouldn't they be informed about the order's ideas?"
"Our troubles with the ministry are far from over" Moody growled, "If anything, its even more annoying now that it was before"
Harry pushed his bedroom door open and let everyone file inside.
"They can't deny Voldemort's back" Kingsley's deep voice filled the room, "But that doesn't mean they agree with everything Dumbledore says. It's hard to a person to get over prejudices they've had their whole life"
The word prejudice made Harry instantly glance at Lupin, who was the victim of one of those prejudices. He saw Lupin had moved over to his bed, and was staring at the pile of unopened presents lying in a heap carelessly.
There was an awkward silence as everyone stared at the unopened presents, before Tonks managed to break it. She walked over by Lupin and put a bright smile on her face, "Well, I suppose we should bring these with us" Tonks said, "I bet everyone's dying to see what you got". She waved her wand, and shrunk the packages so they could easily be carried.
"So how long do we have to wait?" Harry asked.
"Not long" Lupin said, "We could actually head to your back yard now. Moody, if you want to do that disillusionment charm on him"
Ten minutes later Harry was flying in the air surrounded at all sides by a member of the order. And sooner than he anticipated since Lupin was navigating, they arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place.
~*~*~
"Here, I'll bring these inside" Tonk's said. She hurried through the door carrying Harry's presents. She was followed by Hestia Jones, and Sturgis Podmore.
Harry found himself staring at the door, desperately not wanting to walk through the door. He hadn't even realized just how hard it was going to be to walk into the door knowing Sirius wouldn't be inside waiting for him. He hadn't felt himself tense uncontrollably, and stop walking. He became very aware of Lupin's kneeling in front of him repeating his name softly.
"Harry?"
Harry snapped his attention back to Lupin sharply, "I'm fine" he muttered. But still didn't make any step closer to the house. "I shouldn't be here" he finally said, "I should go back"
"Harry, what are you talking about?" Lupin asked.
"I can't go in there" Harry said nervously, "If I go in there, then.....then Sirius-he'll really be..." his voice wavered and he trailed off not letting himself say it. "Sirius won't be in there, and it will be because of me" He hadn't been aware of he had said that aloud until he heard Lupin's sharp intake of breath.
"Harry, no matter what you have been telling yourself while you've been at your relative's house, you are NOT responsible for what happened to Sirius" Lupin said, "I don't care what you may think, it is not your fault"
Harry felt a sudden surge of anger. How could Lupin not understand this? "It is my fault! Don't lie to me" he snapped, "I know what happened that night!". Harry launched into the thousands of reasons of how it all came down to being his fault, his voice rising with each word. "And it's always going to be my fault!" Harry shouted, "Because I'm the stupid boy who lived, and I'm sick of it! I don't want stupid prophecies telling me what to do with my life! I don't want to be famous! I don't want t....", he couldn't even think of anything else to yell anymore. He was breathing deeply as he stopped yelling, and his fists were curled into mercilessly tight fists.
Lupin's eyes were screwed shut painfully. He had knelt down so he was eye level to Harry. He had one hand on each of Harry's shoulders lightly, even though they felt like they were pushing Harry down with all their strength. Kingsley and Moody hadn't said anything, they were just watching Lupin and Harry together silently, not daring to interrupt.
"I'm sorry" Harry murmured under Lupin's trembling hands. "I didn't mean that, I'm sorry"
Lupin's eyes opened staring Harry directly in his eyes. Wordlessly Harry felt Lupin's arms pull him forward embracing him tightly. Lupin's face buried in his shoulder as his arms held him protectively. They held the position for several moments, until Lupin pulled away slowly avoiding Harry's eyes as he lead him to the door of Grimmauld place. As he walked in the door, he finally could see the two wet spots on his shirt, where he realized guiltily Lupin had been crying.
"Harry!"
A pair of arms flung around him hugging him. Hermione and Ginny both grinned at him. He could see Ron right behind them. They were all smiling at him.
"Happy Birthday" Ron said, "I saw you haven't really opened your presents yet"
Harry shrugged, "If you didn't send them in the middle of the night".
"So open them now" Ginny said, "They're all in the kitchen where Mum is, and she's dying to see you! She's been yelling at Dumbledore to let you stay here all summer!"
Hermione giggled, "It's actually funny to watch" she said, "I've never seen anyone scold Dumbledore before. I think Dumbledore was amused as well by it"
Harry felt a smile creeping onto his face unknowingly. It seemed like the long days on Privet Drive had erased the memory of how much fun being with his friends was. And for a little bit, any thoughts of the troubles in his mind were forgotten.
~*~*~
It was late evening when Harry and Ron retreated to their old room in Grimmauld Place. Harry's mood was lighter than it had been all summer. But when Ron's breath steadied into a deep slumber and the portrait of Phineas Nigellus appeared to not be paying attention to him, then Harry sat awake again by himself, he felt his thoughts drifting to earlier that afternoon when he had yelled at Lupin. Lupin had been very quiet throughout the evening. Harry knew that was more than likely because of his outburst earlier.
Once again Harry knew he had managed to hurt someone else around him. Just how much more was he possibly capable of? He stared out the window when he saw something bright darting among the stars. As it flew from light to light, Harry couldn't help but notice it appeared to be coming closer and closer to his window. Within moments, Harry found himself face to face with a small fairy-like creature. She was glowing brightly, and was no bigger than Harry's finger.
"I-Who are you?" Harry cried as the fairy stepped through the window glass, and staring at him. "What are you?"
The fairy looked highly offended at Harry's clueless face and questions. She looked around the room curiously before meeting Harry's eye. "You truly don't know who I am?" she asked.
Harry shook his head, "Sorry, but no" he said.
"How funny! We've never been sent to someone who doesn't know about us", the fairy looked out the window at the sky as if it could give her an answer. "You are Harry Potter, aren't you?"
Harry stared at her, "Well, yes" he said, "But that doesn't answer my question!"
"No, it doesn't" the fairy agreed, "So I suppose I'm going to have to explain this all to you"
"Explain what?"
"Shush, just listen" the fairy smiled, "I'm a star-keeper"
"A what?" Harry asked trying to fathom what she was saying.
"Don't interrupt! It'll be much faster if I just say it all, then you can babble" she said, "Since the creation of people, stars have taken it upon themselves to guard people. For every person, there is a star in the sky watching their welfare. Star-keepers are all like me, we do as the stars bid us"
"Wait, so you're saying that a star sent you to me?" Harry asked.
"Not just any star, your star" the fairy said, "When a star feels like their person is losing faith in living anymore, they will send a star- keeper to try to help them"
Harry wrinkled his nose in concentration, "So my star sent you to help me with my problems?"
"I suppose I worded that poorly, but what a star-keeper does is grant you a wish, so you can fix your problems" the fairy said.
"Do you have a name?" Harry asked.
"My name?" the fairy asked as if that were the strangest question she yet. "Well, yes, but noone ever uses it, my name is Xing."
"Xing, that's pretty" Harry said. "So I just make a wish that I think will make me happy"
"That's the idea of it" Xing said, "But I should warn you, you only get one wish. One only, and there's no taking your wish back once its made. And there's no guarantee your wish will make you happier"
"One wish? No refunds" Harry mumbled to himself.
Harry frowned trying to think. He knew he had long since grown weary of his life. But he had never actually pin pointed what it was about his life that made it so painful. His mind racked through every insecurity, every apprehensive moment of fear, everything he had wanted at one point or another in his life. What would make him happy? Not feeling guilty of endangering everyone he loved just by being him. Not always having near death collisions. Not being hunted by Voldemort. Not having to live with knowing that he would murder or be murdered, and hurting those around him.
He looked at Xing who was watching him closely. "I don't get it, what if I wish for something, but someone else wishes for something else that contradicts it?"
Xing looked at him with a startled expression, "There aren't enough wishes granted to make the a problem. But it works, just trust me. Every wish is granted with precision. The only thing is, you cannot mention the wish you've made to anyone. It gets messy then."
Harry took a deep breath, "Ok then, I know what I want then"
"Oh good!" Xing said, "I love it when people decide quickly!" She jumped to her small feet happily. "Remember, only one wish, and only one chance"
"I wish that the prophecy that made me the boy who lived was never given" Harry said, "That's my wish"
Xing smiled faintly, "That's very complex! But if you're sure, then go to sleep Harry Potter!" she said, "Tomorrow you will awake and your wish will be granted"
Harry didn't even feel himself grow tired and sink into his bed. His eyes were closed before he saw Xing glow even more brilliantly than before and dart through the window glass and shoot through the sky to a bright star in the sky.
~*~*~ End of Chapter One~*~*~
Author's Notes: Thanks for reading Chapter One. Seeing as you're reading the author's note, I'll assume you've read the entire chapter as well. Feedback aka REVIEWS are very helpful. Suggestions, questions, comments, and constructive criticism are all welcome. Flames will be used for my own personal enjoyment.
As for updates. I'll be honest. I have a crazy schedule, and my real life comes before my online life. I will make every attempt to update once a week. If not I'll try to leave a note on my author profile. Which is going to be the best way to know the progress of updates on this story.
Author's Beginning Notes: This story contains OOTP spoilers so if you haven't finished it yet, I would highly recommend clicking on the back button on your browser.
Chapter One
Harry had been sixteen for approximately four hours and twelve minutes. He wouldn't have even known had Hedwig not come flying through his window an hour ago carrying packages for his birthday from various people. Only minutes after Hedwig's arrival, Pig and Errol had come with packages from the Weasley family. The pile was significantly larger than it had been in past, and he knew that was a result of the friends he had made with several members of the order last year. Still, without taking a second glance at the pile, Harry knew he was one package or letter short. There was a spot where Sirius' present would be.
He knew Dumbledore would blame himself for a long time for what happened, but Harry knew there was very little blame at all in Dumbledore's name. After many hours of reflecting on the year, Harry had grudgingly concluded that not even Snape was responsible for Sirius' fate. There was only one person he could blame anymore, and that was himself. He had lost counts of the many reasons he had that made him aware that it was his fault Sirius had died. If he had remembered the parcel with the mirror Sirius had given him if he ever needed to contact him, if he had only remembered Snape was member of the order, if he hadn't been so stupid to think Snape wouldn't understand his warning, if he had learned occlumency like he was supposed to, and the one that stung him the most often if he hadn't gone playing the hero. Hermione's words still sounded in his ears when he went to bed, "You do have a saving people thing" he murmured softly looking at the letter and package from Hermione. There was something about those words that wouldn't leave him alone, no matter what he did.
With a sigh, he started by opening the letter from Mrs Weasley. He could already see an assortment of food and sweets slipping from a small bundle.
Harry,
How are you dear? I hope you've been enjoying your holiday.
And of course, Happy Birthday Harry! I've sent you some sweets
and treats, hopefully the next time we meet you won't be so thin.
I know you must want to come and visit us soon, and I promise,
We will be seeing you soon, so please be patient. I know this is a
difficult time for you, but remember I love you dearly and miss you.
Enjoy your birthday! ~Mrs Weasley
What possible response to that was there? Harry stared guiltily at the note. He looked down at the other letters on his bed. He knew without even reading, they all cared about him. They wanted to help him and be there for him. He could see Professor Lupin's letter sitting on the top. Lupin, who made a point of sending a letter every three days, and insisting on a response. He could see Hermione's neat script, and Ron's hastily thrown together signature. It pained him almost to see the pile of presents before him. Everything happening the way it always did. His birthday, then leaving 4 Privet Drive, then he would go to school, then in the end of the year he'd manage to pull of a heroic act and get admired, and sent home miserable.
He almost laughed at how predictable his could be at moments. Still the thought was anything but funny to him. Sirius' death hurt in many more ways less direct than he had thought it would. His nights were spent up late realizing the danger he put anyone around him in. By caring about his own godfather, he had sent him to his death. He didn't even bother contemplating just how major his role was in the death of so many other peoples. Dumbledore had said it as well, 'I cared about you too much'. The truth of those words stung bitterly in him as well. He knew to let anyone still show any compassion was risky, and he didn't have the courage to push any of them away either.
He carefully shifted the presents to the side of the bed against the wall. Then lay in his bed. As he drifted to sleep he thought briefly of sending a reply with Pig thanking people for their presents, but had closed his eyes drowsily before he could finish contemplating it.
~*~*~
"Boy! Wake Up" Aunt Petunia's voice carried through the doorway, "Hurry up, if you want your breakfast you'd best be down in five minutes"
Harry groggily grabbed his glasses and shoved them on his face. He knew the Dursley's wouldn't dare do anything to upset them. Moody's threat had been remembered throughout the summer and his life was definitely easier on Privet Drive than it used to be. He didn't bother changing his clothes, because he knew there was very little his aunt and uncle could do to scold him. They had yelled at him once earlier in the summer, and received a very strongly worded howler from Moody. Although Harry hadn't even mentioned the scolding to anyone, which was when he knew that he was still being watched like he had been last year.
As he settled into a seat and the kitchen table he was shocked to see his Aunt and Uncle place a small birthday cake in front of him. Their faces were tight and they were grimacing, but nonetheless the cake in front of him had his name.
"What's this for?" he blurted out.
"Birthday present" Uncle Vernon grunted, he reached to hold back Dudley's hand which had extended from his own plate to try to take a large handful out of the cake.
Harry let his eyes travel from his uncle, to his aunt, and finally to a letter which lay crumbled on the counter, an understanding forming mentally.
"They, your friends, said they'd pick you up this afternoon" Aunt Petunia said forcing the words out with a great effort to keep her voice civil.
Harry looked at her expectantly, watching Aunt Petunia squirm under his oppressive stare.
"What?"
"Did they give an exact time?" he asked impatiently, "Is it for the rest of summer, or just for the day?"
Uncle Vernon's face was turning a bluish red as Harry glared at his aunt for answers.
"They said late afternoon" she stammered, "I-uh, read the letter yourself!". She carelessly tossed the letter at Harry, who reached for it.
He skimmed over it quickly frowning. It started out reminding his aunt and uncle of his birthday, and suggesting pointedly that they show their appreciation of his birthday. Then said a few of them would be stopping by later to take him to stay with them for the night, then would return tomorrow afternoon. He crumbled the parchment and tossed it in the rubbish bin as he went upstairs.
He was very upset that he would only get to leave for one night, but he wasn't about to refuse the chance to get out of the house, even if it was only for a few hours. He considered opening the large assortment of packages he had left tangled in his blankets last night, but ended up reaching for his charms textbooks, and starting his charms essay. He shook his head dismayed at how bored he had become, if he had resorted to doing his homework on his birthday. Which was exactly what he had been doing when he heard the backdoor opening, and Aunt Petunia's shriek. A moment later, Uncle Vernon's angry voice joined in the commotion.
Harry scrambled down the stairs, and slowed his pace as he entered the kitchen where Uncle Vernon was shouting at the group of wizards and witches that Harry knew too well. Professor Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Alastar Moody, Sturgis Podmore, and Hestia Jones. All six had been among the group to come and pick him up last year. In the back of the group, Kingsley was preventing Moody from hexing Uncle Vernon to shut him up.
"Hi everyone" Harry said awkwardly, watching everyone jump in surprise at his unexpected presence in the room.
Professor Lupin immediately strode forward though, and wrapped his arms around Harry lightly in a hug. "Happy Birthday Harry! How are you doing?"
Harry gave a light shrug, "I've been better" he said. He instantly regretted his words and silently cursed himself as Lupin gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Well, why don't we go upstairs to your room" Lupin suggested, "It'll be a while before we get the signal to leave"
"Are we flying again?" Harry asked, remembering how frozen he had been the last time he been.
Tonks nodded, "Dumbledore doesn't want us to risk the floo network being monitored" she said, "He figures its best to leave the order secret for now"
"Why? The ministry has conceded Voldemort is back?" Harry asked, "Shouldn't they be informed about the order's ideas?"
"Our troubles with the ministry are far from over" Moody growled, "If anything, its even more annoying now that it was before"
Harry pushed his bedroom door open and let everyone file inside.
"They can't deny Voldemort's back" Kingsley's deep voice filled the room, "But that doesn't mean they agree with everything Dumbledore says. It's hard to a person to get over prejudices they've had their whole life"
The word prejudice made Harry instantly glance at Lupin, who was the victim of one of those prejudices. He saw Lupin had moved over to his bed, and was staring at the pile of unopened presents lying in a heap carelessly.
There was an awkward silence as everyone stared at the unopened presents, before Tonks managed to break it. She walked over by Lupin and put a bright smile on her face, "Well, I suppose we should bring these with us" Tonks said, "I bet everyone's dying to see what you got". She waved her wand, and shrunk the packages so they could easily be carried.
"So how long do we have to wait?" Harry asked.
"Not long" Lupin said, "We could actually head to your back yard now. Moody, if you want to do that disillusionment charm on him"
Ten minutes later Harry was flying in the air surrounded at all sides by a member of the order. And sooner than he anticipated since Lupin was navigating, they arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place.
~*~*~
"Here, I'll bring these inside" Tonk's said. She hurried through the door carrying Harry's presents. She was followed by Hestia Jones, and Sturgis Podmore.
Harry found himself staring at the door, desperately not wanting to walk through the door. He hadn't even realized just how hard it was going to be to walk into the door knowing Sirius wouldn't be inside waiting for him. He hadn't felt himself tense uncontrollably, and stop walking. He became very aware of Lupin's kneeling in front of him repeating his name softly.
"Harry?"
Harry snapped his attention back to Lupin sharply, "I'm fine" he muttered. But still didn't make any step closer to the house. "I shouldn't be here" he finally said, "I should go back"
"Harry, what are you talking about?" Lupin asked.
"I can't go in there" Harry said nervously, "If I go in there, then.....then Sirius-he'll really be..." his voice wavered and he trailed off not letting himself say it. "Sirius won't be in there, and it will be because of me" He hadn't been aware of he had said that aloud until he heard Lupin's sharp intake of breath.
"Harry, no matter what you have been telling yourself while you've been at your relative's house, you are NOT responsible for what happened to Sirius" Lupin said, "I don't care what you may think, it is not your fault"
Harry felt a sudden surge of anger. How could Lupin not understand this? "It is my fault! Don't lie to me" he snapped, "I know what happened that night!". Harry launched into the thousands of reasons of how it all came down to being his fault, his voice rising with each word. "And it's always going to be my fault!" Harry shouted, "Because I'm the stupid boy who lived, and I'm sick of it! I don't want stupid prophecies telling me what to do with my life! I don't want to be famous! I don't want t....", he couldn't even think of anything else to yell anymore. He was breathing deeply as he stopped yelling, and his fists were curled into mercilessly tight fists.
Lupin's eyes were screwed shut painfully. He had knelt down so he was eye level to Harry. He had one hand on each of Harry's shoulders lightly, even though they felt like they were pushing Harry down with all their strength. Kingsley and Moody hadn't said anything, they were just watching Lupin and Harry together silently, not daring to interrupt.
"I'm sorry" Harry murmured under Lupin's trembling hands. "I didn't mean that, I'm sorry"
Lupin's eyes opened staring Harry directly in his eyes. Wordlessly Harry felt Lupin's arms pull him forward embracing him tightly. Lupin's face buried in his shoulder as his arms held him protectively. They held the position for several moments, until Lupin pulled away slowly avoiding Harry's eyes as he lead him to the door of Grimmauld place. As he walked in the door, he finally could see the two wet spots on his shirt, where he realized guiltily Lupin had been crying.
"Harry!"
A pair of arms flung around him hugging him. Hermione and Ginny both grinned at him. He could see Ron right behind them. They were all smiling at him.
"Happy Birthday" Ron said, "I saw you haven't really opened your presents yet"
Harry shrugged, "If you didn't send them in the middle of the night".
"So open them now" Ginny said, "They're all in the kitchen where Mum is, and she's dying to see you! She's been yelling at Dumbledore to let you stay here all summer!"
Hermione giggled, "It's actually funny to watch" she said, "I've never seen anyone scold Dumbledore before. I think Dumbledore was amused as well by it"
Harry felt a smile creeping onto his face unknowingly. It seemed like the long days on Privet Drive had erased the memory of how much fun being with his friends was. And for a little bit, any thoughts of the troubles in his mind were forgotten.
~*~*~
It was late evening when Harry and Ron retreated to their old room in Grimmauld Place. Harry's mood was lighter than it had been all summer. But when Ron's breath steadied into a deep slumber and the portrait of Phineas Nigellus appeared to not be paying attention to him, then Harry sat awake again by himself, he felt his thoughts drifting to earlier that afternoon when he had yelled at Lupin. Lupin had been very quiet throughout the evening. Harry knew that was more than likely because of his outburst earlier.
Once again Harry knew he had managed to hurt someone else around him. Just how much more was he possibly capable of? He stared out the window when he saw something bright darting among the stars. As it flew from light to light, Harry couldn't help but notice it appeared to be coming closer and closer to his window. Within moments, Harry found himself face to face with a small fairy-like creature. She was glowing brightly, and was no bigger than Harry's finger.
"I-Who are you?" Harry cried as the fairy stepped through the window glass, and staring at him. "What are you?"
The fairy looked highly offended at Harry's clueless face and questions. She looked around the room curiously before meeting Harry's eye. "You truly don't know who I am?" she asked.
Harry shook his head, "Sorry, but no" he said.
"How funny! We've never been sent to someone who doesn't know about us", the fairy looked out the window at the sky as if it could give her an answer. "You are Harry Potter, aren't you?"
Harry stared at her, "Well, yes" he said, "But that doesn't answer my question!"
"No, it doesn't" the fairy agreed, "So I suppose I'm going to have to explain this all to you"
"Explain what?"
"Shush, just listen" the fairy smiled, "I'm a star-keeper"
"A what?" Harry asked trying to fathom what she was saying.
"Don't interrupt! It'll be much faster if I just say it all, then you can babble" she said, "Since the creation of people, stars have taken it upon themselves to guard people. For every person, there is a star in the sky watching their welfare. Star-keepers are all like me, we do as the stars bid us"
"Wait, so you're saying that a star sent you to me?" Harry asked.
"Not just any star, your star" the fairy said, "When a star feels like their person is losing faith in living anymore, they will send a star- keeper to try to help them"
Harry wrinkled his nose in concentration, "So my star sent you to help me with my problems?"
"I suppose I worded that poorly, but what a star-keeper does is grant you a wish, so you can fix your problems" the fairy said.
"Do you have a name?" Harry asked.
"My name?" the fairy asked as if that were the strangest question she yet. "Well, yes, but noone ever uses it, my name is Xing."
"Xing, that's pretty" Harry said. "So I just make a wish that I think will make me happy"
"That's the idea of it" Xing said, "But I should warn you, you only get one wish. One only, and there's no taking your wish back once its made. And there's no guarantee your wish will make you happier"
"One wish? No refunds" Harry mumbled to himself.
Harry frowned trying to think. He knew he had long since grown weary of his life. But he had never actually pin pointed what it was about his life that made it so painful. His mind racked through every insecurity, every apprehensive moment of fear, everything he had wanted at one point or another in his life. What would make him happy? Not feeling guilty of endangering everyone he loved just by being him. Not always having near death collisions. Not being hunted by Voldemort. Not having to live with knowing that he would murder or be murdered, and hurting those around him.
He looked at Xing who was watching him closely. "I don't get it, what if I wish for something, but someone else wishes for something else that contradicts it?"
Xing looked at him with a startled expression, "There aren't enough wishes granted to make the a problem. But it works, just trust me. Every wish is granted with precision. The only thing is, you cannot mention the wish you've made to anyone. It gets messy then."
Harry took a deep breath, "Ok then, I know what I want then"
"Oh good!" Xing said, "I love it when people decide quickly!" She jumped to her small feet happily. "Remember, only one wish, and only one chance"
"I wish that the prophecy that made me the boy who lived was never given" Harry said, "That's my wish"
Xing smiled faintly, "That's very complex! But if you're sure, then go to sleep Harry Potter!" she said, "Tomorrow you will awake and your wish will be granted"
Harry didn't even feel himself grow tired and sink into his bed. His eyes were closed before he saw Xing glow even more brilliantly than before and dart through the window glass and shoot through the sky to a bright star in the sky.
~*~*~ End of Chapter One~*~*~
Author's Notes: Thanks for reading Chapter One. Seeing as you're reading the author's note, I'll assume you've read the entire chapter as well. Feedback aka REVIEWS are very helpful. Suggestions, questions, comments, and constructive criticism are all welcome. Flames will be used for my own personal enjoyment.
As for updates. I'll be honest. I have a crazy schedule, and my real life comes before my online life. I will make every attempt to update once a week. If not I'll try to leave a note on my author profile. Which is going to be the best way to know the progress of updates on this story.