Dark Holes of My Heart
By: Mrs. RT.
Rating: R for later chapters
Disclaimer: Not mine, how I wish.
Warning: This story will eventually be slash; right now it's just angst.
Summary: What happens when you've given up on the world, but the world won't let you go? When surprise changes forever alter his life, Harry Potter must overcome all odds and himself to save the wizarding world.
A/N: I didn't want to do it because I thought I could go without. Yet, it seems even I am desperate for approval. So, now I beg. Please leave a review. Let me know just how much you love me, or whatever. Thanks.
Dedication:
To my two reviewers who were so kind as to take a moment of their time.
Pippinsmyhobbit and toamanda thank you for your encouragement!
Chapter 2 Summer Conversations and Letters
Previously:
He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't hear the footsteps behind him. He didn't notice the quiet that suddenly surrounded him.
He tensed abruptly when he felt a hand drop unexpectedly on his shoulder. In a panic he quickly he spun around to see...
A tall man with a dark cloak, whose hood was covering his face. He couldn't tell who it was due to the dark so he jumped away from the hand that was on him with a feeling of dread that there might be danger.
Harry's face was tight with fear and he reached for his wand from his back pocket. Just as he was deciding which curse to use, the mysterious man lifted his hand to his hood and pushed it back revealing the face of an old friend.
Remus Lupin was standing right in front of him and he had an angry look on his face.
"Harry! What in the name of Merlin are you doing out here by yourself?" He almost shouted. Feeling a sudden relief that he wasn't in danger Harry removed his hand from his wand and looked sheepishly at the man in front of him before answering.
"Honestly Remus, I just needed some air. I couldn't stand being cooped up any longer."
Remus stared at Harry for a while trying to decide whether to scold him for making him worry or just hug him with relief that he was alright. He decided on grabbing the boy and pulling him into a tight hug. Harry, feeling very uncomfortable with this unexpected display of affection, kept his arms hanging uselessly by his side until he was released.
"Harry," Remus said with a deep sigh, "You had me worried sick."
Harry just lowered his head in shame. Yet again he had let someone down, even if he didn't mean to this time. He started to apologize but the werewolf interrupted him.
"What's wrong?" Remus asked. He could sense the sadness in the youth in front of him. His eyes were conveying such loneliness that Remus was surprised nobody had noticed it before. 'How could I have not seen this?' he asked himself.
But Harry didn't answer his question. He just shrugged his shoulders. He didn't want to burden anyone with his sorrows. 'Not that they would have time to listen to me anyway. Always busy with the war. Why should anyone bother?' He was almost bitter with the feeling of rejection, the feeling of being at the bottom of everyone's priority list.
'Except when it comes time for me to save them,' he answered his own question. 'That's when they notice me, when they care how I'm doing.' Keeping his eyes on the ground he continued his internal conversation.
'Why does it figure that the only person to notice me is the one person who has just as many problems as I do?' He didn't feel right to add to the issues the kindly man had, so he decided to just not say anything.
"Come on Harry." Remus continued trying to be encouraging. "You can talk to me. Please let me help you." But still nothing come out of Harry's mouth. He just stood there looking at the ground and studying the cracks like he had never seen them before.
Remus noticed the tell tale signs of worry on the face of the boy, who was almost a man, in front of him. There were lines around his eyes and bags under them. He looked like he hadn't slept in a week and he was dangerously thin. 'I wonder when the last time Harry had any decent sleep was. Why isn't he taking better care of himself?' The questions ran in circles in his mind. Looking Harry over more carefully, Remus decided that he really needed to pay more attention to Harry's eating habits in the future.
With that in mind, he decided to take him to get something to eat. 'Maybe some food in his system would help ease him into a better frame of mind to talk.' He had a plan now and he was anxious to start.
"Let's go Harry." The ex-professor said as he reached out for Harry's arm. But Harry recoiled away from the contact. Stumbling back away from his ex- professor, Harry almost fell to the ground. He didn't want to be touched by anyone. Being touched made everything more 'real'. Things were easier to deal with for him when he felt isolated and unconnected from all the heartaches. It made all the troubles on his mind seem further away.
Dropping his hand by his side Remus realized that Harry was indeed in need of some support and he started talking more calmly as he watched Harry regain his balance.
"Would you like to get something to eat?" He asked him, trying to start up a conversation. His hand was absently rubbing his stomach. 'When was the last time I had something to eat myself?'
"I'm not really that hungry." He replied as he turned his back away from Remus. Harry really just wanted to be alone. 'Why is he still here? Can't he take the hint that I'm not going to talk to him?'
"Why don't you keep me company then?" It came out as more of an order than a request and Harry picked up on it and nodded. Facing the older man again he stepped closer to him figuring that the sooner he got started then the sooner he could leave and be alone with his thoughts. Together, as one, they started off.
They walked in silence down the dark street. Harry was wondering why Remus was there and Remus was wondering what was wrong with Harry. Harry finally broke the silence first.
"So what are you doing here?" he asked curiously. 'Maybe he'll have some good news for a change. Nah, he would have already said so if he did.' Remus stood still suddenly contemplating with himself. 'Should I tell Harry the truth or the lie that he promised to tell?'
He must have debated a moment to long because Harry looked at him with a raised eyebrow and said in an extremely annoyed tone, "Choose the truth Remus; I've been lied to enough as it is." And with that the choice was no longer his. Remus took a deep breath and prepared himself for the worst.
"It's my night to watch you," he said in his quiet voice. He watched to the storm of emotions go across Harry's face.
"What!" Harry exclaimed. He felt an old spark of anger come back to him. Remus raised up his hands in a gesture of surrender.
"Now calm down a moment and let me explain." He was relieved though to finally see some sign of life in Harry's eyes, even if it wasn't under the best circumstances.
"Each member of the Order is given a shift to keep an eye on you. We aren't supposed to let you know that we're here. We just want you safe. So when you went off by yourself I had to follow you. You looked like you needed to talk to someone, so I thought I would offer you my services." He gave Harry a quick little smile.
Harry, however, was digesting this new piece of information. He wasn't surprised too badly to find out that the Order was keeping an eye on him. He was just disappointed that they felt they had to keep it a secret.
"So, they're watching me." Not really a question as much as a statement. 'Afraid to lose their only hope and best weapon' he thought bitterly. 'Figures' and with that the tiny spark of life in his eyes faded away to be replaced with the emptiness he had earlier.
Remus watched this change with growing concern. The feeling of hopelessness emanating from Harry was almost palpable. 'I've got to do something' he thought desperately, 'anything to him get through this.' Remus could understand some of the pressure Harry was under, and he swore he would do anything to help ease it.
"They really care about you, even if they're doing a bad job of showing it right now. You must have faith, Harry." Remus decided it was definitely time for some quality talking.
"Come on, I know this nice little place down the way here that has some wonderful tea." So they continued walking, again in an uncomfortable silence, until they reached the all night diner. Once they got there Harry watched on as Remus removed his cloak to reveal a normal set of muggle clothing underneath. He proceeded to shrink his cloak and place it in his pocket. Next he slide his wand up his sleeve and with a smile on his face he looked just like every other muggle that could have been there.
They had arrived at a small hole in the wall place that looked like it had seen better days in the last world war. There were cracks in the walls and the chairs looked like they would fall apart if you sat in them too hard.
The wallpaper on the walls was some tacky flower design and parts if it had been peeled away. Even the customers looked like they'd had better days themselves and that if you said anything to them they might also collapse.
Harry gave Remus a sideways glace and was beginning to question his sanity. Noticing the look the older man defended his choice of venue.
"Yes, I know it's a little run down." Harry smirked at him and asked, "A little?"
"Okay, it's a lot run down, but I know the owner and feel comfortable here. Plus, it's not a place any self respecting death eater would enter. So I figured it's a great place." This last part was said with a smile and a wink.
The younger man just shrugged. "Can't argue with those reasons, but are you sure the food here's safe to eat?" And he scrunched up his nose and stuck out his tongue in a gesture that seemed to remind Remus of when Harry was still young and mostly carefree.
The waitress appeared and led them to a table in the back of the 'restaurant.' Once they were seated in the quiet corner, Remus ordered himself a small tea and a scone. Harry decided it was easier to just follow suit.
They sat for couple of minutes, neither really sure what they should say, when the waitress reappeared with their orders. Grateful for something to place in his hands Harry reached for his cup of tea happily.
Sipping his tea, and glancing around, Harry took a deep breath and sighed. 'Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to talk to him a little. It's not like its going to hurt anything. However, how much do I really want anyone to know? What if he thinks I'm being stupid or overreacting? I don't know if I could deal with the pity or sympathy.'
Remus, on the other hand, was trying to figure out how to get Harry to open up and talk a little. 'Maybe I should start with simple questions. School and such should be a good start.'
"So, Harry, how's your summer going?" Remus asked tentatively he facing betraying his nervousness.
Harry looked at him incredulously. "What don't you guys have to put in nightly reports or something?" This question got a small laugh out of the Order member until he saw the serious expression on Harry's face.
Remus just shook his head and pressed his lips together. 'Okay, that was a bad idea. Let's try a different approach.'
"I'm sorry, maybe that wasn't the best thing to ask you. Why don't you tell about what you learned in school this past year?"
"Does it really matter?" Harry responded dejectedly. He started tearing his napkin into small pieces and watched them fall to the floor.
"Harry, of course it matters. You've got your whole life ahead of you and you need to be prepared." This of course was the wrong thing to say as Harry's head shot up and he pounded his fist on the table.
"Are you mad?" Harry was tempted to yell. "My whole life consists of either destroying Voldemort or being killed by him. Either way, there's not much of a life for me. I'll be dead or I'll be a murderer."
"What are you talking about Harry?" Remus was confused by this. He was glad they were in a corner where no one could accidentally overhear this conversation. Why did Harry think he was going to either kill or be killed?
"Didn't Dumbledore tell you?"
Remus shook his head; he had no idea what Harry was going to say.
"No, of course he didn't. He loves to keep his secrets." Harry was feeling frustrated by how much information Dumbledore seemed to keep from everyone. Even those who were suppose to be his most trusted associates.
"Anyway, the prophesy that we fought for at the Ministry, the one we sacrificed Sirius for, states that only one of us may live, and since he's so much stronger than I am my money's on him." As he finished speaking his eyes started to tear up again, but he stubbornly refused to cry anymore. He knew how it was all going to end and he was resigned to what he felt was he fate.
Remus didn't blink when Harry mentioned Sirius; he knew that now was not the time to open that old wound. Yet he didn't know what to say to this. How do you argue against that? Voldemort was very strong and he was getting more so every day. This was no secret. But for Harry to have such a defeatist attitude about it was not an encouraging thing.
Remus was confused. 'Why didn't Dumbledore tell anybody about this prophesy? How can we help Harry prepare if we're left in the dark?'
He didn't know anything about this prophesy but if this was the basis for which Harry was dictating his future on, he wanted to have more information. Harry was already upset enough about it.
Trying to ease some of his concerns Remus started to point out some positive things to him.
"You're still young Harry. You have time still to train and learn. You will get stronger as you grow older. I'm sure when and if the time comes; you will be able to handle yourself. I have faith in you."
Harry sighed in defeat. Whether he realized it or not, Remus just helped add to the weight already on his shoulders. 'Don't they understand that I don't want to save the world? That I'm not strong enough to do it? Why can't they choose someone else to be their hero?"
Realizing he wasn't helping Harry with this prophesy issue, he decided it was time to change the topic. Closing his eyes and taking a stab in the dark, he randomly picked a subject.
"So are you seeing anyone?" he asked the first thing to come to mind. 'Opps, never ask a young man about any potential girlfriends.' He was about to ask something else when Harry surprised him by actually decided to answer.
"Not very likely!" He spat out sarcastically and looked up again at the older man.
"Why not?" Remus asked shock etched his face at this response. "After all you're a good looking guy. I'm sure you've got the girls lined up for miles like every other teenager."
He chuckled in spite of himself. He remembered that James, Harry's father, always had a group of girls he was keeping an eye on. Until that one day he finally noticed Lilly. He returned his thoughts back to Harry.
"I want to have a normal life with dates and parties" Harry complained resentfully placing his face in his hands. "I want to complain about homework and tests but I can't. I've got to save the world. And until that happens, I can't afford to be normal, because the moment I let my guard down, the moment I try to behave like it's not happening, the war comes back to haunt me and slaps me in the face.
Harry took a deep breath and continued. Now that he had started he couldn't stop.
"But most of all, I want to have someone to love. And to have that someone love me, but it's not possible. Besides I'm not even sure what love is." He said this last part in a soft voice. This was probably the thing that hurt the most. He felt unlovable and incapable of loving.
Remus was shocked to the core. "My God Harry. How could you think that you can't love? You have tons of people who love you and I know you feel the same about them. What about Ron and Hermione and rest of the Weasley family? Molly, Arthur, the twins and Ginny. They all love you."
"But it's not the same as having that one special person."
"Oh, I see. Do you have someone special in mind? Does she have a name?" His face brightened with the thought that maybe Harry could find someone out there.
Harry glanced around the room again this time to make sure there wasn't anyone around who could overhear. He wasn't sure how to tell Remus his dark secret. How was he going to react? Would he stop talking to him? Or would he just consider him a 'freak'. He was so tired of hearing that word.
"No, Remus. I don't have anyone special in mind. I really don't think I'm all that interested in girls. After that horrible incident with Cho Chang, I think I've been turned off from girls completely."
Remus wasn't sure he understood what he was hearing. What was Harry trying to tell him? He wasn't sure if it would make him uncomfortable to ask anything directly so he just tried another approach.
"Do you think that maybe you just haven't found the right girl for you?"
Harry took another deep breath. 'I should just say it and get it over with. After all, he's not likely to jump up and down, point a finger at me and scream 'look at the freak everyone!''
"Remus, please don't be disappointed. And don't be angry. But I think I may be..." he hesitated for a moment, closed his eyes and tried again. "I think I may be...gay." The last word coming out in such a low whisper, that if Remus didn't have very sensitive hearing, he wouldn't have heard it at all.
"Harry, what makes you think you may be gay?" he asked rather calmly or so Harry thought. Opening his eyes again and looking at the man who was the last link to his parents, he searched his face a moment trying to decide what to say.
Sitting up straighter in his chair and wiping his brow with the back of his hand he took a deep breath to prepare himself. Swallowing hard he started to explain the situation to him. He could feel a small source of heat on his cheeks as he fought down his embarrassment.
"Well, there is the whole I don't like girls thing, plus that fact that they do nothing for me." And at this point the blush was starting to overcome his face. "Yet the kicker could be that I'm just attracted to guys more." Now he was really turning red and he looked down at the floor to try to hide it.
Remus, at the same time was trying very hard not to laugh at the boys' bashfulness. At the same time, he was greatly relieved that Harry could go from despair to embarrassment at all. So keeping his almost parental instincts under control he decided to go with the fun factor.
He smiled cheerfully at Harry. "So, I guess I should ask you if you have some special 'boy' in mind."
"No. I don't." came the rough reply and suddenly the mood was shattered as Harry began to look upset again. "I can't have a regular girlfriend without it being front page news. Can you imagine what the Prophet would say if they found out about this? I have to keep this a secret and even if I didn't there still wouldn't be anyone out there for me. It's just too dangerous."
Remus nodded. Yes, the reporters would have a field day with this. They would either set him up as the poster boy of homosexuality, or they would destroy him as a freak of nature. It could go either way. But he didn't believe for a second that there wasn't anyone out there for him and he told him so.
"Harry, I know, that there is someone special waiting for you. He's probably just under you nose. You just have to look around and discover him."
Harry looked up in surprise at the older man. He was taking this so much better than he ever had thought and this helped ease some of the worry he had. 'If Remus can take it this well, maybe the others will to.' He was actually feeling hopeful about it but he quickly stifled it.
"Thanks, Remus. This means a lot to me. I was so worried that you would be upset and decide you wouldn't want anything to do with me anymore."
"I will always be here for you Harry; you know that; no matter what." 'No matter what' he swore to himself.
"Let's get you home. It's getting late." So Remus got up to pay the bill and left a tip for the waitress on the table.
Taking their time, they walked back together to Privet Drive in silence once again, but this time, unlike the last, the silence was comfortable.
Summer continued at a snails' pace, the agonizing heat, unwanted, a lot like an unwanted visitor who wouldn't leave. Eventually, Harry found himself looking up at the calendar and with a shock realized that his birthday was in just two days.
'Finally' he thought with relief. 'I'll finally be an adult and I won't ever have to return to this place again. I'll be free.'
"And then what?" He asked Hedwig as his hand caressed her white feathers. "As great as it will be to be free of here, where will I go after Hogwarts? What am I going to do with myself?"
Harry had already decided that he didn't want to continue with the auror training. "I've seen more than my share of death and violence. I want to have something more, something better. I just don't know what that is."
He continued stroking the soft feathers, not realizing how much better he felt as he was doing this or how peaceful he was at that moment, even with the heavy thoughts of the future on his mind.
"Maybe, someday, I'll figure it all out. Obviously, that won't be today, huh girl?" he asked the owl. She just nipped at his ear affectionately and flew out the bedroom window.
Harry watched her go wistfully. "I miss flying. That'll be one good thing about going back, Quidditch." Finally he took a deep breath and went to the old desk. "Might as well finish this essay for Snape," and grabbing a quill and some parchment he proceeded to write.
Over the past few weeks Remus had made a point of visiting and trying to bring Harry out of his funk, as he liked to call it. But no matter what he said or what he did, he just couldn't seem to reach the green-eyed boy. He decided it was time to bring in the reinforcements.
Sitting on his bed, Harry's eyes were glued to his watch as he counted down the minutes to midnight.
'3 minutes to go' he thought to himself. 'I wonder how I'll handle all that responsibility of being an adult.' He smirked to himself at that thought. 'Responsibility.' Even in his own mind his voice was sarcastic. He looked down again at his watch. "2 minutes left." He said aloud this time.
He stood up and walked over to the window and opened it quietly. This was much easier to do since the bars had been removed just before his second year. "The good old days." He said to the darkness a little wistfully. "Life was so much simpler then."
Reaching for something to feed the owls that would soon arrive, he glanced down again at his wrist to see that he now had less than a minute. He started to countdown the remaining seconds.
"Ten...nine...eight...seven...six...five...four...three...two...one...beep...midnight! Happy Birthday to ME!" Harry looked up excitedly as three owls came through the window.
Hedwig brought the first letter and Pig brought one he presumed was from Ron. The third owl, well it looked more like an eagle owl than a regular post owl, it brought the medium sized box.
Quickly he relieved the owls of their letters and one box marked to him and he feed them each a small treat. "Thank goodness for such good friends." He thought fondly of Ron and Hermione. "Otherwise, I don't think anyone would notice my birthday." He sat down on his bed with a flop.
He was about to open the first letter when he hear the unmistakable sound of a phoenix's song. Looking up he noticed Fawkes coming through the window with a single envelope attached to his leg. The magnificent bird flew directly to Harry and landed on his leg. Stroking the phoenix gently on the back with one hand, he removed the letter with his other.
As soon as he was relieved of his burden, Fawkes let out a soft melody and flew out the window again. Harry watched him go with peacefulness in his heart that he hadn't felt for a while. Smiling to himself, he set his fingers to the task of opening the letter.
Opening the envelope he noticed the handwriting of the Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Pulling a small key off the bottom of the letter, he then sat on the edge of his bed and read it. The smile that he had was suddenly replaced with a tight frown. He was then forced to re-read it a second time when he realized what it said.Dear Harry,
First I would like to chance to say 'Happy Birthday.' This is indeed a monumental occasion for you. Today, you will have reached a new level in life and you are to begin embarking on the adventure that is adulthood. Second, I'm sure you have noticed the key that come with this letter. Guard it well for it holds the answer to a secret. One I will reveal to you when I see you next. Please do not attempt to use this key for anything but its original purpose. Until then, best wishes on this happy day.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School
He threw the letter across the room in frustration. "What now?" he demanded from the ceiling. "What precious secret is he hiding from me this time?" Determined not to let this get to him anymore, Harry got up and placed the key under the floorboard with his other prized possessions. He reached for the other letters that he had received.
The second letter he read was from Tonks. The young auror with the ever changing hair could make even her letter sound excited. Harry,
Happy Birthday big man! I thought for your special day we'd go out and pick up some new rags. Maybe do lunch at the new restaurant? I'll see you first thing in the morning. How about 9? Be ready to go...
Tonks
Harry smiled as he read the letter. A day out of his prison, even if it was with the slightly clumsy woman, was a welcome. Placing the letter on his bed, he reached for the last one. Harry,
Hey, mate, guess what? Hermione and I decided to send you a letter together. She's staying the rest of the summer here at HQ and it's been loads of fun. We decided not to send your presents now since we'll see you tonight for your surprise party. Opps. I wasn't supposed to tell. Ouch! Herm just smacked me on the arm. Man is she vicious. Anyway, act surprised when you get here tonight or mum will kill me. She's been working hard to get everything ready. Anyway, Happy Birthday! How's it feel to be an adult? Pretty cool, huh? Well here's Hermione.
Harry,
Happy Birthday! I'm so excited that we get to see you. It's been so quiet around here. I hope you like your presents. We weren't sure what to get you, so it should be interesting to see what you think of it.
We'll have to talk when you get here. I have so much to share with you. Have you done your homework yet?
With love, Ron and Hermione.
P.S. Hey, guess what, you can now do magic at home! No more owls from the ministry.
Harry looked at the remaining item he had received. The box was wrapped in plain paper and didn't have a note attached to it. He continued looking at it for a moment before curiosity got the better of him. Picking up the medium sized box, Harry brought it to his ear to check for any suspicious noises. When he didn't hear any he opened it cautiously. His eyes widened completely when he saw what was inside.
Reaching into the box he pulled out a golden snitch. "Wow!" he exclaimed to the empty room. He held it tightly in his hand and with his other hand pulled out the smaller box that was sitting next to the snitch.
"This looks like a storage box or something. This is great. My very own snitch" Turning it in circles he noticed an engraving. "H.P." "Awesome!" This was by far one of the best gifts he had ever received.
He looked again in the box for any sign of a note or something that might tell who the gift was from. But there was nothing. "Curious." He said to Hedwig who just looked at him affectionately. "Who would send me something but not leave a note to tell me who they were?"
He decided to worry about it later. After all, he had a big day ahead of him and he needed some rest. Placing the snitch in the holding box and putting it under the floorboard, Harry finally crawled into bed and fell asleep.
He knew he was dreaming.
Something in the back of his mind told him, but that didn't stop him from feeling any less terrified.
Darkness was everywhere and he strained to see the area around him. There was no light anywhere. There was only a sense of emptiness and being in a very large room.
Harry lifted his hand to reach out for something to hold onto. Some proof that the emptiness wasn't there. That there was something, anything, just out of reach
And there was something out there. A presence, an evil presence and it made his skin crawl and sent goose bumps over his arms. He rubbed his arms gently trying to rid himself of the chill.
He didn't know why he felt his heart suddenly begin to race or his palms start to sweat. All he knew was the overwhelming sense of fear. It grabbed his soul and he couldn't break free.
He searched his pockets for his wand but it was nowhere to be found. Panicking now, he bent down to try to find something, anything, which might serve to protect him. There was nothing to be found. His breathing suddenly became shallow as he spun in circles looking for a way out, an escape.
Finally in the distance he saw a small beam of light. A sense of relief flooded through him. The chance to finally be able to see what was scaring him so much was here, to be able to face the evil he knew was waiting for him. He ran towards the light when he started to feel dizzy. Just as he was about to reach the light, he fell hard on the ground.
He sat there on his knees frantically trying to catch his breath so he could run to the light. Keeping his eyes on his target he shook his head to try to calm down. Once he was sure he was calmer he looked around again. Except for the beam of light there was still nothing but the crushing weight of dark emptiness. Quickly he looked again to make sure the light was still there. It was. A sigh a relief came rushing out of his mouth, until he noticed it. Then his breathing stopped.
"A mirror?" he asked out loud a little breathlessly. "What's that doing here?" He got slowly to his feet feeling confused. He slowly walked towards the light and the mysterious mirror. Looking around the rest of the space he still could see nothing but the eternal darkness which gave him only one way to go.
Harry didn't like the feeling he was getting, like he was being herded towards something. And that something wasn't going to end up being good. He knew then that the mirror was the source of the evil presence he had felt before.
"Just go." He urged himself. But again, the fear seized his soul. His feet froze to the ground and his breathing hitched. "I can't." He was almost whining. "I can't go any closer."
Go look...a voice echoed from the darkness. Go see your destiny.
"No, I can't!" Harry's voice was desperate now as he hollered into the shadows. "Please, don't make me."
Go now before it's too late. The mysterious voice was still urging him forward.
Gathering all of his courage, Harry took a step. One step after another drew him closer to the mirror. "Oh, don't be another Erised. I've really had it with magic mirrors." His courage was returning slowly.
Finally reaching the mirror, Harry took a deep breath, stepped right in front of it and looked.
His courage evaporated.
And then he started screaming...
End Chapter 2
A/N: So I'll beg one more time, please review and say something honestly. I can take it, I'm a big girl. Thanks.