Where Home Is
Chapter 4: Walk with Me
Author's Notes:
There, the end. This is the last unfinished story I have now finished, all
loose ends now tied up jim dandy. (looks at story and runs away crying)
Je ne vous retiendrai pas, go read! ALOHA!
Dedication:
To athenakitty, an every author's dream keen observer. And to everyone who
helped build up the 100 reviews for this fic, love you lots, this is for you!
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Serena wiped a couple of tears away from her dirt stained features, at the same time trying her hardest to push against the barn door, leaning it closed. Peggy and Harry was on the either side of her and despite the pain it caused them, they were exerting all their strength they could spare towards keeping the door shut against the pushing of Mrs. Carlton outside.
"She...is...one...strong...cow..." gasped Peggy.
"She eats," said Harry shortly wincing as his twisted ankle gave way. He quickly brought up his other leg further and leant heavily on the door.
"We can't go on like this forever!" Serena said, the voice of reason.
"You have a better plan?" Josephine snapped. "She was ready to take the stick to us."
"We are only angering her further," Serena said, breathlessly.
"HARRY, PEGGY AND SERENA CARLTON! YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS!" Mrs. Carlton bellowed from outside.
"Look over there!" Peggy said, using her chin to nod towards the far ending of the stables. A large window offered them a chance for escape.
"Can we make it?" Serena asked.
"You go first," Harry interjected.
"I'm the oldest, you two go first," Peggy said.
"Girls first," Harry shot back.
"You are not going to be able to withstand the force," Peggy snapped.
"It's a short while. You are not going to take an hour to escape," Harry said immediately.
"Together!" interrupted Josephine . "We count to three."
"Fair enough," said Peggy.
"One, two, three!"
All of them pushed away from the door and ran towards the window. Peggy literally grabbed Serena, lifting her and throwing her out of the window. Harry was climbing up halfway, using a bucket as leverage, Josephine right behind him. Peggy hauled herself out then helped Harry and Josephine down down.
"COME BACK HERE!"
Neither Harry, Josephine, Serena nor Peggy turned to look at the beet red woman as they dashed towards the gates, making a wild run for freedom. They sped past Dick who was eating a carrot lugging a basket of dirty laundry, raced past Mr. Carlton in his truck and crashed into the gates, fumbling for the lock.
"Quick!" Peggy urged as Serena's shaking fingers pulled at the lock trying to twist it out of the loop.
Harry glanced back towards the house, took in the angry figures of both Carltons running towards them. Harry's gaze fleeted back to the lock and the lock snapped open. Mildly surprised, he didn't allow himself time to wonder whether it was just pure coincidence or something else, he ran after Serena, Josephine and Peggy.
"Where are we going to go!" Serena yelled to Peggy.
"Out of their sight!" Peggy screamed back.
She led them in a sharp turn and another quick left to dodge the angry Carltons who were right on their tail. The rush of adrenaline was the only reason all four of them were still on their feet and running as they finally dived into huge bush, ignoring the stabs from the twigs and leaves. Lying as quietly as possible, they huddled in the protection of the thick leaves and closely weaved twigs as they watched the Carltons feet rush past and fade into silence.
"You do know we can't go back," Serena said quietly.
Harry suddenly gave a hoarse laugh. "We pulled off a Shane."
The scene became so ironic that all of them burst into laughter. After all their announcements they had made to Shawn that they would stay, they had just ended up at the same road Shane had took almost a week ago.
"He'll be proud of us," Peggy joked.
They slowly crawled out of their refuge and stood up, wincing. Now that the rush was over, the pains and aches were beginning to resurface and Harry sank back to the ground holding his stomach.
"You okay?" Peggy asked rubbing her neck.
"Yeah, give me a moment," Harry fought to keep his emotions at bay, his senses screaming into overdrive as he rose to his feet again.
"Where are we going now?" Serena asked. She was facing them but her eyes were glazed over, like she was uninterested in whatever that was going to happen to her. Josephine was silent, waiting for the answer.
Peggy who usually had all the answers was finally at loss. She was silent as they stood for almost ten minutes, not moving. Finally she spoke.
"I don't know."
Serena, Josephine and Harry glanced away. To run away from a problem and to bump into another one.
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Screw writing.
Remus hurried out into the cold air, taking two steps at a time. He jogged out of the hotel and headed towards the Carlton's farm. It took only a short while for him to arrive to the gate. Frowning, he noticed it was wide open and cautiously entered the farm.
"Having the guts..."
"...don't let me see them again."
"Good riddance to bad rubbish."
Remus caught sight of the muggles sitting at the doorstep. The Carlton couple seemed angry but their sons where smirking. They reminded him awfully of one Severus Snape and he rolled his eyes.
"Excuse me..."
All five of them glanced up.
"What can I help you at?" Mr. Carlton spoke gruffly.
"I'm looking for Harry. Harry...Carlton," Remus stopped himself before saying Harry's real surname.
Mrs. Carlton snorted. Her skirt and apron was stained with water and she was rubbing her ankle with some kind of medication. "He's gone."
Remus froze. "Gone?"
"Gone, went, left, not here, poof," she snapped.
"He ran away with the girls this morning," Mr. Carlton said heatedly.
"Why did he run away," Remus's tone was dangerous.
Mrs. Carlton grumbled something then got up and entered the house.
"Family's business, none of yours," Mr. Carlton, too got up. "Now please, show yourself to the gate."
"What did you do to him?" Remus felt unmistakable anger start to build up.
"Nothing!" Mr. Carlton said. "Now, please, leave."
Remus stood there until everyone cleared out into the house. Turning slowly, he walked towards the gate, his mind in a jumble. Where could he be? Was he hurt? Was he lost? Blow Dumbledore. He walked out and slammed the gate shut. He felt suddenly lost. Without Harry, what was his purpose here? He stood there for a long while trying to remember where Harry often went. Where else could he go.
"Do you always come here?"
"Not really," The six-year-old had answered. "If I had the time."
Remus turned sharply towards the direction which would take him to the abandoned field then automatically, he took off in a fast run.
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"Right at noon," Dumbledore rolled up his sleeves, picked up his wand and stuffed a few documents into his robes. "Let's go."
He walked towards the apparition point, Minerva and Sirius right behind him. They left Hogwarts behind and with a snap of his finger, Dumbledore transported them right smack into the Carltons backyard.
Mrs. Carlton, who was hanging the clothes, jumped and fell on her twisted ankle. "OUCH! Who are you!?"
"Mrs. Carlton, I presume?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"Dear, what is..." Mr. Carlton ran out and then stopped cold. "What the..."
"Where's Harry?" Sirius blurted.
The Carltons stared at him.
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Remus ran into the field, pushing aside the tall grass and fighting his way past the overgrown weeds. "Harry! Harry, are you here! Harry!"
He continued to trod past the vast expanse of the field until his foot collided with something. That 'something' yelped in pain and crawled away immediately until Remus stopped its plight by lifting it into his arms. "Harry! I thought I had lost you, why did you run away?"
Harry winced in his hold. "Don't..."
Remus loosened his grip. "I'm so sorry, does it hurt?"
"Some," Harry pushed against Remus until he could see his face. "What are you doing here?"
Remus took a deep breath. "Harry, I am..."
"Harry!" Two young girls was running towards them. "Put him down!"
Another girl appeared beside the younger children. "Who are you?"
"It's alright, he's a...." Harry paused. "Friend."
"You must be Serena, Josephine and Peggy," Remus said awkwardly. "Where's Shane?"
"Shane ran away last week," Serena said. "Who are you?"
"I'm Remus Lupin," said Remus then catching Harry's look of surprise he quickly added. "Or you can also call me Moony."
"Remus!"
All of them turned to see Dumbledore, Minerva and Sirius running towards them.
"Put me down," Harry struggled in Remus' hold suddenly panicked. Serena, Josephine and Peggy looked ready to bolt.
Remus tightened his arms around the child. "It's okay, Harry. They are good people."
"Let me go!" There was a desperate quality in the sentence accentuated by the obvious fear tinged in his voice.
"Harry?" Sirius whispered.
Remus nodded silently.
"Please, let me go," tears were beginning to streak down Harry's face.
Dumbledore looked at Remus and Remus reluctantly placed the child on his feet where he stumbled before picking himself up and running towards the girls. Sirius frowned as he noticed how Harry favored his left ankle.
"Harry, I am Albus Dumbledore. I am here to take you away from the Carltons, officially." Dumbledore began, stooping down to look at Harry at eye level, smiling to ease the boy's fear. "Would you follow me?"
"No," Harry answered at once without hesitation.
As one, Serena, Peggy, Josephine and Harry slowly began to back away. Minerva, hidden from sight by Dumbledore and Sirius quietly apparated to the other end of the field in case Harry and his friends decided to take a run for it.
"I have your Godfather with me," Dumbledore continued, unfazed. "This is Sirius Black. He is your Godfather from birth."
Sirius stepped forward, tears glistening at the corners of his eyes. "Harry..."
"Go away," Harry whispered. "Stay away from me."
"Harry, it's okay," Remus said softly. "They are really good people."
Peggy grabbed Serena and Harry's hand, Serena grabbing Josephine's, turned and ran a couple of steps before Minerva stepped in their path.
"Calm down, my child," Minerva said. "We bring no harm."
"We have found a loving home for each of you," Dumbledore looked at the girls. "You will no longer need to return to the Carltons." He withdrew a couple of documents. "Here, have a look."
Peggy glared at Dumbledore in distrust before taking a step forward and snatching the documents. She read it through quickly. "Where does Harry go?"
"He has a Godfather, he will stay with him." Dumbledore looked at them kindly.
"I don't want to follow him," Harry blurted, hiding behind Peggy. Peggy looked a little terrified but she held her ground for her other younger siblings.
Sirius eyes registered intense hurt and he looked away. Harry felt a tinge of guilt. "I'm sorry."
Sirius glanced back at his Godson and gave him a feeble smile. Harry quickly looked down at his worn shoes avoiding eye contact with Sirius. Remus placed a comforting hand on Sirius's shoulder offering him silent support.
"You heard him," Peggy said bravely although her voice quavered. "He doesn't want to follow him."
"We have no choice, we don't have much time." Minerva whispered to the Headmaster.
Dumbledore nodded gravely. "I'm sorry, my children." He lifted his wand. "Obliviate!"
Sirius barely caught his Godson before the six-year-old hit ground while Minerva held Serena and Remus supported both Peggy and Josephine.
"Serena to the Etholds," Dumbledore gave Minerva the address. "Peggy to the Reynolds. Josephine to the Roberts." He passed a paper to Remus. "Modify their memory so that they would not be strangers to their foster parents." He watched Sirius rise to his feet cradling his Godson tenderly. "Let us return."
"What about the Carltons?" Remus asked as Minerva apparated. He adjusted his hold on Peggy and Josephine.
"I've modified their memory as well," said Dumbledore.
"Just that?" Remus' eyes flashed once.
"Is there a problem?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
"Nothing. Nothing," Remus said realizing Sirius would probably go kill them if he found out while they were still in this area. "I'll go now." He gave a last glance towards Harry and apparated to the Reynolds.
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The next year was spent, teaching Harry everything about the magical world. Having lost every memory obtained from his stays with the Carltons, Harry could only remember his name when he had awoke. He had clung to the nearest person available and thus began the close relationship with his Godfather.
Sirius, ever being the playful one introduced Quidditch to Harry right away and the boy had immediately taken to it like a duck to water. Remus taught Harry simple spells and charms but the boy had surprised them all by displaying an amazing ability to perform difficult spells. As Remus had said, "Magic is in his blood."
Wandless magic had become a subject as Harry grew older and Dumbledore had offered to coach him himself. Although progress was slow, Harry could summon things without a wand at the end of his eighth year. Sirius had been immensely proud of his charge and pampered him continuously with endless supplies of toys and sweets.
Although his recollection of the Carltons (Sirius had apparated to their farmhouse, jinxed them all into caterpillars and placed them into the next farm's cabbages after he discovered Harry's injuries. Remus had to rescue them before the farmer killed them.) had been wiped from his memory, old habits die hard. Harry was still as timid and withdrawn as he had been in his early years making Sirius feel the need to spoil him grow stronger by every refusal Harry made towards his presents.
They never heard anything from Peggy, Josephine nor Serena. However, Minerva found Shane, who was trying to find a living but failing miserably as he learned that there was no way for a eight year old to survive without questions from adults. He had avoided police and authorities alike nimbly for a whole month and Minerva had cast the Obliviate Spell and sent him to a new home, just like the girls.
It was his tenth year when Sirius took Harry out to London to meet 'real Muggles'. Harry had followed him obediently as Sirius brought him to a Muggle Playground.
"See that?" Sirius pointed to a strange contraption that consisted of a metal frame and two chains holding a board. A small girl was sitting on it, holding the chains and swinging back and forth, laughing merrily as her father pushed her. "That is an equivalent of a broom to Muggles. They couldn't make it fly so it's only limited to a certain place."
He nodded to a ball some boys were kicking around at the far end. "That is a quaffle. I don't know why do they like to kick it. Weird, right?"
Harry agreed wordlessly. "These are Muggles?"
"Yup they are," Sirius said sitting down on a bench. "Why don't you run around and make some friends? Just be sure not to...you know what. We talked about it."
"Magic?" asked Harry. "Okay."
"Not with them. They don't know a thing, these people," Sirius said then leant back and closed his eyes.
Harry looked at his Godfather for a long while then walked shyly towards the large crowd of playing kids. He watched the kicking of the quaffle go on for a long time before turning to the next crowd where two large kids were pushing and hitting each other. He deciphered them as some kind of wizard duel without wands. He wandered around the limited 'brooms' and then paused at a large plank where two kids sat at each end, going up and down. He looked past the noisy playground to see another bench where a beautiful girl of perhaps 16 sat alone watching the children play.
He moved towards her and sat beside her quietly.
"Hey little guy," her voice had a smile and he looked up at her friendly face, returning the smile. Their gazes locked.
Harry grinned slightly. "Hey."
The girl studied him intently, her blue eyes taking his entire appearance while Harry seemed mesmerized with her lovely blonde tendrils. He took one and felt it's silky substance. "You have beautiful hair."
The girl smiled and ruffled his head. "You have beautiful eyes."
Harry grinned. "Peggy."
She started. "What?"
"The name suits you," Harry said. "I don't know why. It just does."
She grinned. "It is my name."
Harry blinked. "Wow."
"Now let me give you one," she looked at him critically, thinking hard. "Howard...no, Hans....no. Not right...Harry." She smiled. "Harry really suits you."
Harry laughed. "We are telepathic."
Peggy laughed along. "I wish."
"Sheer dumb luck," Harry agreed. They sat in silence, each enjoying the company of the other, totally at ease with his or her presence.
"I feel like I know you already," Harry said suddenly.
Peggy glanced at him. "I would say 'nice try' normally to any other guy, but I won't because that was exactly what I was going to say."
Harry smiled. "People sometimes click."
Peggy nodded. "They do."
"HEY!" A boy danced up and down, catching everyone's attention. "LOOK HERE!"
Peggy and Harry looked up to a boy holding a hand of a girl who was around Harry's age.
"I GOT A GIRLFRIEND!" He hollered.
Everyone burst into laughter.
"SERENA AND SHANE FOREVER!" He yelled.
"Oh shut up," a girl said.
"Jealous, Josephine?" Shane shot back.
"Terribly," she rolled her eyes.
Shane and Serena laughed then as the crowd dispersed, they too were lost among the kids. Harry caught sight of Sirius who was standing across from them. He cocked his head to a side and Harry recognized the sign of departure.
"I have to go," Harry slid down the bench. "See you."
Peggy smiled. "See ya, kid."
Harry grinned and waved running towards Sirius who took his hand.
"Well, you have definitely beat your Godfather to the punch," Sirius joked. "I didn't get such a beautiful girl until I was at least eleven."
Harry grinned. "Her name's Peggy."
Sirius smiled. "I know."
Harry looked at him curiously. "You know?"
Sirius avoided his Godson's gaze and instead pointed towards the ball the boys were kicking. "I have an urge to get one of those back home. Let's go buy one. Muggle stuff are nice, ain't it? They try so hard to invent something yet they are so left behind."
"Sirius, can we come again sometime?" Harry asked.
"I don't see why not," Sirius grinned. "You like it here?"
"Yeah...it feels like...home." Harry said. "Are you sure I've never been out of Diagon Alley and Hogwarts?"
Sirius put an arm around his Godson. "This isn't home. No place is your home. Your home is here." He clasped his hand over his chest. "In my heart."
Harry laughed. "No it isn't!"
"Come on, it is still red!" Sirius grabbed Harry's hand and both laughing, they crossed the road just in time as the traffic light turned green and ran towards the Toyshop.
/THE END/
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Replies to Reviews:
Prongsblacks, MissLilyStar, sami1010220, PrOnGs Da GrEaT, Padfootluver, krysalys73, someonesgurl, AJ-Wolf-AJ, Quacjen, read-a-holic, ParanoiaIn2005, kangaroo, Miss-Cho-Potter, Cat Riddle, Jen, I-Am-Insane-Hear-Me-Scream, amyaggie, Loopy Luna Lovegood, Hp-Azn, tati1, kjkit, Savoy Truffle, siren, lyss33, Froboy, Yana5, honeyduck, athenakitty -- Thank you!
EmeraldKatsEye -- Hi! LOL, I guess I am a monster! (looks at Harry and
quickly looks away) Oh, I love you too! You have MSN?
hp-lover-1-lol -- Eep, calling hp-lover-1-lol! Calling! Are you still
here? Don't quit! LOL
SilverDragonHawk -- Phew. That is a relief, I would be horrified to know
I miss words unconsciously..maybe that's the reason I've been getting marks
deducted for my English essays...lol
Black-Rose1212 -- Oops, I just did...
Lady Pallas -- Oh yeah, females do remember...(looks sinister)
Japonica -- Uh...Uh...famous five? Uh...adventurous four? can't remember
;) Oh well, let's just say the Carltons were fans of the fifties.
centaur219 -- Thank you, that was really flattering! XOXO
Mistress-Genari -- BOOM! :( But then I would have to fix the damage...LOL
down-right-mystical -- LOL! Thank you :)
Wytil -- I enjoy slow people. LOL