Hey, people, there are a few changes in P.O.V in this chapter. So, watch out for that and enjoy.

The Curse of the Centuricus

Chapter - 3

Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose
(The more things change,the more they stay the same)

Hagrid wasn't happy. In fact, he was scared. "This ain't good, there's ne'er been som'thin' like this". There was something afoot in the Forest. He couldn't describe it but he felt it in his very veins. He had a sudden desire to probe deep into the forest sometimes, places he had been expressly warned against by his forest mates. Recently, he was even more worried because none of his animal friends were fine. They seemed secretive nowadays and went missing often for days on end. Then there were the nights when he woke up scared and sweating. Those were the times he had a wild premonition of great changes coming. His father had told him his mother could often sense the future. Perhaps the premonitions were right. Perhaps great changes were on the way...

A couple of weeks had passed since the attack and and Harry Potter had tried to occupy his time in work and study, much to his own surprise. Tonks had brought him some books on Occlumency from Professor Dumbledore along with the advice to clear his mind by writing down his feelings. The Headmaster hoped this would soothe his emotional turmoil and make the calming of his mind an easy process. But the writing didn't help. Instead it reminded him of his stupid mistakes and it became increasingly difficult for Harry to think of anything but his pain and anger.

Harry realised that the one thing Voldemort hoped to achieve last year would have been to kill Harry. Getting him weak in the mind and spirit was a close second. Hermione had not minced words in her letters and had made it abundantly clear to Harry that his depression was a covert victory to the Darklord. Recognising the truth in her statements, Harry had told her about his attemts at clearing his mind.

When every suggestion ranging from meditation, sleep, talking (to Remus) to taking a soothing warm evening shower (this suggestion was curtesy Mrs.Weasley) came to naught, it was again Hermione who told Harry to stop trying so hard. She wrote to him telling him time itself would heal him, sometimes it was good to simply concentrate elsewhere. Pain was integral to love. Clearing the pain would wipe away love. Focussing on something other than the troubles of the past would help lighten their burden.

Though the words sounded like something ripped off the pages of what his aunt would call a character building self help guide, Harry took her advice to heart and tried to immerse himself in doing things he had never tried before. It was during such an effort that Harry found himself rummaging through the discarded possessions of his cousin, Dudley. And this was how he found his true calling.

Though Harry had never really liked studying, he discovered he liked reading. The very act of reading for pleasure gave him a sense of unreality and strangely, peace. He felt as though he had all the time in the world, as though he wasn't required to fight a powerful mad man, as though life was not all about trying to survive every school year alive and unhurt. Perhaps it was escapism but Harry didn't care.

He started devouring Dudley's school books, to start with. They were the most easily available books. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, nothing put him off. The knowledge gave him a new sense of the world around him, an understanding of the finer aspects of nature and a healthy reapect for previously trivial facts. Dudley was inordinately pleased at the prospects of pushing away his school work to Harry. Ofcourse, Harry had to threaten him with his wand when he tried to sic his holiday work on Harry. Meanwhile, Harry relearnt his previous year books and found he enjoyed analysing the different theories that magic and science provided to explain the same phenomena.

As time passed, the new interest extended to include even novels and stories. He had come across a hardback copy of "To Kill a Mocking Bird". The intriguing title had caught his eye and started this hobby. He was hooked on to the story of a jaded but idealistic lawyer who fights against social prejudice to ensure justice for a suppressed individual, all the while endeavouring to teach his motherless children how to live. Somehow, the the hero's failure did not depress Harry. To him, it was a symbol that change would come; even if it bided its time, change would come.

And Harry found himself spending more and more time immersed in Muggle novels and poetry. In a way,Harry realised his dreams of a normal existance through the novels he read and the characters he visualised. He laughed with them, wept in their sorrow and in short, lived with his books in those tremulous days.

His correspondence with his friends continued and somehow they must have sensed his loneliness as Ron came up with the idea that though Harry was required to live his vacation at Privet Drive, he didn't need to stay there all day. Hermione responded enthusiastically to hisdaytime rescue operation and they begged the adults to let all three of them portkey to Hagwarts atleast every alternate day. The portkey could return them home in the evenings. It took some persuading but Hermione's "Harry will need every help we can afford" clinched the matter. Even Ron's "Yeah, else he will go mad" must have helped.

Remus gave Harry a pendant that would portkey Harry to and from Hogwarts. Every alternate day between 10 in the morning and 7 in the evening, it would be activated if the word, "Progress" was uttered. Thus it was that one sunny day Harry was sprawled out on the grass next to the lake between Ron and Hermione, who had both been overjoyed to see him. Ginny had joined them and was in the owlery sending letters to her friends. Ron had wanted to know if she was writing to Dean but Harry and Hermione had pulled him along to the lake.

The atmosphere was peaceful but Hermione was perturbed. Harry seemed more balanced than the previous year but he had not opened up. He had grown and looked healthier in a strictly physical way, but the mind was a different matter. His eyes were dull and there was very little sign of the small, shy, incredibly brave and loyal 11 year old who had stood up to a troll to save a stranger.

Oh, he would still fight for her but now, it appeared like he would rather lose and surrendor to fate. This was what scared her. He seemed determined sometimes and sometimes he seemed so shrouded in disturbing thoughts that he appeared lost to some higher force. Thankfully, Ron, unlike usual, didn't seem oblivious to Harry's lack of spirit. Instead he was making an effort to bring back Harry's zest for life.

"Hermione!" She started and turned around. Ron asked,"Where were you? I was asking Harry to play Quidditch with us. He will need the practice what with his ban being lifted". Hermione brightened up. Quidditch was something Harry loved, and if she had to play and lose a few matches of that wretched game to help her friend, she would gladly do it. She responded with unusual enthusiasm and told Harry, "That will be great, Ron. In fact, I was getting a little stiff lounging around all the time. Some flying will relieve us all. So who else do we need?"

Harry was in a fix. He was not sure he wanted to play but his friends seemed determined. Surprisingly, Hermione wanted to play and had taken it for granted he did too. He didn't want to let them both down. He had resolved to beat his depression and this would be a good step in that direction. God, he was starting to think like Hermione. All those books ust be getting to him. Moreover he hadn't flown for a long time and hoped he would enjoy it.

"We must call Ginny. That way we would have an even number of players and she can get some practice too". Ron perked up at Harry's positive response and said, "Right. Ginny will love to join, Iam sure. We can use the school brooms. I wish we had more people here. That would be great".

Hermione thought about this and answered, "It's not like there is noone around. We will never know till we ask. Perhaps they will like to join us". "Who?" But Hermione did not answer. Instead her eyes were fixed on Professor Lupin and Madam Hooch who were talking in the distance. She was thinking of the best way to approach her professors for a match.

Ron and Harry followed her gaze and were floored. Trust Hermione to want to play with teachers. "No way. They won't agree", Ron insisted. That set off an argument between the two while Harry started wondering about Remus. He knew his father played. But what about Remus? Harry realised he knew very little about this kind and patient man.

His heart went out to Remus when he realised Remus' loss. Here was somebody who had lost his constant companion of childhood, the last among his honest friends who had accepted his monthly changes. Who would ever join him as an animagus on those lonely nights? And yet, Remus had put his own pain on the backburner while he did his best to be there for Harry. Perhaps, he could learn to be an animagus... Perhaps, there was more he could do than just fight the bane of his life.

By now, Ron had realised you can't win over a very determined Hermione and had ceded a strategic defeat. Now the three friends waited for Ginny before approaching two professors.

Remus Lupin and Madam Hooch were good friends. They both shared a calm and unruffled disposition and often found much to talk about besides just Quidditch or DADA. When they saw the four kids talking animatedly near the lake, Remus was pleased. He wanted Harry to get over Sirius' death. It had obviously affected his confidence more than any other travail that life had thrown at him.

He saw the Headmaster talking to Hagrid at the other end. Must have been about the shift in the forest, he mused silently. He had sensed the drift of magic away from the Forbidden Forest as though the animals were emigrating away. Remus knew enough to know it might not be a good sign. With every passing year, the danger was growing and in a way, the animals could have been a deterrrent for unfavourable lements to try and enter. Their sudden desertion from the forest needed to be looked into. The two men slowly walked across to Lupin and Madam Hooch.

"Remus, I gather you know about the forest disturbances. I tried to talk to Firenze but he has tendered his resignation saying there is currently a greater calling in his life. I was wondering if you could find out something the next full moon". "Of course, sir, I will try my best. However, many magical creatures avoid me. I think my periodic shift of form mystifies them and my apparent lack of control at that point, to them, is inexcusable", Lupin answered.

Dumbledore understood Lupin's reticence in talking about his curse, "Indeed, I thank you, Remus. That is all I ask of you. Now I must leave for the Ministry. It seems Minister Fudge requires my help restoring order. Do not worry, Hagrid. We will reach the depths of this matter. Ah! Remus, I see you are being sought by some very enthusiastic youngsters. Goodbye", So saying, the headmaster walked briskly away. Hagrid calmed down and turned back to his hut.

Just as Remus and Madam Hooch turned around, they were accosted by Ginny and Hermione while Ron and Harry hovered behind. "Professor Lupin, Madam Hooch, will you join us for Quidditch, please? It will be exciting to have more players than just four. Do say yes, please...". Madam Hooch loved to play but not many students dared to ask her. She agreed with alacrity. Lupin was wondering how to refuse when Harry put in his two bit, "Please, Remus, do join us. It will be great to play with you".

Remus could not refuse and agreed. If Madam Hooch noticed Harry's familiar use of his first name, she didn't comment. Remus had always admired her discretion. He felt this might help get him closer to Harry.

A game ensued. Madam Hooch proved a very jolly and fun-loving player. She played chaser with Hermione keeping the hoops and Ginny played seeker. The opposing team was no surprise. Harry sought, Ron kept and Remus chased. There were no bludgers, no beaters.

The game was a success. Harry felt more free than he had in a long time. The snitch was nowhere in evidence and Ginny also seemed to be looping playfully in the air. She was a good flier. Harry saw Hagrid waving at Harry down on the pitch, Fang in tow. Harry waved back. Ron was having fun baiting Hermione who seemed to be finding it difficult to stay on the broom while guarding the hoops. But Hermione was being sporty and was laughing her discomfiture away. Meanwhile Remus was stuggling with the Quaffle as Madam Hooch expertly blocked his way.

Harry closed his eyes and basked in the cool breeze. After a long time, he felt at home. His family was with him. His closest friends were here and he was grateful he had them.He opened his eyes lazily and found he had drifted away from the main game area. He was about to correct his position when the snitch streaked right across him towards the forest. Deciding to end the game, Harry followed. His broom turned around beautifully and Harry found himself getting assailed by the exhilaration of the chase.

The snitch kept going forwards and Harry speeded up behind it. Suddenly the snitch bucked and turned away from the forest. Harry was about to nudge his broom likewise but he didn't. Instead he kept flying forwards. In that instant, Harry forgot the game, forgot the snitch, forgot his friends and all that he wanted to do was fly right there... into the forest, deep within where he needed to be. A little more onwards and he would be there, his destination... his sanctuary.

Remus found the game refreshing. He was not great at Quidditch but a game now and then was fun. He noticed that Harry seemed to be enjoying the flying. He watched as the sixteen year old seeker took off after the snitch like a bird. He was always surprised how graceful this gangly teenager became once on a broom. Sirius' gift of that firebolt had been a very sensible gift to this gifted seeker.

As Remus watched, the snitch turned, but Herry went on forwards. Remus frowned then decided it was perhaps a trick to get Ginny off his back. But Ginny was far back. She hadn't yet seen the snitch. Remus was baffled and yet Harry kept on towards the forest as if in a daze. Though his natural grace on the broom was intact, Harry seemed rigid and cut off from the game. He continued to fly to the forest.

Remus called out, "Harry, where are you going?" There was no response. Remus was getting worried. He knew that none of them was close enough or fast enough to stop Harry before he entered the forest. He shouted again, "Harry, stop right there and come back". Still, no response. The others all had noticed what was happening. A chorus of voices all joined together and called out, "Harry, come back...don't go on.. Harry..HARRY".

And yet Harry kept flying towards the Forbidden Forest...

AN : Ooh! lovely response, guys and gals. Not one review. In fact, not even a howler (not that I want one).Thank you (courtsies to all). I will put up the next chapter tomorrow. Love you all. So please R and R. And do remember I have a delicate disposition (fans herself).