Chapter 4
Eyes closed, Harry lay on his back in bed. It was nearly noon, but as the Dursley's were never glad to see him (or sympathetic), he did not feel like getting up. Unfortunatley, he had to not a moment later. There was a large, sliver owl at his window, rap-tap-tapping on it gently. Harry rolled out from under the covers, and opened the window. The owl flew in, and made itself at home after dropping a letter on Harry's head.
It was from that girl- Rachel. Harry cringed at the reminder of what he had written. Sullenly, he tore open the envelope.
Dear Harry, it read,
Your last letter overwhelmed me. I had no idea life was so hard for you. I'm trying to understand, but there are just too many things to worry about.
Oh no, Harry thought, Here comes the rejection, the scorn, the hate, the…
I think that if I felt as full of worries as I was that night 24/7, I'd probably explode! Harry, I think I know how you feel. You're sad, and angry over Sirius' death because you obviously loved him very much. Harry, he loved you too! You wouldn't feel this way if he didn't. You're lonely, without a proper family, and a cousin who hits you.
Harry smirked at her mild use of words to something so horrible. She's an optimist…
My problems are so tiny compared to yours. I can hardly relate, except that I feel so full of worries that I get hives. It's awful, because I'm always worried about one thing or another. My poor forearms could use a break!
Anyway, Harry, this may not have helped, but I want you to know that I will see you soon. I will be going to Hogwarts this year, and since the start-of-term feast is only… 2 weeks away, I will definitely be there.
Rachel
Harry smiled. Someone had brought up the subject of Sirius, and he hadn't gotten upset! In fact, he had smiled at the way Rachel hardly knew Harry or Sirius, and had gotten their relationship perfect. Harry had loved Sirius.
He never said it, he thought, but Rachel has a point. I wouldn't miss him so bad if he didn't love me.
Harry looked around his messy room and sighed. He had some work to do.
I'll write her later, he thought as he put the letter under the floorboards with his photobook. He couldn't bear to have the Dursley's find it!
And with that, Harry started fresh with a new, positive outlook and a sad, but less sullen heart.