Author notes: hi every one, I may not be the best, but I promise things will get pretty good from next chapter onwards. Please review.
Emma: thank u for saying im good enough.
Wandmaker: well, I did have one positive review before, so I will not be discouraged. However, I will try to make my self better.
SLOW MARCHHarry tried to sit on his bed, the task is proving to be impossible. His leg felt like lead, his head swarm between consciousness and unconscious ness. People and vehicles whizzed past his eyes, he is unable to see any thing. He tried to concentrate and move his eyelids, but he doesn't know whether they are open or not. Now, his head is pounding like it has been assaulted with a cricket bat. Harry tried to focus again and regain control on his body parts. At last, with a mighty effort he sat up on bed. To his own surprise, Harry observed he is not sitting in his bed, but he just opened his eyes. Any way, his first step in to consciousness brought back his memories back to him, he remembered getting in to car badly beaten. He tried to move his mouth to ask some thing, but even this task proved to be not possible as he can't feel where his mouth is. He moved his eyes, a blurry figure came in to view, and next second his spectacles found their way on to his nose.
Tonks stood in front of him, with black silky hair, blue eyes. Harry didn't understand who it is straight away but Tonks has given him honor of meeting her new face. Harry again tried to mouth some word but he failed again. Since he is unable convey his question with sound, he did nest best thing. He asked the question with his eyes. To his horror, Tonks smiled in most mischievous way.
"Wotcher, Harry!" she greeted him in her usual too cheerful voice.
However, she is kind enough to explain whole story.
Venissa called nearest hospital for help, but the order member who is standing guard informed them of the situation, so they have encountered her in the middle of route. Venissa didn't give in so easily, she inquired how come they found she is the person called them, when they began to stutter, she asked what is name of their hospital. They are unable to answer any thing , so she threatened them to get out of her way with a gun. To their luck, they are in a less busy road, they are able to stun her, and carry Harry to St.Mungos. his arrival here is kept secret for security issue, then under full body bind, Tonks explained her about wizard hospital. She didn't believe what they told, but Tonks promised her to take her to Harry, and returned her gun to her as trusting gesture. So Venissa followed her here, she is shocked by the revelation, but in Tonks terms she is quite strong gal since she didn't faint. She almost lost her head by the time she reached Harry's room, she just eyed him as though she is a moving statue, but she recovered soon and inquired about his health. She sat there with him for a day, but she has just left for class.
Finishing her explanation, Tonks looked at Harry soberly. Harry is just lost in assimilating the information that is bestowed on him. He smiled at the thought of Venissa threatening order with a gun. And the party contained Moody, with out any hiding for his magical eye. She is a true Gryffindor, thought Harry involuntarily. He him self felt quite revolting when he has seen Moody's magical eye. And Venissa threatened him to shoot his eye off the socket. Moody became quite grumpy by the time total scene ended, but his comment brought another smile on to Harry's face. "Why do Potter always has too brave friends?". Hey, hang on, Tonks said an order member watching him informed them. Is he watched even there? Well, he should be. How can he end up in St. Mungos other wise? But why didn't the order member came to his help when the fight first started? isn't purpose of their watching is his safety? He is unable to find any satisfying explanation to that answer, so he glanced at Tonks who is eyeing him interestedly.
" so what is the question now? What happened to you?" asked Tonks still eyeing him interestedly as though he is some animal in zoo.
Harry paused for a moment, tried to move his lips. He is unable to do that again. Since he is not exactly able to ask his question, he resigned to listen what ever she told him. In her words, since healers are not used to treat muggle fight wounds, they are analyzing his condition. So they have kept him under temporary numbing position to all his unanalyzed wounds. They have healed his broken ribs, and bones, some of his external wounds but they are still dealing with his punctured veins and swellings. He thought it would have been very wise of them if they are able to make him use his mouth when he is unable to convey his question to Tonks even after ten repeated tries. Finally, when Remus entered his room he felt quite relieved.
Tonks explained situation to him, he found Harry's question very easily. But it seemed that Tonks is purposefully avoiding question because the order member watching over him is her friend, and she doesn't want to answer that. Remus answered this question. Julie Robin, the order member who is watching over him is new member. She is a pureblood, she didn't expect that sort of attack from any one. She is actually waiting at a distant place from parking for Harry and Venissa to leave. She is just waiting for their car. When she thought they are taking too much time, she walked in to look at them. She panicked when she has seen the fight, she sort of forgot every thing. I know what it is thought Harry. And she can't use magic in front of so many muggles that is another reason of her panic. She managed to call Tonks to the scene, who cast calming charms on his opponents. So that is why they left, I thought they would like to beat both of us in to pulp – thought Harry. The rest is already known. The next information is, it is first assignment of the aforementioned order member, so she is sitting out side in hospital crying her heart out at her failure.
Harry really felt pity for her. It is not her fault if she is afraid. He thought of calling her inside and telling her it is not her fault, but he is still unable to move his lips. He gestured Remus to convey message but he smiled mischievously, went out side with out any explanation. Tonks left after Remus with out another word. Next time Harry awoke, he found him self-feeling no numbness, after one minute of futile attempts, his hand agreed to move, and he is able to look at room. Venissa is sitting beside him with her books, working furiously. He gave a small cough to wake her. She smiled in answer, put aside her books.
" good evening, Harry." Answered she with same smile.
" good evening. What are you doing?" asked Harry trying to start conversation.
" well, working. Hey, your friends are waiting out side. They told me to call through floo. I don't know how. Can you do that? "asked she enthusiastically.
Harry nodded his head, wondering whether his body condition is good enough to call people through floo. He felt nothing other than numb ness in his legs, he almost fell when he placed his leg on floor, and Venissa caught him before he fell and showed him some exercise for removing numb ness.
She almost squealed when he placed his head in fire. Remus is waiting in head quarters when he called, so are Mrs. And Mr. Weasley. They told him they will apparate immediately, so be ready. After five minutes, he is encountered with a very curious Mr. Weasley, boisterous Mrs. Weasley. Venissa is eyeing all of them very curiously. She immediately liked Mrs. Weasley, that is obvious. Remus and Venissa seemed to share some funny glances once in a while. After ensuring Harry is fine, Mr. Weasley started asking Venissa vigorously about muggles, this time about guns. She is explaining about her gun to him, he is almost bouncing with delight. Apparently, Venissa's treatment of Mad-Eye has become sort of legend with order members much to his chagrin. They departed as soon as Healer announced Harry has regained his health. Remus informed Harry that his fight is kept a secret, even Weasleys know about it only because they stumbled upon his and Tonks's conversation accidentally. Harry understood that perfectly. Venissa drove him, Remus and Tonks to privet drive, since she has car, order refrained from asking for Ministry car.
Dursley's are outraged when they found out Harry hasn't left, but as Remus and Tonks remained with him, they are unable to show full extent of their wrath. Tonks and Remus left after ensuing another warning to them. Harry smiled inwardly as he watched them. But what he found rather unusual is Dudley's behavior. He should have taunted him on the least even if he is afraid he will turn in to pig or some thing. His night is again filled with nightmares about Sirius and his recent fight. He woke up in middle of night sweating profusely after seeing Sirius falling through veil.
" Sirius is happy. He is with mom and dad." He repeated to him self, cleared his mind with out any further thoughts. After a debacle resulting from his mistake alone, he should learn to do that every night. He is becoming better at occulemency, but it is slowly resulting in to his becoming numb against every thing. He constantly had some work to do during previous week. Physical or mental work, he tried to keep him self buried in that work, so that he wouldn't remember any thing about Sirius. It might not have worked at Hogwarts, but a little authority, which Dursley's still held over him helped him in convincing him self that doing that work is of at most importance to him. Thus, he combined his occulemency with this work, allowing him self to think about nothing but work that is assigned to him. This time, he is not even getting any work out side in garden. That is because, Tonks has threatened aunt Petunia that if she again sent him in to sun like that she will fry Dudley as much as Harry suffered and more. Her apparition in to house, cobalt blue hair along with a T-shirt sporting a hippogriff with blood coming from its beak has helped cause more than Tonks can imagine.
When Dudley has known one such creature is Harry's pet he is more than frightened. So, it is guaranteed that this summer is not at all going to be bad if only Dursley's are considered. They are scared to death. Once the work level subsided to work range of a normal teenager, Harry's other thoughts started to come back. Last Week, even with out chores he is busy because of learning all fundamentals of muggle school curriculum. Now, his time and pain is back again. Harry thought of assigning him self some work, but he is not Hermione to do extra credit with same amount of concentration as normal work. He entered workshop wondering what boys who beat him will feel. They are not present for the lecture.
He is silent through out lecture, he tried to concentrate, but he couldn't keep himself from wondering where Sirius will be and what he might be feeling at present?
Harry didn't notice when the class is over. He is too immersed in thinking. Venissa is the first one to notice his absence of mind.
" Harry .. Harry? "
Harry snapped out of his thinking when a sharp object poked at his ribs.
"Yeah ?" he said desolately, noticed that class is emptied.
He got up to leave the class but a hand came upon his shoulder to stop him. He veered around fixing Venissa with an oppugn glance.
"what are you thinking about?" asked Venissa staring at him.
Harry immediately searched his mind for a proper answer.
" Where are Grinch and his goons? " asked he congratulating him self on finding a proper answer. Now, think of it, where are they?
" Oh! Them? They are not recovered enough to attend this class." Answered she lightly.
" What do you mean they are not recovered? "asked Harry wondering what happened to them.
" Well, I don't like to leave the idiots who dared beat my friend. Now, can I?" asked Venissa in almost cheerful voice. Her expression changed slightly more serious as she saw the look of bewilderment on Harry's face. Harry never was as desperate to know what is going on other person's mind. If only he is a legillimens.
what ever Harry thought of, he didn't expect what happened next.
He is looking at Venissa sitting on a parapet, four guys are beating the four persons who attacked them, another four stood on either side. Venissa is telling them not to leave too many physical marks.
Next, he is looking at younger Venissa, talking to a big but kind looking person in lawn. Scene changed in a second, he is looking at still younger Venissa, she is bruised all over, blood clotted on her body at many places, a boy is standing in front of her with a sympathetic, yet evil look on his face. Next, he looked at Venissa who is nine year old by the looks of her, many girls are surrounding her. Harry wanted to see no more, he is violating another person's privacy. I have to get out of here, thought he desperately. Next minute, he is looking at Venissa, who is shaking but still standing. Apparently, she has no idea of what happened. Harry watched her silently, his heart racing. He has performed magic - now, he is sure going to get expelled from school. He should leave before Ministry officials reach him.
"Harry, shall we go?" asked Venissa startling Harry. Venissa is looking at him surprised by his reaction. Her eyes are still little unfocused. Harry decided in a moment. He will go to privet drive, he will pack all his belongings and he will leave to Grimmaud place immediately.
Now they are almost with in limits of privet drive. Harry started instructing Venissa which way to drive. While they are crossing park, Harry caught sight of Mark and Florence and two more kids cowering from Dudley's gang. He almost screamed "stop." Venissa stopped the car because of sheer shock she received while Harry shouted. Harry got out of car even before Venissa did, ran to where Mark and Florence are. Venissa followed after him scowling for unnecessarily shocking her. Dudley's face expression changed rapidly as he saw Harry. Mark and Florence hid behind him. So did the rest of kids though they actually hid behind Mark and Florence. Venissa didn't take much time in joining him. Harry didn't thought Dudley's expression can change any more, though it did as soon as he saw Venissa.
" Oooooh! Boxing champion. Well, I thought I should test at some time how much of your flesh is required to stop a bullet. "said Venissa eyeing Dudley with genuine curiosity.
" No body is talking to you nigger." Shot Piers.
" No body is talking to you too pee-pee." Retorted Harry.
" You bastard " Piers shot forward toward Harry. Even before Dudley can pull him back or Harry could retreat, Pierce is on ground screaming with pain. Venissa got him exactly where she shouldn't have kicked. Harry then only observed gun in Venissa's hand.
" I would give you three seconds to leave." Announced Venissa. Harry has never seen Dudley's gang retreating so fast. Actually he didn't consider it possible given their sizes.
" You have a gun with u? "asked Harry amazed at Venissa's reaction.
" Well, its not a real gun. I keep it with me all time to threaten people. By the way, I have a real gun with me too." Answered she lightly.
" Who is this Harry? " asked Florence suddenly startling both Harry and
Venissa.
" Oh! She is Venissa." Said Harry introducing Venissa to Florence. Florence is faster than he to introduce her self.
" Hi Venissa. I am Florence." Said she shaking Venissa's hand.
" This is Mark." She said pointing to Mark.
" Ivy. Michael." She introduced rest of kids. After introducing is over, she took the duty of explaining about neighbor hood to Venissa. Harry walked along with them to park listening to them with amusement. Really, Florence knows how to charm people. Her appearance is more than enough, but when people talk to her they will have no choice than to love her. She had Venissa agree to help to their next prank. That is - puncturing bikes of all of Dudley's gang and painting lurid colors on them. Though Venissa tried to refrain, Florence dragged her to her home to introduce to her parents. Seeing the brilliant plans Venissa offered to raise havoc in privet drive, it is obvious that Florence will love to have her in her friends. They parted ways at Florence's house, Harry refrained from laughing at Venissa's expression till she is out of sight. She liked Florence, but she is obviously worried about what Florence's parents will say at sight of her. Honestly, she could face Mad-Eye with out shivering once, and she is afraid of going to Florence's home.
This week rolled to its end swiftly. Venissa moved in to Florence's house for a change, as a paying guest. Harry remained same, laughing in public, mourning when he is alone. Probably, this is it – thought Harry. Luna said pain would never go away, yes, a part of him is now gone forever. He could feel it even when he is laughing. A part of him always remained crying for the loss of Sirius and fearing about prophecy, while other part shrugged off every bond and concentrated solely on moving on with life and having fun. Later part is not very hard now, because Venissa and Florence are giving goose bumps to all of Dudley's gang. Their bikes are painted with blazing red with bright yellow wording which said "Idiots" on them. Next day, a ghost appeared at window of Piers Polkiss and shot blood on to his face, which took three days to be washed completely. Then, suddenly, Dullas had gone missing for a day, appeared at night painted bright green color of frogs and with big spots on them like frog. He even had some algae on his shirt. Next day, Briton's picture kissing a dog directly on its face appeared on all walls of privet drive. Weasley twins have done genius's work to produce that effect. Harry no longer could say he is not having a good time. Even if he didn't leave house for nothing except classes, he could always hear the chaos from street. He never once thought privet drive has so many children. Venissa and Florence are quite imaginative, now their working force increased dramatically. Dudley is sure having his worst time. Not even Weasley twins could be as productive as these ladies are with Dudley's gang.
All these pranks are arranged with out any help from Harry. Three days after his discharge from hospital, his scar throbbed violently. Harry is emptying his mind of thoughts at that time. Harry screamed at top of his lungs with out noticing what is the feeling inside him since the pain is unbearable. Uncle Vernon rushed in to his room to shout insults at him, order members barged in to the house to know what is the matter. the pain subsided in a second after an hour. Harry is too weak to remember the feelings of Voldemort that That didn't make any sense since Voldemort is afraid of none.
In order to forget other issues, Harry continued his practice with textbooks, soon he reached a level where Hermione also would be envy of him. The only significant thing that happened during past week is his joining in meditation club. He informed Remus of decision, but surprisingly order never asked him to be confined to his home but they insisted he carried his wand with him everywhere, which Harry would do any way. He vaguely noticed some thing is going on, because order never left him under guarded. He should have got at least ten remainders by now asking him to stay at home. With all outgoing he is doing, he still didn't receive any letter. However, this suited nicely with Harry. Though he wondered what might be the reason, he kept going out. In fact, Meditation helped him very much. It is very much like occulemency, and he is doing good progress with Meditation. Surprisingly, instructor is a wizard. He insisted Harry should get a different tutor since he is a wizard and a powerful one at that. Harry is frustrated when he heard that catch phrase again, but he didn't mind it very much. It started as follows.
--------------flashback-------------
Venissa and he sat at bench in park on one evening.
" Harry! you are very distracted these days." Said Venissa observing him. Harry is watching grass for half an hour with out speaking a word by then.
" No, Venissa." Answered he immediately.
" its ok Harry. you need not tell me. But there is something that is eating at you from inside. I thought may be I can help." Answered she giving him a knowing look.
" Help ?! please, don't tell me its scaring Dudley." Snorted Harry.
" Harry ! don't be ridiculous. Ok, I am speaking about meditation. I am now member of a club for one year, and it helped me very much. May be, it can help you too." Said she.
Harry fell in to a deep thought.
Next day, Harry entered Meditation center feeling extremely nervous. A calm silence spread over there, Tutor's face is very calm, not unlike Dumbledore.
Harry sat there concentrating only for a minute when Tutor waked him from trance. He is seeing Sirius fall in to veil again. Tutor Niyath led him in to another room silently, asked if he is a wizard. Harry wondered how he found out, but nodded in answer.
" Mr. Potter, with constant practice of Meditation non-magical people can acquire some talents. One of them is magical sense. Of course, that is not how I found out. I presume you are thinking about some gruesome memory?" asked Niyath.
" Yeah ?" the sound came out as half question and half answer.
" When Wizards are emotional, their magic tends to act. I called you just before your magic is about to act." Answered Niyath.
He observed Harry for some time in silence, as though seeing effect of his words.
" Ok. It is really rare to encounter a wizard in this country, however, one of my friend can tutor you in this art. Since I am non-magical, it would be dangerous for me to train u. I hope you will come at same time tomorrow." Said he surveying Harry. Harry felt as though those eyes are boring in to his very mind. He tried to clear up his thoughts wondering whether muggles can be legillemens.
"Er .. Ok." Answered he wondering where all this can lead.
The First thing Harry did when he reached home is owling Remus. He told Remus to contact him as soon as possible.
After one hour, Hedwig returned with an answer.
Dear Harry,
Please use your Christmas gift.
Remus.
Whatever Harry expected, it is not this. Harry sat on his bed staring at letter. He didn't want to refresh his memories of Sirius. Among all his objects, this Mirror reminded him most that he is the reason of Sirius's death. Harry folded the parchment, with trembling hands he kept it under pillow. He sat on floor for some time removing his thoughts from his mind, reminding him self that he should face these memories at one time or other. With one pull, he opened his trunk, pulled out mirror. He immediately closed trunk, called out for Remus - fearing if he delayed it one more second, he will put the mirror away.
Image in mirror blurred for a second, replaced by Remus's face.
He looked at Harry as though he is deciding whether it is Harry or not, after a second he called out tentatively.
" Harry ?!"
" Yes, Remus. I have to ask some thing " Said Harry observing Remus carefully.
"Oh! What is it Harry? "asked Remus trying to read Harry's countenance.
" Why am I allowed out side my home? "asked Harry wondering why he is not asking for what he want.
Remus paled for a moment, then appeared to be deliberating on subject.
" We can't lock you in a house Harry." answered he carefully.
" hmm.. Remus ?! I am not reading Daily Prophet any more." Answered Harry carefully observing every single movement on Remus's face. Remus is hiding something. That is not surprise since he is an order member, thus more informed than Harry.
" There isn't much news Harry. Voldemort is very silent." Answered Remus.
" oh! I thought I am improving at occulemency. I haven't had any dreams you know."
" That is good Harry. It is very important for us." answered Remus still with an apprehensive countenance.
" yes, that damn well proved to be important." Said Harry bitterly. He is astonished when one part of him wailed with agony, other merely watched what is going on with out any expression. What am I doing to my self? Thought Harry. He snapped out of his thoughts by Remus calling him.
" ok Remus. I am just wondering whether there is any problem if I go to meditation classes? "asked Harry.
" Where is this place Harry?"
" Well, it is in Windsor Road, number – 15." Answered Harry.
" I will check upon it Harry. Please be there at 12:00 PM. ok."
" Ok then. See u." said Harry, turned of Mirror.
He kept it aside his hands still trembling. He composed him self , continued to read his books.
Remus promptly called him at 12PM. He informed Harry the route is safe, and so are people present there. He mentioned nothing about security, and difficulty of order members following Harry every where he wished to go.
Harry, by then made sure that there is really something important going on. Did Voldemort resigned from searching for him? Or did he temporarily left out the thought of killing him? Either way, It is not good. Well, it is natural for Voldemort to look for a chance to kill him. If he is not looking for a chance, that only meant one thing. There is some thing really important going on with Voldemort, he required all his forces for that task. It is not a good sign, Order should be on red alert, they require all their forces to track Death eaters. Not for trailing Harry every where. Harry decided to get daily prophet from that day.
Next morning, Harry awoke at five because of loud screeching at his window. A barn owl came in through window to deliver his copy of daily Prophet. Harry read the paper from beginning to ending. There is nothing important. Prophet is containing its usual babbling. Because of silence of voldemort's forces they are now slowly retreating to their previous concept of not believing his rejuvenation. They are printing previous atrocities of death eaters, Harry scowled when he read them. They are increasing fear of people. He silently dressed, proceeded out side to meet Venissa who is taking him to meditation center.
Venissa went for her usual place, while Harry is lead in to another room with strong Mahogany door. There is only one person in that room sitting on tiger's skin, there is a deer skin spread on the floor in front of that person. Harry felt calmness of man along with his power. It is eerie to sit in front of a man, whose power is palpable in air, who is seemingly more powerful than Dumbledore. Harry never believed there existed some one more powerful than Dumbledore except Voldemort, but he some how believed the man in front of him is more powerful than Dumbledore. Niyath closed the door softly as soon as Harry sat on the deerskin in Indian style. Harry waited for the man to open his eyes. He is very skinny man, wearing nothing but a simple cloth around his waist. His ribs are visible clearly, there is one chain of beads around his neck, seemingly they are some plant's seeds. There is an aura surrounding man which clearly said there is more to him than visible. After five minutes, Harry began to become agitated. He fidgeted with the deerskin nervously wondering whether he should wake the man or not. Finally, he decided not to thinking it would be rude to call out some one out of trance. He himself didn't like the way he is called out of trance yesterday. After what seemed to be eternity, in reality – after five minutes the man sitting in front of him opened his eyes. he watched Harry with a benign expression. Though benign, it is an appraising look. Harry stopped fidgeting, but became very nervous under scrutiny.
" What is your name son?" asked the man. Some thing in that voice soothed nervous ness of Harry, but he is still nervous.
" Harry Potter." Answered Harry nervously.
The man in front of him gave him another scrutinizing look as though assessing him.
" Power is a gift son. you should use it properly." Stated man. There is no warning, no advising, and no compliment in that voice. It is a calm voice, which is stating a fact. Harry is just glad that he didn't look at the scar on his forehead as soon as he told his name.
Harry nodded his head in answer.
" Make your self comfortable son. This posture will ensure you will get no body pains afterwards." Said the person in front of him, showed him a sitting posture which is rather hard for Harry to achieve. Harry barely made himself seated in the manner his tutor told, looked at him waiting for next order. He doesn't know why, but he trusted the man in front of him.
" Let your thoughts calm, let your senses fade in to nothing." Said his Tutor.
Harry applied the method he learned during occulemency, forced all his thoughts vanquish. But he couldn't stop his senses from responding. His ears heard every single sound that is audible, his skin seemed to have its own personality. He could feel some thing is coming near to him, then moving away. He couldn't hold himself from thinking further.
" what the hell is going on?" he thought for a moment, then opened his eyes.
his tutor is observing him with same calm gaze. Harry felt it boring in to his head. But he is somehow sure this isn't legillemency. He is feeling no pain though his tutor is staring directly in to his eyes.
" Force is destruction son." Stated he calmly.
Harry didn't understand what he is trying to say. He thought for a moment pondering over the sentence but he couldn't get any thing out of it. His tutor is still observing him, but he didn't felt the gaze burn on to his skin. He felt calmer than he was before.
" You have to calm your self. Never force your thoughts. They will leave only to return with more vigor" elaborated his Tutor.
Harry closed his eyes, let his thoughts wander. Memories flooded upon him. Sirius falling through veil, Cedric sprawled on ground, Lupin changing in to werewolf ... they only continued. Harry tried not to feel any thing while he is remembering them, but it is proving to be difficult task. He opened his eyes suddenly when a terribly cool air was forced on his face.
Harry didn't expect the view he is looking at. Every thing in the room is burnt, or at least looked as though it is burned. He looked at his tutor who is now concentrating very hard, in fact Harry didn't think he could wake the man. Slowly, very slowly, every thing around him returned to their previous state. Harry sat there observing the walls as they regained their color. After five minutes, his tutor opened his eyes. he looked at Harry with a little surprise , but that surprise is gone immediately.
" You are very powerful wizard Harry. I think we should change the place we practice. Never practice with out me and don't think about to day. Now, leave." Told he, in his calm voice.
For once, Harry set aside his curiosity, stopped thinking about this event. In reality, he stopped thinking about it after an hour because he couldn't get any answers.
His day has gone on normally, at least for once in a year. It shouldn't be called normal technically, because he can never have friends at privet drive if it is normal. That is except till evening, when he visited Ms. Figg's house for talking with Remus. Well, he at least had a normal day till evening. He pressed calling bell as usual, stood there waiting for an answer.
He froze in his place when the door opened. Half of his mind screamed to go back with out another word, while another half is jumping with joy. All his memories which he managed to forget, all the pain which he forced him self to ignore returned with more vigor. This is it, thought Harry. This is what his tutor told him, never force thoughts to vanish. They will return only with more force. For an unguarded moment, all his pain reflected in his eyes, next moment, his face wore a blank expression. How much ever he tried he was unable to get a happy expression on his face. His facial muscles absolutely refused to move. Hermione's eyes slowly filled with tears, before he could say any thing they are rolling down her cheeks. She turned her back to him, almost ran toward upstairs.
" Hermione "called Harry before she could reach her room.
Harry is utterly shocked. Why the hell is Hermione crying? He didn't say any thing, not even a single word. She is still staying with her back turned to him, Harry did called her but he didn't know what he should say. He haven't uttered a single word to hurt her, he couldn't say Hello when she is crying, he don't know how he should apologize since he didn't do any thing to make her cry.
" I will return in a minute Harry" she said, ran off in to her room.
Harry is left in hall feeling horrible. Why do he has to make girls cry all the time? He made Hermione cry, nobody ever achieved it except for Ron in third year. He is left there to his means for full five minutes before Hermione returned. That time is enough for him to remember the expression of pain that has shown on his face when he seen Hermione in entrance. Hermione must have thought he didn't like seeing her. just as he is deciding to knock on Hermione's room, she came out of her room, relatively better. Harry is silent with shock for a few seconds, then he started rambling off his apology. Hermione stopped him with a hand, smiled at his red face. unfortunately, the smile didn't reach her eyes, made Harry feel still more horrible.
" Its ok Harry. I just thought u don't like seeing me." Said she motioning him to sit.
" It's not that Hermione , I just happen to remember every thing." Answered he wondering what Hermione is hiding from him now. Pain in her voice clearly stated that she is yet to talk about some thing.
" I know Harry. It is hard to take in. Sirius is like a parent to me I never had. it may seem like i am exaggerating, but i talked more freely to Sirius than to my parents about some things. I mean, about wizarding world, And it pains me to think if only I was vehement while opposing u, It wouldn't have happened. I told my self it would have happened any way if it has to be happened, but it just pains me even more. I am sorry Harry. I am really sorry." Now, tears are streaming down her face with more intensity. Harry's throat felt constricted, his eyes are already watering. Boys don't cry, he told himself vehemently, but it made his tears even more difficult to hold. He stood suddenly, walked to fireplace trying to hold back his tears, but once they broke, it is hard to stop them. They both remained there crying silently for full fifteen minutes before any noise is made.
" Harry, can u forgive me? " called Hermione tentatively.
Forgive for what? Thought Harry, but he didn't made any sound because his throat is too constricted for him to speak.
" When ever I talked with u in phone, there is hidden pain in your voice. I am sorry Harry, I could have stopped u, but I just made u leave. I should have forced u to practise Occulemency, but i am too concerned about getting good marks, which i would have got any way. I know all the time it is going to be a trap. I should have come here earlier. Please, can u forgive me?" asked Hermione pitifully.
Harry if he is feeling bad, he felt worse after Hermione's confession. His throat is still constricted, unable to tell her in any other way, he walked to her, held her closely, both still crying.
Suddenly, Harry felt a severe pain in his scar. He cried loudly clutching his scar. He could hear Hermione scream, he tried to squint through his tears, but blinding pain in his scar made it impossible. He managed to speak, the fact his throat is constricted didn't help much. He could hear screams, screams of terrified people. Black hooded figures are sweeping through a fortress.
" Ah, Lucius, assemble our friends and leave. "ordered he surveying the fortress from highest point. He could see the pandemonium breaking in the fortress through gaps between black clouds of dementors. He could see Lucius Malfoy, Nott and Dolohov in front of him. There are other people too, but he is unable to recognize them. Dementors are not attacking them. Harry could see some silver shine below, seemingly, patroni of people who are fighting to hold Azbakan together. Harry tried to see them, but he is unable to recognize any of them. suddenly, he felt a push, he is back, now looking at Hermione. Tears still clung to her eyes, an expression of bewilderment on her face. she is shaking him, noticed Harry after a second.
" Harry , are u ok ? "asked she eagerly, stopping shaking him for a moment.
Harry nodded in answer, tried to sit. Hermione moved backward still eyeing him apprehensively.
" Azbakan is under attack" said Harry trying to collect him self.
" We should tell order." Said he looking at fireplace.
Hermione's expression became stern suddenly.
" No Harry. you should go to your home now. I will inform order. Come on." She dragged him even before he could protest.
After a minute he is entering his house. She warned him to stay in home for that day, she would inform order. Harry nodded in answer, entered his house still thinking about a way to contact order. Suddenly it came in to his mind. He dashed towards his room, called Remus from his mirror. There is no answer. He sat there trying to contact Remus, slowly drifted in to sleep with out knowing it.
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