Disclaimer: I do not in any ways own, nor did I create, Harry Potter or any related material. All of my credits goes to J.K. Rowling and her publishers.
Now quite used to the oddities of Professor Dumbledore's office, Harry leaned back lazily in the armchair next to Dumbledore's own. Harry hoped that if he maintained adequate bodily relaxation, the dull pain he felt in his heart would lessen. Harry thought, how can I think of Voldemort when my best friend is in trouble? This better not be about Occlumency…
Dumbledore, naturally, observed Harry's inward struggle with careful analysis capable only to him. Undoubtedly, Dumbledore reasoned, Harry assumed that he was in the Head's Office for Order-related business.
"Harry," Dumbledore said suddenly as the boy jumped, startled, in his seat. "Do you know why you are here?"
"No, sir," Harry lied. The Gryffindor was in no mood for Dumbledore's mind games; he certainly was not up to an Occlumency lesson.
"Ah. Well then, is there something you would like to speak with me about?"
"My scar sometimes twinges a bit before bed, if that is what you want to know," Harry said, puzzled, "but you said that was bound to be a common occurrence with Voldemort back at large."
Dumbledore's face softened a bit; he felt a hint of guilt, still in his mind from the end of term the preceding year. "Well, lad, you are not here to speak about Voldemort today. Though, I hope if you ever had any questions, you would come to me right away. I cannot promise to answer all, but communication is important…" Dumbledore trailed off, for once at a loss for words.
"Professor, sir? There actually is one question I have, but it does not concern Voldemort."
"Well, ask away, my boy!" Dumbledore hoped that Harry would bring up the REAL reason Dumbledore had wanted to talk to him.
"If you had a close friend who was hurting themselves by accident, what would you do? I mean, without losing a friend…" Harry asked in a quite roundabout manner. He did not have the courage, or heart, to mention Hermione's name aloud.
"My advice is this: Be true to your heart. Harry, the love you hold in your heart is your greatest asset. Listen to those feelings. Do not fear what happened last year. Release yourself from blame, and live your life with no regrets. Above all be true to yourself," Dumbledore said gravely. In a happier tone, Dumbledore ended with, "Now, I believe you may go. Here, take this note to Professor Snape. You need not go to classes today. Think on what I have said. You have some things to do now, eh?"
Bewildered, yet oddly inspired, Harry calmly collected the note of allowance and left the mysteries of the office behind him.
"I know what I must do," Harry said, under his breath, with a sigh of relief.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yes, I am back…. REVIEW!(Sorry for the wait)