Chapter Three: The Shocking Truth!
When Harry woke up it was already one in the afternoon. Of course after being out until two in the morning, you would have slept as long as He had. Harry quickly took a shower and threw on a pair of dark blue jeans and a red shirt. The red shirt had a thin blue line across it. Harry grabbed a leather jacket Remus had bought him and put it on. He tried yet again to comb his hair back but, as always, it was no use. He grabbed his brown running shoes and tied them on and he ran out of the house, skipping a late breakfast.
Where was Harry exactly going? Why that is a very simple question to answer. He was going to get some help. Arthur Weasley during the month of October last year had been made the Minister of Magic. Now since they were swimming in money, the Weasley had bought a new home in Godrics Hollow. They lived about twenty minutes away, but Harry was desperate and he quickly started jogging south, where the Weasleys lived.
Twenty minutes later, Harry spotted the towering house in front of him. He quickened his pace, and almost flew to the house. He reached the door and leaned against the sturdy brick wall catching his breath and wiping his sweat from his brow. He straightened his leather jacket and quickly pressed the doorbell.
He heard a shout from inside the house and then hurried footsteps. The door clicked and creaked open to reveal the smiling face of Mrs. Weasley.
"Harry dear! What a pleasant surprise! Please come in! I was just cooking up some lunch, come and have a bite to eat." She said as she took his jacket and hung it on a hook in the closet beside them.
"That's alright Mrs. Weasley. I'm not hungry." Harry said as he slid his shoes off and walked into the small, but roomy, kitchen.
"No, Harry, I insist. Why don't you go call Ron and the rest of them upstairs? That would be greatly appreciated." Mrs. Weasley said. Harry, knowing he couldn't argue with Mrs. Weasley because of her flaring temper, quickly nodded and bound up the stairs.
"Hey Ron!" Harry said as soon as he spotted his friend on the carpeted floor of his room. Hermione was sitting right beside him, with Ron's hand wrapped around her waist. Ginny sat on the other side of Ron biting her bottom lip as she shuffled through her cards. The Exploding snap Deck of cards gave away what they were playing.
Ron's head shot up and he grinned happily and very quickly let go of Hermione's waist.
"Hey Harry. Want to play?" Ron asked as he got up and went to greet Harry with a pat on the back.
"No thanks, I came up here to tell you that lunch is ready." Harry said. He grinned too, but it was slightly fake as Harry remembered why he had come here. Maybe he shouldn't tell them about Riddle. But then again, they were his friends.
They descended the stairs quickly and sat at the table. It was now only the six of them. Fred and George were too busy with their joke shop, Percy was married to Penelope and Bill and Charlie were rarely home.
Harry ate happily, making sure not to get into any conversation with Mr. Weasley about muggle contraptions. He ate three helpings of food before finally declaring he was full. After being excused, Harry, Ron and Hermione Quickly went up to Ron's room while Ginny was left behind to help clear the table.
"So Harry you want to play Exploding Snap?" Ron asked happily.
"No." Harry replied determined not to show that he was pre-occupied with something else.
"Harry? Is something bothering you?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"No." Harry said in the same tone as before.
"Don't lie to us. You were never a really good liar." Hermione muttered impatiently.
Harry looked around carefully before saying in a low whisper, "Something happened yesterday. Ron do you know a place in your house where we won't be disturbed?" Both Ron and Hermione looked slightly shocked.
"Was it Death Eaters?" Ron asked, only to receive a glare from Harry and Hermione. "Err, right, we could go to the garden. Come it's out back." Ron said and they descended the stairs yet again.
Once they reached Ron's Garden, they all sat under the Apple Tree on the Left side of the Garden. Ron and Hermione turned to look at Harry and Harry sighed before taking a deep breath and telling his story.
By the time he was finished, Ron had his mouth hanging open and Hermione had gone very pale and was biting her lower lip.
"She didn't even put up a fight?" Ron asked quietly.
Harry shook his head no. Hermione just sat and continued to bite her lower lip.
"Hermione?" Harry asked as he peered into her eyes.
"Harry. Dumbledore is letting some people from Durmstrang come to Hogwarts. They're going to be transfers and he gave me the list just yesterday, of the students that were going to attend because he wanted me to show them around on September the first. One of the people on the list was a girl going into the same year as us. Are you sure her last name was Riddle?" Hermione asked and she continued to bite her lower lip.
"Yes. Why? Are one of the transfer students her?" Harry asked. He looked at her anxiously.
"Sort of. You see…" She trailed off slowly.
"Well?" Harry asked pressing her on.
"There is this girl in seventh year and her name is Maria Lilia Santara. You don't think maybe she is going as a different person to Hogwarts, to disguise herself. Do you?" Hermione asked.
"Wait! Dumbledore is letting her in the school?" Harry shouted in outrage.
"I don't know, I really don't know." Hermione said as she tipped her head down and let her tears slowly fall down her face.
Harry scratched his chin feeling tiny prickles. I got to shave tonight. Harry thought to himself. He heaved himself upward and said quietly, "Why don't we forget about it and let's just go play some Quidditch. Okay?"
Ron nodded and offered a helping hand to Hermione, who gratefully took it and walked behind Ron who led the way inside.
They had a lot of fun racing around on their brooms and when darkness started to fall upon them, they touched down and the three of them went inside to have a quick dinner.
During Dinner, Harry tried his best to avoid any kind of conversation, and was happy when He was finished and excused himself from the table. He quickly went upstairs, with Ron, Hermione and Ginny close behind.
He entered Ron's room and sat on the edge of the bed and watched his friends file inside the room.
"Who's up for a game of chess?" Ron asked enthusiastically. Ginny squealed with delight, and grabbed the chessboard and laid it out in front of her and Ron.
Hermione sat cross-legged a few feet away from Ron, knitting a red fuzzy sweater. Harry rolled his eyes at the thought of House-elves wearing those "things."
Half an hour later, Ron was well on his way to beating Ginny for the third time. Slowly, Harry glanced outside through Ron's window and Maria's face loomed in front of his vision. That girl was no good, but why would Dumbledore let a Riddle in the school. Did he know she was a Riddle? Harry sighed heavily and slipped off the covers and onto the carpet in front of the chessboard.
"So Hermione, I see your starting spew again." Harry said and chuckled lightly to himself.
"It's not spew, it's S.P.E.W!" She said stubbornly, dropping the sweater and narrowing her eyes towards Harry.
"Okay! Eshh Hermione. I was only joking with you." He said as he pretended to be truly offended.
"Whatever." Hermione said. She crawled towards Ron and wrapped her arm around his waist pecking him on the cheek.
"Oi! Don't start getting mushy in front of me, warn me first so I can leave and take Ginny with me." Harry said as he grinned widely at the couple in front of him.
Ginny started to giggle madly, while both Ron and Hermione blushed and Hermione quickly took her hands away from Ron's waist.
"Let's just get back to the game. Shall We?" Ron said and he stared down at the board and moved his castle three spaces forward.
Harry examined the board and the quickly said out loud. " Did you hear the bishop is coming to town?" He tried to point out that it was a clue, and when it seemed to confuse Ginny, he bent down towards her and whispered quietly in her ear: "Bishop to B4."
She smiled warmly and then announced it to her pieces. She smiled and then grinned and looked at Ron almost evilly.
"I believe that is Checkmate." She said and then started to scream out loud that she had finally beaten her brother at chess.
Their fun was interrupted by Mrs. Weasley's voice booming from down stairs. "Okay Lights out!"
Harry suddenly stopped what he was doing.
"Hey Ron you don't mind if I stay at your house tonight do you? Does your mother?" Harry asked lightly. Ron shook his head.
"They love you as a son, they'll let you stay, let me just find something for you to wear." Ron said and he tossed a very long white T-Shirt to Harry and Harry quickly started to usher the girls out.
Once they were gone, Harry took a quick shower in the bathroom, and threw on the T-Shirt. He desperately tried to flatten his hair but cursed at it when it didn't change at all.
He exited the washroom and quickly climbed into the cot that was placed at the foot of Ron's bed. He watched as Ron climbed into his bed and looked at Harry with concern.
"Your not having any more nightmares, are you?" He asked after hesitating just slightly.
"No." Harry lied.
"Good. We'll talk in the morning okay?" Ron asked as he swiftly turned off the light.
"Sure Ron. Good Night." Harry said pulling off his glasses and with that he fell asleep soundly. Or did he?
Harry awoke with a start. He gasped for air and his hand shot up to his scar and started to massages it. He was shaking and was covered with cold sweat. Another troublesome night of nightmares, Harry thought as he slipped his glasses on. He looked at Ron's alarm clock and sighed. It read 4:42 a.m. He got up hastily to his feet and quickly grabbed his belongings. He threw his clothes on and very quietly, left Ron's room and crept downstairs.
He grabbed a piece of Parchment that lay on the counter and started to write a note to the Weasley Family. It read:
Dear Weasley Family,
Thank you for the stay. I really appreciate the fact that you love me as if I was part of the family. I know you may read this and wonder where I am but I assure you that I made it safely home, and the only reason I'm leaving is so Remus doesn't skin me alive because I've worried him to death. Thank you once again, and I may be seeing you soon, depends on how Remus feels about it. Until Then, have a nice summer and stay safe.
Love,
Harry Potter
Harry smiled at the letter and he quickly placed it on the counter and crept out of the house.
After many minutes of jogging, and the fact that Harry was still slightly weak because of the morning episode, He stopped jogging and started to walk, when it was five minutes to six, He could finally spot his house in front of him. He ran the last few steps, slipped the key into the keyhole, entered the house, and went to go lie down on one of the couches.
Harry quickly made two cups of coffee, hoping Remus would get there soon, and he quickly made scrambled eggs with bacon. He laid it on the table and again sat on the couch in the living room.
Half an hour later, when it was just seconds to seven o'clock, He heard the dangle of keys and the click of a lock. Harry sighed with relief at that and quickly sat at the Kitchen table waiting for Remus to enter the Kitchen.
Just as Harry was about to dig his fork into a piece of bacon, Remus walked in, slightly pale and weak, with his robes torn in many different places.
"Hey Remus. Sit down; I was just about to eat. How was the "Holiday"? Harry said as he went to go pick up Remus's bags.
"Holiday. Ha! You try becoming a werewolf and having the potion go all wrong. Remus said and with that said, he collapsed into a chair and rested his forehead against his opened hands.
"All wrong?" Harry muttered to himself. He looked at Remus's pale complex and weak build. It was bad enough he had lost his best friends, Harry thought. But becoming a werewolf and having the potion go all wrong? Harry thought, and he grabbed Remus's bags and slowly carried them up the stairs and into Remus's room, which was the first door to the left.
Harry sat on the edge of Remus's bed and let himself fall into deep thought. What if he, Harry, made a potion that could heal Remus's curse? What if he, Harry, researched enough and found a cure? Then Remus could enjoy the rest of his life. If he, Harry, made that type of potion, then maybe, just maybe, Remus could live a happy life.
Harry suddenly jumped up and grabbed a piece of parchment quickly scribbling something down. It read:
Dear Hermione,
I was wondering if you could do me a favor, the sooner the better. I need you to go to Diagon Alley, or any magical bookstore, and find me a book with all of the Magical Herbs, Fungi and Plants of the Wizarding world. Don't ask why, you'll find out soon enough, and if you do own a book about Herbiology, which contains any information on Magical Plants, please send it to me as soon as possible.
Thanks!
Your Friend,
Harry Potter.
He quickly ran to his room, tied the letter onto Hedwig's leg, stroked her and begged her to fly as fast as she could to The Weasley's house.
He watched her fly away from the house, the little piece of parchment tied against her leg. He quickly ran up to his trunk and opened it, searching for a book he had owned, praying he hadn't lost it. He sighed with relief when he pulled out the book "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi." He started to flip through it and he stopped on page 102. He stared at the word written in front of him.
Osibu: This is a magical Herb, very rare, which is said to cure all evil, even someone as evil and You-Know-Who himself. It is very rare and has only been seen once, which was many thousands of years ago, when the founders founded Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was said that the Osibu Herb stood on the Grounds of Hogwarts itself. (No Picture Available.)
Harry stared at the book and then jot the name "Osibu" Down on a piece of Parchment. He then jot down "Wolfsbane" and then placed the piece of Parchment in the book. He placed the book on his desk and quickly descended the steps to go devour his now cold breakfast.
When he entered the Kitchen, he spotted Remus in the Living Room Watching the Wizarding News. He sighed and quickly finished eating his breakfast, and then cleaned up the Kitchen and sat on the couch opposite to Remus's.
"So what did you do while I was gone?" Remus asked, trying to hide his weakness. Harry suddenly stopped on the spot and he heard the name echo in his mind. Maria Lilia Riddle.
"Nothing much, but something happened one night." Harry muttered, hoping Remus wouldn't ask what had happened. Fat Chance he thought as Remus seemed to perk up at the news.
"What happened?" Remus asked. He flickered the T.V. off and then sat up, his eyes locking with Harry's.
"I met this girl. She was about my age. She had long brown hair and…" He stopped trying to picture Maria's face.
"Well she had long brown hair and brown eyes. She had braces and spoke in a different accent. She bumped into me around midnight that night." Harry said, trying to find the best way to word this.
"She said sorry and then she told me her name." HHarry paused, thinking of Dumbledore's trust. Why would Dumbledore trust a Riddle?
"What was her name?" Remus asked.
"Maria." Harry said simply.
"Did she tell you her last name?" Remus asked as he slid off the couch and walked over to Harry. He knelt beside Harry and Looked at him curiously.
"Yeah. Actually she told me her full name. Her name was Maria Lilia Riddle." Harry said.
Silence. Not a word was said. Remus's face etched into worry and the grief. Harry just stared down towards the floor.
"Are you sure her last name was Riddle?" Remus asked, in a low whisper.
"Yeah. But she said she wasn't related to Voldemort by blood." Harry said. He hated having to do this. He was turning seventeen soon, and Remus treated him like a five year old.
"And then I went to the Weasley's house yesterday, and I told Ron and Hermione what happened. Hermione seemed very worried and then she told me she was going to tour the knew foreign kids at Hogwarts, because Dumbledore is letting Transfers attend Hogwarts. At first I thought she had just said that because she wanted to change the subject, but then she told me she had a list of the new comers, and one of them was named Maria Lilia Santara. It's her, I know that because she had become worried when she figured out I was Harry Potter, and she had said her real name thinking I was a muggle." Harry said. He took a deep breath and then asked Remus the question that had been plaguing his mind for two days.
"Why would Dumbledore let a Riddle in the school?" Harry asked looking at Remus desperately.
"I don't know. Why don't we ask him ourselves, because I don't like the sound of this girl." Remus said, and he got up and quickly grabbed a hand full of Floo Powder.
Ten minutes later, the two of them were walking across the Hogwarts ground (They had flooed to Hogsmeade.) and they quickly ran towards the Oak Doors. Harry threw the doors open and quickly started to sprint towards Dumbledore's Office. He skidded to a stop in front of the Gargoyle, suddenly remembering the fact that he didn't know the password. Remus stopped beside him and Harry turned his head clockwise to stare him down.
"What's the Password?" Harry asked him, tapping his foot impatiently.
"I don't know. I forgot about the fact that we needed Dumbledore's Password." Remus said. He stared at Harry and then his eyes wandered to the Gargoyle in front of them.
"What! Are you telling me we come all this way, and none of us know the password? I can't have any peace from confusion can I? It's always ready to pounce at me and-" But Harry was cut off short by a familiar voice behind him.
"I see I have some visitors. Go on in. Chocolate Frogs." Dumbledore said from behind Harry smiling lightly as his blue eyes sparkled brightly.
Harry quickly scrambled up the moving stairs and took a seat in front of Dumbledore's Desk. He watched Remus and Dumbledore file in and take their seats before Dumbledore started to speak again.
"So what do I gain from this lovely visit?" Dumbledore asked as his blue eyes pierced into Harry's own, but Harry didn't wince, instead he took a breath and began to speak.
"Sir Hermione has let me take a glimpse at all the transfer students this year, and I have my reasons for believing Maria Lilia Santara should NOT be allowed in this school." Harry said quickly and then he paused waiting for Dumbledore to answer.
"And why would that be?"' Dumbledore asked, his face now etching with graveness.
"Well, I've met her. She bumped into me two nights ago and well she lied about her name, either to you or to me." Harry said not telling them what her last name was.
"Are you saying I can't let a Riddle in this school?" Dumbledore asked. Harry stood silent with shock. He knew her last name was Riddle.
"But what if she plans to take Voldemort's side and attack me? You can't trust her, she's evil!" Harry protested. He was not letting a Riddle kill off his friends.
But Harry was very surprised when Dumbledore started to laugh.
"Oh Harry. Funny how teenagers come to conclusions so fast. She not related to Tom Riddle by blood." Dumbledore said.
"She said that but how is that possible?" Harry asked now very curious to know more about this mysterious girl.
"Let me explain. Maria's Father, Markus Riddle, was born from muggles, but his parents died in a car accident when he was only about two weeks old. He didn't have any aunts or uncles, because both of his parents were only children, so he was forced into a muggle orphanage."
"Now at the same time, Ms. Riddle, Tom's mother, had been trying to become pregnant a number of times, but the only results were a number of miscarriages. So instead of having a child of her own, she decided to adopt Markus Rodriguez. Only about two weeks after, did she find out she was pregnant, but even then, she was sure it was a miscarriage, but instead it turned out not to be a miscarriage, and so she was blessed with two children, and as you know, she died during birth, and both brothers were separated once again. Tom was sent to a local Orphanage, but because Markus was being put up yet again for adoption, he was sent to another orphanage, up North. He found a family there, but this family had always said his Birth Mother had been Tom's Mother, Ms. Riddle."
"Only when he died two years, ago, did we test his DNA and find out he was not related to the Riddle's by blood." Dumbledore finished.
"But sir, why does she keep her name Riddle, if her father was adopted again, wouldn't he keep the Foster Parents' names instead?" Harry asked very confused.
"You see Harry, the only reason this lovely couple adopted Markus, was because the only way they could stay married, according to their religion, was if they were to have a child of their own. So they adopted Markus, and kept him as their own, but never denied the fact that he was not theirs. Instead, they encouraged him to find out more about his family and to keep his so called "Father's" name." Dumbledore said. He pushed his body back into leaning position and stared into Harry's green eyes.
"So she's not evil?" Harry asked. He couldn't think. This was too much. She had been forced to be called a Riddle because of numerous of lies? He had kicked her and treated her as if he were the Dursleys and Maria were him.
"No Mr. Potter, she is not evil." Dumbledore said. There was some finality in his voice, but one more question was bugging him.
"Why, then, is she put down on the list as Maria Lilia Santara?" HHe asked curiously.
"That is only for her safety, so I don't have to explain to the entire school how she is not related to Voldemort. It is for her safety too. I do not want Slytherins harassing my Gryffindors because she is their master's so called niece." Dumbledore said.
"I'm guessing this is all." Remus said, and Harry jumped, forgetting altogether that Remus had been in on the entire conversation.
"Wait one more question. This has nothing to do with Maria, but do you know how I could get some Osibu?" Harry asked.
There was a moment of stunned silence and then Dumbledore straightened his body and cleared his throat.
"There is only one place you can get it, and that is from here." Dumbledore said. He pointed one long slender pale finger towards a stand that held a small silver box that was closed shut with a lock and a magical barrier.
"Sir, would I be able to…" Harry trailed off slowly. It was probably worth so much, and was so important that Dumbledore wouldn't let him, but it was as if Dumbledore read his mind and he slowly but wearily stood up and grabbed a small key from his pocket. He drew his wand and pointed it at the barrier.
"Deleo Ara" Dumbledore Muttered and he watched as the barrier destroyed itself. Dumbledore then quickly slotted the key in and opened the box.
Harry eyes darted to the plant inside and he stared. It was a vibrant Aqua blue and it was very small and it looked very frail. It had small blood red spiked on its stem and its leaves had small blood red veins. Dumbledore lowered his hand and gently picked up the plant. Once he had it clear from the box, he closed the small silver box and outstretched his hand towards Harry.
Harry stared at Dumbledore. "Your letting me take it?" Harry asked surprised that Dumbledore would let him take it.
Dumbledore nodded and dropped the tiny plant into Harry's hand. Harry felt one of the spikes dig into his flesh, but he didn't wince; instead he closed his hand tightly around it and turned towards Remus.
"Thank You sir for the Osibu. I reassure you that it will not go to waste." Harry said and with that he opened Dumbledore's Office's Oak Door and walked out of the room.
Once he was out, he quickened his pace, desperate to get home and continue taking notes on his brand new Anti-Werewolf Potion.
The rest of the day went by quite fast, and by 8:30, Harry was in the Kitchen, cooking a surprise meal for Remus. He quickly stirred the mash potatoes and sprinkled a bit of salt on the steaks. He cursed when he burnt himself against the stove, but by 8:45, he was setting the table, quickly placing his masterpiece onto the table using fancy purple mittens.
He poured a glass of fresh red wine into a glass, and a muggle beer into his own. He placed the forks onto the table, took off the mittens, and walked out of the room, towards Remus's room, where Remus had been the past two hours.
Harry knocked onto his white door and waited. He heard a muffled voice saying, "Come In.", and he twisted the doorknob with his free hand and walked into the room.
Books were scattered all over the floor, and Remus sat on his bed, leaning against the frame. Harry noticed immediately the fact that Remus was still pale and still looked frail, and as if a truck had driven over him, but he had improved from this morning, and Harry smiled forcefully and then opened his mouth to say dinner was ready.
But instead, he wasn't able to for Remus cut in. "I'm not hungry. I know you prepared something nice, but I don't feel like eating. Sorry." Remus said, and with that he put on a pair of dark framed glasses and frowned slightly as he went back to his reading.
"You have to eat something. I don't mean to be a Mother Hen or anything, but your not going to recover from your transformation by starving yourself, then acting as if you aren't weak, and trying to cover it up by looking busy! I mean, the books upside down for Pete's sake!" Harry said furiously. He didn't want to lose Remus to, then he would surely go insane.
Remus blushed and quickly turned the book right side up. But Harry wasn't done with his bickering.
"There, now you have some colour on your cheeks. Now come eat, I don't want you to starve yourself, and die." Harry said than, as low as he could he muttered under his breath, "Like the rest of my family."
Than Harry pivoted on the spot and walked out of the room. He had suddenly lost his appetite. He walked down to the Kitchen, and he quickly dumped his beer down the drain, and placed his plate into the refrigerator. He sighed darkly and collapsed on the couch in the sitting room.
Harry let himself drift off into his own thoughts. Why was his life collapsing into a million pieces in front of him? It was as if God was picking on him. Now half of the people he admired and loved were dead to the hands of Voldemort and his colony. Harry sighed and closed his eyes. He let his mind wander and Maria's face again loomed into his mind. So she wasn't what he thought she was. She wasn't a Riddle, or a spy. She had been forced into a disgraceful name, because a mother wanting children had adopted her father. Maria had the entire world turning it's back on her, just like he did. Everyone only knew him because he was their last hope of survival. All because of the stupid prophesy.
Harry bolted up off the couch, annoyed with himself. He jogged out of the living room and into the main entrance. He walked over to the coat rack and grabbed his thin muggle leather jacket.
"Remus, I'm going for a walk. Don't expect me back soon." Harry said distastefully. He thrust the door open and slammed it behind him.
He felt his anger rise, to a boiling point, and he was ready to hit anything or anyone that was in his way, but the cool breeze and perfect scenery seemed to calm his nerves. He groaned, now suddenly guilty with himself. He needed to find a place to relax. To cool off and be able to think, not of his problems in life, but of the solutions needed for those problems.
Harry spotted the park he had seen the other night. He walked over to it and sat onto one of the many swings in the park. He swayed his body back and forth, letting the swing push him, and the breeze beat against his pale complex. The soothing wind calmed his nerves, up to a point where Harry was ready to fall asleep, but instead, he stopped the swing from swaying, and instead, he got up and walked over to the bench seating himself on the same spot he had been seated last time. He started to hum to himself, a song he had heard on the muggle radio. Although a girl had sung it, the words still echoed in his mind. The words had not touched him then but now they did.
He stopped humming and listened suddenly. He heard a girl's voice. She was singing the same song. The girl was on the other side of the playground. She was singing slowly and it sounded more like a whisper, but at the sound of her accent he knew who it was.
He listened for a while. The words Maria sang. She seemed to have memorized the song. He listened carefully, looking for a meaning in the song.
"Mamma you gave life to meTurned a baby into a lady
And mamma all you had to offer
Was a promise of a lifetime of love
Now I know there is no other love like a mother's
Love for her child
I know that love so complete someday must leave
Must say goodbye
Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear
Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near
Someday you'll say that word and I will cry
It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye
Mamma you gave love to me
Turned a young one into a woman
And mamma all I ever needed
Was a guarantee of you loving me
'Cause I know
There is no other
Love like a mother's love for her child
And it hurts so
That something so strong
Someday will be gone, must say goodbye
Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear
Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near
Someday you'll say that word and I will cry
It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye
But the love you gave me will always live
You'll always be there every time I call
You offered me the greatest love of all
You take my weakness and you make me strong
And I will always love you 'til forever comes
And when you need me
I'll be there for you all the way
I'll be there all life through
I'll be there this I guarantee
Mamma, I'll be
I'll be there through the darkest nights
I'll be the wings that guide your broken flight
I'll be your shelter through the raging storm
And I will love you 'till forever comes
Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear
Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near
Someday you'll say that word and I will cry
It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye
'Till we meet again...
Until then...
Goodbye."
She finished and Harry smiled. She had a wonderful voice. The words were so meaningful, unlike most songs he had heard that Dudley had listened to. So meaningless with so many swearwords, some that he didn't even know existed. But Harry snapped out of his oblivion, and sighed. He should apologize to her. He had insulted her and had hurt her, in ways both physically and emotionally. It was wrong for any kind of human being other than Voldemort, to suffer such pain.
Harry walked over to her. He studied her. She had her head down, and was staring down at the pavement. She wore dark blue jeans, and a shirt that was light blue, with the letter M in fancy writing on it. She had her hair down and it swooped down, covering her face from view, and she had a dark pink, like a magenta colour nail polish. She wore a small thin golden bracelet on her left wrist and she wore a pair of light pink sandals. Harry had to admit, as plain as the wardrobe was; it made her look very pretty.
He placed his hand slowly on her shoulder, only to feel her flinch. She shot her head up so fast; he heard her neck crack slightly. Her hazelnut eyes looked at him fearfully, and she took a hesitant step backwards.
"Look, Maria, I'm really sorry. I didn't know about your father, and his real blood. I came to conclusion too fast. I'm really sorry, and I know I hurt you both physically and emotionally. I can make it up to you, just the way your father used to teach you. You can come to my house. Even right now is okay." Harry said. He stuck out his hand, and watched her chew the flesh of her lower lip.
Mute. She didn't say anything; she just stared at him, her eyes locking with his own. He was taken aback when tears sprang into her eyes, and she looked away. He didn't know this girl, and yet it was like he did. It was as if, every time he looked into her eyes, he would look into her past, her present, and maybe even her future.
He heard her sniffle slightly, and her shoulders started to shake. He didn't want to watch her cry. Even the lowest of men didn't make a girl cry. Not even Draco did so. Harry placed his right hand on her shoulder, and forced her to turn back, and face him once again.
Her bottom lip was now bleeding freely and trembling, Her eyes over flowed with tears and they started to slide down her cheeks. Harry didn't want to hurt such an innocent soul. He gently wiped her tears away. He then cleared his throat and began to speak, his eyes never leaving her own.
"Do you forgive me, Maria Lilia Santara? I will never call you by that foul name. I can see it in your eyes that such a name torments your soul. But I ask you to forgive my foolishness." Harry said. He waited.
Unexpectedly, Maria threw herself onto him, knocking him to the floor. She started to sob loudly, and buried her face into his shoulder. Her shoulders were shaking again, and she was muttering something he couldn't understand.
Harry didn't know how tot react to such a movement. Her sobs echoed in the night. He hesitated before placing his hand soothingly on her soft fluffy brown hair.
"Shhh." Harry muttered quietly. He hated to see her like this. He didn't know her at all! Here he was cooing her of her pain. Harry sighed and stood in that position until the sobs subsided.
"I'm so sorry. Now your shirt's all wet, and your jacket. Oh, I can't do anything right!" Maria said, she raised her face and sniffled, Harry noticed her lip was now swollen, because of her constant chewing. She sniffled again, and then became a deep red, and she lowered her head in embarrassment.
"That's okay, it's only water." Harry muttered quietly. He watched her start to bite her lower lip again. He put his finger against her lip and muttered, very quietly, "You'll ruin your lip like that, it's a bad habit." She stopped and then smiled lightly before she hugged him tightly. Then she suddenly pulled away. She sighed and then said in a low distasteful voice.
" I hate it when people do that. I was so close to being rejected completely from the wizarding world last year. I skipped Year Six, so I could mourn over my parents' death. Because I was a Riddle, they were ready to throw me into Azkaban, and I was easy prey for them not being in a school, so I moved here, and I signed up for Hogwarts. At first Dumbledore didn't want to let me in. He thought there would be much conflict because of my name, but then I had the idea of going under my mother's maiden name, Santara. I'll be known as Ms. Santara at Hogwarts. I'm really sorry I didn't tell you before. I know I seemed so desperate to let you come to my house, it even sounded as if I was luring you in, but I wasn't. I just follow my parents' faith so badly, because I haven't truly gotten over the fact that I'm never going to see the, again. Ever." By the end, she was again crying.
He watched her sob, and suddenly she collapsed again, onto the floor, uncontrollably sobbing.
"Come on, Follow me." Harry said suddenly, and he grabbed her roughly by the arm, and dragged her behind him.
"Ow." She moaned as his grip tightened. "What are you doing to me? Harry! Let me go!" She said, as she tried to wriggle out of his grasp.
"Please stop, I'm bringing you to my house, to meet my guardian, Remus, and I don't want you to say anything about your dead parents, or death, or Voldemort, Okay?" Harry said. He quickly grabbed his keys, using his left hand, and he slightly loosened his grip on Maria.
He slotted the key into the keyhole and threw the door opened. He closed the door behind him, and threw off his jacket, not bothering to put it on the rack. He tugged at Maria's sleeve and walked faster up to Remus's room.
"Remus!" Harry called out. He knocked on the door angrily.
"Harry what's wrong?" Came Remus's voice, and the door opened.
Remus's mouth dropped at the sight of Maria's tear-stained face and scraped knee.
"Ms. Ri- uh… Santara! What a pleasure to meet you!" Remus said and he extended his hand towards Maria.
Maria hesitated slightly but smiled and shook hands with him.
"Remus you wouldn't mind if she stayed over for the night. She's so tired and I don't want her to get hurt walking home." Harry said as he looked at the dark shade under Maria's eyes.
"Well… Sure! Why not?" Remus said and he smiled again, his white teeth gleaming in the dim light.
"Thanks. I'll go bring Maria to one of the Guest Rooms. Good Night Remus!" Harry said and he turned around and headed for the room next to his own.
When they entered, Maria sat on the bed in front of them and sighed heavily. She crossed her arms over her chest and started to bite her lower lip, but Harry noticed her eyes glance upward, and then she stopped biting her lip. Harry chuckled.
"Okay, the washroom is right there," Harry pointed to the door on his right. "I'll go get you some dinner and you can wash up. Don't worry about tomorrow just yet. I have an entire night and day planned for us. If you're going to be defended from the Slytherins, You'll need to become the fourth Marauder Junior. Got it?" Harry asked.
Maria seemed shocked at first but then she nodded and got up, taking small steps towards the bathroom door.
"I'll be up in a minute." Harry said, and with that he left the room.
Harry entered the Kitchen and quickly put some mashed potatoes on a plate. He grabbed a glass and filled it with juice. He grabbed some napkins and placed it all on a sliver platter. He carefully walked out of the Kitchen and again climbed the Marble Staircases up to his room. When he entered, Maria was just leaving the washroom, with a white robe wrapped around her.
Harry felt guilt consume him as he saw a dark bruise on her upper shin but ignored it as he placed the silver platter on the night table.
"Sorry I pulled you out of the park so suddenly. I just want to make sure you don't… Well I just want to make sure your safe." Harry said and he remembered what he had felt as Maria had dropped in front of him crying again. It had felt like someone was watching him; so much in one night. He couldn't bare it!
He exited the room, letting Maria change, and when she gave him the all clear he came back in and watched her sip the juice in the glass cup.
"Look, we don't even know each other, and yet already you've invited me to your house. I know you know so much about me already, but I can't seem to stop thinking that you don't really want to be my friend and the only reason your doing this is because Dumbledore told you to comfort me and well… I don't want to be used in such a way." Maria said.
"No! It's just, you understand the feeling of loss so much, that I want to be great friends with you. You know how it is to witness death of your own parents, and then be left to mourn over it, with no one there to comfort you. You understand my feelings like no one else will, and I want to become friends with you so I can comfort you and vise-versa." Harry said. Here he was pouring out his feelings to a girl he didn't know.
"Okay. I guess it's fine. Well let's start by telling each other favorite things and hobbies, How's that?" Maria said smiling brightly. It the first real smile he had ever seen from her.
He smiled to, and walked over to her, sitting beside her on the bed. His eyes locked with hers and she sighed heavily before starting.
"Well, The basics. Err… My Full name is Maria Lilia Riddle. My Father is Markus Philip Riddle; my Mother is Lilia Elizabeth Santara. My Grandmother from my mother's side is Elizabeth Santara, but I would call her Lizzy Santa. I had a brother; his name was Lancer Markus Riddle. Sweet boy, he was older than me by one year, but died along with the rest of my family in my fifth year." Maria said. She suddenly had a glazed look in her eyes, her eyes started to water, but she contained herself and continued.
" I was born in Canada on August Twentieth. It was around 6:00 a.m. I lived in Canada for twelve years. I went to Durmstrang the first year. But because of my Father's job, we moved to France. There I went to Beauxbatons. Finally I moved To Portugal because My Father was an Auror and he had to work there to take care of some problems, so we moved there, and I moved into a school called Stone Castle All witchcraft school. It was a private school, consisting of only witches. Then, one day, about a week before school ended, I was allowed to go home, because I had requested I leave early, because we were moving. The Potions Teacher, Professor Batwing, created a Port Key to my house, and I arrived there, only to find the house in a wreck and the Dark Mark above the house…" Maria trailed off.
"You don't have to tell me about that. Tell me your hobbies and stuff. I'm guessing you moved here to move away from the pain and memories. Am I right?" Harry asked. She nodded slowly, before continuing.
"Well, I love to read, and I think school is important, but not that important. I learned to play the muggle piano when I was six, and when I'm down, I like to sit at the piano and play." Maria said.
"You have a piano?" Harry asked. He was curious to know as much as he could about this girl. She seemed like such a mystery. So much to hide in those pure hazelnut eyes.
"Actually, not any more, it was destroyed that day. But, my Grandmother's still exists." Maria said. Harry knew which day she was talking about and started to encourage her to tell him more.
"I like to watch Quidditch, but I'm not good at it. I like watching the Wizarding News, and I detest the Daily Prophet. I think The Weasleys are great, and that Mr. Arthur Weasley was a great replacement as Minister. I wish I could become an Animagus, and I enjoy learning new things. I have bad habits though, like rambling, being way too emotional, I'm wimpy, and I bite my lower lip when nervous. I bite my nails too." Maria said. She looked at her hands sighing and chuckling to herself.
"So, What about you? All I need to know is you hobbies, what you like and dislike, and stuff like that, because the rest I know from books and such." Maria said. She looked at her abandoned food and then plopped some food into her mouth.
"Well, I enjoy Quidditch, and I like to read about Quidditch Stuff. Yeah that sums up what I like. Quidditch, Quidditch and more Quidditch! My hobbies are playing Quidditch, watching the Defense Programs on T.V. and joking with my friend, Ronald Weasley, about how Hermione Granger, my other friend, who is a know it all. My bad habits would probably be this "Saving People's lives" thing. Oh and I'm a very modest person and I ruffle my hair when I'm thinking deeply about something." Harry said. He smiled lightly as he finished.
"Very interesting personality. So… Now what?" Maria asked.
"Now you guys can stop with the yapping, and get to sleep, it's eleven p.m. and you are both driving me crazy." Remus said who was now leaning against the doorframe.
"Remus, I didn't know you were eavesdropping on us. Naughty little guy." Harry joked as he pointed his finger at Remus. Remus chuckled lightly.
"Okay sir, Harry and I will go to sleep and we are both sorry we disturbed you." Maria said automatically after Harry's response.
Both pairs of eyes stared at her. Then Remus smiled impressed.
"You don't have to be so polite in this house. Be a party animal, relax, have fun. In the Potter House, that's what you do." Remus said. Maria smiled.
"In that case." Maria said and she jumped on the bed landing in a laying position. "Where's your T.V.? You cheap people, I girl must have servants you know." Maria said, snapping her fingers, and then she burst out laughing at the sight of their faces.
"Just Kidding." Maria said. She got up and grabbed her plate. She placed it carefully on the silver platter and started to walk forward.
"Excuse me Remus, but I need to go put my plate away. Oh and do me a favor by conjuring my Pajama from my house, it's pink with white flowers, about knee-length." Maria said. Remus moved out of the way, and she left the room. Remus followed.
Harry sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for either one to return. His mind drifted off into deep thoughts. Harry watched as in front of him, Sirius's Death replayed, and then the Dursley's Death; Each one falling.
Harry was awoken by a loud bang, and he scrambled out of his bed. His eyes glanced over at his wand, lying on his night side table. Harry grabbed his wand and his glasses, quickly putting on his glasses, and right before he left the room, he glanced at the time. It read 4:36 a.m.
Harry quickly scrambled down the steps. He heard muffled voices coming from the living room. He walked slowly towards the edge of the wall, and peered at the scene before him.
His mouth went completely dry. Peter Pettigrew stood there, his wand extended and being held by a huge strong silver hand. He wore a dark cloak, but did not have his hood cover his face. Behind him, a faint green light was starting to appear, and Harry knew right away what it designated, for his scar had just started to burn on his forehead.
With one hand on his scar, and the other wrapped tightly around his wand, he jumped into the middle of the scene. Voldemort appeared where the green light should have been, and smiled menacingly. His red eyes bore into Harry's flesh, and he rose on long slender finger at his aunt uncle and cousin, who stood in the corner, shaking with fear.
"Kill his blood." Voldemort ordered, and with a flash of green light, all three bodies fell to the floor with a thud.
Then, suddenly, there was a loud pop, and about twenty-five Order Members showed up, each with their wands held high in confidence. But Voldemort was faster, and with a swish of his wand, both he and Pettigrew disappeared.
"Harry?" Maria asked, making him jump a foot in the air.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to, it's just…I know that look. Don't kill yourself about it, you need to spill it out, prepare yourself, by telling someone your feelings, your worst fears, and everything else. Things that bother you won't go away like this." Maria said. She snapped her fingers quickly, before sitting on the edge of the bed, right beside him.
Harry's eyes surveyed her. She was wearing a Night Gown, exactly how she had said. She had her hair down, sweeping in front of her face, Her faced had been washed, and now nothing of the incident remained, except for memories.
Harry sighed. "Don't worry, I'll talk when I think it's right. Here I'll let you go to sleep. I'm bringing you tomorrow to meet the Weasley's." Harry said. He got up and turned to face the door, but Maria's next comment startled him.
"Don't I get a Good Night Kiss?" Maria said. Harry pivoted on the spot, and blushed, a deep shade of red. He looked at her again, searching for some meaning to the comment, but he realized she was dead serious. She wanted a Good Night Kiss.
"Um… Sure! Why not?" Harry said, and he walked over to her. It was so weird, the situation. She got up and stood in front of him. Her eyes locked with his, and they both leaned forward at the same time. Now their lips locked. The kiss didn't last long, But as soon as their lips locked, Harry was left with this feeling in the pit of his stomach, and he felt as if nothing mattered, nothing at all, but the fact that he was on top of the Earth kissing Maria.
They parted quickly, and Harry Immediately looked away. He walked out of the room slowly, and as soon as he was in the Hallway, he started to skip the rest of the way.
Love… Harry thought. That was the feeling in the pit of his stomach.
He had seemed attracted to her at the start, so why not become more than just friends?
It was happening too fast though. From believing she was evil, to kissing her and falling in love with her. His life couldn't get more twisted into a knot…
Harry entered his room, and welcomed his soft bed as he collapsed onto it, and let his eyes close shut. His last thought was of a double date with Hermione and Ron, along with himself and Maria.
A/N: Hi,
My name is Celine, and I'm Ana's best friend. She was involved in a car accident, and therefore unable to post. I finally finished copying this chapter, off of Harry Potter Dialogue Centre, and therefore will be posting for her.
Celine
P.S. Come on R/R! Four reviews is so...little. Bye!
