AN: Ok…This has been a long time. Can't believe I'm actually writing again!

Yet again my style has changed. This time however, I believe it is for the better.

Warning: This is a rather dark and twisted chapter. It's weird and a bit harsh on Harry…just a warning smiles

I can't go back and re-write what I've already written as I'd never finish, but from now on, this story should be of better quality…so try and bear with it…grins

I can't promise that I will carry on, as I'm finding it hard to get back into the flow of things… Tell me if you think I should carry on!

Dreams, escapes and warmth

-

Setting himself down Harry took a deep breath and shakily held the paper to his face, studying the unsteady script written beneath.

As he began reading, perspiration steadily trickled south-bound from his untidy hair, and tears welled in his now transfixed eyes.

Standing up precariously Harry made his way back to the windowpane and re-opened the glass, immediately pushing his head through and letting out a howl of pain into the night air.

Hours later, Hanging limply against the frame was how his friends found him and took him off to bed…

The night was restless; sleep was not an option tonight it seemed;

Pain coursed through his body as faint echoes of his pain filled screams faded into the vacant atmosphere surrounding him.

A dull thud sounded as he fell, broken to the ground beneath him. Quiet, desperate whimpers, erratic in their pace broke free from his wishfully strong exterior. This was it, no more lying, no more cheating, no more deaths or suffering.

As he lifted his head, a wave of dizziness passed through him, causing him to lower his eyes to the ground, watching the rich stream of blood draw nearer.

A sudden kick to his side sent him sprawling unceremoniously across the unkempt floor. Laughter now echoed throughout the empty void that seemed to be pressing in on him with every second that passed.

The strong tang of blood could be tasted on his lips as he attempted to lift himself off the now tainted ground. He realised with horror that the blood he now tasted was not that of his own, with a distressed yelp he dragged himself into a corner and retched, trying to purge himself from the repulsion that now lay in the pit of his stomach.

Footsteps, tedious in their pace began to walk toward him. He just wanted it all to end.

He started, as a cool, long, slender finger, ran itself across his now dampened cheek and tucked itself beneath his chin, tugging slightly and brought his distraught expression to light.

His once long, soft, dark hair was now scruffy and caked in blood. His once playful, bright green eyes were now full of sadness and pain, a dull gleam forever present within their now icy depths. And his smile, his beautiful, gleaming smile would never be seen upon his tired and distressed face again.

The fingers now slid around the nape of his neck and their long sharp nails clawed at the tender skin it found there. They tangled themselves within his dirty mass of hair and with a sharp forceful snap his head was flung back, a resounding crack could now be heard echoing throughout the once silent void, and with a small shocked frown upon his youthful forehead, he was gone…

Harry sprung out of bed sharply, resulting in finding himself tumbling to the floor of the dormitory and knocking over Hedwig's cage, resulting in angry screeches filling the silence and a very sleepy Ron to curse towards the stars above.

Thoughts and images were running through Harry's mind at great speed. He could feel his shoulders sagging as they bore the weight he felt had been put upon them.

Sighing, he dragged himself to his feet and made toward the common room, turning slightly to look at his friend who now had gone back to snoring rather loudly.

As the portrait slammed closed, after Harry has argued with the fat lady about his reasons for breaking the rules, he set off towards Hagrid's, scuffing his slipper-clad feet along the course stone beneath him, resulting in his tripping numerous times.

He truly loved Hagrid, and sitting here upon this overly large couch and sipping from an extremely large mug, he wriggled his toes and thought how he would wish to be no where else right now.

For the past couple of hours Hagrid had been complaining about the abuse sent toward Dumbledore recently. Harry listened politely and came up with some relevant input into the conversation; however his mind kept drifting to other things.

Why had he had that dream? Was it sent from Voldemort?

He shuddered; it truly was not a feeling that one wished to feel that often, if ever at all, in their lifetime, the feeling of being wanted and hunted. Something about the dream had made Harry uneasy, which said a lot as Harry was now quite used to the not-so-nice dreams that have found their way inside his head.

Bidding farewell to Hagrid, after hastily hiding in a cupboard from Filch while he came to collect some whips, which a gleeful smile upon his twisted face, Harry decided it was best to at least try and get some sleep.

He was almost at the entrance when an overwhelming pain filled his side and he collapsed to the ground, silent screams reverberating throughout the dense air that had now consumed him. Pain erupted in his head as images flashed before his eyes.

Music filled his ears as the doors opened and he was welcomed into the sparkling bliss before him. People were gliding across lakes of diamonds, glittering magnificently beneath their feet.

He immediately fell in step with the beat of the lively songs thumping all around him, encircling his entire being with its pumping rhythmatic depths.

The world around him was lost as he closed his eyes and felt a strong, firm hold encompass his waist. At last, he was free, floating across the sea of beauty.

Time ticked by slowly, as if allowing this one night of happiness to last for eternity.

The heavenly smile that graced his lips was suddenly pulled into a dark frown as his eyes opened and focused upon another occupant of his gleaming surroundings.

With a sharp gasp he felt himself fall, grasping at nothing in order to bring an end to his descent, and as if by magic he felt his body relax and halt as if merely floating in between the mysterious scenery that now encircled him.

To his left, an ornate fountain, spilling Aquarius Rivers from its delicate spouts.

To his right, young children, playing innocently amongst a gathering of bright and colourful flowers, each petal gleaming from the warm rays of sunshine spilling onto its surface.

Scattered laughter and giggles echoed throughout the dazzling meadow, welcoming him with warmth and love.

A small boy ran towards him, arms outstretched, face rosy and full of delight as he threw himself upon him, expressing the words;

"Daddy…"

He hastily brought his arms up to steady him, breathing in his scent, the faint aroma of fresh strawberries and sun-cream playing with his senses.

The innocent declaration of 'daddy' soon turned sour, as the words were screamed from the young child's lips.

Feeling the tiny creature being ripped from his grasp, the world turned black and Harry felt himself swirling toward a destination unknown, screams echoing throughout the darkness surrounding him.

As sudden as the madness had started, it had stopped. Opening his eyes, they fell upon a picture placed on a wall, stood entirely on its own, enclosed by an array of foreboding trees, lurking in the shadows.

Placing one foot in front of the other carefully, as not to step on something unfamiliar he glanced at the picture, with a gasp he stepped back with an unsteady foot. Looking down he found that there was no ground beneath him, just endless darkness and began his decent towards endless screams and fire, cruel laughter encircling his thoughts.

"I've got you Harry'' Screams, too many screams.

"Harry, please…" And slowly the screams stopped, the images faded, the laughter evaporated and Harry wearily opened his eyes to concerned brown ones.

Dizzy and Coughing, he turned to his side and wretched toward the polished floor shining tauntingly up at him. Someone was rubbing his back and stroking his hair as he composed himself. Tears began spilling from their watery cave and a sob broke free from his torn throat.

"Make it stop" he choked, "Please, just…I can't…please…" and with that Harry forced himself to his feet and made for the door. Yells of protest followed his weak form through the entrance, but it was no use, he couldn't take it, he had to leave. It was too much. He didn't know what was happened to him and he was scared.

He stopped, staring at the sky. He was scared… He repeated it in his head over and over. He was scared, he had admitted it. He was scared and it all began to make sense. He was scared of not being in control, he was scared of the future, he was scared for Rene.

He was a scared little boy, trapped in a hero's body and he couldn't keep living like that.

He kept running, just ran wherever his feet would be able to take him, and sat when he could no longer stand. Looking around him, he found himself in a vast forest of trees. He must have run into the forbidden forest without realising.

Rustling started up all around him and Harry could feel his heart beat increase; hands grabbed him and dragged him into a bush. He struggled for a moment as he lashed out his hand came in contact with the rough surface of his attacker's cheek.

The result of this was a sharp slap across Harry's damp cheek, a jolt of pain washed through Harry as he attempted to scream, but was cut off with a sharp slice to his delicate neck.

Choking on the warm flow of blood that now flooding his throat Harry collapsed against the attacker, his vision leaving him, while mirth could be heard from others standing watch, as his body was shifted away toward a dark tunnel…

AN: Grins Well, there you go, my first chapter after almost two years.

I hope you all like it. I am aware that this story has taken on a more dark and twisted tone, but that's the way I write, and I feel it needs to be dark in order for the plotline to work (that which I can remember anyway)

So please review and tell me what you think? If anyone is interested in being a beta, as I have since lost mine from my last update I'd appreciate it.

Should I continue?

Kellie xxx