Final Curtain

Author: Mysterious Phantom Shyraz

Disclaimer: HP not mine, never is and never will be. It belongs to its' creator. The plot and anything you don't recognise is most likely to be mine unless specified.

Act II scene i

Three Months Ago…

DREAM SEQUENCE

"What are you doing? You're gonna get yourself killed like that!"

The shadow ran faster…

"It's you or him. Make the decision quick."

Eyes focused on a certain person dressed in a red revealing dress…

"Kid, it was nice having you here. You learnt fast, no one can touch you now."

Crimson liquid spilt on the floor and stained the white clothing…

END DREAM

Gasping, Harry woke up from the half peaceful slumber. It had only been two days since the incident with Xylver. He had moved to a new neighbourhood, back to England, to hopefully start all over again. Not exactly in a clean slate but at least a half decently clean one.

He had just manage to buy this apartment he is currently living in. There isn't much now, he just moved in a few hours ago. Lifting himself from the dusty mattress left by the former owner, he quickly changed and dressed. By removing the makeshift curtains, it revealed the rising sun with its rays warming Harry.

Looking around, there really isn't much. The only two places that are fully furnished were the kitchen and the bathroom. Though there is a personalised touch to the place. On one of the walls near the door hung a framed flag in red, gold, silver and green. An odd combination in other people's eyes, but to Harry, it was a remembrance of his school filled days. Scattered on the bench top of the kitchen were various knick-knacks he gathered during his brief stay with Xylver.

'It was all my fault…' Harry thought. Once again, someone had died in place of him. He had thought himself as a curse to others, bringing trouble to those near him. But a tiny voice in his head said "Stop blaming yourself".

He petted Hedwig, who was half asleep on the bench top, before he headed out the room.

"I need food…" He spoke to himself as he walked down the stairs. He was greeted by a middle aged man from one floor below.

"Morning there!" Dressed in a light grey suit, the man waved at him.

"Morning," Harry smiled at the greeting, "Mr…eh…"

"Chris Cesarini." Harry shook the outstretched hand and introduced himself.

"Pharo Rettry." He decided it was the best for him to keep a low profile whilst back in England.

"You just moved in yesterday right?" Harry nodded with a yawn.

"Sorry…" Harry apologized, only to be met with a smile on the man's lips.

"You probably haven't bought any furniture yet. I should leave you now…" The man waved a hasty goodbye as he rushed down the remaining flights of stairs.

Harry's stomach began to growl once more. Agreeing with his stomach, he walked slowly towards the nearest food source.

The new place he settled in had a more countryside feel. There were barely any motor cars around, people rode on bikes or walked to work. Most of the buildings are less than 10 stories high and the roads are lined with trees. Overall, this place is very different from his previous two homes.

Walking around, he stumble upon the edge of the town. Though, Harry could feel that there was something else here. Extending his magic, he saw a brief shimmer then a tiny pebbled path. Walking down revealed another section of the town that seemed different to the rest. The buildings are only ground level, built with wood and stones instead of concrete, instead of a tar-paved road it is filled with pebbles. However, the piece of information that gave it all away were people wearing cloaks and robes, though a few did wear 'normal' clothing.

'If not for the fact I've been to Diagon Alley numerous times, I would have exclaimed and be surprised.' Harry thought, the shops here are different than those he was used to back in London town. Though one thing remained the same, that was Gringotts. It seemed that everywhere there is a wizarding settlement, there will be a Gringotts branch.

All was well throughout the day, shopping was once again a tiring sport that Harry vowed he will not do it again unless out of necessity. He had all the clothes he needed, bought during his stay with Xylver. The furniture, though he could have transfigure it, he thought it was better to conserve his energy. But he did manage to crudely make a perch for Hedwig once he returned to his apartment.

It was when he was preparing dinner that he figured that he needed revenue. Sure, he could live for quite sometime without working with the Potter Vault.

'The moment I take money out of the vault, Dumbledore and the Ministry will surround me like I was a criminal…' Harry sighed. To make matters worst, he is still legally underage. This meant he needed to be in school to avoid suspicion.

'And people say that it is fun living by yourself. Whoever said that should be shot.' Then came a knock on the door. Harry presumed it was the neighbourhood welcome wagon.

"Coming!" Harry yelled from the kitchen. He quickly cleaned his hands, as he was cleaning up the pot he had accidentally burnt. One would have thought being a cook at the Dursley's would have minimise the chances if him burning anything up. Opening it revealed the same man he saw this morning, though not wearing a suit anymore.

"Mr Cesarini," Harry greeted.

"No need to be so formal. Chris is ok. My wife and I were thinking if you would like to come and have dinner with us. Like a welcoming dinner…"

"Um…sure." Harry said, turning back to invite the man in. "Though I have to clean up a bit." Hedwig suddenly swooped down only to be caught by Harry. He gave a warning look to the owl, who instantly behaved herself and sat quietly by the counter.

"You still in school right?" Chris asked as Harry headed over to the kitchen to finish cleaning the pot.

"Yea," Harry replied thinking 'Now I'll really have to find something to do during the day…'

"What are you studying?"

"Uh…" 'How am I suppose to say I've been studying magic? This is time for some real good bluffing…'

"Pharo?"

"Oh right, hm…Latin to a certain extent. Though I'm thinking of taking courses here."

"Courses? Oh right. You've just moved in." Chris nodded. Harry was just finished with the pot and grabbing his coat. "You living by yourself?"

Harry just nodded at the question. He's still thinking of a plausible story to tell. Afterall, this man did invite him to dinner.

"Where are you're parents?"

"They died." Harry stated plainly. At least that was the truth. He had been small when his parents were murdered and though he did miss them, there wasn't much pain in the loss.

"I'm sorry." The rest of the journey down the steps was in silence. It seemed that Chris and his family lived only one floor below. "Here we are." Chris announced as he opened the door.

The room gave a warm and comfy feeling. Walls were painted in cream and the furniture were wooden based. Just as they stepped into the room, a pair of girls, who were surprised to see Harry, came running to greet their father. A young women, who was introduced as Cordell, came from the kitchen and smiled warmly at Harry. She was similar to Mrs Weasley, strict and motherly at the same time. Chris introduced his children, the twin with the pony-tail was Tortinita and the other more quiet one was Arietta, and they had a quick chat before having dinner at the table.