Disclaimer: I do not claim to own Harry Potter, or it's characters.

-

Last time:

Apparently, my temper precedes me, however. She was very agreeable to fulfilling my request once she saw my aura extending. It normally wouldn't happen, but the magic dampening wards on Azkaban kept a lot of my magic backed up, and emotions have always been an outlet for my magic.

I almost regretted asking for the damn thing when I finally got it, though. They didn't get my best side!

-

Chapter 7: Reuniting

After reading the Daily Prophet over carefully several times, the next morning, I was reassured in the fact that something hasn't changed. The paper was still full of shit. Of course, I couldn't begrudge them for that wonderful complimentary article they printed for me, but couldn't there be a tiny bit of useful information in it? I suppose I'm exaggerating, I did learn of what the ministry was doing to correct this grievous error in judgment, but they made no mention of Dumbledore or anything that I didn't already know to some extent!

Still, the idea that the ministry was going to pay me five hundred thousand galleons in compensation was very satisfying. Not to mention the aurors who "escorted me" out of my cell seemed like they'd be heading to the very place I was just freed from was a very, very satisfying prospect. Then again, every auror who wasn't feeling "shamed" for their actions against me will be out for my blood, but it isn't a bad trade off, I think. Although, I'm not exactly pleased with the idea that I'm stuck in this accursed hospital until the staff believe I'm fit to leave, I really want to rant about that, but I have more urgent things to worry about.

Today I have to meet with the ministry official and the representative from Gringotts; needless to say, I'm a tad bit apprehensive. 'I hope it's not going to be an auror!' I giggle, it really would suck if it was, but it'd be amusing all the same. Irony is fun.

So I was lazing about in my usual fashion, whatever that was, when the door creaked open. Yes, creaked. It was annoying similar to my old cell door, which, naturally, made me dislike it very much. What came in the door, however, was much more interesting and much more alarming. A familiar face!

..With a smile? I blink.

Okay, while it's a familiar face, I can't exactly remember who it is. Perhaps an old classmate? I'm scowling already. Miss. Familiar-with-no-name was looking a bit more apprehensive at seeing my scowl, I grin. Wow! I never knew what a stress relief it was expressing my emotions constantly. All right, I do, but it seemed like an entirely new experience, so forgive me for being a bit excited.

"Mr. Harry Potter? My name is Hannah Abbot and I'm the representative from the ministry." She had a curiously anxious expression on her face. Did she think I was about to jump up and attack her? I glare. However, I do remember the name…

I think. It's about as familiar as the face is to me, which would make sense if I put any sort of faith in my memory. It took only a few moments of staring at here before something came to me, though. I was rather proud of myself.

Hannah Abbot, a shy Hufflepuff girl. I worked with her once in the Order on a boring information organization assignment. My mind wandered for a moment down dangerous paths before I slammed that door closed again. Okay, for dragging that up I will consider the attacking part! If only I had a wand…!

A wand?

Yes, in front of me, held out by the woman I was so close to hexing a moment before (not that I could, then) was my beautiful holly wand, looking polished and well cared for. Naturally, I doubted it was really mine. "Who's is that?" Judging from her expression, perhaps it really was my wand? She was looking at me with a rather 'Are you completely insane' look. Hardly, what do people take me for?

I huffed and took a closer look, and surprisingly enough, it actually was mine! It had those tiny initials I carved in the bottom of it back in my first year! Of course, this was well before I realized that it wasn't an exactly healthy and great idea, but at least I knew no one else would purposely do so! In glee I snatched up the wand and stared at it in fascination.

I grinned, immediately re-plotting my revenge and escape schemes with the ability to use magic. They were a lot more effective this way! One question regarding the whole situation wouldn't leave my happy thoughts to frolic, though…

The sound of someone clearing their throat drew my attention back to… Hannah, was it? "Mr. Potter, the ministry would like to express it's deepest-" Screw this.

"Why wasn't it snapped?" I interrupted. This demanding attitude was rather fun, I suppressed another grin, if only to get my answer. Doing so was very uncomfortable, however.

Hannah answered promptly, as if expecting such a question. I glared. She didn't even seem effected by my best snap! Taking the fun out everything, she was. Pfft. "The Minister decided to have it sealed away with the knowledge that it was the brother wand of Voldemort's. Even if it seemed to be wielded by someone who was thought at the time to be evil, there was hope that they could use it later against You-Know-Who."

"I know who?" I grinned; I had always wanted to ask that. I never tried because it seemed very counterproductive to my Boy-Who-Lived image, but I didn't exactly care now. It's not like people are expecting me to be sane, I think I'd have more of a problem convincing them I wasn't, and really, I wasn't jumping at the chance to dissuade them!

The former Hufflepuff flushed and glared at me. "You know, You-Know-Who."

I glared back. "No, I don't know who!" I ruined my entertainment early by snickering, but that just made me snicker harder so I figured it made up for it.

Hannah's voice softened, "Harry, I know Azkaban is a terrible place, but you have to start pulling yourself together. You can't-"

Okay, now I was pissed. I can't what? Defeat Voldemort for the rest of the world? Wasn't destroying his body a second time enough? It's not my fault he did some insane Immortality ritual! My glare was less playful this time and more "positively flaming with rage". I hoped at least, it's been a while since I've had a mirror to practice with. And what gives her the right to try to sympathize with me? "You know Azkaban is a terrible place? Doesn't everyone? Spend some time there before you try to talk to me about this! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It tends to change people, you know, wasn't that one of the things you've always tried to do to yourself? Make yourself into a better person?"

I was ranting, and my aura was extending again. Not to mention the girl, as that's what she seemed like now with the way she was she was shrinking into herself at my words, was terrified out of her mind. "Don't talk as you know me. None of you do anymore, so tell me your business and leave me be!" Yes, I'm well aware I can be moody at this point. Going all angst-y on people was entertaining, though! I really can't help myself.

At my words she was suddenly wearing the same expression she had when she first entered, anxious, but with a curious smile. Do I need to say I was confused? My expression probably gave that away easily. The girl seemed to ignore it, though, not that I was complaining. "I was sent here on behalf of the ministry to relay your current status. Your previous awards and titles are returned to you when you received your wand," It was a wonderful thing to learn after accepting it. I knew there was a catch. Damn. "And upon release from St. Mungos you are free to do as you wish, although the Minister has requested a meeting with you as soon as possible. That's all I have to say, Mr. Potter, I hope your life as a free man turns out well."

With that, she left the room, I didn't notice for a while, though. I was too lost in thought.

I did hope this meeting would clear a few things up, and while it did, I found even more questions! And the more important ones remain elusive! Is it so hard to tell me who the minister was? Granted, I hadn't asked, but that shouldn't matter! Damn, it was all such a mess… One I really didn't feel like thinking about. I flopped on my oddly comfortably hospital bed and gazed absently at the white ceiling. 'Well, it went better than expected, at least.'

I grinned, and held my wand out above me and admired it. Perhaps this situation isn't all gone to hell? With a laugh, I rolled over so I was facing the door.

If I keep thinking like that, I know I'll be insane.

-

Notes: Late, (very late) I know, but what am I to do? I'm not going to fill a page up with excuses, so I'll just say one thing; Thank you for the feedback. It was your reviews that helped me remember I even wrote this story. ;) The chapter didn't quite make it to the length I wanted, but this writing style is not my preferred type. –annoyed- Right. Just to warn you, I am going to go back and fix the format/revise of previous chapters soon, the first few especially. (Most of it was written on Notepad) And my penname will change to "Exiled Rain" within the day or so. See my profile for reasons.

I hope the chapter was enjoyable, and I will try to post a new chapter within a month.

- Exile