Returning Home
Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,Lead thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead thou me on.
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step is enough for me.
John Henry Newman
September 29, 2001—Somewhere in England
Voldemort was capable of being patient—he had learned his lessons the hard way during the thirteen years he had been incorporeal, slinking from place to place, always at the mercy of his few faithful followers. Throughout the seven years that followed his return to physical existence, he had remained patient, making only the occasional attempt to crush Potter and his allies.
Now, as his plans neared completion, he could feel his patience waning. He could taste the victory that was close at hand. The news his followers had brought him—information about a new tool he could use to his advantage in the war—caused him to move his plan forward. It was time to strike—against Dumbledore, Potter and the rest of the fools who thought to defeat him.
The Dark Lord strode through the damp passageway of his headquarters. He entered the vast hall where his Death Eaters were gathered, ignoring their cringing acts of servitude. Gliding to his throne, he gazed around, finally spotting the man he was looking for.
"Ssseverusss, my beloved potions master, approach."
Snape kept his eyes focused on his feet as he came to stand before Voldemort. He quickly knelt and asked, "My Lord, I live to serve you. What would you ask of me?"
"Potter, Ssseverusss. Any word on his location from that bumbling fool you work for?"
"No, My Lord. Dumbledore has given up the search for him. The impossible brat disappeared with no sign of where he went. My apologies, My Lord, that I haven't better news for you."
Voldemort waved his hand dismissively, "No, I'm pleased with your report, Ssseverusss. For once, I will have the advantage over the old fool. You may leave me now."
Severus cautiously stood, keeping his head down in a sign of subservience, and stepped back to his place in the loosely formed circle of Death Eaters. He was careful to keep his expression neutral as his mind raced. It worried him that Voldemort was not upset with the fact Harry's location was unknown still. He needed to get back to Hogwarts as soon as possible and discuss this with Dumbledore.
October 12, 2001—Oceanside, Georgia, United States
Dria squealed and bounced excitedly in her father's arms when she spotted the monkeys playing in their cage. "Lookee, daddy."
"Yes, sweetie. Those are monkeys. Can you say that? Mon-kees." Harry carefully enunciated the word for his daughter. Now nearly eighteen months old, her vocabulary was increasing daily.
"Unkees. See them. Me play wif them." The small toddler tried to squirm out of Harry's grasp to get to the animals.
Harry laughed as he lightly tickled her side, "No, Dria. People aren't allowed in there. You have to watch them from here." He glanced at his companion and smiled, "Geeze, Joshua, my little monkey wants to play with the other monkeys. She's so excited."
Joshua threw his arm around Harry's shoulders and leaned over, gently kissing his lips. "No, Harry. The little imp is just pulling your chain. She was just as excited last weekend when we took her to the beach, remember?"
"Yeah, you're right—as usual. Say, I'm hungry. Anyone interested in some lunch?" After both Joshua and Dria enthusiastically agreed, Harry quickly placed his daughter into her stroller and strapped her in. They wandered through the zoo, the two men pointing out other interesting exhibits to the wound up little girl, until they reached the zoo's cafeteria.
"What do you want to eat, Harry? I know what Miss Dria wants—a hot dog and fries," asked Joshua as Harry arranged Dria in a high chair and pulled it up close to the table.
Harry checked out the menu and said, "I think I'll have the chicken salad sandwich and chips. I also want a coke, okay?" He sat down in a chair as Joshua nodded and moved toward the line near the counter. Harry tilted his head and watched the other man, smiling faintly.
He and Joshua had been dating casually since they had met at Harry's birthday party. Harry enjoyed the other man's companionship, but was aware that Joshua wanted the relationship to become more serious that it presently was. He tried to feel more for the American, but had come to realize that he needed to end his connection with Severus before he felt comfortable moving forward in a new relationship.
Harry had decided to return to England and Hogwarts. He already arranged with a realtor to rent out the condo, since he would be gone for a minimum of six months. According to his attorney, divorce proceedings lasted at least that long when they involved a child. Harry had also purchased two tickets on a Muggle airplane—due to Dria's age, he wasn't willing to risk apparating across the Atlantic.
Joshua returned to the table, laden down with a tray full of food and drinks. He placed the tray down and handed Dria her hot dog. Glancing over at Harry as he sat in his chair, Joshua quietly inquired, "You have a serious look on your face, Harry. What's on your mind?"
"I… I wanted to tell you that Dria and I are… well, we're leaving for England at the end of the week. There are some things I need to take care of."
"Oh," Joshua looked surprised and hurt at the same time. "Umm, how long will you be gone?"
"Six to eight months, at least. I'm… I want to file for divorce—that takes a while."
A slow smile crossed Joshua's face as he asked, "So, you're finally ready to take that step, are you?" He tried not to get his hopes up—he wanted Harry, but the other man had been unwilling to move their relationship from the comfortable level of friendship they had established to a more intimate connection. "I'm glad. Does that mean…"
Harry understood what he was asking and returned Joshua's smile with one of his own. "Maybe. I can't promise anything right now, but in the future…" He shrugged as he continued, "Who knows."
"Well, with that to look forward to, the next six months will fly by. I can hardly wait until you come back." Joshua laughed as Harry blushed faintly, then the two men turned their attention to Dria, who had finished her hot dog and wanted to go see the 'efalumps'.
The next few days were hectic as Harry prepared for their trip. The realtor had found someone to rent the condo furnished, so he had to pack up his art and supplies. He shipped the crated paintings to the gallery where he'd had his latest show and asked them to try to sell the pieces. Harry then sent his art supplies ahead to England, so he would have something to work with while the divorce went through.
On Tuesday, he sat down at his desk and wrote several letters. Harry made arrangements with a local wizarding post office to send the letters via general owl—he thought Hedwig might be too recognizable to use, much to her chagrin. As he watched the last of the owls depart, he felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders—he was finally going to finish things with Severus.
Hermione was standing in the kitchen, finishing up the dinner dishes, when a peck on the window glass distracted her. Drying her hands, she opened the window, then ducked as a brown owl flew inside. The small bird fluttered around her head for a moment before landing on her outstretched arm and extending its leg. She absentmindedly handed the owl a treat as she unrolled the letter, then gasped.
"Ron, come here, quick!" she screamed.
"What is it, 'Mione?" Noting his wife's distress, Ron quickly moved to her side and took her in his arms. Hermione silently handed him the letter.
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weasley
Evening Primrose Cottage, Ottery St. Catchpole, England
Tuesday, October 16, 2001
Dear Ron and Hermione,
I know this letter is a shock, especially considering the way I took off without a word. Please, please forgive me? There is so much I want to tell you guys, but I can't bring myself to write it down.
I am returning home to Hogwarts this week. I'm not sure how long I will be there. There are some personal issues that need resolving, and I suspect it won't be a pleasant situation.
If you can forgive me for all the worry I put you through, and want to see me, please owl me at the Leaky Cauldron on Thursday, so we can make arrangements to get together on Friday. I miss you two, so much.
Love,
Harry
P.S. Please tell no one about my return. The only people who know are Albus, and Ron's parents. Remember, no one else must know.
Ron tightened his arm around Hermione as he whispered, "Oh my God, he's alive and coming home!"
Arthur Weasley sighed as he closed the last file in his in-box. He had been swamped at work and was looking forward to a quiet evening at home. Gathering his things, he spelled the lights off and locked the door to his office. He then headed towards the exit and home.
Ten minutes later, Arthur apparated in the rear garden of the Burrow. He sat for a few minutes on a bench near the back door, enjoying the peace and solitude of his home. The past two years had seen Ron and Hermione married, as well as Bill and Fleur Delacour. The twins, Fred and George were now living in a flat above their joke shop and were quite successful. Charlie was still in Romania working with dragons, and Percy had moved into a small cottage near the ministry. The Burrows was definitely more peaceful with only Ginny living at home.
After a few minutes, Arthur felt the tension from the day's work begin to leave his body, and he stood, ready to enter the house. A muffled crying greeted him as he opened the door to the kitchen. "Molly, my dear, whatever is the matter? Are the children alright?"
Molly Weasley raised a tear-streaked face to her husband and sniffed, "Everyone is fine, Arthur. It's just that we received an owl today from Harry…"
"Harry! Gracious, that is good news. How is he?"
"Here, read for yourself." Molly dug a rumpled piece of parchment from the pocket of her apron and handed it to Arthur. She began bustling around the kitchen preparing dinner. "I can't believe it, Arthur. After two years, we've finally heard from him. You have no idea how much I've worried about the poor dear."
"Molly, my love, I know you have been worrying. Everyone knows how much you've been worrying about Harry." Arthur smiled fondly at his wife as he teased her, then unrolled the parchment in his hand.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weasley
The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, England
Tuesday, October 16, 2001
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Weasley,
This is very awkward, writing to you after the way I took off. Please accept my apologies for any distress my disappearance may have caused you.
I so deeply appreciate everything you have done for me in the past and I hesitate to ask more from you, however there is no one else I trust with this task. There are some matters that I cannot trust to paper that I need your assistance with. Would you please meet me this Friday? I have already owled Ron and Hermione, and hopefully they too will be there.
Please, if you are willing to see me, owl me at the Leaky Cauldron on Thursday. I will respond with the meeting location at that time.
Sincerely,
Harry J. PotterP.S. Other than you two, Ron and Hermione, and Albus Dumbledore, NO ONE must know of my return. Please, this is very important.
Arthur looked over at his wife and chuckled, "Well, I guess I know what we'll be doing on Friday, hmm?"
Minerva McGonagall paused in front of the entrance to the Headmaster's office and uttered the password, "Droobles Best Blowing Gum." As the door opened, she stepped through and rode the spiral staircase up to his office.
"Albus, you're back. How did the meeting go?"
"Not well, my dear. Please, have a seat and we can discuss it." The Headmaster gestured towards several overstuffed chairs near the fireplace. Tea had been set up nearby, and Minerva poured two cups, handing one to Albus as he settled into the chair on the right. She took her seat and quietly waited for him to begin.
"Severus was called again—he should be back soon." Albus frowned down at his teacup and continued, "That's the third time in a week—Voldemort is making some sort of move. I only wish I knew what he was up to."
"Did the Order have any news, Albus?" Minerva slid a plate of sandwiches nearer to the Headmaster in a silent plea for him to eat. Albus had been apparating to various locations throughout England over the past week, contacting different Order members as he tried to decipher Voldemort's plan. As a result, he was quickly becoming exhausted and wasn't taking care of himself as well as she thought he should.
"Bits and pieces about the movements of the Death Eaters, but nothing concrete." Albus absently picked up a sandwich and began nibbling on it. "However, I did receive some good news right before I left this morning. There was an owl from Harry."
"Harry! Oh, thank goodness, Albus—he's still alive." Minerva smiled at her friend and asked, "What did the letter say?"
"He'll be here on Saturday. I fear, though, that it won't be a happy homecoming, for either him or Severus. Harry stated that he's planning to contact an attorney here and begin divorce proceedings."
"Oh dear—Severus won't like that, not one bit." Minerva shook her head sadly as she thought of the Potions Master. He had been frantic right after Harry's disappearance, spending most of his free time searching for his spouse. It had been almost a year before he gave up and had been moodier than usual ever since.
"I doubt he'll have much choice in the matter. Harry seemed very determined in his letter and we both know how stubborn he can be. We can only hope that the two of them will talk things over. I would hate to see the divorce go through—they both care for each other too much for that." Albus was aware of the cause of Harry's departure, and felt an immeasurable amount of guilt for inadvertently causing it. He looked up at Minerva, blue eyes twinkling slightly as he said, "Anyway, I wanted to warn you, so you could be prepared for whatever fireworks take place. As headstrong as they both are, the negotiations will definitely not be peaceful."
"What negotiations are those, Albus?" Severus asked quietly from the partially opened door. He leaning wearily against the doorjamb, Death Eater's robe and mask carelessly draped over one arm.
"Severus, my dear boy. Come in, have a seat." Albus waved a hand toward an empty chair, ignoring the man's question and asking one of his own. "You've come from a meeting—what news do you have about Voldemort?"
Severus pushed off from the doorjamb and moved to the offered seat, sitting down heavily with an exhausted sigh. He dropped the robes and mask on the floor beside him, heedless of the wrinkles that would cause and took the cup of tea Minerva handed him. "The Dark Lord is definitely planning something, Albus—and I fear it has something to do with Harry." His sharp eyes noted the look that passed between his two companions and he frowned as he stated flatly, "You've heard something, haven't you?"
Albus shifted slightly in his chair before nodding. "I've received an owl from him just today. I can't tell you what it contained since he asked me to keep it secret, but I can assure you that he is okay." He sipped his tea as he watched the other man close his eyes in relief.
A second later, the dark eyes snapped open and Severus warned, "You have to let him know that Voldemort knows something—I'm not quite sure what—and that he's in danger."
"I can't right now—Harry used a general post owl and gave no forwarding address." Albus raised an eyebrow in surprise when the teacup Severus had been holding in a loose grip cracked as the Potions Master squeezed his hand in agitation, but said nothing. He waited patiently while his two co-workers cleaned up the mess caused by the broken teacup then said, "Maybe you should tell us what you've heard."
Severus leaned forward in his chair, rubbing his face in frustration. He propped his elbows on his knees and braced his head on his clenched fists as he quietly explained to Albus and Minerva what Voldemort had said during their latest meeting.
"Hmm, he thinks he's one step ahead of me, does he? This can't be good." Albus thoughtfully chewed on his lower lip, twirling one finger through his beard as he contemplated what he had just heard. He glanced up at Severus, eyes softening as he noticed the man's unhappy expression. The Headmaster took a deep breath, praying Harry would forgive him for this small betrayal and softly said, "He'll be here on Saturday."
Severus looked up in confusion, "Who will be here Saturday?"
"Harry."
Narrowing his eyes at his employer, Severus ground out through gritted teeth, "You weren't going to tell me?" He jumped up from his chair and began pacing the room, raking his long fingers through his hair.
"Harry asked Albus not to say anything to you, Severus." Minerva said softly, her face full of sympathy for her hurting friend. She looked over at Albus and insisted, "You need to tell him the rest, Albus. He's been through enough."
Albus sighed as he heaved himself up and went over to the fireplace, staring into the crackling flames. He remained quiet for a few minutes then turned and faced his friend. "I'm going against what Harry wanted, but Minerva's right. You should know what he's planning. I'm not sure what day he's actually arriving back in England, but he's going to contact an attorney once he gets here. He's filing for a…"
"Divorce," Severus completed dully. He stood frozen in place, shoulders slumped in defeat as he realized just what Voldemort had cost him. Shaking himself slightly, he straightened his body and met his friend's eyes, pain visible in his face, "It's just as well. Harry deserves to be happy, and I destroyed the possibility of it happening with me. When he gets here, please assure him that there will be no protest from me." He quietly excused himself and left the Headmaster's office, planning to seek out his dungeons and his precious privacy in order to mourn his loss.
October 17, 2001—The Leaky Cauldron, London, England
Harry got stiffly out of the cab and reached in to unbuckle Dria's car seat while the driver went around to the back of the vehicle to retrieve their luggage. Harry ignored the cabbie's puzzled looks as he piled the suitcases onto the sidewalk, aware that the man was confused about their location. They weren't in a residential area, and as far as the Muggle knew, there wasn't a hotel around for blocks. He quickly paid the required fare and watched as the cab pulled away from the curb and disappeared around a corner.
Looking down into his daughter's petulant face, Harry sighed and silently withdrew his wand from his back pocket. Their overnight flight from America to England had been a miserable experience for them both. Dria had already been cranky due to a cold, and the pressure from the altitude had acerbated the pain from her ear infection. As a result, neither one of them had gotten much sleep, and they were exhausted. Harry just wanted to get inside The Leaky Cauldron, check in and find their room. He glanced around, confirming that there was no one around, quickly levitated their luggage and entered the Wizarding establishment.
The interior was exactly as he remembered from his earlier visits, and Harry felt himself relax a fraction. He'd been worried that he would feel awkward in the Wizarding world after his absence, but it actually felt like he was coming home. He smiled faintly at that thought, and went in search of Tom.
Several hours later, Harry was lying on the bed in his room, Dria napping beside him. He'd managed to sleep for a while but was still feeling tired. He blinked sleepily at the sound of a soft sound and looked over at the window to see Pigwidgeon, Ron's owl, sitting on the sill. He rolled out of bed, unfastened the scroll tied to his leg and fed the owl a small treat. Pig hooted a quiet thanks, then took off toward home.
Harry stared down at the letter in his hand, amazed to see his fingers were shaking. He was thankful the scroll wasn't red—he wouldn't have been surprised to receive a Howler from his friends. He gathered his courage and opened the message to read.
Harry J. Potter
The Leaky Cauldron, London, England
Harry,
You complete and utter dolt. Where the hell have you been? I could strangle you for disappearing this long, but Hermione tells me that I need to wait to hear your reasons before doing anything rash. Of course, we forgive you and want to see you. So do Mom and Dad. In fact, they're planning on staying tonight at the cottage so we can all come visit you together.
Harry, mate, I can't wait to see you. You also know that we will help you in any way we can, so don't worry about anything. Thank Merlin you're home. Until tomorrow then.
Ron
Harry—ignore Ron's rudeness. I won't let him strangle you—I'm reserving that for myself. You'd better have a good excuse for not contacting us all this time.
We haven't talked about your return with anyone other than Molly and Arthur, so don't worry about that either.
We love you.
Hermione
Harry smiled as he rolled up his friends' letter. He was thankful that they had obviously forgiven him, but he realized that Hermione at least would give him an earful tomorrow. He sat down at the desk and quickly penned a reply, then called Hedwig and gave her instructions to find Ron and Hermione.
He couldn't wait until tomorrow.