New chapter! Sorry for the delay, had ridiculous writer block. I hope you enjoy it :D Credits to my wonderful beta Zoi Aeras
His stay was finally finished.
Harry was both excited and apprehensive at the prospect of returning to Hogwarts. Magnus had convinced him to stay another week, and it was now mid-September. He wasn't looking forward to whispers or the stares they would give him knowing why he was here.
At least, thanks to Hermionie, he hadn't fallen behind in his schoolwork. During his stay, he had a lot of time, there was nothing else to do, and with his magical items not locked away, he even completed his backlogged Summer homework. Harry was looking forward to seeing Snape's sneer when he gave the potions professor all the work from summer as well what he'd missed so far this term. The greasy git wouldn't be able to belittle him then.
He did find some of the assignments utterly useless though, and sadly they seemed to all be from DADA, his favourite class. Though Harry didn't think the DADA professor could be worse than what he had last year, useless assignments and all. That's not to mention the books.
He had gone through all of Lockhart's books and couldn't help spotting the incongruities between them. When he had stopped the "Hideous Hag" of Westchester he had, according to his books, also been in Luxembourg dealing with the "Terrorising Troll." It didn't fit, and from Ron's and surprisingly Neville's letters to him, he didn't have high hopes for this year. He just hoped this time the teacher wasn't possessed by Voldemort. He'd hate to make it two-for-two.
Placing his last item in the trunk, he closed it with a thump. A knock sounded at the door, and Healer Magnus came in with McGonagall; wrinkles deep, eyes dull, her age weighed on her heavily. But seeing Harry upright and moving again, a wave of relief rocked through her. Healer Magnus gave Harry a final check over before giving him a detailed plan regarding his potions and physical therapy.
"Now, I've shared this Madame Pomphrey so she can keep an eye on you and inform us if anything is wrong. We are in a delicate stage, Harry, and you must be vigilant in following this plan."
Harry nodded seriously, Magnus had explained to him what the results would be if he ignored his instruction, and it made Harry shudder. The outcome far outweighed the effort to get there, and Harry had never been one to shy away from hard work.
Seeing the conversation coming to an end, McGonagall approached Harry and Magnus giving a deferential nod to the Healer. When McGonagall asked if he was ready, Harry nodded, and Magnus led the way to his private office so they could use his floo.
"I'm afraid the public floo is bombarded with reporters and since it's a general area we can't ask them to leave. So you will be using mine today."
Harry shot a grateful look at Magnus; he didn't want to be photographed and lambasted with comments and accusations from the media. He was going to get enough questions at Hogwarts; he didn't want to deal with it here. McGonagall instructed him on how to use the floo and to enunciate his words clearly, making sure he understood the dangers if he was to mispronounce. McGonagall went first to demonstrate, and Harry soon followed after Magnus' encouragement.
Stumbling out of the floo, Harry felt extremely nauseous. Seeing Harry's state, McGonagall quickly conjured a chair and a bucket, placing Harry in it and making him hold the bucket, it was almost always like this for first-timers. After a few moments of heavy breathing, Harry had calmed down and thanked the professor.
She smiled thinly before muttering "Don't thank me, Mr Potter."
Words Harry barely heard. Before he could contemplate them, McGonagall asked Harry to pick up his trunk and follow her to the Gryffindor Common Room.
It was early morning, so hardly anyone was walking about Hogwarts at this time, taking advantage of the weekend to have a lie-in. Harry felt different walking through the corridors of Hogwarts. Without his glasses, Hogwarts seemed clearer, colours sharper. But… he felt an ever-growing cloud of anxiousness wash over him, what would everyone think? What did everyone know?
These thoughts ran faster and faster through his mind, broken only by Harry noticing they had reached the Fat Lady. He watched McGonagall say the password, instantly committing it to memory. Walking in, he was surprised to see everyone up.
They were still wrapped up in their pyjamas, and many were bleary-eyed and falling asleep where they stood, but upon seeing Harry, the crowd sagged in relief at seeing the younger year.
"Harry!"
Once again it was Hermione who was first to act, wrapping in a hug so tight it hurt, and suddenly everyone was around him. Hugs, pats on the back, well wishes, and Harry felt overwhelmed with the attention. He never knew he would be so missed. Angela and Katie had both kissed him on the cheek, making him flush as crimson as the Gryffindor crest. After a few minutes, McGonagall spoke loudly and asked the Gryffindors to calm down.
She came forward, parting the crowd easily, and lay a hand on Potter's shoulder in silent support. "I know you have all been worried about your fellow housemate, but I want to be clear Harry deserves your support right now. His privacy is to be respected, and no one is to bother him about the past. The important thing is he is here and healthy. All other matters are his to discuss when he feels fit. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, professor," echoed throughout the room, and Harry felt his neck burn. Did they all know? After McGonagall left Harry was shuffled into the middle of the sofa in the Gryffindor common room, with Hermione plastered to one side and Ron to the other.
The entire house was crowding around Harry, hovering over him in both concern and relief, basking in the presence of their young housemate.
Oliver Wood sat in front of Harry and after giving him a penetrating look, smiled cheekily and started spouting off quidditch plans much to the groans of his teammates.
"He only just got back Wood!" Katie reprimanded him, But Wood ignored her, growing increasingly fervent as he talked plans, strategies and training schedules.
Harry could not help but smile softly as he listened to Wood's plans, basking in the comforting presence of Ron and Hermione trapping him between them.
He had missed this.
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