CHAPTER 6: I'm never losing her
Hey guys, this chapter is a bit short than normal. Mainly because I felt this ending was perfect for it and I didn't want to add a scene just for the sake of it.
Now, few things I need to say and clear up. First, no, I am not going to add an infidelity tag. I know some of you have a problem with that. That's fine if you do, but not happening. Why, I'm not saying. You'll learn eventually and hey, you may even disagree after that and totally fine. It's your opinion and fully entitled to it. We all interpret things differently and that's the beautiful thing about art. It's all subjective.
Secondly, I want to warn you in advance that this story is going to get a hell of a lot darker. Not just the serial killer and murders side but as you learn more about Harry's personal life. This isn't a happy story folks, as I mentioned in one of the comments. The base idea of this story is 'what pain does to even the best of people' That's not to say there won't be humor. I'm an optimistic guy so I I'll try and incorporate as much levity as I can.
With that all said let's dive in shall we, without further ado...
Interior, Conference Room, Auror Headquarters – Day
"Motherfuck!"
Everyone except Draco jumped in their seats as the door banged against the wall with such force that the bolts came right out. It swiveled on the spot for several seconds before toppling over and falling to its doom with a loud thump.
But anyone barely paid any attention to it because the echo of Harry's rage filled shout still surrounded the room.
His face was masked with fury as he stormed over to their table near the far-left corner. Dave gulped as he backed away a couple of steps and there were equally frightened expressions on his fellow officers faces as they stood with their backs straight and their arms brushing against their sides.
Draco spit out the gum he had been chewing into the bin before looking up at Harry as he came to a halt and threw the paper he was holding in his right hand on to the table.
All their eyes dropped to the headline staring up at them.
Joanna Smith, The one and true seer, latest victim in the clocktower case.
"How the fuck did this happen!" yelled Harry.
They all looked up simultaneously but immediately turned their gazes downcast at seeing his glare, except Draco.
Harry turned to him. "Care to explain"
"I found out just like everyone else, mate. Believe me I was just as shocked"
"I don't fuckin care how shocked you were" he growled, before cracking the table in half with a single blow of his fist. "I want to know how you can let this happen! Explain it to me!"
Everyone backed away as Draco walked towards him. "I didn't let it happen, dammit!" he stopped right before him, their faces only inches apart. "My priority was the minister in case you didn't know. I had ordered others to get the minister's supporters out but-"
"I don't want to hear but's or if's or any of that crap. It was your job to keep them safe."
"I know my job very well." snarled Draco.
"DO YOU! You couldn't even handle a campaign security and not only made a mockery of yourself and the entire team but you made a mockery of me! How the fuck am I supposed to catch this fuckin psychopath when I have incompetent fools working for me!"
Draco's jaw clenched before he turned his head to the side.
"You!" Harry pointed at Roman whose face was white with fear. "Tell everyone to be in this room in ten minutes and I mean everyone. I don't care if they are out on the field or fucking in the closet, if they aren't here in ten minutes tell them never to step a foot in this building. Go!"
Roman all but ran out of the room.
Harry looked at Draco whose face was still turned to the side before looking at the others. "Leave"
They followed Roman's example and made a haste.
Harry ran a hand through his hair couple of times as he turned around and slowly started walking with his hands on his hips. He stopped and turned back around towards Draco. He let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry"
Draco scoffed, finally looking up at him. "How many more times are you going to say that. How about this, stop saying it because we both know it means nothing"
"What do you want me to say, huh" Harry lifted his arms before dropping them to his side.
"Not sorry, that's for one"
"Look-"
"No!" Draco marched over to him. "You need to get your head straight. I don't care about what you said because like your 'apologies' I know you didn't mean a word of it. You need to take a step back, Harry"
"Here we go, again" he rolled his eyes.
"No, I'm serious." He put both hands on his shoulders and gave him a hard jerk. "This isn't working, Harry. This complete change in moods, you have every one walking on egg shells. Soon, you will have nothing but incompetent aurors around here and not because they don't know how to do their job but because they won't be able to. If you talk to them now, I swear to you they're going to be rendered worthless by the ticking. Their mind will only be focus on that, wondering when it'll stop and the bomb will go off and with it, their career, their livelihood. You can ruin lives, Harry, and you don't want that on your conscience. You already have enough demons living inside that thick skull of yours. Don't add to the list"
"I'm only trying to get them to work harder" he retorted.
"No Harry!" Draco shook his head as his voice turned pleading. "It will have the opposite effect trust me and if you don't believe me then just look at what happened before. Rubnok"
Harry's eyes turned wide for a brief second as a steely expression came over his face.
"Look, I know you don't want to hear this and I wouldn't bring it up if it wasn't necessary. But do you remember how things were around here all those months when we couldn't find his location. Six aurors resigned because they felt it was like working under a dictator. I never told you because at the time it wasn't right but you need to hear it now before it gets to that level again and this time it will be much more than six.
Anger and fear aren't always the answer, mate. Talking, listening, caring, helping others when they are struggling, offering them advice rather than shouting at them for five minutes."
Harry scratched under his eye before looking up at him. They stared at each other for a long time, both sets of eyes conveying very different things, a ray of hope shining through one pair while the other looked tired and lost.
Harry rubbed his face before tilting his neck back and rolling it in slow circles. Draco never took his eyes off of him. Finally, after half a minute had passed, he pulled his hands away and opened his eyes as he turned his gaze towards him.
"Tell John and Dave to go to Witherfield's house and bring his pensieve. Tell them if anyone protests, call me right away. This whole mess is connected."
"Done." Draco answered firmly. "Though, we'll be breaking countless rules"
Harry arched an eyebrow. "Hardly our first time"
Draco smirked. "Hardly our last. But with Locke giving you full reigns I think we can smother this under the dirt."
"We'll need to smother a lot of dirt." Harry said with a faraway look before shifting his gaze back to Draco. "The media, press, will only write what I tell them to write and when I tell them to write. These fantasized articles and flashy headlines won't make another appearance."
"Done. But I think it may be better if you hold a press meeting. It'll calm the people as well if they hear your voice and know how fully involved you really are. What do you say"
Harry nodded. "Do it for tomorrow morning. I don't want to stand there with nothing but my balls hanging in the dry. I need to give them something worth to publish as well."
"And you think that will be hidden somewhere in Witherfield's pensieve"
"Hopefully. Also, I'm making a trip to IMA as well with a little one on one with the man who revolutionized our entire world." The sarcasm dripped off his voice like butter.
Draco's eyes turned wide as he started shaking his head. "No"
"Oh yes"
"I see the look in your eyes and let me tell you if you step inside that building, no one is going to remember these murders"
"C'mon, now you're exaggerating."
"No, I'm not. It'll be like seventh year all over again. You came back from defeating Voldemort and the next day you and Rowan had that fight. Harry, not one person in that castle talked about Voldemort or spared him a moment's thought and he was a man who killed hundreds and was this close to ruling the entire world" Draco lifted his right hand with only a hair's distance between his thumb and forefinger.
"I think that speaks more about how totally fucked our minds were than anything else. Also, everyone was still in the hangover and afterglow state from the night before. I know I certainly was."
"Yeah, I remember very well" Draco deadpanned. "Look, I need to know if this is purely related to the case"
Harry took a second's pause before nodding.
A second too long for Draco who started rubbing his temple. "Fine. I know I can't stop you but" He glared at him while pointing a finger at his face. "I'm coming with you"
"Fine by me" he shrugged his shoulder. "You know I love a gang up"
"Alright, that's it. How long has it been"
"What do you mean"
"You know what I mean. How long"
Harry sighed before answering. "Before I arrived"
"Right, we're not going till evening"
"Wait, hold one-"
"No. If you think I'm letting you near him while the powder is dancing inside your veins, you have another thing coming. Plus, murder under the influence, they won't even let your corpse out of the cell"
Harry snorted as his lips curved at the corners. "That'll be a first"
"Listen, do me a favor and take a few hours off." He continued as Harry started shaking his head. "Listen, you need to clear your head. Maybe spending some time away from all this mess will do that to you. You certainly need it. Go see your dad. I know you haven't seen anyone except Ron. C'mon Harry, this is important as well, in fact far more important than what we're dealing with here. It's not right, mate. He hasn't seen you in six months and I know it's killing him inside. You know he won't make the first move after what happened last time so, please, go and see him. Don't let him slip away too because it'll kill him" Draco raised his eyebrows as he waited for his response.
Harry tilted his head to the side and closed his eyes. He rubbed his temple before taking his glasses off and scratching under his eyes. He let out a deep breath before putting the frame back on and opening his eyes.
"Fine"
"Oh merlin, yes" Draco clapped his hands as a sigh of relief left his lips.
"Stop being so dramatic" Harry scowled. "You make me look like some sort of a nut case who needs to be chaperoned every second."
"Yeah" Draco whispered, arching an eyebrow. "Trust me, the dramatics haven't even begun. This is all natural, which should tell you something" He finished just as he saw Roman enter the room. "Yes, Roman"
"Sir, everyone will be in the hall in five minutes. Just waiting for those who are out on the field"
"Thank you Roman. Last minute changes, Mr. Potter sadly has to go out for some urgent business so he won't be making an appearance. Therefore, I'll be the one addressing the squad and since I'm in no hurry you can inform everyone that there is no rush. The meeting will now be held in an hour's time which gives everyone plenty of time to sort their stuff out."
"Very well, sir" He turned around to leave.
"Oh, and Roman"
"Yes, sir" he stopped and turned back around.
"Send John and Dave, please"
"Certainly, sir" He gave a slight bow before leaving.
Draco turned back to Harry who was lazily strolling through the room, his back to him. He watched him point his right hand at the fallen door and in a matter of seconds the door was back in its place.
Draco turned around towards the back corner and pointed his wand at the broken table. "Reparo" all the broken pieces came together and started attaching back to their former place.
Draco turned around when the table was good as new just as Harry looked at him.
"Be at the front door at 4. I won't wait for you"
"Done"
Harry nodded before turning around and walking out of the room.
"Harry"
He stopped but didn't turn around.
"Don't shoot up any more. I'll know"
Harry gave him a side glance accompanied by a small nod before leaving.
Interior, Hermione's office, St. Mungo's - Day
"Well, that's that" Luna clicked her fingers and the notepad and quill levitating in the air next to her gently dropped on to her lap. She put the items in her leather bag resting against the leg of her chair before looking up at Hermione with a smile who was shuffling through papers on her desk.
"Again, thanks a lot, Hermione. I know you didn't have to do that but...thank you"
"Not a problem" she responded; eyebrows furrowed in concentration as she read through a file.
Luna leaned over a little to peer before she said. "Busy" she asked.
"Hmm" she hummed, as she flipped the page over. Her eyes furiously moving over the words.
"Anything interesting" Luna asked, as she leaned back.
"Not particularly."
"Well, you never know. I may have a sudden inspiration to switch careers and I'm sort of getting that pull towards healing" she joked.
Hermione looked up and smiled ruefully. Luna grinned abashedly and arched an eyebrow. "I'm just reading through papers about an issue the board is having a conundrum about."
"Oh really" Luna clapped her hands excitedly. "I love conundrums"
"They are thinking about expanding another floor on Mungo's or opening a new branch."
"And let me get this straight. They want your opinion" Luna propped her chin on her hands, resting her elbows on the table.
"They always want my opinion" she said, before rolling her eyes. "Well, now they do at least" she muttered, going back to reading.
"Hmm. I know what you mean. Once a while my mind goes back to those initial years after I graduated from Hogwarts. Boy, those were a struggle. When no one gave you a chance. Every day was a hustle. It got so bad at one point that I had to pay people for an interview"
Hermione scoffed without looking up.
"Remember when Florean's became our daily pit stop after work." Hermione hummed. "I remember you used to come in looking so angry and shouting profanities about the hire ups. Calling them incompetent...among other things" she teased.
Hermione's mouth quirked at the corner as she lifted her head towards her. "Among other things"
They both shared a small chuckle.
"So, excited for tomorrow" Luna asked, after their giggles subsided.
"Tomorrow?" Hermione asked distractedly as she went back to staring at the page.
Luna's eyes turned wide in shock. Her mouth parted but it took several seconds before sound came through it. "Yes, tomorrow...you know...when Rose arrives"
Hermione's head shot up and she mirrored her reaction. "Oh my god" she whispered.
"You forgot!" Luna exclaimed. "Hermione, how-I mean- you've been practically wishing for this day since you saw her off at Kings Cross. How can you forget? You were even blabbering about it last week at the ceremony" A stricken look came on her face at seeing Hermione's lower lip tremble. "Hermione...what's wrong"
"I-I don't know. I'm sorry, Luna, but I have to go" Hermione wiped at her eyes that were starting to get moist as she got up from her chair. Luna got up and walked around the table towards her. Hermione was in the middle of stuffing the papers in a small bag when Luna put her hand on her shoulder, her face exuding worry.
Hermione shrugged her hand off as she walked over to the sofa near the side wall and picked up her black coat. She put it on before walking over to the fireplace on the opposite wall.
Luna, in the meanwhile, remained static and appeared a little shellshocked by her erratic behavior. She watched Hermione grab a fistful of floo powder from the pouch hanging from the shelf before she stepped inside the fireplace and turned around.
She came out of her shock and yelled. "Hermione wait!"
"Mars"
Luna ran over to the fireplace just as bright green flames engulfed Hermione. The flames died down a few seconds later and the fireplace was once again empty.
Luna rushed inside before rolling her eyes and hastily stepping out. She grabbed a handful of floo powder before retreating back inside and turning around. "Mars" The flames ignited for a millisecond before immediately dying down just as they reached her midriff.
Luna let out a frustrated sigh as she pulled at her white blonde hair. "Gahh!"
Exterior, Back Garden, Potter Manor, London – Day
James was whistling a tune as he watered the plants with his wand. The garden was enormous, shaped like an oval and was almost as big as a cricket field. It looked freshly trimmed. A large Gryffindor crest, close to twenty feet long and twelve feet wide, was embedded in the middle of the field.
A neatly trimmed hedge covered the south perimeter of the field while long pencil pine trees ran along the west and east side. Red and golden flowers atop round bushes ran along the edge of the Gryffindor crest. Other plants of different colours and sizes were sporadically spread around the field.
There were also three long white posts with hoops on either side facing each other. One near the back and the other at the front.
He stopped the stream before turning around and walking. He stopped when he reached a small bed of white lilies near the white marble steps that led to an outdoor verandah.
A light jet of water flowed from the tip of his wand and on to the flowers. He started whistling the same tune while looking up at the bright blue sky.
"The water won't to do any good if you keep on whistling" James whipped his head around and a harsh breath escaped his lips as looked at Harry leaning against the pillar. His stare was wide eyed and his initial shock quickly shifted to multitude of emotions running across his face. It went from shock, to happy, to anger, to grief, and then finally settled on relief, all in a matter of seconds.
"They were going to rot to hell if you had kept that tune much longer" smirked Harry.
"Harry" he breathed, a wide splitting grin forming over his lips.
"Hey Dad" he barely got the word out before James' arms were around him in a tight hug.
"Oh, you have no idea how much I've missed you" James whispered in his ear.
Harry wound his arms around him as well as he rested his chin atop his shoulder. Suddenly, James pulled back and punched him right across the face.
5 minutes later
Harry was sitting on the steps holding an ice pack to his left cheek and smoking a fag. He looked up as James stopped next to him. He was holding two cups of tea in each hand.
Harry put the ice back down and grabbed one glass from his hand. James sat down next to him as Harry put the glass down and picked up the ice pack.
"You deserved that" James took a sip and let out a satisfying sigh. "Nothing beats tea"
"I can name a few things" Harry smirked.
"Keep your filthy thoughts to yourself."
"If you say so" Harry took a long drag.
"Would you stop that" James pulled the cigarette from between his lips and threw it to the floor before crushing it between his shoe.
"That was my last one" Harry remarked.
"Good" James said, before taking another sip.
Harry shook his head before picking up his cup of tea. He brought it to his nose and inhaled.
"Don't worry, I'm not trying to poison you" James rolled his eyes.
"You never know" Harry quipped, his mouth tugging at the corner.
James halted mid-movement as he was bringing the cup to his lips. He turned his head towards Harry with a blank expression. "That's not funny"
Harry shrugged his shoulder in response. "Seemed funny to me"
"Then you need to think hard about why you found that funny" James' voice rose a little.
"Dad..." Harry sighed. "Can we not do this now. We established long ago your disdain for my sense of humor. So, please, let's not rehash that"
James looked at him for a moment before giving him a single nod.
Silence enveloped them for a while as they both enjoyed their beverage. The only sound was the light rustling of the leaves and the constant chirping of birds perched on the railing of the balcony.
"I know why you left" spoke James as he put his empty cup down.
Harry didn't respond, in any way. His gaze remained locked on to the lilies.
"After you disappeared, I looked into the case." James sighed when Harry remained silent. "You can't keep doing this to yourself." He shifted his body so he was facing him. "Son"
Harry slowly turned his head towards him. A pained expression on his face.
"I thought this was it. We all did. That after bringing Rubnok to justice, you'd go back to your normal self. You'd have accomplished what you set out to...but then, you disappeared...without saying anything, to anyone. That, my boy, is the dumbest thing you've ever done, and let me tell you you've done plenty of dumb things"
"Amen to that" Harry scoffed.
"What happened isn't your fault" James emphasized passionately. "And even if it was...then shit happens!" he exclaimed. "I mean, you're an auror for crying out loud. Catching and killing people is part of your job and sometimes, you make mistakes. Everyone does. There is not one person in the entire world who hasn't had a bad day at work"
"Messing up a few lines in your report or breaking a glass while cleaning is whole lot different than killing a kid" Harry said in a gravelly voice as he arched an eyebrow at him.
James closed his eyes momentarily before opening them and looking at him with sympathy. "No one is saying it isn't. You think I don't that. Don't forget I did your job and I'll be the first one to admit that I messed up a hell a lot of times"
"Yeah, but a child wasn't killed by a spell from your wand" James sighed as Harry turned his head down and smiled ruefully. "And the more fucked up part is that no one knows." He turned his head up and looked at him as he continued. "Everyone still sees me as Saint Potter. Their savior" He whispered darkly. The word flowing lying venom from his mouth.
"I think we both know that this isn't truly about what happened to that kid." Harry whipped his head towards him as his eyes turned wide. "What happened to him was tragic, yes, and I know it was the worst thing that could've happened to you. What should have given you closure and bring you back to the man you were only ended up being your nightmare."
Harry stood up and, in his haste, tripped over his feet but luckily hit the pillar with his back. His breathing had turned shallow as he walked past his father and headed towards the door.
"But you need to fight it because let me tell you if you don't and you keep on going down this path, even you won't be able to handle another loss"
Harry stopped in his tracks and turned around. His face was flushed red as his features contorted in anger "Flash news. I lost her a long time ago. We just made it official. I made my peace with it. She and I are done and I'm okay with it" he heaved.
"I wasn't talking about, Hermione." James shook his head as he walked over to him. "And I'm not worried about that despite what your mother says. I know you two will find your way back."
"Never happening" Harry cut him off, his face set in determination.
James' lips ghosted into a half smile as he inclined his head. "We'll see about that. But" he took a deep breath. "I was referring to Rose"
Harry's forehead scrunched in confusion. "What about, Rose" he said, before realization dawned on his face. "You think-that-" He scoffed. "You don't need to worry about that, ever. Nothing can come between Rose and I. I'll never let it happen. There isn't any force in this world that'll separate us. I'll die before it does. I'm never losing her" He gritted the last sentence.
James' eyes shone with sadness as he lifted his hand to his shoulder. "I loved hearing that. But, does she know that" he asked, arching an eyebrow.
"What do you mean"
"When was the last time you said those words to her. That you love her. When was the last time you gave her a kiss for no reason, or hugged her for no reason, or simply stared at her for no reason but just because you wanted to, because she is the most precious thing to you and you can't stop looking at her. When was the last time you showed interest in her, what she likes, has her hobbies changed, has her friendships changed. Does she have a boyfriend. Does she have a crush on someone. When was the last time you did any of that, Harry"
Harry's jaw slackened tightly before he opened his mouth. "She knows I love her and would die for her and kill anyone who even looks at her in a funny way. She just needs to know that and she does."
James picked up a string of lentil from Harry's robe before shifting his gaze back up to him. "I don't think that's good enough anymore, son"
"Look dad, don't tell me how to raise my kid, alright. We've had this conversation once before and it nearly broke our relationship. Let's not do it again, alright"
James met his challenging stare with his own and didn't back down. "Fine, but let me just say one more thing. Your grandfather never understood me, never paid me enough attention when I was growing up. He loved me...with all his heart. The things you just said to me about dying for Rose and killing anyone who would look at her in a funny way. This deep love, he felt the same for me. But here is the thing son, I never knew it, not when I was growing up, not when it mattered.
So, what happened. I left home the moment I finished school because by that time I resented him so much that I had nothing but hatred for him in my heart. The love I always craved from him, I never received it. Now, we've finally talked and made up. But after how long, huh, after how long."
He turned his head to the side and stared at the garden before speaking. "You were too young to remember but when he used to come to see you to spend time with you..." He smiled ruefully and wiped a tear rolling down his cheek. "I hated him even more for it. Because he never did that with me and I knew he finally figured out where he had gone wrong and he was trying to not make the same mistake with you"
He sniffled as he wiped another tear before looking back at Harry.
"Where are you going with this" Harry deadpanned, as he rubbed his temple in agitation. "This has nothing to do with Rose and me"
"Oh, it is. It very much is"
"How!" Harry shouted in anger.
James' eyes turned wide for a moment as he took a step back. "Wait, you don't know"
"Know what." exclaimed Harry. "What the fuck is it that I don't fucking know!"
"That Rose is moving out right after she graduates"
Harry's face lost all its colour as he looked at him in shock. "What" he choked out the word in a whisper.
"That's why I was saying all this to you. I thought you knew. To put some sense into you. But it seems things are even worse than I imagined if she hasn't even told you"
"And...who told you" He asked in a low voice as if he still couldn't believe what he just heard.
"Your mother"
"And who told her"
He looked up from staring at the floor when James didn't answer. "Who told her" He growled.
James looked at him dejectedly before saying. "I think you already know, son"
A loud bang and Harry was gone.
James closed his eyes as he tilted his head back.
Interior, Charms classroom, Hogwarts – Day
The classroom was silent, except for the scratching of quill against parchment. Students were copying the passage written on the black board at the front. The teacher was dressed in maroon robes and was walking the length of the classroom with his hands folded behind his back. His eyes were roaming from student to student.
Suddenly, the door burst open and everyone jumped in their seat. The teacher whipped around, his wand pointing forward.
A huge gasp left everyone's lips, including the professor, whose wand was thrown across the room by a simple flick of Harry's hand as he stormed inside. He stopped and raked his eyes over the class. His gaze stopped moving when it landed on a girl sitting at the very front in the middle row.
She had long flowing wavy black hair and green eyes. Apart from that she looked a carbon copy of her mother. From her facial features that included her button like nose, her full lips, her bushy eyebrows and her doe like eyes.
She stood up with shock written all over her face that quickly turned to fear at seeing the rage in Harry's eyes as he stopped right before her. She looked up at him as everyone had their eyes glued to them in anticipation.
"Dad-" she barely got the word out.
"Did you tell your mother you're moving out after graduation"
Her eyes turned even wide if that was possible as she swiped a tendril away and glanced a look at the students around her.
"Did you" he growled.
She looked back at him and meekly nodded her head.
Harry's nostril flared at her response. "What happened to not leaving until you finish your internship and then maybe, if you want to you can move to the London apartment. But that wasn't supposed to happen for another four years. Isn't that what we talked about. Isn't that what you said" he demanded.
She opened and closed her mouth for several seconds before finding her voice. "That-that was two years ago."
"So" he glared. "When and why has your plans changed and why wasn't I told"
"Because...I-I...because" she stammered as tears started pooling in her eyes.
"Because what!"
"BECAUSE, I DON'T WANT TO LIVE WITH YOU!" She screamed, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Harry was speechless for a moment before pointing a finger at himself. "You don't want to live with me" he asked.
"Yes! I'm sick and tired of your and mum's fights and I can' take it anymore. Plus, you don't even care about me and never have so stop acting like you do"
It happened before he even knew it. In less than a second his hand was pulled back and Rose's eyes turned wide before she flinched and put her hands up in defense.
A horrified look came over Harry's face as he realized what he was doing and stopped the momentum of his arm before his hand could make contact.
A sharp gasp echoed around the classroom as everyone stared in shock.
Rose put her arms down and looked up at him as her lower lip started trembling and her entire body started shaking.
Harry was still in shock as he kept staring at her with nothing but terror written all over his face.
A choked sob escaped Rose's lips before she muffled it with her hand and dashed out of the room.
Interior, Boy's Toilet, Second floor, Hogwarts – Day
Harry barged into the empty room before closing the door behind him and putting a lock on it. His breathing coming in ragged breaths. He dropped two packets of small white bags on to the shelf before taking off his robe. His shirt was soaked with sweat. He opened the first two buttons before wiping the sweat off his glistening forehead.
His knees made a loud thud as he dropped to the floor. He ripped open the bags before rolling up the note he took out from his trouser pocket in no time and brought one end to his nose before snorting a line through the white powder. He did it again, and again, and again, until it was all gone.
He dropped his head to the counter and closed his eyes.
"Dad, c'mon, let's play!" a little girl with raven black hair pulled at Harry's hand as he plopped on to the couch with a sigh.
"Just give me a minute, sweety. Daddy's tired." he murmured, closing his eyes.
"Don't call me sweety! I'm not a kid anymore! I'm seven years old" she frowned
Harry opened his eyes and turned his head towards her, arching an eyebrow. "Oh, you'll always be my little sweety. I don't care how old you are" He bent forward and pulled her on to his lap.
"Dad! Put me down and stop calling me sweety"
"Oh really, and what are you going to do about it"
"I'll tell mum"
"Mum!"
"Hmm. She'll tell you off"
"Oh, mum isn't going to tell me off. She never would"
"Dad, she just told you off during breakfast" she rolled her eyes as Harry pulled her even closer. She rested her head against his chest as he kissed her cheek.
"During breakfast? What today?"
"Yes! God, how can you forget that. You were making weird noises while eating and being extra weird."
"Hey, I'm not weird and certainly never extra weird"
"Whatever you say, Dad. Anyway, you were being...well whatever and mum told you off" she looked at her nails that were painted pink.
"Really?" Harry lifted her right hand and kissed her knuckles one by one, making her giggle.
"Yes! Don't you remember"
"You know what. Now that you mention it, it's coming back to me."
"Ha! See. Told you"
"She does do that a lot, doesn't she. Telling me off"
"Hmm mm. Well, not all the time, only when you're being...well, only when she thinks you're being annoying"
"Nicely put" he pinched her cheek.
"Thanks" she turned her head towards him and kissed his cheek.
"So, what do you say we do about that"
"About what" she frowned, as she pulled back and shifted until she was facing him, her legs wound around his torso.
"About mum. Keep up darling"
"I don't know! Wait, what do you mean?" she fiddled with his shirt button, closely examining it.
"Well, you said that she tells me off when I'm being my charming self"
"I never said charming" she shot him a quick glare before focusing back on the button.
"And that's just not good. Actually, if you think about it, she is being a bully isn't she and you know how much I hate bullies. There is no place in the world for them. So, we should do something about it."
"Like what"
"Hmm, like...I got it! You know how mum loves the chocolate fudge ice cream from that shop in Diagon Alley. We went there a couple of weeks back remember."
"Yes" a smile came over her lips.
"Well, here's my idea. We go to the shop, buy it for mum but, we make it salty and don't tell her. What do you say about that"
"But how would we do that. Oh, I get it, we'll spray salt all over it" she exclaimed.
"No."
"No?"
"No. You still have a long way to learn. The charm won't kick in until mum has finished it all and is all happy and lovey dovey, that's when the real fun will begin."
"I don't understand"
"You don't need to. You just enjoy the fun"
"Okay."
"So, you ready"
"I'm ready"
"And you won't back down"
"No, I promise" she said resolutely, tilting her chin up in defiance.
"Good. I know I can always count on you"
"Yes, now say I'm the best" she gave him a devilish smirk as she lifted her hands and brought them closer to his armpits.
"Of course, you're the best." he feigned horror, making her smile smugly.
"Good" she said snobbishly.
"Now, say I'm the best" he gave her puppy dog eyes and stuck his bottom lip out.
"Of course, you're the best, daddy. I love you" she leaned forward and hugged him, tilting her head and kissing his cheek.
"DAD!"
Harry made loud wheezing noises as he took huge gulps of air. He dropped to the ground on his back and stared at the ceiling. His eyes were hollow and almost seemed dead with no life in them. A single tear escaped his eyelid and slowly rolled down his cheek.
A/N: Alright peeps, as always post your comments and let me know your thoughts. I always read every single one of them and I try and respond to every single one as well. I don't care if you like it or not as long as you keep things civil. Have a nice weekend and I'll catch you on the flip side.