Fragmented fate

Chapter 8

Something peculiar was happening. Ever since he had that unfortunate meeting with Riddle, he had felt this sensation... like he was being followed constantly. Harry had intuition that somebody was keeping watch on him, but he never actually found anyone. It's unsettling and distracting.

Harry had always trusted his instincts. It was necessary for any Auror to follow them. Now those instincts were warning him... but why? He failed to understand.

His defence classes were going smoothly. Harry didn't think he currently possessed any danger from Tom because as far as he knew not a single person had suspected anything. He had definitely merged into rest of average crowd of students.

'Is there another danger?'

Harry closed the book he was reading about recent inventions and shook his head absently.

'I must be becoming paranoid like Moody', he concluded sardonically. He was unable to find any other plausible explanation in present scenario.

Harry left the library under watchful gaze of Madam Pince. She was becoming more and more suspicious of their uncharacteristic behaviour. She must have believed that he was up to no good. Well, you really could not blame her; when students started spending time in a library when there was no valid reason like desperate last moment study before exams... it warranted scrutiny.

Luckily his research was nearly completed; including his perusal of recent developments in wizarding world. Past and recent events had left some long lasting effects on this post war world.

The hidden war against the unknown enemy had created unnatural fear for magical creatures. When the war was ended; there was confusion and endless rumours running around about identity of the Dark lord. No one was sure if he was really a human.

It had generated a mass paranoia and hatred for non human beings in wizarding world. Their tentatively formed alliances were shattered instantly. The war had created visible drift in the society. Wizards have always regarded many magical creatures as lesser beings... Their reactions were varying from exploitation to extreme fear and wariness. In that sensitive times this grudging tolerance had abruptly transformed into violence. Even Goblins had felt burn of this changed attitude.

Many werewolves were murdered. Many creatures left their sanctuaries permanently. But no one was arrested. There was no proper investigation of these crimes. Political apathy and unofficial support was obvious.

Really, how it was possible that four vampire dwellings in northern region were burned down within a week and ministry knew nothing! Outrageous! There were two major massacres that had happened in a broad daylight. That had finally forced the ministry to take action and led the formation of new support policies for creatures. No doubt only grudgingly approved by ministry.

'Now it made sense that there was no mention of Remus while he was asking about his parents. Maybe Minerva was reluctant to inform him about this so called dark friend of his dad.'

Harry hoped Remus was safe. Maybe he could contact him.

It's nearly evening. Ron and Hermione had returned to the tower hours before.

Harry didn't want to go into the bustling common room so he just wandered aimlessly in corridors... thinking about all the absurd things he had found out. He was feeling restless and cagey because of them.

Even though he didn't want to admit it; he was starting to feel niggling doubt. If he believed in the information he had been finding out then the whole foundation of his plans would collapse.

'Is there no Voldemort ? And Riddle is a innocent good guy!? ... No way!' he refused to believe this.

Harry kicked nearby wall in frustration and then cursed loudly as his foot throbbed.

This Tom Riddle was very famous for his philanthropic work! His academic excellence and research had made him a world renowned personality. His knowledge and mastery was not limited to defence against dark arts. He had made startling inventions in various fields of magic. He had guided many of students pursuing their mastery. One of them was none other than Severus Snape... his current co-researcher and colleague. Currently they both were working on a potion that would permanently cure long term symptoms of Cruciatus Curse .

When he had come across a news describing Riddle's donation to war torn muggle area, he reread it several times just to ensure he was not hallucinating.

Like he said totally unbelievable!

Harry didn't even want to consider consequences of Riddle actually being a good person in this reality.

As he was pondering on this, a sudden idea flashed in his mind. It was worth the risk. He moved in a shadowy, deserted corridor and cast Disillusionment Charm on himself.

'How he missed his cloak!... but currently speaking with Dumbledore was the last thing he needed to further complicate this mess.'

Harry entered in the room of requirement. A vast expanse filled with hidden and discarded things greeted him. He hurriedly went to that particular location which was still etched into his memory vividly.

It was not there. He felt twinge of disappointment. He tried to search it in other spots with no result. Harry left the room with dampened spirit. He needed just one clue to check existence of horcruxes in this world.

Well, there was really slim chance that the tiara would be hidden in the same place. Now it indicated two possibilities; maybe Tom hid Ravenclaw's Diadem in a better place or he did not make that horcrux.

'Or there are no horcruxes at all! ' a niggling voice in his mind provided the suggestion. Harry ignored it. He inclined to believe the former. A leopard can't change its spots.

'A slimy snake is better suited there.' his mind quipped and Harry's lips twisted into humourless smile.

Suddenly bad odour assaulted his senses ... disturbing those thoughts.

Harry looked around. His feet had carried him to the owlery subconsciously.

He greeted Hedwig and proceeded to follow his other idea... a letter to Remus Lupin.

After half an hour, with discarded eight drafts, he had the final letter. He had tried to sound like a eleven year old. Harry reread it once again and tied it to Hedwig's leg.

"Please find him as soon as possible" he said softly. Hedwig hooted and gave him a serious look like she understood the situation. Harry smiled at his friend fondly.

As he saw her dot disappeared in evening sky, he hoped that this would not be another dead end.

Harry kept his fingers crossed.

A/N: Thank you for reading this story.

R & R