56 - Togetherness
"It's…not normal?" Harry is looking at Remus in confusion.
"No. Most people don't know about werewolves. And those who know don't like them."
He takes Harry's hand, squeezing gently.
"Usually kids don't want to play with you when you're a werewolf. People stare and say mean things even now that I'm grown-up."
Harry stays silent for a while, then realisation spreads across his face, his eyes going wide. Moments later, he's clinging tightly to Remus, who smiles at Dr. Rayburn gratefully. He realises that he should've told Harry long ago. That he understands. That he knows.
That Harry isn't alone.
.-.-.-.
57 - Crush
Dudley finds it hard to concentrate on classes since Jenna is sitting next to him.
She's new, and with her curly brown hair and brown eyes, she's the prettiest girl he has ever seen. They've talked a lot during the last weeks, and found that they share the same tastes in books and music.
He would like to invite her home, but there's Harry to consider. What if she's prejudiced, what if she dislikes him? Dudley knows he couldn't be friends with her any more, and he dreads the idea.
Having a crush for the first time sucks, he decides.
.-.-.-.
58 - Invitation
"Dudley?"
Dudley looks up from his lunch and sees Jenna standing in front of him. She looks flushed and nervous, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.
"Doyouwannacometomy placeonSaturdaybutmybrother's disabledandifyoulaugh Ineverwannatalktoyouagain!"
"Uh…I…can you say that again?"
She blushes even more, but doesn't look away.
"I said: do you want to come to my place on Saturday? But…my brother's disabled, and if you laugh at him, then…then I don't want to talk to you ever again!"
For some moments, Dudley stares mutely, Jenna looking back at him defiantly. Then he smiles, all worries about Harry now forgotten.
"I'd love to come."
Life is good.
.-.-.-.
59 - Headlines
"Great Britain's Dark Lord Strikes Again – Boy Hero Scarcely Escapes With Life"
Petunia looks down at the Magical Mirror's headline and the photo beneath it. It shows a dark-haired boy in a hospital bed and, to her surprise, Severus sitting by his side.
At first, she feels guilty. But then she listens to Harry in the living room – a sixteen-year-old who's struggling to count to twenty with his father's help, and the feeling fades. It could be worse; it could have been Harry, and he wouldn't end up in hospital. For him, it would be a coffin.
"Good luck, Neville Longbottom."
.-.-.-.
60 - Confusion
Seventeen-year-old Harry has a girlfriend now. Sarah goes to school with him; she's blond, her blue eyes slanted almost imperceptibly from her mild Down's Syndrome.
They do homework together and hold hands, and sometimes, there is a kiss on the cheek. Remus and Dudley are happy for them – truth be told, they're adorable to watch – but it makes Petunia uncomfortable.
It's not that she dislikes Sarah; she doesn't know why it irritates her so. It feels wrong, that's all she can come up with, and she resents herself for it. Why on earth can't she enjoy seeing Harry so happy?