Chapter three

When Harry first stepped into the kitchen he saw a letter sitting on the table, he ignored it deciding to make his breakfast first. While Harry was eating breakfast the morning owl with the Daily Prophet arrived.

Ever since Harry threatened to sue them for slander if any more lies were written about him there has not been one article about him unless it was filled with actual facts. So even though Harry hated the Daily Prophet it was this country's biggest source of news in the magical world.

"Death eater found dead in his cell at Azkaban. This reporter has been unable to find out who killed Lucius Malfoy apart from the fact he wasn't killed with the killing curse. All the prisoners were searched, not one wand was found. The aurors conducted tests on the guard's wands to determine if one of those held a grudge against the death eater, all guards were cleared. So readers, it seems we have a mystery on our hands, who got onto the island, who got passed the guards and who killed the death eater? When I find out you will be the first to know."

Harry read the article again but for some reason he felt cold. How did someone get into Azkaban? Harry couldn't stop staring at the headline; he hoped it didn't mean there was some other dark wizard out there who was powerful enough to sneak passed the guards. But if he was a dark wizard, wouldn't he want to rescue the death eaters, not kill them. Harry didn't like it but he had no idea why, he just felt something wasn't quite right.

Harry looked up when a patronus appeared before him, 'Harry, it's Minerva, could you allow me in please?'

Harry sighed but he headed to the door, he saw Minerva standing there, 'Hang on,' Harry did his charms then touched Minerva's chest, 'Now you can come in professor,' Harry moved aside to allow her in, 'Would you like a cup of tea?'

'That would be nice Harry, thank you,' Minerva followed Harry into the kitchen and took a seat at the table.

Harry sat two cups on the table but looked down into his, 'Why did you come here?'

'To ask why you are not going to finish your education?'

'I told you in my letter.'

'Your letter never said anything apart from it being personal. Don't you realise Harry that not sitting your exams will limit your job prospects.'

'It's not like I need the money, so I figured I'd take a year or so, go travelling then maybe opened my own business, maybe even in the muggle world.'

'You should return Harry, can't you tell me why you won't?'

Harry shook his head, 'I just can't.'

'Is it Voldemort?'

'Partly, even though he's dead what I went through is still there. I couldn't concentrate on classes, all I'd be doing is wondering when something was going to happen because something always does.'

'Then you should speak with one of the councillors that are available.'

'No,' Harry snapped then got up and stared down into the sink, 'Nothing will make me return there and nothing will make me talk to some stranger. I warded my home, I shop in muggle towns, I think that should tell you I don't trust anyone. When I did my charms before, it wasn't just to connect your magical signature to the house, it was to check you were really Minerva McGonagall.'

'I was not sure what you did but I knew I could trust you. I do understand why you would be more cautious than others. But Harry, talking about traumatic events does help.'

'No,' Harry almost shouted, even if it was louder than he normally spoke, 'No,' he whispered.

'I told Albus you were too young to put all that responsibility on you, but he was trying to keep you alive, he cared for you Harry.'

Harry scoffed, 'Believe what you want. I need to go out, is there anything else you want to say?'

Minerva saw the look on Harry's face change, it happened instantly, it happened when Albus's name was mentioned.

'Harry, tell me why you believe Albus never cared for you?'

'I have to go,' Harry hurried out of his kitchen and stood at the open door, but stared down at his feet.

'Why won't you talk to me?'

'You trusted him, you believed in him, so can you just go please Professor.'

Minerva stared at Harry's lowered head for a few minutes before she sighed as she stepped outside and wasn't surprised when the door slammed behind her. She had to find out why Harry thought Albus never cared for him, what had he done to make Harry hate him so. The only reason that came to mind was Sirius.

Harry might not have said anything but Minerva could tell just by his look, also how he sounded that Harry was suffering, she just didn't know what caused it. She had watched Harry a lot over the years, more than he realised, she got used to working out his feelings and this time she was determined to figure out the puzzle surrounding Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore.

She stepped into the office, 'He refuses to return, but I am concerned about something Severus,' Minerva flicked her eyes up to Albus portrait where her old friend seemed to be sleeping.

Severus understood, he flicked his wand and all the portraits were now deaf and blind.

'What happened?'

'Part of his reasons is Voldemort as we suspected, he said he could never concentrate on his classes wondering when something was going to happen because it always did. When I happen to mention Albus and how he cared for Harry, oh Severus, Harry changed. Before he seemed upset, vulnerable, then he was angry, his voice was so cold. I asked him why he believed Albus never cared for him.'

'What did he say?'

'That I trusted him, I believed in him, then he basically told me to leave. He has warded his home to people's magical signature but he also checked to make sure I was who I said I was. He also said he shops in muggle towns and his home has electrical power, it's in a muggle town. It's like he's avoiding his magical heritage.'

'He sounds paranoid.'

'No, not paranoid, but he is cautious which is understandable, something traumatic happened Severus, something to do with Albus. If Voldemort and Albus are the reasons he refuses to return then I don't see how anyone can make him change his mind. With Albus there is one possibility, Sirius, I do know Harry blames Albus for Sirius' death because he never explained to Harry about the prophecy.'

'If he was still inexperienced with occlumency I could find out, but now he's too powerful, he would block me easily. His letter to me sounded angry, like he was using me to lash out.'

'Yes, but you did make it sound like Harry would use his fame to get what he wants. You have to stop this Severus, Harry was never after fame, he did what he had to do, now he's trying to hide away from all the attention. But I think he's trying to hide from how he's feeling, from whatever that is hurting him. He refused to talk to me, he outright refused to speak with a councillor, maybe it's time you try.'

'I doubt he would even allow me near his home Minerva, we have not had the friendliest of relationship.'

'Then use your knowledge of Lily if you have to. You are the only person alive who knew them personally Severus. It does not matter if you and James did not like each other, you did know him. But your relationship with Lily might just be what is needed to get Harry to open up to you.'

'I doubt he will in two weeks.'

'No, but that does not mean you cannot meet him at other times. I'm sure this year will be quite calm compared to recent years so you will have time on your hands now you are not teaching.'

'I still cannot believe you told the governors that I deserved this job when it was offered to you.'

'I enjoy teaching Severus, you on the other hand loathed it. This way you have minimal contact with the children. Will you speak with him Severus?'

'Very well, I still have my doubts he will allow me entry into his home.'

'At least you are going to try. I best get back to my class schedules, let me know how it goes.'

'If he is so cautious but does talk to me I could see him asking for my promise to keep our conversations private.'

'Yes, but that doesn't mean you can't hint Severus, you've done it before. I want that boy to have a life now, he deserves it, just like you do,' Minerva turned and left the office in the hope Severus might be the one that can get through to Harry.