"When are you going to work?" Harry asked at dinner that night.
"We're not going back for at least a week," Sirius said.
"What about your cases? Greyback, Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix?" Harry frowned.
"There is no more Greyback case," Remus said. Harry looked at him curiously. "He's dead. I killed him in the battle of Hogwarts."
"Really?"
"Yep."
"Awesome."
"And I'll go in when I want," Sirius said.
"You mean like now?" Harry pointed at the kitchen window. A brown barn owl was hovering with a letter tied to its leg. Harry jerked his hand and the window opened. "I'm going to bed." He pushed away and walked upstairs. Remus dropped his fork and stared at Sirius who opened the letter.
"You can't go to work, Padfoot," Remus said.
"Remus, I-"
"No. We just got home. Harry just got home. He's been in the hospital for over two weeks and gone for over two months. You can't leave."
"I'm not."
"Sirius, you-wait, what?"
"I'm not going in. They can deal with it on their own," Sirius answered.
"Oh. What's going on?"
"They're catching Lucius Malfoy. They want me to be there," Sirius said simply.
"Sirius, you're passing up the chance to finally get Lucius Malfoy."
"I don't care. Kingsley, Tonks, and Sanders can lead. I'm staying home this week," Sirius said. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have a teenager to talk to." He got up and went upstairs. Remus smiled and cleared the table. He looked at the time. He had to leave in fifteen minutes.
"Harry?" Sirius knocked on the open door.
"Shouldn't you be at work?" Harry said without looking at him. He was holding a picture of Harry, Remus, and Sirius. It had been taken in Harry's fifth year, after the kidnapping.
Sirius sat on the bed beside Harry. "I meant it when I said I'm not going in. I'm staying home this week."
"Won't you get fired?"
"Never have. And Crouch and Fudge are dead. I'm ok. I wouldn't care anyways." Sirius put a hand on Harry's knee. Harry finally looked at his godfather and smiled.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I have to go," Remus said from the doorway.
"Go?" Harry frowned. "Go where?"
"I completely forgot," Sirius groaned.
"Forgot what?"
"Harry, in about ten minutes, Seth is being given the Dementor's Kiss. It was supposed to be about a week ago, but everything got out of control and it was moved. I have to be there," Remus replied.
"I'm still going with you," Sirius said.
"Padfoot, you need to stay with Harry."
"Take me with you," Harry told them.
"Absolutely not!" Remus said immediately.
"I can handle it, Remus. I survived this." Harry held up the Evening Prophet. The heading was 'Harry Potter Defeats and Survives!'.
"Where did that come from?" Sirius frowned.
"I summoned it from downstairs. I can do wandless and non-verbal magic, remember?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Back on track, you two," Remus said then turned to Harry. "It's not that I don't think you can handle it, because I know you can. You've already been through so much and you just got home. I don't want you to have to see this, especially when it's someone you know."
"But, Remus-"
"Harry, no. You're not coming," Remus said.
"I can go if I want, you know. I'm seventeen." Harry crossed his arms.
"While you're living here, you're not going and I don't care how old you are," Remus answered and walked out.
"You know he's right, kiddo. I don't want you to see this either," Sirius stated and went downstairs. Harry followed.
"Fine. I won't go, but I'm having Ron, Hermione, and Ginny over," Harry said.
"That's fine, Harry. We don't know how long it'll take. We'll see you later," Remus opened the door and walked outside.
"Bye, kiddo." Sirius closed the door behind himself.
Harry sighed and went to the fireplace in the living room. He really had to get his friends Communicators.
"Harry, dear. Lovely to see you," Mrs. Weasley smiled.
"Hi, Mrs. Weasley. I was wondering if Ron, Hermione, and Ginny wanted to come over for a bit," Harry said.
"I'll send them right over, dear."
"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley." Harry pulled his head from the fireplace and sat on the sofa. It wasn't long before his friends climbed from the fire.
"Hey, Harry," Ron greeted as he and Hermione sat together. Ginny sat beside Harry and kissed him.
"Thanks for coming over."
"Where're Remus and Sirius?" Hermione asked.
"Seth's getting the Dementor's Kiss tonight. Remus has to be there. Sirius went for support. They wouldn't let me go."
"I should say not! That's a horrible thing to see!" Hermione gasped.
"They're trying to protect you, Harry," Ginny told him.
Remus' words floated back to Harry's mind. Let us take care of you now. Harry sighed. "You're right."
"I know," Ginny grinned and started laughing.
"So how long will they be gone?" Ron asked.
"They didn't know. It could be a half hour or a couple hours. We'll see," Harry shrugged.
"It's great to finally be home," Hermione smiled.
"Yeah. It's nice," Harry nodded.
"Here's the room," Sirius said.
"Are Kingsley and Tonks still coming?" Remus asked.
"I think so. I'm not positive."
"Let's go in. They know which room if they're coming," Remus said and they walked into the large chamber. There were a few candles lit that cast eerie shadows on the dark stone walls. There was a long table at the front of the room. Just in front of this table was a platform with an iron chair on it. There were chains on it which magically bound the victim to the seat.
"Remus! Sirius!" they heard Tonks call. They looked around and spotted her sitting near the front, Kingsley on her left and two empty seats on her right. "Where have you two been? It's about to start," she said as they sat down.
"Just had a thing with Harry," Remus said.
"Is everything all right?" Kingsley asked.
"Yeah, fine. He was getting irritated because we wouldn't let him come with us to this. He thinks it's because we think he can't handle it," Sirius replied.
"That's obviously not true. This is something he should never have to experience," Tonks stated.
"That's what we said. He invited Ron, Hermione, and Ginny over since he couldn't come," Remus nodded.
"Everyone, please be seated. We're about to begin," the temporary Minister, Amelia Bones said and everyone sat. She didn't want to see Seth receive the Kiss, but she didn't have a choice. She couldn't change the sentence given.
Everyone's heads turned as a door to the left opened. The few lit candles went out and the cold settled in everyone's chest as two Dementors brought Seth into the room. He was extremely pale and thin. His eyes were bloodshot and he was shaking. As soon as the magical chains restrained him, he began screaming. It wasn't words, just screams. He stopped when he made eye contact with Remus.
Remus stared at Seth. At what was left of one of his best workers, one of his best friends. He felt tears form behind his eyes and he looked away. As soon as he did, Seth began screaming again. Remus raised his head when the door opened again. A lone Dementor glided into the room and over to Seth who was pulling against the bonds. Remus' breath began coming in short gasps. He could feel the others beside him, tense and breathing fast, but couldn't take his eyes from Seth and the approaching Dementor.
The Dementor slowly raised its scaly hands to its hooded face. Seth screamed louder. The hood began falling. The Dementor lowered itself to Seth. Everyone watched as Seth's screams became muffled as the Dementor latched its mouth onto his. Seth began shaking violently. Everyone could still hear his muffled screams. Soon after, Seth went limp and quiet. The Dementor slid its hood back on then floated out of the room as two others entered. The chains on the chair released Seth's empty body and he was dragged from the dark room. Remus wished they would light the candles again though he knew it wouldn't do anything.
"This sentence has been concluded. Thank you and good night," Amelia walked out swiftly. She looked horrified.
"Remus? Sirius?" Tonks said quietly. Remus turned his head to look at her. She and Kingsley had lost all their colour. Tonks was slightly shaking and was holding Kingsley's hand tightly.
"We should all go home," Kingsley replied.
Remus nodded and turned to Sirius. He looked worse than any of them. His skin was white. His eyes were wide with fear. His whole body was shaking. "Padfoot." He touched Sirius' shoulder. Sirius looked at him. "We have to go home." Sirius nodded and let Remus help him stand.
"Will you two be all right?" Tonks asked.
"Yeah. Thanks for coming. I know it was horrible," Remus said.
Tonks hugged him. "I'd rather I saw it than Harry."
"Definitely," Remus agreed.
"We'll see you two later," Kingsley said. They all left and headed outside.
"I'm going to bed. I need to lie down," Sirius said when they got inside.
"See you in the morning, Padfoot," Remus said, eating a chocolate frog. As Sirius climbed the stairs, Remus entered the living room. The TV was on and Harry, sitting with his feet curled beneath him, was fast asleep. Remus smiled at him. It was only nine-thirty. He went to his nephew. "Harry? Come on, pup." He lightly shook him.
"Mmm," Harry groaned and his eyes slowly opened.
"Let's get you upstairs, pup. You're exhausted," Remus sat beside him.
"And you look like death," Harry said, rubbing his eyes under his glasses. "I'm also sorry. I know you're just protecting me."
"It's all right, Harry. Come on. Upstairs," Remus began standing.
"No." Harry grabbed his wrist and he sat back down. "Stay here." Harry lay down, his head in Remus' lap.
"Fine. We'll stay here," Remus summoned a blanket and draped it over Harry. Remus began rubbing Harry's arm and leaned backwards. He hoped he wouldn't have nightmares.
Harry woke up in the same position he remembered falling asleep. He slowly and carefully sat up so he didn't wake Remus. He remembered how his uncle had looked last night. It had been worse than when he had been a werewolf and it had been the full moon. Harry looked at the clock. It was ten-thirty a.m. He had slept for over twelve hours and hadn't woken up. He couldn't even remember any dream he might have had. Dumbledore had been right. He wouldn't have anymore nightmares!
Harry smiled to himself and pulled the blanket off from around his shoulders. He placed it on Remus then headed to the kitchen. He turned on one of the elements on the stove and placed a pan on it. As he waited for it to heat up, he took two butterbeers from the fridge and two chocolate frogs from the small cupboard above the fridge. He put a frog and a butterbeer at his uncles' places at the table. Harry went back to the fridge and pulled out two eggs and bacon. It had been a while since he'd had a decent breakfast, or any breakfast at all for that matter. As he watched the door cook, there came a tapping at the window. Harry glanced up and saw a familiar snowy owl.
"Hedwig!" he managed to quietly exclaim so he didn't wake anyone. Harry waved his hand and the window opened. Hedwig flew in and landed on the counter beside him. There was a dead mouse in her beak. Harry stroked her feathers. "I've missed you. Now go to my room and eat that. Not around my food." She flew off and Harry finished cooking. He dished it up with a glass of water and sat down.
As soon as he started eating, there was another tap at the window. Harry looked up and rolled his eyes. There was a black and brown owl hovering, a rolled up paper tied to its leg. Harry waved his hand again and the window opened. The owl landed in front of Harry.
"Why can't you all stay away from my food?" he muttered as he took the paper and placed money in the pouch. Harry shook his head as the owl took off and he opened the paper.
Hogwarts: Shutting Down or Opening Up?
It has been over two weeks since the mass defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. As the flames were doused and the dead moved, questions arose. Will Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry open once again for all the young witches and wizards still alive in the world? If it does reopen, will many return? Will students return to the walls that tell the horrific story of what has passed? The walls in which many loved ones died?
What about our new saviour? Will he return? Will he want to return to the grounds where he almost lost his life to save us? The building that will only remind him of all he's lost? All he's suffered?
Harry crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it to his side. How was he supposed to recover if stupid reporters kept announcing that night on the Hogwarts grounds? Announcing how many people he loved had died? How could they keep talking about all his 'suffering'?
Harry sighed and continued to slowly eat. He finished his breakfast and put the plate in the sink. He grabbed his jacket and put on his shoes, then went outside. He gazed at the snow covered lawn. He watched as it glistened in the fully risen sun. The air was still, the area silent. Not even a small wind was present. It was peace. It was bliss. It was normal.
Harry moved to a chair on the porch and sat down, still staring out at the distant mountains and white tipped trees. He hardly noticed when the door opened. "You'll get cold out here."
Harry looked at Sirius and smiled. Sirius sat beside him, the butterbeer Harry had left in his hand. "I have a jacket. Besides, it's not that cold. I've been in worse the past little while."
"Yes, but it's still eleven in the morning in winter."
"What's your point?"
"My point is that I want you inside where you won't get ill," Sirius said.
Harry rolled his eyes and grinned. "Fine." He stood up and headed back inside. Remus was sitting at the table, the wrinkled Prophet in his hands. "Morning," he said as he sat beside Remus.
"Morning, pup. I'm assuming you saw the paper and that's why it was in a ball on the floor?" Remus put it down, eyebrow raised.
"Yeah, sorry. Should have picked it up," Harry nodded.
"Don't listen to this article or any others. You'll drive yourself crazy if you take them seriously," Sirius said.
"I don't know if I want to go back if Hogwarts opens. It might be too hard. So much happened on those grounds. Even Hogsmeade. Maybe too much has happened," Harry told them.
"What happened in Hogsmeade?" Remus asked.
"Snape died and Draco Malfoy changed," Harry sighed. "We were in the cave when we heard someone coming. Voldemort had ordered Snaoe and Draco to kill us. We ran up to Hogsmeade, but Draco caught us. He kept saying he had to kill us. That, if he didn't, he would be killed. I told him he wasn't a murderer, that he wasn't his father, and he didn't have to be. Then Snape showed up. Told Draco to kill us. He didn't. Draco lowered his wand and faced Snape and backed up to us. Snape said he would kill us. We conversed a bit then he tried to kill me. I blocked, it was deflected, it hit Snape. Draco turned his back on his father and Voldemort. He thanked me for helping him. I didn't do anything though. I was just trying to stay alive," he finished the story. He put his head in his hand, his elbow resting on the table.
"You're right, Harry. A lot has happened. You don't have to go back to school. We'd rather you did, but you don't have to. It's your choice," Sirius said.
"No! That's not right!" Harry said loudly. "You're not supposed to give me a choice! You're supposed to tell me what to do! I'm tired of choices. You're my guardians, my uncles. Decide for me."
Remus and Sirius grinned. "It's not our choice to make," Remus replied.
"It really should be. You should tell me to go back to school and I don't have a say in the matter," Harry crossed his arms.
"You'll make the right decision, pup. I know you will." Remus kissed Harry's forehead then headed for the library. Sirius headed to the living room.
"That's it? You two are no help." Harry glowered at them as they laughed. He stood and followed Remus. Instead of continuing to the library, Harry turned into the den. He didn't know what to do. Nothing would ever be the same. Hogwarts would never be the same. The wizarding world would never be the same. He, Harry, would never be the same. He had seen and been through too much to ever be who he used to be. Would everything that had happened make it too hard to be inside the castle walls again? Could he handle being a 'saviour'?
Harry breathed deeply and looked around, putting his hands in the pockets of his hoodie sweater. He stared at the many pictures on the walls. There were quite a few of the trio at school. Maybe I should talk to Ron and Hermione.
"You're going to hurt yourself," Remus said behind him. Harry turned. He shrugged his shoulders slightly. "You don't have to go back."
"What if I do?"
"You have nothing to prove, Harry, to anyone. If you think going to school will do nothing but torture you, then don't go back."
"Maybe I should though. Maybe I have to prove it to myself. Prove that I can handle being back there."
"You're making this far more complicated than it really is, pup. From experience, taking the easy way out rarely has good outcomes. You know taking the right road will be hard but the results will be what you want or close. You know perfectly well in your mind that you can handle going back and somewhere in there, you want to go back. Don't make things complicated and you'll be fine." Remus left the room.
Harry sighed and looked at a picture from his sixth year. He, Ron, and Hermione were in Gryffindor Tower, happy and laughing. He loved Hogwarts and it would only be one more year. It would be a chance to be normal. Harry gave the picture one last gaze then walked out the door.