Chapter 3 – Silent Vigil

What if Harry didn't want to attend the Halloween feast?

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Ever since Hagrid had let Harry know that his parents weren't drunken bums that died in a car crash, Harry had tried to learn all he could about James and Lily Potter. The Hogwarts staff hadn't been very forthcoming when the shy boy attempted to ask questions, so he had learned what he could from the old newspapers the school librarian had pointed out to him.

It was now the end of October, the anniversary of their deaths at the hands of the so-called Lord Voldemort. A feast was planned for tonight, not only a recognition of Samhain, but as a celebration of the end of the war with the dark wizard. "Well, I know about my parents now," he thought. "And I'm sure no one can expect me to attend a feast that basically celebrates their murders."

Harry didn't think his friend Ron would bypass a feast for any reason, but he sought out his friend's older brother and prefect, Percy. After explaining his desire to spend the evening in quiet commemoration of the anniversary of his parent's deaths, Percy nodded. "Very commendable, Harry. However, make sure that Professor McGonagall knows. She doesn't like surprises."

That brought the young raven-haired student to his Head of House's office door. He knocked quietly, and at her acknowledgement, he opened the door and stepped inside her office.

The stern woman looked in surprise at the young Gryffindor. As it was only two months into the year, she didn't expect to have First Years seeking her out. "What is it, Mr. Potter," she asked.

"I wanted to make sure that you were aware that I would not be attending the Feast tonight," the boy replied with a solemn expression to his Head of House.

Minerva McGonagall, raised an eyebrow at the eleven-year old student. "Are you unwell, Mr. Potter? The Feast is mandatory for all students otherwise," she began.

"I am as well as can be expected, Professor," the boy responded. "However, with all due respect, an exception should be expected for me for tonight," the boy returned deferentially, yet adamantly. He paused, thinking to himself, "Please, please realize why this is important. Please don't have forgotten them."

The stern woman was surprised and somewhat annoyed that the normally shy young boy thought that concessions would be made for him. "Mr. Potter!" she growled, "You are not so special that exceptions should be made for you. Only students who are unwell have permission to miss the Feast."

Harry looked at the Head of Gryffindor with deep disappointment. Even she had failed to recognize the significance of date, and she had taught both of his parents for seven years. He had honestly expected better of her. "No, Professor," he replied softly to her rebuke. "I don't consider myself special and never have. My relatives made sure that I knew every single day that I was an unwelcome and unwanted burden on their otherwise happy family life. However, I would expect the staff to show compassion towards any student who wishes to acknowledge the anniversary of his parents' deaths, and not expect him or her to attend a feast that celebrates their brutal murders."

The older woman gave a small gasp and held her hand to her mouth. Like everyone else, she celebrated the vanquishing of the Dark Lord that day. It never occurred to her how it must appear to James' and Lily's son that they were celebrating his parents' deaths. The look of acute disappointment in his eyes that she hadn't given a thought to their deaths filled her with regret.

"I want to spend the evening in a quiet vigil in their memory," Harry continued, as if she had never argued with him. "I would be grateful if you would ensure the other students and faculty don't interfere in my observance."

The Transfiguration instructor tried to let her eyes give a silent apology, but the boy had turned his face away, almost as if he could no longer bear to look at her. She gently said, "You are excused from the feast this evening, Mr. Potter. I will make sure the prefects know not to disturb your…privacy."

"Thank you, Professor," the boy responded. He inclined his head in either thanks or goodbye, she wasn't sure. He slipped out of the door and quickly disappeared down the hallway.

"Oh Harry," she thought with deep remorse. "How have we…have I…forgotten the sacrifices that resulted in our celebration?" She wondered how she could make up her insensitivity to the young boy who only wanted to honor his parents on this anniversary.

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