A Desperate Occurance

Title: A Desperate Occurrence

Author: ligs

Disclaimer: See Prologue.

A Desperate Occurrence

Chapter 1 – Owl Creek

“Where do you want these boxes dad?” A young man of about twenty-five standing near the doorway asked the elderly barkeep, who was currently cleaning a large glass mug, with a tinge of impatience. “My arms are killing me!”

Jonathan Wintergreen, an aging man of stout build, paused for a second, adjusting his turtle-rimmed glasses, looked at the man he proudly called his son.

“Just put them over the counter, m’boy.” The old man replied with amusement.

As he watched the boy start unloading the boxes, he can’t help but reminisce back to six years ago. “Six years. It’s been that long.” He said to himself with a chuckle.

“What was that dad?”

“Nothing, you know me, when you get older, son, you tend to forget where you are and just relive the good ol’ days.”

The young man just smiled, shaking his head as he was oft to do.

“Why don’t you help your mother at the kitchen when you’re finished, I’m sure she won’t mind.”

“Okay. I just need to pick up a few things for the party. I’ll help her when I get back.” With that he started to walk towards the door. “I won’t be long.” He called as he went outside.

“Jonathan was that Harry?” called a woman’s voice from the kitchen.

“He just left, dear, said he had to pick up a few things for tonight.”

Harry. Jonathan Wintergreen thought, going back to his contemplation. It was six years ago on this day when he found a young lad passed out near his modest vineyard. He was on his way to check on his land, as he does every crack of dawn, when a peculiar bird caught his eye. A snowy, white owl perched on the far end of a fence post looking directly at him. Living at the countryside, he’d seen many of the bird’s kind but this one was different.  It intrigued him on how the owl seemed to assess him, hooting regally as if beckoning him to come forward, addressing him as a king would his court. Gingerly he stepped forward towards the bird, noticing that the owl made no attempt to flee. Reaching the area, he found a boy slumped on the ground, his back to the post. On closer inspection, he could tell that the boy had spent the evening there, cold but nonetheless alive. The only thing on his mind was to bring the boy back to town and have a physician look at him.

This was big news in the small community of Owl Creek, a small, countryside town at the farther reaches of the . Seldom did they have visitors, much less unconscious ones. Almost the entire town came and crammed the Winter Leaf, a pub that he and his wife, Martha, ran. The physician arrived and began his examination. It was funny how the townspeople hung at his every word. Thank the Lord the boy was alright.

“You’re thinking about when Harry came to us right?” Jonathan looked at his wife who was now standing behind him, arms wrapped in a firm hug.

“I can’t help it.”

“I know what you mean. He’s the son we never had. He is a godsend.”

 “He is, isn’t he.” He replied, more a statement than a question.

He could still remember the first time Harry regained consciousness, like it just happened yesterday. It was four in the morning when he went to check on their guest only to find an empty bed. He went down to the pub and heard noise coming from the kitchen. He still couldn’t believe it, the boy was up and washing dishes, of all things to do, and the same snowy owl he saw at the vineyard was now perched on the backrest of a chair.

“I do feel guilty though. I wish we could help him more.” His wife whispered, snapping him from his reverie.

“We did what we could for him.” He sighed.

In his talks with Harry it was clear that the boy was no nearer to remembering his past as to when he first came to. Only remembering fragments of his past, parents murdered, living with abusive relatives, his dead godfather, and an orphanage or school of some sort called Hogwarts and its teachers; but that’s it. No memory of anything detailed or recent that happened in his life. No recollection of what kind of education he received, where he was from, names of any friends, nothing much of value that will help him find his beginnings, only his name – Harry Potter. Calling for information about the Potters, the Blacks, and Hogwarts returned with nothing. Martha flatly refused to call the Dursleys, much to Harry’s relief.

Maybe this was why they felt so drawn to Harry. Aside from him being polite, helpful, and caring, the lad deserved to be loved. Harry himself didn’t seem too disturbed that he can’t recall his own history, and he voiced his sentiments a year later when he asked if he could stay with them. There was no way they’d say no, especially when Martha had started calling him ‘son’.

It is amazing how someone can endear himself with everyone in such a short period of time. Harry came to Owl Creek as a stranger and it only took a few months for him to be family. The locals have taken an immediate liking to him. The mere presence of the lad seemed to brighten up their day. And so every first of August is celebrated as Harry’s ‘birthday’.

Turning to his wife, he said “Do you think he’ll like his present?”

“Oh he’ll love it, you big softy! I don’t know about his ‘suitors’ though.” She answered with a hearty laugh.

Jonathan and his wife had taken to teasing Harry about his so called ‘suitors’. He attracted women like bees to honey, why, even young women as far as the next town came just to get a glimpse of him which Jonathan didn’t mind. It was good for the business.

A soft knock is heard from the outside. “Harry? Are you home?”

Still laughing, his wife moved to answer the door. “Bet you a penny it’s Kate.”

“No bet. I know it’s her. Who else would come this early?” Jonathan called back.

Kate Allen is Harry’s best-friend, or so she says. The town doctor’s daughter accompanied her father when he first looked on Harry. Since then she’d come and visit regularly even when Harry was given a clean bill of health. Martha had often joked about how Harry was lucky to have his own nurse. There is no doubt that Kate found Harry different from the boys here in town, and it was that difference that intrigued her. Of course, the whole town, by now, knows she fancies Harry.

“Good morning Mr. Wintergreen!,” said a cheery voice belonging to a lovely young woman with rich black hair and expressive eyes, waving at him. It was Kate.

“Why don’t you come in, dear, I’m sure Harry’s on his way back.” He heard his wife say. “Would you like some tea?” She offered.

“That would be wonderful Mrs. Win-”

“Just call me Martha,” the older woman interrupted, “you’ll find it easier than saying ‘Mrs. Wintergreen’ every time you address me.” His wife walked towards the kitchen.

“Er, y-yes, Martha.” Kate replied.

“So Kate, what brings you this early? Nothing wrong I hope.” Jonathan asked her while taking a seat opposite her from the table where she sat.

“Oh! Nothing of that sort, really.” Then in a lower tone, “I just have something to tell Harry.” This earned an amused look from Jonathan. ‘Is she saying what I think she’s saying,’ he mused, not suppressing a feel of mirth.

“So you finally decided to make the first move then?” Martha came out carrying a tray laden with cups and a teapot. “You’d have to. My son’s a bit daft when it comes to that department.”

“Harry’s not that daft, dear.”

“Well what do you call someone who has had a beautiful woman in front of him for the last six years and not notice, hmm?”

She had a point. Looking at Kate, who by now was sporting a tinge of pink on her cheeks, Jonathan drifted back his thoughts to Harry. He knew the boy well, and Harry is not daft, on the contrary, he’s quite perceptive to what others feel. He’d seen how the boy acted with Kate. It often astounded him how Harry can lavish such love and care on her but there was something that always held him back. There were times when he thought the two would surely hook up but every time there was a spark Harry would inexplicably pull away.

“Isn’t that a coincidence Jonathan?”

“Sorry. What was that dear?” he said staring at his wife.

“Kate here was telling how her father has allowed her to go to and study medicine. She’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“That’s good news Kate. Why don’t you go with Harry? I’ll be driving him to the train station next town tomorrow afternoon.”

“W-Why would Harry be going to ?” Kate’s interest was piqued.

“Well I don’t want you to worry or anything but Harry’s been having dreams lately, strong dreams at that. Jonathan and I think he’s starting to remember his past, sometimes he’d keep mumbling about ‘diagonally ’ and a leaky cauldron in his sleep. We figured if he went to it might help him recall some things.”

“Mind you he doesn’t know yet. We plan to surprise him tonight.” Jonathan added.

“See, we’ve managed to scrape enough for him to stay there for a month. Hopefully it’ll be enough.”

“But where will he stay? You don’t expect him to find a room that quickly, do you?” Kate asked hurriedly.

“We –”

“I can ask my aunt if she has a spare room if you want. That way you’ll know he’s safe. You can contact him on the phone and check if he finds out any anything. My aunt and I can accompany him when he goes out…”

“Okay Kate. Okay.”

“Really?,” her tone hopeful.

“Yes.”

“I’ll tell father right now!,” and with that she bounded to the door with excitement.

“Don’t forget. Tomorrow afternoon.”

“I won’t. Bye Mr. and Mrs. Wintergreen! I’ll be back for the party later.” With a final wave she was gone.

“Ah! Young love.”

“Harry will be surprised.” Jonathan said chuckling.

“She is right, you know. At least we won’t be too worried for Harry’s safety.”

“She still has to ask for her aunt’s permission Martha.”

“Do you think Kate will take no for an answer?”

“No.”

“There you have it.” Martha said matter-of-factly.

Perhaps this was meant to be. Harry going to with Kate, at least he won’t be alone. Kate will definitely help him. Jonathan has a feeling Harry’s going to need all the support he can get on this journey. He had always feared Harry will leave them once he regained his memories but he consistently pushed that thought aside, especially now. He must be strong in his resolve for Harry. He will help him. No matter the outcome, Harry will always be his son.

The front door opened and a white owl swooped inside landing on the counter followed by Harry.

“Hi mum. Hey dad. I just met Kate outside. She was acting a bit, I don’t know, giddy. Did I miss anything?”

“Not much. Now that you’re here, let’s get this place ready.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The party soon drew to a close, only a few friends remained. Jonathan watched from his place behind the counter, cleaning up. There was Kate helping Harry sweep the floor, now and then taking a peek at each other. She came back ecstatic, her aunt agreed to house Harry for as long as he needed. Martha was overjoyed.

Then there’s Pastor Greg Piper, Harry’s other best-friend, carrying plates to the kitchen. The blonde, curly-haired pastor, though four years his senior, was Harry’s confidante. He came to town almost the same time as Harry. After a few visits at home, the two hit it off splendidly, even though Harry seldom went to church. He’s also, probably, the only guy in town who’s not holding a grudge at Harry for ‘taking’ the female population of Owl Creek by storm. The good pastor has been there in Harry’s rough times, a solid rock, and an excellent listener and advisor to boot.

The eleven-year old kid running around wiping tables is Eli, son of widow Stevens. Harry has taken the lad under his wing. Both of them are notorious for pulling pranks, all harmless, on other kids.

There’s also Doc Allen, Mrs. Stevens, and the Calloways, all helping tidy the pub.

“Hey big bro’ why don’t you open your presents? There’s gotta be sumthin’ cool here we can use.” Eli was currently shaking a gift, trying to listen to what’s inside.

“Eli!”

“It’s okay Mrs. Stevens. Give it here Eli. Who’s it from?” Harry noted the gratitude on Eli’s face.

Eli handed Harry the present. “From old maid Patty, says so on the card.”

“So what did she give you this time?” Martha chimed.

It was a known fact that Patty gave the most obnoxious gifts to Harry. Just last Christmas she gave him a box of chopsticks which Harry has yet to use to this day.

“Think she’ll top off last year?” Eli said, laughing on the floor.

“Don’t remind me. I still have that jumbo jar of molasses in my room.” Harry tore open the gift. “Urk! A mirror and a comb.”

“Hahaha! The old kook prob’ly thinks you’re ugly!”

“Eli!” Mrs. Stevens chastised.

“Harry’s not ugly!” said Kate at the same time.

Still on the floor, Eli looked up at Kate “No offense sis but you’re biased.” The room erupted in laughter, Kate pink with embarrassment.

The gift was, again, practically useless. Not for the reason the others thought, Harry’s hair has a mind of its own no matter how many times you comb it. It was useless for a very different reason, Jonathan thought. Harry once told him how he hated looking directly at his own reflection in a mirror. Something about his eyes staring coldly back at him.

“Why don’t you open mine Harry?” Greg handed him his gift.

Harry opened the present, “I knew I could count on you Greg.” pulling out a blue traveling bag. “Only problem is I’m not doing much traveling anytime soon.”

“Don’t be too sure. You never know when you’ll need it.”

Jonathan and his wife told the young pastor about their plan to send Harry to and he thought it was a very good idea.

“Thanks mate.”

“Glad you liked it.” patting Harry’s back.

“Here! Open this next!” Harry accepted the gift Eli thrust into his hands. Looking at the card, “To big bro’ Happy Birthday! From Eli.”

“And it cost me a fortune too!”

Kate, taking the opportunity to get back at the boy, said “Knowing you, that’ll amount to about a penny.” The young Stevens scowled at her.

“A wallet! Thanks bro’, didn’t know you can be thoughtful.”

“Heeeey!”

“No. Really, thanks. This will come in handy.” Harry appeased the boy.

Mrs. Stevens beamed at her son. Ever since his father died, Eli had become withdrawn, if it wasn’t for Harry who brought him out of the rut. He had a positive effect on the boy.

“Oi sis! What did you get Harry?”

“M-me?” Kate was caught of guard.

“Yeah. Yours,” Eli said challengingly. Obviously taking delight in teasing her.

“Manners, Eli!”

“Sorry bro’. Sorry sis.” the boy said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

“Ah! Here it is.” Harry took a book-shaped gift from the small pile at a table. “It’s a journal isn’t it?” he exclaimed without even opening the gift.

“How did you know?” Kate asked astounded.

He smiled at her. “You always know what to get me even if I never told anyone.” She blushed at his comment. “I’ve been meaning to get one. I just kept forgetting. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Harry.”

Martha looked at them knowingly, another sweet moment between the two. If only nothing will ruin it. Luck isn’t on their side tonight.

“Oi! Any sweeter and I’d have to go to a dentist!”

“Eli!” His mother smacked him up the head.

The rest of the audience just chuckled. The two would-be lovers turned away, red all over. Jonathan wondered if it was time to give Harry their present. He looked at his wife, Martha, who nodded. During the past weeks, he’d been feeling a bit apprehensive. On one side he was afraid of losing the boy. He and his wife loved him and have grown to depend on him. On the other hand the boy needed this. Although Harry didn’t voice his desires to know his past, he had become a bit restless, particularly in his sleep. Sometimes Jonathan would find him staring into space, no doubt having bits and pieces of his memory unravel in his mind. They had to do this for him, if not for peace of mind then at least for closure.

Slowly he walked toward his son of six years and pulled out an envelope handing it to Harry. “Happy Birthday son,” Martha now stood beside him.

Harry opened the envelope; with wide eyes he looked back to the man he called his father. “What’s this?”

“Listen son, before you say anything, your mother and I want you to know that we love you. What you have there is a train ticket to and some money. You have to understand how difficult this is for us but we’ve decided that you deserve to know who you really are, it is time son, and it is for the best. Take your time in . Kate’s aunt has agreed to take you in while you are there. Always remember that your mother and I will be here waiting and praying for you. You will always have a home to return to.”

Martha moved in to give Harry a warm hug. He was so overwhelmed by emotion he couldn’t say anything. Tears clouding his vision, he managed to mumble a small, heartfelt thank you. Straightening up he walked over to Jonathan, who grasped his hand in a handshake. “I’ll always treasure what you and Martha have done for me.”

“We know son.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Harry lay on his bed, staring up the ceiling, Hedwig in her cage by the window looking at her master. The party ended hours ago and it was now two in the morning. “London, Hedwig. Can you believe it?” The bird only hooted in response.

His adoptive parents had given him the best gift he could hope for, the chance to find his roots. True, there was a time when he was contented to stay, an impression that told him it was better to remain where he was, and part of him still does. At the back of his mind, a nagging sensation keeps telling him not to make the trip, and he would have acceded just that this was difficult to pass up.

Whatever doubts he had, he pushed back. Whatever the outcome, good or bad, he will find his answers.

He shifted to his side and closed his eyes. He needed to try and get some sleep. And that is another reason he desperately wanted to go, his dreams. It had grown stronger the past few months, more vivid, dreaming of people he couldn’t remember.

As Harry drifted off to sleep, he dreamed of one face that has permeated his subconscious repeatedly, a face with wide, brown eyes and bushy, brown hair. “I will find her.” He whispered.

Hedwig flapped her wings as her master stirred in his slumber.

TBC

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Author’s Note

I had this chapter finished for quite a while but didn’t post it. I edited a number of parts and deemed some of it better in future chapters. I also apologize for taking this long to update. Been busy with a play I’m writing. Hopefully I’ll have more free time these coming weeks.

Next chapter is ‘Return to ’.

Again thanks for reading. Reviews are greatly appreciated.