Lonely Road

Lonely Road

Sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was to be a trying time for our young hero, Harry Potter. He no longer had Quidditch to escape to and there was a sudden rift in his friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. As if being passed over for Gryffindor prefect wasn't enough to make feel like a third wheel, Ron and Hermione announced on the train ride to school that they were together and had been since the Department of Mysteries incident. Harry felt a wide range of emotions at the revealing of his two friends new found relationship, none stronger however than abandonment. As happy as he should have felt for his two best friends, he couldn't help but feel so isolated from them now. His two dearest friends in the world had paired off and left him alone.

Harry tried the best he could those following weeks to put on a happy face for his friends. Though their relationship deeply hurt him, he did not want to be the one to put any strain on it. And so Harry tried to play along with Ron and Hermione as if not a thing had changed in the world.

Though this act had been for the most part successful, there were occasionally awkward moments for the trio. Most of which were the small, subtle things Ron and Hermione would do like any normal couple, such as hold hands and whisper loving words into each others ears. However when these things would happen in front of Harry, they were just extra shards added into his already shattered heart.

“What's the matter with you mate, you look a bit ill” Ron asked one Saturday morning when he saw Harry, pale as Sir Nicolas, at breakfast. Harry hadn't gotten much sleep these days.

“Nothing, but I'd better head to the library to work on that Transfiguration essay McGonagall assigned us” Harry replied as he stood to leave, slightly glancing at Ron's hand that rested upon Hermione's.

“But I thought we were going to all work on it together and besides they day has just begu—“ Hermione called after him but was cut off by Harry's “G'bye” as he exited the Great Hall. Both of them stared after him with worry in their eyes. Neither of them knew why Harry suddenly became so distant, it reminded them a bit of Harry's attitude from last year…

“Something is really bothering him” Hermione said breaking their silence. “I'm really worried about him. I want you to talk to him tonight.”

“I'll see what I can do Hermione, but you know how hard Harry is to reach when he's sunken into one of his depressions.”

“Well something needs to be said and who better than his best friend.”

“I suppose” he moaned back, not looking forward to a possible confrontation with his bothered friend.

Harry avoided Ron and Hermione for the rest of the day. Most of the time he spent in either an empty classroom working on spells or in the corner of the library working on assignments. Neither Ron nor Hermione could really spend much time to look for him due to their prefect duties, but Ron planned on having a talk with him later that night in the dormitory.

Later on that night as Harry looked through his old family album that Hagrid had made him after first year, he decided to head down to the common room to see if Ginny was up for a game of wizard's chess. He needed something to keep his mind and heart from sinking any lower and a friendly game of chess with a friend was just the thing to distract him. However, as he reached the foot of the staircase he heard two familiar voices chatting by the fire, apparently finished with their patrolling. Harry peeked around the corner to see Ron and Hermione on the couch, resting by the fire.

“I'm tired” Hermione yawned as she shut her eyes and leaned into Ron for a cuddle. “Have you talked to Harry yet?”

“No, I was a bit busy...”

“Ron…”

“I know I know Hermione, I'll be back down in a bit with your report” Ron groaned as he sat up to leave. Harry was about to rush up to the bedroom when he heard Hermione's voice call out to Ron.

“I love you.”

“I love you too” Ron replied with a grin and he went back to the couch and gave her a kiss. Suddenly that was more than Harry could bear. He ran up to the room and dived into his trunk and pulled out two things: his father's invisibility cloak and his firebolt. He wrapped himself and his broom in the cloak and closed the trunk as Ron entered the room.

“Harry?” Ron searched the room for his friend but the room was completely empty. As Ron searched around, Harry left the room through the open door, headed down the stairs, through the common room and out the portrait hole. “He's gone!” Ron exclaimed to Hermione as he rushed down the stairs.

“What?!” Hermione replied with worry in her voice. “We've got to look for him!” And with that they left the common room and split up on their search for Harry Potter. Meanwhile, Harry was off to the only place he could escape to: the Quidditch Pitch.

When he walked onto the Pitch, it was faintly lit by the half-moon directly above him. It seemed that all the stars twinkled a little brighter that night.

“Perfect” he whispered to himself as he removed the cloak and kicked off from the ground and into the midnight sky. He flew around the stadium, free of any kind of worry, especially the prophecy which he had yet to reveal to anyone. He was reminiscing of his first flying lesson, his first Quidditch match and of Gryffindor's Quidditch Cup victory in third year. Oh the joy he felt as every memory passed through his mind, as every wisp of air flowed through his unruly hair. Flying away his sorrows, Harry had found peace at last. He then landed at top the Gryffindor bleacher and stared endlessly into the heavens. It was a bit cold so he summoned his cloak (“Accio Invisibility Cloak!” he called) and wrapped it around his shoulders so that it looked like his head was floating.

“You know, most would be a little bothered by the sight of a floating head.”

Hermione had found him.

Harry gave her a grin as she walked over and took a seat next to him. He looked her in the eyes then took his gaze back to the skies.

“Harry…” Hermione started but thought better of continuing. She looked at his face and saw that there were no more words to be said between them. She then followed Harry's gaze and looked quietly into the endless sky, intertwining her hand with his.

“Ron. Ron. RON!”

“Who, wha…what's happening” Ron stammered as Hermione woke him up from his place on the couch in the common room. “Oh…I came back and you weren't here yet so I thought I'd wait up…did you find Harry?”

“Yes he's fine, he was at the Pitch. He's just gone up to bed” Hermione replied to her obviously tired boyfriend. “Sorry to have worried you, but he needed some time. I still don't know what exactly is bothering him, but I think he'll open up when he's ready.” Ron looked down in concentration for a moment then spoke.

“I'm sure he's fine, I'll have a quick chat with him before he nods off, so I'd better get going, G'night Hermione” Ron stated and gave his girl a quick kiss before heading up the staircase. When he reached the room he saw that the blinds around Harry's bed were closed. “You know you gave us a right good scare there mate. You had the both of us worried when you disappeared.” There were a few seconds of silence before Harry responded.

“I'm sorry to have caused you two a commotion, but I'm fine now. G'night Ron.”

“Are you sure you're fine, because I'm not so sure. You've been off all school year” Ron pried.

“Its only been a few weeks Ron. G'night”

“You know what I mean!”

“G'night Ron.”

“Fine mate, whatever. Whenever you're ready to quit being a git, Hermione and I will be ready to listen.” Harry took in his best mates words before finally closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

When Harry awoke, the room was already cleared out. Everyone was presumably at breakfast already. He let out a sigh before he changed clothes and headed down to join everyone else. When he reached the common room he saw Ron and Hermione once again on the couch. This time they noticed him.

“Good morning Harry” Hermione exclaimed. “We were waiting for you, ready for breakfast?”

“Yeah, let's go” Harry replied and the trio proceeded out the portrait hole and down to the Great Hall. Everyone was too caught up in their meal to notice the three enter. They headed to the nearest empty spot at Gryffindor table and were about to take a seat when Professor McGonagall lightly grabbed Harry by the shoulder.

“Mr. Potter, I'm afraid you'll have to take a rain-check on your breakfast this morning. The Headmaster needs to speak with you immediately” the transfiguration professor stated. “I'm to escort you to his office this moment, follow me.” Harry didn't get a chance to respond before McGonagall started on her way out of the Great Hall.

“I'll see you guys in class I suppose” Harry called to his friends, both of which wore worried expressions on their faces. “I have a feeling this isn't going to be good” Harry thought to himself as he exited the Hall on the heels of the Deputy Headmistress.

A few silent minutes passed until Harry arrived at the stone gargoyle. Professor McGonagall uttered the password and the spiral staircase to the Headmaster appeared. Harry quietly followed his teacher up the steps and through the oak doors of Albus Dumbledore's office, where they found him stroking his pet phoenix, Fawks.

“Ah, thank you Minerva. You may leave. Harry, please have a seat.” Harry reluctantly took a seat opposite his Headmaster as McGonagall exited the room, leaving them alone. “I've no doubt that you are curious as to why I have summoned you, so I shall cut to the chase. Voldemort is gaining power everyday, as you know, and your destinies are bringing you two closer to your inevitable fates. Though I wish it were not so, Harry, I will do all in my power to insure that you are prepared for the coming battle. With that said you will be excused from all exams and, when need be, classes in order for you to undergo private training, everyday, until the time has come for you to face Voldemort in your final confrontation. I will be personally training you.”

Harry was completely still in his chair, dumbstruck. The reality of the prophecy was setting in like never before; private training with the most powerful wizard in the Wizarding World, in the hopes of preparing Harry James Potter for a duel to the death. It was overwhelming. However, while the training should have given Harry a sense of security, there was another part of the message that bothered him. The lessons were to be everyday until the final battle. The urgency in this decision pointed to one thing…

“The battle…It's going to be sooner than later isn't it professor” Harry asked barely above a whisper, never allowing his eyes to meet those of his Headmaster.

“We have come across some information regarding Voldemort's future plans. He does not plan on dragging this war out. He is recruiting more allies as we speak preparing for a full on attack on the Ministry of Magic; one battle to decide it all. It will be a matter of months until he's fully prepared” Dumbledore said, his voice a mix of anger, regret and perhaps even fear. Harry noticed this and realized he had to force himself to be strong in his resolve. He was needed and this war would not be won on doubt.

“Well then professor” Harry started, with confidence in his voice, “I'll do everything in my power to prepare myself for what's to come…for my parents and for Sirius. Their sacrifices will not be in vain.” While his words were steady, Dumbledore could see the doubt and fear written in his emerald eyes.

“Harry…why haven't you told your friends of the prophecy?” Harry was caught completely off guard by this but answered:

“Because they don't need to. This is my future. They don't need to be held down by it as well. The prophecy said it, in the end it comes down to just Voldemort and I. I walk alone on this path…and I plan to keep it that way.”

“This war may come down to a duel between you and Voldemort, but understand this Harry: you will never be alone in anything you do.”

“Professor…Thank you.”

“You're welcome Harry. I'm sure you have a lot to consider, so I'll let classes be optional today, however, I do expect you to keep good marks in all your classes. You should still study for your lessons; for I've no doubt your future will lead you to into your seventh year here at Hogwarts. Private lessons will begin tomorrow after dinner. Meet me here in my office. You may leave.” Harry stood from his chair, giving Dumbledore a final nod before leaving his office.

If there was one thing Harry was not up for after that meeting, it was class. He slowly made his way back to Gryffindor tower, thankful that he didn't have to go back to class. After convincing the Fat Lady that he wasn't cutting classes, he made his way to the common room and into a favorite chair by the fire. Harry sat there for quite a while, just thinking of everything that had just been thrust onto him. It just wasn't fair…none of it was. And as he had admitted to Dumbledore earlier, this was to be a lonely road for him, which provided no comfort.

Harry was brought back from his thoughts when a few students came bustling through the portrait hole. It was lunch break. Not wanting to risk being confronted by Ron and Hermione, he made his way to the Fat Lady himself to escape any explanations. Unfortunately for Harry, as soon as the portrait swung open, he was face to face with the two people he wanted to see least.

“Harry!” Hermione squeaked in surprise. “What are you doing here? You didn't show up to any of your classes! What did Dumbledore want? Is it serious? Is everyone okay? Are you okay?”

“Whoa, calm down there Hermione” Ron pleaded, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “At least give him a second to answer.”

“Everyone's fine Hermione” Harry answered shortly. “Just Voldemort business, but I really have to go now. I'll talk to you later.” Hermione would not give up so easily.

“Harry James Potter, you do NOT just casually mention Voldemort business and walk away without explanation” Hermione half shouted, causing Ron to cringe at the sound of the Dark Lord's name. “What's going on?”

“Will you lower your voice? This isn't exactly public knowledge you're asking for!”

“Fine! Let's go for a walk then and discuss it calmly” Hermione suggested.

“Hermione, what about lunch? We just wanted to check if Harry was okay and he is, we can talk details after classes are through. I'm starving” Ron groaned.

“You can go ahead and leave, Ron, I'll meet you at dinner since I have Arithmacy next.”

“Fine then, Harry will I be seeing you in Herbology after lunch?”

“No,” Harry answered “Dumbledore said it's okay if I skive off classes for today, so I'm going to take advantage of it.”

“Dumbledore said what?”

“I'll explain it on our walk.”

“Lucky bloke, guess I'll see you later tonight then.”

“Bye, Ron.”

“Bye, Harry. See you later tonight Hermione” and with that Ron left the two to their inevitable row. After a few minutes of walking in silence, the two friends found themselves outside and approaching the lake. Hermione had so many questions on her mind, many of which had nothing to do with Harry's mysterious meeting with the Headmaster today. She wanted to know why he had suddenly distanced himself form her and Ron. Why his eyes carried a look of defeat every time she looked into them. She wanted to know what he was hiding, but more importantly why he felt he had to carry whatever load it was on his own. Didn't he realize yet that she'd always be there for him? She was his best friend and always would be…she'd proved that many a time in their years of friendship. Yet here he was, still trying to turn her away. She had to know why.

“Well” Hermione began as they reached the edge of the lake. “Do you plan on telling what's the matter, or are you waiting for lunch period to end so you won't have to tell me?”

“Honestly Hermione” Harry retorted. “There's not much for me to tell that you don't know already. Dumbledore called me into his office to tell me that Voldemort is getting stronger.”

“And? We know that, there's more so what is it?”

“And…I'll be receiving private training from Dumbledore himself from now on. I start lessons tomorrow and will have them everyday from then on.”

“You're going to have daily training with one of the most powerful wizards in a century. It seems a bit drastic don't you think? What is he expecting you to duel with Voldemort or something” Hermione commented sarcastically, causing an uncomfortable squirm from Harry. Thankfully she didn't notice.

“I'm sure it's just a safety precaution” Harry said nervously, eyes wandering onto anything but his best friend. “I've been a popular target in the past after all.” Hermione noticeably stiffened at those words. “Hermione, what's the mat--” but before he could finish, she had thrown her arms around his neck and began sobbing softly into his chest.

“I'm sorry…I'm sorry life has been so unfair to you. I'm sorry that you've lost so many people that loved you. I'm sorry if I haven't been the friend I should be. I'm sorry for everything Harry. But I'm still here, and I always will be…you know that don't you?”

“I know you're here…but you won't always be. I need to start relying on myself, especially now. I've been selfish bringing every problem to you. I need to grow into my person and I can't do that with you always holding my hand. And besides, you've got more important things to give your attention to. You don't need my burdens right now.”

“That's rubbish! Not once have you ever made me help you. I choose to do so because you're my best friend. Anyone trying to carry their problems alone would be miserable and the way you've distanced yourself from everyone is proving that. What do you think could be more important to me than our friendship that would warrant you shutting me out?”

“Your relationship.” Hermione was speechless. She never once considered how her relationship with Ron would affect Harry.

“How could I be so stupid” she asked herself. “He just lost Sirius a few months ago. He must've felt so alone…abandoned even. Then his two best friends form a relationship, isolating him even more. I'm an idiot” but before she could voice anything out loud, they were interrupted by a booming voice across the grounds.

“HERMIONE, CLASSES ARE GONNA BE STARTIN' SOON. GET YOUR BUTT TER CLASS” Hagrid called, his hands forming an O around his mouth to amplify his voice.

“You'd better go” Harry said turning away from her.

“But Harry”

“We'll talk later. I promise. See you later.” Hermione very reluctantly turned away from Harry and ran towards the castle. Harry watching her back until she disappeared from sight.