Harry began his day as always, today he was working on an essay Professor McGonagall assigned about animigi. Harry thought this essay would be easy to write, he knew a lot about it already from what he heard from Sirius and Lupin but the essay was just too painful for him. It made him think of everything he learned during his third year. He tried to push the horrible thoughts out of his mind but it was overwhelming.
"It's all my fault he's gone!" Harry yelled " It's all my fault that my parents and Cedric are gone! Why me? Why can't he just leave me alone? I hate being the boy who lived!" tears began to roll down Harry's face and he began to openly cry for the first time. After several minutes of crying he began to feel better and soon the tears stopped. Wiping away the tears on his cheeks he got up to change for his run.
Harry slowly opened his door not wanting to make a sound then he remembered the Dursley's were gone still. He made his way down the stairs not worrying about the amount of noise he made and opened the front door to begin his morning run. He made his way down the street a few blocks and turned to the right up and few more blocks and to the left. Harry liked running, it gave his mind a chance to think about the unimportant things in his life. He wonder why people put silly ceramic gargoyles in their gardens, why people cared about their cars more then their loved ones, and so on.
He was in such deep thought he didn't hear her yell.
" CORK! GET BACK HERE NOW!!" the girl yelled. " CORK! NO!!!"
Before Harry knew what happened he was on the ground with a large orange and brown dog on his back barking happily. " Bloody Hell" Harry said before the dog began to lick his ears and neck.
" Cork! What am I going to do with you! You can't run out of the house like that! Oh no! Cork get off of him! Bad dog! Harry is that you?"
" Yes it's me. Would you mind getting your dog off of me? " Harry said trying not to laugh at the feeling of the dog licking his ear.
" I'm so sorry! I don't know what has gotten into him these days. He's never done this before. He's usually rather lazy, only getting up to eat and such."
" It's okay. I don't think there is too much damage, maybe some internal bleeding." Harry said with a smile.
" Have you ever thought of putting him on a diet?" Jane laughed
" This is the most exercise he has had in the last few years." Jane smiled.
Harry smiled back and remembering his manners, "Good morning Jane, are you usually up this early?"
" Good morning to you as well, and yes I am. I got stuck on an early schedule because of school. I wish I could sleep in more, but I'm afraid I can't. What about you? You always up this early?"
" `Fraid so, actually I'm usually up around 4:30." Harry said looking at her. ` She still looks like Hermione, I thought it was just the light, but now it's amazing. Who else does she look like?' Harry said wrinkling his nose.
" You've got that funny look on your face again. Are you sure I didn't do something wrong?"
" Oh no! I am sorry, I don't mean to be rude but you look like someone I know from school, well you look like her and someone else, but I can't think of who."
Jane blushed and looked down at the ground. " Oh, well I don't know if that is a compliment or not."
" Oh it is. She the most brilliant girl in my class, one of my best friends too." Jane blushed again
" Thank you. Where do you go to school? Somewhere around here?"
Harry thought for a moment ` Why does she keep blushing, she look more like Hermione when she does that. Odd'
"Oh umm I go to a private school on the other side of England. What about you?"
"Private school, only in umm, Ireland."
" Ireland? Wow, I've always wanted to go there, two years ago I saw their Qui... umm soccer team play. It was awesome!" ` phew that was close.'
" I should really get going. I need to finish my run and get back home."
" Yeah I should get going as well.
" I am sorry about Cork, he has no manners."
Harry bent down and ruffled the top of Cork's head. " It's okay, I'm use to being attacked by strange animals."
Jane looked at him oddly " Ummm, okay. Harry are you going to be at the park tonight?"
" I should be. I usually go there at night. Why?"
" Well... maybe we could meet there and walk around?"
Harry was shocked. " Sure, that would be fun. I usually go there around 7:30."
" Sounds good. I will see you there. Good bye Harry."
" Good bye Jane."
"Come on Cork it's time to go back home." Cork barked happily at Harry as if he was saying good-bye and walked back with Jane.
Harry turned around and began making his way back the Dursley's with a small smile on his face. When Harry reached the house he decided against breakfast for now, he wanted a shower. After the shower he went to his room to see if he had any post. Today there were two, one from Ron like always, and one -to his surprise from Hermione. He sat down on his bed and carefully opened Hermione's letter and began to read.
Harry- Sorry I have not responded to any of your post. It is nothing to do with you, my parents are a little scared about what happened this year and wanted for me relax for a few weeks. I hope you are doing the same. I think my parents are letting me go to the order in a few weeks. I hope you will be able to join us. I know you have had a tough year and if you need to want to talk about anything you know I am here, I am always here for you Harry no matter what. How is the homework doing? I've finished all of mine. See you soon!
love-
Hermione
Harry smiled and refolded the letter careful, got up from his bed and walked over to his trunk. Inside the trunk was a small box he bought at Diagon Alley last year. Harry lifted the box out of the trunk and carefully set it on the bed. He took the top off and smiled at what was inside the box, every letter he has gotten. They were all categorized by who sent them. He found Hermione's section; which was a lot fuller than most people's (except for Ron's of course) and stuck the letter in its place. Harry then moved to get Ron's letter.
Harry- It's about time you found a girl! Do you really think she looks like Hermione? It doesn't matter really, just have some fun for once. I just got a letter from Hermione today, she said she wrote you one as well so I think you know she is okay. We are at headquarters now. We are still cleaning it up. Dumbeldore hired Dobby to help clean now that Kretcher is gone. Mum wanted to know if you want Sirius's old room or not? There is not much in there but I bet you would like your own room. I should be going. Luna will be arriving later today and I want to help Ginny clean up their room. Hope to see you soon!
-Ron
Harry smiled again and added Ron's letter with the rest. " I wonder why he didn't say anything about the guardianship? Maybe he doesn't know yet?"
Harry returned the box to his trunk and walked over to his desk and pulled out two pieces of parchment. Harry's thoughts returned to Ron's question about the bedroom. " Do I want to stay in the room? I know Sirius would like me to, but can I?" Harry pushed the thought out of his mind and started to write to Hermione.
Hermione- I hope you're O.K. , I was beginning to worry. Professor Dumbledore came to see me last night and explained why you have not returned any of my post, and I just want to say that I am sorry. I did not mean for you to get in trouble with your parents. I am relaxing as much as I can. The Dursley's let me do what I want as long as they get their meals on the table when they want them. It's not to bad. I should be leaving here in a few weeks to go to headquarters. I found out who my new guardians are, the Weasley's! I would like to talk to you when we are both at headquarters; I think I need to talk about what happen last year, and some other things. Thank you for everything, I don't think I could ask for a better friend then you and Ron. See you soon!
Love-
Harry
Harry sighed after rereading the letter, ` I can't wait to get out of here and see her. I really miss her. Where did that come from? I saw her a week ago. Odd' Harry sealed the letter to Hermione and began to write Ron's.
Ron- Tell your mum that I will decide if I want Sirius's old room when I get there, I am not sure how I feel about it. I know he would like me to have it, but I am just not sure yet. I am meeting Jane, (the girl that I've been telling you about) tonight at the park. Her dog attacked me this morning, he didn't hurt me or anything, just jumped on me while I was out running, we got to talking and she asked me to meet her there tonight. It should be fun. I did get a post from Hermione today, she said she should be at headquarters in a few weeks, and so should I. Your parents are going to contact me when I can come. I don't know if they told you or not, but they are my new guardian's. Well I should be going, I should try to do some more homework, I would like to have it all done with before I come to stay with you. See you soon!
-Harry
Harry sealed the letter and set it next to Hermione's and decided it was time to eat. After eating Harry skipped the essay McGonagall assigned and read the book Hermione gave him about Occlumency. Harry was determined to master this skill as soon as he could. Harry began reading but soon his eyelids became heavy and soon he was fast asleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Dream* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Harry?" a soft female voice spoke " Harry are you there?"
"Who's there?" Harry asked. As he looked around to see where he was. He couldn't tell where he was; darkness enveloped him like a glove.
" It's me, Harry. Follow my voice you will find me"
Harry turned around and began to talk towards the voice " Who are you?"
"Follow the voice and you will see. Don't be scared Harry dear"
Harry continued to walk towards the voice " Are you still there?"
"Yes Harry, keep on going, you are almost there."
Harry continued to walk when a bright light surrounded him. He gasped
"Harry I am so glad you are here, I've missed you so much, and so has your father."
" M...M... Mum?" Harry whispered.
" Yes it's me" she smiled. Tears began to fall down his cheeks, his knees gave out and he fell to the ground.
" It's okay dear, I am sorry I haven't been around." She said as she knelt on the ground next to him and wrapped her arms around him.
" Mum" Harry cried out between sobs.
"It's okay Harry. I am afraid I don't have much time. There is some things I need to say to you."
Harry nodded
" First your Father wanted to be here, and I am sure some day he will, but for now it's just me. We both love you so much and are so proud of you." She said and whipped a few stray tears away from his face. " You are so handsome my dear boy, look just like your father."
Harry smiled " That's what everyone say, but they say I have your eyes."
" Yes you do." Harry's mother smiled and kissed his cheek softly. " I love you so much Harry. I am sorry for the way my sister and her husband has treated you. I am sure you know that you must stay with them to insure your protection and I am sorry for that, I wish there was a way you could stay somewhere else."
" Its okay mum, they are getting better. They leave me alone now, I just have to cook for them."
Harry's mum smiled "You are a good man. Most would be upset with how they have been treated. I only have a few more minutes, let me get to the point. You need to be safe the next few years. Things are going to be hard for you and everyone close to you. I am sorry for what you are going to have to go through, but you must remember one thing. Don't push love away love. There are so many people out there that love you and you must not forget that during these hard times. Love is one of the ways to fight off Voldemort, it is something he can not understand."
Harry nodded " I will remember that. I love you mum."
" I love you to Harry."
" Tell Dad I love him to."
" I will dear, I am sure you will see him again." Harry's mum smiled.
" Mum? Is Sirius with you?"
" Yes dear he is. I am sure you will be seeing him as well."
" There is something I never got to say to him, can you tell him something for me?"
" Of course dear."
" Tell him I love him and I am sorry."
Harry's mum smiled again and bent down to kiss her son again. " I will but you have nothing to be sorry about, he already knows that."
" It's my fault he's not here."
" Harry, don't blame yourself. It all happened for a reason. I know it's hard to see that know, but you will. I love you Harry, and don't forget what I said. Don't push love away; it'll make things better. Keep that girl of yours close to you."
" What girl? I don't have one." Harry's mum smiled.
" Good-bye for now Harry."
" Wait! What girl? I don't understand! Mum! I LOVE YOU!" Soon the light around Harry was gone and he was left in the dark.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * End of dream * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Harry woke up with a jolt. He was sweating all over and breathing deeply. " What the hell was that?" He said. " How could my mum be there? Was it really her? It felt real, oh man this is weird!" he said and he got out of his bed and began to pace around his now dark bedroom thinking about what his mum had told him. " What girl was she talking about? The only girl I have is Hermione, but it couldn't be her; could it? I wish I could talk to her. Why didn't I get her phone number!?!" Harry was now pacing across his small room at a very fast race. " I can't stay in here! I've got to get out!" Harry said reaching for his coat and running out of the house. He didn't know where he was going he just let him feet take him wherever. When he realized he had stopped he was at the park by a small pond. Harry sat down net to the edge of pond pulling his knees up to him and putting his head in his knees. ` I'm so confused! I wish I could talk to mum again. Why did she have to leave so soon? When will I see my dad and Sirius?' thoughts began to fly thought his head. ` I need to talk to someone.' Harry thought
" Where are my friends when I need them?" Harry said out loud.
" Are you okay?" a voice behind his said Harry turned around to see Jane standing behind him.
" Hi Jane, um… I just had a weird dream and I am kind of confused about it."
" Oh, well, I know we don't know each other very well, but do you want to talk about it?"
Harry stared at her for a few minutes. " Why don't we get to know each other a little more before."
Jane smiled and nodded " Sounds good." " So..." Harry said.
" Okay lets see... What do I want to know about Harry?" Jane said taking a seat on the ground next to him. "I know, why don't you tell me about your parents."
" Um, not much to tell they were murdered when I was one. I don't really remember them. I've seen pictures of them and heard stories about them but other than that I can't say much." Harry said
"Oh Harry I'm sorry!"
" Its okay, you didn't know."
" I'm still sorry, who takes care of you then?"
" Well I've staying with my Aunt and Uncle since then, but they didn't take care of me, I was and still am a pain in their large arses. When I was eleven I went off to school and only come back for about a month in the summer. I don't consider it home. My home is Hogwarts."
" Hogwarts?" Jane asked
" The name of my school. What about your parents?"
" There really isn't that much to say either. I'm at school most of the year. I come home sometimes for Christmas but it depends on what's going on at school and my friends. I haven't really spent much time with them the last few years."
" Don't you miss them?"
" Oh I do sometimes. They are very overprotecting. I am their only kid so they smother me when I am home, it gets rather annoying."
" You're lucky to have them."
" I know that. I didn't realize that until recently."
" What do your parents do? I mean for a job?"
" Oh, well they are dentists."
" Really? My best friend's- the girl you look like- parents are dentists too."
" Oh really, wow, that's kind of weird" Jane said sounding very nervous. " Tell me about your friends."
" Well Hermione, that's the girl, she is great. The smartest person I know, she is always there when I need her. She never fails to surprise me." Harry said with a huge smile on his face. " And there is Ron. My first real friend. He's loud and very stubborn. He's the second youngest of seven kids. He's always there when I need him too, although sometimes he's not as willing to go along with some of our adventures. He always comes through in the end."
Jane was smiling too " They sound like great people."
" Oh they are the best! I miss them so much, I can't wait to see them in a few weeks." Harry said with a laugh " Ron didn't really like Hermione that much when we first met, She was kind of a know it all and made Ron mad a few times about him doing things wrong and so forth." Harry laughed. " And she still is, but Ron and I helped her out one night and ever since then we've been inseparable."
" It's amazing how your face lights up when you talk about them, makes me want to meet them."
" They are some of the only people who look at me as a regular boy and not a celebrity like everyone else." Harry said immediately regretting it
" You're celebrity?" Jane said with amazement
" Umm... well, that is hard to explain. People at my school think of me as one. Like I said it's hard to explain and maybe someday when we know each other better I will explain. Tell me about your friends."
" Oh well I have two best friends as well. Riley and Jimmy. I feel that I am closer with Jimmy then I am with Riley. I don't know if they agree or not. I can be myself around Jimmy, he doesn't judge me, just likes me for who I am. Riley is the same way, but it's different with him." Jane said and smiled a little " Riley sounds a lot like Ron, loud and stubborn. He never knows when to keep his mouth closed, it gets him in trouble a lot. They are both like brothers to me, maybe more." Jane said and looked at Harry. " How did you get that scar?"
"Huh? Oh this." Harry said placing his fingertips on it. "Uh, car accident. Tell me more about your friends? Do they get you in trouble? Ron, Hermione, and I are always sneaking in somewhere we shouldn't to find out about something we shouldn't." Harry laughed thinking about all the fun times they had together.
Jane smiled " They do, sometimes I don't know why I hang around them, but I don't think I can picture my life with out them."
" I know what you mean." Harry and Jane sat in a comfortable silence for several minutes before
Jane broke the silence. " Are you feeling better? I know you were upset before."
" I feel much better actually. Just talking about Hermione and Ron makes me happy. Thank you."
" You're welcome, and I know what you mean about how friends can make you happy. I miss them so much. I will be leaving soon to stay with Riley's family. I think Jimmy will be joining us too." Harry smiled at Jane ` god she looks so much like Hermione it's scary, but she still looks like someone else. Almost like...' Harry gasped " Oh my god!" he said Jane jumped,
" What!? Is there something wrong?"
" No, it's just, umm, well, you know how I said you look like Hermione? Well there is someone else you look like as well but I couldn't figure it out until now."
" Oh." Jane said looking down at the ground and looked rather pale.
" Sorry if I've upset you, it's just that you look like a cross between Hermione and my mum."
Jane gasped, jumped up from her spot next to Harry and began to run back into the dark.
Harry got up and began to chase her. " Jane wait!" but it was too late, she was gone.
Thank you for all the reviews! I love them all!! And thanks to my beta. And before you all say something about the location of Hogwarts, I know its not in England. I only said that because Harry was lying about where it was. The next chapter will be out soon.
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