It's for the sake of the competition! Oh well - Harry wanted to fight his war alone but would his friends let him? And most important of all could he be able? Ah! You know it's Harry and dear Hermione but other pairs, you gotta find yourself ;-)
From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/4946/
A Lone Journey
Disclaimer: Harry Potter world is JKR's. I'm just having a little fun :-) Thanks to her!!!
A/N: Read at your own risk! Don't flame me if I don't continue coz I don't trust myself, lolz. Oh and no beta read for this story so forgive me if there are any mistakes in grammar and all coz English is NOT my language. Thanks!!!
Chapter 1
ZzozZ
A teenage boy of about 17 year old was lying flat on the floor of his bedroom at number four Private Drive. His two green eyes scrutinized the grey cobwebs on the ceiling, some were very old that they were torn and threatened to fall down on the boy's head but some were of the recently product of the spiders which were running lazily as if waiting for their prey to show themselves. Somehow the spiders reminded him of Aragog who died of his old age in Harry's sixth year just a few months ago.
“Aragog,” Harry whispered to himself, “died. Dumbledore is dead too.”
The thought of the old man still brought back the pain in his chest regardless of how many times he spend on telling himself it was useless to morn over a death man in a time like this. Harry could not understand why he needed to come here now that Dumbledore was death. He knew it was for his own good but to Harry there was nothing left. His main goal in life was to conquer Voldemort, no longer did he care about his security or his own life now.
`Silly!' shrieked a voice in his head not for the first time. No matter how jumbled his mind was that voice was still reasonable and most of the time it was the only think that prevent him from packing up and flew of to find his destiny. It was so strange that sometimes he wondered if there would be another person living in him like Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts' teacher in his first year. Harry shivered involuntarily at the thought. But the voice in his head was only heard when Harry was thinking or doing something inappropriate or too risky. It couldn't be that evil after all it sounded similar to Hermione's voice.
It would be really silly now to fret over such thing. Only a few more days he would be off to the Burrow joining the other in Bill and Fleur's wedding. There would be a lot of people at the wedding. Harry didn't like the crowd but he was delighted at the idea of reunited with his friends. He missed them and most of all he missed Ginny.
Every so often, he thought about how he had decided to break up with her. He was devastated at that time; desperate to protect those he loved. He knew if Ginny were to be in any kind of relationship with him it meant that she was placed in a much more dangerous position than she already was in. So as much as he enjoyed her comfort present he knew he must let her go for her own good.
Harry sighed. He rose from the floor and walked to the small window of his room. Peering out he saw the slightly burned flower and grass covered the garden of number four Private Drive. It was a hot summer, hotter than the other years he remembered. The surroundings were boringly quiet. Most people preferred to spend time in their home to going out while the mid summer sun was hatefully glaring at them.
Droplets of sweat were forming on his forehead and neck. Harry wondered idly what were going on in the Wizarding world and most important of all what evil things were Voldemort and his followers doing. He, Harry Potter, should not be uselessly staying in here at this chaotic time. He should be out there with the members of the Orders or on his way finding the Hocruxes to defeat Voldemort.
Shocking his head resolutely, Harry turn back to his room. It was Dumbledore's wish that he were to stay here. He did not want to question think about it any more. Suddenly he caught sight of something leaped in a bush of flower. Quickly he drew out his wand and set his guard up. He looked searchingly at the bush that something or someone had disappeared into. He waited for a few long minutes but the bush looked as brown and still as ever. Harry shifted his gaze around the serene neighborhood. He could not believe that he was imagining thing but the quietness had proved that there was only him.
Lowering his wand Harry walked back in and at the same time there were a knock at the door insistently and Uncle Vernom's voice booming at him to open the bloody door.
Irritated, Harry placed his wand back into his pocket and opened his door just a little to reveal his uncle's red, angry face.
“What can I do for you, sir?” asked Harry sarcastically. Uncle Vernom's face was redder at the sarcasm in Harry's voice but he content himself knowing that Harry was able to use magic out side the school now that he was off age according to Wizarding law.
“There's...there's a man,” said Uncle Vernom, “he said he want to talk to you.”
Harry's expression changed. He frowned. “Who's that?” he mused to himself worriedly.
“I don't bloody know those of your kind!” bellowed Uncle Vernom, “go and ask him yourself!”
He turned his heels and walked back to the living room then stopped to add. “Be quick!”
Harry followed the trail of his Uncle. He found a tall, thin old man standing near Aunt Pertunia's beautiful elegant lamp stand in the living room. He was looking at the electronic lamp with an unreadable expression but for sure it wasn't one of the expressions that Mr. Weasley, Ron's father, would show when seeing such Muggle things. The Dursleys were sitting on a sofa looking wary as if expecting the old man to strike at any moment.
Upon Harry's arrival, the old wizard turned around to face him. The two of them stared at each other for a moment unaware of the tension they cased on the Dursleys nearby.
A long minute of silence passed slowly. None of them was willing to break the eyes contact. At the same time Harry was raking his brain for any trace of familiarity in the wizard in front of him. He had long grey hair and beard that were turning to the color of snow-white. His eyes were sky blue liked a pair Harry remembered quite well with only the lack of twinkles.
At this point that Harry realized who the man was. He opened his mouth to talk but was shut up by the other wizard who held out his hand with grim face.
“You know who I am, correct?” said he in a low voice, “I'm here to carry you a message from my brother.” He continued without waiting for Harry's reply.
“Yes, I know,” answered Harry anyway. He was curious as to what message Dumbledore had for him that need to be carried by his brother.
“He wished for you to continue on your study at Hogwarts,” Alberforth went on as thought Harry hadn't answered.
Harry was astonished at what Alberforth had just told him. What does it mean? How could Dumbledore have left such a message? Does it mean... does it mean that he knew? Harry's thought ran wildly over the possibility that Dumbledore might know already of his death. This slightly made Harry feel sick.
“How... how do you get that message?” he asked Alberforth.
“It's his wish for a long time ago since you first cam to Hogwarts,” answered the grey hair wizard, “and he knew I'm to carry his words to you one day.” He added looking away from Harry.
Although Alberforth's face was still impassive, Harry suspected that the brought back Dumbledore memory had touched him to an extent.
“Are there anything else?” inquired Harry as sense the awkward silence was about to fall on the two of them again and Uncle Vernom had chosen that moment to announce their presents by clearing his throat loudly.
“I got something for you too,” said Alberforth still ignoring the Dursley, “here.” He fished out from his inner pocket a small, red bag and handed it to Harry.
Harry looked at the bag in his hand and wondered what would be in there. However the idea of untying it right now seemed to be unwise. Alberforth looked at the Dursleys for the first time but did not address them. He drew his gaze back at Harry and said, “I hope you would consider my brother's word carefully,” he paused then looked at the bag in Harry's hand he said, “I don't know what content in the bag but I hope you would use it wisely.”
Without another words he twirled around and left. Harry stared after him for a second before Uncle Vernom's bellowing pulled him out of his reveries. Harry did not wait for the burst from the Dursleys he dashed out of the living room into his own.
ZzozZ
A Lone Journey
Disclaimer: Harry Potter world is JKR's. I'm just having a little fun :-) Thanks to her!!!
A/N: Thank you, readers and reviewers!!! I'm sorry for any mistakes in this story coz I haven't got a beta reader and I'm not a native English speaker. Thanks again. Enjoy this second chapter!!!
ZzozZ
Chapter 2: A Sweet Reunion
In his room, Harry leaped over his bed and carefully untied the little bag that Alberforth gave him. There were two little bottles and a mirror. Harry recognized the mirror immediately. It was the Two-way mirror liked the one Sirius gave him on Christmas day two years ago.
He put the mirror down and went on to examine the two little bottles. One contented of crystals clear liquid and the other was silvery. Harry's eyes widened, as he knew what that silvery fluid was. He had seen Dumbledore poured those things into his Pensive many times and had even managed to get one from professor Slughorn in his sixth year. But whose memory was it? He asked himself.
Confused, Harry put every thing back into the red bag. Alberforth's last words came to him “I hope you would use it wisely”. How would he be able to use them properly if he didn't even know what they exactly were except for the mirror?
Harry lay down on his bed thinking. He had not considered about going back to school even if Hogwarts was still open for students. He had planed on going to Godric's Hollow before setting of his journey and find the Horcruxes with or without his friends companies was another matter but going back to school after all the things that happened was odd if not completed absurd.
Were there any reasons worth going back to Hogwart this new term? None he could think of unless there was a Horcruxes at Hogwarts, which he doubted. His own safety had fallen to his own hands since the day Dumbledore lost his own life. There was no question about keeping him at Hogwarts in order to protect him and the idea of learning was no better than the first.
The more he thought the more things get complicated. He could not understand Dumbledore's intention. Wasn't it his wish for him to find the Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort? If he were to stay at Hogwarts for the whole year how would he be able to fulfill his destiny?
The prospect kept Harry thought occupied for the next few days. Mr. Weasley and Ron came to fetch him just a day before Bill and Fleur's wedding. Harry arrived at the Burrow via Floo network again as Ron and he was still unable to Apparate.
It was late afternoon. The Burrow looked slightly different from what he remembered due to some new decorations. Ron told him that Bill and Fleur had decided to have the wedding at home where they thought was the safest place.
He did not see both Bill and Fleur but was told that the two had set of to Hogsmeade station to get Fleur's sister, Gabrielle, whose arrival was delayed due to accidence (Harry did not believe of accidence these days) on the train this morning.
Mrs. Weasley greeted them at the front door. She looked tired but pretty happy to see Harry. She hugged him. “Hello Harry! I'm glad you can make it to our Bill's wedding,” said Mrs. Weasley. She did not wait for Harry to reply but ushered them all into the house.
“Hello Harry.” Came a familiar voice before Harry had a chance to look around the room. Then he saw Hermione, Ginny, Remus and Tonk sitting around the high polish, old table. His eyes felt on Ginny. She smiled at him and he returned with an uncertain smile.
“How are you, Harry?” asked Remus looking up from his newspaper.
“I'm fine, thanks,” replied Harry, “how are you all doing?”
“We are fine!” It was Tonk who answered and Harry noticed that she seemed to be in a better condition than the last time they met. Her hair was dark brown similar to Hermione's.
Ron took a seat beside Hermione. Harry and Mr. Weasley occupied the other two chairs next to Remus. He noticed for the first time that Hermione's eyes were swollen and red as if she had been crying.
“What happen, Hermione?” he asked worriedly. He just remembered now that for half of the summer holiday he spent at the Dursleys' he had only heard from Hemrione once on his birthday. She had sent him a pair of magical gloves and a note explaining how useful the gloves were.
Hermione stifled a sob and Ron's hand automatically covered hers. “Her parents don't want her to come back to the Wizarding world,” said Ron.
Little was Harry surprise; no parents would want their children to face such danger. He always knew that Hermione's parents were supportive to Hermione's strange condition but he doubted once they knew what Hermione had been through (with him mostly) and how the Wizarding world nowadays they would still be that supportive. He was more surprise that it did not happen sooner.
“Are you okay, Hermione?” he asked removing his gaze from the entwined hands on the table. For some reasons, seeing the closeness between his two best friends made him slightly uneasy.
“Yes, I'm fine,” said Hermione, smiling up at him. “Thanks.”
“Bill and Fleur are coming,” announced Mrs. Weasley holding up the grandfather clock with hands pointing in different directions. Harry saw Fleur's name already in there.
They talked about current events until the bride and groom to be arrived with a girl about Ginny age with an appearance resembled Fleur. Then they had a rather early dinner with Fred and George joining them but to Mrs. Weasley dismay Charlie wasn't able to come until tomorrow morning.
After dinner Harry went up to Ron's room, which they usually shared while Harry was staying at the Burrow. Ron and Hermione accompanied him. As he opened the door a hood sound greeted him and Hedwig flew down from the wardrobe to stand on Harry's shoulder. She nipped at his ear affectionately. Harry patted her snowy feather endearingly. Just liked other time, when she got the acknowledgement from her master she took off out of sight.
Harry glanced around the room. It was the same room he stayed every time came here. His truck and Hedwig's empty cage was already in the room. He remembered the first time he came to the Burrow; he had thought it was the best house and it still was. After this year would he be able to come here again? He did not know nor he wanted to think about it.
After a few seconds of silence, Harry was aware that two pairs of eyes were staring at him. Hermione came forward and hugged him tightly. “Oh Harry! I've missed you,” she sobbed.
Awkwardly, Harry patted her back. “I've miss you two too,” said Harry, his eyes searched Ron's but the redhead wizard was looking at Hermione's back.
When Hermione emerged from his shoulder again she smiled brightly and Harry wondered why he never noticed how beautiful her smile was. But just as he realized what he was thinking he quickly scowled at himself. This is Hermione! Your best friend and Ron's supposed love interest! Kick away all the inappropriate thought this instance, Potter! He kept revising that line over and over in his mind as Hermione started to talk.
“Harry,” began Hermione shyly, “you know, Ron and I have decided that we are officially boyfriend and girlfriend now.”
For a moment Harry thought he did not hear her correctly or they might not be serious but the looks on their faces confirm any suspicion he might have.
“Are you... are you not happy, Harry?” Ron stuttered. His face was pink then turned slightly white when he thought Harry might not approve about their relationship or at some point were not happy.
Harry blinked once, twice - then he smiled tightly and exclaimed, “congratulation! Ron, Hermione, I know it, I know!”
Ron and Hermione beamed at Harry, relief showed clearly on their faces. The three of them looked at one another and busted out laughing. No matter what, the sound of their laughing always managed to cheer Harry up.
They calmed down after awhile and Hermione looked at Harry with a serious expression. “Harry how was your stay at the Dursley?” she asked.
“It was normal,” answered Harry without looking at Hermione. He did not feel like talking about Alberforth's visit or about Dumbledore's message at that moment.
“Harry,” said Hermione again and he put her hand firmly on his left shoulder. “If there is anything you want to talk with us please don't be hesitated,” she went on, “we're best friend, still, remember.”
“Yes, Harry,” agreed Ron.
Harry looked from Hermione to Ron then at her hand on his shoulder. He felt a warm energy ran through his whole body. He smiled. “I will tell you when the wedding is over,” replied Harry, “now I just want to have a peaceful day before heading for the war.”
ZzozZ