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"One must die by the hands of the other" Dumbledore's words rang in Harry's mind as he walked into the forbidden forest slowly, hands trembling and face showing no any emotion. The war took too many lives for Harry to remember. Fred? Gone. Remus? Gone. Tonks? Gone. James and Lily? Gone. Sirius? Gone. Severus? Gone.He lost too many people than his heart can handle. How can a child suffer so much?? How can someone go such things? Did he deserve this? Has he been awful to people for him to deserve this? Has he not been good enough? Harry bitterly thought.He glanced at his surroundings. The forest was eerily quiet as usual. It was cloudy and beginning to dark out. The sky seems to be feeling sympathy for him. He looked down at his trembling hands. Harry's footsteps stops as he saw Voldemort and his men waiting for him with victorious smiles as if the outcome of the battle was already handed to them. "Harry? Harry, what are you doing here?!?" the giant, Hagrid, shouted at Harry. He looked up to see the man with ropes attached to him to keep him from getting away. Harry felt guilty for making the man go through this. Hagrid's eyes were pleading. The weight of it, Harry can't take. He looked away, trying to ignore the piercing stares and broken calls of the giant. "Harry, please, get away from here. Run!" Hagrid's pleads were ignored. Harry wished for Hagrid to stop. 'Please, stop, I might give in' he thought and finally looked up to his opponent."At last" Voldemort started and Harry couldn't help but to stare blanky. In his mind, he wants to run, to hide. To leave everything behind as he starts a new life by himself. Away from everyone, away from people, maybe then they are safe and alive and laughing. They didn't deserve any of this. Harry doesn't blame anyone for this misfortune but himself. He attracts danger, everywhere he go, there is one. Harry always gets away with it, he'd always managed to trick it and overpower it. But now, the consequences of his actions, he's paying for it. Trouble couldn't do anything to Harry, instead, it took his loved ones as the prize. This all happened because of him. They all died because of him. At least in Harry's mind, he saw the problem, the cause of it all. It's none other than himself."Any last words, Harry Potter?" Harry's eyes snapped to Voldemort. It came more like a final sentence than a question as Voldemort spoke with his sharp teeth showing. "The boy who lived, come to die... AVADA KEDAVRA!!" Voldemort shouted with his ridiculous posture and wand pointed at Harry. Blinding green light filled everyone's vision and for the last time, Harry cried. He begs for him to be spared. It was cowardly, yes but what do you expect from a child? The only thing he should be worrying about is school, exams, and homeworks but no. Here he is, facing death once again. In Harry's mind, he begs for only happiness. He begs for fairness and answers. He cries out for help, for someone to take him away from everyone. Harry couldn't help but imagine how Hermione and Ron would react. Hermione will for sure be mad at him for his idiotic actions, with her voice rumbling as she searches for possible ways to help Harry, scanning through as much books as she can at once. Ron would call Harry a 'Bloody idiot' with no hesitation.Before the spell could hit Harry, he clutched his chest and let out a crying, pained scream before falling to the ground with a loud thud. His body limping flat and eyes open with tears falling out his eyes. Hagrid, who was watching the scene, can't do anything but to weep. Sniffles and sobs cracking out of the giant's mouth. The boy whom he recognizes as his own, gone right before him. A child who should have outlived him, there he was, lying on the ground. Life gone.All of a sudden, it started raining. Thunders roared along with Hagrid's grieving voice. The sky seems to be mourning with the people as they lost their lives, loved ones, and their hero. Harry, the boy who lived, died at the hands of the Dark Lord. It's over.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"AHHHHH!!" Loud screams escaped Harry's lips startling everyone in the room with him. Wait... room?? The last thing Harry remembered was him in the forest with Voldemort. He panted and nervously wandered his eyes around his surroundings. The place seemed familiar to Harry but he couldn't figure out where it is. With a pained groan, he sat up with his hands on his forehead. Harry was crying. Loud sobs filled out his lips as he can't stop himself from doing so. Memories came crushing at him. He closed his eyes and immediately, the memory of Voldemort killing him filled his mind, immense pain came at him as he gripped his hair and screamed, voice filled with agony, pain, sadness, and regret. Harry didn't hear the rushing footsteps to his side, worried voice was heard. Suddenly, a soft, steady hands gripped his own from pulling his hair out. "Breathe in, breathe out" A very familiar voice, Harry thought. He tried to look up but all he could see is a blurry figure of a woman due to the tears that are continuously filling his eyes. Although the voice is muffled, Harry could still point out what is being said. "Again, breathe in, breathe out" Harry followed the voice with a shuddered breathing. He couldn't think clearly. What happened after that?? Did Voldemort really win?? Is the war over?? Or was it all just a very long nightmare?? Harry needed answers. With trembling breaths, he looked up to the blurry woman and managed to blurt out "Where am I? What happened?". Harry ripped his hands away from the woman and backed away further against the headboard of his... bed?? It became spontaneous to Harry as he learned that he can't easily trust anyone. It's a harsh reality he learned. He once again glanced around nervously and hugged his knees, now noticing the murmurs and glances people are sending his way. With wide eyes, he finally looked at the blurry lady who turned out to be Madame Pomfrey. Wait, Madame Pomfrey?? Harry stopped and squinted his eyes at the woman, seeing if he's just imagining things. No, Harry was sure it's Madame Pomfrey as he spent countless hours admiring the way the lady helped injured and ill people. Madame Pomfrey is looking at him with brows furrowed but with concern and confusion evident in her eyes. She took a step forward but Harry hitched his breath before pressing himself more to the headboard, making as much distance from the lady as possible. He could be hallucinating right now or he could be under some shitty spells— Harry shouldn't be careless. Madame Pomfrey stopped at her tracks and put up her hands, as if to show Harry she's not a threat to him. "Potter? What's wrong?" Her soft words pained Harry for a reason. The place seemed okay and normal. No signs of battle to be seen. No falling debris, no piling of dust and trash, no smoke of fire, no blood, no dead bodies— not even a broken brick!! It seems like the place like Harry's home. It's Hogwarts but before the war. When everything was still okay. Harry did not realize that he had been staring at Pomfrey for a while now. The old lady cleared her throat to catch Harry's attention but it did not do good. By the boy's reaction, he's scared and defensive and Pomfrey doesn't want him to feel threatened as the hospital wing is a place where students should feel safe. That's why she remained her distance away from the boy. "Potter...Harry!" When he did not answer, she called out with a louder voice, finally catching Harry's attention. With a squeak, Harry jumped and in response, grabbed to where his wand should be. Only, it wasn't there. He panicked and looked down but paused when he noticed that he's in his school robes. His gazed immediately shot back at Pomfrey with wide, bewildered eyes. "W-what happened? Why am I h-here?? Is it o-over?" He asked that confused Pomfrey and the students in the room. Murmurs grew louder by Harry's weird behavior.
"What's up with him?"
"I don't know but he seems scared"
"Obviously. The boy's crying"
"What happened?"
"Dunno, he suddenly screamed like a madman"
Harry's attention is now caught up by the murmurs. He harshly wiped his tears with his sleeves as he wait for his answer. Pomfrey furrowed her brows more and patiently asked Harry, "What are you talking about, Harry dear? What is over?" She asked and he couldn't help but to grimace. This seems too real to be just a hallucination. After realizing that he's at the hospital wing, he looked at the door and silently planned his escape. If he is indeed hallucinating or something, he plans to run away. As if Pomfrey read his mind, she immediately interrupted."You are to stay here, Harry. You seem sick, you're pale and all. Maybe the venom is still affecting you" Pomfrey asked in concern. Venom? What venom? The Basilisk's? Harry had too many questions in his mind but the one he decided to do was to run. Without a word, he sprinted out the hospital wing. Pomfrey shouted calls for him but he ignored it and kept going. Harry doesn't know where he is going but he did not stop. He ran and ran, confusion washed over him. Harry seems to be back in Hogwarts. But how? He was just in the forbidden forest with Voldemort, how can he be in the hospital wing? And why does everything looked like that?? Why does it seemed peaceful?? It seemed too good to be true.Shaking his head, he shut his eyes to clear his thoughts away. After what seemed like forever of running, he finally stopped. With heavy breathing, he collapsed to the ground. He took desperate breaths and roamed his eyes around. Without knowing, his feet drove him to the border of the forbidden forest. The forest gave him chills but it's the only place that felt right now for him. It's weird but it gave Harry the feeling of certainty. With a more steady breathing, he stood up and squinted his eyes to the forest. Maybe I'll get my answer, Harry thought and finally decided to enter the forest. Memories came rushing through his mind once again as he steps into the forest slowly. Feeling a sense of déja vu, Harry felt like he's walking to his death again. He couldn't even remember how many times he almost meet his end. Did the last one failed once more?? Is he alive?? Or dead and his mind is just playing his memories?? He's not even sure if this is what death is. "Shi– am I finally dead? Did he succeed?" Harry murmured to himself, not realizing how thirsty he actually is cause of the screaming and crying from earlier. He frowned and reached for his throat. "I assure you, you are still alive and breathing" a voice suddenly came from behind him. Harry jumped and turned around to face the voice and the face he saw was not the one who he was expecting. It his Potions master, Severus Snape. What? Why's he here? But... he died..Memories of the man's last moments now flooded Harry's mind. He had watch the man die. He watched him get killed by the bloody snake. He had watch the man bleeding out... bled out to his death. The man's dying words rang in Harry's ears.
"You have your mother's eyes"
"P-Professor?" Harry croaked out. Severus was taken aback by the genuine confusion and gentleness of the boy's words and action but he hid it behind a grimace and raised his brow. "You have seem to forgot that the forest in prohibited for students. Did you hit your head or are you still in a haze by the venom? Perhaps you think that you can get away with breaking school rules once again?" Severus barked with a ridiculing tone. He's provoking the boy again. Watching Harry irritated always amused Severus. It's always fun for him to watch the boy angry because then, it's a chance for him to give detention or take points. Severus was expecting a snarl or a scowl from the boy. Only this time, the boy cried and took few steps forward his professor. Severus was caught off guard by this and he gave the boy a warning look. "Professor.." the boy called out again and finally broke down to tears. He slouched to the ground, hugged his knees and let out heavy sobs. Harry is crying again. Severus was stunned. He watched the boy, concerned. This time, he thinks that it's okay to show it to Harry. Somehow, the scene looked odd for Severus. The Potter boy is as childish as his father. Always grinning as they break rules. Always a show-off and as arrogant as James. Doesn't miss the opportunity to stand out and show others how they are better than the rest of them. That's the image Severus had built for James and his son. But this Potter, he seems his age. No, he seems like a broken boy with years- maybe decades of problems. The boy looked as vulnerable as the others his age. For the first time, he's seeing Harry as a child. The Potter he knew never break down. He never let out heavy sobs, nor spill so much tears. So why? Why is Harry down there, grieving??With a reluctant hand, Severus patted Harry's shoulder as he knelt on the ground with the boy. The boy sobbed harder as he felt the man's touch. The simple action gave Harry the feeling of 'someone being there for him'. It gave him a sense of comfort after everything he'd just been through. After days, months of the war, after leaving everything behind and dying at the hands of the Dark Lord, the exhaustion of the burden and event finally hit Harry. He felt the heavy pain and fatigue crushing him. He never realized how tired he actually is. The burden and responsibilities of being the chosen one caught up to him as reality came crushing down at him. He finally let out how scared he was, finally showing how lonely and sad he is feeling. The pressure of his emotions reached the nearby man. Severus felt guilty for some reason. He wanted to say something but doesn't know what to. Potter's emotions are overwhelming him. He doesn't know what to do, he doesn't know how to help or if Harry even want one. Finally, after some contemplation, Severus finally pulled the boy into a hug. Severus worries if it's the right thing to do or if he can provide the comfort Harry is looking for but he tried. At least letting the boy know that someone's with him now. Severus was taken aback when Harry pushed himself more into him, collapsing more in his arms and draining his robes by his tears. This time though, he did not care about that, he just wanted the boy to let all his pain out. If it was the past- hell, even if it was them yesterday, he would've question the boy already and maybe push him away. The Potter with him right now though isn't anything like his father. This one is broken and Severus saw... Harry. No blood of James, no eyes of Lily. Just Harry. This Harry needed someone and Severus is there.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Severus sat still, hands patting Harry's back as the boy let out his pain. The boy has been crying for a while now but he's showing no signs of stopping. His sobs and sniffles rang through the quiet forest. Somehow, Severus understands Harry. It seems like the boy has been carrying his burden for a while and stocked-up emotions can be overwhelming. "Potter..." Severus started but found himself unable to ask Harry what's bothering him. Severus wants to know whether it's because of the events that occured in the Chamber of Secrets or other personal things. Harry and his friends, as stubborn as they always are, went on a little adventure along with their DADA instructor, Lockhart. Word broke out that Harry Potter, their hero, saved everyone and everything once again. The students that turned into stones turned back to normal. It seems that Harry's adventure was a success. It's admirable, yes, but also frustrating. The boy had put himself in danger again. As frustrating as it is because of the event that occurred, Severus knows that it's not the reason for the boy's tears. Severus is mad but his anger and irritation fall onto the Headmaster, Albus.
'This is one of his schemes for sure'
Severus thought with a scowl when finally, Harry pulled himself away from his professor's arms. Severus looked down at the boy and found himself immediately melting in concern upon seeing the boy's broken eyes. It also pained the Potions Master as it reminded him of the girl he loved, seeing how lonely and broken those eyes were. Harry's eyes are red and puffy as well as his nose. Harry looked down and wiped his remaining tears away, embarrassed that he had just broken down in the arms of his hated professor. He then glanced sideways, as if expecting something from the forest.
Harry is still confused. He is uncertain what to feel or what to do. One time he's dying and now, he's back in school with the very person he watched die in his arms. It's like seeing a ghost, Harry suddenly felt chills. Severus just watched the boy's behavior. Harry is on his guard with his eyes glaring but alert.
"Potter??" Harry's eyes then landed on his teacher. He furrowed his brows and glanced at the man's neck. 'Clean' he thought as he saw no signs of any wound (specifically a snake bite) nor signs of bleeding out. Harry then released a deep breath before finally speaking.
"Professor... why are we here? What happened?" Harry's questions confused Severus. Did the boy hit his head and forget what happened?? And what in the Merlin does he mean but why are they here?? Severus has lots of questions he wants to ask.
"I do not know how to answer your first question. However, regarding your second question, you and your friends went on an adventure again. I don't know what made you think you could defeat a ginormous Basilisks but you did. From what I heard, the venom affected you and tried to end you but is saved." Severus carefully explained as Harry took the information. He doesn't know what to feel or conclude. Basilisks?? That happened years ago though...
"What... what year is today, sir?" Harry asked with uncertainty. His first conclusion is that his mind is playing his memories as he dies. He heard that that's what happens when you pass. Only, this is not one of Harry's memories. He does not remember this happening at all, so it's unlikely that the myth is true.
"It's 1993. Honestly, are you well? I'll accompany you back to the Hospital Wing" Severus' words left a flavor in his mouth. It's not always that he lets out such strange words after all. Harry, on the other hand, does not seem to mind this as he stares at his Potions Professor. His teacher looks well. That did not bother Harry one bit. What bothered him was the date given.
What Harry can remember is that it's the 1998. He remembers not attending school at the year as the trio went for their Horcrux hunting. Unknowingly, he reached up for his scar. Severus saw this and frowned but did not say anything.
'Is it acting up again??'
Harry shifts for a moment before standing up. "1993..." He mumbled with a puzzled look.
'1993?? Am I... am I back again?? But how?? Why?? Is Voldemort playing tricks with me?? But that's unlikely. He's not that smart...' Harry's thoughts went on and on, analyzing the situation before he makes decisions about what he's going to do. If Voldemort is indeed playing with him, Harry expects whatever he's experiencing to end. However, if not, then Harry can only conclude one thing.
It's that he's back again.
"But why?" Harry asked himself lowly. He groaned and played with his lips as if to help himself to concentrate more.
Severus, who is watching the boy, became amused and also intrigued. The boy seems unusual after he came back from the Chamber of Secrets. After waking up, screaming, crying, and running away, Severus mentally decides that he's going to figure out what in Merlin's name is wrong with Potter. Severus sighed and let Harry be, intently looking at the boy but also being alert to their surroundings. Who knows what's happening in this forest anyway.
Harry paces around, often stopping to stare at the ground before pacing again. Severus watched Harry do the same thing again and again. He watches as Harry clicks his tongue while thinking before again, pacing around and he can't help but raise his brow. It took every inch of him to refrain himself from asking the boy and dragging him back to the castle.
When Harry stopped in his tracks and stared at his Professor, Severus became certain that something changed with the boy. Not his eyes, not his height, not his looks. Severus does not know but he noted to find it out eventually. He's not just a spy for the name.
Severus then sighed heavily and brushed his hair with his fingers while looking at the leaves dancing with the wind.
"Potter, we should be on our way. It might get dangerous here. Worry about your problems in your dorm, understood?" He asked still admiring the nature. He waited for a few seconds but Harry did not answer. Severus then scowled before turning his attention back to the boy.
"What in Merlin's– POTTER!!" Severus yelled upon seeing Harry gone. Severus cursed before frantically looking around, thinking about where direction he should go. Severus was about to yell for Harry again when he heard a twig snapping from not so far away. "This kid..." He said in amusement before running off after Harry quietly. Not even 10 seconds later, he can see Harry from the distance running after something or perhaps to something, Severus is not sure. The boy seems to know where he's going, he seems familiar with the place and it made Severus more interested.
'Just how many times has the boy been here?'
He thought and after a while, Harry stopped running and Severus realized that they are in an open area. He watches as Harry walks slowly while looking at a specific ground with a scowl. The ground is empty but Harry seems to be reminiscing about something. Slowly, he approached the boy, being careful not to startle him in any way.
"This is..." Harry spoke but stopped himself. Snape raised his brow but did not say anything. Harry then took a shaky breath before nodding. "Is... how is Fred, sir?" Harry asked before slowly turning to face Severus, who was watching him intently. Those dark eyes kept on making Harry's mind repeat the same man's end repeatedly, so, he turned his eyes into something else.
"The Weasley visited you once with his twin before running off and announcing in the great hall that you had saved everyone" Severus spoke with that same slow and sharp voice Harry remembers.
Harry nodded in response before walking off to the nearby log and sitting on it. Without any remark, Severus followed, sitting a foot away from the child and for the next few minutes, they shared the comfortable silence. No one said a word nor showed any signs of discomfort. Harry stared at the distance, mind wandering to Merlin knows where, while Severus stared ahead, occasionally glancing at the boy.
It stayed like that for a few more minutes before Harry spoke. "Professor... w-what do you think happens when someone dies??" He asked not giving his professor a peep. Severus was not expecting the question so it took him some time to reply. "I am not so sure myself. However, I think that... they stay here, watching and guiding us". The Potions Master replied while watching Harry carefully. "Take Lily for example" He added that froze Harry for a while. He then slowly turned his head to his Professor and for the second time that day(year?), he saw past those almost black eyes. The eyes held intense and deep amount of loneliness, longing, and regret. Just like what he saw when Severus was taking his last breaths 'Always...' Harry remembered. Severus seemed to notice this and not even five seconds later, his professor hid those emotions with a blink of his eyes.
"What about reincarnation– no, turning back in time??" Harry added. "I have not heard any cases regarding that, though I do not think it is unlikely as our world is all about magic, everything is possible". Severus' words made sense to Harry. Magic... nonetheless, magic needs some sort of trigger to happen. So, what triggered his sudden travel back in time?? Harry wanted to ask but refrained himself.
"Right, magic" Harry mumbled to himself before nodding and standing up, Severus followed. "Where are you going now?" Severus asked the boy and took few cautious step towards the boy in fear of him running off again. Harry noticed this and smiled. "I won't run off again. Should we go back, professor?? I missed my friends" Severus rolled his eyes but nodded anyway. It's getting late and surely, the students are waiting to greet their hero and celebrate for his another success.
On the way back, Severus led the way followed by Harry from a few steps backs. He's watching his professor's every move as if expecting the man to collapse and it took every inch of Severus to not snarl at the boy. For him, Harry has been awfully calm being with him. He expected for the boy to be complaining about his presence or to be rushing and nagging him to go back to the castle already. Aside from not throwing a 'tantrum', the boy has been respectful or at least formal with talking to him, honorifics and no snapping which gave Snape some sort of chill. Severus is not sure whether he likes the improvement or the opposite.
As they made their way to the Great Hall, shouts and cheers bombarded them as people gathered themselves around Harry. Some shouted his name and different cheers while some made their way to pat Harry's head. Severus took this opportunity to distance himself and to run off to the waiting Minerva. He stood beside the Gryffindor's head of house as he watched from a distance as the boy got emotional, tearing up and reaching out for Ron and Hermione who were both obviously waiting for his return. The three of them hugged and Severus can't help but to roll his eyes. 'Emotional children'.
After moments of cheering and few failed attempts to get away from the crowd, Harry sighed heavily as he managed to push himself away from the students. He ran to the nearest bench in the Great Hall as he scanned the whole area. It's peaceful, and bright unlike back then at the war. This castle actually feels safe and it made Harry crack another smile. For now, he's safe, everyone is safe. No one died, everyone did not shed any blood and tears and Harry wants to keep it that way.
"I need a plan. What to do..." he mumbled to himself and watched at Ron and Hermione looking proud of themselves. He watched everyone share smiles as the crowd slowly dies out. He watched as Fred and George shared silly jokes and exaggerated laughs. While searching for Horcrux, Harry never realized how small smiles and gestures held intense happy memories. He never realized how lucky he is to have so many people support him from behind. He never realized how he mattered to all these people. Harry had never realized the sacrifices different people made for the better future. The sacrifices that had to be made because of Voldemort. The thought of the Dark Lord alone dropped Harry's smile. It's because of him after all that everything turned out miserable in the future he was in. Future...
It can be changed, right?? Traveling back in time means that Harry has the chance to change the outcomes of his decisions. It's the opportunity to change the broken and miserable future into a more happy one. Will Harry finally have his happy ending?? Can he save the people he once lost??
No, he WILL get the ending he wants. He WILL save the people that was lost in the war. He WILL change the future for the better, a future where the people he loves are happy and well.
'Yep, that seems like a good dream for now', Harry thought before walking off to his house's tower to take a shower and rest. "Time for me to protect everyone".
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The following day, Harry spent the whole afternoon on his bed, trying to recall the things that should happen to the next few months and years. He should be careful of the actions he will do as it will affect this whole new timeline. Ron and Hermione were kind enough to let him be and not nag him as they think that Harry needs rest, it's the weekend after all. Besides thinking, Harry spent his day reminiscing and admiring things and people he once lost. Earlier, Fred and George brought Harry a ball, snickering. When George told Harry to shake it to activate it, Harry turned into a human Christmas light to which the whole room laughed about for the next hour before the ball lost its effect. Harry, instead of being pissed, laughed along with the others, just happy seeing everyone else as it is. Everything turned back normal. Harry couldn't asked for more. However, Harry still wonders what made him or who brought him back in time. Whoever and whatever it was, Harry just wants to ask why and what. Why him?? What now?? He couldn't help but sigh and stare out the window. "Summer break's nearing..." he mumbled to himself. School year is ending and that just means one thing. Sirius and Remus.Sirius will soon break out Azkaban. Sirius is alive. Harry suddenly remembered the events in the Shrieking Shack. The reunion of the three Marauders. The appearance of Remus, breaking out of Sirius, and the revelation of the rat, Pettigrew. That rat, Harry snarled. Speaking, Ron's familiar suddenly leapt out of its sleep and jumped off the bed. Harry frowned, letting it walk for a few meters before following it, carefully as to not let it beware that he knows its identity. The rat walked through a small hole that leads outside the portrait. Silently, Harry follows, casually stepping out their entrance and down the stairs, also avoiding someone who would pull him for talks and distract him. Harry has an idea where Peter might be going. After a few minutes of following, he clicked his tongue as the rat run a sharp right and disappeared in an instant. Seems like it has its own passage. Regarding the rat, Harry does not know what to do with it. Should he kill it?? Should he imprison it?? Should he expose it or perhaps torture it...?? He wants to but he can't. As tempting as it is, the rat will play a big role in the future what will occur. With a defeated sigh, Harry just continued his walk and went outside the castle to visit Hagrid, the giant. As he got there, he knocked first and waited for the giant's response. "Who is it?" Hagrid shouted as clattering of who knows what was heard. 'Is he cooking?' Harry thought before answering. "It's me" was all it took for Hagrid to open his door with a big smile. "Harry!! It's so nice to see you. Come inside, I'll make you a coffee" he greeted with a big smile that immediately warmed Harry. He grinned before settling himself on the sofa, petting Fang as he go. "Heard what happened in the Chambers. Glad you're okay" Hagrid said as he readies two cups and placed a kettle on the fire. Worry is evident on the giant's voice and it pained Harry to listen to it. The last time he heard Hagrid's voice, it was the giant's pleading and sobbing. The last screams that he heard before he was brought back. The begging of Hagrid for Harry to run away, the heavy cries his lips made as he watched Harry die. With a shaky breath, Harry shook his head and forced a smile. 'It did not happen yet' he thought to himself. "Course, it was a piece of cake" he joked, 'Yeah, joke as much as you want, you almost died' he giggled as he contradicted himself. Hagrid then turned around to pat Harry's head as he settled to his seat. "Cheeky one, aren't ye?? Reminds me of James, that boy" he commented as he shook his head with a smile. Harry froze for a bit, not liking that he's being compared to his dad. After knowing how horrible his dad has been throughout his school days, Harry started disliking it whenever people compares him to his dad. He never and would never ever bully someone. He'll take a vow if he needed to. James Potter was horrible, Harry admits. He was not an ideal person, not a good student but he was a good dad. He was a good one in his short time of being one. In the end, Harry only nodded and the two of them shared comfortable conversations about things that had happened to them the past few days. Of course, Harry just shared that things that the second year of him should know and left the part of the future years. He doesn't have any intention to tell the giant that he's a time traveler. Everything could go wrong if he did. So, he shared jokes and laughs with the giant for the next hour and a half. He's having a little break off of everything. He's calming himself, trying to wash away the worries and paranoia the future had given him. "So how's it like?? Facing a Basilisks??" Hagrid asked as they both made their way back to the castle. Dinner will start soon. "It humongous, really. It's so long that even you compares nothing to it". It's not an exaggeration. The Basilisks was as terrifying as the rumors. Basically a snake that's abnormally large. Harry suddenly felt chills as he thought that it could squash him in an instant with its tail. Hagrid however, let out a sigh of amusement and interest. "It seems wonderful!! Wish I could take care of one. I'm sure it's magnificent to have one" Hagrid said and awe but Harry cringed. Another unusual pet?? Absolutely not. It's terrifying!!"It's not. It's diabolical!! It turned students into statues, remember?? Besides, Buckbeak is way still cooler" Harry said unconsciously with a smug. Upon realization, Harry widened his eyes and covered his mouth with his hands, staring at the giant.This made Hagrid stop in his tracks and to look at Harry. "What do you mean Buckbeak??" Hagrid asked Harry with a confused look. He isn't sure if Hagrid knows about it now or if he started taking care of it around this time but Harry knows that he wasn't supposed to know of it. He laughed awkwardly before scratching his hair. "E-ehh?? I didn't say anything about that. Hey, it's time for dinner, I'll see you anytime. Bye" he basically rapped and ran to the Great Hall and onto their table. He went straight next to Ron and Hermione and greeted them. Wiping his sweat away as he does. "Hey, guys" he said and immediately filled his plate with food. "Hey, mate, feeling better??" Ron asked with mouth full. Hermione groaned and instantly lectured Ron's manner but her words goes unheard. Harry only nodded and started eating. "Yep, feeling as good as new. I could go play Quidditch for hours" he exaggerated and the three of them fell into their normal conversation. "Anyways, any plans for the summer?" Ron asked as the food on their table disappeared and is replaced by desserts. Harry hummed and started scooping a bunch of ice creams in different flavor. "Right, summer. I'm stuck with them again for two months. Pretty sure I'll hate every second of it" Harry groaned and ate a spoonful. Ron grimaced and Hermione patted his back gently as she ate a strawberry topping out her ice cream. "Oh, Harry, wish I could do something about it" she said sadly as she offered Harry half the strawberry. Ron sensed Harry's sudden change of mood so he offered him a spoon of his mixed flavored ice cream. Harry only smiled at them and took their offers, humming at the taste. "You don't have to worry about me. I can handle them" he try to reassure them but received a playful smack from Hermione. "Do not ever use magic against them, understood?" she lectured and Harry could only nod. It's not like he was going to anyway. He remembered the last time he performed accidental magic and blew out her aunt, Marge, it went downhill from there. "It wouldn't be fair if you do" Hermione the laughed. Harry shakes his head laughing but agrees in his head. "Visit my place, Harry" Ron offered with a knowing look. Although the offer seems nice, Harry for sure wouldn't be able to visit the Burrow in the summer. Something about blood wards. As the three of them continued their bickering, Harry couldn't help but wander his eyes around. Starting from the Slytherin table, he saw Draco with Crabbe and Goyle fighting each other over a slice of cake. Malfoy then stopped in his acts then straight up glared at Harry, sensing a pair of eyes onto him. Harry rolled his eyes before his eyes landed at the Ravenclaw table. His eyes landed on a specific blonde headed girl, Luna Lovegood. The first year Luna is sitting by herself on the far end of their table with an upside down book on her hands. Harry smiled at this and his eyes then landed on the Hufflepuff table and onto Cedric. The boy seems happy and just like Draco and his minions, he's playing with his housemates, smearing chocolate icing to his friends and laughing. Harry then nodded at everyone's contentment before finally, his eyes landed to the Staffs table. Dumbledore is chatting something with his head of house, McGonagall, followed by other staffs in their own world and conversations. However, one particular pair of eyes were watching Harry. Of course, he thought. It's none other than his Potions Professor, Severus Snape. He met those black eyes that are intently watching him. Severus' face has its usual scowling face that made Harry snort in amusement. Severus then raised his eyebrow (Is something funny?!) Harry reads the expression and the boy just shook his head in response. 'Glad to see him spicy and as angry as usual' he thought as he finished his bowl. The last days of their school year went smoothly and before he knows it, he's walking in the station and back to his Uncle's car, impatiently waiting for him. For some reason, it calmed Harry for a bit as Vernon shoved his things in the trunk and pushed Harry to the passenger seat. "Why'd the days pass so fast that you're here again" Vernon grumbled on their way back to Privet Drive. "I wonder the same" Harry mumbled, eyes watching the passing houses and roads, Vernon only growled in his seat, both silent as they arrived home. Harry immediately went off to get his things as Vernon slammed his door and going inside. With a defeated sigh, Harry looked at his Uncle's house, "I pity myself". And so, Harry spent his whole days obeying his Uncle's and Aunt's orders. From cooking foods– which they consume a whole lot, to complicated and simple chores. Not a single complain escaped Harry lips. He rushed inside and out the house to complete his chores. "Boy, come here!!" Vernon shouted from downstairs. Harry first breathed in heavily before reluctantly going downstairs. Dudley is sitting on the floor, head on his papers on the coffee table. Vernon's sitting on his spot with a newspaper on his hands, solving a crossword puzzle. "Yes?" Harry asked as he got there. "Help Dudley with his summer homework". Dudley smirked at Harry at this and tapped his papers. He then rolled his eyes but sat along with Dudley. "I don't get this. I'll take the loo while you figure this out". Dudley said and hurried outside and Harry knows that he's just gonna go play with his assy friends. A whole month went by like that. Harry basically managing the whole house. Weeding the grass, cooking meals that he can't even eat, washing dishes that he did not use, cleaning trashes and things that wasn't his doing laundry that isn't even his. That does not worry Harry though. What worries him is the constant starvation of his relatives that he'd go back to school and people would notice his drastic weight loss. So, he thinks of ways to secretly take care of himself. After weeks of watching and remembering his relatives' schedule, Harry figured out that past ten of the night, his relatives are already asleep (Petunia's insisting). So, whenever 10:30 p.m. hits the clock, Harry would sneak out. Much to his amusement, Vernon did not put the bars outside his windows back. Whatever struck his Uncle, he's thankful for it. Before going back to the Privet Drive, Harry had managed to take some money from his vault and exchange it into muggle money. He would sneak out the house and lead himself to the convenient store and have his own version of meal. This night, Harry had decided to help himself with a hotdog sandwich and a burger and of course with water. After paying, he walked to the nearest park from there and to the swing and there, he eats his food. "He's gonna break free anytime now, what do I do?? Should I follow the original timeline??" Harry mumbles to himself as he watches the stars in the sky. He's still stuck in his mind, not having a concrete idea or plan to do. Following the original timeline for the year won't be too bad, Harry thought. However, what's bothering him is that his friends and loved ones got too involved from the past and the outcome, dead. Not good at all. So, he thinks of a new move. What about telling Ron and Hermione and as before, they operate on their own????"No, too many risks", Harry shook his head in exasperation. "What about Dumbledore??" Harry regretted it the moment those words came out his mouth. Dumbledore's plan was... too cruel for Harry and definitely manipulative. Harry finally saw right through their Headmaster's mischief and hidden agendas. Also, it took too long to actually succeed– Merlin, Harry doesn't even know if the last part of Dumbledore's plan succeeded. He again shook his head. Definitely not telling the old man. "What about... taking Peter as a hostage and control the rat??" He suggested to himself. He immediately shivered by his thought. It's so... unlike him. However, manipulating the rat is not a bad idea..."Hell no" Harry said with a frown. It's like he's taking after Dumbledore and he immediately hates himself. Nope, not manipulating Pettigrew nor anyone. Harry sighs in defeat and started pushing his feet on the ground to swing higher and higher. He did not expect that the same responsibility will fall onto him again. The responsibility of being the boy who lived. He thought that once he died, he'll pass and disappear, nothing more or that maybe he'll be one of those ghosts in Hogwarts that are continuously tormenting students, maybe like Moaning Myrtle but Harry is the ghost in the boy's bathroom. Harry then closed his eyes, feeling the forward and backwards force of the wind as he swing. From the distance, Harry is unaware that someone is watching him with interest. Huffing, that someone started walking towards the park. "Maybe I should take actions by myself" they heard Harry mutter and they couldn't help but to look around, seeing if he's talking to someone they can't see. Finally, Harry stomped on the ground to stop his swinging. "Yeah, maybe I should, the less the risk, the better" Harry again murmured and finally decided that it's time to head back as it's getting colder. "Up to something, Potter?" a deep voice grumbled behind Harry and he immediately jumped to his feet, his wand ready. The source of the voice only raised his brow and scoffed. "I suggest for you to lower your wand. Do you want the ministry to expel you??" Harry immediately lowered his wand and let out a heavy relief sigh. "Why are you here, Professor?? And why do you look... like that??" Harry slowly asked, eyeing his Professor that is in muggle clothes. It weirded Harry out to see his Potions Professor wearing black trousers and black shirt topping with a deep blue hoodie with his hair in a bun. He looks... clean. "I don't think it's any of your business to know, Potter. I might ask you the same, what are you doing out so late??" Severus asked Harry with his usual scowl. "Oh, I just bought something from the store. What did you buy??" Harry answered and asked upon seeing Severus with a plastic bag on his left hand. Severus looked down to his bag and raised it. "Food" he replied and Harry nodded albeit confused. 'What's he doing in the muggle world?' "I was delivering letters to students that will attend Hogwarts by the September." Severus suddenly said that startled Harry. "Were you reading my mind??" Harry frantically asked, he was sure that he said that in his mind. Severus only snorted. "Your face is obvious enough." he bluntly said and Harry nodded in understanding. Severus then started walking to a bench and Harry only followed, it's not like his teacher will harm him outside school... will he??As they sit, Severus took out a coffee in can from his bag, popped it open and started drinking. Harry, with his own bag, started eating the burger he had bought earlier, watching his Professor. "You seem familiar with the way we live" Harry started. Oddly enough, Severus nodded and decided to answer Harry's trouble. "I'm a half-blood. I often come here when I take care of muggle matters." Severus frowned to himself. He doesn't know why but he's feeling comfortable around the boy. It's as if the boy can understand. It's as if Harry is an equal. He shook his head lightly. No way a kid is an equal to him. As they sit by each other, Harry started wondering if he can work with Severus to change the future. The guy is a spy for the both sides. He's stealthy, smart and ridiculously alert like his life depends on his every move. Harry then snorted upon realizing that his life do depends on his actions. "Something funny?" Severus asked in annoyance and Harry immediately shook his head. "Professor, what do you say about time traveling?" Severus then stopped eating and stopped to think for a moment. "Time turner? Ahhh, it's a device used for traveling back in time" Severus answered. "No, not that. I meant is there any way to travel back in time besides using Time turner??" Severus then shook his head, "I do not think it's possible. Maybe there are devices that pulls you back in time. Without one, unlikely" Harry hummed in response. So, basically, his travel was an accident?? Perhaps spell or device malfunction?? Out of anything, that's what worry Harry the most, the force that brought him back. No one said anything after that. Letting the wind and time pass by as they finish their drinks and food. Exactly a minute after, Severus stood up and straighten his clothes. "Leaving already, Professor?" Harry asked. "It's midnight. I'll be on my way, you should too" Harry did not even realize that two hours had passed already. No wonders his eyes are getting heavy. He nodded and also stood up. "I haven't thank you before for you know... staying with me in the forbidden forest, so, thank you, Professor. I really appreciate your actions back then" Harry said. Severus watched his expression intently, looking for any signs of trick. When he saw none of it, he nodded. "Do not tell a single soul about it" Severus threatened Harry but he only laughed. Typical Snape. Not wanting any rumor to rupture his reputation. "Yes, sir" Harry said with a smile as Severus readies himself to apparate, glancing around to see if anyone is watching. Harry waited for Severus to disappear before he goes back. Severus though faced Harry with a blank expression. "What?" He asked with his brow raised. What does the Snape want now??"It's midnight. Happy Birthday" was all he said before he disappeared. Harry froze in his spot, completely caught off guard by his professor's words. He did not even realize the date and time and yet, Severus knows. He waited and sat by Harry till midnight when he could just left him along there by himself. Without knowing it, a smile plastered on Harry's face. Right, another year added to his age. Somehow, it warmed Harry even though it was just a greet. He scoffed to himself when he realized that he's been standing like mad there by himself. So, he started walking back to Privet Drive number 4. "Right, how did I miss this??" He lectured himself as he walk. He realized, if anyone, it's Severus he can rely with this.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Harry's birthday passed by quickly and forgotten by his relatives. Thankfully enough, he had received a few birthday gifts. Ron, as always, gave Harry a bunch of candies and snacks. Harry smiled, even in the future that Harry was in, Ron would give him candies and snacks as a present. Albeit simple, it would always make Harry smile. Along with Ron's was a gift from Molly, a simple knitted maroon shirt, and a few pairs of socks while the twins also gave him very special candies. He ate one and his whole mouth became a literal flashlight for an hour to which he ended up locking himself up in his room to hide from his relatives. Hermione had gifted him muggle notebooks and pens. Again simple but it weighs more than that in Harry's heart. It's his treasure. Eventually, three weeks passed, only a week before school again. He found himself at Diagon Alley along with other students hurrying to buy their own supplies. Harry immediately regretted not coming there to buy sooner. However, it is what it is, it had taken him some time to convince his uncle and aunt to let him out to buy new supplies. "Do not expect any money from us only for you to buy freaky things." Vernon's words radiated in Harry's mind. If only he knew about his vault, Harry smacks his lips. After watching the busy witches and wizards, Harry decided that he should get on with his shopping. He started with his basic school supplies first: a bunch of parchments and a few quills. Next, he went to Flourish and Blotts and grabbed his textbooks and books related to Ancient Runes and Divination. The three of them decided to take Divination (again for Harry). His last divination was weird and definitely creepy but it proved its importance as Trelawney's 'prediction' for Harry wasn't entirely wrong. While he's at it, he took the opportunity and also decided to look for books that might be related to his time traveling. Starting with the books piled up on the front floor to the books beside the stairs and finally the back bookshelves. Harry couldn't find any. He groaned before going upstairs to look. The people have toned down for a bit so it gave Harry more space and privacy for his mutterings as he couldn't help himself but to complain and sneer side comments. If someone were to hear him, the first thing they would conclude is the boy who lived has finally lost his mind. Harry snorted before wasting his time searching the bookshelves. "Muggle studies, Wizarding History, Muggle History, stories for children, Magical theories" Harry's interest perked up at the last book. He skimmed through the contents and decided that it's worth it buying. Half an hour later, Harry did not find any more books related to time traveling. He sighed and looked at his small pile of books. "Welp, time to leave then" he again muttered to himself, catching the attention of a fellow student standing beside him. He eyed Harry cautiously before reluctantly leaving. 'Nice, just nice' Harry thought and rolled his eyes. He grabbed his books to finally pay when a small stack of books hidden in the corner caught his attention. The pile looked forgotten and definitely dirty. Dust and cobwebs build up on top of it. Slowly, Harry approached it. The pile only has three books neatly stacked together. He blew on it, trying to clean and remove the dust topping it. "The Art of Magic" Harry reads the cover. Typical. He read the first few contents before deciding its boring, putting it on the side and focusing on the second book. "My lost dear," the book said and Harry's mind immediately screamed at him to buy it. So, Harry listened, adding it to his pile without even reading the contents. He'll mourn his wasted money later. Finally, to the last book. Harry squinted at the black book in front of him. The cover was unscratched but definitely old and the side of the pages of it seems to be bitten by rats. Harry frowned at it as it had no title at all. The front and back of it is a black canvas. Not even a single letter was on it. Harry thought it was weird and opened it. He quickly skimmed through it and was weirded out more when he got to half of the pages but still, no content. Not a letter, not a drawing, nor any unintentional stroke of ink. "What in the world" Harry bickered and was about to continue skimming, when a group of teenagers rushed to the nearby bookshelf. He groaned and grabbed his books and decided to also buy the empty book. Something was pushing him to look into it. After paying for it, Harry went to a nearby cafe. He made his way inside and ordered fish and chips along with a drink, taking a seat by the window after. He placed his things on the chair opposite him and took a deep breath. He watched outside the cafe and to the people crowding the alley. He watched as a student stopped in his tracks while looking at his school supplies list, mouthed something and entered a shop. He also watched as some kids runs through the street with his friend catching up to him. Harry smiled at the buzzing of the street. Some of the passers by would stop to smile and wave at Harry. Harry would reply with either a nod or a smile. Some would even point at him with shocked face while very few would look at Harry weirdly. He doesn't mind though. His relatives do that quiet a lot, he's used to it. As his food arrives, his eye remained glued to the street. At one point, a family of three stopped in front of him outside the cafe. They have a little boy with them and it seems like he's starting Hogwarts this year, explains the amount of things they're holding and the cat in the Mom's left hand. The boy's left hand is holding his Mom's right while his Dad took his right one. The Dad is carrying lots of things but the three of them were smiling. The boy suddenly said something to his Mom and she nodded, making the bot jump in excitement with a smile plastered on his face. The three then walked in an ice cream shop. Harry stopped eating. He knows that he shouldn't but he felt jealous. He removed his gaze from the ice cream shop's door and focused on his food. He couldn't help the feeling. The feeling of longing of something he did not have. The feeling of desperation for something he was supposed to have. He wished he could smile like that to his parents. He wished he could be with them and they would simply take walks, maybe eat out and Harry would smile nonstop. He wished to experience that. Well, he did experience it. Just not for long. He lost a family, made a new one and lost it right after a few years. It's like the universe didn't want him to have one. Harry's appetite dropped. He pushed his food and sighed. He shook his head, convincing himself to avoid feeling that way. He shouldn't feel it. It felt wrong. But is it wrong to wish for something he SHOULD have?? With another sigh, he again looked outside to distract his thoughts. Suddenly, a fast movement emerged from the corner across the street. Hardy furrowed his brows and squinted his eyes, waiting and trying to see the fast movement again that Harry did not have the chance to see again for the next few minutes. So, he decided to call it a day and to head home. Harry exited Diagon alley and finally on his way back. After entering the muggle world again, he called a cab and asked it to take him home. The cabbie was hesitant at first to let a scrawny little boy inside his cab to which Harry rolled his eyes. 'I'm 17 years old for Merlin's sake!!' But of course, he couldn't say that. His appearance will contradict his words. On their way back, Harry enjoyed the peace he's in. Ignoring the wary glances of the cabbie. Oh, well, maybe he's thinking that after dropping him off, Harry will run away without paying first. Suddenly, the car stopped brutally to the point that he smacked his head to the passenger seat in front of him. 'What the hell' Harry thought and groaned, clutching his forehead. "What happened??" he asked the driver. "I'm sorry, a dog suddenly ran in front of us. Look there, it's not leaving". The cabbie said and Harry raised his eyebrow. A dog?? Harry then took a peak and tried to hide his surprise at what he saw. It's Sirius. Well, in his animagus form. He's staring directly at Harry. Dark eyes focusing in his bright ones. Harry had to put an act and act confused. The driver honked for the dog to scram. It only growl and started walking to Harry's side of the car. Sirius then sniffed the air outside him then suddenly ran away. 'Weird, I showered...' Harry thought as the cab started moving again, the driver muttering something about the dog. They finally arrived. Harry then entered his aunt's house. The house was awfully quiet. Something that the Dursleys never do. Either someone is shouting, maybe complaining (which Dudley does a lot), or the sound of their TV rumbling throughout their house. Harry huffed and went to the kitchen. On the fridge, a notes was attached that says. "We're eating out with Marge. Clean the house or no food for your remaining week". "Strange," was all Harry could comment. He doesn't remember that happening. He remembers Marge eating in here, Petunia and Vernon even made a feast for her visit and her dog. He also remembers Marge being an arsehole, insulting his parents and that's how he ended up blowing her up. Harry frowned. Did something happen?? What changed?? He then threw the note and took his things upstairs and readies his trunk. Ron invited him to stay at the Burrow for the last week of their break. Naturally, he accepted it. Harry then proceeded to clean the house sparkling clean. Making sure not to miss a single corner. He's in the mood, he'll be back at Hogwarts after all. Hours later, as Harry was waiting, he finally heard Vernon's car arriving, coming to a stop in front of their house. Harry doesn't know what in Merlin possessed him but he hurried downstairs, stubbing his toe on one of the stairs on his way. "Fuc-" he cut himself off and focused on the opening door. Petunia's and Dudley's voice that's way too happy were heard. "Welcome back". Harry greeted as he made his way to welcome them. Jumping lightly to see past Dudley's large and tall figure outside. Petunia immediately glared at him, sensing suspicious aura from her niece. "Right, well we don't have any leftovers for you" Petunia's words and Harry only hummed in understanding. He doesn't need or want that anyway.Vernon then went inside the house and closed the door. Harry furrowed his brows. "Where's aunt Marge?" he asked accidentally. He widened his eyes then turned around to fave his relatives and was relieved to see that they're making their way upstairs, probably to rest. Still, confusion clouded Harry's mind. Something changed. What though?? And where the hell is Marge??? She's supposed to be here, pissing Harry off and him blowing her up. As night nears, Harry of course made their dinner that once again, he didn't have the freedom to eat as hot and appetizing as they did. After the Dursleys ate, only then Harry could. He's left with a very little if not none. He sighed and plans his 'eating out'. The only time he can actually rest and eat and be himself without any eyes watching his every move. Tomorrow, he'll finally leave and go to the Weasley's just like he did the last time. Harry finally started accepting and settling by the fact that he back at being 13. So, as the usual 10:30 finally arrived, he silently made his way out with his magical purse. As soon as he stepped outside, he took a deep inhale of the cold, fresh air. He started skipping on the way to the usual convenient store he goes to. "Hullo" he greeted at the cashier then started picking his items. He settled with donuts, a bag of chips and soda in can (yes, for dinner, don't ask). After paying for it, he then went to the park and to the swing where he met Severus. It left Harry's mind to wonder what he'll do and how he's going to ask his professor to help him or if he'll tell him that he's a time traveler. It seems strange to say "Hey, I'm from the future and I saw you bleed out and die in front of me." Yeah no, Severus will definitely think that he's lost it.While eating, Harry suddenly felt chills as if someone or something was watching him. He ignored it at first but then, fast footsteps suddenly made its way towards Harry and he jumped in surprise and fear, turning around only to see nothing there. He clutched his chest, "Hell, I'll die before I even get to change things". He muttered to himself and bit his donut nervously, glancing around occasionally, making sure no one's coming to attack him. Then, another nearing fast footsteps was heard and Harry wasted no time but to run, his bag in his hand. The donut fell from Harry's mouth and he only cursed but did not bother to mourn for it. In a matter of minutes, he reached his house. He did not expect he could run a 10 minute walk and shrink it to 3. He immediately locked the door as he made it safely inside. Panting, he opened to see the blinds of the near window and gasped as he saw a dark silhouetted figure watching their house from the street across. Albeit dark, its teeth shone as well as its eerie eyes. Harry shuddered and closed the blinds. "What the fuck?? What was that??" he asked to no one, clutching his chest. Is it another one of those maniacs that are annually hunting him down?? But school hasn't started yet...Harry then yelled in fear again as he heard a thud. He frantically flicked open the light and paled out of fear. There, an angry looking man stares at Harry directly.Well, to be precise, Vernon stood there, looking mad at Harry. Vernon then slowly becomes purple and Harry braced himself, "WHERE WERE YOU?!?!?" Harry flinched at how loud his uncle was. It might wake the whole neighborhood up. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He just dropped his gaze as Vernon marched towards him. Suddenly, he snatched Harry's hand hard and lifted it. "WHERE DID YOU GET THE MONEY TO BUY THIS?!?! DID YOU STEAL FROM US?!? spit flew their way to Harry's face but he did not mind. He mind the hand flying though, ready to hit him. He closed his eyes and just like that, he fell to the cold floor as Vernon's hand hit his faceIt stung and immediately, it swells. Harry cursed mentally and hurriedly cover his head with his hands, fearing that Vernon will be full angry mode and beat the hell out of his face. Vernon stood still though, too angry to move. "That's what it is, huh. After years of supporting and feeding someone freaky like you, this is what you pay us?!?" Vernon spat furiously. Harry wanted to explain but was cut off again. "You know, I'm not even surprised. It's not such a shock that you'll be able to do something like this. How long have you been doing this?? How long how you've been stealing??" "I didn't steal anything!! It's MY money. I didn't take a single pound from you!!" Harry shouted and immediately regretted it as Vernon kicked his stomach, knocking out all the air in him. "LIE!! DO NOT TELL A SINGLE LIE!! I KNOW WHAT YOU DID!!" the fat man yelled as he kicked Harry again. Strangely enough, Vernon's words reminded him of a certain pink, eye-sore toad. He shook his head, not the time. He cried out in pain, clutching hardly his stomach. Vernon then pulled him up by his collar. "But I really didn't.." he murmured weakly and cursed as Vernon harshly threw him to the ground, his back hitting the hard concrete wall. "Shut you dirty mouth. You're disgusting!! I should've known. Of course, just like your dirty, freaky parents, you'll take after them. As disgusting and as abnormal as they are!!!" Vernon's voice rang throughout the house. Hurried footsteps came downstairs. Petunia's confusion evident on her face and Dudley's disinterest on his. He took one look from Harry then made his way back to his room. "What happened, dear??" Petunia asked the seething, boiling Vernon. "Look, this freak's been stealing from us!! I know it!! That's why we've been missing couple of pounds". Vernon said and laughed as if amused and as if he just solved a mystery that's been going on all his life. "I didn't take anything, go ask your little pig. I've seen him in your room doing whatever shit you're accusing me of!!!" Harry shouted back, anger eating him up. How dare someone accuse him of theft?? How dare they label themselves as Harry's provider when HE looked for scraps HIMSELF. How dare he to insult his parents who sacrificed themselves for him. Vernon growled and hit Harry's face again, making his nose to bleed. Petunia, for once, looked guilty and... concerned?? She cautiously walked up to Vernon, holding his hands with hers. "Dear... I don't think the boy did anything." She lowly said but of course, nothing will go through Vernon's thick skull. "Do not defend the boy, Petunia". He barked and Petunia only nodded, in fear that he'll lash out more if she push things. Harry's heart ached, tears forming in his eyes. He hoped that in his new life, he'd be able to build actual relationship with his relatives but no. Look at him, as defeated as he was back then. As along and lonely as he was back then. He couldn't even form words, disappointed and so done with them. Vernon took a deep breath, holding himself back to lay hands on the boy again. "Out". Harry looked up, looking betrayed. Even Petunia was surprised. "Dear?? That's not needed, just lock him up in his room just like what we've always done–" Vernon cut Petunia off with a grab of her face. Petunia groaned as he clutch it hard. "I said do not defend him!!" He shouted again and basically threw her to the ground. She yelped, hands on her jaws as she sniffles on the ground. "I want you out the house. Leave or else..." He threatened with a sick smile before turning to head to their room again. Harry sniffed and crawled to the crying Petunia. "Thanks for defending me but you shouldn't have. It's fine, I'll just leave". He quietly said and helped her up even though he's hurt more than she is. Petunia let him and walked to the couch, not saying anything. Harry then slowly walked upstairs, hands on his burning stomach, his glasses broken. As he got to his room, he let Hedwig out first. "Go to the Burrow, you'll be safe there". Quickly, he scribbled a note that says 'I won't be able to go there, Ron. I have business to do and it'll take long, I'll see you soon though'. He then rolled the paper and he sent Hedwig off. He then grabbed his trunk and went downstairs to see Petunia waiting for him, looking guilty. He only huffed and faced his aunt. "I'll be going then" he murmured and was about to walk again when Petunia called for him. "Wait" he turned and was taken aback when his aunt grabbed his shoulders and started wiping the blood from his nose off. He wasn't sure what to feel about this. After a while, Petunia nodded, signaling Harry that she's done. "Well... bye, I guess." He awkwardly said and finally, left Privet Drive number 4, not hearing the low mutter of apology from Petunia.