Love, Lies & Loneliness

Chapter 3
(Transition)

Harry sat up in bed, his breakfast tray balanced on his knee as he picked at the ham and cheese croissant. Kreacher the house elf had come into the room at half past eight with an audible pop. The elf was no less grumpy as he’d been last year and muttered and cursed to himself as he moved around the room. It was obvious the elf hadn’t expected to see Harry awake and startled with a squeak as Harry asked if he could have breakfast. With a snap of Kreacher fingers a tray arrived on Harry’s lap, and although he thanked the house elf, Kreacher merely ignored him and disappeared again with another sharp pop.

Harry had been up since seven, the boy taking his time to inspect the contents of his trunk and his other things that had appeared in the room since he’d last woken up. It seemed he would certainly not be going back to the Dursley’s for which he was very glad. Not sure if he was allowed out of bed Harry had dragged his trunk over to the end of the bed before lying back down as he began to sort through his things. Whoever had gone to get his things had been thorough, even packing the brick from the garden shed that Harry had used to prop open his window with during the summer. When he was sure he’d got everything that was his, Harry had sat back with his transfiguration textbook and had begun revising his work, until Kreacher had arrived.

Now with his breakfast gone Harry listened quietly to the sounds downstairs. In the sparsely furnished house sound seemed to travel easily, and Harry smiled as he listened to Tonk’s singing loudly to herself in the kitchen. Harry began laughing as he heard Lupin join in, the duet sounding far worse than Tonk’s on her own. Murmured voices could be heard from the lounge and although Harry couldn’t make out what they were saying, he knew that among them was Sirius, Mr. Weasley and Dumbledore. Inwardly Harry hoped that Snape had gone, the man made Harry’s life hell and it was bad enough he had to put up with it at school then during the holidays as well. Having heard Mr. Weasley, Harry wondered if Ron had come with his father, and so daring to get out of bed Harry padded softly out of his room and onto the landing. The sounds of people busying about the house grew louder as Harry maneuvered himself slowly downstairs. It was quite cool in the hall and Harry was glad he’d thought to pull on his Pyjama top before leaving the bedroom.

Lupin and Tonk’s stopped singing as Harry reached the kitchen door. The door was slightly ajar and Harry could just see Sirius sitting at the kitchen table next to Lupin and Tonks through the crack. Much to Harry’s displeasure Snape walked into view to lean against the kitchen bench, his glare obviously focused on Sirius, despite everyone else in the room. Harry was just reaching a hand up to push open the door and enter when he heard his name come up in the conversation inside. He paused to listen.

“…Well he’s certainly got some strength, I’ll give the boy that Albus.”

“Aye, he’s almost bloody glowing with the stuff, I’m surprised he hasn’t cause more damage.” Mad-Eye huffed from somewhere in the kitchen.

“Yes it would appear that Harry, has matured far more than expected this summer.” Albus words were calm and Harry pulled himself back from the crack as the headmaster wandered past the door and over to a pot of tea that was next to Snape on the bench.

“Well what are we to do about it Albus, he’s unpredictable like this the damage he could do even unwittingly is catastrophic.” Harry frowned in curiosity as Sirius expressed his concern to the headmaster who merely sipped his tea as he stood next to Snape at the bench.

“There is little we can do Sirius, we must let nature take its course.” Albus replied softly and Harry wondered what they were all talking about. Harry knew he was no more mature than he’d been last summer, and if it was his magic they were discussing, he’d always made the house shake when he was mad, although he’d never left a crater in a wall before just by throwing away a piece of paper.

“He’s in for a long two years then the poor boy, I remember our Bill when he came of age, he spent nearly six months with his head down the loo, couldn’t stomach a thing.” Mrs Weasley’s voice came from somewhere else in the kitchen and Harry saw as a plate of sandwiches appeared on the table in front of Sirius and Tonks.

“Aye and look at the damage Percy did to our fence last summer, took me nearly a month to pull the splinters out of the garden.” Mr Weasley added quickly onto his wife’s comment, before he mumbled around what Harry assumed was a mouthful of sandwich.

“Yes the change affects everyone differently, and there is little any of us can do but support Harry through this difficult time.” Harry stepped back from the door and leant against the wall of the hall still completely confused by the conversation inside. There was a silence for a while inside the room before Remus spoke up.

“What did the ministry say Albus?” Pushing his confusion aside Harry listened in again to the change of topic, as Dumbledore disappeared from view again.

“I’m afraid I could not convince them against the hearing, Fudge refused my explanation of things.” Harry lowered his eyes to the floor in sadness, he hadn’t thought Dumbledore would be able to help him, but the reality was far more depressing than the original thought had been.

“Stupid old sod, Harry hadn’t meant to kill the boy.” Sirius spat nastily at the tabletop his fists clenching tightly in front of him.

“I am well aware that Harry didn’t mean to injure his cousin Sirius, and I am sure when the council are made aware of the circumstances that led up to and followed the incident they will have no objections to withdrawing the punishment.” Dumbledore’s reassurance was cold comfort to Harry who closed his eyes in frustration. When he opened his eyes again to look back through the crack of the door he was startled when his gaze met that of Professor Snape’s. The potions master was glaring at him and before Harry could move the door to the kitchen was being swung open and Snape was glaring down at him in his usually menacing way.

“Mr Potter?” Harry winced under the professors gaze and barely flinched as Snape grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him forcefully into the kitchen, much to the shock of everyone who Harry now saw were sitting around the overly large kitchen table. The only person not surprised to see him was the headmaster, whose eyes merely twinkled knowingly as he smiled at Harry over the brim of his half moon glasses.

“Ah, Harry, just whom I wanted to see.” With a wave of the headmaster’s hand another chair appeared next to Sirius’ at the table, which Harry gladly took.

“Harry dear! Oh you are looking much better love. Did you get breakfast?” Mrs. Weasley was instantly at Harry’s side fussing over the him like the mother she was. Harry nodded at her question but she still pushed one of the plates of sandwiches over to him, along with a pitcher of pumpkin juice and a glass. “Ron and Hermione will be here tomorrow, and I’ve had Percy collect your new things for school this year.”

“Thank-you.” Harry whispered his thanks to Mrs. Weasley who beamed brightly and kissed him softly on his cheek, making Harry blush in embarrassment.

“Well how are you Harry? You were in a right state when Sirius brought you in.” Mr Weasley smiled at Harry warmly, the boy swallowing a mouthful of ham sandwich before nodding easily.

“Better, it doesn’t hurt as much now. I’m dreading a shower though, and I hadn’t dared look in the mirror yet...” Harry trailed off quietly, his hands twisting nervously in his lap as he realized what he’d just said. There were similar sympathetic expressions from everyone in the room, all of them uncomfortably silent as Harry stared at his lap.

“Don’t worry about it Harry, you look fine and if it hadn’t been for Snape here you’d have been in trouble.” Lupin spoke up again just as he had before when the uncomfortable silence had fallen and Harry smiled in thanks at the tired looking man. Harry dared a glance up at Snape unsure whether to thank the man or not. Snape didn’t look up from his teacup though and so Harry turned his attention back to his sandwiches in silence.

“Well can’t stay and chat all day, Molly and I have to get back to the burrow before the children run wild.” Mr Weasley and Mrs. Weasley took their coats from the backs of their chairs and moved towards the door of the kitchen. “Take care of yourself Harry, we’ll see you tomorrow with Ron.” Mrs. Weasley rustled Harry’s already messy hair before both her husband and she disappeared out into the hall and out of the house.

“Mmm, we’ll be going too Albus, things to do and people to see.” Mad-eye moody smiled lopsidedly at the headmaster before he and Tonks followed the Weasley’s from the kitchen.

“And as such I will take my leave too I think.” Albus finished his cup of tea and placed the empty cup on the table with the others before stepping towards the door. “Sirius I’m sure yourself and Remus are capable of explaining things to Harry here.” Dumbledore’s smile never left his face as he looked from the two men sitting next to Harry at the table and then to Harry himself. “Severus, a word if I may.” Harry watched curiously as Snape nodded at Albus and led the way out of the kitchen, Dumbledore pausing to say goodbye before following the potions professor. Harry had never seen Snape and Dumbledore speak so much than he had since he’d arrived at the house, and the looks they shared seemed to sit heavily in Harry’s chest a little worriedly. There was however no time to think about it before Sirius was moving his chair so that he could face Harry.

“Harry, I’m glad you’re feeling better and I know you’d like to have a shower and get dressed but there are a few things Remus and I would like to discuss with you.” Harry watched Remus and Sirius look at each other knowingly.

“Is this about the hole in the wall?” Harry looked sheepishly between his godfather and Remus unsure of what he’d actually done that morning.

“Sort of Harry, it’ll make more sense when we explain.” Remus reached out and placed his hand comfortingly on Harry’s shoulder as Sirius continued.

“You of course know that a Wizard officially becomes and adult at 17 yes?” Harry nodded at his godfather who smiled in reply. “Well just as you mature physically, so does your magic. It’s called Transition, and usually takes place between 17 and 18.” Harry frowned a little in confusion, suddenly aware that this was what the order had been talking about before he came in.

“I’m only 15, well 16 next Wednesday.” Harry looked between the two wizards by his side looking for answers he knew they had.

“Yes we’re aware of that Harry but Transition differs between people and has been known to affect people differently, at different ages. Transition has been known to begin appearing in those as young as 12 in the right conditions but it’s rare and most begin feeling its effects around their last year at school.” Remus tried to remain supportive but it was clear to Harry that he like his godfather were struggling to explain the topic.

“So you’re saying that I’m having this Transition and I’m abnormal cause I’m only 16.” Harry looked cautiously at his godfather who instantly shook his head in refusal.

“Oh no Harry, we’re not saying that at all. We’re just trying to explain why you’re experiencing things such as ‘the hole in the wall’.” Sirius looked to Remus for support who nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes, you’re not abnormal at all Harry just an early bloomer. Your magic is linked to your person, and subsequently will mature as you do, it’s the final step in your childhood that allows your magic to reach it’s full potential. Like puberty in muggles it’s a time where you mature into an adult.” Harry nodded in understanding, although still confused by how this ‘transition’ was going to affect him.

“So what’s going to happen to me?” Both Remus and Sirius chuckled at Harry’s comment both looking mildly embarrassed.

“Well Transition affects every witch and wizard differently, some experience very little in the way of side effects but most experience difficulties in controlling their magic in the way they wish until they become used to its new strength and aspects.” Harry nodded at Sirius, suddenly becoming very aware of the weird things that had happened when he’d cast spells in the last few days.

“Like the hole in the wall.” Harry questioned softly watching as both men nodded in reply.

“Yes like the hole in the wall, and also the hex that you hit your cousin with.” Harry swallowed nervously as Remus looked at him knowingly.

“Don’t worry too much though Harry, just be aware that until your magic settles and you become used to it again that not everything you attempt is going to work out how you want it to.” Sirius soothed his hand over Harry’s messy hair and smiled supportively at his godson who smiled warily back at him, still unsure of this new information about himself.

“It’s quite alright to explore and try new things with your magic as well Harry, that’s how we all learnt to use our adult magic and if you need to talk about anything that happens you know that you can come to any of us, including Professor Snape.” Remus looked cautiously up at Sirius who scowled deeply at the very mention of the man’s name.

“Not that Remus is saying you have to talk to that slimy git, just that we’ve all been through it and we understand what you’re going through.” Sirius glared at Remus over Harry’s head, the other man nodded in silent supplication. Snape had obviously been a bad example and Sirius had made it known.

“Okay thanks, do you think I can go and have a bath now?” Both men nodded quickly as Harry rose from the table having finished the last of his pumpkin juice. Harry needed time alone to process what had been said and what was going to happen to him, and he could hardly wait to ask Ron about it tomorrow.

“Oh and Harry.” Harry paused at the door to the kitchen to glance back at his godfather still sitting at the table. “Don’t worry about your Uncle, he’s been seen to. You won’t be returning to Privet drive again.” Harry beamed brightly a weight having been lifted from his chest. “And Dumbledore will sort out the mess at the ministry, so just try to enjoy what’s left of your holiday.” With a smile Harry ran from the kitchen and bounded up the stairs, ignoring the slight pain in his back where the bandages pulled at his wounds. Entering his bedroom Harry quickly gathered his things from his trunk and moved swiftly down the hall to the bathroom.

Harry couldn’t wipe the smile from his face, even as he began undoing the bandaging on his back. Harry squirmed a little in pain as he pulled off the last layer of bandages, the dried blood having stuck to the gauze. Finally with the bandages gone however Harry turned to look in the mirror above the sink. The sight was not what he’d expected. Admittedly he was bruised, some of them still purple and green but the cuts as deep as they’d felt seemed to be healing. His face too was not as dreadful as he’d thought, although judging from the massive amounts of cuts he’d probably have been in a mess when Sirius had found him. With gentle fingers Harry probed some of the cuts on his face surprised at the yellow paste that had been almost painted onto the more severe cuts. It was obviously a potion and no doubt one of Snape’s own creations. Not that Harry cared, it seemed to have done its job because the minor cuts had almost vanished. Satisfied that there would be little visible damage done by the time he’d fully healed Harry climbed into the welcome spray of the shower and began scrubbing away the last traces of Uncle Vernon and the Dursley’s from his skin.

When he was finished he felt far better than he had in weeks and stepped out of the shower to begin drying himself. Sitting on the edge of the bath to pull on his jeans Harry glanced casually out of the bathroom window and was shocked to see Dumbledore and Snape standing in the backyard. Carelessly buttoning up his jeans Harry moved over to the window and stared down at the two professors in the garden. It was obvious they were in heated discussion and judging from Snape’s face the potions master was angry. Dumbledore however still looked passively uninterested in Snape’s anger and merely shook his head after Snape had questioned him. Intrigued to know what the two of them were fighting about, Harry dared edge open the window, just enough to have the conversation below filter up and into the bathroom.

“No Albus I am putting my foot down this time, I refuse to take any such responsibility.” Snape sounded angrier than Harry had ever heard him before, although just as in class, the potions professor’s voice didn’t raise above a normal level, his tone and expression the only indicator of his distress. “Besides the boy will not agree to this and neither will Black. As for the other students, I shudder to think of their reaction to this arrangement.”

“Severus, you may protest all you like the decision has been made and both Harry and his godfather will accept it knowing that it is for the best.” There was no room for negotiation in Dumbledore’s tone and Harry watched as Snape realized this too, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “I would sooner put up with Harry’s displeasure of the arrangement than to see him put in danger because I had not the strength of will to ensure his safety.” Dumbledore paused purposefully and Harry watched as Severus nodded in agreement of the headmaster’s stern gaze. “Now you will make the necessary changes for this to occur so that it can be put into place at the start of term.”

“Will you be informing the child and his godfather then or am I to assume that I will be the bearer of the bad news?” Harry was surprised when he watched Dumbledore place his palm to Snape’s cheek, making the man look up at him rather than the grass below his feet.

“No I will do that Severus as it is my decision. Do not think I am doing this to make your life harder than it is, I just believe that you are the best person to ensure Harry’s transition is made easier on the boy, and the only way to do that is for you to keep him close.” Harry frowned at the headmaster’s last words, the ominous untold story behind the words causing the smile on Harry’s face to wane. Something was going to happen and he wasn’t sure he wanted to know what it was. “Now I will see you next week if not before, I have another meeting with Fudge concerning Harry’s hearing.” With that Dumbledore was gone, disapperating so speedy that Harry had hardly time to blink before the headmaster had disappeared leaving Snape standing alone in the garden. Aware of what happened last time he was caught eves dropping on one of Snape’s conversations Harry quickly closed the window and stepped away from the glass as not to be seen. There was no telling what Snape and the headmaster had been discussing but all the same Harry was eager to tell Hermione and Ron about it and hear their opinions. Hurriedly Harry finished getting dressed and moved back to his bedroom. With so much to tell Hermione and Ron, Harry wanted to get the last of his summer homework done so he could spend as much time as possible with his friends.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>