Only You Can Set Me Free

Chapter 6
Diagon Alley and A New Friend

The next few days after Lupin’s surprise visit went by really fast for Harry, who was still grieving the passing of his lovely snow owl Hedwig. He went through each day the best he could, avoiding the Dursley’s as much as humanly possible. He did not think he could so much as look at them without wanting to grab hold of their necks and shake the life out of them.

So here he was, lying on his small bed, looking out the window with tears in his eyes. He was in mourning still, so of course he was wearing black, or he just liked that color, either way, there he was. The boy who lived laying there, sad and anxiously awaiting Eros’s arrival.

He was playing with the lion stud in his ear and waiting for any sign of the hawk through the window. He sighed and got up to walk over to his chest. He kneeled before it and opened it slowly. There, laying at the top, was the card Lupin sent him. He liked to read it to brighten his morose mood.

Harry read the letter a few times before placing it back in his chest and locking it tightly. He had finished his packing and was now waiting impatiently for Lupin’s hawk to come around. He got up slowly and dusted off his pants. He walked over to the mirror in his room and sighed. He stared at the reflection of his sorry state. His long hair was more unruly than ever. His shirt was crumpled and dirty, and his eyes were drooping.

‘I have to get better, or Voldemort will take me down fast.’ Harry thought sadly as he examined himself more and decided it was time for a shower.

Harry grabbed a red shirt with the words Dead or Alive written on the back, a pair of tight black jeans, and his Vans and walked over to the bathroom. He removed his dirty clothes and turned the shower on. Harry walked under the spray of warm water and sighed contentedly. He began to soap himself up, starting with his Quidditch chiseled chest and working his way down his abdomen. He stopped just as he got to his length. Harry never really was concerned with what he looked like down there, and when the guys in the changing room would brag about how hung they were, he stood out of the conversation.

It is not like he was ashamed or anything, he just did not really care about that part of his anatomy.

But, truth be told, he had a lot to brag about, he was an impressive 7 inches, something to be happy about. He was happy about it, too. He just did not like to flaunt it.

Harry finished up and dried off quickly. He slipped his clothes and shoes on and walked out of the restroom and into his room. Luckily, the Dursley’s went out for the day, so he could be at peace.

He walked into the room just as Eros landed on his window sill. He quickly walked over to the window and opened it for the bird. Eros flew to Harry’s shoulder and chirped happily while rubbing his beak softly over Harry’s cheek in a greeting.

Harry smiled and relieved Eros of his parcel. The bird hooted gratefully and looked as if he was waiting for something. Harry looked at the bird and realized that he was looking at Hedwig’s empty cage. Harry understood now what Eros wanted.

“You hungry buddy?” Harry asked and the bird flapped his wings excitedly.

Harry laughed and held his arm out, which Eros immediately jumped onto and Harry walked over to the cage. The hawk jumped into the cage and started to munch on some bird treats.

Harry then remembered the parchment and looked down to see he had it in a death grip. He quickly ripped it open and scanned the letter. He smiled as he read it over again.

Harry,

How are you Harry? Well, I said I would send Eros over, and there he is. I have decided that the best thing to do, on your part, would be to apparate over to Diagon Alley and meet me near the book store, you can apparate, right?? Oh, I know you can. You are smart enough. Well, I am sorry that I could not go and pick you up, but I fear that if I see those wretched people I will strangle them. So please forgive my absence. Eros knows where to go, so leave him to his own devices. Thank you for deciding to come with me and spend the rest of your vacation with me and not Ron or Hermione, I know you are close ( insert Harry rolling eyes here). Well Harry, I hope to meet you at the above mentioned destination. Time: right now, if you can. And just know Harry, that I love you like a son. Bye for now.

Love,

Remus Lupin.

Harry was smiling at the letter. He was glad he had learned to apparate at the end of his sixth year, or he would have been screwed.

“Well, see you around Eros,” Harry said as he walked over to his chest to put the letter in. Then something struck him.

‘How the hell am I going to take this chest.’ Harry thought. He turned the piece of parchment over to see that Lupin was smarter than he thought.

'Harry, I will take care of the chest.'

Harry smiled as he looked up to see that his chest was fading slowly. He walked over to the cage and reached in to pet Eros.

“Bye for now little guy,” Harry said as he walked to the middle of his room and thought about Diagon Alley. Then, he was gone in a flash.

Harry landed with a soft thud. He looked around dizzily and blinked a few times. He at least landed in the right destination, for that, he was happy.

“Harry, over here.”

Harry turned and smiled as he saw his god father running to meet him.

“Sorry, I had a little thing to do, I hope I did not keep you waiting too long.”

“No, no, really, I just got here,” Harry smiled at Lupin and looked over at the books on display.

“Well, should we go in?” Harry asked his panting god father.

“Well, you go on in and I will be in a little later. I have to get something from one of the shops real quick. I will meet you here in a few minutes, ok?”

Harry looked at Lupin, confused. He decided to go along with it.

“Ok Remus, I will meet you out here in about, what, ten minutes?”

“Yes, great, ten minutes. I will see you then.” With that said, Lupin ran down the street and around a corner.

‘Weird,’ Harry thought as he shrugged and walked into the store and up to the desk clerk.

“ Hello, I was looking for these books,” Harry handed the letter over to the man, who smiled warmly at him and rushed off to gather the books.

Harry waited patiently at the desk, looking at a Quidditch book, the title was ‘How To Dodge A Bludger Most Effectively.’ He put the book back in the display rack and looked around at the many shelves. His eyes stopped as they fell upon the most gorgeous ass he had ever seen. He looked on, licking his lips seductively and pulled his eyes up to see a head of blonde hair.

‘Shit, is that who I think it is??’ Harry thought as he continued to follow the ass. Just then, the young man turned around and smirked.

“Well, if it isn’t Precious Potter,” Draco smirked as he looked Harry over.

‘Shit, when did he turn into such a hot piece of ass??’ Draco thought as he took a step closer to Harry.

Harry blushed and smirked back at the arrogant boy.

“Hey, you getting a good show Harry? I know I am irresistible, but I am way out of your league.” Draco turned to head out of the door when he heard Harry groan.

Harry thought now would be a good time to show the prat who the boss was. Time to show Draco his new attitude.

Harry walked slowly over to Draco, who was backing away slightly.

“Draco…. I can have any man I want, I intend on having your sweet little arse in my bed very soon.” Harry leaned in to whisper into the startled boy’s ear.

“Oh, and I love the way you look, sexy. I cant wait to have you squirming and screaming my name as you climax beneath me.” Harry then licked Draco’s neck sending a shiver down the Slytherin’s spine. Draco took a few cautious steps back and then turned and ran out of the shop, leaving a very happy, very excited Harry behind him.

Harry smiled and returned to the front of the shop, where the clerk was waitng patiently with a stack of books at his side.

“Thank you sir, that will be 15 knutts,” The man said serenely.

“Oh, here you go.” Harry handed the man 20 knutts and turned to leave with his books.

“Sir. This is too much.” The man reached his hand out to give Harry his change.

“A little something for you being so courteous,” Harry called over his shoulder. The man smiled and thanked Harry.

“My pleasure sir.” Harry said as he walked out of the shop. He saw Lupin a few feet away.

“Remus, I am done here, where to next?” Harry asked as he walked over to the other man, who was holding a box in his arms. Harry looked at Lupin then down at the box.

“Hey, what you got there?” Harry asked as he stepped closer to the mystery box and peeked in. He was shocked to see a beautiful phoenix staring out at him.

“Oh Remus, he is absolutely gorgeous, did you just get him?” Harry looked longingly at the rare creature. It was an amazing coal color with a flaming tail and the tips of his wings burned brightly. He reached in to stroke the soft feathers lovingly.

“I am glad you like him Harry, yes I just got him. I am glad you like him because he is yours, Harry.”

Harry stared in amazement at the lovely bird. He softly petted its head and stroked his back.

“Mine?? You…. You got him for me ?” Harry asked, thinking this must be some kind of joke.

“Yes Harry, he is all yours, that is if you want him….” Lupin anxiously waited for Harry to react.

“Oh, thank you so much, you have no idea how much this means to me. I love him!” Harry smiled at Lupin then at the phoenix, who sang out all of a sudden and flew to Harry’s shoulder. He continued to sing a beautiful song.

“I think he likes you a lot too Harry.” Lupin smiled at the boy fondly.

“So, he has to have a name, right? What is it Harry??” Lupin asked as he watched Harry stroke the phoenix lovingly.

Harry bit his bottom lip and thought for a minute.

“Well, he reminds me of the sun….. so I will name him Helios.*” Harry said.

“You have a knack for naming birds, don’t you??” Lupin smirked.

Harry laughed also and Helios gently rubbed his soft head against Harry’s forehead.

“Well, we have to get you a new set of robes and some potions, shall we go?” Lupin asked.

“Yeah, let’s go get this over with,” Harry laughed as Lupin rolled his eyes.

The two wizards walked down the street, catching the eyes of a good many passer-bys. Helios sung softly and looked at all the people as if they did not matter. The phoenix leaned his head to Harry’s. Harry smiled and petted the bird.

Harry then remembered his little encounter with Draco, and he smirked.

“What’s so funny Harry?” Lupin asked, seeing the happy face Harry was sporting. Helios seemed to want to know too, for he stopped singing and looked at his owner with a questioning look.

“Hmm?? Oh, nothing…” Harry just smiled and continued to walk. Lupin smiled to and dropped the subject.

‘This is going to be one hell of a year,’ Harry thought as he licked his lips and started to whistle.

Well, there you go… I hope you liked it. Please review or Harry will get amnesia and forget all about Draco. Please help Harry remember Draco and review.

• #1/Helios= Helios, the Sun; the son of Hyperion and Eryphaesa; he sees everything his light touches.
(Helios, Sun God, the Sun)

Another Note: The names of the two birds, Eros and Helios, are greek names, just in case you wanted to know. Thanks again to all the reviewers!!!