Harry Potter and the Great Struggle

- Chapter 2 -

A Day in the Life

As soon as the Dursley’s came home, Harry ran downstairs and saw Hedwig waiting for him dutifully by the window. Harry opened the French door, and Hedwig came hooting in. “Sh...!” Harry said, not wanting to bother his surrogate family. Harry looked down and saw it was a letter from the Headmaster. He opened it and looked at it carefully.

Harry,

The gift I have given you is very old and powerful. I will explain it to you in due time. I just hope that you will figure out what it is yourself, and use it accordingly. Perhaps it will be useful to you in the coming struggle.

Professor Dumbledore.”

Harry smirked, he didn’t know what else he had been expecting. A straight answer? Surely not! Just as he was about to put Hedwig into his cage, a small owl flew into the room. It hooted and flew about, while Harry tried to grab it. “Damn it Pig!” Harry yelled, and finally grabbed it, tore the letter from it’s talons, and flung it into Hedwig’s cage. Hedwig flew out as Harry slammed it shut. He sighed as he felt his owl land on his shoulders, and then hoot indignantly at the bird. Harry opened the letter and saw it was from Ron. It was merely about plans for Diagon Alley, and that Dumbledore had okayed the fact Harry would be staying at Ron’s until school started. Harry smiled, obviously relieved. He quickly wrote a letter to Ron , saying that he would see him in Diagon Alley. After attaching the letter to Pig, he sent the crazy bird off. Before bed, he decided to write one more letter.

Professor,

Odd things are happening. Lucius Malfoy has moved into my neighborhood, but I think it’s just for show. They just Apparate there when needed. However, I think Voldemort is trying to gain power in the muggle world. Apparently he has Lucius dabbling in local politics, and now wants him to run for Parliament. I have no idea how they will pull something this complicated in just a year, but I was hoping you would be able to shed some light on that. Thank you for the gift, and I don’t say this often, but thank you for everything you’ve done for me in the past five years. Oh yeah, could you keep Hedwig overnight, so he could rest a bit? He’s been traveling non-stop.

Harry”

Harry looked at the letter, satisfied after reading it over one more time. He attached it to Hedwig’s leg, promised him rest, and sent him off.

---

Harry wandered around Flourish and Blotts, looking for his necessary textbooks. He had just arrived only a few hours ago, and had wasted a lot of his time at the quidditch store. Sighing, he picked up another large textbook and put it into the basket. Just as he was grabbing the last book, Hermione came running. As soon as she saw Harry, she grabbed him in a big hug, which startled him so much he dropped all of his books. Hermione let go and looked down, “You could have dropped those on my feet!”

Harry grinned evilly, having regained his composure, “That’s what you get for having big feet.”

Hermione opened her mouth in shock and playfully slapped him in the arm all the while Harry laughed. Hermione started giggling as well and Harry managed to get serious. “You seen Ron or the other Weasley’s yet?”

Hermione flinched at the name of Ron. “No, but we can always stop by Fred and George’s place if we can’t find the Weasley’s.”

“No need, fair maiden!” Fred came walking up to the two of them, grinning.

“Your knights in shining armor are here!” George completed, following his brother.

“Knock it off you two.” Ron came after, only giving Hermione a simple glance. He then looked at Harry, “How was your summer? Anything interesting happen?” Harry groaned inwardly. Hermione and Ron had become completely unmanageable by the end of their fifth year. After Victor Krum viciously broke up with Hermione, she had taken it out on Ron, who, hurt, had stopped talking to her. Apparently feelings had not changed after the long summer.

“It was good. Something interesting did happen,” Harry paused, looking at Ron’s twin brothers, “I’ll tell you later.”

While Hermione was looking hurt, Harry bought the last of his books and came back to his two best friends. “So how’s the prefect life Hermione?”

“You should know, prefect Harry.”

“Oh yeah,” Harry laughed, “I guess I forgot.”

Ron knew what was coming and guffawed while Hermione gave Harry a look, “How could you forget being a prefect?! It’s only one of the most important responsibilities and you better remember!”

Harry timidly interrupted, “Hermione”

“How can you become Head Boy if you don’t show you’re capable as prefect. And think of the example--” She continued.

Harry tried again, “Hermione”

“You’re setting for the younger students. Honestly Harry--”

“HERMIONE!” Harry yelled.

“What?” She paused momentarily, wanting to continue.

“First, I never even considered being head boy.” He smiled, “Second, I was just kidding with you.”

Hermione paused then it came, “WHY YOU LITTLE...LITTLE....little..”

“Little, irresistible, charming young chap?”

“Yes.” All three of them laughed, and it felt just like old times, but then Ron seemed to remember his falling out with Hermione and shut up. Hermione sighed just as Ginny walked up to them. Harry looked momentarily shocked at her appearance. She was all grown up, in just the span of a year. Must be a wizard thing, Harry thought, showing amazing growth spurts of all kinds in just one summer of the fifteenth year. Must be why the year of consent is fifteen. She was now very tall, probably just a few inches short of Harry‘s six feet stature. Her body was thing and lithe, but Harry could tell that she was very durable, and that she had been exercising a lot.

“Ahem.” Harry closed his mouth and turned red with embarrassment. Ginny just laughed, “Hey Harry, Hermione!” She had outgrown her crush on Harry last year, and no longer blushed insanely when Harry was around. “We’re supposed to meet our parents the twin’s.”

“Alright Ginny,” Ron answered her and looked at Hermione and Harry, “you all got your supplies?”

They both nodded the affirmative and headed down the main street of Diagon Alley and entered a store with a fireplace. Using the floo powder system, they were all instantly transported to the new home of the twins in Hogsmeade.

---

“GEORGE! FRED!” As soon as Harry came out of the fireplace, he heard a scream, “WHERE ARE THE BLOODY PLATES!?” Harry turned to Molly Weasley in amazement, never hearing that language from her.

“Mum, mum, mum.” George grinned. As soon as they had come through the floo, their mother was already yelling at them. “We don’t use plates. After all, we go out every night.”

Mrs. Weasley paused for a moment, still red, before turning to Harry, “Hello dear!” She grabbed him in a large hug, “How was you’re summer? Are you all ready for school this year?”

“Just fine, and yes I am.” Mrs. Weasley turned to Hermione and did the same to her. Love that woman, Harry thought to himself. He looked around the new home of the twin’s, observing it was small and cozy, but there were parts of the wall peeling paint and breaking apart.

“I thought you bought this house new?” Harry asked Fred.

“The basement is the factory.” He grinned broadly, indicating that the foundations were constantly being shook, thus the shabbiness. “Lee’s down there, cleaning some things up. If mum goes down there, she’d have a fit.”

George interrupted his brother, “By the way Harry, within a few months, you should start to receive some galleons, you being our silent partner and all.” Harry winced at these words. After winning the Triwizard tournament two years ago, he had generously donated money to the twins so they could get their business started. They had, and then made Harry a silent partner. At first he had complained, but eventually he just had to give up. So instead of making any complaints, he just nodded, “Thanks.”

“No problem ole’ chap.”

Just then Mr. Weasley came walking up the stairs with Lee, laughing, “My boys are so brilliant,” he said, full of pride. Mrs. Weasley still hadn’t gotten used to the idea of them running their own business, and the idea behind their business, but still supported her sons. Mr. Weasley however, was probably the proudest Weasley alive.

“Arthur! Finally! We have to leave now! So much to do at home.” *POP*. With that, she apparated out. Mr. Weasley followed suit, with another *POP*, expecting his sons and friends to be able to get back by themselves.

Ginny and Hermione who had been talking privately, went to the fireplace and left, one after the other respectively. Ron followed, after saying goodbye to his parents.

“You know Harry, you’re always welcome to drop by the factory of the Weasley Wizarding Wheezes factory anytime you like. Who knows, we may even throw some big bashes on your Hogsmeade trips.” George grinned, and Harry knew there would be bashes, and big was a understatement.

“You bet, George. Thanks for having me.” Harry walked to the fireplace and grabbed some floo powder. He turned, “Bye.” The two Weasley’s and Lee Jordan waved goodbye. With that, Harry threw the floo powder into the fireplace and yelled, “THE BURROW!” Green flames enveloped his body, and with that, he was gone.

---

“Open the door.”

“No you!”

“Alright, alright. Not a peep!”

“I know, do it!”

Harry stirred as the door to the room he and Ron were sharing opened. He was still groggy when he heard what sounded like a battle cry in his ears. All of a sudden, a body came crashing down on his own, forcing him to shoot out a bed screaming in pain.

“Ahahahaha!” George, or was it Fred Screamed in delight as Ron was put through the same ordeal.

“You bloody sobs! Get off of me!” Ron yelled, now fully awake. “What the hell are you two doing here anyways!”

“We’re taking a day off my friend. And we’ve decided, Quidditch!” George motioned to Harry, “I mean, Harry does need some practice, spending nearly the whole summer away from the sport.”

Ron nodded, and then said, “Alright, we’ll be out there after breakfast.”

“Hurry up!” Fred yelled behind him as he exited the room.

---

Harry came walking groggily down the stairs, hearing Mrs. Weasley screaming at the twins, “I swear Ron! Did you take care of gnomes yesterday like I asked?” She brought her face menacingly to his face, “DID YOU!?”

“I forgot, mom, sorry, I’ll get to it today.”

“You had better, or there--” She looked at Harry, a smile appearing on her face, “Harry dear, have you had breakfast yet?” He shook his head, and the next thing he knew, he was seated at the table, eating with the rest of the family. Hermione was busily finishing her food, while talking to Ginny about something private. They laughed, looking at Harry. What now? He groaned inwardly.

“So Harry, who d’ya ‘pose will ‘place Angelina?” Ron said, mouth full of food.

“Uhm, I don’t know. Could be anyone really. You? Katy? Maybe even Seamus.” Seamus had been made Chaser last year, to replace Alicia Spinnet.

“Please Harry!” Fred said, joining in the conversation. “Everyone knows it’ll be you. Who else has been on the team as long as you? Six years!”

“Well, I don’t know, I may be busy with...things.”

“Yeah right Harry, you’ll be captain.” Ron said with a bit of contempt behind his tone, “when have you not got--” The rest was said too quietly for Harry to understand, so he didn’t push.

Hermione glanced at Harry, and quietly asked, “What was it you wanted to tell us Harry?”

“I can’t tell you now. Too many people around. I’ll tell you later.”

“I take it, that it’s been quite the summer, eh Harry?” Ron asked, smiling. “Don’t worry ‘bout it. We’ll handle it, we always do.”

“It’s not that. This time, I think it’s beyond our power to do anything.” Harry saw that his two friends were clearly confused. “It’ll make sense when I explain it.”

“Well, I’m glad you had such a grand breakfast Harry, but it’s quidditch time!” Fred yelled, interrupting all their breakfasts. With that, the twins and Lee Jordan, who was also there, dragged everyone outside.

---

As the whole Weasley family was home, they had a grand game, of perfect four on four teams, one player at each position. Bill and Charlie had been made captains, and the teams had ended up with Bill as Keeper, Harry as Seeker, Chaser Ginny, and George as beater. The other team was Ron as Keeper, Charlie as seeker, Lee as Chaser, and Fred as beater. Bill’s team had the clear advantage, with no weaknesses, except perhaps Ginny. Harry had seen her play once or twice, never at her best, and was not sure of her skill level. With Lee as chaser on the other team, who knew what was going to happen.

The match started with Lee grabbing the quaffle and heading in towards Bill immediately, impressing Harry with his flying ability. Why hadn’t Lee ever played with them? He was about to throw the ball, when George whacked a Bludger at Lee, forcing him to grab his broom with both hands, dropping the quaffle. Ginny quickly completed a corkscrew roll, avoiding Fred, George, and Lee, who were all crowded together. She grabbed the Quaffle and flew towards Ron.

Harry meanwhile kept looking for the snitch, unable to see it anywhere. Charlie was flying around the field, looking everywhere but also having problems. I’m not the only one out of practice Charlie Weasley may have been the most brilliant Seeker Hogwarts had ever seen, but Harry was not very far behind. In fact, some were bold enough to say Harry was better. With both players out of practice, they were quiet evenly matched.

Ginny swung with all her might, sending the Quaffle hurtling towards Ron, who spun his broom around, bringing him face to face with the Quaffle. He batted it aside to Lee, who caught it and hurtled towards the opposite end of the field. George again tried to knock Lee out of the air with a bludger, but his twin quickly intercepted it, and thwacked it at Ginny, who was trying to intercept Lee. She dodged it, but it had forced her away from Lee. Lee completed his time with the quaffle by feinting a shot to the left, and then sending it to Bill’s right, who had been easily manipulated. Lee cheered, as did Ron. The next thing the celebrating team knew was Ginny scoring on Ron. “Bloody...”Ron grumbled.

Harry saw the snitch, but decided to ignore it, having a plan. Charlie was closer, and if he saw it, the older male would get there first. He flew down next to George, whispering something in his ear. The next thing Charlie knew, a bludger came hurtling at him, forcing him to move out the way. It had cleared an open path for Harry, who rushed past a distracted Charlie like a blur, grabbing the Snitch.

Charlie frowned, then grinned, “Good strategy Harry.” Harry grinned as his teammates came up beside him and slapped him on the back. After they all landed, Harry walked towards the house, Ginny and Ron flanking him. Hermione, who had been watching from the side, walked next to Ginny.

“Harry, I’ve been wondering. Do you think I have a chance as Chaser?”

Harry looked shocked at Ginny, “Do you? I’ve never seen so much focus at the game. Well, except from Oliver, but you were brilliant.” She turned red and smiled.

“Yeah Gin. There are two Chaser positions open, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll make one of them.” Ron told her.

“Ginny, I think you have the potential to become a great Chaser.” Hermione frowned as Harry said this, clearly jealous. Harry just ignore her, and headed into the house. He had no intention of dealing with too much drama this year

They entered the house, laughing at something Fred said, and Harry, exhausted, flopped down in a chair in the dining room. Mrs. Weasley, without asking anyone, brought drinks for them. “Thanks Mrs. Weasley.” Harry managed to murmur when he noticed Percy *POP* into the house. His hair was ruffled and his clothes were tattered. One would assume he had been through a vicious ordeal, but everyone in the family knew Percy was a workaholic, and probably hadn’t stopped working for the past month.

“How goes the P.R. Percy?” Fred asked enthusiastically.

“It’s a stressful. So much work, work, work.” Percy munched on a sandwich, and then continued, “After the past year, I’m glad things have managed to calm down. In fact, mum, did I tell you I’m due for a promotion soon?” He smiled.

“Oh really dear, that’s great! But, aren’t you the executive assistant already? What could you be promoted --” A broad grin reached her face, “YOU’RE GOING TO BE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT??!?”

“Percy Weasley, Minister of Public Relations.” His grinned broadened.

Fred and George rolled their eyes but they were proud of their brother.

“Now, now, it hasn’t happened yet. I expect however, in a month of so all this work will be not for nought.”

“I should say so, ol’ chap.” Bill said, getting up. He was partly rested from the quidditch match, but had to go. “Gringotts duty. By everyone.”

Everyone waves as he apparated out. Shortly after Charlie did the same. Before long, the twins and Percy had also left, and the house felt suddenly empty. Only rarely was the whole family able to make it home, and it probably would not happen for a while.

---

The sun had set and still more hours had passed which found Harry and Ron both lying in their beds, talking about quidditch. Harry suddenly felt the urge to change the topic, feeling they should address the topic of Hermione

“Leave it alone Harry,” Ron replied simply.

“No Ron. I can’t leave it alone.” He rolled to his side and propped his head on his hand, facing Ron, “This rubbish has gone on long enough.”

“It’s not that simple, Harry.”

“Isn’t it?” Harry said, growing a tad bit angry, “You two have been fighting for almost half a year, and I see myself caught in the middle. I won’t be punished because the two of you are the most stubborn asses England has ever seen.”

“You saw what Hermione did.”

“I did. But someone’s got to apologize first. You were acting like an immature boy, like you were in class 4.”

“I...I know. But she’s just so...intimidating?” Ron offered pathetically.

“Maybe. But it’s still Hermione, yeah? She’s still the same person, and sure she was a bit hacked off. But that was a in January. Ron, Hermione’s not going to make the first move.”

“But I can’t. You don’t understand.”

“I do understand. I know you fancy her. I know why you acted like a prat all last year while she was with Victor Krum.” Harry took a breath and continued, “It’s time you apologize and then, for the greater good, admit your feelings for her.”

“What if she doesn’t return the feelings?” Ron muttered.

“She will, of that I’m certain. This has gone on long enough.”

“I don’t know. I suppose I should, but Harry, this is not going to be easy.”

“I know Ron, but...” The door opened and Hermione came in. “Speak of the devil.” Harry grinned.

“You two pack up yet? Mrs. Weasley will be up here to check soon.” Hermione said.

“Hermione, we still have a thee hours until bed. We’ll be ready to leave for Hogwarts. There’s no way I’m packing now.” Ron replied, his eyes rolling at Hermione

“Besides, I have to tell you guys about the events of my summer. Packing can wait until later.” With that, Harry launched into the full tale of what had happened, with Malfoy in politics and Draco having a sister.

“Oh Harry, Malfoy can’t run for parliament for a while. He’ll have to wait until elections.”

“Then he’ll do something to gain power, and gain attention from the muggle eye.” Ron said. He had grown wiser over the past year, and could reach to the point quicker than others. However, this being a muggle thing, he could not figure it out.

“He’ll most likely try to control someone in parliament. Someone very important.”

Hermione‘s last comment brought something to his attention. “Why not go for the Prime Minister himself?”

“That’s an interesting point Harry. I wouldn’t be surprised if they went for that position. Malfoy will most likely be working from behind the scenes,” she paused in mid sentence. “He’ll be controlling the most powerful man in United Kingdom,” Harry sighed, “and one of the most influential in the world.”

---

“So Maria Malfoy, huh Harry?” They were both lying in bed, the lights off. They had finally gone to bed, after getting up again to pack their things. Ron grinned in the darkness, “There’s something you’re not telling me about her, Harry.”

Harry smiled to himself, there as no way he could fool his best friend. “I think I may fancy her a bit.”

“She’s a Malfoy Harry.”

“Something seem’s different about her though.” Harry lay back on his back. “For one thing, she looks nothing like the Malfoys. Black hair, dark brown eyes. Don’t get me wrong, she’s got the pale skin.”

“Uh-huh, any reason you know her eye color, Harry?”

“Uh, I suppose not. And quit saying my name after every sentence.”

“It makes me feel mature, Harry.”

“You’re just trying to wind me up.”

“What if I am, Harry?” Ron smiled. “Do you have a problem with that, fancier of a Malfoy?”

“Fancier of a Malfoy?” Harry got up and threw a pillow at him, “are you implying what I think you are?”

“Draco is kind of cute, you know?” Ron laughed. “Seriously though Harry. Maria is a Malfoy from Durmstrang no less. Trained in the dark arts, made for the specific purpose of screwing you over.”

“I love it when you talk dirty.” Harry laughed. “Yeah I know. I suppose you are right Ron. Best thing I can do is just forget about her, yeah?”

“Yeah Harry. Well, I’m going to pass out on my pillow now. And by the way, you’re not getting this one back.”

“You pillock,” Harry yelled, leaping off his bed and onto Ron’s, grabbing his pillow. Ron yelled bringing his foot off, pushing Harry off the bed.

He heard a loud thunk, and horrified he had hurt his best friend, he looked down. “Harry, you alright?”

Harry looked up from underneath the pillow that was on his face, with a huge grin on his face. He began laughing and could not stop.

---

That night Harry dreamed.

---

Music blared loudly as the crowd danced. James was enjoying himself thoroughly. He had drank the night away, after a vicious break up with his girlfriend Anne. His friends had brought him to the club so he could enjoy himself, and forget his troubles. James had already met a girl, scantily clad in a tight miniskirt and a short halter top. They moved back and forth, a simple procedure really, her bum to his groin area. Everyone in the crowd was grinding, and James looked up for a moment at the glass ceiling, and then around the room at everyone dancing. There was no way he could enjoy himself more.

He heard a yell but thought nothing of it. He himself whooped as the whole crowd started as a man stepped onto the stage. He started laying down rhymes faster than people could comprehend. He matched his rhythm to the beat, grabbing another girl to dance with. She laughed at his aggressiveness and danced with him.

“So many...” James heard a whisper, and looked around. It had been slight, raspy. He continued to dance, ignoring the whisper; he thought he had imagined it.

“So many muggles...” It came again, this time he turned and looked at the girl in front of him. She apparently, had not noticed.

“Did you hear that?” He yelled over the music. He shook her head and continued her sensual dance, trying to arouse her partner.

“Dirty...” The voice rasped again, and this time James stopped dancing, and then he heard a yell as a body went flying above the crowd and flew towards him. He pulled the girl back and stepped backwards himself. The body landed hard on the spot he had been previously. He landed with a sick crunch, his skull shattering.

The music went silent, the man rapping stopped rapping. Everyone looked at the spot, and then there was a shuffling in the crowd. Two more people went hurtling through the air, a boy and a girl. James thought he saw a flash of a silver hand.

“Dirty, dirty, muggles...” The voice whispered as a short figure was revealed, wearing a long black cloak, a large hood over his head. Shadows were cast over his face, hiding his eyes. James looked straight at the face, who’s mouth grinned as the doors at the end of the dancefloor opened, and several hooded figures entered, moving swiftly through the crowd.

James backed up a little, breaking the staring contest between the man in the hooded cloak and himself. He didn’t know what to do. Never before had he been in a position like this. He watches as the man raised his hand, smiled at James. James stared at the hand, it was silver and he could sense an evil and powerful aura about it. The silver handed man aimed it at the boy next to him, and whispered, “Crucio.” The boy writhed in agony as he started feelings spasms and then he started convulsing.

James opened his mouth, horrified. How could a hand cause that kind of pain? The other hooded men grinned, and raised their own hands, except they were all holding long sticks. Suddenly, flashes of red and green burst from different wands, and yells of the words “Avada Kedavra” and “Crucio” rang through the air as bodies were hit by the flashes, causing them to squirm under the pain. James could tell many of them were dead, and others were feeling pain that would lead them to their death.

The man with the silver hand grinned again, and grabbed the girl next to James, and broke her neck. All in one swift movement. James tried to run but the silver handed man slammed a shining fist into James’s face, forcing him to fly back and then slide across the ground. He stopped, leaning against the wall. The silver handed man shifted his attention from James, and started hurling green beams of light at random people. He seemed to be playing, taking his time. The other hooded men did the same. They were enjoying this.

James saw a body fall next to him, and recognized the dace. “Michael?” The boy next to him was gone, his eyes blank. James felt a sudden surge of rage, and before he knew what he was doing, he ran for the closest hooded man and tackled him hard on the ground. He punched him continuously until the man had stopped struggling. James grabbed the stick out the man’s hand and aimed it at the silver handed man. He shook the stick, but nothing happened. “Expelliarmus! Crucio!“ He faltered. “Lumos?“ The silver handed man smiled at him. The room was unnaturally quiet. Everyone was gone.

“Expelliarmus.” The man waved his hand and the stick flew from James’s hand as he himself was hurled backward once again, causing him to smash hard against the wall. “Poor, poor, boy.” The silverhanded man smiled. “What is your name? Well, answer me!”

“James...James Gadford.” He managed. “James.” The man faltered, “You bring back memories.” He began to advance. “Memories I have no reason to remember.” He seemed to be having an internal struggle. “You are going to die, filthy little muggle lover.” He whispered, in the same raspy voice he had previously heard.

He stopped walking towards James, and frowned. The door of the room opened a tall figure entered. He wore a long black cloak, hooded like the rest, but it dragged behind him. He was surprisingly tall, standing above all the others. There was something different. Something was odd about him. He wore a black wooden mask over his face, a mask with a face on it itself. However, the face bore no expression. The eyes held no expression, nor did the mouth. All of it was black. The eyes were all black, the lips were all black. Everything was black. The mouth did not move or had no whole for the one wearing it to breathe. The nose had no hole either.

The silver handed man’s smile returned. He stepped backwards and gestured to the new man to proceed. He nodded at the silverhanded man, “You have done well Wormtail.” He turned back to the boy, “Do you know who I am, boy?”

The boy nodded, having figuring out a while ago who it was who stood before him. “Do you know why I am here, boy?”

James nodded, shivering. “Y..Y..ou....dead...” He stuttered, not able to form a full sentence out of blinding fear.

“No. No I am not.” The man brought his face close, the mask still boring no expression. “Why do you, boy, consort with muggles?”

“I..I..” James stuttered again.

“Because you have no magic in you, is that why boy?”

James could do nothing but nod.

“Squib. Filthy little squib. You pollute our race, you know?” The man stepped back, “And then turn your back on us, consorting with muggles. I suppose,” The voice shook, and James could tell he was sneering behind the mask, “Your parents said it was okay?” James nodded again. “I am not sorry for what I am going to do. Crucio.”

James felt the greatest pain he had ever felt enter his body. It felt as if every pore on his body was going to blow out blood, fire running deep into his veins. His eyes teared as he screamed in pain, never, ever, feeling anything like this before. Then it started to subside, but the pain was there. It would always be there, for the rest of his now short existence.

“Hurt, squib?” James managed to nod again, “Your punishment is over.” James looked up confusedly. The man turned and stepped away, and motioned for the others to leave us well. The others walked out of the room, confused. Wormtail walked to the door and stopped, looking at his master. “Master?” The man looked at Wormtail, and then turned back to James. He looked at him for a long moment.

“Do not worry boy.“ He raised his wand and aimed at James’s skull. “I shall put you out of your miserable existence.” He paused. As if he was thinking it over. Wormtail knew though, what was going to come. His master was playing with the boy, the filthy squib.

Voldemort whispered the words, “Avada Kedavra.”

---

Harry woke up, shooting up to a sitting position, screaming. He grabbed his scar, feeling the blood trickling down his hands.