Harry Potter and the Burden of Becoming

Caduceus

Story Summary:
Sirius has died, and as Harry struggles with his guilt, new neighbors move in across the street on Privet Drive. But this foreign family from the Middle East has a very beautiful daughter, and she's taken a liking to Harry. But just as Harry must hide his own true identity, so too are the secrets that run deep within the Darbinyan family - secrets of death, secrets of life, secrets that will unwittingly guide Harry to rebirth, and the ultimate discovery of how Voldemort must be defeated.

Chapter 02

Chapter Summary:
Harry's falling in love with a Muggle, and isn't sure what to do about it. But is Harry the only one hiding their true identity?
Posted:
05/28/2005
Hits:
4,707
Author's Note:
Thanks to my terific beta, Ellie Weasley.


Harry Potter and The Burden of Becoming

Chapter 2 - Hogwarts Forgotten

It was, in many ways, the happiest Harry had ever been. For over a week, he and Gabriella spent most of their days together, unfettered by fame, or infamy, Harry enjoyed being just a teenager. He was happy to leave discussions of Hogwarts and the Wizarding world aside, and loved just listening to Gabriella tell him of her home in Tripoli. Now that Dudley's gang was staying away, he was beginning to make a few other friends about town. Together, they went to places in Little Whinging and beyond that Harry had never seen before. Not only was he learning about the place where he grew up, he was learning a lot about himself. It was as if he was breathing clean air for the first time, and he liked it. After another perfect day, Harry and Gabriella were walking through the park as the sun began to set. "Perhaps tonight?" Harry thought.

"It's a beautiful July night," he whispered softly. The sun was breaking through slits in the clouds, the sky was turning red, and higher up a magnificent purple.

"Yes." she said, but not convincingly. She reached a hand to her eye and swept a tear away.

Harry was reminded of Cho Chang's constant tears. Not this! Not now! But then a voice seemed to echo in his head... Hermione's voice. "Harry, you're worse than Ron."

"No, I'm not," he breathed out loud.

"What?" asked Gabriella, looking up at him.

"H-How are you feeling? Is everything alright?" he spoke with a gentle voice.

"I was thinking of my home," she sighed. "On a good night, by the shores of the Mediterranean, you can watch the sun plunge into the sea flashing a million colours." Her eyes were fixed upon the setting sun in the west, but her mind was somewhere else.

Quietly, he asked, "You miss home, your friends?"

"Yes." She looked at the ground, then back at him again and smiled. "But, you... you have been so wonderful to me. I think, 'How can I not be happy with such a special friend.'" Harry's heart sank; something about how she said the word 'friend'.

The stars began to pop up across the sky, Mercury was visible low on the horizon. Harry's mind was still spinning on the word friend, when she caught him off guard. "Does the school teach astronomy?" she asked.

"Yeah, Sinistra's not bad. Professor Marchanks was pretty stiff about our O.W.L.S. being interrupted, but...." He stopped dead.

"Owls?"

Instantly, it seemed much warmer, he could feel the beads of sweat pop out on his forehead. "Ow! My Foot! I must have stepped on something!" He limped over and sat down next to a tree, taking his right trainer off and studying his foot intently. Gabriella was undeterred.

"Owls?"

Okay, Potter, think. Sure owls, uh, they see owls at night while taking astronomy. But school? He didn't have a clue what Stonewall taught, or didn't teach. "Uhm...."

"Hey little lady!" A voice Harry knew all too well broke the night air from across the park. Malcolm Smelt, one of Dudley's pals. "It's startin' to get dark. What's a babe like you doin' out all alone in a dangerous park?" His words were sinister, threatening like only Malcolm could deliver them. But instead of turning, Gabriella stepped toward him.

"I think it is you who might find the park a bit too dangerous to be out all alone." Her words were biting, but Malcolm simply laughed. Was she thinking Harry would defend her?

"A HOT babe at that!"

Harry got to his feet, filling with rage. He stepped forward in one shoe, Malcolm turned.

"Well, if it isn't Brutus's Incurable Criminal poster child! Why do they even let you out of that place, Harry?"

Harry stepped closer, reaching toward his back pocket.

"I mean, if you're an incurable criminal, shouldn't they keep you away from us innocent townsfolk?" Then, realizing that Harry was with Gabriella, Malcom sneered, "Oh! I see! You're stalking young ladies in the park now, what a perve."

Harry was formulating what he'd say to the Ministry as he grabbed for his wand. Then with a swish, a smack, a swoosh, and a thump, Malcolm was on the ground -- out cold. He couldn't believe his eyes; he didn't have time to think, before Gabriella put Malcolm down hard on his back, whipping his head into the turf. What had just happened?

"Come on!" She grabbed his arm much as her mum had done the week before, and started escorting Harry out of the park.

"Wait!" Harry ran back to get his trainer and returned hopping on one foot, nearly tripping over Smelt, trying to keep up with her and tie his laces at the same time.

"That... that was brilliant!" He was still somewhat shocked about the whole thing. "How did you..." He made a sort of karate-chop motion in the air.

"Mama, told you, didn't she?" Her voice was angry, "Lebanon is a very dangerous place."

It wasn't until they rounded the corner on Privet Drive that her pace slowed, she stopped and took a deep breath. "You're a criminal? Hah! He's the criminal! You know him?"

"He's a friend of my cousin."

"Asha!" she exclaimed, an accent slipping into her words. "Your cousin is a fool."

Harry wasn't going to argue with her, not for Dudley. She sat down on the curb still steamed, but he could tell she was cooling down. He could also tell what was going to come next. "What was he talking about, a school for incurable criminals?"

His heart dropped through the street. He'd spent the most perfect week, with the most perfect girl, and tonight it was to end. He was forbidden to speak about the Wizarding world, and to cover up his time away to Hogwarts his aunt and uncle had declared he attended St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys. Dudley had spread the rumor over the last few years, and most the neighbors on the street believed it. He was actually surprised it had taken this long for someone to mention it.

"It's just that... that..." he stammered, unable to put the words together. Gabriella's eyes opened wide, and she let out a small gasp of surprise as she held her hand to her mouth. Harry couldn't bare it; she thought he was dangerous. He stood up, and looking down at her, he whispered, "I understand." He paused, fighting to say the words, "Goodbye," and then he turned and walked away. He was numb; it was as if every feeling had emptied out of him. "Perfect for Occlumency," he thought. He began to cross the street to the Dursley's, when he heard her running behind him. He didn't turn around. "She's running home to tell her mum and dad. Perfect." But then a hand grabbed his shoulder.

"Wait." He stood for a moment frozen, and then slowly turned to face her. She looked up at him. "What kind of criminal?" she breathed. Her eyes looked up disbelieving, but with a hint of twinkle. What was she really asking? He sensed she knew different, but he couldn't tell her the truth, and he hated to lie. He was searching for the right words, when he realized she was still holding his left arm, and before he could think of anything, she switched the subject herself.

"You don't go to Stonewall then?"

"No. I haven't gone to school in Little Whinging for five years now, this September will be the sixth." The twinkle in her eye sputtered, and her smile vanished.

"Not in Little Whinging, but where?" She turned them both to sit back on the curb, and as she released her grip on his elbow she slid her hand around his arm locking it in her own. They sat side-by-side.

"It's pretty far from here, you'll hear them call it St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys, but it's a lie!" he said defiantly.

"No? What's it called then?" Did she believe him? She waited patiently as Harry tried to find the words.

"I can't... I can't say. It's against... I just can't say."

"But this school for criminals teaches astronomy?" She seemed to move in closer, holding his arm tighter, her voice was incredulous, but her eyes sincere. He looked back into the black pools that had entranced him all week. He wanted to tell her everything, to take her with him right now and show her his life, his real life.

"Uh, yes. Yes, they do." He pointed to a bright red star directly over his head. "There, that's Mars."

"It's the brightest it's been for fifteen years," she whispered. Then pointing to another portion of the sky, "And there?"

"Jupiter. It's centered in the constellation Leo. If you track a line from that bright one right there and ..."

"I know, I know... and how about over here?" Her finger shot across Harry's face and pointed to the tips of the trees.

"Well, uh, it's kind of blocked, but if you could see there you'd..." he turned to look at her, and her pointing hand opened and softly touched his cheek. "Well, you'd see, uh, Venus."

"Fascinating," she breathed, "and does your school for criminals tell you about the ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses?" She was standing up now, bringing Harry with her, a hand on his neck as the other slid to his waist.

"Venus is the, uh, the uhm...." and before he could finish they had kissed their first kiss. It was warm and wonderful. He brought his arms up from his sides and held her close; it felt so right, so perfect. He looked earnestly into her eyes. "I wish I could say more, but I can't."

She looked back up at him, the twinkle had returned to her eyes, and as she let go of his hand she said, "You're very bright for an incurable criminal; perhaps some kind of evil mastermind?" She smiled and walked away.

"Tomorrow then?" Harry yelled across the street, his emotions still off balance.

She stopped and looked back. "More than just tomorrow I hope!" Then she disappeared through her front door.

Could it be? Was it possible? What had happened? His thoughts spun to what they'd do tomorrow. Harry's heart was still pounding, as a car drove down Privet Drive and pulled in to the Darbinyan driveway across the street. Grigor stepped out of the car, shut the door, and looked back at Harry. The two hadn't spoken much; Grigor seemed never to be home. Tonight, he looked intently at Harry for some time, until Harry waved his hand, and Grigor waved back, turned, and went into the house. Harry floated back up to his own front door; it felt as if he was soaring on his Firebolt. "A perfectly perfect evening." He opened the door and stepped inside.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" The roar pressed Harry back up against the door.

"Well, we only... I just..." he couldn't find a good word for snogging.

"Haven't I told you about THOSE people, boy? Don't you know what they are! I won't have anyone in this household consorting with the enemy!" Uncle Vernon was livid.

"But Dudley...."

"Leave Dudley out of this!" His Uncle had turned a brighter scarlet, and a small patch of foam was forming in the corner of his mouth. This was it. Vernon was going to tell him he couldn't see her again. Harry's mind began to race. There was always the invisibility cloak, he'd never had a reason to use it until now, except to sneak snacks from Dudley's room.

"If I EVER see you wave at that, that vermin again, you'll be locked in your room for the rest of the summer! Now get up there, and don't come down until morning!" and he turned and stormed away.

Harry was stunned; wave? Uncle Vernon must have only just looked out the window, probably when he heard the car door slam shut. He saw Harry waving at the terrorist across the street. Well, he'd certainly make a note not to wave at anyone from across the street from now on.

He climbed the stairs and got ready for bed. Turning out the light he took off his glasses and slipped between the sheets. He'd forgotten Occlumency, his mind was frozen on two black eyes, smooth copper brown skin and long black hair. "Well," he thought smiling to himself, "perhaps I am a bit of a criminal. I have faced a full wizard's trial." He laid his head down. "I've had loads of detentions." He rubbed the back of his hand. "I've almost been kicked out of school!" He was thinking of all the truths he could tell Gabriella, and then stopped. He slipped out of bed, grabbing his glasses and walked to the window.

Her curtains were open, and she was sitting at her bed writing something. A journal, or perhaps a diary, and she appeared to be having trouble with her pen. A candle flickering on a stand near by was the only light in the room. Harry had never seen the Dursley's light as much as a match; even their fireplace had been boarded up and replaced by a mechanical contraption. The glowing yellow light bouncing off the walls in her room brought his thoughts to the Gryffindor common room. Was she writing about him? Was she recording how she had met a criminal? Or was she writing how she had to save him in the park? Still, she was brilliant tonight. "Definitely a Gryffindor," he smiled to himself, and he slid back into bed.

The next morning, Harry found it hard to slip away; it was Saturday, and Uncle Vernon was not going to work today. Instead, he seemed to be intent on squinting out of the front peephole to see what was happening across the street. Harry went back to his room after another disappointing breakfast and stood at the window. There she was, waving at him to come over. He shook his head, pointed to his watch and flashed twelve fingers. She signaled an "Okay," and went back inside.

The year before, the Order had sent a fake letter inviting the Dursley's to the All-England Best-Kept Suburban Lawn Competition, and while they went to the fictional event, the Order came to take Harry out of the house. Aunt Petunia was thoroughly distraught that they not only hadn't won, but that there was no such organization. Undaunted, she had organized one on her own -- Little Whinging's Best-Kept Suburban Lawn Competition. Albeit not as grand as the original concept, today they were to have their third meeting at noon down at the town hall. The morning was already turning hot, and she had put on an overly elaborate dress for the occasion.

"Come on dears! Today we select the judges." She seemed beside herself with anticipation, waving at Uncle Vernon and Dudley to hurry. Vernon had been keen on the idea last year when he thought he might be a winner, but going to organizational meetings was not his idea of a grand way to spend a day off. He took another look out the peephole; Dudley looked at Harry and simply shook his head. Harry actually felt sorry for him; would he have been somehow normal with a different set of parents? How could they possibly be blood relatives? Vernon turned to Harry.

"Stay out of trouble boy, and no funny business."

"Yes, sir." said Harry shortly. His Uncle spoke these words every time he left the house, and the response was always the same.

By ten till noon, the Dursley Family had left the house, and immediately Harry raced across the street. Gabriella opened the door before he had a chance to knock. "Can I help you?" she smiled.

"Only if breakfast is ready," Harry grinned, sliding close by her as he entered the Darbinyan home.

Her mother and father were at the table reading the newspaper. The now familiar smell of coffee filled the air, and Harry couldn't help but notice another place was set with a plate full of food. Without being asked he took his seat as Gabriella sat at his side finishing some flat bread. Her father turned the page of the newspaper.

"Well, I hope not too many died."

Harry turned his head; he hadn't listened to the news, or read any paper for over a week.

"Died?" he asked.

"Terrible explosion in London," he sighed, "so far, three found dead. They expect to find more once they clear the rubble."

"Where in London?" There was a slight tremor in his voice.

"I know it sounds awful son, but things like this happen. Don't worry though; it was some vacant department store; probably old pipes." Grigor turned to the next headline.

Harry's appetite suddenly evaporated. He poked at the food on his plate for a few minutes. He could see Soseh looking at him with some concern, but he didn't look up.

"A sensitive heart," she praised warmly. "There are not too many of those left in this world."

But Harry's mind had snapped to his visit last year to an empty department store; no one ever paid any attention to it, at least not Muggles. To them it was just an old dilapidated building. But, in fact, hidden within was the most advanced medical center for wizards in all of Europe -- St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Would Voldemort be so cruel as to destroy the sick and injured in a hospital? He had to find out.

"Excuse me." He slid his chair back. "I have to go for a minute."

Gabriella looked at him. "Go where?"

"Just for a minute, I've got to, er... finish a letter before the post comes."

"Okay," she said brightly, "I'll come too." And before Harry could say no, they were both out the door walking across the street.

"Really, it'll only take a minute. I uh, uh..."

"Don't be silly. I've never seen your house." They opened the front door and Gabriella let out a small gasp of wonder. "Oh my, it's very nice; very well... well, organized." Harry didn't have the heart to tell her that his aunt had not had time to straighten up this morning.

"If you want, you can watch some television; I'll only be a minute."

"No," she smiled, touching the small of his back. "I want to see your room." He was torn, and his head seemed a bit cloudy, he couldn't really think straight.

"Well, alright." And the two walked upstairs. He hadn't planned on a visit. The room was okay, but dirty clothes were piled in a corner next to his trunk, his bed was unmade, and torn strips of paper were still scattered on the floor.

"Oh! It's beautiful!" She walked over to Hedwig's cage. "You never told me you had a pet! What's its name?"

"Hedwig. I've had her for about six years." He reached to hand Hedwig a treat, but she was busy letting Gabriella stroke her feathers through the cage. "Here." He opened the cage to let Hedwig out. "I guess she's been about the best friend I've had around here," he paused, and turned to look at Gabriella, "until now." And as if it was the most natural thing in the world he kissed her again.

"Six years?" she asked. And he could see her thinking about something. He walked over to his dresser and pulled out some parchment and a quill.

"This should only take a minute."

"An old fashioned ink bottle; how wonderful! What made you decide to write like that?" Harry realized that it all must seem a bit strange, but he had to get the letter out... and he wasn't sure why he'd let her in his room... but he wasn't saying anything... so it must be okay... and he wasn't telling her he was a wizard... so it must be okay... and beside she was so beautiful.

"School," he said simply.

"Ah, yes," she smiled, "criminals writing with quills and parchment; back to the basics, eh?"

He'd finished off his note. Just a quick, "What's happened in London? - Harry." He rolled the parchment, and tied it to Hedwig's leg. Who was he to send it to if Ron and Hermione were busy? "Hedwig, get this to Fred and George; they'll tell me what's going on." He kissed her on the head, and she flew out the window, soaring into the warm summer sky.

Gabriella stood somewhat stunned. "A carrier owl?"

"Well, I've had her a long time, and she's pretty smart."

"I see." She stared after Hedwig long after she'd disappeared from sight. Then, looking back inside, "It's terribly hot today," she wiped her brow. "Let's go for a swim!"

"Swim?" He'd never been swimming in Little Whinging. His last time was at the lake, but then he could breathe underwater. "Swim?"

"You can swim, can't you? Get your suit and let's go to the pool." The pool in Little Whinging would be packed on a day like today. Dudley and his gang had been spending a lot of time there this summer, and with Dudley gone he was sure there might be trouble.

"How about a movie? It'll be cool inside, besides, the pool's a long walk, we'll fry before we ever get there."

"You're sweet. I'll go across to change and meet you downstairs in ten minutes, we'll take Papa's car, he never uses it."

"But I'm not... you're not old enough," challenged Harry.

"That's never stopped me before," she said with a sly smile. "Besides, I have..." she stopped herself and just waived her hand in the air, signaling it didn't matter, and then turned to leave. For a moment, she paused at the door, looking at something on the floor, and then went on downstairs. "Ten minutes!" she called back, and was quickly out across the street.

Harry walked to the door to see what she was looking at; it was one of his books, emblazoned with a large H. One of the books Hermione had been harping on him to read since their first year together,

Hogwarts, A History.