At the Edge

Prologue

A Meeting with a Good Friend

The summer had been disappointing. It was as if the weather could not decide between the scorching heat and the small showers of rain that did nothing to get rid of the overpowering warmth. But it was not only the weather that was having such conflicting thoughts. The boy who lived in number four, Privet Drive was also trying to decide whether to flee the boredom of Privet Drive by throwing caution into the winds, or to mope around feeling extremely sorry for himself. No, the boy was not the giant whale the Dursley's called their son, but it was Harry Potter; a boy unfortunate enough to be stuck with such dull company.

I wonder what Dumbledore would do if I actually did run away, mused Harry Potter while strolling down the road towards his only refuge - the park. Surely, they couldn't chain him to his bed at the Dursley's, could they?

But then again, they were still keeping him prisoner in the wretched place.

It was not that the Dursleys were mistreating him. Even though Vernon Dursley had ranted on about how he was not going to be bullied by a bunch of crackpots during their drive back from the train station one month ago, his backbone had not made any sort of appearance after that episode. Harry's uncle still looked at Harry as if he was a fly Uncle Vernon would love to crush, but that was about as hostile as he would get. Aunt Petunia seemed to freeze in fear every single time Harry walked into her close proximity, and Dudley .... That hulk of a boy was so terrified of Harry that he had gone into shock at least six times over the summer, just because Harry had accidentally bumped into him.

In conclusion, everyone avoided him. Moreover, he certainly did not get any guests visiting him, even though the members of the Order still kept watch over him.

No wonder Harry was bored to death.

The heartless people who were responsible for the boy's suffering were none other than the members of the Order of the Phoenix. In other words, they were the grown-ups. How could an adult ever understand the needs and wishes of a brooding teenager? Maybe that was why Harry was left alone in a neighborhood full of boring stiff Muggles. But alas, the reason is not always that straightforward.

The person ... or thing more precisely, responsible for Harry's imprisonment was none other than Lord Voldermort, a.k.a You-Know-Who as most of the wizarding folk referred to his evil highness. He was the super villain of the magical world! He was one who killed Harry's parents, the one who had given Harry Potter his unfortunate fame! He was the bane of poor Harry's existence!

The boy had nearly gotten killed a couple of months ago due to this creature. Harry had been lured into the Department of Mysteries along with his friends, just so that You-Know-Who could get his claws on a bloody prophecy. Unfortunately for the Dark Lord, the prophecy was smashed by the heroic antics of a brave Neville Longbottom. And unluckily for Harry, he lost his godfather Sirius Black during the incident as well. The only man who had filled in as a parent for Harry was lost forever. He had wept bitterly, remembering Sirius falling through the veil almost every single night at the beginning of the summer holiday. Though, in time the pain had dulled to a faint ache whenever Harry remembered Sirius.

If it were not for his friends, Harry would not have made a point of ever waking up from his slumber during the summer. Ron and Hermione made a point of owling him almost everyday, trying to fill him in about the state of the wizarding world. But as nothing exciting was happening - except for that fool of a Minister, Fudge trying to convince people to take safety precautions at such dark times - his friends' efforts were in vain. Still, it made Harry realize that his friends would never leave his side, and hence filled him with a warm feeling of happiness - and some guilt over the way he had treated them last year.

Remus had also tried to keep in touch. Even though, it was harder for the man as he was an active member of the Order of the Phoenix. Yet, it was through him that Harry learnt about Kreacher's death. Harry had felt some bitter disappointment at the news, as he had been dearly hoping to strangle that wretched house-elf with his bare hands. After all, the house-elf was partly responsible for Sirius' premature death. Harry could tell from Remus' letters that he was missing Sirius as much as Harry, probably even more. After all, the poor man had just gotten his friend back from prison only to lose him forever.

Another Marauder is lost forever. Lupin must feel so alone, Harry thought forlornly while checking behind him to see whether anyone suspicious was following him. However, apart from an ancient-looking woman, no one was around. The road was usually very empty early in the mornings. Therefore, Harry lost himself in his thoughts once again.

It was not only his best friends and Remus who had owled him. Most of the DA members also had made a note of sending Harry at least one letter. In fact, last night there had been a storm of owls swooping in and out of Harry's window, bearing cards and gifts to wish Harry a happy sixteenth birthday. If any of the neighbors had seen the bizarre scene, they would have been stupefied. Actually, Harry thought it was a bit odd that Uncle Vernon had not woken up and made a fuss over it.

He had spent at least two hours to open all of his presents. Hagrid had sent him a big chocolate cake decorated by a lion that was messily drawn on it with icing. Harry had munched on the delicious cake while going through the rest of his presents. He had received a thick book called the The Defeat of Grindelwald from Hermione along with a note that said:

Hello Harry,

I wish you a very happy sixteenth birthday. I hope you find the book very useful. It has a very detailed account of the strategies that were used in those days to defeat Grindelwald, who happened to be very much like Voldermort. Therefore, I suppose you would be very interested in it. Professor Dumbledore is mentioned in the book as well. By the way, let me know how your OWL results came along. I am so worried, especially about Astronomy. I would be so disappointed if I don't get at least an "Exceeding Expectation", after all it was not our fault that we were so distracted that day. The examiner should understand. Anyway, Good luck Harry.

Love

Hermione

Ron had given him the usual collection of sweets and in addition to that, he had gotten Harry brand new Quidditch gloves. Harry could not figure out how Ron had managed to get the money to purchase them, but even so appreciated them a lot. He received the standard gift package from Molly Weasley that contained delicious homemade mince pies and chocolate fudge. Remus had given him a new picture from the Potter's wedding in which Harry's mom and dad were laughing happily and blowing kisses. Harry had felt a bittersweet happiness, seeing his parents. He quickly added it to his album, silently thanking Lupin for sacrificing the picture for Harry.

In addition to the cards and presents, Harry also received his OWL results. Harry had opened them with a sense of forbidding, and almost burst out crying when he saw that he had actually passed Potions with an "Outstanding" grade. However, the idea of spending more time with Snape was not an appealing one. Apart from History of Magic, Divination and Astronomy he had passed everything else with "Acceptable" grades and higher. Harry's wish of being an Auror would be fulfilled after all. He had not failed Professor McGonagall.

But first, Harry would have to survive and kill Voldermort. The damned prophecy had been haunting Harry ever since he heard it in Dumbledore's office. "... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ..." the prophecy had said. That thought had ruined his mood last night, and even this morning as he had set off on his usual walk to the park, he could not stop thinking about it.

What can I possibly do to kill him? Harry thought in frustration as he finally reached his destination, and sat down on the remaining and intact swing. He wondered curiously whether the book Hermione had presented him would prove to be useful. He had looked through it last night, but found it a bit too complex for bedtime reading.

He was still lost in thoughts, trying to gather how he could get rid of Voldermort when a croaky voice said, 'Wotcher, Harry!'

*

Harry whirled around quickly to face an ugly old lady who was leaning heavily on a cane. He recognized her as the one he had seen earlier on the road. The old woman was grinning at him, showing off yellow crooked teeth.

'Tonks?' cried Harry, feeling pleasantly surprised. 'Cool disguise,'

'Hey, Harry. How are you holding up, eh?' wheezed Tonks, still playing her character.

'I'm OK, I guess.' Harry looked away to hide the flash of anger he felt.

The hostility Harry felt for Dumbledore because he had exiled Harry to spend the entire summer at the Dursleys was threatening to blow up in Tonks' face even though she was blameless.

'OK? News flash, Harry. You look miserable,' croaked out Tonks looking him over.

'Well, yeah. Isn't that a surprise?' said Harry coldly.

Tonks looked surprised at Harry's unfriendliness, but quickly recovered enough to say, 'Harry, I'm really sorry about all the stuff that's happened. I know things have been really hard for you ever since ... er - that situation at the Ministry,'

Harry opened his mouth to tell her that she could not possibly know what he was feeling, but she did not give him a chance.

'Harry, what I want you to know is that you aren't the only one who is mourning. Sirius was a great man and also my cousin, and I cared about him a lot. Just like you,' she said with difficulty.

Harry concentrated on his feet and tried to suppress the guilty feeling that was trying to engulf him. Why did she have to talk about Sirius?

'I know ...' started Harry, but he was abruptly cut off by Tonks. Apparently she was not finished with her speech yet.

'But I didn't stop living just because I lost him. Neither did Remus,' added Tonks with a fervor that made her "old woman" guise seem even crazier than before. 'How do you think Sirius would feel if he sees you now? Wouldn't it make him feel extremely bad for doing something so rash?'

By that time Harry was feeling the sting of anger start at the back of his eyes. Why did everyone have to blame Sirius for being rash? It was Harry's fault that he was dead, not his. It was all because of Harry's stupidity. If only he had listened to Hermione ....

'Just think, Harry. Sirius wouldn't want you to mope around like this. He sacrificed himself just so that you can live, not sulk! In fact, he would probably punch you hard to knock some sense into you if he can see you now,' muttered Tonks.

'Well, I wouldn't know that now, would I? He is gone; he's not here to punch me. And I'm the bloody person responsible for it!' said Harry vehemently, clenching his teeth hard to stop himself from crying out.

For a while Tonks just stared at him, then she burst out, 'Oh, for god's sake! Harry, how many times do we have to tell you that it wasn't your fault?'

Harry just glared at her.

'That's fine. Have it your way, then,' snapped Tonks, looking extremely annoyed. 'Everything's your fault! You-Know-Who likes killing Muggles because of you. He's so twisted and evil because of you. Power-hungry fools become Death Eaters because of you. The world sucks because of you!'

Taken aback, Harry just gaped at her. Tonks looked a bit surprised, too.

'Er - I got a bit carried away there,' she croaked looking a bit embarrassed. 'Anyway, let's just drop the subject, ok? I'm not too good with the whole "comforting" thing.'

'That's ... ok,' Harry told her feeling a bit amused.

Tonks cleared her throat twice and then looked up; still looking a bit shocked at her own outburst.

'Right, I just dropped by to see how you were doing ...' she trailed off.

'Well, that's so nice of you,' muttered Harry sarcastically.

'Yeah, I know. I'm a nice person,'

Harry could not help but smile at that.

'Ha! So you can smile. You should try it more often. Looks good on your face,' said Tonks lightly.

Shaking his head at the ridiculous conversation they were having, Harry asked, 'So, how are things with the Order?'

'Oh, you know. It's the same old stuff. All of us are trying to outsmart You-Know-Who, Dumbledore's being wise and trying to come up with new plans, Remus is moping around a bit like you, Snape is trying to be even more unpleasant than before, Moody's as edgy as ever and as for me - I have been hanging around with Bill Weasley,'

This surprised Harry.

'What? You and Bill?' he asked incredulously.

'Yeah, we are working on something together, but don't ask me what. It's confidential Order business.'

'Oh, um ... I thought - that you guys were ... er ... never mind,' mumbled Harry quickly feeling a bit silly.

Harry dearly wanted to ask Tonks about Voldermort and about any recent Death Eater activities, but held back knowing that Tonks would not be able to talk about it. Still, Harry was very worried. He had felt his scar tingle slightly at times but apart from that, he had not had any sort of visions or any burning pains in his scar. But it all seemed odd, and Harry did not like the thought that maybe Voldermort was planning something big and hence buying time. This summer almost felt like a repeat of the last summer - only worse. And truthfully, Harry was getting impatient and sick of waiting for the final blow.

Tonks looked at Harry suspiciously and then said, 'Alright, then. Have you received your book list by now?'

'Yeah,'

'OK, someone from the order will take you to Diagon Alley next Saturday. We'll inform you the details by owl.'

Suddenly Harry felt much better than he had in days; he could finally get away from this darned place. Maybe he could inform Ron and Hermione to meet up with him on Saturday.

'Brilliant! Thanks Tonks, you have made my day,' said Harry, thinking of sending Hedwig to Ron as soon as he got home. He smiled happily.

'Yeah? Cool. That's good to know,' said Tonks, and she smiled back making her face look like a jumble of wrinkles. 'Hey, I almost forgot. How were your OWL results?'

Harry shrugged and said, 'Well, I have got the ones I wanted. So, they are pretty good,'

'Great. Congratulations, Harry.' And with that Tonks tried to do an odd sort of jiggle but only managed to fall flat on her face.

'Shit! I was just trying to do my victory dance for you. But I guess the old lady is not up for it,' Tonks chuckled looking down at herself, while Harry helped her up.

Harry laughed along with her, still amazed at her clumsiness.

'OK, Harry. I need to get going, my shift is almost over,' said Tonks.

For a moment he was confused.

Shift? Harry wondered. Then he realized that it must have been Tonks' turn to keep an eye on him today.

'I'll see you around Harry. Take care of yourself. Otherwise I'll give you a nice kick on the arse, alright?'

'Alright,' he replied trying not to look too amused, but failing.

'Bye Harry.' And with a loud crack she had Disapparated leaving Harry alone in the park once again.

'Bye,' whispered Harry into the silence.

*

That night as he lay in bed, he could not stop thinking about what Tonks had said about Sirius. Harry did not want to let Sirius down in any way, but apparently, he was - in Tonks' opinion.

Since when did grieving for someone become such a bad thing? Harry wondered.

Ever since you let it take over your life, answered a voice in the back of his head. Although Harry wanted to disagree with the voice, he knew that he was letting his grief take over his life. It was a lot easier that way. However, if he gave up the will to fight, he would be playing right into Voldermort's bony claws.

'No,' Harry whispered quietly to himself. 'I will not admit defeat so easily. I would rather die before I give in to Voldermort,'

Tonks was right; it was time to move on with his life. After all, the magical community's safety depended on Harry. Dumbledore trusted him to defeat Voldermort, and even though Dumbledore had his share of faults, he was still one of the wisest wizards known to the magical world. Harry did not have the slightest idea about how he was going to defeat such an evil and powerful wizard, but he could still try. He may not survive it, but at least he could save his friends. He was not going to let them down like he had done with Sirius. That thought was enough to convince him to move on.

Unlike the other nights of that summer, that night Harry drifted off to sleep thinking about seeing his best friends during the coming weekend. And it was the first night since Sirius' death that Harry did not have a nightmare about the Ministry accident. Even though Tonks had said that she was really bad at the "comforting" thing, her words had somehow reassured him and knocked some sense into him. Sirius would have been really proud of his favourite cousin's daughter.

*