Standing Alone

Part 5

After break everything seemed to calm down. I stayed away from Harry as often as I could, he would occasionally try and talk to me but I walk away before he can.

I focus on my school work and the potion lessons are a huge help with keeping me distracted. Hermione was always inviting to me to watch Harrys' quidditch games with her but I tell her no and sit in the library on my own. Deep down I would love to watch a quidditch game and cheer for my brother, but I fear it would only make him hate me more.

Around spring time, it seemed Harry, Ron and Hermione were up to something or chasing something because they had become extra secretive and leaving the common room in the middle of the night. A part of me wanted to know what was going on but the feeling I was getting from Harry it felt dangerous. So, I just watch them converse in secret and sneak around the castle.

Instead, I focused on the upcoming final tests and didn't worry too much about what Harry was doing or why he was doing it. School was coming to an end and I wanted to get good grades.

I was studying for final exams when Headmaster Dumbledore found me.

"Holly, follow me if you would." he says and I immediately got up and followed him

He guided me towards the hospital wing and I knew it was Harry.

I followed him to a curtained off bed and took and silent deep breath.

Headmaster carefully pulled back the curtain and revealed Harry sleeping. I looked at his cut and bruised face and gasped in surprise. I felt tears build behind my eyes as I take Harrys' hand.

"He will be fine, just needs some rest." Dumbledore assures me and I nod

I hear headmaster walk away from us and I stay until he wakes.

"Hey Holly." Harry rasps when he wakes

"Hi" I say quietly

"I'm surprised you're here." he says and I laugh a little

"You're still my brother and I'll always love you." I whisper

"I'm sorry for everything." he says sadly

"I know, me too." I speak

"I don't want to leave the castle." harry whispers

"Me either, I love it here." I agree

"You know I am glad you weren't there with me. I couldn't protect myself or my friends." Harry admits

"Ron and Hermione are fine, they're worried sick about you." I answer

"Finally awake." Headmaster says when he walks in

"What happened to the stone?" Harry immediately asks

"It has been destroyed." Headmaster answers calmly

"Professor, I don't understand. How can the stone be destroyed?" Harry asks

"It's for the best, Nicholas has enough elixir to put his affairs in order and live the rest of his days peacefully." Dumbledore explains

I feel left out in the dark and extremely confused by this strange conversation between Harry and the headmaster.

"Well, I am glad to see you awake and I know of some others who are anxious to visit. Farewell Harry and Holly." Dumbledore says and takes his leave.

"Harry!" Ron and Hermione shout as they run in to see Harry. I let go of Harry's hand and start to leave

"Holly" Harry says

I turn to him and smile

"It's okay Harry, I'm going to start packing." I say and he nods

As I'm packing, I'm beginning to feel sad. Every fiber of my being wants to stay here where it's safe. I want to stay far from Vernon and far from the pain that house brings me. I shake myself out of the horrible memories and finish packing.

We're all getting ready to board the train and saying our final goodbyes to Hogwarts. I turn and take one last look at the castle and the staff I have come to enjoy. I sigh and find seats while harry finishes his own farewells.

We get into our seats and everyone seems to have similar emotions about the summer.

The train ride home is somehow way faster than the ride to Hogwarts. I wave a small goodbye to Ron and Hermione and step out of the train. Harry takes a couple more minutes to say his goodbyes.

Coming back to the Dursleys' is a little different than the past years. Harry threatens Vernon to get his own room. Which in turn worked because Vernon was still terrified of what Harry would do if he didn't agree. Harry even was able to speak up for me and get me my own room. Unfortunately, it's a room I'm all too familiar with. I walk in slowly and can feel Vernon's' satisfied smirk on my back as I do.

The first night back was the absolute worst. Being at Hogwarts I was able to heal from the wounds and now at the moment they were being reopened. As each lashing hits me I use every bit of strength I have to stay quiet. I have forgotten how unbearable this feeling is. I bite down on my lower lip and squeeze my eyes as the last lashing hits my skin. I stay on the floor and refuse to move as he leave for the night.

I let the silent tears fall as I gasp. I try and sit up but give up when it burns.

My eyes feel tired and want to close. Fear won't let me rest.

The door opens again and panic settles in me. He never comes back in. I hold in my breath as the footsteps get closer.

I hear the light slashing of water and become confused. I refuse to move or breath.

Suddenly wetness touches my burning back and I choke back a scream.

"Shh" a voice whisper

It wasn't Vernon. I cautiously open my eyes and look back to see Petunia with a wet rag dabbing my bleeding wounds.

I whimper quietly as she cleans the fresh wounds. I almost wish she would leave it alone.

I'm also extremely confused, she never comes into this room and she's never tended to any wound of mine.

"Stay still, it'll be over soon." She whispers and I realize I was shaking from the pain.

I lay my head back on the floor and close my eyes and focus on sleep.

I wake up on the floor and wince when I move. Slowly I am able to sit up and observe my surroundings. Did I dream Petunia cleaning the wounds? I shake my head and carefully feel my back. I sigh and slowly change my shirt and hide it like I always have. Soon enough we are back on the Dursley routine and it was as if we never left. However, Harry and I were not nearly as close as we were before Hogwarts. That hurt more than the whippings. Before he was always there and we always were telling stories and playing games. Now he only talks about his friends, Voldemort and school. I mean I miss it too but I missed our time together.

It's like he got a taste of the real world and only wanted that world. I wasn't a part of that world and it was killing me to see my brother walk away from me. His only family, his first friend. I knew how he was feeling and why. I missed our parents just as much as he did. Especially since our differences are dividing us a part. I want more than anything to talk to my mum and make sense of this mess.