Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 2

Harry landed face down on the floor breathing heavily and his heart pounding, thinking that this must be another vivid dream.

He slowly stood, aware that his ribs were sore, before looking around him in disbelief.

Every person the letter said would be here – was.

Harry took in the room quickly. He counted over a dozen comfortable arm chairs in a circle, a nearby room that held a large rectangular table, and a kitchen. 

He finally noticed the Pensieve was on a table along with another letter. He started towards it, but it was just then when everyone realized that they had been kidnapped unexpectedly.

"What in the name of Merlin's saggy left – "

"Ginny!" admonished Mrs. Weasley, scowling at her only daughter.

Many exclaims of shock and outrage were bouncing around the room as many took out their wands and pointed them in all corners of the room.

My father will hear about this, Draco thought, disgusted with his current audience. 

"For kidnapping a Ministry official there is going to be severe punishment for the person who did this," said Percy pompously.

Many shut up's were said around the room. 

Harry was still in shock. After weeks of no news or interaction with anyone from the Wizarding World, he was surrounded by a literal crowd of witches and wizards.

Suddenly, Harry's vision was obscured by bushy brown hair as someone squeezed his body hard. Harry couldn't help but wince.

"HARRY! You're here! What's happening? What happened to your face? Dumbledore made us swear we wouldn't - oh, we've got so much to tell you, and you've got so much to tell us – the Dementors! When we heard–"

"Bloody hell, Hermione," said Ron, grinning behind her who clapped Harry on the back. "Alright?"

Harry could only nod. Ron seemed to have grown several more inches during their months apart, making him taller and more gangly than ever.

The sudden happiness that had flown through Harry upon seeing his best friends vanished as he turned away and pretended to inspect the room.

"Good holiday?" asked Harry nonchalant, catching Ron and Hermione exchanging timid looks.

It became obvious to Harry that even though everyone was talking amongst themselves, they were all listening in.

"It was alright," Hermione squeaked.

"Good," said Harry curtly. "Ron?"

"Er – fine," said Ron hurridly. "Yours?"

"ITS BEEN BLOODY BRILLIANT!" exploded Harry, making nearly everyone in the room jump. "LIVING IN A HOUSE OF RELATIVES THAT DESPISE ME, CAN'T USE MAGIC – "

"Well," said Ron, looking wide-eyed. "We can't use magic either, mate," Ron let out a fake laugh. "We're still underage."

Harry ignored him.