The Life He Deserved

Chapter 24

"Hey, Barty, Rodolphus, Rabastan," Harry greeted as he shadowed into the infirmary. The three death eaters perked up at the call of their names and smiled seeing their regular visitor. Ever since they had been rescued, he and Tom would stop by but often it was just Harry. Though they didn't expect different; Tom despite what he says is still their lord and has better things to do. The young wizard always popped in every few days for a chat with sweets, snacks, and books. They got to know the bright boy quite well, and frankly they were glad he was by their lord's side. If Harry stood by Dumbledore, they'd surely lose (Which happened last time, but they don't need to know).

"Hey, Harry," they chorused happily as he dragged a chair closer to their beds and began rummaging his satchel. He proceeded to hand them some chocolate frogs and cauldron cakes along with some books about Quidditch and ancient artifacts. The twins hastily made grabs for it, claiming the quidditch books and some chocolate frogs while Barty calmly took the rest. Harry sat down and allowed the three to enjoy their treats before speaking.

"How have you guys been feeling? It's been about 2 months now," Harry asked them as he lent back in his chair. The three grimaced a bit mid bite.

"We feel physically fine," Rabastan started, "but mentally is another story," Rudolphus finished his twin. Harry sighed; it was expected after such a long time in Azkaban.

"I really wish there was more we could do to help," Harry said mopingly. Barty rapidly shook his head.

"You've already helped us a bunch, you and Tom. You don't need to do more," he reassured. Harry just sighed. The four noticing his gloomy mood decided to change the subject.

"So, Harry, are you planning to join the Quidditch team?" Barty questioned, knowing the boy was apparently extremely talented on a broom. Harry tilted his head.

"I haven't really decided, I don't want it to interfere with out plans," he replied. The twins however would take none of it.

"There is nothing" "more important" "than quidditch!" they proclaimed. Harry just chuckled at their antics. For the next hour, the twins debated on the better Quidditch teams while Barty spoke about the tactics and skills.

TIMESKIP

Summer break was soon coming to an end. Harry and Tom were apprehensive; on one hand they can continue their plans, but on the other they wouldn't be together constantly anymore and everything would become riskier. Nevertheless, they had to move forward; leading to today's agenda: school supplies shopping. He mentioned to Draco the exact date of release of the Nimbus 2001 so he wouldn't run into the Weasleys like last time. He also purposely went a different date to avoid the incompetent fool known as Lockhart. Yet...

"My merlin! Everyone, I cannot believe what I am seeing! The Boy who Lived Harry Potter has come to meet me in person!" Exclaimed an irritating swine, apparently setting his location outside today. Harry's eye twitched while Sirius was muffling his laughter as the crowds gasped and cheered. Harry abhorred the man; he was a fraud, coward, and a narcissistic bastard. He soon found himself being harassed, the filth clutching his wrist trying to pull him into a picture. Harry would have none of it. He roughly withdrew his arm from the grasp, and then gave a hard glare to the man.

"I would appreciate not being touched, Mr. Lockhart," he coldly stated. The man blanched as he glanced nervously at the journalist watching as bright lights continued to flash. He put on yet another bright fake smile.

"I apologize Harry, it is not everyday a fellow celebrity runs into another, just as famous," the man said with a full teeth smile. Harry gave a sickly fake smile back.