Redo - Harry Potter Fanfiction

Chapter Twenty-one

Cold, yes, very cold. It reminded Harry of when he was floating in that place. If Harry couldn't see, he would've thought he was back there. But no, Harry was on the third floor. His hand was on the door that Fluffy stood behind.

Harry tried to tell himself this would be fine but fear still pooled in my stomach. He pulled himself together and turned to the doorknob. It wasn't locked, even though it was supposed to be forbidden. It creaked open ominously, Harry shuddered. He swore he wasn't a wimp, but this was honestly creepy.

Harry did have a good sense of self-preservation and not nearly as much courage as before. He stepped into the room; Fluffy had all six eyes on him. The giant dog growled deep, a warning sign to Harry. He had to ignore it, against all common sense.

Harry had brought a flute with him; Harry had learned to play an easy song just so he could put the big dog to sleep. Fluffy seemed to know Harry's plan because all three heads showed their razor-sharp teeth as soon as he noticed the instrument.

Harry's hands shook as he moved the flute to his lips; the first note echoed through the room. The heads already looked a little less agitated. Harry steadied himself and started to play, he didn't play great, but he did well enough. Peaceful, if slightly off tune, music came from the instrument.

He winced when he messed up a note, but still Fluffy was slowly falling asleep. Harry continued playing as he crept toward the door, his heart pounding. His hand was on the handle; he opened it. The music was wavering with Harry's nervousness; the beast was getting restless.

Harry stopped playing, he felt beastly eyes on him, but he had already jumped down into the dark depths. The wicked vines of the Devil's Snare are on him, but he doesn't struggle like before. He knows that will only make them tighten their grip on him.

"Lumos Solem." Utters Harry, pointing his dark wand to the plant. The flames scorch the Devil's Snare, and it lets go of him. He moves against the wall and spots the stone passageway. It's damp and smells like something unpleasant, but Harry still goes through.

Harry found himself remembering Norberta, the little dragon Hagrid had been bribed with. Hagrid hadn't spoken to him since his sorting. Harry was hurt realizing that, was Hagrid avoiding him? Well, even if he was, Harry hoped Hagrid was doing alright and hadn't gotten in trouble for Norberta.

He still cared for all his previous friends, even though technically they weren't his friends anymore. But Harry couldn't change the place in his heart they had. After all, he'd known them for the best seven years of his life. They had their bad moments, but Harry loved them still.

He was getting sentimental, in the middle of a musty passageway. How stupid, Harry laughed; the noise reverberated off the walls. He heard his own laugh. Was it always so lonely sounding? It's because he used to laugh with his friends, now he laughs with himself.

Harry saw a bright light up ahead and a fluttering of many wings. There were keys of all sorts, small ones shiny and gold, and even huge and blue ones. Harry moved his eyes away from them; there were broomsticks he could use near the old door.

The wood felt weird under his fingers. As he hadn't cleaned in a few months, his calluses had faded some. He hopped onto it. He was up in the air in seconds, wind running through his hair as he swooped around. He had to ignore the soaring feeling in his chest so he could focus on his task.

The key that matched the door wasn't battered this time; it might be harder to catch. Harry spotted it quickly though, he still was a seeker at heart. Harry zoomed past all the other keys; they fled away from him, making it slightly easier.