The Journey

13. Owls

Breakfast was plentiful.  Crispy bacon, served with eggs and toast, grilled tomato and coffee.  Just the way Harry liked it.  He was starving!  He dug in, eating in silence and enjoying the flavors on his tongue.  Focusing on his coffee, stirring some sugar in it, he heard a gentle tap at his window.  He turned to see an eagle owl on the windowsill, with a note tied to it's leg.  He got up and rushed towards the bird.

After he had opened the window, the bird flew in and landed on the table where he had been eating.  Helping himself to a piece of leftover bacon fat, he held out his leg so that Harry could remove the letter.  He stroked the head of the bird, saying thank you, eat your fill before you leave.  The bird cried out in agreement, nipped his finger, had another piece of bacon and flew out through the open window.  

Harry looked at the note in his hands, and noticed that the writing on the envelope was beautiful.  You could almost call it posh.  Who the hell had handwriting like this?  It was  addressed to : Harry Potter/The Journey/Wherever/Come Home Soon.  Seeing this he smiled at the cleverness of it.  Whoever it was, wanted him home, and for that he was thankful.  He sat back down on his bed and opened the letter.

He smiled while reading the letter, and loved the fact that Draco had replied to him.  Seeing the snarky side of Draco come through, even if it was in his notes, was pleasing.  Harry realized that he had missed it.  He had a feeling the Snape had shown them what had happened yesterday, and he was okay with that.  He was dying to know what their reactions were, and how they felt about knowing something this personal.  He had so much that still needed to be done, but he sat on the bed re-reading the letter over and over again, finding no malice in the words.  He decided that he would write back now, as he wasn't sure when he would be able to again.

Just then another three owls flew in the open window, and they all hooted for his attention, hoping that they would be attended to first.  Harry removed all the letters and told the owls they could help themselves to some leftover toast on his plate, thanked them and proceeded to read.

A letter from Hermoine, stating that Snape had indeed shown them what they had gone through, and she was so very sorry for not knowing any of it.  They would speak more in depth when he got back, and to please stay safe on his journey, we miss you, come back soon.  

There was a note from Pansy, telling him thank you for your forgiveness Harry, if you could please come back soon, we have a lot to talk about.  I have so much that I need to say, and a letter will not do my words justice.  She had even signed it off with three kisses. Xxx

The final letter was from Professor Mcgonagall.  Saying that if he needed anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask, even if it is to hex the Dursleys.  She spoke of how the Slytherins and Gryffindors had made nice with each other, and when he did return, he would be met with the welcome sight of Mr Weasley and Mr Malfoy playing wizards chess.  She said everyone missed him terribly and were very worried about him, but to take his time on his journey, so that it can be over, and we never have to speak of it again.

Harry thought that he had finished crying, because the tears he had shed last night were phenomenal.  But all the love coming from the letters made his chest feel tight.  He had never known so much love at once, and burst into fresh sobs.  Grateful that no one could see him right now, because he was a complete mess, he sobbed into his pillow until he fell asleep with thoughts of going back soon and speaking his mind to the world.

Waking up again, he rubbed his eyes, and decided he was going to pen a new letter to Draco.  He wanted to tell the blond man so many things, but he knew that baby steps had to be made.  Just because you like and want something, doesn't mean it would be yours.  Thinking hard, his answer was simple, yet he knew that Draco would understand.  Chuckling to himself, he started writing.

Dear Draco

My apology was necessary.  I need you to know that.  It is the first of many things that I want to say to you.

I can't wait to get back, so that my stupid face (!) can look into those mercury eyes of yours, and let you in on a secret :)

Take care of yourself Draco, please.

And if I haven't said it before, when you're having a down day, Look Up.

from

Harry

Reading it again, he thought it was perfect.  He sealed it with magic, whistled at the window, and petted the barn owl that had heard the call.  Tying the letter to his leg, he whispered, "Draco Malfoy please, as soon as you can".  The bird nipped him on his ear and left Harry alone.  Pleased, he turned away from the window, put some shoes on and decided to go for a walk.  

The town was silent, almost not a soul in sight.  The streets seemed deserted but for one or two people walking with shopping bags.  The fresh air felt fabulous on his face, and he was so grateful for the break from school and from people.  He wondered about Snape, and if he was okay.  The man had looked confused yesterday, as well as disgusted.  He had seen first hand what the muggles had done to him.  

He knew a bit about Snape also being abused as a child, and what made his situation worse, was the fact that it was his own father who had handed it out.  A mere child, not wanted, but gifted life, being told that you're worthless, pathetic, and please just get out of my sight.  Oh yes, Harry knew about Snape.  It was one of the reasons why Snape himself became a bully.  Although that was no excuse, he certainly understood it.  He knew the signs, he knew what to look for.  

Which is also the reason that he hadn't accepted Draco's hand in first year, because he portrayed himself as a bully of the worst sort.  And Harry had enough of that at Privet Drive.  He realized that he would have to let Snape know how his journey was going, and he had to mention the ring too.  Snape had known his mother much longer than Harry, surely he would know something about it?

He made his way back to the Inn, ate a light lunch, took a shower, penned a letter, took a nap, and woke up again the next morning, with a new destination in mind.