A/N: This is the beginning of part 5 (the last part!), which takes place the summer after the Battle of Hogwarts.; thus, you are to assume everything (more or less) that happened in the Half-Blood Prince (Harry's 6th year) and the Deathly Hallows (technically Harry's 7th year) occurred before part 5 begins. Essentially, Harry stayed the summer in England/Europe after his 6th year and before the Deathly Hallows (assume he was at the Weasley's or something). We shall end as we began—in Harry's POV—so I will use British spelling and terms/slang and sentence structure (e.g., single quotes) to represent how he'd think (apologies in advance if it's inaccurate or cringe). Without further ado, let the story continue!
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Over a year and a half. Twenty months. Long months of schooling, betrayal, and uncovered secrets followed by even longer months of running, hiding, fighting, surviving. Searching for Horcruxes kept me occupied most of the time. And then there was the Battle of Hogwarts in which I killed Voldemort. So, yeah, you could say I've been busy. Afterwards, I had to help with the clean-up of Hogwarts and deal with the ministry and figure out what to do with my life now that the doomsday prophecy was completed. Guiltily, in all the commotion, I had kind of forgotten about everyone in America.
When I was at school, I could write or owl whenever I pleased after they learned I was a wizard. But long-distance communication was too dangerous while on the run from Death Eaters. Oftentimes, it felt like I was alone. Hermione and Ron were mostly there, but the prophecy always loomed over my head. From what Percy told me, we both understood what that was like.
After I 'vanquished the Dark Lord', my fame surmounted—something I never enjoyed—so I was very much looking forward to spending the rest of the summer at home. Of course, Percy would have lots of questions and Aunt Sally would fret over my well-being and Uncle Paul would want to spend all his free time catching up. Yet, I found myself not minding their doting.
It was so different from the Dursleys that I thought, at first, it was strange and awkward and embarrassing. But I learnt, rather quickly, that it was their outgoing, unabashed adoration. And to keep that, I would do anything. I would answer every single inquiry my cousin had. I would reassure Aunt Sally that I was all right as many times as it took. And I would join Uncle Paul in whatever he wished to do. I loved them immensely, but somehow harder was to accept their love in return.
Knowing I deserved to be loved was one thing. That was what Dumbledore essentially told me after my first year. But believing I was worthy of love didn't happen until I met my American relatives. I would not go back and undo a single thing if it meant risking the home I gained. Which made the next part all the more difficult.
A pleasant chime went off before the flight attendant's voice came over the speaker system, effectively pulling me out of my musings.
'Attention passengers: Welcome to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Local time is 7:27 pm and the temperature is 61°F, 16°C.'
I shrugged on my jumper for the cooler nighttime air. The air wouldn't be cold per se, but I didn't want to underestimate the wind. Later, I'm sure, I'll be wishing for a nice breeze as the summer sun warms the city.
'For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about.
'Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight.'
I grabbed the few books I took out to read on the aeroplane and stuffed them into the backpack I used as my hand luggage. They were spelled to look like ordinary muggle books, but it was actually about defensive blocks. My trunk was also spelled to hide any magical items so I could travel with them discretely.
'If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you.
'On behalf of British Airways and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you onboard again soon. Have a nice stay!'
Finally, the seatbelt lights clicked on and everyone made their way off the aeroplane. It took several minutes for the people in front of me to get off and grab their belongings from the conveyor belt, but I was soon approaching a familiar face with bright sea-green eyes.
'Harry!' My cousin wrapped me in his arms tightly.
I dropped my trunk to do the same. Suddenly, twenty months felt like ages. I was definitely taller than before. And Percy grew a little stubble now. It suited him fine, but it made him look like the adult I knew at heart he wasn't.
It struck me then that I missed out on his 21st birthday and watching him walk across a stage to pick up his diploma from university. I had no idea what he did now or if he and Annabeth were engaged yet. I wanted the chance to laugh at Percy stressing over a ring and how to propose and all manner of things. Mundane things. Blessedly joyous things.
While I was on a hunt for the pieces of Voldemort's soul, the rest of my family got on with their lives. It hurt to imagine that they moved on without me, even if I logically knew they wouldn't forget me. It's only been about a year, I told myself. Plus, as strong as my insecurities were, their love had always proven to be stronger. Still, it felt odd knowing how much time had passed.
'I've missed you, Percy.' An oversimplified sentiment if there ever was one.
'Ready to go home?' he asked with a bright smile.
I returned the smile and picked up my luggage. 'Certainly.'
And just like that, a weight lifted. It would all be fine because I was going home. The mustard yellow cab transported me back to the muggle life I forgot I longed for. If I looked in the Mirror of Erised the moment we pulled up in front of the apartment complex, I would have seen just me. The family I desired was not out of reach anymore. They were just behind a door waiting for me with a nice dinner and love abound.
YOU ARE READING
Home.
Fanfiction[Completed] Harry Potter's world turned upside down. He no longer had to spend lonely summers at the Dursley's. In fact, he would never again spend his summers at the Dursley's. But was that a good thing? It meant leaving his friends, people he cons...
