Suffering Part 6: No Longer

Chapter 39

You had been thinking about Harry a lot over the summer and your friendship. You decided to owl him, inviting him for a drink at a wizard's pub in London. You felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation as you wrote the letter.

**Your Owl to Harry:**

Dear Harry,

I hope you're doing well. I've been thinking a lot about our last meeting and I'd really like to see you again. How about we meet for a drink at The Leaky Cauldron? We can catch up and talk. Let me know if you're free.

Sincerely,

Y/N

You sent the letter off with your owl, feeling a little lighter now that you had reached out. The next day, as you sat in the kitchen having breakfast, your mother walked in holding an envelope.

"Y/N, this came for you," she said, her eyes scrutinizing your reaction as she handed you the letter.

You took the envelope, feeling a prickle of unease at her intense gaze. You opened it and read Harry's reply, which was cryptic and brief:

Harry's Reply:

Y/N,

C. U. T.

H.

(See you there)

Your mother raised an eyebrow. "Who is it from?"

"It's just from a friend, Mother. Nothing important," you lied, folding the letter and putting it in your pocket.

"Make sure you're not getting into any trouble," she said, her tone icy and commanding. "I don't want you meeting with any...undesirables."

You forced a smile and nodded. "Of course not, Mother. It's just a friend from school."

That evening, you made your way to Mr. Alder's house. He was a kind old wizard who lived a few streets away and had always been supportive of you. You knocked on his door, and he welcomed you in with a warm smile.

"Good evening, love. You've got a bit of mischief in your eyes tonight," he asked, his eyes twinkling.

"Do I? Can I use your floo? Mother is being.. Well, you know," you said with a sigh.

"Of course, dear. You know you're always welcome to use it. Just be careful," he said, leading you to the fireplace.

You thanked him and stepped into the fireplace, throwing down a handful of floo powder. "The Leaky Cauldron" you called out, and in a swirl of green flames, you were whisked away.

You arrived at The Leaky Cauldron, brushing the soot from your clothes as you stepped out of the fireplace.

The pub was bustling with witches and wizards enjoying their evening. You spotted Harry sitting at a corner table, looking around nervously. When he saw you, he gave a small, relieved smile.

"Y/N, you made it," he said, standing up to greet you.

You smiled back, feeling a rush of affection for him. "Of course, Harry. I wouldn't miss it."

You both sat down and ordered drinks. The atmosphere was lively, and the tension from earlier began to dissipate as you caught up on each other's lives. Harry looked more relaxed than you had seen him in a long time.

"So, what was that cryptic message all about?" you asked, teasingly.

Harry chuckled, taking a sip of his butterbeer. "I just wanted to keep you on your toes. And I figured it was best to be cautious with your mother watching."