Dark Memories

Book 1 - Part 2: The Wizarding World

Harry's eyes never wavered from Hagrid's face as they traveled to London.

Everything made so much more sense now, even though they were now so complicated.

He was a wizard, and magic was real, and he was going to learn how to use it. His parents had been magic as well, and had not died the way Vernon and Petunia had said.

He was also told a little bit about the school he was going to attend, and that a great wizard, called Albus Dumbledore, was the Head Master.

That was pretty much all he had been told, since right after Hagrid had given that fitting piggy tail to Dudley, they left.

The insanity option was looking null and void at this point, unless he was hallucinating. But could one hallucinate the sights, sounds, and smells of the real world?

Harry smiled, getting the feeling Hagrid wanted to be around the Dursley's just as much as he did.

"You alright, Harry?" Hagrid asked as they stepped off the city bus.

"Yeah, I'm good," he said, jogging to keep up with Hagrid's steps.

Hagrid turned and went into a little coffee shop. Harry looked at him curiously.

"I uh, figure you have some more questions you want answered," Hagrid said, going to the table in the quiet corner.

The shop was quiet and nearly empty, save for the waitress.

After ordering and getting some chocolate milk and donuts for the two of them, and when the waitress was out of earshot, Hagrid began talking.

Hagrid told him about "Voldemort" and his evil followers, cringing when he quickly said the Dark Lord's name, and Harry couldn't help but do so as well, but he cringed for a different reason...

He suddenly felt sick as if he was about to throw up, while Hagrid continued talking, dizzying images twirling around in his head. The table began to shake slightly...

Harry bolted, quickly finding the sign for the bathrooms.

He could vaguely hear Hagrid hurriedly get up and go after him as the door to the restrooms flew open on their own before him, allowing him to run into the closest stall.

Taking several deep breaths, he was thankful that he managed to keep down his chocolate milk, gripping a handle bar on the wall to keep himself steady.

"Harry? Are you—are you all right?" Hagrid asked, putting his large hand on Harry's back.

Harry nodded, swallowing. "I uh..." He closed his eyes, trying to decide if he should tell him a little bit about his dreams.

"Was it the milk?" Hagrid asked, something in his voice telling Harry that if it was, one cook was in for a bit of trouble.

"No, I...just, have a name to go with the face now," he whispered, shrinking towards the floor a little.

"Yeh remember?" Hagrid breathed.

Harry simply nodded again, words failing him.

Hagrid just stood there, trying to decide what he should do.

"Thanks, Hagrid," Harry mumbled after taking a few more breaths.

"Fer what?"

"For saving me twice. First that night, and then from the Dursley's."

Harry straightened his back, turning slightly. Hagrid was standing outside the stall, unable to fit through the doorway, his broad shoulders pressing against the wobbly metal walls.