Chapter Two: News From The Ministry

Time passed quickly.

Harry rested well in the few days-with the help of the potions. It would have been impossible for him to sleep well even with the potion as dark flashes of his past stayed at the edge, threatening to suffocate him again. As for the others, they seemed to have come to an agreement that he needed space, which he was grateful for.

Of course, it didn't stop the presents from coming in.

At the corner of the room was a stack of presents and get-well-soon cards, which he didn't open yet. He internally grateful to whoever who designed the room so that Howlers couldn't get in. Last time someone sent him one-as a joke, they said, the whole room was coated in bright pink and streamers were everywhere.

Groaning, he shuffled awkwardly to his feet and walked there slowly. He was still adjusting to his sight and nearly rammed his nose against the wall before he quickly changed his direction.

Opening Ron's present first, he found a bottle of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans along with a note scribbled in a hurry:

Hey Harry, I bought some beans for you, seeing as they won't let me in your room. Hermione keeps nagging me about the sweets, something 'bout diabetes or whatnot, so I secretly smuggled one in for you. It's kinda empty here without you, so hurry up and come back to Hogwarts!

-Ron

He frowned. Hogwarts? Opening the cap, he ate one bean and scrunched his face up.

"Earwax." He muttered, the corner of his mouth twitching up as he remembered Dumbledore saying the exact same thing with his twinkling eyes.

Finding Hermione's present, she gave him a book about one eye blindness and how to manage life with a note inside it. Shaking his head, he snorted. Knowing himself, he won't be reading the book.

Dear Harry, how are you? That idiot Ron had probably sent you some sweets, so I thought it would be best if I sent something else-even if you won't read it. Harry's face twitched as he continued reading.

As I was saying, I owled you a copy of the Daily Prophet so you can catch up on the news. Remember to give it a galleon.

Your friend,
Hermione.

Just in time, an owl arrived at the window, hooting to catch Harry's attention. Opening the latch, Harry took the newspaper from the owl and put the coin inside the pouch tied to its leg. Nipping his ear affectionately, the owl flew off as Harry was once again reminded of Hedwig, his companion lost during the ride in the sky. A flicker of sadness came on his face as he stared at the big headline on the paper.

Hogwarts has extended one more year for the seventh years.

For more news, please check page 13.

Staring with a look of mild surprise, he calmly flicked to the page and started reading intently.

Headmistress of Hogwarts, Headmistress McGonagall has announced that the school will be open for all seventh-year students to attend. Head of the Ministry Department, Cornelius Fudge, has readily agreed with this sudden decision as he wishes that the students can further their studies after the Great War-

Slamming his fist on the table beside him, Harry tore the news to shreds. Fury brimming in his emerald green eyes, he ignored the knocking on the door asking if he was alright.

Alright? What did they think the war was? A mere playtime against the greatest Dark Wizard of all time?

Harry's face darkened as he remembered the tormented screams of grief from Mrs.Weasley after Fred died in the war. He thought of the lives lost in the war, adults and children, unable to see the morning light again.

Are they seeing this?

The war, did they really think that everything would be over when Voldemort died?

Running his hand through his hair, he thought of the traumatized children, glancing at him with their eyes full of tears. How so many people had lost their cause to the hands of the Death Eaters, their families still mourning over their deaths.

He started laughing madly. Further their studies, after the Great War? When all we have seen was death and blood of our beloved?

Tears streamed past his face as he wiped them furiously.

It wouldn't do.

They leaned on him as their immovable boulder, and he will remain still. Even if he was slowly cracking apart, he will be strong. For them.

If they see him as the light in the darkness, light he will give, even as he slowly faded into nothingness.

Standing up, he made sure no sign of his tears was visible on his face as he opened the door and faced the surprised nurse.

"I will not stay here any longer." He said, pronouncing his words clearly. He was surprised at how firm he sounded, but it was to be expected.

"But, Mr.Potter", she said, flustered. "Your treatment-"

"Will no longer be needed." He finished. His eyes hardened.

Be strong, Harry.

"I have accepted your treatment up until now, and nothing has worked. Instead of wasting my time, I would rather prefer you help the other patients more."

"I wish to return to Hogwarts."

............

"He can't return to Hogwarts! His curse has not been healed!" A wizard exclaimed, pacing up and down in the corridors hidden in the shadows.

"Is that really what all of you saw? A curse?" Madame Pomfrey asked quietly. "Not a lost boy with no one to help him?"

Muttering under his breath, he tried to convince her. "Pomfrey, it's not safe there, here we can have him under our surveillance all day, he is suffering both mentally and physically-"

"Which is why he should go back." She cut him off. "Hogwarts is his only home left in this entire wizarding world, where he can have the support of his friends. I'm telling you this not to convince you to let me take him back-because mind you, I am taking him back, but only to give an excuse to the hospital."

Wincing slightly at her barbed tone, he sighed.

"And you are sure it will help?"

"I certainly hope it will, because if it doesn't, we don't know what to do anymore. Minerva has tried her best to heal the rift between the students, now it's up to them."

"I merely hope there's someone out there who can mend his broken heart."

Invented the wizard lol XD I didn't make a name since he's just a minor character, but there should be one wizard with his role out there.

How was it? I hope it's okay! Please, vote and comment to tell me what you think!

PS: next stop, Draco's POV *winks*