https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-168-Hogwarts-Real-Life-Obstacle-Course/13684978/
Chapter 167: Harry's Two Days
Harry had received Dumbledore’s permission to remain away from school until Sunday afternoon.
During these two days, Harry accompanied Remus Lupin and Sirius Black—his godfather, who had once been a ragged, filthy, disheveled prisoner—into a man who, though thin, now looked clean and dignified.
They visited St. Mungo’s, where the healers examined Sirius and gave a long list of recommendations, along with three potions. In simple terms, Sirius Black would need a long period of rest and careful care before he could regain his health.
Seizing the moment, Remus suggested that Sirius stay at his home.
"I’m sure you wouldn’t want to go back to the Black family ancestral home," Remus said, "and Harry often returns on weekends. You’d have more chances to see him."
Sirius, who had long since forgotten his original intention of raising Harry alone, happily agreed.
Remus’s house wasn’t large—fitting two people was already tight, let alone three. But that didn’t trouble them. Both Remus and Sirius were skilled in the Invisible Expansion Charm. Within moments, they had magically expanded the space to add an extra bedroom.
That night, as Harry went to bed, he found the two adults still seated by the fireplace, drinking and talking. When he woke the next morning, they were in nearly the same position—still talking, as if they had no intention of stopping.
They had talked all night—like two men who had spent years waiting to speak, and now had no desire to let silence return.
On Sunday morning, Sirius and Remus Apparated with Harry to Godric’s Hollow.
For the first time, Harry learned that this was where his home had been—and where his parents had died.
He felt a mix of shock and shame. Why hadn’t I ever thought to come here before? he wondered. Not once did I visit their graves.
But then he reminded himself: even if he had wanted to, Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon would never have taken him.
Remus led them to the center of the square, where Harry was stunned to see a statue of the Potter family—evidently erected in honor and gratitude.
Then they went to the cemetery behind the church to visit James and Lily Potter’s graves.
As Harry approached, he noticed the tombstones of Dumbledore’s mother and sister. It was the first time he realized that he and the Headmaster had come from the same village.
Why didn’t Dumbledore ever tell me that? he thought.
But then he reconsidered. Perhaps many wizards had come from this village to Hogwarts. Harry Potter was just one among many. There was no real reason for Dumbledore to have mentioned it.
“Harry, over here!” Remus called, guiding them to James and Lily’s grave.
The white marble stone bore their names and birth and death dates, and beneath, a single line:
> “The last enemy to be destroyed is Death.”
Harry stared at the familiar yet distant names. The thought of his parents lying cold beneath the earth, unable to answer him, broke something inside him. Tears welled up instantly.
Sirius, unashamed, broke into a raw, sobbing wail, murmuring over and over:
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… I should’ve died… I’m so sorry…”
Remus turned away, took a deep breath, and refused to look at either of them.
After a long time, he finally managed to pull Sirius to his feet—dazed and trembling, his eyes red and swollen. He wrapped an arm around Harry and led them both out of the cemetery.
“We’ll come back,” Remus said softly. “Harry, even though James and Lily are gone, they’ll live on in our hearts. Their love will stay with you—forever. Remember that.”
“Sirius,” he added, voice firm, “James wouldn’t want to see you like this. He’d want you to stand up. To keep going.”
They arrived at the ruins of James and Lily’s former home.
It was nothing but wreckage now—part of the upper floor on the right side had been completely blown apart. The iron gate was rusted through. The courtyard was choked with weeds. Several windows were shattered.
Standing at the entrance, Harry hesitated. He couldn’t bring himself to step inside.
For years, he had imagined what life would have been like if his parents had lived. Would he, like Dudley, have been spoiled—regardless of being rude, dull, or disrespectful—cherished as the most precious treasure in their eyes?
But now, standing so close to the place where they had lived, his legs felt like stone.
He was afraid.
Afraid of seeing the happiness he might have had—and even more afraid of seeing how cruelly it had been torn apart.
Remus sensed Harry’s turmoil. He placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“Come back another time, Harry,” he said gently. “When you’re ready.”
“I don’t need to wait,” Harry forced out, trying to sound strong.
“Don’t forget—tomorrow you have school. Can you really afford to stay here all day? Will you wake up on time? Did you finish your assignments? Did you review your lessons?”
Remus fired off three sharp questions, snapping Harry back into cold reality. He remembered his Potions essay—only two lines written. The weight in his chest shifted, now a different kind of heaviness.
“Let’s go,” Remus said. “I’ll take you back to school. We’ll come again during the Christmas holidays. There’s a lot to sort through in the old house. I’m sure you’d like to see the traces of your childhood.”
Harry hesitated, then let Remus guide him out.
He glanced back.
Sirius still stood at the entrance, frozen in place—like a statue.
Harry couldn’t see his face, but just looking at his rigid back, he felt as though he couldn’t breathe.
“Remus… is Sirius going to be okay?”
“He might need some time alone,” Remus said. “Don’t worry. After I get you back, I’ll come back for him.”
Harry stole a glance at Remus’s face.
Is he really as calm as he seems? Or is he just hiding everything?
Remus seemed to read his mind.
“I’m nothing like Sirius,” he said suddenly.
“That night… he was locked in Azkaban. He never made it to their funeral. He never got the chance to say goodbye… He has so much he needs to tell James.”
Harry looked down. “Did you… visit your father’s grave, Remus?”
“Every year,” Remus said softly.
…
Later, in the Common Room, Hermione asked in a whisper, her eyes wide with concern.
“Are you okay?… I mean… if you need it, my shoulder is here for you to lean on…”
She stammered, close to tears.
“Oh, no, I’m fine,” Harry said, avoiding her gaze. “I… I’ve gotten used to not having parents, so…”
He couldn’t finish.
Hermione looked like she might cry.
“Hey, Harry, you’re here!” Ron suddenly popped through the portrait hole, grinning. “Come quick—something huge’s happening by the Black Lake!”
Harry exhaled in relief. He was desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere.
“What is it?” he asked, standing up immediately.
“Just come and see!” Ron urged, already scrambling back through the hole.
“Hermione, what are you waiting for?” he called.
“But Harry, your Potions essay isn’t done!” Hermione cried, chasing after him.
“Never mind that! This is way more interesting than some stupid essay!” Ron snapped.
The Fat Lady in the portrait shrieked in fury.
“I just opened the door for you!”
Ron didn’t even turn around.
They rushed out of the castle—Harry gasping for breath.
To his astonishment, nearly the entire student body had gathered. Long lines stretched before seven doors, and Ron immediately dragged them to the shortest queue.
“Dead man, we’re late!” Ron groaned. “I thought they wouldn’t open until tomorrow!”
Harry panted, “So… what exactly… is this?”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
