For a night that followed such death and tragedy, Harry found it strangely poetic. The sunset sky ripe with reds and purples darkening into the horizon. It was hopeful yet tentative and ever changing with each new look. There were only wisps of cloud which left the sky open, naked for all to see. Like the hearts of everyone sat by the lake; raw and uncovered.
The battle had ended and the remaining survivors descended upon the castle, eager to be far from the scene of such violence and in an attempt to escape the sudden onset of rain. Stars were smattered across the sky, in such a way it seemed as if Mother Magic had hung them herself in remembrance of those loved and lost on this day. At least, that's how it seemed to Harry.
Looking at the darkening sky from the astronomy tower Harry sighed. "So anticlimactic. I feel like something is on the horizon. I feel restless; there is a purpose I have yet to find. Lady Hogwarts I feel it-something… for good or for ill I am uncertain. It worries me."
Leaning against the battlements he looked across the grounds. "The bodies may be gone, blood washed away and evil subdued but I feel still so pent up. I cannot rest. Even having fulfilled my revenge; I saw to it myself. His blood is on my hands. I should be happy and celebrating like everyone else… yet, I am ill at ease. I-I felt his blood as I plunged the knife in his chest, I-I watched him take his last breathe. I feel no happier." He sighed rubbing his sore wrists. Lots of quick casting ached after a while.
Patting the familiar stone he rested against her solid wall. "Somehow, I sure as hell don't feel like a hero. I am so tired Lady. My time is coming to a close here. I think, I think I deserve a rest." With a last watery gaze across the place where so much life was lost as the heavens opened again. Fleeing the downpour, he climbed down from the high tower geared toward the room of requirement where he knew he could get some undisturbed rest.
The wizarding world was in a frantic panic. No one had seen Harry Potter since the final battle and many were worried. There were death eaters still running amok and many were disgusted that none of them had kept an eye on him nor thought about him when they considered themselves close to him.
No one hardly recognised him when he was finally found. He was carrying less weight and his dark circles were heavy but the worst was seeing how his outgoing demeanor had all but disappeared, left with a tired introverted young man. His once lively mischievous kind personality darkened and hardened by the realities of war. And the people felt shame at their inaction.
The twins of Weasley found him and brought him to their home. At first Harry was reluctant but they soon won him over. They became more than friends, more than brothers. They just knew each other so well it was strange at times. It helped that the twins were so easy going.
The wizarding public had been clamouring for his attention. He hated the lack of privacy. He was constantly declining interviews, invitations and gifts amongst other things. It was stretching him thinner and thinner. Eventually he snapped and stopped going into public without a disguise. Even then it was hard for him to do business and he just left it to the goblins to act in his stead.
"I don't understand it George. I've never met these people and yet they want so much from me. They expect something that I don't want to be. It's frustrating because I just want to be normal…"
He sighed taking a sip of his firewhisky. It was a cold winter's night. Not yet snowing but there was a distinct chill to the air that even warming charms couldn't completely overrun.
A look shared between told Harry much. "What am I missing this time?" He chuckled with a wave of his hand, green eyes glittering with a mix of mirth and suspicion.
"It's embarrassing really-"
"We don't really want to tell you."
"There is well, so many books,"
"and dolls,"
"and stories.
"It just escalated."
"We didn't want to join but well- go get it George."
"Remember, please. We supply what others demand."
From behind his back George presented a plain red and yellow box and placed it on the table. Admittedly Harry was a little worried. It looked a little too innocent for a WWW product… With a deep breathe he opened it.
Awkward seconds passed.
"Jesus Christ, guys! People want this. Seriously… Eugh, This is in the adult section right..." He shuddered in part disgust, part shock. Totally not what he expected. There were no words to describe his shock.
"God yeah. A woman came in one day asking for something like it, well one thing came to another and it was born I guess. A bit creepy but it's a good money maker."
With a shaking hand harry shut the box. "It's creepy and really weird but I don't blame you. It probably sells like hotcakes."
"Yep especially amongst older women. They totally love it" Fred smirked, watching a shudder run down Harry's back. "I'll take it back now, let Harry-kins recover." Fred winked.
There were jokes and merry making as the days passed happily by...