Harry Gaunt - Chapter 21

Bellatrix was reading her book when Harry dosed off, his head beginning to sway and roll with the movement of the train. It looked very uncomfortable to Bellatrix, who closed her and took to watching him drift in and out of sleep. He should have done as Martha did, curl into a ball on her side at the first sign of dosing off.

She was fast asleep.

"Harry?" Bellatrix crept towards him across the cushioned bench. "Harry?"

She touched his arm.

Harry jolted awake.

"Good, you're awake," she said, hiding her smile at his bewildered expression. "Don't speak too loudly."

Bellatrix pointed to Martha, then watched as Harry seemed to debate with himself for a moment. "Fine," he whispered, slipping his arm out from beneath Bellatrix's hand. "Just get it over with."

Harry looked out the window again, waiting for Bellatrix to ask whatever it was she seemed so desperate to know.

Bellatrix took a breath.

"I know what you spoke to Arcturus about," she began quietly, sitting close to Harry's side. "Arcturus found out more, far more than what you told him."

Bellatrix had wanted to know too, but Arcturus, he'd refused her at every turn. It wasn't her place to get involved, he'd said.

"And what did I tell him," posed Harry, looking back from the window.

"Not enough." Bellatrix returned icily. "He hasn't left the house, he's paranoid something will happen if he does."

She hadn't been able to make sense of it, one moment he was cutting down Walburga in the sitting room, then hardly a day later he was cooped up inside his office, even Kreacher hadn't been called.

"What Lord Black does and doesn't do is neither of our concern," concluded Harry, turning back to watch the scenery. "You should focus on school, do well and then go travelling like all the other Pureblood's do after Hogwarts."

Harry didn't see why that was such a problem for her, regardless of what the future held for her.

"You cannot be serious," said Bellatrix in a forced whisper. "Harry, this isn't normal. Arcturus doesn't do these things, he's never once done this in my entire lif-"

"Shh." Harry glanced at Martha who had begun to murmur. "You'll wake her up."

Harry assumed Bellatrix didn't want that as she took a collected breath. "What's really going on Harry," she asked frankly of him, wanting very much to tug him round so he'd look at her. "Harry."

He was ignoring her again, more interested in the many trees passing by. "Did you know," he began without looking away. "That since the beginning of Britain's history, about 10% of its land has been lost?"

Harry looked away from the trees and back at Bellatrix. He was curious was she thought, even if she didn't seem at all interested. It was just another tangent of his, like at dinner.

"No, I didn't know that," she returned. "And what do you mean by lost?"

"As in lost," said Harry helpfully. "There are whole sections of land sitting lost and forgotten beneath wards that still function, places like Diagon Alley and Hogwarts. It's interesting, don't you think?"

Bellatrix wasn't all that enthused.

"I suppose," she allowed, tilting her at why Harry had brought it up. "But what does it matter? They're lost, nothing can be done about it."

She shrugged.

"I found one," explained Harry, shifting around so he could face her fully. "The Gaunts once owned many properties, how many of those do you suppose have been lost since the house was founded?"

Harry had a rough idea, but even with Greycup's help it had not been clear. "I'll admit that most of it is accounted for," he added as Bellatrix thought about it. "But not all of it. The one I found before was in America."

Bellatrix blinked, catching a glimpse of Harry's smile as he gave her his full-attention.

"I've never been to America," she admitted, imagining all the different places a Lord might have visited. "Actually, I've never left England."

Bellatrix looked away a little bashfully. Maybe she had been sheltered growing up, people thought that often when it came to proper Purebloods.

"It's very pretty," offered Harry, glancing at where Bellatrix had settled her gaze. "I don't expect she's seen it either," he said.

Bellatrix was looking at Martha as she slept.

"Does it bother you?" he added, noticing something different in her gaze. "You don't like her being here, do you?"

Had it all stemmed from this, a simple dislike?

"That's not true," returned Bellatrix in a whisper, looking back at him with mixed emotion. "I just don't understand why she's here," she explained. "They come but do not learn, what's the point if they end up making a joke of what it means to be a wizard?" Bellatrix didn't think Mudblood's cared about the same things she did. "Aren't you the same? You're Lord Gaunt after all."

If anyone should have a problem with Martha being here, it should be Harry. Bellatrix had been confused the moment she'd seen them together.

Harry huffed a little, shaking his head. "Not quite," he returned quietly. Not expecting someone like Bellatrix to understand as he shifted towards the window again.

"I told you mine…" trailed Bellatrix, looked at him searchingly while the scenery flicked past the window. "You don't hate them," she observed. "Most do."

Almost all the Pureblood's did, so didn't Harry?

"I see them for what they are." Harry looked at Martha with a gentle gaze. "She's a child, same as any other. I could never bring myself to hate them."

Harry looked away, pushing back some of the things he'd seen. Harry had only ever hated one thing, and it was the very same that Bellatrix would one day adore, both the embodiment and the belief. It was truly baffling to Harry how she had become what she had, especially now as she glanced at Martha once again.

She appeared conflicted. It was a sight to behold.

"It's alright Bellatrix," added Harry when she began to worry her fingers. "It's just my opinion. You needn't think on it."

Harry rose from his seat.

"Where are you going?" she hurried, looking up between her ringlets of hair. "I'll come with you."

She began to collect her things.

"I won't be long," assured Harry as she continued. "I need the loo."

He couldn't help but smile. That had stopped her.

"Oh, well you should have said that first." Bellatrix appeared miffed as she settled in again. "Don't be long."

She opened another book, hinting at many reasons why she'd rather not be alone.

"Whatever," said Harry, stepping out into the carriage. He closed the door behind him with a soft click. "Nothing she does makes sense."

Harry walked away in search of the nearest loo, not willing to think any further as to why Bellatrix seemed so attached to him.

He just needed to keep away from her, just like he'd do with the rest as he reached the first toilet. "Out of order," he read. "I suppose things are different now."

Harry sighed as the handle wouldn't give, he'd have to check the next one, then next as one by one the doors wouldn't give. "How is this possible," he stated, taking care not to draw attention as he began to pass the open seating areas. There were more people every time he moved up a carriage, and after each one another face would look his way.

They didn't recognise him.

"Excuse me."

Harry stopped just before the door to the next carriage.

"Are you alright?" said a girl as she approached. "Do you need any help? I am a Prefect."

Harry turned around.

"No, thank you," he said, using every fibre of his being to act normal. "I'll just be on my way."

Harry turned back around with a hasty search for the door handle.

"Are you sure?" said Lily, getting the impression that whoever this was actually wasn't okay. "I can show you where-"

Harry pushed the door open and stepped through, walking quickly away into the next carriage.

"Well that's rude," said Lily with a huff. "Who was that…"

She stepped up to the open door and took a peek down the walkway. She could see he was heading for the bathroom, then with a rush finally enter. "Ah, so that was it."

Lily giggled a bit. He must have been bursting.

"Lily?"

"Oh, Mary." Lily turned around to her friend Mary MacDonald, they were Prefects together. "We need to do someone about the toilets," said Lily. "They're still broken."

Lily indicated to where Harry had just gone in, probably the only working toilet on the train.

"Yeah, they should have fixed them over the summer," returned Mary with a sigh, having explained to a group sitting nearby on the benches. "Was that one of the first-years?"

Mary was worried they'd end up needing to go all at once.

"No, just a seventh-year. But I didn't recognise him," said Lily, expecting he'd be out soon as she shifted beside Mary. "Have you lost weight?"

Lily poked a finger at Mary's side. She seemed very thin.

"As a matter of fact, I have," stated Mary proudly, standing with a pleased air as Lily laughed. "Don't laugh Lily, it took a lot of work to slim down."

They couldn't all be like Lily was, slim and athletic without even trying. She even had the nerve to turn Potter and his roguish friend away.

"You're right, sorry Mary," placated Lily with a happy smile. "You look great."

"Thanks."

Mary knew Lily meant no harm as they noticed the toilet door open again. "Hmm, yeah. I don't recognise him."

Marry scrutinised the way he walked from beside Lily, each of them trying to place where they'd seen him before. "He does look familiar though," admitted Lily, making thoughtful faces at the person coming near

"We should move," said Mary. "Lily."

Lily felt Mary tug on her uniform as Harry stepped through the door.

"Hello," said Lily, smiling pleasantly while Mary tried shuffling away.

He looked a lot taller up close.

"Hello."

Harry looked between them with a hint of surprise, then without delay continued on down the corridor.

"Sorry about the toilets," came Lily's voice as she took a step towards them. "They should have been repaired. We did tell them."

Lily tried to get a better look at Harry's face.

"We're Prefects." Mary plucked up the courage.

But when Harry looked back, he appeared confused.

"So if you need any help you can come and find us," explained Lily, getting a sense that Harry either didn't want to talk to them, or was a bit simple.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in-mind."

Harry turned away again, managing a few steps before.

"Are you new here?" posed Lily. "We - we didn't think we recognised you."

She was trying to be friendly, but something about him just didn't invite it. Almost the opposite in-fact.

"Yes, I am new here." Harry stopped for the final time and glanced back around. "I am sure the Headmaster will make an announcement."

He looked between them. There was no point talking to his mother, it would just be a pointless torture for him.

"I see." Lily didn't understand why he was trying to leave. "Well if you need anything, the Prefect's carriage is the next one down."

Harry walked away.

"How odd," began Mary thoughtfully, expecting Lily to be upset by it somehow. "I suppose he was nervous; some people just are." Marry shrugged, holding back her own opinion from her fellow Muggleborn. "Come on Lily, he's fine."

Lily was looking off to where Harry had disappeared. "He didn't seem fine," she snipped, disgruntled by the entire interaction. "Come on."

She followed after him. They were due to patrol this way anyway.

"Lily!" Mary hurried after her. "I don't think that's a good idea, he didn't want to talk to us."

He'd probably taken one look at their Gryffindor robes and their Muggle hair ties, and seen all he'd needed to.

Mary didn't want any trouble.

"Don't say that Mary," said Lily with a determined frown. "Not everyone who's rude is like that.

"No, just most of them." Mary hadn't forgotten what Mulciber had tried to do before summer. "Just stop Lily!"

Mary tugged Lily to a stop as they came to the last few carriages.

"Mary, is this about what happened before?" asked Lily, turning back to her friend who couldn't bear the thought of confronting yet another wizard like Mulciber and his friends. "Look, I know-"

"Fine!" Mary let go with an angry huff. "You go. I'll check on the first-years."

Mary swept around and returned the way they came, leaving Lily to wilt as she was left behind.

Mary didn't understand Lily sometimes as she stomped through the carriages, Lily just so righteous sometimes when it came to stuff like this. It was obnoxious, didn't she see the ring fixed to his finger?

"She thinks it doesn't affect her," she muttered, re-entering the carriage where they'd first stopped. "She doesn't understand."

Mary came to a stop by door. She looked sadly down at the worn looking handle, knowing that Muggleborns like them just weren't treated the same, Mulciber would never have done to a Pureblood what they'd did to her.

"Avery, I am telling you. It was like noth-"

Mary looked through the glass of the open door, then froze at the moment where their eyes met.

Mulciber smiled at her.

~~~~~~

"Took you long enough," said Bellatrix, sitting where she'd been with her skirt flattened neatly around her. She was holding a book so Harry couldn't see as he walked inside. "What would I get if I mixed a powered-"

"-the Draught of the Living Dead," finished Harry, annoyed she'd used one of Snape's many questions. "Which book is that?" he asked.

Bellatrix showed him the cover. "And correct," she added with a smile. "Now what would I get…"

Harry stopped listening as he retook his seat, glancing at Martha as she began to wake.

"Well?" Bellatrix peered over the top of her book. "Harry, you need to know this." She didn't want him to have to spend classes with the years below. "What did you get in your OWLs?"

"I don't have them," said Harry, rubbing his nose. "Dumbledore didn't seem particularly worried. So I suppose we'll see how it goes."

It was of little concern to Harry, he only needed Hogwarts for a few things and then he'd be gone. He expected Voldemort to make his soon.

"I see, then-" Bellatrix tried not to give such a worried look. "You'll just have to see how it goes then."

She held back her feelings of disappointment, not least of which was because she wouldn't know what he up to if she wasn't nearby. To her there were clearly two sides to what was coming, and while Arcturus hid away in his office drinking tea, Bellatrix would be here with Harry, who she was sure wouldn't be sitting idly by twiddling his thumbs.

He was involved in this, she just wasn't sure how yet.

Knock Knock.

The door opened without a word from inside.

"May we help you?" said Bellatrix in annoyance, seeing who it was. "People usually knock first, then wait before opening the door."

Bellatrix didn't want to talk with Gryffindor's goody two shoes. They didn't like each other.

"Bellatrix," said Lily, she noticed Bellatrix's scowl. "I just wanted to check in, make sure everything's all right." Lily looked about the compartment as if someone would suddenly need help. "Who's this?"

It was unlike Bellatrix to sit with first-years, not that Lily really knew who she sat with.

"That's Martha," supplied Bellatrix, pointing to the girl who was still half-asleep while Harry stared out the window. "What do you want Evans?"

Bellatrix didn't like people using her first name when they weren't friends, and as well when they kept glancing at the people she sat with. "Harry." Bellatrix called to him. "This is Lily Evans, she's a Prefect."

Lily clearly had something to say to him, and she wouldn't leave until she did. "Hello again," she said, smiling as Harry was forced to acknowledge her. "Sorry about earlier, I shouldn't have kept you."

"It's fine," said Harry, beginning to see what 'uncommonly kind' really meant. "Where's your friend?"

Harry thought Prefects patrolled in pairs.

"Yes, where is Macdonald?" said Bellatrix with faux concern.

Lily scowled. "Where's your sister?" she returned, looking down at Bellatrix and the many books around her. "Mary and I aren't always together. And why aren't you patrolling, did they dismiss you?"

"I resigned," said Bellatrix, feeling that she'd be busy this year with other things. That reminded her, she had to speak with Professor Slughorn as soon as possible.

"LILY!"

Lily jumped at her name being called, then looked outside to see Mary hurrying towards her down the corridor. "Mary? What's wrong?"

But Mary didn't speak, only hurried as she slipped through the open door and tugged Lily in. They ended up sitting beside Martha, who snuffled awake with a tufty bit of hair.

Harry looked at her, then across to Bellatrix to see if this was a normal event in the 1970s.

It wasn't.

Harry sighed.

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