The Darkness Within

The Darkness Within: Chapter 18: Brother and Friends

This fanfic is not mine, I have just re-posted it to this site. It was written by Kurinoone on fanfiction.net. I also don't own Harry Potter as you can most likely guess.

Chapter Eighteen

Harry stood frozen at the entrance of the Great Hall. His heart thumped madly as he surveyed the thousands of children sitting and chatting, happily eating their breakfast and greeting one another after the summer break. Harry had never seen so many children in all his life. He was suddenly more aware of his messy hair and his uncomfortable school robes. He stood, rooted to the spot.

James came and stood next to his son, trying to understand what Harry must be going through. Harry didn't even notice James.

"Come on, Harry, the Gryffindor table is this one here." James pointed to the table furthest to the right.

Harry started walking over to the table. Harry could feel all the eyes on him as he walked towards the Gryffindor table. Harry quickly sat down at a place which was as far away from everyone as possible. James left Harry at the table and made his own way towards the staff table, to join an anxious looking Lily.

Harry kept his eyes firmly on the empty plate in front of him. He could feel the students around him staring at him and Harry wished they would stop. It unnerved him to no end. Harry sighed and reached over and took some toast and began to lazily eat it. His throat felt tight for some reason. Harry would never admit it openly but he was nervous at being around so many children. Harry didn't get nervous easily. Harry had duelled with and even killed many Death Eaters, not to mention all his encounters with the Ministry and Order Aurors, and never once did he feel nervous or uncertain of his actions. Yet here he was in the midst of children and Harry felt immensely tense. Harry knew it only because he was in unknown territory. When Harry was sent on an assignment he knew what was expected of him, what he needed to do, how to act. However he was now in a situation that he didn't have any control over.

Harry sighed as he tried to clear his head. First thing was first. He had to find Draco. He had to send a message to his father. Harry chanced a glance over to the other tables. He spotted the blonde haired Slytherin sitting at the table furthest away from him. It was obvious that the enmity between the two houses was such that the two tables belonging to the houses had to be situated as far away from one another as possible. Harry watched as Draco talked to a small group of boys and one girl. Draco was not looking in Harry's direction. The blonde boy was too busy talking to his friends. Harry smiled despite himself. 'What is Draco going to say when he sees me here?' Harry thought to himself.

Harry had just turned back to his breakfast when a sudden movement in front of him caused Harry to look up. Damien had just seated himself in front of Harry.

"Morning Harry!" Damien said in a cheery voice.

Harry growled at him in response.

"So, what do you think of Hogwarts? It's pretty cool, don't you think? Wait till you see all of it, well technically that's impossible, due to the sheer size of it, but the parts that you'll see will amaze you! Then there are the Hogwarts grounds as well…" Damien stopped when he saw Harry put his fingers on each side of his head and began rubbing his temples.

"Can't you go annoy someone else?" Harry asked the younger teen wearily.

"Harry, you're new here. Someone needs to tell you all about Hogwarts. Why not me?" Damien asked as he gave Harry another dazzling smile.

Harry sighed and let Damien drone on and on about Hogwarts. Harry knew ignoring him probably wouldn't work but there wasn't really anything Harry could right now. He looked at his half eaten toast. He had lost his appetite. Harry looked over at the staff table and saw James and Lily watching them closely. Harry smiled to himself. 'Time for a little Potter distress' Harry thought.