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Chapter 55 - Chapter 55: Back home

31 July 1995. Night.

The Little Whinging, Surrey, was calm. No running car or human was outside. Tonight was supposed to be like every other night.

The moon illuminated the street of 4 Privet Drive partly. Still, the huge trees on each side of the road cast spots of shadow around.

It was a calm night, some might even say too calm, as if the world itself held its breath, aware of an upcoming change.

Unlike the outside world, the light was illuminating inside every house as most of the families were enjoying dinner. 

While everything was going on, two people suddenly appeared some distance away from the street. Even if someone was standing next to the place where they appeared, the person would have no idea that two people had just gotten there.

The two were none other than Voldemort and Harry Potter.

An expert like Voldemort had mastered the Apparition to such a level that there was no popping sound when he appeared. Plus, both of them were also covered under one of the Deathly Hallows.

The Invisibility Cloak. 

Still, this Voldemort with the new memories knew not to be overconfident. He remained still under the Cloak and observed the surroundings. When he confirmed that no one was really aware of their apparition, he started speaking, his voice barely a whisper.

"Remember, Harry, your pain, your suffering. It is the fuel that will propel you through the shadows. Dumbledore's world is not one of mercy. It is a world where weakness is exploited and manipulation triumphs. Carry the weight of your past; let it be the force that drives you forward."

As Voldemort spoke, Harry felt the weight of his experiences press upon him. The memories of the Dursleys, the betrayal of those he trusted, and the losses he endured became noticeable.

Voldemort continued. "This mission is crucial, Harry. It's the first step into the heart of darkness. Be of utmost care. As I told you, there are two Aurors who are surveying the house from across the street. Whatever you do inside, they will soon notice. The Ministry of Magic also has the Trace on here as soon as you use magic. So, anything you should expect is not an easy escape."

Harry, beneath the Invisibility Cloak, nodded in acknowledgement.

He knew about this. Voldemort had told him several times before coming. Yet, now that he was here, Harry felt tense.

As a final warning, Voldemort reassured Harry. "Do not fret if, in the end, you find escape impossible. I have already explained to you how things will go on, and after they put you in Azkaban, I shall rescue you from there. Our alliance is forged in necessity, and your survival is paramount to our cause. Now, go forth, Harry Potter, this will be your best birthday gift ever."

It was indeed his birthday. The 31 July. Today he has become 15 years old. 

When those words ended, Voldemort lifted the cloak and got out. 

Harry, under the Invisibility Cloak, watched Voldemort walking freely on the street until he reached a shadow. His body seemed to fade in the shadow until Voldemort completely disappeared from Harry's sight.

As the minutes passed, Harry readied himself, summoning the strength born from the pain and suffering he endured. With a deep breath, he embarked on the street still under the concealment of the Invisibility Cloak.

Across the street, two Aurors stood in silent vigilance, at two different positions. The Ministry of Magic has ordered the Aurors to stay there and monitor if, at any time, Harry Potter tries to reach his Muggle family. But after having no movement for a whole month since the incident, they have started to let their guard down. They would just glance occasionally at the street and the house before closing their eyes a little.

Unbeknownst to them, Harry moved with a stealth that defied detection, the Invisibility Cloak rendering him unseeable to their eyes. His training with Voldemort has helped him navigate as silently and carefully as possible.

As Harry approached Number 4 Privet Drive, memories of the Dursleys and the years of confinement flooded his mind. The everyday facade of the house, with its neatly trimmed hedges and curtained windows, concealed the turmoil within. 

A place that held the scars of Harry's upbringing.

Under the cloak, Harry ascended the steps to the front door. He knew that at this time of the night, the door must be locked, and if Harry decided to use the Alohomora spell to unlock the door, he would notify the Ministry of Magic before he even got inside.

Luckily, Harry knew that the Dursleys always kept a spare key inside one of the plant pots.

Harry, guided by his memories of the Dursleys' habits, approached a large plant pot near the doorstep. His fingers searched through the soil until they brushed against a small, cold key. 

At the same time, one of the Aurors glanced at Dursley's home. He noticed the plant moving, but his mind told him that it was the wind. He could not even suspect that there was someone under a cloak of invisibility.

Harry put the key inside the keyhole and turned. The lock clicked softly, and with a quiet turn of the doorknob, the door creaked open. Harry rushed inside and closed the door as quickly as possible, but also made sure it did not make any noise. 

He had successfully gotten inside. But surely the Aurors must have seen that door open and close. Harry's heart was beating loudly as he expected the door to open and the Aurors to come to arrest him. He waited and waited, but outside, everything remained calm.

At that moment, he knew that he had successfully entered the house without the Aurors noticing him.

****Author's note***

Finally reaching what I consider the next part of the story. I hope the plot has been great till now. I will welcome any sort of feedback or review. What you like or dislike about this story?

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