Everything hurt.
His chest was heaving, heart pounding in his ears like a tribal drum.
Exhaustion was pleading his legs to buckle.
Everything hurt.
But Harry was numb to the physical pain...
In the distance, the Forbidden Forest loomed, a dark outline against the star-speckled fabric. He was so close - so close-
-yet so painfully far...
But not for long.
Harry had finally given in - had succumbed to the temptation, now speeding towards it, following its calls.
Weak.
...But guilt, grief, and remorse overrode that voice.
"-Harry!"
Harry didn't stop running. He couldn't.
Heavy, foreign footsteps were coinciding with his now, growing louder.
Harry didn't turn around. It was too late. He was almost to the trail...
-A body suddenly collided with his own. Strong arms were wrapping around him from the back in restraint.
"Harry, stop!"
"NO!" hollered the boy. Crows rose from the trees. "LET GO! I- I HAVE TO! I HAVE TO BRING THEM BACK!"
"You can't bring them back-!"
"YES, I CAN! The Stone- I have to find the Stone!"
"It will not bring them back!"
"Yes, it will-!"
The world around him spun, and his wild, green eyes met two of black.
"Harry, they are DEAD! "
The world crashed down on him. Everything did. Harry's knees buckled.
But he didn't hit the hard, unforgiving ground.
He sobbed.
But the arms holding him never let go.
Everything hurt.
But he wasn't alone, that dreaded word.