Sounds and Whatnot

Woosh.

Woosh.

Woosh.

The wind's heavy tonight. It's like it feels the same as me.

I didn't really have friends growing up — I have one but... I'll explain later — so I don't know how this works, but I'm pretty sure they're not supposed to leave you behind while you're life is on the line because of some stupid tournament. The worst part is I've always known this won't last. A lot of things don't last with me.

I'm currently in the Astronomy Tower, since everyone in my house hates me at the moment. Everything really looks pretty up here, too bad I've got to get back in the dorm room in a few.

Oh, and about that one friend. He's imaginary. He's been with me before I found out I was a wizard. I don't really talk to to him out loud — everyone would just think I'm a crazy freak. No, being a freak is enough, thank you very much. I just talk to him in my mind or mouth out words to him. My 'family' thinks I'm mouthing out insults about them, though, so I tried stopping. Emphasis on 'tried'.

His name's Franklin Richards. You see, while my lovely Aunt and Uncle isn't in need of my precious presence, I read some comics my cousin NEVER reads. There I found Franklin. I live vicariously through him and try to be like him, but I can't really be as cool as him. I mean, he's the most powerful mutant and I'm just... Harry.

I started pretending like he's my friend when I was around 7 and then after that I've imagined more fictional characters as my friends and — in the most delusional way, my family. But, at the end of the day Franklin was my best friend and no one can replace him.

I haven't seen Franklin or any of my imagined family since I met Ron and Hermione, but I was fine. I have real friends. Though, sometimes my friendship with Franklin felt more real in times like this. Lately I've been seeing flashes of him all around after Ron and I had our fight. It's quite weird, the moment I try and look he's suddenly gone. I think I'll be in a nut house in a few years.

"Hey, Hazza."

I didn't jump; I've anticipated for this moment.

"Franklin."

He sits next to me. We shared a quiet moment, reveling the presence of each other.

"So... How's —um, how's everyone?"

"You should know, since we revolve around you."

His tone didn't hold any bitterness, just matter of factness. Always a kind one, Franklin.

"Oh..."

The silence returned. It almost made me want to breakdown just by having Franklin here with me. Like old times. Franklin never cared when I cry, but with Ron... I just felt like I shouldn't. It's not that I don't trust Ron, but... I don't know.

"I can hear your thoughts y'know?"

We both laugh. I fucking missed this. Why can't I just have the life I want to have?

"I would hug you, but then I'd be hugging air and I don't need anymore headlines about me."

"Yeah, just imagine: The Great Harry Potter caught Hugging an Unseen Person. Secret Lover?"

I nudge him lightly and chuckled.

"Where've you been?"

I look at him for the first time in forever. He's gotten taller and broader. I should be jealous, but being jealous of your imaginary friend is too much.

"Nowhere."

"What do you mean?"

"Like I said, we revolve around you. It means we need you to be here."

"So that means I've been trying conjure you up? Is that why I've been seeing glimpses of you?"

"Yup."

"Shit. That sucks."

He smiles at me, then looks back at the skies.

"Will you be gone again?"

He shrugs. I didn't ask anymore questions and we just sit there until I fell asleep.