//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Harry Potter: Equestria // by Tailspin333 //------------------------------// Harry woke up to the sound of birds chirping. It was most unusual for him and it took his sleepy mind several minutes to figure out what it was. Normally, he would awake to the sound of people screaming at each other and the sound of vehicles driving by. Not birdsong. And it confused him greatly in his sleep addled mind reminding him of the Hunt for a minute. ’So, it wasn't a dream. I’m really living on another world and not on the Hunt. I should have known better. I never dream about something like this.’ Harry thought as he rolled over, falling out of his bed as it was far too small for him. ''Oooww.'' He groaned as he pulled his face off the floor. ''Well, at least I'm awake now.'' He muttered as he rubbed his head. Stretching to get all the kinks out of his body, giving off some satisfying cracks and pops, he went to the shower. He took some clean clothes from his pack, as well as a towel and washcloth. Taking his time to appreciate the working shower, he found it a pleasant surprise that it even had warm water, unlike the cold showers he frequently had to endure in his former house. After finishing his shower and putting on a clean set of clothes, he set out for the day, knowing that he had to do a lot. First off, of course, was to get something to eat. Then he will have to get some furniture for his house and, more importantly, a decent bed. A rumbling in his stomach reminded him as to what he should be doing first. Taking a decent amount of bits with him, he headed out and into the village. 'First something to eat, then we go shopping for everything else.' Harry told himself. 'After that I'll put up some of my things around the house and then look around town to see if there's a job, just because I don't need one doesn't mean I don't have to, plus it will keep my mind busy.' He continued his line of thought as he walked to the village. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It took Harry some time to find something he could eat. Most of the dishes listed on the menu were made with hay, grass, or flowers. It was something he hadn't really thought about when he came here, but eventually he found something he could eat. Now, with a belly full of food, he went to the market, trying to find out where he could get the necessities required for his home. ''Well, howdy there, pardner.'' Applejack greeted as he walked by her apple stand. ''looking ta buy some apples here?'' She asked as she gestured at her wares. ''Maybe later, Applejack. I'm actually looking for some place where I could buy a bed. The one I've got now is a bit too small for me,'' Harry replied cheerfully, realizing he hadn't felt this good in years and it reflected in his upbeat attitude; happy he found a job, albeit on trial. And the good mood of Applejack was contagious as well. ''Ah, shucks. Jus' call me AJ. Everypony else does. As for a bed, there's that little old place down tha road that might have what ya're looking for.'' ''You mean that place next to, what was it? Oh, Quills and Sofas?'' ''Yep, Beds ‘n Scrolls. That's tha one.'' AJ said with a confirming nod. ''You got some weird names around here,'' Harry said. ''Now look who's talking, Harry.'' she said with a grin, putting emphasis on Harry's name. ''Ha, fair enough,'' Harry laughed. ''Thanks for the directions, AJ,'' he waved her goodbye and went to the store, wondering how much a bed would cost around here. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following morning. It was the dawn of a new day and time for the princess of the night to allow herself to be submerged in the gentle hold of slumber, allowing her own dreams to flow freely. Yet sleep was something she was unable to find, the incident of the previous night still bothering her. Walking towards the large double doors of the throne room, the two day guards standing there saluted the princess of the night as she used her magic to open the doors, stepping inside. ''Sister,'' Celestia called out cheerfully to her younger sibling, descending her throne and walking towards Luna. Meeting her halfway, she gave her a hug and a nuzzle. ''What are you doing here? You're normally in bed by now." she asked, taking a good look at her younger sister. Even though Luna spent the entire night watching over her beloved subjects, you couldn't tell from her appearance. Looking like the strong, radiant ruler she is. Sending out an aura of authority and power, yet calm, and collected. Nopony could have seen, or noticed that the princess of the night was troubled. Nopony, except the one she had spent her fillyhood with growing up. Where others would see an all powerful Alicorn and co-ruler of Equestria. Celestia saw her for the young filly she used to be, growing up and becoming the mare she is today. She knew her sister, better than any other ever would. And she could clearly see the slight slump in her stance. Her mane was not as radiant as it used to be and, of course, her eyes. Although focused on Celestia, still staring off oh so slightly. Lost in thought. ''What is troubling you, Luna?'' Celestia asked in a calm, caring voice. ''Sister. Does thou think of me as a fair ruler?'' Luna asked, slipping back in her old tongue. Celestia was taken aback. Where had this come from? ''Luna, what do you mean? Of course you are. Why would you even ask?'' ''Because, we look out over our subjects, protect them, keep them safe, both in the waking world and in their dreams. Yet, when I was needed most, I was unable to help,'' Luna confided as she focused on her sister, reverting back to modern equish as she did so. “How so?'' ''Last night, I picked up on a disturbance. A dream so bad, so foul, it caused the pony dreaming a great deal of distress. I have always been able to help those that suffer from the terrors of the mind, show them there is nothing to fear. But when I tried to enter this individual's mind, I was rejected. Forced out before I even was able to catch a glimpse of the dream, or memories, as I learned it to be at that moment,'' Celestia didn't say anything. Centuries of politics had given her a poker face even the best couldn't read, so the fact that a slight shock could be seen on her face spoke volumes. ''You were rejected from the dreamscape?'' She asked, unable to believe this. ''Yes, although this was because it didn't involve a dream, but a memory or to be truthful more than one memories. We both know that entering a memory is a lot more difficult than a dream; more dangerous than a dream. But I was able to catch a glimpse of the pony's emotions as I was forced out. Sister, whoever it is, he, or she had truly suffered a great deal and harbors some anger and the pain of betrayal about somethings that happened afterwards. I haven't felt anything like it, not for a very long time. Not since my time as Nightmare Moon.'' Luna looked down at the memory of her fall into corruption. ''But this also raises some questions. Who is it that is suffering so much? What caused it? And most importantly, is whatever that has brought such pain to our subject still out there? I may not know what has happened, but I know that the pain I felt cannot be caused by everyday problems. Somepony, or someone did this to this individual and this being might still be out there.'' Luna tells her sister. "I see. Do you know where this pony lives?" Celestia asked Luna. "I sensed it in Ponyville, but I don't know the exact location,'' Luna answered. ''Ponyville? Strange, these things always seem to happen there. Nonetheless, I will ask for the information of those that came through the tear that day and see who went for Ponyville. Maybe we can find out what it was that had happened to this pony and what caused him, or her such pain.'' Celestia said with a strong voice. Nopony, no, no one would hurt her subjects if she'll let them. Luna let out a large yawn, tired from the night guarding the ponies dreams. ''Perhaps it would be better if you go to bed now, Lulu,'' Celestia said with a giggle, using her pet name for Luna. ''I will see to it that we find out who it is that had this nightmare and possibly help whoever this pony is.'' ''Very well. Good day, sister, I will see you coming night as I raise the moon," and with a flash of her magic, Luna teleported to her bedchamber, leaving her sister in the throne room, deep in thought. ''Whoever you are. I hope your suffering won't be for long,'' Celestia said as she looked out one of the stained windows decorating the room. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It took Harry the better part of the day, but finally he had most of the basic necessities he needed. The bed was the most difficult to procure, as there wasn't anything meant for a human. But with some negotiation and some haggling, in which Harry surprised himself with how well he was doing, he was able to get two beds for the price of one. He also bought a sofa, a table and some stools to go with it, along with a refrigerator, and food to fill it with. Along with several more things to liven up the living room. After the beds were delivered, he simply placed them side by side, effectively creating a bed large enough for two. All the stuff he'd bought didn't leave a noticeable dent in his savings. But even then, with the full cost of only a hundred and three bits, there was still enough left to pay his rent for a good time to come. And if he was able to land himself the job tomorrow, he would have a stable income, with which he could pay the rent and still make enough to save up. And, should it ever be necessary, he could always find some small chore he could do for a few extra bits. Yes, things were finally looking up for Harry. He sighed loudly as he sat down in his new sofa, which came with complementary quills and just enjoyed his new home after he put up some of his muggle books and non magical pictures of his parents and friends, taking the time to appreciate everything that had happened to him in the last two days. Deciding that he better make it an early night, he stood back up to get something to eat. A shower was next, before he went to bed. Noticing that he didn’t have enough clothes, he resolved to visit that clothing store he saw earlier today tomorrow. Stepping into his bed and enjoying the fact he could stretch out fully now, he pulled the blanket over him. He was glad that last night his nightmares stayed away for some reason and he hoped that tonight, the memories would remain silent as well. Though, deep down, he knew it wouldn't be. This part of him, this link to his former life, it would stay with him, forever. Always reminding him of his failings and the subsequent guilt that followed along with the pain of the betrayals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna once again stood on her balcony, watching over the dreams of those asleep. She was, however, not paying any attention to this. Instead, her focus and senses reached out to Ponyville. Hoping that, whoever it was that had this horrible dream last night, was able to sleep peacefully tonight. Her hope was short-lived, however. Mere moments after she extended her mind to the village, she picked up on the disturbance she sensed the previous night as well. Sighing out and shaking her head, she cast the same spell she used before, making the pony's sleep dreamless. ''May the stars watch over you when I'm not,'' Luna whispered as she looked at the village in the distance, sensing the disturbance diminish.