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    Summary

    When faced with the decision to go back or move on, Harry hesitates. His heart twists in his chest as he glances back at the squalling, writhing fragment of Voldemort’s soul that he’s unknowingly nurtured for almost as long as he’s lived. Harry can still hear Dumbledore's words echoing inside his head, “Something beyond either of our help.” But… Is he really? How many times has Harry heard those very same words whispered among the residents of Little Whinging? How many similarities has he seen between himself and Tom Riddle ever since his second year, ever since he first wrote in that diary, despite Dumbledore’s assurances to the contrary?

    Hagrid whisks him away from an abusive home and hexes his cousin for eating Harry’s birthday cake. Dumbledore believes the words of abusive caretakers and sets Tom Riddle’s precious few belongings on fire. If Harry wasn't who he is, then would they have believed the Dursleys over him? Would they have done the same thing to him? He doesn't know. The thought frightens him.

    Harry picks up the fragment of Voldemort's soul, cradling the unnatural-looking baby in his arms as he walks forward. He boards the train.

    He wakes up in his cupboard.

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