The Breaking Point

They called it the breaking point. The period of time when an addict would either get past their addiction and recover or crack under the pressure. Today Henry Yewbeam would be leaving St Mungo's, returning to normality and would see if he would break and return to his addiction. His addiction that had caused him to overdose in a cell within the Ministry Of Magic. The overdose, despite almost killing him, had saved his life. It hadn't made him realise he needed help, he knew that a long time ago, it had made him realise that he had wanted help. The only way one could recover from an addiction is if they wanted to and Henry, from the bottom of his heart, wanted to make amends.

Henry had once been a social boy, a fun child who everybody enjoyed to be around. He'd captained the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, had been in a loving relationship with Hallie Cooper and was the life and soul of the common room. That was until his relationship with Hallie began to brew cautiously, they weren't relating anymore, he was growing arrogant and overdosing on his over-inflated ego. They argued. Argued until the fire in the common room had burnt out, argued until ever last owl, rat and toad had fled to the dungeons to escape their calling. That night had been the first breaking point for Henry. He was used to attention, craved it, and when Hallie had humiliated him infront of all his friends the only way he could get that buzz, that high from attention was by cheating.

His cheating wasn't the best decision in his life. Of course Hallie found out and it only snowballed his social problems. He turned to the dark arts and drugs for comfort. That is where it all began. That is where his addiction was born, it was the birth of an escape plan from the social stigma and vile glares he was victim to in the hallways. Nowadays people often wonder how somebody so full of opportunity could have sunk so low, lower than working in Knockturn Alley for he'd quit his job and devoted his life to drugs and the death eaters.


Opening the door he stepped into Sophia Granger's hallway. It was odd, this was perhaps the one place Henry never expected to find himself. For one he'd abducted her fellow order member Hallie, secondly he'd placed one of her greatest friends, Maura, into a coma and if that wasn't enough he'd blasted a hole in the roof of St Mungo's reception area with Lily Potter when they tried to escape the day after the order and death eaters joined forces to rescue Khaat Lupin. Yet here he was.

Sophia was kind, she saw the good in people and believed people could change. At least that is how it seemed to Henry. She, apart form Lily, was the only person who had given him hope, in fact, Lily hadn't gave Henry hope she'd taken it away. Sure he was the one who introduced drugs to her but the Gryffindor hadn't stopped the death eater from getting high, consuming them until he was gasping for air and unconscious in a cell. Sophia had saved him then. She'd told him he needed help, offered him treatment in St Mungo's and after twenty days cold turkey Henry found himself in Sophia's house.

He didn't have anywhere to stay. His parents had kicked him out when they heard about the accusations from Hallie Rookwood implying that he'd tortured her and was part of the death eaters - thankfully Scorpius Malfoy had gotten him out of that one. There was no evidence. It was Hallie's word against his. Theodore had seen, and Lily, but Henry had a whole host of death eaters on his side to vouch for him, say he was somewhere else. It really had been quiet easy, especially considering that the Ministry had been more focused on the marriage law and the James Blood pack.

Not really knowing where to go he simply dropped the bag down and stared around the hallway. So this is what it was like to live a happy life. The wallpaper was neat and stainless, the table was dust-free and the floor was clean. This was a home, a home that was so far from normal to Henry he felt like he'd fell into a dream.

For another minute he simply stood there not knowing exactly what room he would be staying in or if Sophia had any rules.

'Thank you.' He told her for the sixth time that morning. It didn't make a difference though, no matter how much Henry thanked Sophia she would never be able to know exactly how thankful he was. He didn't have the ability to form such words, no amount of words could describe how thankful the death eater really was. This was his clean slate, Sophia had helped him and now he had to see if he could survive and overcome the breaking point.

It been a long journey for Henry,  Sophia thought he would break along time ago, she was surprised to see he made it this far.  He was slowly getting better day by day and Sophia had faith that he'll overcome this addiction he fell into.   Every day Sophia had to do the summoning spell on him to see if he had any drugs on him.  A couple of times she found drugs hidden in his sock or so. But after the first few weeks,  he didn't have any drugs on him.

Sophia knew that anyone found out Henry was in her house,  she wouldn't hear the end of it.   Especially after he hurt Hallie and put Maura in a coma for a week.  But no matter what a person did,  Sophia believed their was goodness in everyone, if you water it with kindness and goodness it'll turn into something beautiful.  Slowly but surely that was what was happening with Henry, and Sophia was proud of him.  He kept his head up, even when he wanted to give up.  Although Sophia wouldn't let him, there was ton of fighting at times but Sophia stood her ground.

Now Henry was in her hallway looking like a lost puppy looking for someone to take him in. Of course Sophia took him in,  she didn't have the heart to leave him by himself on the streets or somewhere.   Besides it would help her keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't slip up.  Over the period of time,  Sophia became close to Henry and seen sides of him people probably haven't seen in awhile.   She knew of his story,  and that was what made her help him more.

Sophia chuckled and shook her head.  " You don't have to be thanking me Henry,  I wanted to help you. " said Sophia softly but honestly.  "As I said before,  I see goodness in you,  even when you don't see it yourself. "said Sophia softly.  " Come on lets get you settled in. "said Sophia giving him a soft warm smile.  " I trust that you don't have anything on you right?"Sophia asked him softly.  " You been doing good the past couple of days,  I'm proud of you. " said Sophia softly.

" Are you hungry,  what about you get cleaned up and I fix some breakfast?"Sophia asked him softly.   Whistling Maya her siberian husky ran towards her.  " Go get the paper girl, I'll be down in a minute. "said Sophia softly petting her before she ran off. "Don't worry she won't hurt you unless I tell her to,  she very friendly unless you try hurting me."said Sophia honestly.  " Go get cleaned up,  and we'll have some breakfast and do something. " said Sophia softly.

'I'm clean.' He told her truthfully. The first few times Sophia had found him with drugs was embarrassing, humiliating. It made him believe that she would give up on him if he continued to possess them and it was that that had led to him resisting the temptation to sneak out of the hospital or into a medical cabinet for a chance to get high. Sophia was the only one who had faith in him now, maybe perhaps Scorpius and Lily but they were just memories right now. He had to detoxify all the bad from his life and that included them. Lily, he didn't where he was with her, his feelings... Scorpius. Well, he was a death eater.

The Death Eaters. That would be the challenge after this for him. What of they summoned him tonight? Luckily he hadn't been called upon since the last meeting but there was a possibility he would be needed soon, especially when the Order of the Phoenix could invade their hut at any moment. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that. Hopefully there would simply be a stale mate.

If Henry truly wanted to heal he needed to break ties with the death eaters. They were a bad influence, they weren't good for him. He was thankful that Scorpius has managed to get him off the hook but to turn his back on them would highlight him as a prime target, especially if they discovered he was staying with Sophia Granger - a member of the Order.

Did she know he was a death eater? She was bound to, she would certainly have an idea if she wasn't one hundred percent sure yet here she was still helping him. It started to make Henry believe he'd put his trust into the wrong people in spite of all they'd done to protect him from Azkaban. Nonetheless Henry was in a sticky situation. Addiction and the Death Eaters. First he still had to continue fighting his addiction before he could deal with that, perhaps he would write to Scorpius and let him know he was taking some time away to get clean. Scorpius would understand. Wouldn't he? Perhaps he'd ask Sophia later for her advice.

'Breakfast sounds good, thanks.' Henry replied more optimistic than the Henry would have two weeks ago. For the first time in a long time he felt fresh and clear. It was a struggle. He just had to take one day at a time.

Lifting up his bag he carried it up the staircase, lightly stroking Maya as she trotted past for the paper.

After finding his room and taking a quick shower Henry returned downstairs and found his way to the kitchen. The smell was good, much better than the scents around St Mungo's.

'Sophia.' Henry sad quietly, standing in the doorway one hand across his chest and holding tight to his shoulder. 'Can I talk to you about something, please?'

Sophia was downstairs making chocolate chip pancakes, with bacon and eggs. Seeing Maya with the news paper Sophia petted her. " Good girl Maya."said Sophia as she took the muggle paper placing it on the counter beside her. It wasn't long before a owl flew through the window with The Daily Prophet. Paying the owl it flew out quickly then it came, Sophia placed the Prophet beside the muggle newspaper.

Sophia liked keeping up with both worlds, that way she knew what was going on. It was a bit silly, but if she knew what was going on in both worlds she was able to tell the Order information on the muggles around her. Luckily muggles haven't really noticed the increase in their population, it was probably a good thing seeing how so many witches and wizards blended in with them. Sophia couldn't count how many witches and wizards she seen on the streets pretending to be a muggle while their wands were hiding in their boot.

Seeing Henry walking downstairs into the kitchen Sophia gave him a soft warm smile. " Hey! feel a little bit better now you're in your own clothes?"Sophia asked him softly. When he asked her if he could talk to her Sophia nodded. " Yeah sure, just let me finish breakfast right quick. " said Sophia softly. Putting the last pancake on the stack of made pancakes Sophia took the plate and placed it on the table with the eggs and bacon.

" Ok... what do you want to talk about? "Sophia asked him curiously but softly. They been talking about alot of things lately, she was surprised he was taking her advice. Although she had to admit her advice to get help had helped him get this far along the road. Although a lot of people refused to help him, Sophia stepped up to the plate helping with his addiction. Although at first it was a bumpy and rocky start, seeing how they didn't like each other.

Sophia couldn't believe that Henry is a completely different person then he was a few weeks ago. He didn't even look like the high overdosed man she had to take care of. No he was clean and sober, although very hurt and confused Sophia could tell. He needed some one to lean on and guide him on the right path, Sophia was going to try her best to help him get there. She had confidence in him, but he had to have confidence in himself to believe he could change, and Sophia was truly starting to see that.

(ooc: Sorry I've neglected this I've been busy celebrating my end of exams. Also I LOVE Sophia's sig!)

Before Henry explained his problem to Sophia the death eater slowly made his way to the table, pulled out a chair and sat down staring at the pancakes, eggs and bacon before him. It was a lot of food, more food than he'd had at St Mungo's - of which the food wasn't that great anyway. They did satisfying jacket potatoes but nothing worth shouting about.

'Thanks.' He muttered before picking up the knife and fork and starting on his pancakes. Pancakes were good, they were sweet and would fill him easily. In all honesty he wasn't too hungry, grateful that Sophia had cooked him such a big breakfast, but since quitting the drugs Henry had found his appetite dwindling. Whether that was because of the food at St Mungo's he wasn't quiet sure, most likely so judging from the first bite of the pancakes.

They were incredible. Delicious. They were food Henry hadn't experienced in a long time, perhaps the best food since Hogwarts. Since his life was good. The sugar and the spice had taken away the finer things in life, they'd cast shadow on the beautiful nature and inhibited his ability to taste quality foods and flavours. Right now, in this moment, he was high off the taste of pancakes, or perhaps the ability to taste the pancakes so well.

'These a great!' He managed to sound through a mouthful of more pancake. Taking a big swallow the death eater remembered what it was he had wanted to bring up to Sophia.

'Umm. You said when I was admitted I need to remove all the negativity from my life.' He began, forcedly staring down at the pancakes as opposed to the healers eyes. 'I started. I stopped the drugs, but I think I'll slip if I keep, keep being part of what I do.'

Okay, he wasn't explaining this very well. It wasn't clear at all what he was trying to say. The truth was Henry felt guilty, he was feeling the guilt for every act he had convicted as a death eater. Torturing Hallie. Stealing information. Performing dark magic. Simply attending the meetings. To have to say the words, to let those two little words leave his lips would be painful.

'I'm a death eater.'

He'd said it.

'But. I can't quit. They wont let me. I'll-'

Henry sighed. Hopefully Sophia would understand or at least heard of the once-you're-a-death-eater-you're-always-a-death-eater phrase. Given she was a member of the Order it wouldn't be surprising if she had.

'I don't know what to do.'

(Ooc : It's cool, you deserve it and know isn't it great? Addie made it!)

Sophia chuckled and smiled.  " Aw...Thank you Henry,  it's an old Granger recipe. " said Sophia softly.  " I know you haven't been eating a lot,  so eat what you want. " said Sophia softly.   " I really wish they would of served you better food,  we had top chefs and everything there I don't get it. " said Sophia shaking her head.   Sophia always had to take the rubbish they gave Henry and give him real food, Sophia thought that it was rather cruel what they did to him.

Taking a bite of her pancakes Sophia nodded telling him that she was listening to him.  Wow... it was a lot to take in,  but Sophia being the bright and clever girl she was always had a solution.   "I knew you were a death eater, as a Order member it's my job to know who are death eaters. " said Sophia softly.   " As for quitting I agree,  you need to cut ties with them but it isn't going to be easy. "said Sophia honestly.   " Luckily I got an idea if you're up to it. " said Sophia softly.  

" I know the saying once a death eater, always a death eater but maybe you can be like a double spy. " said Sophia softly.  " Although you got to convince Hallie and Maura you're good and you've changed,  but I thought about it and this was the only way I could think of. "said Sophia softly.  " Join the Order and become a double spy for the Order,  that way you won't break ties with the death eaters and they won't be after you. " said Sophia honestly.

" Although if you don't want to,  we can simply find another way but that's the easiest way I know of. "said Sophia honestly.  " I mean you could just stop being one,  but then they'll be after you. " said Sophia softly.   " You don't need to have that,  trust me it isn't good!"said Sophia softly.  " But regardless, we'll figure it out."said Sophia softly.   " Don't worry, everything going to be ok I promise. " said Sophia smiling at him.

A double agent. A spy. The idea of not only remaining as part of the death eaters but passing on information to the Order frightened him. It was a bold, brave thing to do, something perhaps the old Henry would have done had he never gotten into the dark arts but now he'd lost that strength he needed for such a role. How could he get away with doing that? What if the death eaters found out? No doubt he'd be murdered. Moreover would the Order so willingly accept him in? They weren't all as understanding as Sophia.

Whatever he did Henry needed to cut ties with the death eaters and perhaps serving the Order wasn't the best way to go about it. Sure they'd perhaps keep him safe if the death eaters did decided to hunt him down but would it be worth it? Risking not only his own life but the Order members too? They'd no doubt he targeted for protecting him.

'I don't know.' He sighed, 'I don't think I'm ready for something like that yet.'

Henry had had enough drama happen in his life since joining the death eaters, he didn't need anything more complicated to happen he needed to find himself, return to the Henry he was before he ever cheated on Hallie and fell into a dark pit of despair... Perhaps being a double agent was the answer. Maybe it was that something he needed to ignite the old flame inside of him, do something for somebody else and recover the Gryffindor within that was long forgotten.

'I think.' He began, letting his worries flow, 'if I left the Death Eaters they'd suspect I was an Order member anyway if they knew I was staying with you.'

Was he putting Sophia in more danger by living with her? Would the best thing for Henry to do was return to drugs and remain in the dark side? It seemed safer and easier for everybody else but for him? That would no doubt lead to another overdose and returning to the low point he was still climbing from.

What was interesting about Henry though was that, a midst all his addiction issues, he was starting to think about other people, putting other people's safety before his own. That was something Henry hadn't been able to do before, the death eater had never saw past the high of spice and now he was recovering. To simply remain of the death eaters would be a waste of the steps he'd already made. He needed to do something good. He simply had to.

'I think i should leave.' Henry told her, placing down his knife and fork and looking into the healers eyes. 'I'm putting you at too much danger.'

Sophia nodded and bit her lip. " Yeah you're right, I don't think you're quite ready for that yet. "said Sophia honestly. " Besides we'll have to convince alot of people as well. " said Sophia sighing. Alot of people think that the Order was easy to get into, but the truth be told it really wasn't that easy, you had to prove that you were worthy and be trusted. It took alot of convincing to get in, and in Henry's cause he'll have to do some major arse kissing. Perhaps later on down the road he could venture down that road, but it was a dangerous road right now.

Sophia shook her head. " How are you putting me in danger Henry?"Sophia asked her softly. " Is it because you're a death eater and if you leave they'll be after me as well because you're staying here?"Sophia asked him softly but curiously. " Henry please stay, you worked so hard just to throw it all away!"said Sophia. " If you leave, your just going to fall back into your old ways all over again!"said Sophia honestly. " I'll be dammed if I'm going to let that happened after all I went through to help you!"said Sophia.

Sophia looked at him and sighed. " Henry I'm always in danger, I'm in danger just being in the Order!"said Sophia honestly. " It's the risk take every day, knowing that today could be my last once I walk out that door. " said Sophia softly. " But I don't care, I'll put it all on the line, cause I'll know I done good fighting for something I believe in. "said Sophia honestly. " I believe in you Henry, I believe you can change but if you leave you're going to fall back in the same hole you dug yourself out and deep down you know it!"said Sophia. " But if you want to leave just go, but everything you become so far will be for nothing!"said Sophia softly.

Sophia knew once he left, he was going to go back to his old ways again. He probably thought it was smarter and safer, but in Sophia's opinion it was just stupid. He worked so hard to become where he is now, was he just going to throw it all away now? Was he doing this to protect her from being in danger? Sophia didn't understand it. " Henry please don't do this, I care about you so please don't go."said Sophia softly her eyes pleading him to stay. "You're not putting me in danger by staying here, so don't have to do this to protect me!"said Sophia honestly.

It was perhaps the first time that Henry realised there were things besides drugs that could put you in danger. Everyday for over a year Henry had placed himself in danger by taking sugar, spice, sometimes a combination. He did it for a personal high, to escape his own insecurities and self deprecative thoughts. Yet here was Sophia. She placed herself in danger by being in the Order, by standing for what she believed in. Sophia was in danger for standing for the greater good. 

'I wish I was more like you, Sophia.' Henry told her after pausing for a moment to think. It was true. Sophia was strong, she'd seen a lot, been through a lot and now used that to help others through their troubles. Despite the dark stigma and dislike attached to Henry Sophia was still willing to help him. She was pure. Light. 

Choosing not to say anymore the death eater continued to eat his way through the pancakes, finally deciding to put his knife and fork down when there were two pancakes and one slice of bacon left. Finishing his breakfast with a concluding sip of fresh orange Henry pushed his plate away completely stuffed. 

'Thank you.' Henry thanked once again. 

'I'm going to leave. Leave but remain neutral.' Henry told Sophia strongly. This was perhaps the certain he'd been about the issue, but after pondering over the dilemma over his meal Henry knew it was the right thing to do. Sophia was right, he'd worked hard to get himself clean - granted he'd only been clean a fortnight but it was a start. 

Looking at the witch he had one more question, one simple word. 'How?' 

Would he write to Du Hunt, break his ties that way? It'd be dangerous to attend a meeting and leave then, especially with a battle between the death eaters and Order brewing. If he did the latter they'd probably imprison him, prevent him from defecting and telling Sophia their secrets. Maybe he'd find Scorpius, ask for his advice. Could he trust Scorpius? Most likely. Malfoy had been the one to keep him from Azkaban but that was only because the death eaters needed a grunt. 

'How do I leave without becoming a target?' Becoming a target was the last thing that Henry needed on his path to recovery. 

Sophia looked at him confused. " What you mean more like me Henry?"Sophia asked him softly but curiously. " I'm no one special Henry, I'm just me inside and out. " said Sophia honestly. " Although I'll be the first to admit that I been through a lot of crap, but that only made me stronger. " said Sophia softly but honestly. " You been through a lot of crap as well Henry and you're over coming them little by little, each step you take makes you stronger. " said Sophia giving him a soft warm smile.

" Henry you don't have to keep thinking me for this, I wanted to help you. " said Sophia softly. " I see you for who you are deep down Henry, and deep down your a sweet, caring and brave person. said Sophia softly but honestly. " Trust me over these past few days, I seen the real you that you hidden for so many years Henry. " said Sophia honestly. " He's not a weak person Henry, the one that's weak is the one you were. " said Sophia softly. " I think the Henry you are now is just fine, I like this Henry better than the other one. " said Sophia softly but honestly.

Sophia nodded. " Good idea, very wise decision. " said Sophia honestly. " Henry you got to be careful though, you being around the wrong people can drag you back under and I don't want that. " said Sophia softly. " Just be careful Henry ok?"Sophia asked him softly. " One wrong move can crush you, I'm not saying that I don't trust you I just don't want you to screw up this new life you're trying to build. " said Sophia simply.

Sophia bit her lip thinking. " I don't know Henry, the only thing I can think of is go to Scorpius. " said Sophia softly. " Yes I know Scorpius, as weird as it is we're good friends. "said Sophia softly but honestly. " Besides in all honesty, I think Scorpius is in it, but I don't think he's in the inner circle. " said Sophia honestly. " Hell I could be wrong, but he doesn't appear to be that way to, me. " said Sophia shrugging. " We might need to ask Scorpius for some help. "said Sophia honestly.