Ties.

The person's footstep grew louder as his pace increased, and so did hers. She would have been sprinting if her legs weren't declining. The cold air was contrary to the hotness she felt on the inside, like her organs were on fire. Everything burned. She made a quick turn as soon as she got to the front of Harry's house. In the middle of tugging the gate open, she felt the person near. Her muscles stopped working, completely crippled by the fear of what she'd see if she turned. The silence grew louder, between her and the person, even though she was screaming and raging on the inside, her body leaned limply on the gate, a prayer in her eyes that her mouth won't mutter.

"Maria..." The voice called out, and to her relief, it was a familiar one. She became powerful enough to turn instantly.

"Harry? You startled me, what are you doing here? Where's your car?" She ranted, then immediately realized those questions were too much for that man who stood before her. His cheeks were flushed and