Harry Potter and The Ghosts of Time: Book 6 ½
disclaimer: this is J.K.Rowling's world, unfortunately, I just live in it.
Chapter 1: Love Beyond Death
Harry Potter had grown up extraordinarily fast over the past 6 years. He physically changed from boy to man. His jet-black hair and radiant green eyes stayed the same, but his years of playing Quidditch shown clearly on his muscular arms and legs. He was thin, but no longer the scrawny little boy Dudley Dursley could slaughter. His jet-black hair looked messy, as usual, but it suited him rather well. His green eyes were beyond beautiful, and his jaw became squared, making him look truly manly. But more importantly, he grew emotionally. He perhaps suffered more greatly than many wizards alike, and yet he endured. Every year of his life, he had proven to be a living miracle.
In times of mourning great people's deaths like this, he would usually sleep restlessly throughout the night, experiencing nightmares, like he had when Sirius and Cedric had passed. However, tonight he lay dozed in a heavy dream-free sleep. After all, he had just finished a very long and sad day with his Professor's funeral.
But around 12 o'clock in the morning, an icy cold feeling engulfed the small room in which he slept, waking him up at once. It wasn't the cold feeling of wind coming through the window, but more of a bone chilling feeling throughout the body, like someone placed ice down your back.
Slowly walking towards Harry was quite a spectrum—literally! He couldn't believe his eyes, his emotions over the past few days must have been getting to him! The spectrum ghost was none other than the great wizard, Albus Dumbledore. Too shocked to say anything, Harry chocked over words and was continually pinching himself. Then he sighed and thought to himself. When will I learn that magic means anything can happen?
"Right you are Harry!" Professor Dumbledore's ghost answered Harry's thought.
Harry smiled. Dumbledore's ghost could still perform Ligilmancy. That wizard never failed to impress him.
"Now Harry, you must be wondering exactly why I am a ghost," Dumbledore finally spoke after moments passed with them both staring, "I had something very important to straighten out with you, that couldn't be covered in my will."
"What is it Professor?"
"Harry, I'm sorry to say this, but I am no longer your professor, it is time to realize the obvious and move on. You should also move along with another person, a young lady, to be specific."
Harry shuffled in his bed and couldn't look into Dumbledore's crystal blue eyes, it was too hard. He remembered the previous day when he had lost two very important people he loved. Ginny meant the world to him. But he had to stick with his answer. Voldemort would put harm in her way as soon as he found out Harry's feelings towards her. He had to put his love aside.
"Do not protest me Harry, you can't push love out of your life. Remember what I said! It is your protection against Lord Voldemort, and you must learn to live, love, and laugh. That is why I am here, and not enjoying the pleasures of life after death. I care for you Harry just like everyone else, and many people are trying to help you. You, unfortunately, push them away. Not only Ginny, but also your true friends Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger. Listen to me Harry," Dumbledore sat next to Harry on his bed, "I invited some friends of mine over to help convince you to open up your life. At exactly one o'clock this morning, another ghost will come on the hour. Then, as the next hour arrives, you will have another visitor. At three o'clock you will have your last visitor."
Harry stared in amazement. This seemed oddly familiar.
"Dumbledore," Harry finally said, "can't you stay and visit?"
"No I cannot Harry, for I am only temporarily a ghost for tonight. It was another one of my smarter ideas like the Mirror of Erised," he answered blushing as Harry nodded in agreement, "I will tell you one last thing, Harry. Remember that I will always be with you along with Sirius, your mother and father, you can find us in your heart. And when you desperately love someone it hurts, Harry, you are defeating Voldemort in a way he cannot cast out. Look for love deeper Harry, look deeper."
As he said those last three words, Dumbledore's ghostly silver body vanished into a mist and disappeared through the window.
Harry rushed to the window to wave goodbye forever, but knew now that Dumbledore was gone. Nothing could be done to stop it, but this time Harry accepted it. He slumped onto his bed, but then he smiled, for on his desk appeared the great and wonderful pensieve. Harry figured Dumbledore must have given it to him, and in the vapor-liquid swirled a memory of Dumbledore winking at Harry. Soon Harry found himself wrapped in another great sleep.
Before long, the alarm clock on the nightstand struck one, and again the icy feeling of death filled the room. Another ghost had appeared through the window.
Author's note: just a REALLY short chapter to start it off, REALLY hope all you Ginny/Harry and Ron/Hermione shippers will like this story. I'm working my butt off! So, I promise the chapters will get longer, and include cliff hangers leaving you dying to find out what happens next!