House: Slytherin
Category: Short
Prompt: "I miss moments like this more than anything."
Word Count: 665
Harry Potter still couldn't believe his eyes. Was he really imagining them or were his relatives really standing in front of him? All around him were his parents, godfather, and his father-like mentor, Remus Lupin.
He held the Resurrection Stone, firmly grasping it in his hand. He couldn't believe it actually worked. He knew the Deathly Hallows were real, but something had made him doubt. He somehow doubted if the sacred objects were something other than just a bedtime story.
The forest around him created shadows so dark that he seemed to be standing on a black abyss. The darkness in the forest framed everyone. It made the guests stand out even more, what with their milky white tone.
Harry took in a deep breath, confused as to who he should speak or look at first. He needed all the advice he could get, as it might've been the last time he'd see them while he was still alive. He decided to start with his mother, Lily.
She held her arm out, reaching for him. Her tender, gentle, doe-like eyes were
full of longing. Even if she wasn't physically present, Harry could still feel her love radiating into him as warmth. Harry's hand passed through Lily. Of course, it would. She wasn't really there. He felt like such a fool. He should've known better. He needed to keep his focus; his goal was to get as much help as he could get before facing Voldemort. Now wasn't the time to mope about how everyone is gone.
"You've been very brave, love," she said to him, her voice as soft as a feather.
Harry felt strange hearing her voice. "Why are you all here?"
"We never left, Harry," Lily reassured, a kind smile barely visible among her solemn expression.
"Does it hurt?" Harry asked, turning to his godfather, Sirius Black. "Dying, I mean." He wanted to know so that he could mentally prepare himself for the worst.
Harry could almost detect a hint of amusement in Sirius' response. "It's quicker than falling asleep," he replied calmly.
"I'm so sorry… I never meant for any of you to die for me," Harry said, his voice cracking with guilt. The pale figures only gave small smiles in return.
"You're nearly there, son. Just a bit more, and everything will be okay," James, his father, told him.
Harry had almost been on the verge of crying. Every emotion that was bottled up wanted to come free. He wanted to be completely honest with everyone there. He felt like it was the least he could do for them.
"Your son, Remus. What about you and Tonks? What's going to happen to him?" Harry recalled urgently.
Not even a second later, Remus replied, "He'll know what his parents did for him in the future. Don't worry about him." Harry thought about what a loss it would be for their son. He knew what it felt like to grow up without a real family or his parents. He didn't want the same for him.
"I know what you're thinking, and I understand. However, we left him in good hands. You'll be there alongside him, I hope, which also includes your friends," Remus said. Harry nodded, letting one other pressing thought to rest.
"I miss moments like this more than anything," Lily spoke. Her expression had a mix between sadness and joy. "I miss having you around and messing with you. I miss having talks like this, even if we weren't able to have any in real life."
"I do, too, Mum. I'll remember all of you. I'll carry your memory and life with me, until the very end," Harry said, tightening his grip on the Resurrection Stone.
"And we'll stay with you until the end," James said, patting Harry's shoulder one last time.
"Thank you, all of you," Harry whispered. He closed his eyes. When he opened them, he began to walk in the direction where his fate was to be decided.