The Path of a Rider

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Ghost Rider

Thanks to all my reviewers. I must not to expect updates this fast all the time. I had a 4 day weekend so I had lots of time to write, but it won't always be that way. Also don't loose hope if I don't update for a while. I am determined to finish this fic. Also I would like to say, if you are going to see the movie Ghost Rider, I would suggest not reading any further, because this story follows the events of the story fairly close. Just a warning.

Now, on with the story. Remember to review!

Chapter One

"And now, please welcome, JOHNNY BLAZE AND JOSH HUNTER!" The announcer's voice boomed throughout the stadium. The fans rose to their feet, screaming and chanting as the aforementioned pushed their bikes out into view. Both were dressed in white suits, one with red flames and one with green. They waved to the crowd before fastening their helmets. Before them laid 8 helicopters, blades spinning, spread out across the expanse of a football field.

"Helicopters!" Mack yelled incredulously.

"We took out the cars." Both Johnny and Josh smiled at Mack's distress and annoyance. In a last attempt for them to listen to him, Mack tried to tell them what he wanted to them to do, but with a glance at each other they both took off down the ramp.

Nothing could compare to the adrenaline rush that Josh felt when he was soaring through the air. As he reached the end of the ramp and his and Johnny's bikes leaped into the air, Josh's mind went back to when he had first meant Johnny.

He was up at the top of the ramp. He had seen Johnny Blaze for the first time earlier that day, and he knew he could make the jump. Johnny was doing another show the next day so the crew had left the ramps up. It was well past midnight and the full moon was lighting up the night.

Josh revved up his engine, and without a second thought, he took off down the ramp. The next seconds were a blur of adrenaline as he flew through the air, it almost reminded him of…those days were over.

When he landed safely on the other ramp, he just stayed there for a minute, savoring the last remnants of adrenaline.

"Hey there boy, what do you think you're doing?" A voice spoke from the shadows. Josh hurriedly jumped off his bike and took off his helmet. He glanced around but couldn't see anybody.

"Who's there?" Josh called out.

"Hold up there, it's only me." A man stepped out of the shadows. He was wearing a black leather jacket and black pants. He titled his hat up so his face was illuminated. It was none other than Johnny Blaze.

"Uh, sorry Johnny Blaze sir, I uh, just wanted to see if I could make the jump." Josh managed to spit out, looking down at his feet.

"That was some pretty nice technique. Where'd you learn to ride like that?" Johnny asked.

Surprised, Josh replied. "Uh, no where sir. I taught myself."

"Really now." Johnny seemed impressed. "Well, how would you like to join my show?"

Josh was stunned, his mouth hanging open like some dead fish.

Johnny laughed. "Well, I figure if you can ride that good without training, you can ride great with a little help."

Johnny had taken Josh in under his wing since that day. He was like a big brother to him. He had been helping Josh with his riding and after a while he even let him join in on the shows.

Johnny was brought out of his thoughts as his tires connected with the ground and he pulled on his brakes. The cheering of the crowd almost burst his eardrums. Well, Josh would be cheering to, seeing as he and Johnny had just set a world record, but Johnny had taken off out of the stadium, more than likely chasing down this one reporter from earlier.

Josh rolled his eyes. Johnny was a great guy, but lately he had been acting weird. After the last couple of crashes they had suffered, Johnny had started to read these strange books that truly freaked out Josh. It was almost like he was searching for a reason why they were never seriously injured. Josh had to admit that they had had some pretty lucky breaks, but people had survived things worst than a few motorcycle accidents, hadn't they?

Josh shrugged his shoulders as Mack appeared at his side out of breath from sprinting from the opposite side of the stadium.

"Well done Josh." He said with a smile. "Now if only Johnny…" Josh couldn't hear the rest as cameras started clicking all around him.

"Back up people, back up. Johnny may do interviews but Josh sure don't!" Mack yelled to the oncoming slew of reporters. Josh smiled at this but he couldn't help feel like a third wheel. What with this girl showing up he wasn't sure if Johnny could still be there for him, and after his past, he wasn't sure if he could loose any more friends.

Several minutes later, after making it back to their R.V, Josh locked himself into the bathroom. He looked at his reflection in the mirror. His messy hair had tamed slightly, but it still would not lye flat. His green eyes looked dull and tired and he had bags under his eyes. Tonight was the anniversary of her death. She may not be physically dead, but to him she died that day.

He reached his hand into his suit and pulled out an old photograph. Its edges were wrinkled but the picture was still bright and clear. The girl in the picture flipped back her long red hair and smiled at the camera, her big, amber eyes glowing with joy and happiness. Oh how he wanted to see those eyes full of life again. How he wanted to feel her soft touch, hear her voice in his ear.

But she was dead, she couldn't remember him, she couldn't remember anybody, she couldn't even function by herself. He could never have his Ginny back.

A tear rolled down his cheek and splattered on the cold tile of the sink. Tucking the picture away, Josh splashed some water on his face before putting his mask back on and walking out of the room.

0.o.0.o.0

He did not like Hell. And he damned Harry Potter for sending him there. But now he was out, with the help of Blackheart.

"Foolish boy." He chuckled to himself. He actually thought they would take over the world together, like he would ever share supreme power with one so weak, so unworthy of the power. He was merely a pawn, a distraction. He knew Mephistopheles would first go after his son and look over himself, seeing Blackheart as the bigger threat.

How wrong he would be. For he had a plan, the greatest plan of all time. And he had long to plan it, to go over every detail to insure its success.

He may have failed before, but he would not fail twice. He opened his mouth and from it issued a strange and evil laugh that filled the night air around him, chilling everything that heard it.

0.o.0.o.0

Far away, Josh Hunter woke in his bed, his sheets sticking to his skin, his breath coming in short gasps. His scar burned like it hadn't for years, he had nearly forgotten about it since Voldemort's death, but now it burned like fire.

His dream, it had been horrible. There had been a man, dressed all in black with a pale face and icy blue eyes. He had frozen the entire bar with a touch of his hand. The chilling images of the frozen peoples death stares were burned into his eyes.

He couldn't understand what it had been. He had only ever had dreams like those when they were connected to Voldemort, but he was dead, he had seen his soul vanish to Hell. But then what was it? It had felt so real.

Josh jumped as his door was banged open. Johnny stood in the door sporting his favorite jacket and black pants.

"Hey there sleeping beauty. You gonna sleep all day?" He laughed until he caught sight of Josh's pale face. "What's wrong? You sick?" He asked concerned.

Josh shook his head. "No, just I nightmare is all. I just need a shower."

Johnny didn't seem convinced but he nodded anyways and shut the door to give Josh some privacy. Josh got up and walked over to his dresser and pulled on a green t-shirt and black denim jeans. He slipped on his favorite jacket, black leather with green flames, before slipping out the door.

He was staying with Johnny at his apartment for a while considering the fact that his was still being re done at the moment. He walked over to the table were Johnny was sitting, reading an article in the newspaper. Josh poured himself a glass of orange juice before sitting down across from Johnny.

"Well, I got a big date tonight so are you okay with staying here tonight. I need someone to watch the apartment for me." Johnny said from behind the paper.

"You know I can't figure out why you just don't get a lock for the your lift." Johnny glared at him over the top of his newspaper. "Fine, fine. I'll stay here tonight, don't worry."

"Thanks Josh." And with that Johnny went back to his article. Josh finished his orange juice in one gulp and walked towards the lift.

He shouted behind him. "I'll be back by 6!" Before jumping into the lift and moving downwards, not bothering to wait for a reply.

Once safely out of the building Josh walked aimlessly around the streets of the city, paying no attention to his surroundings but completely lost in thought. Finally he stopped in front of a flower shop. There were hundreds of flowers of all different colors that he could see through the window. Josh stepped into the shop and was immediately meant by a tiny, old Asian man.

"How can I help you sir?" He asked in a squeaky voice.

"Do you have any white roses?" inquired Josh. The man nodded eagerly and led Josh towards the back of the shop. He stopped in front of a display of roses that towered up to the ceiling.

"We have many roses. Take your pick." The man smiled up at him, gesturing to the flowers.

Josh carefully surveyed the flowers, searching for the perfect one. At long last, his eyes rested upon a half blossomed white rose. He tenderly reached into the mass of flowers and pulled it out.

He looked down at the man. "I'll take this one, please." The man smiled and excitedly walked to the cash register.

He pressed in some buttons before saying. "$10.00 dollars please!"

Josh handed over a ten to the man who thanked him graciously before leading him out of the store and waved goodbye to him. Josh chuckled; there definitely were some strange people around here.

He walked for a few more blocks before he came to a narrow alleyway. He glanced around him to make sure no one was watching him before he ducked into the alley. He sprinted behind a large dumpster. He waited a few minutes to make sure he heard no one following him. Then, he carefully placed the rose inside his jacket and brought out thin piece of wood. He tapped himself at the top of his head and then conjured a mirror.

He was meant with a pair of brown eyes that were surrounded by wavy brown hair. Satisfied, he banished the mirror and tucked his wand away and with a pop, he disappeared.

0.o.0.o.0

No one noticed a man walking down the hallways of St. Mungo's, though it could have been due to the small notice-me-not spell the man had cast on himself. He trudged tiredly down the white hallways, the weariness of the hospital seeping into him, reminding him why he hated coming here.

He reached the 5th floor and walked over to a locked door. With a whispered spell he stepped into the room and slowly walked over to a bed in the corner of the room. On the bed lay a girl, and although she was only in her 20's, she looked aged far beyond her years. Her once red hair was now dull and had a few strands of gray littering it. Her amber eyes were clouded and fixed on the ceiling. Her thin lips were slightly apart as a drop of spittle collected at the corner of her mouth. Her skin was white from lack of sunlight and was cold to the touch.

The man forced himself to look at her, to remind himself exactly what his foolish decision had done to her, his love. As he gazed into her eyes, memories he had not remembered for a year resurfaced.

"Harry, come over here!" Her sweet voice drifted across the grounds. He turned around, a smile on his face. She was seated underneath a large willow tree near the lake. The sun reflected off her hair making it glisten like thousands of tiny rubies.

He walked over and lowered himself down next to her. He leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. "Hey." He whispered in her ear.

"Hey yourself." She replied, slapping him playfully on the shoulder. They sat there for a while, looking over the water.

The peaceful silence was broken by her soft voice. "Do you ever think about the future?"

Startled, he replied. "Sure, I guess. Why do you ask?"

"Just with this war, it makes me wonder what is going to become of my family, friends." She turned to face him. "Us."

"Gin, you know I will always be there for you." He took her hand in his. "No matter what happens."

"I know Harry, but I can't help but imagine what might happen if…" She trailed off, unable to finish.

"It won't come to that Gin. He is not going to get the better of me. I am going to finish this once and for all, and then we can live in peace." He said determinedly.

"I know that's what you say, but," She swallowed. "I can't bear the thought of living without you Harry." She laid her head against his chest.

"Don't think about that, Gin. We just have to cherish the time we have right now." He said, rubbing her back with his hand.

"Promise me something Harry." She looked up into his eyes.

He nodded. "Anything."

"Promise we will get married just as soon as this war is over. Promise me that you will always love me." Her voice was filled with so much love he couldn't stand it.

"I promise I will marry and love you Gin, always."

"Gin, I'm so sorry. I couldn't keep my promise." He cried, his tears falling on her blanket. "I still love you, I always have, don't forget me Gin."

He pulled out the rose he had purchased earlier and placed it on her bedside table. He pulled out a piece of white ribbon and tied it around the stem of the flower. He then pulled out a small black box. He lifted open the lid and gently picked up a white gold ring with a single diamond. He carefully slipped it onto the ribbon before rising and walking out of the ward.

Tears were streaming down his face as he walked back through the hospital. Once he was out the exit, he ran all the way to a side alley, and not even bothering to check to see if he was followed, he immediately apparated back to his home.

0.o.0.o.0

By the time Josh got back to Johnny's apartment Johnny had already left for his date. He was emotionally drained from his yearly visit to Ginny and he had no energy to do anything. He was actually thankfully that Johnny wasn't here for he would surely try to find out what was wrong, and he was not about to tell Johnny about the past he had left behind all those years ago.

Tired, Josh sank into a chair and flipped on the T.V. He managed a feeble laugh as he saw the station was Discovery and it was some show about monkeys. He couldn't understand Johnny's strange fascination with monkeys. He shrugged; it was just another odd thing that made up Johnny's personality.

Glancing to a side table next to the chair, Josh noticed a large book open to a page. Curiously Josh picked it up. The page it was open to held a strange picture, its grotesque images twisted together. Josh grimaced and looked at the next page. It was talking about demons and a man called Mephistopheles. Shuddering, Josh snapped the book closed. He was seriously starting to worry about Johnny; the books he was reading were not light reading to say the least. Hell, he wasn't even sure were Johnny managed to find some of these books!

Throwing the book aside, Josh pushed himself out of the chair and made his way to kitchen. He walked over to the fridge but stopped, remembering that Johnny didn't drink beer and he never bought any. Grumbling, he moodily grabbed a glass from a cabinet and filled it up with water.

Josh was raising the glass to his mouth to drink when he noticed the water was boiling. Disturbed, he quickly set the glass down on the cabinet and immediately the water began to cool. Josh looked down at his hand, puzzled, and was surprised to see his hand was red.

Afraid, Josh turned on the water faucet and ran his hands under the cool water but he was met with a face full of steam.

"What the bloody hell?" He mumbled, his accent coming through.

"Josh."

Josh whipped around wildly, startled by the voice, but there was no one there.

"Josh."

"Who are you?" He yelled, panicking slightly.

"Josh."

Josh ran to the lift and pressed the down button. He waited impatiently for the slow lift to reach the bottom. He jumped out of the lift.

"Josh."

Josh started to frantically search for the source of the voice, but he stopped suddenly in his tracks. Right in front of him was the nicest motorcycle he had ever seen. It was freshly painted and matched his jacket. He stared in awe at the bike. He reached out a hand to touch it but withdrew it when he heard a voice say from behind him.

"Hello Josh, or should I say Harry."

Josh turned around, his face contorting in hate. He pointed an accusing finger at the man. "You, you are the one you tricked me. You are the one who made Ginny like she is!" He spat out.

"Yes, I am. But now I have need of you, and you are in my debt." The man smirked.

"I will never work for you."

"Oh, but you don't have a choice." The man smiled as Josh hopped on the bike, intending to ride away but he found himself unable to take his hands off of the bike, or move his feet.

"What the…" he mumbled.

"I knew the moment Voldemort arrived in Hell, that he would one day escape. I also knew no ordinary Rider would be able to stop him. That's where you come into the picture." He circled around Josh as he spoke. "I had the knowledge that only you could ever stop him, and with your girlfriend dying, it was the perfect opportunity for a deal. You agreed, like I knew you would, and I waited. Voldemort has escaped, unfortunately so has my son, Blackheart. I have already sent my other Rider after Blackheart, but you, you are to find Voldemort, and send him back to Hell."

"No, I won't work for you!" Josh protested as he fought to get off the bike.

"I'm afraid you have no choice." The smile flashed to a fanged grin before Josh was whisked away on the bike.

He had never gone so fast in his life, the speed was intoxicating. He didn't even care to notice that the wheels were on fire. He passed by buildings and cars so fast they were nothing but a mere blur, a smudge against the darkness of the night.

He came to an abrupt halt in an old, abandoned warehouse where he fell off the bike. Something was happening to him, he could feel the change. It was like a fire had started blazing inside of him. He screamed as his insides burned. He tried to stop it, using all his strength and magic but it did nothing. The fire kept spreading, his head felt ablaze and his hands were smoking.

His lungs ached from yelling. He fell to the ground, unable to stand from the pain. The fire intensified to the point where his whole body felt like it was going to burst into flames.

And then it stopped.

But though the pain was gone, a strange, new power was in its place. His mind was taken over by this almost animalistic instinct. He had one purpose, one goal. Find Voldemort and send him back to Hell.

0.o.0.o.0

Well, there you go, chapter one! Let me know what you think. I like to read your reviews, it is very encouraging to know someone is actually reading what you write. Constructive criticism is welcome! If anything is confusing, please just ask your question in your review and I will try my best to explain.

Please, if you find any mistakes, just tell me kindly, I wrote this late at night and I just skimmed over it because I didn't have much time to edit it.

Thankz

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