Disclaimer: All characters and items of the magical world belong to the talented Mrs. J. K. Rowling
I only own parts of the plot of the story
Title: Harry Potter and the Apocalypse
Author: stormyabyss
Rating: T
Genre: Romance/Adventure/Action
Setting: Post-Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Summary: Harry Potter travels to the ends of the world to finally fulfill his destiny. Along his journey, he breaks and makes new relationships as his feelings for Hermione deepen.
A/N: Sorry about the long wait. I will post two chapters today instead.
Enjoy.
I want to thank cyn2100 for reviewing.
Chapter III: The Past Beginning
"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. "
-George Orwell
Harry was brought back to reality by a sharp pinch. "Ouch…bloody…"
"Harry, focus. Look what Snape and Wormtail are doing." Hermione felt the urge to pour water on Harry, knowing that it would be somewhat successful at holding his attention even if it would be only for a few minutes.
"Sorry, Hermione. What has been going on?"
"Well, Snape and Wormtail tried to summon something. I don't know what, but I don't think it worked since nothing happened."
"Wait, Harry, I think something huge is coming this way." Ron whispered hoarsely and turned a sickening white.
Harry twisted towards the left, straining his ears to hear what Ron had just heard, and his efforts were not disappointed as an enormous vehicle swerved around the corner at the narrow end of the streets before spinning precariously onto the street the trio was situated on.
Out of the shadows emerged a tall, red, two-decked bus—the Knight Bus. It stopped to a screeching halt in front of the trio, and out of the bus stepped Stan Shunpike, the bus' attendant. Stan flicked his eyes back and forth, searching for some sign of existence. Upon his return flick, his eyes were met with those of Snape and Wormtail, although he didn't know who they were.
Snape stepped forward in his disguise. "Mr. Stanley, I presume. My companion and I just so happened to find ourselves in a dilemma. We were searching for reports on the famous Harry Potter when my companion here led us on to this street. Since then, we have been lost. If it is of no trouble, will you be so kind as to lend us a ride back to the Leaky Cauldron."
To say Harry was astonished by Snape's sudden act of courtesy was a downright lie.
Stanley considered the two men before him before stepping aside and permitting them to enter. "All right. Ernie will drop you fellows at the Leaky Cauldron. But, the trip will cost you…let me see…" he tapped some keys on the device tied around his neck, "…two sickles."
Snape looked at the bus attendant as if he were about to blast the man and take over the bus himself. In the end, he yielded and tossed two sickles at Stanley's feet. Snape brushed pass Ernie with an air of arrogance as he walked to the back of the bus with Wormtail closely shuffling behind.
Stanley murmured to himself. "Humph…should have never let those two on this bus. One looks like a downright coward while the other is way too arrogant for his own good…" Before closing the door, he turned towards Snape's direction and asked bitterly, "Do you have any luggage?"
"If I did, it would be of no concern to you. Now hurry up and drop us off at the Leaky Cauldron before I take those two sickles back." Snape looked about ready to hex everything in reach, but instead, he chose to cross his arms and stare back at Stanley with clear malice.
Stanley reluctantly closed the doors of the bus as Ernie stomped on the pedal. With that, the Knight Bus disappeared into the night at lightning speed.
"What was that all about?" Ron was clearly perplexed. This was all too much for him.
"I don't have the slightest idea…but that doesn't matter right now. We have to hurry before someone catches us." Harry felt immensely uneasy at Snape's and Wormtail's peculiar act, but he knew there were still more important things at hand. "It's that cottage over there. We'll creep in from the back so there'll be less chance someone will see us."
Harry stood up, with Ron in tow, and was about to emerge from the bushes when he stopped in mid-stride.
"Harry…"
"What is it Hermione?"
"Are you sure you want to go back there? I don't think much is left of it…"
"'Mione," he whispered lowly so Ron wouldn't hear, "I have to go back there. It's just my gut feeling. I want to start from the beginning…from here…from Godric's Hollow…from my past…
