Hey everyone! Yes I'm awful and evil for not updating sooner. Just haven't had any sort of inspiration. This might just be shit too, but I reread it and I think its alright. I also lied. I did NOT get all the boring questioning done this chapter. How could I think I could? :D I was just writing and realized with Harry that it was time for the chapter to end. It ends rather abruptly, so know that I SERIOUSLY thought this was gonna be longer, but I hit that ending and realized that nope. That's it. Its meant to be. :D ANYway, any errors or problems that you find, please let me know. Criticisms are ENCOURAGED! but if you really like it don't be shy in letting me know. Also, please let me know if I missed anything obvious that the Light should have wondered about Harry. I THINK I fit everything in, but I may have left stuff out. :D Anywho, hope you enjoy and please let me know if ya did!

BTW: If you reviewed on my old account for this story, know that I sincerely appreciated it and I read EVERY SINGLE ONE! If you review again I promise to leave you either a PM or I'll respond in the next chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 4

Fallacy and Reality

You can close your eyes to reality, but not to memories.

-Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

It was so very dark. And cold.

Millions of stars twinkled up in the sky, and the cheshire-grin shaped moon shined mockingly on him. His glasses slipped down his sweat and dirt covered nose and dewy-wet leaves crunched under his torn shoes. The forest looked on-so foreboding, but nothing, not his fear or pride, would stop him from doing this. Not when his final moment of truth was here.

In his hand lay the ring and with it the stone. He gazed down at it, the symbol mocking him just like that moon. He knew that Dumbledore had given it as a gift, the whispered apology he had never given him in life. He knew what lay within it, the power he now possessed. A power he wouldn't have hesitated to use just a few months ago. Now though...he couldn't.

Green eyes stained with red, red that he hated so much, and unshed tears stared at the unassuming stone, his lower lip bloodied by his own teeth gnawing at it. What would they think of him? Of the things he had done these past few months, this night? Of course Ron and Hermione understood...they understood how there was no other way. But would they? Would the only people he had ever wanted to please understand why he had done the most unforgivable of acts?

His steps never slowed, but his own thoughts ceased to exist as memories poured to replace them. Sirius with his deep blue eyes and dark curly hair stood in front of him, his strong hands gripping his 15 year old shoulders.

"We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are." But what do you see as Dark Sirius? Is your reasoning behind an act more incriminating or the act itself?

These thoughts buzzed through his mind and he took one step after another towards his own death. Who would have thought the great Harry Potter would go by suicide? Not even in battle. A humorless chuckle escaped his lips, crickets and all other outside sounds echoing it.

You would think that in the grand finale of the great Boy-Who-Lived all would be silent, as if the whole world had stopped, transfixed by the final showdown. In reality, it was just another day. A few weeks, maybe even months after this he would be constantly talked about, but in the large scheme of things, he would just be another memory. A grain of sand in an unending desert.

Forgotten.

Finally, a few yards away Harry could see that the great dark trees surrounding him parted, and he knew his death was standing right before him. He could hear slight muttering, a few branches broken by clumsy feet. He looked down at the stone once more, his knuckles bright white from gripping it so hard. His shaking fingers turned it once, twice, thrice, and he heard a coo only he would, and could ever hear again.

She looked to be surrounded by a halo of white, making her a light in the forest- the only pure being present. Her purity gleamed and made him back away, fearful even of his lifetime pet, his first friend, rejecting him. But she just cooed at him, her bright yellow eyes looking at him kindly, just as she always had. Just as I always will, her eyes whispered to him.

She flew over to him, lightly hovering over his shoulder, automatically taking the place of his guardian angel, as if she had never left. He knew she couldn't touch him, but just having her there was enough. Knowing that he didn't disgust her. Knowing that that part of him, the 11 year-old boy who was still innocent, but had already been through so much, was still present enough for her to recognize him. And with her beating wings and kind gaze spurring him onward, he faced his end, prepared to finally rest.

To die.

"He...appears to be in perfect condition Albus. I do detect some sort of magical residue on him, but any tests on his core will take much longer than we have. I would expect him to be awake at any time. And no Black, he does not carry the Dark Mark for the last time." Severus looked on with a permanent sneer etched upon his sallow face as Black looked at him accusingly.

"Why else would he attack James and Lily like that? Everyone knows the Potter's are one of the most powerful Light families. He could...he could be a secret assassin for You-Know-Who!" Snape rolled his eyes at Black's antics, yet again wondering why he had to be here and not Madame Pomfrey.

"If we assume that the boy is one of the Dark Lord's, then he would have a Mark, no matter how secret he is. And why would he act as if Albus is a Death Eater if he himself is one? There would be no point in those lies, for everyone knows that he is the Leader of the Light. So quiet yourself Black and let the adults talk if you have nothing worthwhile to input." Black growled like the dog he was in response, but Potter of all peoplelaid a hand on him to calm him this time.

"He's right Padfoot and you know it. This...this guy was confused or just completely bonkers. I don't think he's on You-Know-Who's side though. He...he didn't give me that vibe. If anything-"

"He seems familiar." Lily interrupted.

Snape looked at her with well-hidden worry at the way her bright red hair was tangled, her face pale white and black smudges decorating her lids from crying. She was a mess, but her eyes told a different story.

"When he first saw me...it was almost as if he saw a ghost. I-I didn't understand it at the time, but it was like I was a long-lost friend that he couldn't believe he was seeing. Did you all get that feeling at all?" Her bright eyes implored responses from all of them, but Snape knew that she already believed what she said wholeheartedly. There would be no way any of them could crush her beliefs, no matter what they said.

"I- maybe. He did freak out at the sight of us though. Did you see how he...you know, when he saw Sirius." Lily, Black, and Potter each shivered from the memory of it, confusing Snape further. What was it about this unassuming boy that had everyone so spooked? Yes, he had managed to take down many of the Order's members, but Snape could easily say that not many of them were half as powerful as anyone in this room, and that included Black of all people.

"Yeah...it was creepy. He looked completely broken at the sight of you." All was silent as each reviewed what they had seen, minds working furiously to figure out what they were missing. Suddenly, the silence was interrupted when the object of their thoughts woke up with a gasp.

Each was pinned by his gaze, his eyes slightly widening, but quickly returning to the previous glare in acceptance at the sight of Snape. Everyone's wands were up in a flash, except Dumbledore of course because he had to have some kind of weird trust in the boy- Idiot. - Snape thought to himself, but the man merely raised his hands in surrender, deciding to sit casually in a criss-cross position.

His face twisted into a cocky smirk, his entire demeanor that of a relaxed schoolboy. But everyone, including him, knew it was a fallacy.

"So. It's wonderful to see all your bright and smiling faces here today. Who do I owe this pleasure to? Is it my birthday?" Every word was dripping with sarcasm, the arrogant grin never leaving his face. Unlike the Gryffindors present he understood the boy's game. Manipulation for information. Act like an asshole-someone will get mad and give you exactly what you want. Now, what that was...Snape had no clue. But he intended to find out.

"I'm afraid we would need your date of birth to determine that young man." The wizard's sharp green eyes locked onto his own black ones, and Snape took his shot. He forced his way into the boy's mind, but found himself thrown out soon after. He couldn't help the surprise that appeared on his face, and the man's smile widened into something predatorial and...pleased?

"Ah ah ah. Boys shouldn't force their way through locked doors. You don't know the traps that may be hidden inside." All the while the wizard's finger waved mockingly back and forth and he leaned back, tongue gliding over his sharp canines. His eyes shined wickedly.

"Now, I'd like to play a game if you don't mind." Abruptly his unnerving visage changed to that of a charming grin, all smiles and laughs.

No one wanted to play.

"What did you have in mind my boy?" His eyes narrowed slightly in irritation, but no other change was made and the slight one was easily rectified.

"Merely one of Q and A. I'm sure you all are just as fascinated as I am as to what led me here. Hopefully, together, we can work that out and I can be on my merry way- away from all of you. Doesn't that sound peachy?" Of course, not everyone thought so.

"And why shouldn't we just force all the answers out of you huh? WE have the wands, the upper hand. Shove some Veritaserum down your throat and we don't even have to worry about lies. What do we get out of working with you?" Sirius sneered. The mystery wizard's smiled widened, but his eyes darkened considerably.

"I'm so glad one of you had the thought to ask. For one, Veritaserum isn't foolproof, as I'm sure you know, with the right sort of methods anyhow-"

"What sort of methods? There's no way to resist Veritaserum." Black interrupted.

The man merely grinned like a cat who caught the canary.

"So it would seem." The man flicked a tongue over one of his canines again and smirked, deep green eyes glittering.

"Second reason, you must have figured out I'm not a Death Eater by now. He marks all of his little minions. And there's no way to magically conceal it for long periods. Since I've most definitely been here for more than a few hours, there's no way I could have the mark-therefore I can't be a follower."

"But what if-"

"Don't even Black." Snape sneered. "The Dark Lord marks all of his followers. We went over this. Besides, even if he didn't, he wouldn't send someone not even important enough to receive the Mark after a Light family as powerful as the Potter's. Its just ridiculous." Sirius's mouth snapped shut, but his blue eyes continued to glare at the younger wizard. He just continued smiling.

"Thank you for backing up my story sir. I truly appreciate it." Severus just sneered even more harshly.

"Third reason. Besides attacking in surprise and self defense, I haven't done anything to harm any of you. I could have legitimized miss Potter here, but I didn't. After I realized the damage I had already done by grabbing her, I knew it would be better to make a quick and easy escape. I just want to be on my way, just as I said beforehand."

"Please. I detect utter bullshit. How do we even know if you have the ability of Legilimency? And why on Earth would you act the way you did if you just wanted to leave? You haven't expressed anything other than the intent to kill ever since you got here." The man leaned back on his hands, completely undeterred by the string of accusations.

"The wonderfully dark and dreary man right here can back me up on the first for you and the second...well its simple. I'm in a completely new area that I don't remember ever entering. Of course I'd be suspicious of the people who I had thought brought me here against my will. I thought you had kidnapped me. Of course, I now realize my mistake, which is why I want to play that wonderful little game with you and avoid any and all bloodshed."

Everyone looked towards Snape and he nodded sharply. No way that strong of an Occlumens didn't know Legilimency.

"You still haven't answered the final question." James of all people mumbled.

"Why on Earth should we trust you?"

Everyone was quiet, and the smile on the man's face died down to something more serious-solemn.

"Because if you are who you say you are, I'll be the greatest ally you could ever have."

"So are we seriously even thinking about working with him? I still say he's lying about Veritaserum. Force some down his throat and figure out who he really is." Black grumbled. They had excused themselves for a bit, wanting to sort out everything privately.

"Besides, he sounded like a dirty snake through and through. I don't think we could trust a word out of his mouth."

"He did seem awfully conniving, but his story did match up. When he first saw me...he was more surprised and scared than anything. But what I don't get is why he continued to be surprised afterwards. Why did he act that way towards James, Dumbledore, and then Sirius?" Dumbledore nodded his agreement while stroking his beard, his twinkling blue eyes turned upward thoughtfully.

"I'm assuming that's a bit of the information he plans on giving us if we agree to play his "game" as he put it."

"Maybe he was just surprised at seeing such a famous family in real life. Most only hear stories of...what Harry managed to do." Both James's and Lily's eyes hardened, mouth's set in a grimace.

"Y-you may be right Severus. It could be possible." Silence followed for a time and Sirius looked outraged.

"Seriously? We're actually thinking about this? He's obviously been telling half-truths or whatever slimy Slytherins are good at spewing to get what they want. He attacked our people, Lily, James, and even you Dumbledore! We can't trust him."

"But he didn't. Not really." Lily mumbled. Sirius turned his accusing gaze to Lily, not believing his ears.

"What do you mean he didn-"

"I mean that he never sent killing blows towards anyone. He could have easily killed me and James. Also all the other Order members. But he didn't. He stupified everyone and didn't use anything worse than a Silencio on me. He didn't do that to kill. He did everything to get away. The only thing that doesn't add up is his recurring surprise and meltdown at the sight of us. And that's what I'm sure is his most closely guarded secret. From us anyway." Silence was met by her words, arguments and disagreements dying on Black's lips.

"He's a Potter too." Everyone turned their gazes to James sharply except his wife, who couldn't help but nod in agreement.

"What are you talking about James? You're an only child and your uncle was killed a while back. Its just you and your parent's now." James shook his head, messy black locks flying everywhere.

"I just-his face looks just like a Potter. He has to be a direct descendant. You know how old pureblood families are, certain traits are always found. The Blacks aren't too bad about it, but Potter's and the Malfoy's? You could spot them a mile away. And that guy is a Potter through and through. I have no doubt."

Everyone looked towards the subject of their confusion. He merely sat on the bed calmly, brilliant eyes aimed at the window, a small smile on his face. The picture of serenity. But when he felt their gazes, his eyes sharpened along with his smile, making them look away soon after.

"You sure Padfoot? I mean...maybe- ugh I don't know. Your uncle must have gotten with another Black then. Potter's have brown hair." Snape looked at them both irritably, and secretly mostly annoyed at the idea of another Potter being in their midst.

"Whoever his parents are or aren't is a moot point. We won't know unless we ask him or know exactly who the mother is."

"But we do know." Lily whispered, eyes bright with realization. Before anyone could interrupt she continued, voice rising with confidence.

"When I found him, he was just laying on the beach unconscious. Unless someone keyed him into the wards gave him access, he'd have to be a Potter to enter on his own. Otherwise James would have known he had entered the property. There's no way he isn't a Potter."

"Well, he's family then! Let's throw a party for him and stay up late telling scary stories around a homey campfire. You know the crazies in my family James. Your Uncle probably got with some Black and died soon after. The poor kid was either raised Dark like my family, or as an orphan. Either way we don't know what kind of person he is and we can't trust him."

"But we need answers Sirius." Lily whispered, eyes peering at a face so very familiar to her, "And I intend to have them."

It's so...quiet.

Harry looked out the window, the bright blue sky and fluffy clouds reminding him of lazy weekends spent lying beside the Black Lake, Gryffindors on all sides. The utter peace of those days-Harry wished with everything he had that he could go back. Go back when things were simple. When all the battles at the end of each year were fabricated by the Headmaster.

Yes, he knew that every year Dumbledore faced him with another test. But he understood. Not only did Albus need to make sure he could handle the rough times ahead, but he also had to make sure Harry wasn't another Tom Riddle in the making. He-they couldn't make a mistake like that. Not now.

So yes, Harry understood. He also knew that Voldemort rising in his fourth year was never the plan, and that Dumbledore keeping away from Harry in his fifth year was not only to keep his horcrux from spying...but also because he realized he had made a grave mistake. A mistake he couldn't afford to make. And that's exactly the situation Harry was in right now.

He was about to make a grave mistake.

He knew that these people couldn't be real. Not only was he not near any time-turners, but time-turners couldn't go back more than a day. And even if they could, the people he knew to be dead wouldn't look this old. They never made it that far. So, Harry knew it was all a fallacy. Mind games and his own insanity mixing together to create this huge mess.

But his heart- his heart said they were real. That the emotion in their eyes couldn't be faked and the words Dumbledore had said, the answer he had given; Voldemort couldn't fabricate all of that. Only Harry could.

So, either this was all inside his head and he had created it, or it was real. Not to mention the information he had gleaned from his act. For one, Snape's mind had been able to keep him out. No one alive but Voldemort was stronger at the mind arts than himself, and that was just from experience. If Snape had been a polyjuiced Death Eater Harry would have been able to break in easily. So, that was really Snape. There was no way it wasn't.

He had thought for a moment that maybe Voldemort had polyjuiced as Snape, but not only would the arrogant arsehole never lower himself to that, but the only pair of shields he was more familiar with than his own were his.

There was also the fact that no one had any idea about Purgato magic, which literally translates to cleaning magic in latin. Veritaserum, because of its extremely powerful properties, is easily detected and cleaned if necessary by a wizard's magic. However, a person's magic doesn't naturally detect Veritaserum as a harmful substance. So we don't attack it. However, if you have enough control over your core, you can let your magic know of the harmful substance in your system and stop it.

Because Veritaserum isn't supposed to be a poison, it doesn't have the magic-inhibiting properties all magical poisons naturally have. So, a wizard's magic can easily eradicate it before it even reaches the brain, where it forces you to tell the truth. Ever since that type of magic was discovered, all non-lethal potions such as Amortentia and Veritaserum became utterly useless. Now, this could be part of Voldemort's elaborate plan, but with all the other factors Harry had been faced with, he was sure he couldn't write off this anomaly so easily.

Finally, his whole act had been centered around one thing: Voldemort would never keep himself away if Harry acted like a Slytherin.

Harry didn't understand it and honestly didn't want to. But when Harry acted manipulative and sneaky, the snake-faced bastard couldn't resist playing with him himself. Of course Harry had never been in a situation as complicated and intricate as this one, but if Voldemort had been watching from the side lines he would have joined in. And a game this carefully planned-well there was no way Lord Voldemort wouldn't have a front seat.

So a part of him that continued to grow after each realization believed that this might be real. That that might actually be Sirius. And it might just be Dumbledore standing there with his eccentric robes and twinkling eyes. And that he might of actually met his parents. That they weren't some short clip of a photograph or a smiling image in a mirror-.

The mirror.