Chapter Eleven: Death Dance Part I.
"Bloody hell, you look like shit." Sirius turned at the voice, the voice he hadn't heard in years. The Messy hair, the silver eyes; that rouge grin, it couldn't be. "You're acting like you see a ghost Pads, oh wait." The figure's grin grew into a full blown smile "Maybe you are."
Sirius stood there, nothing around him but this person; this young man. A man who had died nearly thirteen years ago, who died to save his family and who had been his brother in all but blood.
James Samuel Potter.
"Y-You're dead." Sirius said after a few seconds.
James smirked "I should hope so." He said rubbing his lightly stubble jaw.
Sirius frowned creating lines along his face "Then…."
"Try not to think too hard, Jess can only do this for a short time." James said walking over and placing a hand on Sirius' shoulder.
Sirius nodded, he felt the weight of his hand; it all felt real, too real. "Tell me something you've never told me." He stated.
James frowned "Sirius…"
"NO, Answer me damn it!"
James nodded lost in thought for a moment "When Harry was first born, I wanted you to be the God-Father. Lily of course asked me why? She always asked why, curious about everything and anything…I said it was because you were loyal, forgiving, caring and above all; you would treat my son as if it was your own." James pulled the older man; the man who looked like he had fought hell for years and came out swinging. "I remember when Harry was about three months, Lily thought I misplaced him, accidently wrapped him in my cloak again; you took him didn't you?"
Sirius gave his brother a tight hug "I was showing him the brightest star in the sky." He mumbled, a small tear leaking down his cheek; he'd forgotten that memory.
James pulled away a little, looking him in the eyes "Sirius, that night with Wormtail." He said softly "That was foolish….Lily cried and cried for days, you were innocent; always innocent."
"Prongs…I'm not that Innocent."
"When it came to the things people thought you did, you didn't sleep with everything that moved or cursed Slytherins for being alive. You were normal, just like Moony, Wormtail and me." James said calmly with a full grin "Wormtail, took the low but easy road; I will not fault him for this."
"JAMES!"
"He was our friend, I would have given my life for him; like I know you would as well." He said remaining calm, being dead for some time gave him perspective "While I am not angry at him, I am at what he has done. End him."
Sirius' eyes widened, James Potter had never been known for extreme violence. Normally never aiming to kill a single person, though it would happen from time to time. "I am sorry about that night…I was reckless."
"You thought Harry would be safe." James said before jabbing a finger into the man's shoulder "Don't think next time, Harry was your priority. IS!"
Sirius slapped the finger away "I know that, why do you think I've been working so hard!"
"I know you have, Pads."
Sirius crossed his arms, he wasn't really sure what to do. James had been his friend for years and he hadn't seen him in a long time; then again most of his time was spent in a cell. However, this was the first time he didn't know what to say.
James flickered a moment "Jess is having a hard time, trust Remus! I left things in the Home at Godric's Hollow; third book shelf 'A Guide to Charms." He said quickly, closing his eyes for a second "Let Harry know that his Mother loves him, every time he'd stumble and fall; just to dust himself off and refuse to stay down, she would cry." James then placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder "Look out for him."
"What's it like?" He asked slowly "Dying?"
James smirked a little, his eyes softening "It's quicker and easier than falling asleep."
Sirius nodded, the scene slowly starting to crumble away; like it was being dissolved into nothingness. Suddenly he felt the light warmth of lips along his, eyes snapping open he saw Jess still kissing him before pulling away slowly "Now that was a kiss." She muttered, a light giggle following.
Sirius rubbed his eyes for a moment, then looked back at her; she looked like most of the life had been sucked out of her, her skin was paler and she seemed more tired but he had to ask. "W-was that all…"
"Real?"
Sirius nodded dumbly.
"It was indeed."
"W-What are you?"
Jessica shrugged "I like to think I'm just myself but I've been known by others." She said casually, pulling out a cigarette from her back pocket and lighting it with the tip of her wand. "Samantha and Jessica are my favorites."
"That answers Who, but what?"
"In all honesty, I'm not quite sure. I think I might be a bridge, or some form of the lovely death." She explained with a small shrug "I did die for a little while when I was little, they brought me back or he did…."
The woman, look nearly lost in thought; magic could take on any form, was it really that far out there that this woman was Death? Probably, had Death rubbed off on her..More likely than not.
"What do you mean bridge?" Sirius asked with a raised brow.
Jess smiled sadly, she reached below the counter and pulled up a dead bird "What do you see?" She asked preening its feathers.
"I see a dead bird, looks like it's been that way for a while now." He answered dully, tugging on his hood again; glancing at the windows.
"That is what you see." She whispered "But I can still see its life."
"What like an echo?"
"Yes! Exactly, I can it is dead but I can also see what it was." She said brightly with a bubbly smile.
Sirius rubbed his chin in thought, his hand resting on the desk.
Jess leaned in a little, placing her hand onto his own "It was a really good kiss Black, any other tricks to show off?" She spoke in a low tone of voice, her bright pink eyes almost looked hungry.
Sirius had one train of thought Dangerous.
XX~XX~XX~XX
The last male Black looked up at the nearly destroyed home of his Brother, the House at Godric's Hollow. He rested his hand along the face of its gate, brushing away some of the snow; he was reading the plaque.
Basically it was the Ministry claiming something that wasn't theirs and telling everyone that this place shouldn't be touched. Good thing he hated rules.
"Mischief Managed." He whispered lowly, the gate clicked once and then swung open. Lily and James wouldn't just let a simple lack of a key keep their friends away; even when they were hiding. He walked past the over grown bushes and small beds of wild flowers or weeds.
Sirius pushed the door in, Voldemort and Hagrid had basically destroyed the house; most of it was unrecognizable. All the furniture had been removed, the paintings and all the baubles. This could pose a challenge, if they took the books off the bookcase….
He walked into the den, after a quick glance around he saw a small black stuffed dog; a gift to a one year old. He felt himself sinking into the past, and he let himself go.
~Flash~
"Prongs! Lily-Flower!" Sirius said in a bright voice, closing the door behind him and strolling into the den.
"What's up Pads?" James asked looking up at his brother, he held his wand in his left hand and kept trying to make small sparks for his infant child to play with.
"Stop calling me Lily-Flower." Lily moaned, only James could it; and she rarely even let him.
"Nothing, just wanted to say hello. Where are Peter and Remus?" He asked looking around like they were going to jump out from the flower pot.
"Yeah…you've always been a terrible liar." James said with a small sigh "What did you break?"
Sirius pouted "I don't always break things Prongs."
"Just fifty percent of the time." Lily chimed from her seat on the couch, a book in her lap.
Sirius glared at his Pseudo-Sister-In-Law. "Fine! I just got news!"
"News of what Pads?!" James said with a small smile, he always played these games.
"Nymphadora's on that Muggle Foot-Ball thingy right because Ted thought she'd be good." He said throwing himself onto the couch, making Lily squeak and jump in surprise.
"Go on." James said as little Harry started to pull on his cheek; giggling as he did.
"I just watched that little six year old kick a referee in the sack." Sirius said with a bright howl of laughter. "The poor bastard said that she was cheating, and that she was being kicked off the field."
"Was she?" Lily asked, she had played football when she was little; terrible at it but still played.
"A little, the ball would sort of move on its own and her bangs kept changing colours." Sirius said with a small shrug "Should have seen the look on Andie's face, priceless."
James was snickering lightly, Dora was quite the little firecracker; she was quick to anger and got it from the Black blood. James had a bit of a temper himself, his Mother was a Black but she had left the family a long time ago. He started to tickle his son, listening him howl in a fit of giggles.
Sirius took off his leather jacket "Hey Prongs…what are you doing tonight?" He asked gently.
James looked up from his son, then to Lily who shrugged "Nothing, why?"
Sirius turned to Lily "Can I barrow your husband for a few hours, I'd like to visit Regs grave." He asked her in a soft voice.
Lily smiled sadly, she had only met Regulus a few times when she was still friends with Severus. "Of course, take as long as you need." She said leaning in and kissing his forehead "Dinner will be at six boys, try not to get into too much trouble."
Sirius grinned brightly "You're a wonderful woman Lily Potter!" He called as she took Harry into the kitchen; then looking at James "And you are far too ugly for a woman like herself."
"Piss off Pads." James flicked his wand, sending him a light stinging jinx.
~Forward Flash~
"Come on Harry say it!" Sirius said looking down at the small infant "Pad-Foot."
"Mo-ony." The infant said pulling his thumb into his mouth.
"No, Padfoot."
"Moony."
"I told you he likes me more." Remus said from his place by the small fire.
"Padfoot, come on Lily is smart you should get this easily."
"Po-o." Harry said in a giggly voice.
"For the love of Merlin." Sirius said slapping his brow "Come on Harry I'm your God-Father, the least you can do is call me by name. How can I spoil or corrupt you if I don't get the credit?"
"Moony." Harry cooed again.
"Face it Sirius, Padfoot is still too hard for him." Moony said casually, turning to look at the young man.
Sirius' face contorted for a moment "Pa-foo." He said gently to the small infant "Say Pa-foo."
"Moony."
"James! Your child is broken!" Sirius called out to the couple in the kitchen who were making dinner together.
"My child is nothing of the sort!" Lily called back, anger in her voice. "Or at least he better not be! Black!"
Sirius silenced himself, after a few seconds of thought; he changed into Padfoot, nuzzling the small babe. He gently pulled the pup over and rest on his stomach, the infant started to try and climb all over him.
"Pa-Foo!" The small baby cried out a in a bright voice.
All in all, Sirius hadn't felt that happy in a long time.
~Forward Flash~
"Happy Birthday, Harry." Sirius said tickling the year old child. His face in a light stubble and a bright grin. He then pulled a small black dog from his leather jacket pocket, it looked a lot like his Animal form.
Harry took it quickly and started to hug it "Pa-Foo."
"That's right Harry. Pa-Foo." Sirius said kissing the child on the head.
"Maybe you should look into getting one yourself, eh Pads?" James said cradling his son.
"Some day, for now I think he'll be enough." Sirius said placing his hands into his pockets "Sorry, Moody has me doing a run today; I could only drop in for the moment."
"I know." James said placing a hand on his shoulder "The door is always open, I don't care how late it is."
"I know you don't, Lily does." He shuddered at the thought of the angered red head.
James just shuddered with him.
~Flash End~
Sirius rubbed his sleeve along his cheeks, trying to remove the tears that flowed down them "Why?" He asked himself "Why did they have to die…why couldn't it have been me instead…I would trade my soul for theirs…" He kicked at the wall in anger, snapping the thin and worn wood.
Sirius stuffed the black dog into his back pocket and climbed up the stair case, avoiding the normal worn step. He walked along the walls until he hit James study, on the second floor; he walked to the bookcase, there was one shelve that had not been cleaned off.
It looked like some sort of blood runes protected the books. Sirius bit into his left thumb and rubbed it along the sealing rune, he heard a small snap and click. The glass opened, falling forward still resting on its hinges.
"This one." He whispered, pulling the book James had told him too.
Another click rang through the air, the bookcase swung open; it reviled another hidden bookshelf. This one had nothing but dark titles or semi dark titles, even the journal James kept when they were researching the Animagus.
They had blood magic, rituals, summoning and even old school black magic, this was weird for a Potter to keep in his house. Then again James was part Black, the family was Black for a reason; they took to the Dark Arts far better than most of the other houses.
That didn't really stand out as much as another scroll it was similar to the Map they made or it at least felt the same, he unrolled it and was nearly shocked when he saw the title.
"Marauders Phase Two_ Drifters."
XX~XX~XX~XX
Harry stretched out on his bed Sirius had sent him a letter a few days ago, they needed to talk but being it was Christmas today; he felt that could wait until at least the 27th.
He was fairly sure that he would be sleeping most of the 26th or he'd be too tired to care.
Harry glanced at his small pile of presents, he'd actually gotten a few more this year than before. He started with Fleur's gift, he felt kind of bad that he was waiting to give hers.
She had gotten him a Horntail scale Vest, it was fitting really.
Andie, Sirius and Gama had sent him gifts, Andie was a runic charm for water elements and Gama (Bellatrix) sent him a pair of throwing knives and Sirius sent him two, one magical pen knife to open any knot or locked door and a worn black stuffed pup, it brought back some feeling in his chest. It was like finding something that had been lost.
Ron got him a box of chocolate frogs; he sent him the same thing, while he's not happy with the Red-Head at the moment that doesn't mean he completely hates him.
Hermione sent him a Quidditch book on the teams of Ireland and Brittan.
sent him the normal Jumper this time in a charcoal black with Potter in red along the back. He actually did like the design of this one.
Daphne sent him a Holly wand treater set, most likely from him mentioning that he had forgotten.
Neville gifted him with a small Herbology book and even some seeds; maybe he'd plant something the Dursleys garden. Not so normal then.
Hagrid and the Twins double loaded him with sugary junk and prank supplies; which was awesome, in his opinion at least.
Mindy got him a book on Runes, as well as a note on she'd help if needed.
Dobby got him a pair of socks, Potter themed of course; though Harry did feel bad about not gifting the small elf, so he gave him the other sock to the one that he always wore and a new knit hat.
With all the packages out of the way he moved onto the small envelopes, then his stomach growled. Figuring he could open the letters in the Hall and everything would be fine.
After cleaning up the mess and himself, he headed down to the Great Hall; sitting right down on the end of the Gryffindor table, grabbing a roll and popping it into his mouth as he opened the first envelope.
Other than a loud crashing sound, he couldn't remember anything else.
XX~XX~XX~XX
Fleur was running, sprinting really down the long halls of Hogwarts. She had been in the Medical Wing before; Harry wasn't a stranger to injury and had brought him many times herself.
'Why now? Why must it always be him?' She thought to herself, moving to the side of a stray Hufflepuff student.
Fleur could hear the footsteps of Hermione and Mindy right behind hers; they were either right on her tail or a few feet behind.
With a start she pushed the large doors open in the medical wing, all but three of the beds were empty and she easily found the bed she was looking for. Poppy had been a woman of her word, a bright gleaming plaque stood proudly above the bed 'Harry James Potter.'
Harry looked like he'd been caught in an explosion, he had small burns along his face and neck area. His hands were wrapped lightly in a white gauss, as was part of his chest; he was still covered in coal or soot.
"Arry." She said softly, bringing a hand up to her mouth in slight shock; he was still unconscious, his breaths were slow but average.
Fleur turned to Hermione who started to explain in a tired voice. "Harry is a very private person, normally he'd open all of his gifts alone. Today he felt much more secure about himself and only opened the packages in wherever he sleeps now." She paused at that giving her friend a look, what if he had opened it in that place? "He took a pile of envelopes down to the Great Hall….he didn't get past the first one as it exploded in his hand."
The Bookish Witch pointed a slightly slender finger at the small letters, all of which had been opened. Most of the letters were congratulations on surviving the first task, however; a few were also traps, with bubotuber pus being the example.
The letter in question had survived through charm work.
'You think you can fight, or you think you can win? How can fight when you've been done in? I'll leave you with this, you scar headed snake. Cheat again in this race, and I will up my game. If you think I'm lying, or you think I'm through, fucking try me Potter and I'll burry you. ~ D.E.'
Fleur frowned at the letter, someone thought he was still cheating in this race. What did that mean Snake? She knew he could speak to them but did that really make him a Snake?
"At least it sort of rhymed" She more or less grumbled out.
Hermione nodded "Do you know a D.E?"
Fleur pursed her lips "It could mean Death Eater, they did set off the cursed Mark not too long ago…"
Daphne had made her way to the Medical Wing, as soon as she heard; it was Christmas, Tracy knew better than to try and wake her early. "Or it could just be a Calling Card, a lot of the Ex-Death Eaters are trying to lay low." She said brushing her hair to the side "If they don't then who will help their lord when he returns."
Hermione looked at her with wide eyes "What does that mean?"
"It's just something the Kids of the Death Eaters say, the Dark Lord will rise again or some form of BS." The Slytherin said without much enthusiasm.
"Or…" A male voice said in a groggy tone of voice, all eyes turned to the bed where Harry was now trying to support himself with his better arm "It's someone just wanting to start a war…" His eyes a very menacing dark red, the dark rings around them made them even more terrifying.
XX~XX~XX~XX
A figure lightly picked at his bandages, Poppy had done a wonderful job; she knew how special this night must be. His face was now clear of most burns, leaving the spots only slightly red; his hands were tougher and in the end she only repaired the mobility in them.
Harry stood in a black wizard robe, a cloak hung off to the left side; also in black but the under layer was a forest green and the Potter Coat of Arms on the exterior for all to see. His hair had been tamable for this or at least he tried, it was styled more so than normal; making him look more like his father than already possible.
He was waiting at the entrance of the Carriage for Fleur, he was glad that she had said yes. Though he knew he was likely to dance with more than her, he would aim for her as much as possible.
The Carriage doors opened, letting out those that would be attending the ball. Their dates waiting for them and escorting them up to the castle or the Males that had been leaving one at a time for their dates. Harry had stuck as best he could to the shadows, not really in the mood to talk with anyone; especially when they still thought of him as a liar.
His eyes were drawn to a beautiful Silver dress, it hugged her curves in all the right places, a few detail markers added to the simple attire. That however couldn't be said for the woman wearing said dress, whose blond hair was pulled and teased into a loose bun; sapphire earrings practically made her eyes glow.
"Woah…" Harry said in a breathless voice, though he was immune to the Veela Charm; Fleur was practically glowing in beauty.
Fleur's heels clipped the steps and she leaned down a little, catching his cheek in for a soft kiss "Merci." She whispered in a light voice.
Harry stood there still lost in his own little world, before he slowly took her arm and lead her to the Great Halls entrance; he was shocked to see someone he'd really never expected.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, she looked like her; more or less in the face but with her busy hair pulled elegantly and straightened out neatly, the lilac dress with a simple necklace charm made her look stunning.
Hermione gave Harry a once over "Wow, you clean up nice Harry." She said with an approving smile.
"Hello Harry" Viktor's voice said from behind Hermione, he was wearing a deep scarlet robe that most of the other Durmstrang men were wearing, the women were different coloured dresses.
"Viktor." Harry said shaking the fellow champions hand, he then spotted Cedric and Cho a little away from them; they looked like they were talking intimately.
The Fourth Champion sent out a small wave to the Hufflepuff Seeker, who smiled in return.
"So, you two going together then?" Fleur asked with a lightly raised brow.
Viktor nodded "Da, I asked her…vhat two veeks ago?" He said looking over to Hermione.
The young woman nodded, blushing a little "Yes, in the Library." Hermione was holding the other champions hand.
Harry rose a brow, he pointed a finger at Viktor's chest "Treat her right, I'll be watching." He said with a growl.
The Doors opened and McGonagall stepped out in her normal green robes, however her hat had a wreath around it. "Champions line up please, Potter you and Miss. Delacour will enter last."
Harry nodded, moving in behind Cedric; the Hufflepuff smiled again at Harry "Figure out that Egg yet?" Came a soft whisper.
"Water." Was his one word reply, Cedric smirked and nodded; he turned to talk with Cho again.
Harry turned to Fleur, who was lightly gripping his arm "Ready?" He asked with a lightly raised brow.
"I think I should be asking you that." She said leaning down with a full smile, winking at him.
Harry grinned in return as they were lead in the Great Hall, it was brilliant really; it looked like someone had covered the place to look like a frozen wonder land. Ice Crystal seemed to be the main theme of the ball; which worked perfectly with Fleur's dress.
Harry noticed that all eyes followed them, first they were watching Hermione; a lot of the girls had looks of shock at the Bookish girl. Then the girls had looked at Cedric, who was a pretty boy; at least from the way his hair was styled. Finally they watched the deadly couple walk in, trailing behind the others; giving them their time in the light.
Every teenage eye was following the couple, the men were watching Fleur like she was a goddess or glaring at Harry like he was a thief. The girls were eyeing Harry, despite what he would claim; him running into Voldemort and Pettigrew had defined him and with robes that fit perfectly, it showed.
"Will the Champions start the dance?" Dumbledore said from the long table at the back.
Said Champions moved into place, the music from the band started to play a slow melody.
Harry felt himself getting into position, resting his hand on Fleur's waist and taking her free hand, he could feel her hand on his shoulder-blade. As they all seemed to wait for the right second, Harry glanced up and winked at Fleur.
~Flash~
"Damn it!" Andie hissed in pain, she grabbed Harry by the front of his robes "Step on my toes one more time Potter!"
Harry frowned "Not like I want to!" He said glaring right back, a smaller figure stepped forward from the kitchen.
"Mum?" The young woman asked with a raised brow, her hair a bright bubblegum pink and eyes a perfect match of his own. "Harry?"
Harry rose a brow, looking at Andie then to the woman "Mum? I didn't know you had a Daughter."
Andie smacked her forehead "I forgot, you were so young when you two last met." She said rubbing her eyes.
"Young?" The Daughter said with a small bubbly laugh "I was feeding him a bottle. It's been a long time, you were cute back then what happened?" She said with a sly grin.
"Hey!" Harry said with a glare, crossing his arms.
"Relax kiddo, I'm just having fun." She said walking over setting her cup on the table near by "I'm Nympahdora, in case you'd forgotten." Then she jabbed a finger at his chest "Call me Nym, just like when you were one."
Harry smirked "I think I can manage that, Nym." He said casually.
The Pink haired teen smiled widely "Good, now let me show you a few steps." She said slowly changing her height to about his own. "Face it Mum, it would be easier with someone his own size."
Andie rolled her eyes, oblivious to Harry's wide eyes "I still don't understand how you can drown in a pool, or trip over a chair." She said rubbing her eyes again "Yet you can dance flawlessly."
Nym just stuck up her nose "Everyone is good at something." She said turning to Harry "Never seen a Meta before?"
Harry shook his head slowly.
"Basically I can change my form to whatever I feel like." She said dully, simple and short "Now put your left hand on my waist."
~End Flash~
Nym had spent hours teaching how to do the steps, Andie sunk him out of school and back to the house he was now going to be spending the summers; though he had yet to meet Ted, Andie promised that the man loved him when he was an infant and would love him now.
So now was time to use the training he had done, slowly he danced to the steps; not once stepping on her toes or failing to step in time. Soon enough they became more adventurous, picking up speed and adding steps.
As they danced, Harry felt the world around him blur out; he was only focused on the sapphire eyes that looked directly back at his. Fleur was in a similar situation, in fact she couldn't really believe that this young man; who was raised in a terrible household could learn these steps.
At first people had started to join the Champions, the Professors and some of the braver students but after the music had stopped and the couple were still into their dance. The band saw this and started to play something faster for them.
Everyone was watching as they moved, Harry seemed to move like a liquid; he just flowed to the music, meeting her every step with his own. Harry spun her, making her extent as far as his arm would allow; then pulled her back.
They both met together, Fleur looked down a little and leaned in taking shallow breaths. Harry met her halfway and their lips met.
XX~XX~XX~XX
Hello, Hello. So how are we doing on this lovely update? I hope this was a good first part to our Ball; how did I do? I would like to think it was rather good, it finished up some loose ends and if I left a hole anywhere would someone please let me know in either the Reviews or by PM that would be rather lovely. So I am in America, and we celebrate Thanksgiving today; so if you do, have a wonderful evening and if you don't all the same. ~ Sign the Demon.
