Paradise

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Character's aren't mine either. Waaah. I'm just a fan having some fun. :)

Sunlight streamed through the open window of the 6th year Gryffindor Boys window, a welcome relief to the usually cold and blustery conditions.

Harry lay quietly on his bed, with no intention of moving any time soon. Dark circles under his eyes showed his lack of sleep. Yet, as exhausted as he was, his mind continued to work frantically.

Life since Remus and Tonks' wedding had been plagued with war. That one-day of happiness now overshadowed by Voldemort's unrelenting advances. Every day, the Daily Prophet were reporting violent riots all throughout London and Britian, with muggleborn and halfblood families being targeted at random.

Diagon Alley was no longer the cheerful place Harry remembered from his 1st year. People had now deserted the place in fear. Death Eaters no longer lurked in dark corners, but walked proudly throughout the streets. Shops closed down, with even Fred and George admitting it had become too dangerous to continue.

Everywhere he looked, Harry was reminded of the war. Even Hogwarts, the one place that had seemingly felt untouched was now under threat. Even more students had been withdrawn. The castle's emptiness was a constant reminder of a war brewing outside its walls.

Harry sighed, a hand reaching up to his scar. It had been stinging for the last few days, and worried Harry immensely. Although his mind was closed and protected – the sting was always there and always reminded Harry that Voldemort was out there and getting stronger every day.

'You awake Harry?" Ron called from the doorway, his voice weary and tired.

'Yeah mate, what's up?' Harry asked, forcing a smile.

Ron shrugged and walked over to the window. The sunlight hit his face, illuminating his red hair. Closing his eyes he began to talk.

'Luna's dad wants to bring her home.'

Harry sighed quietly as he pushed the covers off his body. 'What does Luna say? Will she go?'

Ron glanced at Harry and offered a small grin. 'She says she wants to stay. She doesn't want to let you-know-who…' Ron frowned. 'Voldemort. She doesn't want to let Voldemort dictate her life. But… '

Harry nodded, thinking. 'But she wants to make her dad happy?' He finished.

Ron turned back to the window with a nod. 'I don't know what to do, Harry.' Ron said quietly. 'I want to be selfish. I want her to stay with me, here. But I understand what her dad wants. He wants to be with her. To keep her safe.' He turned his attention back to Harry, a helpless look his face. 'War fucking sucks.'

Harry barked out laugh, 'yeah, it's not as fun as they make it sound in movies and books do they?'

'What are movies?' Ron asked perplexed.

'Ah, muggle thing, don't worry.' Harry muttered with a wave of his hand. 'Look, I guess you'll just have to accept her decision, no matter how you feel about it and how sucky it could be. The main thing nowadays, is that you're safe.' Harry turned to look out the window. The lake was in the distance, the sun gleaming on its surface. The image was a stark contrast to what was happening outside the grounds of Hogwarts. 'People get nervous. Being away from their parents, loved ones during a time like this.' Harry sighed, 'it can't be easy. And they have a choice. They can leave.' There was an edge to his voice that surprised even Harry.

Ron nodded thoughtfully and eyed him curiously. 'You're not sleeping again are you?'

Harry smiled a sad smile. 'War fucking sucks.'

'Have you spoken to Dumbledore lately?' Ron asked as they made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Harry nodded. 'Spoke with him last night. He wants me to talk to Slughorn.'

'Slughorn?' Ron scrunched up his face, 'why would he need that?'

'Because apparently he was teaching here when our mate Tom was a student. Dumbledore thinks old Horace told him something that will help us.' Harry sighed. 'And because my mum was a favourite of his, Dumbledore thinks I'll be able to get it out of him. Awesome logic, I know.'

Ron nodded as they entered the hall and spotted Hermione immediately. 'Sounds like fun.' He commented as they sat down next to her.

'What sounds like fun?' Hermione asked as Harry snuck a quick kiss to the side of her head. She offered him a small smile before returning her attention to Ron.

'Harry is gonna get all chummy with Sluggy.' Ron grinned as he spooned some eggs onto his plate.

'Of course he is.' Hermione agreed turning to Harry with confused look, leading Harry to relay the information.

Hermione nodded thoughtfully as Harry finished. 'But does Dumbledore have any clue what it could be?' She asked.

Harry shrugged, 'I'm not sure. I think so. But if it's as important as he thinks it is then I guess I'll do what I'm asked.'

Shuffling from one class to the next, the day passed on in a haze for Harry. His mind occupied with how best to approach Slughorn. As Potions drew closer, the thought of using the Felix potion became more and more appealing.

'Do you think I should use Felix?' Harry asked Hermione as they wondered to the Dungeons.

'You don't need luck.' Hermione stated without hesitating. She glanced over at him and added. 'Well, not yet anyway.'

As the class emptied out of the dungeon, Harry waited patiently for Slughorn. He watched as Hermione walked by, mouthing a 'goodluck' before joining Malfoy in the line to exit.

'Ah, professor?' Harry began as soon as the last student had left. 'Could I have a word please?'

Slughorn looked up from his papers, his round face splitting into a big grin. 'Why of course, Harry. How can I help you?'

Harry faltered, unsure of how to proceed. The room felt stuffy and hot. Loosening his tie Harry decided to dive head first into the matter. Dumbledore had shown him the memory of Slughorn and Tom Riddle. He wanted answers, and so did Harry.

Taking a deep breath, Harry looked directly into his professor's eyes. 'What did you say to Tom Riddle when he asked you about Horcruxes?'

The effect of these words was instantaneous. The papers in Slughorns fell to the floor, scattering everywhere. His wide eyes stared at Harry, fear shining through. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. The room's temperature increased tenfold.

'I know you told him something Sir,' Harry continued. 'I know the answer you gave him is something that you're ashamed of. That it's something you wish with everything that you could take back.' He took a breath. 'I know that the memory you gave Dumbledore is altered, and I know that you do remember what happened. Because something like that, it doesn't go away, ever, no matter how much you wish it did.'

By this point Slughorn had sat down heavily in his chair. His eyes remained wide and fixated on Harry.

'I can't.' He said, pain in his voice.

Harry shook his adamantly. 'You can. You just don't want to.' Harry slowly went to pick up the fallen papers. As he returned them to the desk, he spoke quietly. 'Voldemort would've found out Sir, he manipulated you to get what to wanted. But it's not your fault. You couldn't have known what he'd do with that information.'

'I need you to tell me what you said to him Sir.' Harry said, kneeling next to him. 'Please, help me beat him.'

Slughorn looked at him, tears glistening in his eyes. 'You're so much like her, you know.'

Harry smiled sadly. 'I have her eyes, I know.'

'No,' Slughorn shook his head, 'you have the same kindness. The same goodness that is so very rare.' He sighed heavily. 'I'm not proud of myself Harry, that memory has plagued me for so long.'

'I know Sir, but you need to tell me. You need to tell me so I can stop him.' Harry said gently.

Slughorn nodded, and once again looked him in the eyes. 'If there's anyone who can beat him, it's you Harry.'

He took out a small vial, the tip of his wand touching his temple. Closing his eyes slowly, Harry watched sadly as a tear fell from his eye.