Fate and Irony Revealed...
The summer is now over and Harry Potter is left packing his trunk for the next day for his return to Hogwarts. His broom, books, other important items were securley packed and Harry rechecked it all for the third time that evening. After all, he had nothing better to do. Snape was out since that afternoon after lunch and Harry was reduced to doing nothing but reading or packing. This is all he can do to rid his mind of the troubling thoughts that dare to haunt him day and night.
After the Dursley's died, he went through their things, and sorted them out. He gave all of the priceless and valuable items to Marge Dursley (Uncle Vernon's sister), and was surprised when she had a change of heart and made him keep the rest of their fortunes. However, to all the things Harry or Aunt Marge had no use for, they donated it to the Salvation Army, who were more then ecsatic to accept it all. Harry changed the money into Galleons and offered them to the Weasley's. But since Fred and Greorge opened their shop ( The Weasley Wizard Weezes) in Hogsmeade, they really did not need the money ( that added up to about five thousand galleons), and they declined. However, after pleas in the hundreds, they only took two thousand and left the rest to Harry. He really didn't have a choice and added them to his fortune under Gringotts.
But this isn't all that bothered him: going through the heartbreak of the deaths of his last family. But about what else that had happened that night. Harry couldn't seem to set his mind off of the sujbect, as questions ran through his mind. The same ones even. Vol-To-damn it! Riddle was haunting him everywhere he went and in everything that he did. The other teen was simply there, reminding him of his-their fate.
At night he would have erotic dreams about "completing" their bond as Riddle would put it. Harry would always the submissive person, and Riddle would be the dominant half, taking Harry with great control, however, with the greatest gentleness. This just proves to Harry how much Riddle wants this, how much he needs this. This just creeps him out even more, and he needed to tell someone. But who?
Snape has been nice all summer, like a friend. However, Harry didn't want to tell him anything because of how it would ruin the double missions that he had to do: servant of Riddle, spy for Dumbledore. It seems a little more than one can handle, and so he just left it at that. Besides, how would Snape react to seeing the object of Harry's dreams, knowing about the things they do? Harry shudders at the thought and sits on his chair by an open french window. I doubt that would be a pretty picture. Snape seeing Riddle and thenimagining what goes on in my head at night.> Harry laughs silently at the thought, and looks calmly out the window onto the emerald plains.
Harry didn't dare tell Sirius; for the poor man might spend another sentence in Azkaban for attempted murder ( no one truly knows that Tom Riddle is actually Voldemort). After Harry's seventh year, he will be able to live with his beloved Godfather, since he already had a place to stay and such. All Harry had to do was get through his last year of Hogwarts and through another counter with Voldemort ( as Sirius put it, incase he came).
" Yeah, sure Sirius, I'll get through my next encounter with Voldemort without a scratch," Harry mutters sarcastically, knowing that this encounter will mean forever with the Dark Lord. Or if you give him what he wants, Harry, I'm sure that title will change>. " Yeah, it'll change to ' The Boy Who Lived's Other Half '. Wonder how Rita Skeeter would propose to that?" Harry muses. " ' What happened to Granger? Did she run off with that Victor Krum?' " He imitates the high annoying voice. " ' How does it feel to be gay? Is the sex good?' " Harry smiles and blushes to himself, thankful that no one is there to hear him say that. I can't believe that slipped out>. He would die if Snape heard that. Behind him he hears a throat clearing purposely, alittle embarrassed.
Aw, shit. Too late.
Harry hesitantly turns around and stands up, facing his guest in his room. Sure enough Snape was there, a pink tinge lingering on his cheeks, looking away out the window away from Harry. Whoa, Snape's blushing. This is bad> " Err...I didn't...see you there, Professor. I-is dinner ready?" Harry could feel his face turn hot. You dolt, Harry! What even made you think about gay sex?! Huh?! Now Snape thinks-sorry- knows that you think about Riddle! Wait a sec, how long has he been there?>
" Yes, Harry. Dinner is ready. Are you up to it, or should I leave..."
" No, I'll be down," says Harry hastily and walks over to Snape, who leaves to lead him. Harry keeps his eyes downcast, avoiding Snape's eyes if he ever looked back, which he did several times. " Err...Professor, h-how long were you...there?" he asks as they head down the spiral staicase. " Because, err...I was just kidding around you know-"
" It's alright, Potter," says Snape quite gently as they enter the dining room, and take seats across from each other on the vertical sides. " I already know a great deal of what is to happen."
~*~
Dinner was delicious, and went by quietly. Harry could tell from Snape's previous tone that the older man didn't want to talk about it. What puzzles him most is how he found out, and why was he so reluctant about it. Harry found out two years ago that his father and Snape had a relationship. Well, actually, Snape liked-loved his father, but he didn't feel the same. Thus, he married Lilly Evans instead. However, after Harry gets out of Hogwarts, he will be able to go through his family belongings, and find out the truth. His Potions master couldn't have been so bitter during Harry's first four and a half years if it was just rejection. There was more. Yes, much more.
Snape excuses himself as they finished at the same time and stalked away. Harry left no later up to his room and looks out the open window. He could see a faint white bird circling the forest beyond, probably searching for prey. He looks at his wrist watch and sees that it's six thirty. The sudden urge to fly runs through his mind and he scambles out of his chair to his trunk. Taking out his broom, parchment and quill, he wrote down a note for Snape to tell him that he'll be out flying, and will be back at eight. Re-reading the letter, he nodds his appoval and leaves it at the foot of his bed. Harry walks to the window and seats his Firebolt before taking off into the falling dusk. The icy cool air feels wonderful against his hair as he acsends over the five story manor and circles above.
" It must be lonely," his whispers taking in the size. " to live all by yourself." A wave of sympathy crashes over him as he remembers a conversation he had shared with Dumbledore.
" Harry, there's something you should know." Dumbledore looks out the window as Harry sits anxiously in his seat in the Headmaster's office. " Professor Snape had feelings for your father."
Harry just gasped, however, he was truly unphased. He figured that something had gone wrong to make Snape hate his father so much.
" You see, in their fifth year, Severus had fallen in love after a two year crush. He would try to be friends with James, who never turned him away. However, his friends disliked Severus, and he never got that far. But James never gave up. He continued to be friends with Severus, and had gotten the other Madaurers to like him as well, which in time, had succeeded. But you see, after a while, Severus had confessed how he felt, and James gently turned away, admitting that he belonged to someone else. That was the night of the full moon, and Sirius knew about it in secret. He told Severus to go to the Whomping Willow, and tickle the knot to enter. Severus did as he was told; for Sirius used the excuse that James wanted to see him. However, when James found out, he ran after him, and saved him. Severus never forgot that. He still believed that James told Sirius to instruct him to go to the willow to meet him, except a werewolf was there, ready to pounce on him. He thought this was all James's doing, and never forgave him.
" And since you, Harry, remind him so much of his past love, his angered words and expressions veil the true pain within that are expressed to you. I'm sorry that you have to be the one to endure it, but you are all he has to be angry at. You are all he has to have will. Remember that, and decide his love's fate from there; for you hold them both, Harold James Potter..."
Harry looks up into the sky and a drop of rain falls onto his glasses. Ten seconds later a downpur begins. He ascends higher and flies to the other side of the mansion, zooming about as fast as he could go from one ends of the field to the next, careful not to stray too far. He descends fast and furiuosly down to the ground from seventy feet in the air. Harry figures that he is at least going eighty kph (kilometers per hour). The ground was coming closer and closer and he could feel the adrenaline rush. His right arms extends out three feet from the ground and clench around several pieces of grass before pulling out of the dive straightly. He hopps off his broom with ease and opens his fist. Lying there are five pieces of grass, damp and sticking to his palm. A triumphant smile crosses his lips. " Yep, I got it good." His Wronski Feint was almost perfect. Next time he needs to try from ninety feet at one hundred kph.
He leaps back onto his broom for one more go. His speed increases and he estimates the twenty feet above the seventy and looks up. If he goes up another fifty or less, he could touch the clouds, but there were thunder in them, and he didn't dare try. Wiping his right hand free from the grass, he looks down and slightly holds his breath. He was so far from the ground. A confident look crosses his face as he begins to descend. He knew it wasn't safe because he could slip off his broom, but the force of the wind as he flies against it keeps him seated. At about seventy five feet he brings his speed up to fifty five kph, and then as he passes fifty feet, ninety kph at least. He leans forward until his chin is almost parallel to the stick of his broom.
Yes, ten more feet.> He reaches out again and spots a bright blue tulip. His hand clamps over it and he uses his legs to press down hard against the other ends of the broom to straighten himself. It works beautifully and he is sitting on his broom; feet barely touching the ground and looking at his prize. He luckily grabbed it's stem instead of it's petals. Another smile crosses his rosy lips. Next time, ninety feet at one->.
" POTTER!"
Harry winces at the angry tone of voice and lowly flies towards the manor. Snape is on the roof with his wand in front of him like a microphone. " It's no wonder why he was so loud." mutters Harry as he ascends to the roof to Snape, who looks pale and has jagged breath. Harry's vision was clouded because of the rain on his glasses, but he could still see the anger in Snape's eyes. He lands swiftly on the stone floor and holds his broom in one hand, with the tulip in the other.
Snape whispers the counter spell of his loud voice and approaches Harry. His obsidian eyes were almost aligned with Harry's green ones, except maybe one inch higher." You could have gotten killed! Let alone fall off your broom and have all of your bones regrown. What were you thinking?!" His voice wasn't angry and whispered venomously through gritted teeth; but worried and concerned through a loud slightly cracked voice. " You may be great on a broomstick, Potter, but you still could have gotten seriuosly hurt! Did you even think about what would happen it you did injure yourself? If you died? I would personally come after you and kill you again myself. That's what would happen! Maybe that can knock more sense-"
Harry's index finger places itself on Snape's lips and he stops immediatley. " I'm not a little brat anymore, sir. And if I did die, I would come after you to make sure you don't come after me. Thank you for your concern but I'm in one piece and still breathing." He takes his finger away. " I'm sorry about what happened, and I won't do it again... on a rainy day...when you're watching." The flower in his hand with his broom is switched to the other. " Here," he hands it to Snape. " in remembrance of me, and you." He gives the unusual bright blue flower to Snape's left hand at his side. A bright smile crosses his face as he looks at the shocked expression on Snape's face. " and a continuation of a friendship you lost twenty three years ago." Harry brushes away a wet lock of hair away from Snape's face and turns to walk into the mansion.
Snape stands there for a while, thinking about what he saw before he called Harry in and yelling at him. Gods, how he looks so much like James. The talent on the broom has not skipped a generation, and Snape knew very well Harry couldn't die. It's just that he couldn't afford to lose someone he cared so much about. The affection he gave so rarely was never returned, until now, in terms of great friendship of caring.
" Thank you, Harry..."
~~*~~
Emerald eyes open to the sunlight streaming in through an open window and open velvet drapes. He made a mental note to talk about putting the guests at the west side of the mansion with Snape. He looks at his snitch clock that he had left out on the nightsand. It read eight fifteen a.m. Crawling out of bed, he takes his clean robes on the other nightstand on the left side of his bed and walks into the shower yawning.
After Harry had made certain that all things were packed, he heads downsators for breakfast. Snape was already sitting on his side of the table, looking at his hands on his lap. As Harry sits down, the Potions master looks up and greets him with a small smile.
" Sleep well?"
Harry yawns for the umpteenth time that morning and lazyily runs his hand from behind his head to the top, ruffling his mused hair even more. " I couldn't get a good night's. It was chilly." Which it was, however, he was leaving out one major detail. Images of Riddle were clearer, and this time Harry was dominating him. He shudders slightly and rests his head on the table unceremoniously. He needs to tell someone. It was surprising that there was a morning that he didn't wake up from a wet dream, which would have been so embarrassing. He could imagine Snape walking around and seeing a house elf with sheets in it's hands every day. Yep, that would be the summer...
" Shouldn't have gone off in the rain, hmm?" Harry could feel Snape's triumphant smirk through the innocent statement. " I'm surprised you don't have a cold already."
Harry slightly chuckles. " I have a very strong immune system, as you may know, from playing Quidditch. I couldn't possibly catch a common cold." Yeah right. In the beginning of the summer when he stayed with the Weasley's, he was sick for four days because of the " common cold". " Not that I'm boasting or anything."
A soft genuine laugh fills Harry's ears. " Yes, but of course. However, just when you thought the Golden Boy could not be more modest, this happens. A common cold indeed." Snape's gentle mirth continues, and Harry looks up at his Professor oddly. He was ...laughing. A smile plays on his lips as his teacher calms down slowly.
Yes, right where my father had left off.>
~*~
" The ministry vehicle will be at Privet Drive to pick you up and drop you in London." Snape helps Harry carry his heavy trunk outside of the Snape Manor. He looks at his student beside him and gives him his ticket. " I'm sure you know how to Apparate?"
Harry takes his ticket and nodds. " Dumbeldore made me learn it last year, incase I ever needed it to get away from Death Eaters or so.." he drifts off for a moment, wondering about the meeting Riddle had mentioned the night the Dursley's died. " Proffessor, about a Death Eater meeting, did you ever have one recently?" He could see light pain in the other man's eyes, but then vanishes as quickly as it had come.
" No, dear boy, not yet. However, speaking of Dumbledore, he would like to talk to you after the feast; you, Violet, and Malfoy, also Weasley and Granger I suppose." He turns away and looks at a wizarding watch on his wrist, because it read: ' time to leave.' " Well, best be off. If trouble occurs, just, err, well, don't mess up."
Harry chuckles. " Yes sir." He takes Hedwigs cage, grabbs onto his trunk, and with a blink of an eye, he was gone with a 'pop'. Severus turns back inside his mansion to get ready for his own departure.
Harry appears at #4 Privet Dr. with his belongings in one piece. There in front of him was a black large car, and a man dressed in red leaning against the vehicle. He takes one look at Harry and scambles to help him with his belongings. After everything was in the trunk, Harry and the usher had boarded the car and they were zooming off to London's Underground Trainstation. The ride was quite silent, and the driver seemed to be in slight embarassment. He kept glancing up at the rear view mirror to look at the famous Harry Potter. Harry didn't appear to notice, but he did take knowledge of those quick looks.
After about thirty minutes ( the drivers of Minisrty cars drive crazily fast), they were at the terminal for the trainstation. The usher offered to retrieve the cart, and Harry is left waiting.
He could see some of the wizarding students approach the barrier and enter through when they thought no muggle was looking. Two more cars pull in behind him ( Minisrty cars also) and Hydra Darken-Violet and Draco Malfoy each step out gracefully, and look at Harry between them as soon as they realized that he was standing there.
" Ah, waiting for your dear usher to find you a cart, Potter?" asks Malfoy as his father and mother step out behind him, and his usher to open the trunk. Harry could see Lucius stop and glare at Riddle's other half. Pure hatred was etched onto his face, and Harry just smirks.
" Well, Mr. Malfoy. Fancy meeting you here, and I thought you'd be trying to avoid me." He looks at the expression turn into a Malfoy sneer.
" Yes, I do try, Potter, however, I figured that you would've gone off sooner, or come later. Yes, the greatest mistakes I will have to regret for the remaining of the day."
A soft chuckle sounds on Harry's left side, and the attention is turned towards it. Violet's mother was watching the scene with a hand on her hip. " Yes, do keep this additude up, Malfoy, and someone will really give you punishment to make up for it, hmm? However, I do think that a leather whip will suit your preference of the indulgence."
Narcissa giggles lightly and signals a thumb up for Lacerta's comment as she and Draco walk with the usher to the Platform.
Harry's usher returned and packed the trunk and cage onto the cart. " All set sir."
Harry nodds his appreciation and glances at Lucius, who is fuming at Lacerta. " So, the lady's right, is she? I didn't know you went for younger looking men, but hey, I saw the wa-" He is cut off as someone catches his eye behind Lucius. The older Malfoy must have sensed this, becuase he turns around and saw none other than Tom Riddle. He averts his gave and steps aside, knowing that he shouldn't bow because it would cause a commotion of suspicions.
" Talking about me already?" Riddle whispers as he approaches Harry. The other teen just looks away with a pink color lingering on his cheeks, cursing Riddle for having this effect on him." Ah, so you do recieve the dreams that I send." Harry turns to Riddle disbelievingly then. " Yes, a little trick I picked up in my sixth year, but don't worry, your the first one I've used it on with...that particular event."
They could silently hear Lacerta and Hydra giggle and walk towards the platform. Harry turns to the large clock posted above the entrance to the Station. It reads: 11:15 and he could practically hear the Hogwarts Express steaming to take off. The sound wasn't only obvious to his ears, however.
" You're train is leaving without you, Potter," says Lucius without his usual sneer, as though he were trying to avoid any trouble Riddle would give him if he didn't. " Wouldn't want that to happen, now would we?"
Harry looks at Lucius with an easy glare. " All to true for you, Lucius. It's almost as if you want to get rid of me so soon. Although, I can't say I compleltey disagree. The sooner I get away from you, the-" He is interrupted as Riddle palces a slender finger over his lips and lean closely into his left ear.
" Mind your manners, love. Or no more dreams for you."
Thanks,>thinks Harry as Riddle pulls away and places a soft chaste kiss on his lips. I could do with a good night's sleep.> He gives one last glare at an angry Malfoy and makes his way to the Platform. Unconsciuosly licking his lips and tasting Butterbeer.
" Be careful of what you wish for," Harry could hear Riddle whisper after him. He turns quickly around and finds his other half gone, and Lucius helping his wife getting into the limo, giving Harry one last menacing glance before stepping in himself. Harry smiles slyly at his retreating form and enters the barrier of Platform 9 and three-quarters, completely obliviuos to the implication of Riddle's words.
~*~
" Damn Harry, what took you." Ron takes Hedwigs cage as Harry hauls his trunk into the last compartment. Hermione sits by the window and strokes Crookshanks lovingly on her lap, and cocks her eyebrows to show that she wants an explaination as well. " and your lips look flushed. Looks like someone had a snogging session before he arrived." Ron nudges Harry at the side with his elbow, who was turning red fatser than a street light.
" You know, Violet kind of boarded a bit before you, Harry. Perhaps, she is the lucky girl?" Hermione stressed the word she, hinting something oblivious to Harry. The Golden Boy just sits across from Hermione and Ron as the train moves, avoiding their looks of praise.
" I suppose the Wonder Boy couldn't wait forever, now could he?" A mildly cold drawl sounds through open compartment doors, as the owner and Violet walk in. " Gave up on Chang I see. But don't worry, surely your new...interest proves to be...more of an interest?"
" Sod off, Malfoy," says Ron rather calmly as he glares into silvery grey eyes. " You know nothing of Harry's personal life. Or do you?" his last sentence displayed mockery, and Draco's eyes hardened.
" I know more than you do, Weasel. So I suggest you shut your yap before I make you."
Ron leaps up to his feet. " You know what, Malfoy-?"
" Just leave him,be, Ron. He does know more than you do," groans Harry in guilt, for not telling his friends about Riddle. He could feel Ron's surprised expression, and looks at the red-haired Gryffindor to meet it.
" So this is your snogging partner," says Hermione through disguised sarcasm and eyeing Malfoy with a glint in her eyes. " Yes, quite interesting indeed."
" Hey, hey, hey, Granger. Keep your eyes to yourself," cuts in Violet and crosses her arms. " Besides, Harry is already taken by someone in the same field, if you follow me." She glances at Malfoy. " Even more of an interest than this catch."
" Who is this someone, Hydra. Please, do tell. Who could possibly more attractive than I?" responds Malfoy in sarcasm of interest. Although his eyes tell otherwise. He does know who Harry's secret lover is; for he was there as Riddle told Harry..
" He's taken, Malfoy. It won't do you any good. You'll just have to suffer another heartbreak. I've heard Pansy dumped you for Blaise. Well, if that isn't irony," says Ron with delight at Draco's pale expression with the name of Pansy. " As I recall, you dumped Blaise, Pansy dumped you, and I suppose Blaise will dump Parkinson? Yes, our perfect little love triangle. You Slytherins are so easy to predict."
Violet smirks. " Ah, well, a score of 300% to Weasley for stating the obvious. Now, how about you continue your little streak and tell me exactly what I'm going to do if you don't shut it!"
" Don't see why I should, since you already know for yourself."
" Yes, but for your sake."
" I think your intentions are obvious, Violet."
" Shut it, Granger. I didn't ask for-"
" Just stop the bickering already! You will all know about my love life when we enter Hogwarts!" Harry sighs and looks away to the window. " Dumbledore will speak to us all about what had happened this summer after the feast. Surely we can keep everything civilized until we do so."
" You mean your fan club doesn't know, Potter?"
" Know what, Potter?" asks Ron.
" No, they don't Malfoy. And I regret not telling them. But when we speak to Dumbledore, it will save me alot of breath, and perhaps I can be more elaborate."
Violet takes a seat beside Hermione and crosses her arms. " We are not to talk about it so pubicly, Draco. Or have you forgotten..."
" Just ruin my Goddamn fun, Hydra!" Malfoy sits beside Harry and runs his hand through his hair.
" Sorry."
" You don't mean it."
" Yeah, I know."
" Then why the hell apologize?"
Violet shruggs her shoulders and twirls her wand between her fingers.
Ron was left standing and looking quite disgruntled. " Wait a sec, Violet and Malfoy know, but we don't?" He looks at Hermione, who cocks her eyebrow -in a way of saying 'oh, well'- and resumes to pet Crookshanks. " Why is there so much wrong here?"
" Just drop the Goddamn subject, Weasley and wait until we get to the Goddamn school! Goddamn!" Malfoy throws his hands exasperatedly in the air and crosses his arms, staring out the window beside his best friend.
" When did this all happen?"
" Ron, if you don't shut up..."
" Yeah, I already got it, Violet," mutters Ron and sits beside Harry, who still looks red with embarassment and dazed in deep thought.
~*~
The rest of the trip to Hogwarts was quite silent. No one dared speak, and as half of them were enemies with each other, there was possibly nothing to talk about. As the snack lady came in, they all purchased different candies, and ended up sharing with each other without words. One had something that the other wanted, and they spread their candies on a collapsable table embedded between the chairs to gain better access.
The whole time, Ron kept on shooting Harry angered glances, and received glances ten times as worse from Violet to tell him to drop it. Malfoy just sat snacking on chocolate frogs (which were Ron's previously) and looked at the card inside the box.
" Ooh, goodies. I got Aggrippa," he says in a boring tone, breaking the silence. Ron looks up immediately. " I've got about ten of her." He places it on the table and chews on Berttie Botts Every Flavored beans. His face expresses disgust as he takes a napkin to politely take out the bean. " Christ! I bit into a vomit flavored one! Je-sus! I should sue!"
Ron falls over laughing and Hermione, Harry, and Violet snicker alittle on the horrified expression on Malfoy's face.
" You're too rich, Malfoy," says Harry and takes out a bean from the blonde Slytherin's bag. A grey one appeared between his fingers as he withdraws his hand and pops the candy into his mouth. He ill-manneredly spits it out and wipes is mouth. " I got a metal flavored bean."
Hermione raises her eyebrows and tries her luck. A dark brown bean is pulled out and she bites into it. Her face turned to an expression of distaste but swallowed it. " A burnt taste was in mine. Ughh."
Ron sits up and wipes his tears of mirth away from his eyes and takes out a bean. A crimson colour was to his bean, and he bravely places it in his mouth. After two chews he blanches and does as Draco did with his bean. " Sick! Mine tasted like blood."
They all turn to him with disgusted expressions; either from their own bean, or because of the flavor Ron had received. Violet raises her eyebrow and shoves her hand impatiently into the bag of Beans. A sea foam green is the color of the candy she pops into her mouth. She chews forcingly and swallows. " Sea weed." Hermione takes the bag and reseals it, using a sealing spell.
" Well, enough surprises." She glances at her semi-fancy wrist watch. " We should be arriving in fifteen minutes. We had better place on our robes." Her glance is suddenly caught by the day of their return to Hogwarts. " Why, we're returning on a Saturday!"
~~*~~
The old Headmaster of Hogwarts stands up after the Sorting of First years, and gathers attention from everyone in thw whole room. His eyes sparkle merrily, however, his face expressed otherwise. He seems worn out, and worry some, but that couldn't seem to manage to ruin his mood.
" Another School Year, it is. And I welcome all of our new comers to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" The whole room erupts with excitement, and goblets are being beated against the tables. " Ah, yes." he continues after the student body has calmed down. " However, this year won't be the same as it were as it would like to be remembered. Cautions would have to be taken all through out the year, and no one is to wander off alone after six without a partner. Times are becoming dangerous, and we cannot allow any risks." His blue eyes seem to land on Harry for a second, before pressing on. " I do not say this to alarm you, but to forewarn you all! I am sure you are aware of the times, but I am just a mere reminder. Please, do mind to not wander outside of Hogwarts grounds, unless instructed for class, or Quidditch practices and matches. I wish us all, a safe and merry year. Let the feast begin!"
Empty plates and jugs fill with luxurious food and drinks. For the time of the Welcoming Feast, everyone had forgotten all of their problems. However, excluding one person. Harry still ate as he always did, but with less enthusiasm. How would he explain to his two best friends and Dumbledore about Riddle? The other teen seems to take up all the space in his mind. Harry does not want to believe what Riddle says is true. And he does not want to feel the same way. Or does he?
His memory faintly remembers the kisses the other's soft lips plant on his own. The memory is faint, yes, but it is still there. Dreams weren't pleasant, and they were envading his day dreams, if he ever dozed off in an afternoon nap, or if he was simply just looking into space. This was all getting out of hand, and Harry was greatful to be able to share his distractions with others, even if they have to be with Draco and Hydra as well. I wonder if I can consider them as real friends.> He glances over to the Slytherin table. Malfoy and Violet were looking at him every now and then, but not with the menacing glares that they would give him; but with looks of a distant,-however, closing- friendship. Their glances seem to be filled with sympathy, but Harry passed that thought. Damn, even the Dynamic Duo of Hogwarts is looking at me like I'm a lost child. But I would feel sorry for myself too> He takes his goblet and drinks the pumpkin juice. He pauses. Wait a minute, I already do>
A soft groan escapes Harry's lips as Dumbledore stands up once again to end their feast with a closing remark.
" One last reminder, we will have a Welcome Back Ball this Saturday!" Most students were cheering until Proffessor McGonagall tapped her goblet to silence everyone. " Thank you, Minerva. As I was saying. This ball will be held at eight thirty that night, until midnight, or perhaps an hour or two afterwards. This dance does not require dress robes!" Immediately the students familiar with muggle ways begin to talk wildly amongst themselves about what they were going to wear, until yet again McGonagall interrupts them.
" I'm glad to please you all. Music will be provided containing both Muggle and Wizarding. I wish you all sweet dreams! Good night! Oh, and since today is a Satruday, there will be no classes tomorrow!"
Students begin to rise from their chairs and follow their House Prefects to the Respective Tower in which they belong. However, as Malfoy, Violet, Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood, the Headmaster calls to them, making them halt in their places.
" Ah, I recall we have an important meeting after the Feast?"
" Yes, of course, Professor," replies Malfoy as they all follow him out to the corridors.
Silence follow them as they approach the Gargoyle blocking the entrance to Dumbledore's office. The Headamster whispers the password (Jelly crickets) and the statue leaps to life and then aside. The group heads in and up the staircase to the top. They enter moments later to see a black shaggy dog looking intently at Fawkes, who was singing, and then stopped at the sight of visitors. Harry immediately runs to the dog and gives it a hug.
" Hi, Sirius!" He greets and steps back to have the dog change into it's true form. A handsome man stands before Harry and gives him a proper hug.
" Hey, kid. I'm glad you're okay." Sirius breaks away and looks at Hermione and Ron, giving them a nod of greeting, which they return. He turns to Violet and Malfoy, who were shocked with their mouths hanging slightly open.
" Ah, yes. Mr. Black. This is Mr. Draco Malfoy and Ms. Hydrian Darken-Violet," introduces Dumbledore, referring to them with his fingers gently. " They, too, are involved in this."
" Involved with what, Professor?" asks Ron, thinking back to the time on the train.
" You will soon find out. Please take a seat."
There are seven chairs in a small circle, and they each take a seat. Dumbledore and Sirius were between the two houses.
" Now, I have called this short noticed meeting because there is something that must be discussed," begins Dumbledore calmly. " And I ask that whatever is said within these walls, stay here. This is quite important, and I do ask for you all to keep this on the down low." Everyone gapes at the Headmaster's slang of 'down low'.
" This summer, something tragic happened, and Harry's remaining family were killed."
Sirius and Hermione were the only ones who didn't know, because they simply stared with shock and sympathy.
" Our sources say that a spy for Voldemort had gotten access to the files, and gave them to him, for a suprise attack. We didn't know until Aurther Weasley owled us. After we discovered this, I gathered sources, and we headed out for Privet Drive. Finding the actual location was difficult, since the Death Eaters and Voldemort himself used a very powerful Protection spell, and nothing could be seen or sensed. It was only after about an hour that we found Harry, lying unconscious in a small clearing."
Harry almost flushed with embarrassment as all eyes were upon him, and he knew his worst fear of revealing what Riddle had said to him would come soon.
" It is to my understanding," continues Dumbledore softly. " that nothing is as it was with Voldemort. He has gained more power and more health from the stars. He is as he was about sixty years ago: strong, youthful, and everything you would expect to see in old photographs of him. This is because of the prophesy predicted many decades ago, in Tom's sixth year.
The divination teacher, Professor Seon, was overcome by a force, and told us of a prophesy that is repeated to the same two soul mates everytime they are reincarnated. The one born before the other would try to kill his other half and be punished to be reduced to nothing. The younger half would grow with a bond with the other, that others would call hatred or fear. Each time the two souls would meet, they would clash with anger and hatred; missplaced love and affection is what it truley is, however.
" As the younger half turns sixteen, the other would slowly begin to return to the youth of sixteen. And as they complete the bond in the next two years, they will be practically connected at the hip; inseperable, and will age together and die together. This is the strength of their bond.
" Only until I did find out about who the two souls are, thanks to Sibyll Trelawney-"
Hermione held in a strangled snigger of disbelief.
- I did some research on the origin of this prophesy (believe it or not they actually have records of this), and they were cast be Gordric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin."
This fact earned many gasps and beyond shocked expressions.
" They were mortal enemies!" says Hermione like an outburst.
" They hated each other," adds Violet bewildered. " And it went beyond that."
" Opposites," mumbles Sirius as though in thought.
" Exactly, Padfoot," says Dumbledore brightly. " Opposites. One was what the other wasn't, and together, they created a perfect whole! They casted an eternally binding spell on their souls, and whoever they were reincarntaed to, would have the same fate forever! How they did this is incredible. There are no specific details, however, I do think that they took the most powerful binding spell and added their own magic into it. It is indeed mysterious. And I know no more after that. But on to the present.
" The effect of the bond is already taking its effect on Tom Riddle; for he is already becoming attacted to his soulmate."
At this, Harry shudders involunterily without anyone noticing. They were all too busy to hear Dumbledore press on.
" Unfortunately for him, his other half isn't too willing, and it will indeed take some time. Sadly, some time is what we cannot spare. Two of To- Voldemort's followers is already turning their back on him, because they probably have as much knowledge as I do. If Tom is not complete, or is his other half, then they will fall, and the two traiters will rise to do as they wish. It has come to my attention that they are already forming a plan to take Tom's other half. When, I don't know, but it will be soon." The Headmaster pauses for any questions, because some of them seem confused.
" So, sir," speaks up Malfoy. " If Tom isn't complete, the Dark Side would win for sure if they decide to attack?"
" Excellent question, Mr. Malfoy, and yes, they will win."
" But how are we certain that Tom will be on the Light side, sir?" asks Ron wisley, looking at Fawkes for a moment, who was snoozing peacefully.
" Because Tom's other half is the superior one, and he would do anything for this person." Dumbledore glances quickly at Harry, before arousing suspicion that Harry is Tom's soul mate.
" Tom is weak because of what he did to this person?" asks Sirius and looks at Harry, carefully putting everything into place.
" Yes, and no. Other than doing something terrible because of his own selfishness, he also chooses to. Only because, obviously, he is in love with this person beyond our comprehesions. It's all amazing, yes, but not impossible."
" What if Tom's other half is already seing someone? Like, in love with someone else?" asks Harry out of the blue. He might as well try to find a loophole in being with Tom Riddle.
" It won't last, the Light Side will perish without them togther, and the two will live unhappily even if they claim the love someone else," replies Dumbledore with full emphasis. " Also it is vitually impossible, for the one they love ( other than besides each other) will never complete them, no matter what."
" So there are no counter curses." says Violet in a slight form of question.
" No. And believe it or not, Gryffindor and Slytherin are soulmates, so nothing can go around or break that fact to defeat the prophesy.
There is a thoughtful pause after Dumbledore's response. Everything is simply easy, however, explaining it is quite hard. It doesn't exactly make perfect sense, but it does make enough sense to understand how and why it was done, and why the prophesy must be carried out in this era of the reincarnation.
" What does that have to do with us?" asks Hermione after a while.
" You all were chosen by me to thoroughly understand what the deal is," says Dumbldore lightly. " Others will know who the two are, and that is about it. Severus knows this all, for he helped me conclude it. Remus Lupin: I was not able to contact, and you all are close friends. It's important that you understand one another, and this situation."
Malfoy seemed to scowl and Violet just blinked and looked awy, twirling her wand between her fingers.
" So, Professor," says Ron slowly. " Who is this...other half?"
" Tom Marvolo Riddle's other half is Harry Potter..."