Chapter 3: Hell, day one
Harry woke with a start the next morning. He sat up quickly and felt his head collide with something. He heard a soft groan from the floor beside the bed. He rolled over to see Sirius sitting on the floor holding his forehead. Harry had to laugh. Sirius glared up at him
"Stupid immature git"
He grunted. Harry laughed harder
"Look whose talking"
He rolled out of bed, used his wand to straighten his robes the left the room, Sirius following him. Remus was sitting at the table.
"Ready to teach Harry?"
He said, grinning. Harry shook his head no
"Are you nut's, I'll be teaching my friends"
Remus laughed
"Well Dumbledore gave you an introduction this morning"
Harry paled. Remus smiled again
"He didn't tell them it was you"
He said laughing
"He said."
Remus cleared his throat
"Good morning students. I'm sure your all wondering whom that man was that entered our dining hall last night. He will be assisting Professor Lupin and myself in teaching the fifth through seventh years how to fight off Voldemort and his followers. He's not very old mind you, only seventeen in fact. He's never taught before, but I'm sure you'll find he is the best. You may call him James-"
Harry spat out some eggs
"His last name is far to hard to pronounce. Now, if you don't have any questions. Now of course, people did. Mainly Hermionie."
Again Remus cleared his throat, now speaking in a high squeaky voice
"Professor is he and Auror?" "You could say that Hermionie" Several oohs and ahhs from the crowd "Does he have any battle scars?!" Colin Creevy yelled, standing up "Just one, Mr. Creevy, just one" Then he dismissed breakfast before anyone could say anything else. Now we should probably go, our rather large class starts in ten minutes."
Remus grabbed an astonished Harry and dragged him out of the room. Harry barely had time to pull his hood up. He saw Sirius transform and follow them out. As they were walking down the halls a voice called after them.
"Professor Lupin!"
They stopped and turned around. Hermionie, Ron, Ginny, Lavender, Seamus, and Neville were sprinting down the halls after them. Harry stiffened, but Remus nudged him so he would at least try to look relaxed. After the group had caught up with the two teachers they slowed. Ron was breathing heavily, holding onto Lavender for support. Hermionie and Seamus were talking to Professor Lupin and Ginny was staring at Harry. After a minute Harry slowed, letting the group walk in front of him. Strangely Ginny slowed too.
"Are you really only seventeen?"
He smiled under his hood
"Yeah"
He said quietly. Ginny nodded
"Dumbledore told us about you this morning. He said you were sort of an Auror and that you had a battle scar"
Harry nodded his head, once again tensing up.
"Are you an Auror?"
"No"
Ginny nodded again
"What sort of battle scar-"
"Oh look, we're here!"
Remus said loudly, grabbing Harry's elbow
"Talk to all of you later"
He pulled Harry up to a stage that was set up where the teacher's table would normally be in the great hall. Small tables that would fit maybe four were set up all over the great hall, all facing the stage. Dumbledore was sitting on the stage, a chair on either side of him. Harry's nerves were getting more and more tense. He took the seat to Dumbledore's right and watched as all the students filed in. Then suddenly he heard a voice in his ear
"Forgot about me didn't you Harry"
It said. Harry spun around. Behind him stood a smiling Cho. Harry's jaw dropped. He had. He had completely forgot about Cho. She laughed
"Don't worry, Dumbledore told me that you were getting 'reunited' and needed time"
She conjured up a chair and sat beside him
"And now I get to watch you teach"
Harry glared at her, though she couldn't see him. After a minute all the chairs were full. To Harry's displeasure Ron, Hermionie, Ginny and Seamus had chosen a seat right up front. Lavender, Neville, Collin Creevy and a sixth year he didn't know, were sitting behind them. Dumbledore stood up and walked to the front of the stage.
"Hello everyone. Normally any class that we would teach like this would be a lot of fun. And I'm sure many for you might enjoy yourselves. But let me warn you, the spells you will learn are hard to master, and you will be using them against some of the most feared wizards in the world. This will be no cupcake. Now, let's begin. The first thing you are going to learn is the Patronus charm. Most of you should know that the Patronus is used to fight off Dementors. Voldemort has brought many along and they will be hard to defeat with a mere spell. Professor Lupin and James are now going to demonstrate and teach."
He motioned to Remus and Harry then took his seat. Harry and Remus stood in the center of the stage. Please don't let them remember my Patronus form!
"To conjure the Patronus you must think of the happiest memory you have. Nothing stupid, it has to be the thing in this world that makes you the happiest. You then devote all your thoughts to that memory. The incantation is: Expecto Patronum."
He smiled at them all
"Now me and.James are going to demonstrate"
Lupin raised his wand and Harry did the same.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Harry and Lupin roared. Out of Lupin's wand erupted a beautiful silver wolf, and out of Harry's a stag. The two animals ran at each other, stopped, stared into space for a moment then returned to their owner. The hall broke into applause. Remus grinned
"Now would you all please begin. Me and James will check your progress"
Everyone nodded and spread out. Every once in a while Harry saw silver wisps of smoke come out of someone's wand. Harry noticed Ron and Hermionie standing over in the corner. He approached them quietly, but stopped when he was in hearing range, he pretended to watch Lavender practice her Patronus.
"I don't know what to think of Ron!"
Hermionie said, sounding distressed
"I know, everything has been all around crappy since fifth year"
Harry's heart sank; guilt hit him like thousands of knives
"Try thinking of what would make you happy"
Ron suggested
"You know the only thing that would make me happy"
Hermionie whispered, Harry turned around. Hermionie closed her eyes and raised her wand at Ron
"Expecto Patronum!"
She roared. Harry watched in amazement as a beautiful silver falcon erupted from her wand. Harry smiled, that was her animagus form. Hermionie grinned happily
"I DID IT!"
She squealed, hugging Ron. Harry approached them.if he was a teacher.
"What was your thought?"
He said, trying to change his voice as much he could. Hermionie looked at him for a moment then bowed her head
"To have my best friend back"
She whispered. Harry felt even more terrible. He wanted to throw off his hood and hug her tightly, tell her everything, but he couldn't. He nodded his head and backed away, now watching Ron. After a minute of what looked like extremely deep thought he pointed his wand at Hermionie who was now standing a few meters away.
"Expecto Patronum!"
He yelled. Harry was even more amazed. Ron did it too, on his first try. His animagus form came out of his wand. The Griffindor lion, he truly was a Griffindor. Harry clapped his hands
"I'm impressed, I've never seen someone master it on their first try"
Harry said. Hermionie smiled, Ron blushed
"The dream is what keeps us going"
Harry nodded then left, heading over towards Remus
"Both Ron and Hermionie got it on their first try"
Harry whispered
"Really?"
Remus said, looking away from a fifth year Hufflepuff who wasn't even emitting smoke.
Harry nodded
"What were their thoughts? They must have been extremely good"
Harry sighed
"They thought of a dream they both had"
Harry mumbled. Remus nodded
"And?"
"It was to have me back"
Harry whispered, his voice cracking slightly. Remus patted his arm
"Don't worry, now go help some of these kids, we need to get them to learn this"
It took Remus, Harry, Dumbledore and Cho five hours to get most kids to master it. Only about 10 hadn't been able to even conjure one. Everyone else could conjure one, just not a strong one. Only eight people out of the group, including the teachers could conjure a Patronus strong enough to drive away large quantities of Dementors. Those eight were Harry, Remus, Dumbledore, Hermionie, Ron, Ginny, Malfoy, and a seventh year Hufflepuff. But even of those eight, Harry's seemed to give off the most power. As soon as those five hours were up, Dumbledore served lunch to the starving students. Dumbledore, Harry and Remus were sitting on the stage eating. Cho had left earlier, gone to get some sleep.
"Some of the animals these kids conjured were amazing"
Remus commented
"Yes"
Dumbledore said
"Especially the two Weaslys'"
Remus nodded
"A lion and a Unicorn, very rare"
Harry didn't say anything all through lunch. Ron and Hermionie's words kept echoing through his head 'To have my best friend back' 'The dream is what keeps us going'. They really did love him. Harry had never told Sirius he was his happy thought, but Harry was sure Sirius would be honored. Probably just as much as he was now. But Sirius would feel less pain in it. He caused his two best friends the most pain anyone ever had. How could I be so selfish? He thought angrily. His gaze shifted over towards Ron and Hermionie. They were laughing and talking, just like they had when he had been here. Harry told himself. That was a lie. Ron's eyes didn't light up like they used to. Hermionie giggled, but it wasn't the laugh he knew.
"Go sit with them Harry"
Came Dumbledore's voice
"Your much to young to care about pointless teacher talk"
Harry looked up at the Professor
"I couldn't.I'm not Harry, I'm 'James'.I'm not someone they want to know, just someone they have to"
He said. Remus shook his head
"You obviously don't know your friends very well, Harry. Plus, if you don't go down there, Hermionie will surely come get you."
"What makes you say that?"
Harry asked coldly, not looking at his former Professor
"Cause she's on her way up now"
Harry's eyes widened and he turned around. Hermionie was standing there, smiling at him
"Would you like to come sit with us? You look bored stiff up here, no offense Professors, and it might be easier to sit with kids your age, even though you are a teacher"
Harry didn't say anything for a moment, and Hermionie started to look uncomfortable
"Sure"
Harry finally said, standing up. He followed Hermionie down to the table where she, Ron, Ginny and Seamus were sitting. She conjured up a chair between her and Ron and Harry sat down.
"So, James, what school did you go to?"
Hermionie asked. Ron rolled his eyes
"No one cares what school he attended!"
He snapped at Hermionie, who glared at him. Harry chuckled quietly, same old Ron and Hermionie. Then Ginny turned towards him
"Is your name really James? When Professor Dumbledore and Professor Lupin address you they seem to strain at another name, then say the one you are called by right now"
Harry gapped at her. He never expected Ginny to be so frank. Finally he sighed
"Actually you're right, my name really isn't James"
Ginny smiled proudly. Hermionie turned away from her fight with Ron
"Really? Why won't you go by your real name? Are you wanted or something?"
Harry laughed; he knew that was stupid after he saw Ron and Hermionie's faces. He was sure they knew his laugh. He knew Hermionie would figure out who he was in time, but he hoped it was a little longer than a day. Neither of them had taken their gaze off him.
"What?"
Harry said finally, breaking the silence. Ron looked away but Hermionie didn't move.
"What is your real name?"
She said, leaning closer to him, obviously trying to see under his hood. Harry paled, though no one could see. His mind was racing over all the names he'd heard in his life. It couldn't be someone else from his family or anything like that, they would both know immediately.
"My names."
He took a deep breath
"Andrew"
He muttered, as if hiding his name
"Andrew Peters"
Hermionie backed away, now smiling
"Now was that so hard?"
Lunch carried on with questions like this; Harry had to continue making up his life. He was from Ireland but had lived the majority of his life in England, thus developing the accent. He was hiding because Voldemort was after him and Dumbledore said this was the safest place, although it was being attacked, plus they could all use his skills. Both his parents had been killed only weeks before he had arrived at Hogwarts. Remus was his step-uncle, if there was such a thing. He was single, 17 years old, and very interested in Quiditch. After a while Dumbledore announced the ending of lunch and the starting of another spell. Harry returned to the stage and told Remus about his imaginary life. Remus laughed
"Step-uncle?"
He whispered, glancing at Harry. Harry nodded
"Yeah"
Remus shook his head, still chuckling and returned his attention to Dumbledore who was about to begin introducing the new spell. By 9 o'clock that night they had all learned the Patronus, the disarming spell, Harry's famous 'blow death eaters sky high' spell, Impedimenta: the freezing spell, and many shield, healing, and blasting spells. Everyone had mastered almost all of them, barring a few less talented wizards and witches. After dinner Dumbledore led Harry to his new room, which was behind the portrait beside the fat lady. It was extremely big with a bathroom, a bedroom, a small kitchen and a living room with a fireplace and a comfy couch. The password was better be brave. (Sirius' contribution) After Dumbledore left Harry removed his cloak and tossed it on the floor. He went into the bathroom and started up the shower. He never noticed a person slip into his room. He showered quickly, then after pulling a pair of blue jeans on he glanced in the mirror. The stress lines on his face he had had yesterday were gone. He was clean shaven, even though he had very little to shave. His shoulders had become very broad and he had an extremely good build. He looked nothing like the scrawny little kid that had run from Hogwarts two years ago. He had also managed to get some new glasses. They were much smaller and silver rimmed, allowing his emerald eyes to shine more. He hadn't bothered putting on a shirt, considering there was no one else in his room, or so he thought. Finally he opened the bathroom door. He nearly screamed when he saw a person standing by his bed. As soon as she heard his gasp she spun around. It was Ginny. She gasped loudly and backed up, turning for the door. Harry bolted after her; he couldn't let her tell anyone. She reached the portrait, but didn't manage to get out. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back towards the couch. She didn't fight, Harry soon found out why. She had fainted. He laid her down on the couch then ran to get some water and his wand. When he returned she was still out cold. Harry's mind began to race again. He could modify her memory; tell her he found her lying on the floor outside the portrait unconscious. But inside he wanted somebody to know. Just not her. He wanted to tell Ron, or Hermionie, but he couldn't. Ginny would have to do; he just couldn't let her tell. After taking a deep breath he pointed his wand at her.
"Enervate"
He whispered. Ginny's body jumped a little, then she groaned. Harry was practically holding his breath. Then she opened her eyes. Her face lost all its color and her mouth hung open.
"Harry?"
She said in a quiet voice. He nodded, standing up. He then realized he wasn't wearing a shirt. He ignored it. Ginny sat up, still staring at him. Finally she got over the shock.
"HARRY!"
She yelled, leaping up and into his arms. She wrapped her arms firmly around his neck and buried her head in his shoulder. He rubbed her back, resting his chin on her head.
"Your alive! Everyone said you were dead, oh Harry, you have to tell Ron, and Hermionie! You don't know how many times a day they both think about you"
She pulled away from him
"I can't believe you haven't told them"
She said. Harry sighed
"I can't tell them"
He whispered, turning away from her. Her face fell
"And why not?"
"Because of all the things I've done. I can't prance back into everyone's lives and pretend that nothing ever changed. Things changed Ginny. I hold the weight of four people's deaths on my shoulders. If I get close to them again, if everyone knows I'm back, Voldemort will kill them off too. I'm not going to put their lives at risk for selfish-"
"Selfish? Harry! They would rather die than live the life their living right now. They're miserable Harry. They miss you. It's not your fault those people died! It never was your fault. I can't believe your stupid enough to think they died because of you. Ron and Hermionie care for you so much. They would die for you, and they would die proudly. Hiding from them is selfish if anything. And trust me, if you don't tell them I will!"
Harry rounded on her
"No you won't!"
He barked, making Ginny shrink back slightly. Yet she didn't back down
"Harry! I-"
A loud bag echoed through the school. Both Ginny and Harry went quiet. Then suddenly terrible pain shot through Harry's scar. His legs crumbled and his hands flew to his face. Ginny screamed and dropped to her knees beside him.
"Harry?! Oh my god! Harry!!!"
With bleary eyes he looked up at Ginny. Slowly the pain faded and a familiar cold swept over him.
"Shit"
(Thank you, thank you, thank you! Pethetic isn't it? Well it's my first ff...Thanks for anyone who read! Next chapter will be up soon!)
Harry woke with a start the next morning. He sat up quickly and felt his head collide with something. He heard a soft groan from the floor beside the bed. He rolled over to see Sirius sitting on the floor holding his forehead. Harry had to laugh. Sirius glared up at him
"Stupid immature git"
He grunted. Harry laughed harder
"Look whose talking"
He rolled out of bed, used his wand to straighten his robes the left the room, Sirius following him. Remus was sitting at the table.
"Ready to teach Harry?"
He said, grinning. Harry shook his head no
"Are you nut's, I'll be teaching my friends"
Remus laughed
"Well Dumbledore gave you an introduction this morning"
Harry paled. Remus smiled again
"He didn't tell them it was you"
He said laughing
"He said."
Remus cleared his throat
"Good morning students. I'm sure your all wondering whom that man was that entered our dining hall last night. He will be assisting Professor Lupin and myself in teaching the fifth through seventh years how to fight off Voldemort and his followers. He's not very old mind you, only seventeen in fact. He's never taught before, but I'm sure you'll find he is the best. You may call him James-"
Harry spat out some eggs
"His last name is far to hard to pronounce. Now, if you don't have any questions. Now of course, people did. Mainly Hermionie."
Again Remus cleared his throat, now speaking in a high squeaky voice
"Professor is he and Auror?" "You could say that Hermionie" Several oohs and ahhs from the crowd "Does he have any battle scars?!" Colin Creevy yelled, standing up "Just one, Mr. Creevy, just one" Then he dismissed breakfast before anyone could say anything else. Now we should probably go, our rather large class starts in ten minutes."
Remus grabbed an astonished Harry and dragged him out of the room. Harry barely had time to pull his hood up. He saw Sirius transform and follow them out. As they were walking down the halls a voice called after them.
"Professor Lupin!"
They stopped and turned around. Hermionie, Ron, Ginny, Lavender, Seamus, and Neville were sprinting down the halls after them. Harry stiffened, but Remus nudged him so he would at least try to look relaxed. After the group had caught up with the two teachers they slowed. Ron was breathing heavily, holding onto Lavender for support. Hermionie and Seamus were talking to Professor Lupin and Ginny was staring at Harry. After a minute Harry slowed, letting the group walk in front of him. Strangely Ginny slowed too.
"Are you really only seventeen?"
He smiled under his hood
"Yeah"
He said quietly. Ginny nodded
"Dumbledore told us about you this morning. He said you were sort of an Auror and that you had a battle scar"
Harry nodded his head, once again tensing up.
"Are you an Auror?"
"No"
Ginny nodded again
"What sort of battle scar-"
"Oh look, we're here!"
Remus said loudly, grabbing Harry's elbow
"Talk to all of you later"
He pulled Harry up to a stage that was set up where the teacher's table would normally be in the great hall. Small tables that would fit maybe four were set up all over the great hall, all facing the stage. Dumbledore was sitting on the stage, a chair on either side of him. Harry's nerves were getting more and more tense. He took the seat to Dumbledore's right and watched as all the students filed in. Then suddenly he heard a voice in his ear
"Forgot about me didn't you Harry"
It said. Harry spun around. Behind him stood a smiling Cho. Harry's jaw dropped. He had. He had completely forgot about Cho. She laughed
"Don't worry, Dumbledore told me that you were getting 'reunited' and needed time"
She conjured up a chair and sat beside him
"And now I get to watch you teach"
Harry glared at her, though she couldn't see him. After a minute all the chairs were full. To Harry's displeasure Ron, Hermionie, Ginny and Seamus had chosen a seat right up front. Lavender, Neville, Collin Creevy and a sixth year he didn't know, were sitting behind them. Dumbledore stood up and walked to the front of the stage.
"Hello everyone. Normally any class that we would teach like this would be a lot of fun. And I'm sure many for you might enjoy yourselves. But let me warn you, the spells you will learn are hard to master, and you will be using them against some of the most feared wizards in the world. This will be no cupcake. Now, let's begin. The first thing you are going to learn is the Patronus charm. Most of you should know that the Patronus is used to fight off Dementors. Voldemort has brought many along and they will be hard to defeat with a mere spell. Professor Lupin and James are now going to demonstrate and teach."
He motioned to Remus and Harry then took his seat. Harry and Remus stood in the center of the stage. Please don't let them remember my Patronus form!
"To conjure the Patronus you must think of the happiest memory you have. Nothing stupid, it has to be the thing in this world that makes you the happiest. You then devote all your thoughts to that memory. The incantation is: Expecto Patronum."
He smiled at them all
"Now me and.James are going to demonstrate"
Lupin raised his wand and Harry did the same.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Harry and Lupin roared. Out of Lupin's wand erupted a beautiful silver wolf, and out of Harry's a stag. The two animals ran at each other, stopped, stared into space for a moment then returned to their owner. The hall broke into applause. Remus grinned
"Now would you all please begin. Me and James will check your progress"
Everyone nodded and spread out. Every once in a while Harry saw silver wisps of smoke come out of someone's wand. Harry noticed Ron and Hermionie standing over in the corner. He approached them quietly, but stopped when he was in hearing range, he pretended to watch Lavender practice her Patronus.
"I don't know what to think of Ron!"
Hermionie said, sounding distressed
"I know, everything has been all around crappy since fifth year"
Harry's heart sank; guilt hit him like thousands of knives
"Try thinking of what would make you happy"
Ron suggested
"You know the only thing that would make me happy"
Hermionie whispered, Harry turned around. Hermionie closed her eyes and raised her wand at Ron
"Expecto Patronum!"
She roared. Harry watched in amazement as a beautiful silver falcon erupted from her wand. Harry smiled, that was her animagus form. Hermionie grinned happily
"I DID IT!"
She squealed, hugging Ron. Harry approached them.if he was a teacher.
"What was your thought?"
He said, trying to change his voice as much he could. Hermionie looked at him for a moment then bowed her head
"To have my best friend back"
She whispered. Harry felt even more terrible. He wanted to throw off his hood and hug her tightly, tell her everything, but he couldn't. He nodded his head and backed away, now watching Ron. After a minute of what looked like extremely deep thought he pointed his wand at Hermionie who was now standing a few meters away.
"Expecto Patronum!"
He yelled. Harry was even more amazed. Ron did it too, on his first try. His animagus form came out of his wand. The Griffindor lion, he truly was a Griffindor. Harry clapped his hands
"I'm impressed, I've never seen someone master it on their first try"
Harry said. Hermionie smiled, Ron blushed
"The dream is what keeps us going"
Harry nodded then left, heading over towards Remus
"Both Ron and Hermionie got it on their first try"
Harry whispered
"Really?"
Remus said, looking away from a fifth year Hufflepuff who wasn't even emitting smoke.
Harry nodded
"What were their thoughts? They must have been extremely good"
Harry sighed
"They thought of a dream they both had"
Harry mumbled. Remus nodded
"And?"
"It was to have me back"
Harry whispered, his voice cracking slightly. Remus patted his arm
"Don't worry, now go help some of these kids, we need to get them to learn this"
It took Remus, Harry, Dumbledore and Cho five hours to get most kids to master it. Only about 10 hadn't been able to even conjure one. Everyone else could conjure one, just not a strong one. Only eight people out of the group, including the teachers could conjure a Patronus strong enough to drive away large quantities of Dementors. Those eight were Harry, Remus, Dumbledore, Hermionie, Ron, Ginny, Malfoy, and a seventh year Hufflepuff. But even of those eight, Harry's seemed to give off the most power. As soon as those five hours were up, Dumbledore served lunch to the starving students. Dumbledore, Harry and Remus were sitting on the stage eating. Cho had left earlier, gone to get some sleep.
"Some of the animals these kids conjured were amazing"
Remus commented
"Yes"
Dumbledore said
"Especially the two Weaslys'"
Remus nodded
"A lion and a Unicorn, very rare"
Harry didn't say anything all through lunch. Ron and Hermionie's words kept echoing through his head 'To have my best friend back' 'The dream is what keeps us going'. They really did love him. Harry had never told Sirius he was his happy thought, but Harry was sure Sirius would be honored. Probably just as much as he was now. But Sirius would feel less pain in it. He caused his two best friends the most pain anyone ever had. How could I be so selfish? He thought angrily. His gaze shifted over towards Ron and Hermionie. They were laughing and talking, just like they had when he had been here. Harry told himself. That was a lie. Ron's eyes didn't light up like they used to. Hermionie giggled, but it wasn't the laugh he knew.
"Go sit with them Harry"
Came Dumbledore's voice
"Your much to young to care about pointless teacher talk"
Harry looked up at the Professor
"I couldn't.I'm not Harry, I'm 'James'.I'm not someone they want to know, just someone they have to"
He said. Remus shook his head
"You obviously don't know your friends very well, Harry. Plus, if you don't go down there, Hermionie will surely come get you."
"What makes you say that?"
Harry asked coldly, not looking at his former Professor
"Cause she's on her way up now"
Harry's eyes widened and he turned around. Hermionie was standing there, smiling at him
"Would you like to come sit with us? You look bored stiff up here, no offense Professors, and it might be easier to sit with kids your age, even though you are a teacher"
Harry didn't say anything for a moment, and Hermionie started to look uncomfortable
"Sure"
Harry finally said, standing up. He followed Hermionie down to the table where she, Ron, Ginny and Seamus were sitting. She conjured up a chair between her and Ron and Harry sat down.
"So, James, what school did you go to?"
Hermionie asked. Ron rolled his eyes
"No one cares what school he attended!"
He snapped at Hermionie, who glared at him. Harry chuckled quietly, same old Ron and Hermionie. Then Ginny turned towards him
"Is your name really James? When Professor Dumbledore and Professor Lupin address you they seem to strain at another name, then say the one you are called by right now"
Harry gapped at her. He never expected Ginny to be so frank. Finally he sighed
"Actually you're right, my name really isn't James"
Ginny smiled proudly. Hermionie turned away from her fight with Ron
"Really? Why won't you go by your real name? Are you wanted or something?"
Harry laughed; he knew that was stupid after he saw Ron and Hermionie's faces. He was sure they knew his laugh. He knew Hermionie would figure out who he was in time, but he hoped it was a little longer than a day. Neither of them had taken their gaze off him.
"What?"
Harry said finally, breaking the silence. Ron looked away but Hermionie didn't move.
"What is your real name?"
She said, leaning closer to him, obviously trying to see under his hood. Harry paled, though no one could see. His mind was racing over all the names he'd heard in his life. It couldn't be someone else from his family or anything like that, they would both know immediately.
"My names."
He took a deep breath
"Andrew"
He muttered, as if hiding his name
"Andrew Peters"
Hermionie backed away, now smiling
"Now was that so hard?"
Lunch carried on with questions like this; Harry had to continue making up his life. He was from Ireland but had lived the majority of his life in England, thus developing the accent. He was hiding because Voldemort was after him and Dumbledore said this was the safest place, although it was being attacked, plus they could all use his skills. Both his parents had been killed only weeks before he had arrived at Hogwarts. Remus was his step-uncle, if there was such a thing. He was single, 17 years old, and very interested in Quiditch. After a while Dumbledore announced the ending of lunch and the starting of another spell. Harry returned to the stage and told Remus about his imaginary life. Remus laughed
"Step-uncle?"
He whispered, glancing at Harry. Harry nodded
"Yeah"
Remus shook his head, still chuckling and returned his attention to Dumbledore who was about to begin introducing the new spell. By 9 o'clock that night they had all learned the Patronus, the disarming spell, Harry's famous 'blow death eaters sky high' spell, Impedimenta: the freezing spell, and many shield, healing, and blasting spells. Everyone had mastered almost all of them, barring a few less talented wizards and witches. After dinner Dumbledore led Harry to his new room, which was behind the portrait beside the fat lady. It was extremely big with a bathroom, a bedroom, a small kitchen and a living room with a fireplace and a comfy couch. The password was better be brave. (Sirius' contribution) After Dumbledore left Harry removed his cloak and tossed it on the floor. He went into the bathroom and started up the shower. He never noticed a person slip into his room. He showered quickly, then after pulling a pair of blue jeans on he glanced in the mirror. The stress lines on his face he had had yesterday were gone. He was clean shaven, even though he had very little to shave. His shoulders had become very broad and he had an extremely good build. He looked nothing like the scrawny little kid that had run from Hogwarts two years ago. He had also managed to get some new glasses. They were much smaller and silver rimmed, allowing his emerald eyes to shine more. He hadn't bothered putting on a shirt, considering there was no one else in his room, or so he thought. Finally he opened the bathroom door. He nearly screamed when he saw a person standing by his bed. As soon as she heard his gasp she spun around. It was Ginny. She gasped loudly and backed up, turning for the door. Harry bolted after her; he couldn't let her tell anyone. She reached the portrait, but didn't manage to get out. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back towards the couch. She didn't fight, Harry soon found out why. She had fainted. He laid her down on the couch then ran to get some water and his wand. When he returned she was still out cold. Harry's mind began to race again. He could modify her memory; tell her he found her lying on the floor outside the portrait unconscious. But inside he wanted somebody to know. Just not her. He wanted to tell Ron, or Hermionie, but he couldn't. Ginny would have to do; he just couldn't let her tell. After taking a deep breath he pointed his wand at her.
"Enervate"
He whispered. Ginny's body jumped a little, then she groaned. Harry was practically holding his breath. Then she opened her eyes. Her face lost all its color and her mouth hung open.
"Harry?"
She said in a quiet voice. He nodded, standing up. He then realized he wasn't wearing a shirt. He ignored it. Ginny sat up, still staring at him. Finally she got over the shock.
"HARRY!"
She yelled, leaping up and into his arms. She wrapped her arms firmly around his neck and buried her head in his shoulder. He rubbed her back, resting his chin on her head.
"Your alive! Everyone said you were dead, oh Harry, you have to tell Ron, and Hermionie! You don't know how many times a day they both think about you"
She pulled away from him
"I can't believe you haven't told them"
She said. Harry sighed
"I can't tell them"
He whispered, turning away from her. Her face fell
"And why not?"
"Because of all the things I've done. I can't prance back into everyone's lives and pretend that nothing ever changed. Things changed Ginny. I hold the weight of four people's deaths on my shoulders. If I get close to them again, if everyone knows I'm back, Voldemort will kill them off too. I'm not going to put their lives at risk for selfish-"
"Selfish? Harry! They would rather die than live the life their living right now. They're miserable Harry. They miss you. It's not your fault those people died! It never was your fault. I can't believe your stupid enough to think they died because of you. Ron and Hermionie care for you so much. They would die for you, and they would die proudly. Hiding from them is selfish if anything. And trust me, if you don't tell them I will!"
Harry rounded on her
"No you won't!"
He barked, making Ginny shrink back slightly. Yet she didn't back down
"Harry! I-"
A loud bag echoed through the school. Both Ginny and Harry went quiet. Then suddenly terrible pain shot through Harry's scar. His legs crumbled and his hands flew to his face. Ginny screamed and dropped to her knees beside him.
"Harry?! Oh my god! Harry!!!"
With bleary eyes he looked up at Ginny. Slowly the pain faded and a familiar cold swept over him.
"Shit"
(Thank you, thank you, thank you! Pethetic isn't it? Well it's my first ff...Thanks for anyone who read! Next chapter will be up soon!)