Chapter 6: Daniel Evans
He pulled on his cloak, covered his face with his hood and followed Ginny out of the room. They entered the common room together, and sure enough Collin was there. But he wasn't the only one. Ron was there, along with Hermionie, Neville, and Lavender. Ron looked worried sick, and Hermionie seemed to be comforting him. As soon as they stepped in Ron leaped up and hugged Ginny tightly
"Where were you? I was so worried!!"
He yelled, staring down at her, still as pale as a sheet
"Why?"
She asked, calmly
"You haven't heard?!"
He breathed, now in complete shock. His eyes moved to Harry
"Do you know?"
Harry stared at him then shook his head. Ron's mouth dropped and he dragged Ginny over to the couch and sat her down. Hermionie approached Harry
"You-know-who broke through the shield, he's on the grounds. Dumbledore put up another defense system, but it won't hold for another day or two, he doesn't think."
Hermionie said, her voice shaky. Harry then noticed she looked like she had been crying
"Are you alright?"
He asked, his voice gentle and caring. Hermionie stared at him for a moment. Then she shook her head
"No"
She whispered
"Is it because Voldemort is here?"
He asked. Hermionie closed her eyes, as if steadying herself
"Only partly"
She said quietly. Harry nodded his head
"Do you want to talk about it?"
He asked. Hermionie looked at him
"Do you want to listen?"
"Would I have offered if I didn't?"
Hermionie sighed
"I guess not...alright, I could use someone to talk to"
Harry smiled, though she couldn't see.
"Come on, I know a safe place we can talk"
He led her out of the common room. They walked down the empty halls in silence
"So..."
Harry said, glancing at Hermionie
"Ready to talk?"
Hermionie looked at him and nodded
"Well, no one else seems to be too upset about Voldemort being practically inside Hogwarts. I don't understand, I mean, I've never faced him or anything, but one of my best friends did several times. He was supposed to be one of the most powerful wizards of all time, and he barely escaped Voldemort...and after seeing him those many times he escaped, I have a feeling I'm going to come out worse than him, and that pretty much means I'll be dead..."
"So your afraid to die?"
Harry asked. Hermionie shook her head
"No, I'm afraid I'll die before I get to tell him goodbye"
"Him?"
"Harry, Harry Potter"
Harry didn't say anything, he just kept walking, Hermionie at his side. Her led her into a hidden room behind a picture of an old witch with no teeth. He turned to her; she was gazing around the room.
"How'd you know this was here?"
She asked, turning her eyes back to him. Harry took a deep breath
"I...my father and mother used to attend Hogwarts, when they died they left me all this stuff about hidden passage ways and hidden rooms."
Harry bowed his head, he couldn't show her, he couldn't tell her. He was too much of a coward.
"Oh..."
Hermionie whispered
"I'm sorry"
"No reason to be, it was a long time ago"
Harry raised his head and his eyes met hers. She was just staring into the shadows of his hood, but somehow she met his eyes. The room was silent, and never did they break eye contact
"You remind me so much of him"
She breathed, still staring into his eyes
"I think that's why I'm so drawn to you"
Harry wanted to gasp; Hermionie was never one to spill out her feelings. She stepped closer to him and slowly he lowered his head, bringing her into a kiss. She closed her eyes, and Harry knew she wasn't doing this because she wanted to know his true identity, but because she had feelings for him. His mind was racing, was this right? It felt right enough for him. After a second Hermionie pulled back, looking up at him. Her face held confusion, but happiness. She swallowed
"I should get back"
She muttered, looking down at the floor
"Thank you"
And to Harry's great surprise she leaned up, kissed him, then dashed out of the room. Harry sighed and exited the room only moments after. He walked slowly back towards his room but was pulled into an empty classroom on his way. He looked over to see who had pulled him in and smiled
"Good evening Sirius, Remus"
He said. Remus smiled
"Hello Harry, how are-"
"What the hell were you doing out at this time of night?! You do know Voldemort is on the grounds! On the grounds! He could have broken in at any time!"
Sirius broke into Remus' sentence. Remus rolled his eyes and let Sirius blow off steam. Sirius continued to chew Harry out for a good five minutes. Harry just stood there, grinning at his godfather. Finally Sirius stopped
"Anything else you have to yell?"
Harry asked, staring at his godfather. Sirius didn't say anything; he was now staring past Harry, his mouth hanging open. Harry slowly turned around. In the door way sat a cougar. It was staring up at them; it's tail moving slowly across the floor. Remus was staring at it too, but not with fear, with surprise, even happiness.
"D-daniel?"
Remus chocked staring at the cougar. Slowly the animal stood up, it started walking towards Remus, on it's way over, it changed. Before Harry knew it, a tall man with short auburn hair and emerald eyes just like his, was standing beside him. Of course Daniel didn't know at that point who Harry was, but obviously he didn't care. Him and Remus embraced, and then, strangely, Daniel embraced Sirius.
"I knew you were innocent"
Daniel said. His voice was low, but caring and mysterious.
"Lily told me they changed secret keepers through an owl. She didn't know where I was; I was unable to tell her. But she never needed to tell me about the switch. I already knew who the spy was. He banished me to a small island in seventh year. I managed to escape but I was unable to tell her who the spy was, he cursed me. Cursed me so I could never tell people where I was or say his name in a 'bad' way. I didn't return to England because I was such a coward. I'm back only because your godson sent me an owl. I had been in Hogsmead, hiding in that cave we used to camp in, the one up in the mountains. I came to Hogsmead as soon as I heard Hogwarts was under attack, then Harry's owl came, only hours ago, I came here immediately, he said you needed me Remus"
Daniel looked over at Remus. But Remus wasn't looking at him. He was looking at Harry. Then Daniel seemed to notice the hooded figure in the middle of the room for the first time. He paled
"Who is that?"
He whispered to Sirius. Sirius grinned at him
"Your Nephew"
Sirius said. Harry gulped but slowly lowered his hood. Daniel gasped
"He looks just like James, but with Lily's eyes"
He mumbled. Harry smiled nervously
"Yeah, I get that all the time"
Daniel laughed, a warm, happy laugh
"I'm sure you do!"
He said, stepping towards him. Harry strangely felt like he already knew his uncle. Slowly he smiled and hugged Daniel. Daniel, who was now absolutely beaming, looked over at Sirius
"You haven't changed a smidge old friend, you just look a bit older, and surely more mature"
He said. Sirius grinned
"Older maybe, mature? No, I just am responsible for Harry, setting a good example and all, if you want immature just ask Remus..."
Sirius mumbled with a chuckle. Remus groaned
"He finds it funny to drag you down the street if you happen to put him on a leash, disobedient git"
Daniel laughed then turned to Harry
"Why were you all cloaked up?"
Harry stared at him then sighed
"It's a long story"
He muttered. Daniel grinned and conjured up four chairs
"We've got time"
So Harry explained everything to Daniel from the night he ran from Hogwarts, to the point right now
"You kissed Hermionie? And she doesn't even know who you are?!"
Remus asked, looking surprised. Sirius smiled happily
"You dog you!"
He said, winking. Harry shook his head.
"You skipped half your fifth year, your entire sixth and seventh year, and you still know more than we do?"
Daniel asked in complete shock. Harry nodded
"Yeah, and the worst part is that I don't know how I know it all. Just in situations, it just seems to come to me..."
He said. Daniel grinned
"You remind me so much of James, but you got Lily mixed right in there"
He whispered. Remus looked at his watch
"Whoa, men it's nearly two in the morning! Harry and me have classes to teach tomorrow! I'm off to bed, and I'm dragging him with me!"
Remus grinned at Sirius and Daniel, grabbed Harry by the elbow and pulled him out of the room. Once they were out of earshot Remus spoke
"You owled him?!"
"Yes"
"Why? Why do you always go out of your way for me and Sirius?"
"Because you're the closest thing to family I have."
Harry said flatly, still walking. Remus sighed
"Your so unselfish, I just don't understand why you won't tell Ron and Hermionie"
"Because Ron will hate me, and I'm sure Hermionie will too, once this is all over...."
"Once it's all over your going to run again, aren't you? Hide away. Harry, running won't ever change anything"
"I know, but it's safer this way, I'm a walking disaster Remus!"
"You are not"
Remus said, looking shocked
"Most people see you as a beacon of hope. The last thing people see you as is a walking disaster! The only reason the world hasn't fallen to Lord Voldemort is because of you!" "Yeah, because I'm lucky"
"No, because your special. You're the only person that will ever be able to defeat Voldemort..."
"And it's all because my mother died for me. Sometimes I wish she would have lived instead of me"
Remus stopped dead in his tracks, starring at Harry in disbelief
"How could you say that?"
He said in a hushed voice
"Harry, your the only person in this world that doesn't see how important you are. If your mother wouldn't have died that night, and you would have, there would not have been a world for her to live in. You saved us..."
Harry bowed his head
"I know, but I don't like all this fame. I just want to be normal, a normal kid for once...but I'll never get that chance."
Remus smiled at Harry
"I know Harry, but your just going to have to accept it. Good night"
Then Remus left, leaving Harry in the middle of the hall. Slowly he made it back to his room and he fell asleep. The next morning he arrived at breakfast late. He took a seat beside Remus.
"Where are Daniel and Sirius?"
He asked quietly
"Asleep"
Remus muttered
"Lazy stupid gits"
Harry chuckled and turned his attention back to his breakfast. After a while a flood of owls entered the hall, dropping off letters, and large amounts of daily prophets. Strangely he got a daily prophet. Slowly he opened it. He nearly fainted when he saw what was on the front page. A picture of him, beside the very disturbing headline. Harry Potter presumed dead. His eyes immediately went to Hermionie. She hadn't opened her paper yet. But she would soon. Screams and cries were echoing through the hall. Ron grabbed the Prophet and Hermionie glanced over his shoulder. He opened it. Ron gasped. Everyone in the hall was staring at him and Hermionie. Hermionie stood up and ran out of the hall, leaving Ron to stare at the paper, tears coming to his eyes. Harry couldn't do this to them! He leapt up and ran over to Ron. He caught his best friend by the shoulders before he hit the ground. Ron was still a good two inches taller than him, but Harry was much better built. He was able to get Ron sitting up. The entire hall was still staring at him. Harry looked up at the teacher's table. Remus was already on his way down to help, Sirius in a cloak and Daniel running along behind him. No one seemed to know who Daniel was. But that was the last of Harry's problems. Remus slid to a stop beside him. Harry was about to revive Ron when an ear splitting scream sounded through the halls.
(That's a short one! The next chapter will be up soon. Harry get's his hands on rat and his cover is blown to two very special people)
He pulled on his cloak, covered his face with his hood and followed Ginny out of the room. They entered the common room together, and sure enough Collin was there. But he wasn't the only one. Ron was there, along with Hermionie, Neville, and Lavender. Ron looked worried sick, and Hermionie seemed to be comforting him. As soon as they stepped in Ron leaped up and hugged Ginny tightly
"Where were you? I was so worried!!"
He yelled, staring down at her, still as pale as a sheet
"Why?"
She asked, calmly
"You haven't heard?!"
He breathed, now in complete shock. His eyes moved to Harry
"Do you know?"
Harry stared at him then shook his head. Ron's mouth dropped and he dragged Ginny over to the couch and sat her down. Hermionie approached Harry
"You-know-who broke through the shield, he's on the grounds. Dumbledore put up another defense system, but it won't hold for another day or two, he doesn't think."
Hermionie said, her voice shaky. Harry then noticed she looked like she had been crying
"Are you alright?"
He asked, his voice gentle and caring. Hermionie stared at him for a moment. Then she shook her head
"No"
She whispered
"Is it because Voldemort is here?"
He asked. Hermionie closed her eyes, as if steadying herself
"Only partly"
She said quietly. Harry nodded his head
"Do you want to talk about it?"
He asked. Hermionie looked at him
"Do you want to listen?"
"Would I have offered if I didn't?"
Hermionie sighed
"I guess not...alright, I could use someone to talk to"
Harry smiled, though she couldn't see.
"Come on, I know a safe place we can talk"
He led her out of the common room. They walked down the empty halls in silence
"So..."
Harry said, glancing at Hermionie
"Ready to talk?"
Hermionie looked at him and nodded
"Well, no one else seems to be too upset about Voldemort being practically inside Hogwarts. I don't understand, I mean, I've never faced him or anything, but one of my best friends did several times. He was supposed to be one of the most powerful wizards of all time, and he barely escaped Voldemort...and after seeing him those many times he escaped, I have a feeling I'm going to come out worse than him, and that pretty much means I'll be dead..."
"So your afraid to die?"
Harry asked. Hermionie shook her head
"No, I'm afraid I'll die before I get to tell him goodbye"
"Him?"
"Harry, Harry Potter"
Harry didn't say anything, he just kept walking, Hermionie at his side. Her led her into a hidden room behind a picture of an old witch with no teeth. He turned to her; she was gazing around the room.
"How'd you know this was here?"
She asked, turning her eyes back to him. Harry took a deep breath
"I...my father and mother used to attend Hogwarts, when they died they left me all this stuff about hidden passage ways and hidden rooms."
Harry bowed his head, he couldn't show her, he couldn't tell her. He was too much of a coward.
"Oh..."
Hermionie whispered
"I'm sorry"
"No reason to be, it was a long time ago"
Harry raised his head and his eyes met hers. She was just staring into the shadows of his hood, but somehow she met his eyes. The room was silent, and never did they break eye contact
"You remind me so much of him"
She breathed, still staring into his eyes
"I think that's why I'm so drawn to you"
Harry wanted to gasp; Hermionie was never one to spill out her feelings. She stepped closer to him and slowly he lowered his head, bringing her into a kiss. She closed her eyes, and Harry knew she wasn't doing this because she wanted to know his true identity, but because she had feelings for him. His mind was racing, was this right? It felt right enough for him. After a second Hermionie pulled back, looking up at him. Her face held confusion, but happiness. She swallowed
"I should get back"
She muttered, looking down at the floor
"Thank you"
And to Harry's great surprise she leaned up, kissed him, then dashed out of the room. Harry sighed and exited the room only moments after. He walked slowly back towards his room but was pulled into an empty classroom on his way. He looked over to see who had pulled him in and smiled
"Good evening Sirius, Remus"
He said. Remus smiled
"Hello Harry, how are-"
"What the hell were you doing out at this time of night?! You do know Voldemort is on the grounds! On the grounds! He could have broken in at any time!"
Sirius broke into Remus' sentence. Remus rolled his eyes and let Sirius blow off steam. Sirius continued to chew Harry out for a good five minutes. Harry just stood there, grinning at his godfather. Finally Sirius stopped
"Anything else you have to yell?"
Harry asked, staring at his godfather. Sirius didn't say anything; he was now staring past Harry, his mouth hanging open. Harry slowly turned around. In the door way sat a cougar. It was staring up at them; it's tail moving slowly across the floor. Remus was staring at it too, but not with fear, with surprise, even happiness.
"D-daniel?"
Remus chocked staring at the cougar. Slowly the animal stood up, it started walking towards Remus, on it's way over, it changed. Before Harry knew it, a tall man with short auburn hair and emerald eyes just like his, was standing beside him. Of course Daniel didn't know at that point who Harry was, but obviously he didn't care. Him and Remus embraced, and then, strangely, Daniel embraced Sirius.
"I knew you were innocent"
Daniel said. His voice was low, but caring and mysterious.
"Lily told me they changed secret keepers through an owl. She didn't know where I was; I was unable to tell her. But she never needed to tell me about the switch. I already knew who the spy was. He banished me to a small island in seventh year. I managed to escape but I was unable to tell her who the spy was, he cursed me. Cursed me so I could never tell people where I was or say his name in a 'bad' way. I didn't return to England because I was such a coward. I'm back only because your godson sent me an owl. I had been in Hogsmead, hiding in that cave we used to camp in, the one up in the mountains. I came to Hogsmead as soon as I heard Hogwarts was under attack, then Harry's owl came, only hours ago, I came here immediately, he said you needed me Remus"
Daniel looked over at Remus. But Remus wasn't looking at him. He was looking at Harry. Then Daniel seemed to notice the hooded figure in the middle of the room for the first time. He paled
"Who is that?"
He whispered to Sirius. Sirius grinned at him
"Your Nephew"
Sirius said. Harry gulped but slowly lowered his hood. Daniel gasped
"He looks just like James, but with Lily's eyes"
He mumbled. Harry smiled nervously
"Yeah, I get that all the time"
Daniel laughed, a warm, happy laugh
"I'm sure you do!"
He said, stepping towards him. Harry strangely felt like he already knew his uncle. Slowly he smiled and hugged Daniel. Daniel, who was now absolutely beaming, looked over at Sirius
"You haven't changed a smidge old friend, you just look a bit older, and surely more mature"
He said. Sirius grinned
"Older maybe, mature? No, I just am responsible for Harry, setting a good example and all, if you want immature just ask Remus..."
Sirius mumbled with a chuckle. Remus groaned
"He finds it funny to drag you down the street if you happen to put him on a leash, disobedient git"
Daniel laughed then turned to Harry
"Why were you all cloaked up?"
Harry stared at him then sighed
"It's a long story"
He muttered. Daniel grinned and conjured up four chairs
"We've got time"
So Harry explained everything to Daniel from the night he ran from Hogwarts, to the point right now
"You kissed Hermionie? And she doesn't even know who you are?!"
Remus asked, looking surprised. Sirius smiled happily
"You dog you!"
He said, winking. Harry shook his head.
"You skipped half your fifth year, your entire sixth and seventh year, and you still know more than we do?"
Daniel asked in complete shock. Harry nodded
"Yeah, and the worst part is that I don't know how I know it all. Just in situations, it just seems to come to me..."
He said. Daniel grinned
"You remind me so much of James, but you got Lily mixed right in there"
He whispered. Remus looked at his watch
"Whoa, men it's nearly two in the morning! Harry and me have classes to teach tomorrow! I'm off to bed, and I'm dragging him with me!"
Remus grinned at Sirius and Daniel, grabbed Harry by the elbow and pulled him out of the room. Once they were out of earshot Remus spoke
"You owled him?!"
"Yes"
"Why? Why do you always go out of your way for me and Sirius?"
"Because you're the closest thing to family I have."
Harry said flatly, still walking. Remus sighed
"Your so unselfish, I just don't understand why you won't tell Ron and Hermionie"
"Because Ron will hate me, and I'm sure Hermionie will too, once this is all over...."
"Once it's all over your going to run again, aren't you? Hide away. Harry, running won't ever change anything"
"I know, but it's safer this way, I'm a walking disaster Remus!"
"You are not"
Remus said, looking shocked
"Most people see you as a beacon of hope. The last thing people see you as is a walking disaster! The only reason the world hasn't fallen to Lord Voldemort is because of you!" "Yeah, because I'm lucky"
"No, because your special. You're the only person that will ever be able to defeat Voldemort..."
"And it's all because my mother died for me. Sometimes I wish she would have lived instead of me"
Remus stopped dead in his tracks, starring at Harry in disbelief
"How could you say that?"
He said in a hushed voice
"Harry, your the only person in this world that doesn't see how important you are. If your mother wouldn't have died that night, and you would have, there would not have been a world for her to live in. You saved us..."
Harry bowed his head
"I know, but I don't like all this fame. I just want to be normal, a normal kid for once...but I'll never get that chance."
Remus smiled at Harry
"I know Harry, but your just going to have to accept it. Good night"
Then Remus left, leaving Harry in the middle of the hall. Slowly he made it back to his room and he fell asleep. The next morning he arrived at breakfast late. He took a seat beside Remus.
"Where are Daniel and Sirius?"
He asked quietly
"Asleep"
Remus muttered
"Lazy stupid gits"
Harry chuckled and turned his attention back to his breakfast. After a while a flood of owls entered the hall, dropping off letters, and large amounts of daily prophets. Strangely he got a daily prophet. Slowly he opened it. He nearly fainted when he saw what was on the front page. A picture of him, beside the very disturbing headline. Harry Potter presumed dead. His eyes immediately went to Hermionie. She hadn't opened her paper yet. But she would soon. Screams and cries were echoing through the hall. Ron grabbed the Prophet and Hermionie glanced over his shoulder. He opened it. Ron gasped. Everyone in the hall was staring at him and Hermionie. Hermionie stood up and ran out of the hall, leaving Ron to stare at the paper, tears coming to his eyes. Harry couldn't do this to them! He leapt up and ran over to Ron. He caught his best friend by the shoulders before he hit the ground. Ron was still a good two inches taller than him, but Harry was much better built. He was able to get Ron sitting up. The entire hall was still staring at him. Harry looked up at the teacher's table. Remus was already on his way down to help, Sirius in a cloak and Daniel running along behind him. No one seemed to know who Daniel was. But that was the last of Harry's problems. Remus slid to a stop beside him. Harry was about to revive Ron when an ear splitting scream sounded through the halls.
(That's a short one! The next chapter will be up soon. Harry get's his hands on rat and his cover is blown to two very special people)