Time Changes Everything
A Fanfiction by Eimaan
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K.R. except this plot.
Chapter 26: And They Say That A Hero Can Save Us
Author's Notes:
Hi there! I decided to put this chapter up faster when I got all those GREAT reviews! Munku J., your review was…what could I say about it? Thanks a lot for taking so much time to write suucch a long review AND for re-reading my story just for that review! Before I do anything else, I'd like to write answers to the reviews:
Bucky: Thanks for the compliment and about not killing Harry or Ginny…well…I can't promise anything right now. Just be sure that you'll love the ending. Cheers!
Moonbunni: It was very obvious since the beginning, I guess, that Voldemort was sort of involved…and so many people said that in their reviews that there was just no point in saying, "No, you guessed wrong." But, you read chapter 25 and realized how exactly he was controlling Ginny. Thanks for the compliments! Keep reading! I'm trying to finish this story before 4th August so the chapters should not be delayed too much, I guess!
Nimbuschik: Hi there! That's okay, you did review after all and you're one of the first readers of this story. :) About the plot, yes, it is getting very dense! But, I am sure after you read chapter 26, you realized Voldemort won't hold Ginny for ransom. He's finished with her and all he's doing right now is killing her off – sort of…eh…I can't tell you right now. Voldemort will tell you that himself in the upcoming chapters, I assure you. Meanwhile, keep reading! Cheerio!
Sofalina: I see you're here for the second time. Thanks for following up on this story, really! :) And thanks a LOT for those lovely compliments you keep giving me. And be sure, as I said above, I'm taking out chapters faster now.
Danielle: Thanks for reviewing and I really do hope and I can meet all of your expectations by putting up chapters faster and working on this story properly at the same time. Toodloo!
Graham: Thank you so much for such a sweet and lovely review. I don't know if I'm right but if you're from Rogers.com, seeing from your email address, you must be an employee and quite grown up! If that's right, I am really flattered that you took the time out to review! I also really, really appreciate what you said about reviewing my story. And thanks again, and again for saying it's something like JKR would write. I try to stick to canon and avoid bringing in new characters. It is getting darker indeed and I really hope that if you've liked the story so far, you'll love the end. The end, in fact, was the first thing that I planned before starting on the story itself. Please do keep reading. Toodloo!
Julephenia: Thanks for all those compliments! About submitting to gryffindortower.net, I am there already under my first penname "Pottergirl" so maybe you haven't noticed me. I've got only two chapters of TCE uploaded there right now because of their strict rules regarding beta-reading. I don't want to think of the time it would take to get the remaining, so far, 24 chapters uploaded but I'll try to get them done. I've also got some other fics up there…a few of the ones I have here at ff.net too. Unforunately, I never got a good response at gt.net. You could say, I didn't get any response at all. I got hardly 2-3 reviews for every story I published there so it sort of made me stick to ff.net where I'd had 310 reviews to this story when I last checked! I'll see when I switch to gt.net. Thanks a lot for the idea though! :) Keep reading…love…Ameera.
Goggle Boy: Thanks for the comments! You're at gt.net too, aren't you? And, answering your question, no, it wasn't Sirius's book. What made you think that? I was surprised. Anyway, do keep reading. I am really hoping that everyone will love the climax of this story! Cheerio!
Nari: Thanks for reviewing but I didn't get what you meant exactly by saying this wasn't the best chapter I had put up so far. Were you expecting something more from it? Please, don't hesitate to speak out if you've got suggestions, queries or comments. And maybe Munku J. was telling you to review as she certainly does review every time. I don't mind. I try my best to review every story I read too but sometimes I'm not able to so it's really ok.
Answering your question…why is that the only way to save Ginny…I didn't even speak of saving Ginny that way yet, did I? Er…well…it was obvious anyway…but about being the only way to save Ginny…well…you did hear Dumbledore. He didn't know much on that matter himself and when Voldemort's taken over Ginny's soul completely, what would anyone think of doing? There exactly isn't a charm I think that could banish Voldemort. And even, as you may read in this chapter, this is not exactly a way, apparently to "save" Ginny. I mean, it only talks about two souls meeting in a type of World or Place of Souls. Believe me, it cannot be outlined as the way to "save" Ginny because it does no such thing. However…you should read the next three chapters and then you'll realize what I mean.
And your second question about the soul returning to its body…well…I tried to state it more clearly and I'll try to work that into the next few chapters. What happens, no one knows for certain as neither Badb nor Koess returned to tell the story. Badb only left his research notes and people only made guesses from them. But, one thing I have made clear is that only one soul can return from the World of Souls. There should be no doubt about that at all. But don't get disheartened…you'll love the end…and I won't leave it as something that was "unexplained". You'll get a very logical explanation for the ending and the way it turned out to be!
Love, Ameera.
Kami Potter: You're a faithful reviewer too and I appreciate that very much! Thanks a lot for your compliments too. Was it really sad? You're probably the first one to say that and to tell you the truth, I feel the same way – but in an excited sort of way because I'm writing the story and I know how it's going to turn out. :) Nice, huh? But, while I'm writing the sad parts, I try to imagine how Harry would feel…how anyone would feel and that's the way I do it. Thanks again for reviewing and I hope you keep reading. Love, Ameera.
Munku J.: WOWW! Thanks for that monster of a review! I'm sure it took you a lot of time and I really appreciate that! :)
Ohk…lots of things to say so I hope you don't mind that I make it short, Miss Fic Guardian. :)
Thanks for that comment about Dumbledore being in character and yes, he is the most difficult character to write! You never know how he's going to react, really! I've had to rewrite massive paragraphs because Dumbledore didn't seem to be saying the right things.
Yes, you'll definitely see Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley for a long time and she has her own scene in this chapter…something that makes Harry come to a determined decision. And I don't think that the Weasleys would ever blame Harry for any of that. There's no evident direct connection between Ginny dying and Harry and apart from that, I don't think the Weasleys, in any state of mind, would blame Harry, even in the slightest. I've made that clear in this chapter in a scene involving Harry and Ron. Ron wouldn't ever take it out on Harry, even if he is depressed. Some of the fanfics make Ron out to be some frustrated teenager who'll blame Harry for anything. But think of Ron as the one JKR wrote – Harry's best friend, sacrificing himself in Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone on the Giant Chessboard and you'll realize Ron will remain faithful to Harry always.
Oh yes, Dumbledore said it was a clear war…good against evil…evil in all its forms. Actually, our country's President always keeps saying that we'd fight evil "in all its forms" and I kind of quote that myself, here and there.
Ron couldn't bear the news and when he heard about what Voldemort had done…when Dumbledore used words like "manipulated Ginny –", he couldn't take it anymore. Part of him couldn't believe it was true…that his little sister had been taken over forever by Voldemort.
Yes, about the magical contracts, this is something JKR mentions in the HP books herself and I just elaborated on that saying that Voldemort knew that such contracts gained strength with time and so it was better to finish off Ginny before she ever became a threat to him in any way. Oh yes, Voldemort is a clever villain but he must remember, he can try his best but…well…I shouldn't be telling you more. You'll find out yourself.
About touching Ginny's soul, that just came up while I was writing. I thought that sounded mild, something Dumbledore would say to the Weasleys, trying to make the news bearable, in some ways.
Yes, almost all fics have Harry thinking that it's too much of a risk Ginny being with him with Voldemort after him and all. And that story you mentioned about Ginny said she'd risk it and it was worth the risk, it must have been Imogen's Carpe Diem. I don't remember the exact words but Ginny said something like –
'Who knows how long we've got? A month? A year?' And she went on to say that she wouldn't want to look back after the years and regret that she hadn't spent time with him, even if it was very less. She was willing to take the risk for however long she and Harry might have together. Lovely story that one, Carpe Diem, really!
About that Charmzirius passage…yes…I've seen I wrote all that formal, book-like tone okay enough. You just have to twist the words around and make them seem like a newspaper report or something. OR something Hermione would say, come to that. :)
About Badb, I was thinking of mentioning this in the previous chapter. Actually, yes, I thought of Badb from Bad. And about Koess – actually the word "Koiss" means "good" in the Arabic language so I just though of putting that in as well.
You've put that right – Harry trying to go to the World of Souls to see if he can save Ginny in any way. However, just going there doesn't necessarily mean he can save her. As I've answered to "Nari" above, Harry may be able to go to the World of Souls but that doesn't mean he will be able to save her. But well, I can only assure you that you'll LOVE the end.
And yes, with some slight modification to your statement, only one soul, not person, can leave the World of Souls. But, don't worry…I promise you'll love the end and that it will be entirely logical…nothing will be left "unexplained". Will he sacrifice himself? Hmm…this chapter answers just that!
Dumbledore is a very tricky character…you'll know more about how he reacted the way he did in the next chapter.
Oh my, I'm glad that review of yours finally ended! You know how long this took me to reply to? Just kidding…:)
Keep reading and thanks again for the great review!
Love, Ameera.
Tidbits the moldy corndog: Haha, sure, but do check back for updates when you can! And thanks for the compliment. Keep reading!
SayinShinigami: Thanks and I'm putting up chapters quite quickly so all you need to do is check back here every two or three days. Cheerio!
So, that was it. I know it got too long but I had to counter the size of Munku's review with something longer. :)
Now, let me tell you in advance as I wont be telling you later – chapter twenty seven, the next chapter, will we put in, hopefully, three days. I really hope you review in the meantime and that I met your expectations in the writing of this chapter and how it eventually turned out to be.
Goodbye!
~Ameera Khan aka Eimaan.
* * * * * *
Harry went back to Dumbledore's office and knowing the password that the Headmaster had given him the previous day, he gave it to the gargoyle at the entrance and went straight to Dumbledore's chambers. But his office was empty and a single candle was lit on the desk. Harry wondered where everyone had gone. Then, he noticed the door to the next chamber – where Ginny was.
Slowly, turning the knob, Harry opened the door and stepped in. This room was dimly lit too but with more candles than Dumbledore's main office. Harry immediately saw the bed on which Ginny's form lay, placed in a corner of the room. He recognized the two people sitting on either side of Ginny as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Fred and George were absent but Harry suddenly noticed that Bill and Percy were there. Hermione was sitting in a chair, sleeping by the looks of her and Ron sat nearby Ginny with Bill and Percy.
There was silence in the room except for a steady sobbing. A lump formed in Harry's throat. He couldn't bring himself to take a step further. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes and he turned around, only to find himself face to face with Dumbledore, standing at the door.
Seeing Harry's predicament, Dumbledore silently motioned for Harry to follow him and Harry obeyed silently. He eventually found himself seated across Dumbledore in the main office.
'Harry,' said Dumbledore gently, 'You weren't with Madam Pomfrey tonight…where had you gone?'
Harry wiped his tears away and produced the book, which he had taken from Dumbledore's office earlier.
'I…I was in North Tower…I found this book in your office earlier and I –'
'You read all about the Charmziriui,' said Dumbledore. It wasn't a question. He was looking at Harry closely but his voice betrayed no emotions. Harry nodded, placing the aforementioned book on Dumbledore's desk.
'I expect you may have questions for me,' said Dumbledore. Harry didn't know where to start.
'Professor…' he said, hesitating, 'The Chamzirius I have…it was acting strange that night…before I went to sleep.'
'It was?'
'Yes, it was very cold. It's usually warm and nice but that night it was freezing…almost hurtful…'
'Yes,' said Dumbledore sadly, after a moment, 'Chamrziriui do tend to reflect the giver's feelings sometimes. And I think…it was because of Voldemort occupying Ginny's soul completely.'
'So,' said Harry, trying not to think of the state Ginny was in, 'still…I mean…the book says about those two brothers…Badb and Koess…that was about souls too…'
Dumbledore was silent.
'Harry, I am sure you read everything. You know what happened to Badb and Koess?' he asked after a moment and Harry nodded mutely.
'Harry, we don't know if Badb's theory was perfect…this is a very imprecise field of magic. I'd never say I was perfectly sure about any of it.'
'But Professor…what if there's a chance?' Harry, asked, voicing the thought that had been in his mind all night.
Dumbledore looked at his hands.
'Harry…I am sure you are aware of the consequences of Badb's theories…if they are proved true,' he said, in a grave tone. Harry was silent. This was the very part that nagged at him – the very part that seemed so…
He felt so helpless…being shown a way to help Ginny and then being told he'd have to die himself to do that.
He merely nodded. 'I read that part…' he said, his voice strangely hoarse.
'Harry,' said Dumbledore, leaning forwards in his chair, gazing at Harry through deep blue eyes as it trying to make his statements clear, 'Voldemort has completely overtaken Ginny's soul…she hasn't gained consciousness for two days now. And there is no idea how this can be done…'
Harry looked up, into Dumbledore's serious blue eyes.
'Harry, you cannot act purely on instinct. You have to accept the truth…I fear it will not be much longer that Ginny has to suffer but…you have to know, we cannot do anything for her anymore.'
Harry said nothing and he looked away at the floor, his throat tight.
'Harry,' said Dumbledore softly, 'I stand by what I said…the ones who truly love us never leave us.'
Harry gritted his teeth, trying to force the tears back and nodded. Then he got up and turned to go.
The last glimmer of hope had just vanished.
Harry passed the door of the room where Ginny was, almost pausing in his tracks. He wanted so badly to go in and see her but he hated the prospect of facing the Weasleys. He didn't know how he could ever look any of them in the eye when he was aware that Ginny was inches from death just because of him. He turned and left Dumbledore's office.
* * * * * *
How Harry passed that day, he never knew. He didn't have the courage to go back to Dumbledore's office, fearing he might face the Weasleys. He didn't go back into the castle for the same reason. He just sat under a tree in the Hogwarts grounds, hugging his knees to himself and watching the calm waters of the lake. He had the Charmzirius with him. He didn't know why but suddenly, he couldn't get it out of his mind even when Dumbledore had so clearly told him it was of no use to follow Badb's theory…
Even though the Charmzirius was so cold, Harry kept it with him. Its painful coolness could be felt even through his thick cloak but he didn't care. He didn't know what to do.
Dumbledore's words came back to him again and again; he couldn't get them out of his mind. Dumbledore did not want to risk taking a chance…maybe…maybe they could save her after all…but…
It was excruciating for Harry to just sit there so calmly while someone was dying…when he could do something…if he tried…to save her…
The sun set but Harry didn't care to move. His thoughts were jumbled up and he was nowhere near any conclusion of any sorts. A soft breeze began to blow, stirring up fallen leaves by his feet and he hugged his coat to himself.
'Harry?'
Harry looked up to see, in the dim dusk light, Ron's figure looking down at him. Harry couldn't make out Ron's expression in the darkness.
'Harry,' said Ron again, his voice sounding tired and sad, 'Come in. Please.'
Harry looked away. He wasn't ready to come in and face Mr. and Mrs. Weasley yet.
'I…I'll come in later.'
'No,' said Ron, almost pleading with Harry, 'Mum said…I mean…Dumbledore…Harry, you've got to come in! You've been out here the whole day and you haven't eaten anything…we're worried…'
Harry sighed and got up reluctantly. Ron was looking at him intently and for a moment, Harry and Ron's eyes locked. Then Harry couldn't bear the pain in Ron's eyes and he looked away.
'You're blaming yourself for this too, aren't you?'
Harry's head jerked up at the blunt statement.
'Harry,' said Ron, 'It isn't your fault…you can't blame yourself. You thought the same when Cedric died and you know what became of you –'
'If isn't my fault, whose is it?!' Harry burst out angrily. 'It was I who got Voldemort back with my blood! How would you feel if you donated your blood to give Voldemort a new life and then he came back and in return for that bloody favor, he killed – he killed the one you loved so much?!'
Harry was breathing harshly and his anger had exploded. He whirled around and ran up the Hogwarts grounds, into the castle, without looking back once. He didn't think where he was going or why.
Suddenly, he found himself back at Dumbledore's office. He paused for a moment, at Dumbledore's door, thinking of what to do. Should he turn back?
But then, he stepped in and immediately rushed to the room where Ginny was. It was quiet and Harry was faintly glad that it was empty, except for a small figure that sat by Ginny's bed. In the semi darkness of the room, he stepped forward silently, approaching the bed.
Mrs. Weasley was sitting by the bed and she seemed to be asleep in her chair, her head resting in her hand.
Harry turned to Ginny and sat down at the edge of her bed. Her form was lying in darkness so he lit a few candles on the windowsill next to her. He was shocked, almost horrified, by what he saw.
It seemed as if the effect on Ginny's soul was showing on her real body. Her face was pale, even in the yellowish candlelight and her skin seemed to have lost its life.
Harry couldn't hold himself back any longer. He reached out and touched her cheek as his tears began to fall once again. It was cold, just like the Charmzirius. A lump formed in Harry's throat. Ginny was dying right before his eyes…
'Gin? Gin…'
Harry turned around, startled out of his thoughts. Mrs. Weasley was talking in her sleep. She hadn't moved but she spoke steadily.
'Gin…Ginny…don't…are you alright…darling…Gin?'
Harry looked from Mrs. Weasley to Ginny, not knowing what to do.
'Gin, I love you darling,' whispered Mrs. Weasley and she seemed to have woken up. Her arm moved and her head turned up. Tears were pouring from her eyes steadily. She caught Harry looking at her and for a moment, she just stared at him. Then, as if realizing where she was, she stood up and wiped her eyes hurriedly.
'Harry, dear…' she said. Harry could see the lines of worry so evident on her face. His hands trembled.
Harry couldn't manage a word. Then, Mrs. Weasley rushed forward and hugged him unexpectedly. She didn't say anything, just hugged him and then, Harry felt something wet on his shoulder. He turned and Mrs. Weasley immediately moved back, trying to dry her tears off Harry's shoulder.
'I'm sorry…' she whispered, her voice trembling and Harry saw her gaze flick automatically to Ginny, lying motionless in bed. Harry saw the look in her eyes…the way a mother looks at her little child. Mrs. Weasley moved away from Harry and, almost as if she had forgotten he was there, moved to Ginny side and sat down at the edge of the bed.
'My baby…' Harry heard her whisper, her voice trembling but full of love. Harry couldn't manage to look at her anymore. He took a step backwards unthinkingly. It was as if he could feel his own mothers love in Mrs. Weasley's gaze, directed at her young, dying daughter…the mother who had been snatched from him…
He couldn't bear it anymore. He turned and fled from the room.
Harry felt dizzy. He didn't know what was happening or why. He was vaguely aware that tears were pouring down his face and that people stared at him in the corridors but he kept running until he reached North Tower, where he spent the night. He plopped down on the settee and hid his face in his arms. When he finally calmed down, he looked up, staring at the sky through the large window. The stars shone down at him and he just stared at them for sometime, trying to sort out his thoughts.
He couldn't forget the way Mrs. Weasley had looked at her dying daughter…
He couldn't forget Ron's expression that evening…and when he had fled from Dumbledore's office…
He could only think of Fred's anguish…
And Mrs. Weasley's sobbing…
He couldn't bear it. So many people loved Ginny…if she died…they'd lose a daughter, a sister…
And Harry thought of himself. He had lost his parents already. He had Sirius for a godfather but he was on the run, a convict…He was going to lose Ginny…
What did he have? What good was his existence doing?
Nothing, he told himself, he was only making everything worse…if he hadn't stopped Sirius from killing Pettigrew…if he hadn't taken the TriWizard Cup with Cedric…if he hadn't…
What use was it to stay alive when he could probably save someone by dying? If…he could save Ginny…and return smiles to the faces of the people he was closer to calling "family" than the Dursleys…
Harry got up. Nothing Dumbledore would say would hold him back. He put on his cloak and wiped his tears away.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
And they say
that a hero could save us
I'm not gonna stand here and wait…
~Nickelback feat Chad Kroeger
Song title: Hero
Official Sound Track of "Spiderman", the movie