Sooner or Later
By: AngelDusterBuster
Disclaimer: Let's face it. We all know I don't own any of the characters from the Harry Potter books. So if you see something here that was ever mentioned in the books remember that I was only given the material I didn't create it!
**********
Chapter Thirteen- The Antidote
"Malfoy?", Ron blurted out all to suddenly, "You can't be serious…that scum is-"
"Ron!", Remus jumped in, "maybe you and Hermione should…"
"No", Hermione tightened her grip on Harry's hand, "Were not eleven anymore. Whatever is happening to Harry is our concern just as much as it is yours"
"Remus could you please see to it Mr. Malfoy is brought done here. Immediately", Professor Dumbledore added barely taking his eyes off Harry.
Remus was obviously reluctant himself to leave Harry, but carefully he slipped out of the room. He knew it wasn't going to be the best thing he ever did going down to find Harry's greatest enemy.
"He's not going to help me Professor", Harry shook his head weakly, "I know he isn't"
"Maybe you should sit down Harry", Professor Dumbledore motioned to one of the chairs in front of his desk.
Harry swallowed hard. But Hermione took the seat next to him. He was incredibly grateful for this.
"I think he should leave", Ron shot yet another glare in Max's direction.
"Mr. Burrows", Dumbledore started, "Could you please take a seat outside?"
Max quietly slipped past Ron out of the room. But Ron wasn't finished talking, "Surely your going to expel him aren't you?"
"Mr. Weasley I remember a certain sister of yours who got caught in a similar predicament several years back. Did we expel her?", Dumbledore calmly reminded Ron.
"But that's different. She didn't know what was going on…he did!", Ron pointed at the door.
"Certain circumstances affect the way we do things in times like these. Put yourself into young Cody's place. You'd do anything to save your own parents wouldn't you?", Dumbledore asked Ron.
"It's people like that….that are the reason Harry has no parents", Ron blurted out angrily.
"Ron stop it!", Harry jumped up, "you don't know everything so stop blabbering on like you do"
"Harry please…", Hermione pulled him back down.
"I didn't want to bring it up Harry but it's true", Ron suddenly felt horrible that he'd brought Harry's parents up, "I'm sorry"
Harry refused to look over at his friend, "Malfoy isn't going to help"
"I realize that the four of you don't get off on the right foot…but Mr. Malfoy isn't as cold hearted at you make him to be", Dumbledore paused when there was a knock on the door, "Now I think it's easy to say your all very upset…with good reason. So I think it would be better if you waited outside"
All three nodded. Ron opened the door revealing a almost nervous looking Draco and Remus. One by one they each rushed past.
Ron quickly decided he'd play the role of Harry's bodyguard. Something Harry in return wouldn't appreciate, "Don't even talk to him Burrows"
"Ron…this is my fight. This is my battle. And this time I'm not going to win", Harry walked around his friend storming out into the corridor.
"Harry?", Ron and Hermione stared at each other, "What was that about?"
"I don't know but I'd follow him", Max spoke up.
"You shut up…I know how to be a friend unlike you", Ron spat out, "come on Hermione let's go"
"Ron…I think you should stay here", Hermione grabbing his robes, "You aren't scoring many points in the keeping friends category today"
Ron stared at Hermione in awe. But she responded first, "yes Ron believe it or not there are people left who are going to stand up to you. Deal with it!"
And with that she ran out into the dark corridor with only the light of her wand, and the few torches hanging from the walls.
********
"What….are…you…doing", Hermione panted when she finally caught up with Harry.
"You weren't suppose to follow", Harry shoved something quickly back into his pocket.
"You promised!", Hermione shoved Harry against the wall, "YOU PROMISE ME HARRY"
"What'd I do?", Harry stared at Hermione who looked angrier then he'd ever seen her.
Hermione decided to use a more nonverbal method. She pointed to his pocket, "Empty your pockets"
Harry stared at Hermione unsure of whether she was serious or not, "What?"
"Just get it over with Harry…where's the damn knife!", Hermione held her wand out in front of his face, "Right now!"
"Are you insane?", Harry stepped away digging a slab of parchment out of his pocket, "it's just a letter"
Hermione grinned turning red, "oh.."
"Knife? What'd you think I was….ha that's what the make Harry lose his hearing screams were for", Harry couldn't help but laugh, "Man…that's hilarious. Really have it tested if you want…it's just a letter"
"I'm sorry…I just-"
"It's okay…understandable why you'd think that. I guess I am kind of acting that way", Harry shrugged, "Sorry"
"It's not your fault…I'm just so worried about you Harry. If I was you--"
"Please I have enough crazy thoughts in my head", Harry held a hand up, "really I do"
Hermione smiled, "Only you can be going through the worst things and stuff make jokes out of them"
"I kinda blew up at Ron though…didn't I?", Harry sighed, "I've gotta stop making people mad at me"
"Who said Ron was angry with you?", Hermione questioned, "You saw the way he was acting…he deserved it. And Harry for the billionth time Sirius isn't angry with you either"
"So why does he come to Hogwarts secretly hoping I don't find out?", Harry knew he was saying rhetorically.
"Let's just go back…I'm sure Ron's worried", Hermione smiled holding her hand out, "shall we?"
Harry shook his head, "Wait"
"What is it?", Hermione stared at her friend.
"Were you really going to curse me?", Harry pointed at the wand now carefully pushed into Hermione's pocket.
Hermione laughed, "That's for me too know and you to never find out"
*********
"Would you shut up! Do you honestly think I'm in the mood to talk to you right now?", Ron blurted out as Max tried once again to apologize to Ron, "Harry may be dense enough to think your not at fault but I'm not"
"Shows who the better person is", Max muttered not caring whether Ron heard.
"Do you even really care? Because otherwise get out of my face", Ron walked over to the door trying to listen to the conversation going on inside Dumbledore's office.
"Your not going to hear anything", Max rolled his eyes at Ron.
"What?"
"This is Dumbledore. Do you honestly think he didn't already think of that?", Max paused, "aren't you starting to wonder where they are?"
"They'll come back after Harry's calmed down", Ron paced back and forth.
"You could use a little calming down yourself", Max added, "It's amazing how fast you turned your back on me"
Ron's mouth dropped open with laugher, "Wow…did your really just say that? Your brother poisons Harry and you wonder why I've turned my back on you? You turned your back on Harry. And me"
"So have me expelled. Think I care?", Max stood up.
"Where are you going?", Ron stared at him.
"Anywhere but here"
*********
"Only because it's life or death", Draco shrugged his shoulders surprising everyone in the room.
"You mean that?", Remus stared down at the boy not knowing whether to trust him, "even though you aren't getting anything out of it?"
"Oh but I am", Draco grinned, "Potter'll never live this one down"
Ignoring Draco's comment Dumbledore continued, "So you have the plan down then?"
"I'm not stupid. Yes I have the plan down….but there's some things you don't know", Draco obviously struggled to admit, "As with every dark arts potion…we'll its not as simple as curable. There's side affects"
"It doesn't matter. Harry's life is all that matters", Remus shook his head.
"If you say so…", Draco shrugged again, "retrieving the antidote is the easy part. Potter's the one who'll have the hard part"
"What do you mean?", Remus questioned his former student.
"I mean I've heard my father talk about these things. He'll live of course…but it's some pretty painful stuff"
Remus stood up, "That's it. I don't care if I have to drag him back here…it's time Sirius comes home"
***********
Ron looked up when he saw the door open. Professor Lupin came through. Ron tried to read the expression on his face but it was impossible.
"Well?", Ron followed him, "What happened?"
"Everything's going to be fine", Remus assured Ron who had followed him, "but I really need to go do something Ron if you'll excuse me"
"Ron!", Hermione yelled from down the corridor.
"Hermione?", Ron turned around, "where's Harry?"
"Oh I ran ahead…he'd pretty tired. So what happened?", Hermione caught up with Ron.
"Ask him", Ron pointed to Remus who walked inside the staff room shutting the door behind him, "he's not telling"
"Geeze Hermione…", Harry yawned making his way toward the two, "run fast enough?"
"Poor Harry", Hermione put her arm around him, "you should get some sleep"
"Can't sleep", Harry muttered.
"Why not?"
"Because I can't", Harry shrugged looking over at Ron, "So what's the verdict? Am I a goner or what?"
Hermione felt like slugging Harry, "If you weren't already ill I'd beat you up for saying that"
"Thanks for sparing me", Harry yawned again.
"Why won't you go to bed?", Hermione studied Harry, "I'm getting ready myself"
"Then go. I'll be fine see I'm already headed off to my wonderful hospital wing bed right now", Harry headed off in the opposite direction.
"Hold up", Ron blurted out knocking on the door, "were getting you some answers right now"
"Ron…", Harry turned around, "I don't want to know"
"Harry what's wrong?", Ron for the first time looked his friend over, "I mean…"
"I'm scared okay? Is that what you wanted to hear?", Harry mumbled on, "So please…I don't know just let me live in suspense. However long that might be…"
Seizing Harry's arm Ron shoved the staff room door open, "Ron…"
"He's gone…", Ron peered around the room, "but where…I mean.."
"It's a sign. Means I'm going to die", Harry nodded.
"Snap out of it!", Ron gave Harry a light shove.
"Okay everyone breathe", Hermione stepped between the two, "Why don't we just go ask Dumbledore?"
"Or you could just ask me", the three froze when they heard a voice behind them, "Dumbledore's looking for you Potter"
"I imagine everyone wants to have there last words with me…", Harry made Ron glare at him again.
"Cut it out!"
"You're not going to die Potter", Draco rolled his eyes, "but I have to say…you really do owe me big time"
"Wait a second…you mean…you…your?", Harry stared at Draco.
"Of course I am, in fact I'm making a surprise visit to my house tonight", Draco shrugged, "fun fun when you live with my father. But anyway I need to talk to you alone Potter"
Ron and Hermione quickly each stood at Harry's side, "Were not leaving"
"I just wanted you to be warned of what you have ahead of you. My part is the easy part", Draco tried to catch Harry's eye, "I know they aren't going to tell you, so I am"
Harry nodded unsure of what to say, "When are you leaving?"
"Soon. I have to go before father gets home", Draco explained, "well I better get going.."
"Wait", Harry stepped past Ron and Hermione, "are you sure you…I mean you want to go alone?"
"Trust me Potter you don't want to come to Malfoy Manor", Draco laughed, "I won't be long"
"Come on Harry", Hermione spoke quietly, "I'll make sure you get back okay. Coming Ron?"
"I'll meet you back in the common room", Ron watched Hermione and Harry leave the room.
"What is it Weasley?", Draco rolled his eyes, "I'm waiting"
"I don't get you", Ron stared at his best friends greatest enemy, "you hate Harry"
"That's true", Draco nodded, "but I think we established that years ago. Look I'll spare you…even Potter doesn't deserve this shit. I'll get in out and leave you be for the rest of your pitiful life"
"I still don't trust you", Ron shook his head.
Draco shifted slightly a genuine look of sympathy on his face, "Well I'm afraid you don't have any other options"
*************
Later, he wasn't sure when exactly, Harry woke up in his normal place in the hospital wing. Coughing a few times finally he heard someone enter the wing. He rubbed his eyes feeling as if he hadn't slept on bit.
"Just stop alright? Not in front of him", he heard a voice snap.
"Only because it's for Harry", another voice argued back coming closer to Harry, "wait here I'll go talk to him"
"He's my-"
"Well your going to have to wait", Harry recognized the voice.
Harry quickly shut his eyes so it wouldn't look like he'd overheard anything.
"Harry", he felt Remus shake him, "Time to get up"
Harry's eyes snapped back open, "I wasn't sleeping that well anyway"
"Tonight your taking a sleeping potion alright?", Remus pulled a chair up next to Harry's bed.
"But-"
"Harry you need rest and your body isn't letting you get any", Remus turned serious.
"Did Draco…I mean did Malfoy--", Harry stumbled.
"Yes", Remus nodded, "but there's something else"
"What else could possibly go wrong?", Harry blinked.
"Sirius is here", Remus muttered quietly, "to see you"
Harry's mouth dropped open, "Sirius Sirius? My godfather Sirius?"
Remus laughed, "Yes. He wants to talk to you if that's alright"
"I don't want to talk to him", Harry surprised Remus, "I have nothing to say"
Remus searched for something to say. He hadn't expected this response, "I know what you mean"
"That's it!", Harry jumped up when he heard the other voice, belonging to Sirius, shout, "I'm not going to sit here anymore"
Harry stared at Sirius with horror. Everyone had been to nice to him lightly the slightest anger in Sirius' voice had made his shake.
"Fine you want to talk? Then talk", The gentleness in Remus' voice disappeared.
"Why did you ask me to come if you didn't want me to?", Sirius blurted out glaring at Remus.
"Because you've had your time to figure things out. Now its time for you to drop the act and take care of Harry", Remus snapped back.
"I told you I'd come back", Sirius muttered.
"What did it take to get you to do that? You read my letter you k now what it said", Remus heard the hospital wing door open.
"Both of you lower your voices", Professor Dumbledore walked behind Madam Pomfrey as they entered the wing, "I think it would be a good idea if you both left"
Harry stared at the goblet in Dumbledore's hand, "I have to drink that?"
"Afraid so", Dumbledore muttered, "Go on both of you. Don't make the mistake of doing this in front of Harry"
Sirius quickly rushed out, but Remus lingered, "You'll be okay Harry. Your in good hands"
Harry however still hadn't taken his eyes off the goblet, "Is that smoke?"
"Here you are Mr. Potter", Madam Pomfrey stood next to him, "Your better off drinking it all at once"
More reluctant than he'd ever been before Harry quickly drank down the potion, "UGH….that's the worse thing I've ever tasted…"
"The next 48 hours will be the worst. Then you'll hopefully slowly start to get back to yourself", Madam Pomfrey assured Harry, "I sent your friends to get you some breakfast they should be here soon"
Madam Pomfrey made her way back to her office.
"I'll be back to check on you later Harry…afraid I have an urgent meeting at the ministry today. But Ron and Hermione are welcome to stay with you today. And I do warn you what you've already seen is coming. If you start feeling unbearably ill let Madam Pomfrey know and she'll get you a sleeping potion", Dumbledore explained.
"Your really scaring me", Harry truthfully interrupted.
"You're the toughest student in this school Harry. If anyone can get through it, you can", Dumbledore smiled at him seeing Ron and Hermione rushing in, "I'll let you be"
"Hey!", Hermione smiled pulling Harry into a hug as they passed by Dumbledore, "How are you?"
"Give me the food!", Harry joked, "This taste in my mouth makes me--"
"You okay?", Ron said setting Harry's breakfast down in front of him.
"Yeah", Harry winced, "I'll be fine"
"I feel so useless", Hermione plopped down on the edge of Harry's bed.
"Have you…I mean…", Harry started.
"Spit it out Harry", Ron rolled his eyes.
"Sirius is here", Harry finally stated, "And now I wish he wasn't"
Ron stared at Harry obviously curious, "What? All you talked about for the longest time was how you wanted Sirius to come back and now…bloody hell Harry make up your mind"
"I can't wait to graduate", Harry sighed heavily taking a large sip of his milk.
"Why?", Hermione blurted out.
"To get the hell out of here of course", Harry shrugged, "First chance I get I'm gone"
Ron and Hermione stared at each other unsure of what to say, "Harry we…we have no idea you felt that way"
"Maybe it's this stuff", Harry pointed to the goblet, "but there's a lot of things I suddenly feel like saying. Like Hermione are you ever going to get off the study program and get a boyfriend? But don't ask Ron for help…he doesn't know himself"
Hermione looked ready to burst out in tears, "Is that really what you think Harry? That I'm some ugly nerd?"
"If the shoe fits put it on", Harry stretched his arms out, "You know I'm feeling better already…think I'll go for a little walk"
"He didn't mean that", Ron mouthed to Hermione, "Harry you can't leave you know that…Harry?"
"I think he's going to be sick!", Hermione grabbed the nearest bed pan holding it in front of Harry.
"I'm fine", Harry shook his head. But his friends weren't stupid.
"Harry your shaking", Hermione noted. Harry shut his eyes again, "Harry what's going on…"
The two friends each took a deep breath wondering what they could do for their friend. And that's when they knew, everything Draco had said had begun.
************
The next few hours went by slower then Harry could've ever imagined. After shooing Ron and Hermione out, Remus hadn't left his side all day. He'd go through times when he was perfectly fine, and the next minute he felt like his skin was turning inside out. He was just about asleep when a new pain erupted, something he'd felt before all to many times.
"Harry?", Remus looked up from his book, "You okay?"
Harry shoved a pillow over his head as Remus rushed over to him, "Harry what's wrong?"
"Remus", Sirius' voice entered the room, "I've been thinking about what you….what's wrong?"
Remus ignored Sirius straining to hear Harry. Finally after prying the pillow from Harry, Remus gasped.
"What what is it?", Sirius too had now rushed over.
Harry grabbed for Remus' hand squeezing it hard, "My scar…"
"Shhh", Remus tried to pull Harry's hand away, "it'll pass…"
Sirius stood in the background staring at his godson. He'd left Harry hoping it would do some good for the both of them. But now he could see he'd made the biggest mistake in the world.
Breathing heavily Harry finally was able to compose himself to some extent, "That's the worse its…ever been--"
"Here", Remus grabbed something from one of the infirmary cupboards, "you need some rest Harry you can't handle staying awake through this"
"Are you…are you okay", Sirius bent down next to Harry's bed as he watched Remus mix together a sleeping potion for Harry, "I didn't mean to do this to you Harry…"
"Sirius?", Harry asked as if it was a dream.
Sirius smiled, "I'm right here Harry. And this time I'm not going anywhere"
The sleeping potion had been mixed so that Harry could sleep away the next two days. But there was much more going on around Hogwarts that Harry would have no clue about until he woke up. One of which would be something that would be the greatest tragedy the wizardry world had ever seen.
****************
Authors Note:
Hey it's me! Just a few little notes here. Firstly, I had a thought today so I'm going to run a little pole thing. Would you rather have once a week updates as it is right now, or one update every two weeks twice as long? Just let me know in your review.
OH good news for you guys. If I get a lot of reviews generated over-night I don't have school tomorrow. I have about I'd say four pages down for chapter fourteen, so there is a slight chance chapter fourteen could be up as early as tomorrow. But then again that depends on how many reviews I get.
Thanks as always!
AngelDusterBuster
****************
Sky Brooks- Ha I think this ones even longer! But isn't that a good thing? Haha thanks for reviewing!
Lady of Arudel- Exactly! And I got sick of complaining…so I made Sirius my version! Hope to hear from ya again soon!
Anie- I always hope you'll review! I agree…Draco isn't that bad. Take your time…read it when you get a chance! And as always I hope to hear from you next chapter!
Katie- Reading a soap opera eh? I do hope that's a good thing… I made you cry? Awww…I'm sorry. But thanks for reviewing?
Hermione Cartwright- Well like I said possibly tomorrow even! But hey I loved meeting you. I like chatting with people who read my stuff….*hint hint to others*
Arwena- Yesum Draco saved the day. Until next time the one the only ANGELDUSTERBUSTER! Sorry this time I couldn't resist…
Black Dreamz- Yay! Chapter thirteen is out! Hope I made the last cliffy go away…although I apologize for doing it again! Please don't hurt me….
FairyTale- Hmm…should I be honored to make you hate Sirius for the first time? Haha…but in all seriousness thanks for the review!
Anaticulapraecantrix- Really you liked Brotherly Love? Thanks…I have a zillion ideas for that one. But first I'm going to concentrate on getting this story through the next leg. Never fear though because I'm always near! Ha that was lame…
-_- Hey! How do you know it'll all end happily ever after? Let me please remind you of the ending to Shades of Blue and Yellow! But then again….in the near future there's a sequel to that coming out…
Summersun- Yesum very! But Draco deep down is a good person. Right?
Harrystwin- Ha ha that's cute…one foot in front of the other! Sirius made a pathetic attempt this chapter…he just doesn't know our Harry as well as he thinks he does.
Anti Pasta (x2)- I really don't believe anyone 's told Sirius that little detail…let's hope for Harry's sake they don't! And its drama queen I think…being that I'm a girl and all. Hahah.
Fickle- What were you nervous about? Well…thanks I think!
Them Girl- Um I think I gave another bad cliffy this chapter…I apologize! Like it when Rona and Hermione argue eh? Well there's a lot of arguments coming up!
Ice- When did I say I fight a lot with my dad? No no not trying to kill anyone! And I do feel honored!
CNJ- And I'd also like to take a moment to say one thing. As for them being out of character I don't think we can really say that. God no's what will happen in the next few books. Harry could be a completely different type of person by then! But otherwise thanks for reviewing!
PadfootsPeanut (x3)- Hey! It's my good old pal…sorry if I acted strange the other day. Lots going on in my life right now…madness. How I find time to pump this out I'll never know.
Jordan123- Hey I enjoyed meeting you the other day as well! I don't mean to leave you hanging… and thanks!
Oh and on a side note this chapter we ranked in 22 reviews. That's more then I've ever had for a chapter in my history on ff.net! Thanks everyone not…hahah lets try to beat it again!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Contact Me:
*Email: AngelDusterBuster@msn.com
*AOL Messenger Screename:AngelDustBuster6
If your contacting me using AOL please remember to tell me that you read my stuff on Fanfiction.net.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Until next chapter remember to review this one! The more reviews I get the faster you'll see the next chapter. So why wouldn't you review? Hmm…that sounds pretty good to me!