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 Fifteen- Thinking About The Future
Making their way down toward the hospital wing, Ron decided to spark up conversation. Of course having no clue it would be such a tense subject.
"So what'd you think of Sarah?", Ron blurted out all to suddenly.
Harry yawned, "She's okay…if you prefer the annoying type"
"Well stupid if you didn't pick up on it she's obviously got a thing for you", Ron laughed out loud.
"Oh you mean like you've got a thing for Hermione?", Harry grinned watching Ron turn red.
"Shut up Harry!", Ron shoved him.
"Well then shut up about Sarah", Harry sped ahead of Ron.
"Wait a minute!", Ron shouted running after Harry, "Freeze…hold it!"
"What?", Harry turned around puzzled, "What is it?"
"You like her don't you!", Ron half shouted, "Admit it"
"Of course I don't…that's insane", Harry slammed the hospital wing door open.
"Mr. Potter! This is a hospital wing not your front door", Madam Pomfrey glared at the two as they walked inside, "What is it this time?"
"Um…I…I…", Harry mumbled suddenly changing his mind.
"I was wondering if I could have a sleeping potion", Ron stepped in front of him.
Staring from Ron to Harry, Madam Pomfrey nodded, "Certainly, wait here"
"Why'd you do that?", Harry whispered to Ron.
"You deserve a break", Ron shrugged, "I can get one no questions asked but you…they report it to the entire wizardry community"
Harry laughed as he saw Madam Pomfrey coming back toward them, "Alright Mr. Weasley. I trust you know about sleeping potion?"
"Yeah", Ron nodded, "Thanks…we'll be going now…"
"Mr. Potter if you wouldn't mind I'd like to have a word with Mr. Weasley", Madam Pomfrey waited for Harry to rush out.
"What is it?", Ron swallowed hard.
Speaking softly Madam Pomfrey quickly grasped Ron's attention, "I'll let it slide this time, but I'm not supposed to hand out sleeping potions to just anyone. Without the headmasters permission. But assuming this is for Harry…I'm going to let it go. Alright?"
"Really…its for--"
"Ron. I've never known you to have sleeping problems", Madam Pomfrey surprised Ron using his first name.
"Okay okay….its really for Harry. But it's for reason!", Ron assured her.
"What reason?"
"He uh…I mean…"
Ron was relieved when she sighed, "I don't expect you to rat your friend out. But like I said next time things will be different"
"Yeah okay I'll tell him", Ron rushed out of the room. Harry came rushing toward him a curious look on his face. Ron frowned, "She figured it out"
"It's just a bloody potion what's the big deal anyway", Harry tore the potion out of Ron's hand, "Look, now Hermione's happy, you'll be able to sleep, and so will I"
"Okay having nightmares that are making you believe you killed Dumbledore is not normal. It's not healthy. And if you don't talk to someone soon…Sirius or Remus…were going to have to do it for you", Ron sighed.
"I'm fine. Really happier then ever. Don't know what your talking about", Harry shrugged jumped up, "Did you hear something?"
"Don't avoid it Harry I…yeah I did", Ron stared down the hallway, "someone's there"
"What?", Harry panicked.
"Okay whoever's there you've had your fun…", Ron shouted rushing down the hall.
"Ron!", Harry ran after him, "RON"
Ron put his hand up to silence Harry mouthing, "Shut up"
"I'm sure there gone by now stupid", Harry ignored Ron.
But just then something flashed by. A girl with long hair went running in front of them.
Ron immediately reacted running as fast as he could, "HEY COME BACK HERE"
Harry sprinted after Ron who was now a full forty steps ahead of him. But slammed to a halt when he noticed Ron wasn't running anymore.
"Well", Ron shrugged at Harry, "Here's your ease dropper"
"You!", Harry groaned, "What are you stalking me?"
"I'm sorry I overheard your conversation Harry", Sarah pushed a tear away, "Harry are you really having nightmares?"
"Great just great…", Harry bit his lip, "I don't even want to deal with this"
"Harry you should tell someone…my dad--"
"Absolutely not", Harry shouted pushing past both Ron and Sarah, "Your dad will never take Professor Dumbledore's place"
"Forgive him", Ron sighed, "He's still not totally over it all"
"I understand", Sarah stared down the corridor, "But…is he okay?"
"You know what, I'm not sure Harry's been okay since the day his parents died", Ron took a deep breath, "well goodnight…"
"Wait…sorry I didn't catch your name but…"
"Ron Weasley"
Sarah smiled, "Nice to meet you but…I really think I should let my dad know if there's a student having a mental breakdown"
"You can't tell anyone you heard that…Harry had plenty of people he can go to. And he's not having a mental breakdown"
"Then what do you call that!", Sarah pointed down the hall, "The kid obviously needs help"
"Oh and what are you going to do? Nobody can control Harry Potter", Ron laughed, "so like I said goodnight"
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When Ron got back to the seventh year boys dormitory Harry had already gulped down the potion. Harry way laying on top of his bed not even bothering to change or crawl underneath the sheets.
"What's with him?", Seamus walked into the room next.
"Just tired I guess", Ron shrugged.
"Hey you weren't here when these got passed out", Seamus handed Ron a slip of paper, "There's one for Harry as well. Just the dates for rehearsal and things"
"Already?", Ron questioned.
"Well it's not that far away", Seamus grabbed something off his bed, "I'll be in the common room"
"Okay", Ron muttered reading the paper Seamus had just handed him. He sat down on his bed pulling out something Hermione had given him last year. It was a photo album covered with pictures of Harry, Hermione, and himself. He wasn't sure who took the pictures but he never asked.
Looking down at his eleven year old self, Ron laughed. They all looked to small and pathetic. It was hard to imagine scrawny little Harry could've managed to escape Voldemort that year.
And Hermione, she'd sure lightened up as well. That first year the only place you'd ever find her was the library. Now she was only there once a week.
He looked up when he heard a knock on the door. Hermione was standing in the doorway, "Hey"
"Oh hey", Ron moved over making room for her, "I was just looking at some of these old photos"
Hermione laughed, "please put those away…look at how carefree we are"
"Compared to now you mean", Ron frowned looking across the room at Harry.
"He's going to be furious with me", Hermione sighed, "I'm not sure I did the right thing"
Ron looked over at Hermione curiously, "What are you talking about?"
"I spoke with Sirius….about Harry", Hermione swallowed hard, "Harry's going to hate me isn't he?"
"Hermione why would you do that….I thought we agreed that we'd try to get him to do it himself", Ron reminded her.
"I'm just sick of it…I want him to be happy. I haven't seen Harry happy in over a year Ron. And I don't care if he hates me for it…I just want Harry to have at least one year where nothing but good things happen. If anybody deserves that, it's him", Hermione's eyes flickered over to Harry, "it shouldn't be this way. He shouldn't need to take potions just to get to sleep"
"Well this is the last one he's getting without permission from Sirius or the headmaster", Ron admitted, "and it doesn't help that Sarah knows"
"Sarah? New girl Sarah?", Hermione questioned.
"Yeah", Ron slammed the book shut, "guess it doesn't pay to dwell on better times"
Hermione put her head on Ron's shoulder, "Oh Ron…I know this year has been just as hard for you. I'm sorry…"
Ron took a deep breath, "Hermione there's something absolutely crazy that I've been wanting to tell you for about a year"
Hermione lifted her head, "Is something wrong?"
"No, no nothing like that", Ron assured her, "I just I mean…what do you think of us Hermione. I mean not us but…our friendship I mean--"
"Ron…", Hermione laughed, "what are you getting at?"
"Well…guess it's now or never--", Ron mumbled on.
"I like you too Ron", Hermione interrupted, "I mean more then a friend. Something I don't feel about Harry"
Ron grinned, he couldn't help it. He through his arms around Hermione, "I was hoping you'd say that"
Hermione smiled back, "Too bad Harry wasn't awake…I can't wait to tell him he was right"
"Wait a minute…you told Harry you liked me too?", Ron raised his eyebrows.
"Well yeah…I couldn't very well tell you!", Hermione giggled.
"But I told Harry too…that means--"
"It means we have a very good friend"
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When Harry woke up the morning he was surprised too see what time it was. He'd slept through his first lesson.
"Something's up", Harry whispered to himself, "Someone could've shaken me awake by now…surely it wore off"
He quickly jumped off his bed grabbing the materials he needed for the lesson he was supposed to be in right now, Potions.
Taking two steps at a time, Harry didn't even notice that he wasn't the only person in the common room.
"Harry!", Sirius rushed toward him pulling him into a fatherly hug.
Harry was extremely surprised to see his godfather to start with. But the fact that Sirius was hugging him as if there was no tomorrow was a little too much.
"What's going on?", Harry asked after Sirius had released him.
"Sit down", Sirius motioned, "we need to have a talk kiddo"
"Okay", Harry's heard stopped for a moment, "What…what about?"
"Harry I'm sorry if we didn't do more. We didn't try harder to get you through this. Everyone thought you'd be find…I mean because your Harry. But your obviously not", Sirius continued softly.
"What are you talking about?", Harry squinted staring at the ground.
"The nightmares you've been having….the one's where Voldemort makes you kill Professor Dumbledore", Sirius stared a Harry waiting for a response.
"Who told you about that? I'm not having any nightmares…", the stupid half of Harry responded.
"Harry please…I want to stop this right now. This thing between us. Whatever it is…you can tell me anything Harry. I'm not going to get angry with you", Sirius took a deep breath, "So please talk to me"
"So I've been having some silly little nightmare…big deal", Harry shrugged.
"Harry you didn't kill Professor Dumbledore", Sirius replied sternly.
"Sure I did…I mean not literally but…if I'd just let Dumbledore kill me then all of this would over", Harry swallowed hard.
"You know that isn't true. You've been brought up better then that Harry…you know it wouldn't be over", Sirius tried to catch Harry's eye.
"Well if you constantly had a dream like that you'd start believing it too!", Harry half shouted wanting to run out of the room, "Half of me knows Voldemort is the cause of the nightmares….but the other half of me is winning in saying you killed him Harry. It's your fault"
"Dammit Harry that's what he wants to do to you! Don't you see? He thinks killing Dumbledore was killing two birds with one stone. An unstable Harry Potter is an easy target. Your letting him win", Sirius through his hands in the air, "is that what you want?"
"Of course not", Harry shook his head, "Now if you don't mind I need to get to class because nobody saw it in them to wake me for my first class"
"Harry everyone's worried about you", Sirius snapped, "You're going to sleep on your own tonight if I have to stay awake all night"
"What?", Harry bit his lip.
"I spoke with Professor Winston…tonight meet me outside the great hall around ten alright?", Sirius asked.
"Sirius please I don't want to have to explain to people that I have to sleep in the same room as my godfather because I have nightmares", Harry begged.
"Nobody has to know…I'm sure Ron will cover for you.", Sirius assured him, "So is it a deal? Are you going to let me help you?"
"Only because I'm sick of this", Harry took a deep breath.
Sirius smiled, "It means a lot to me that you still trust me"
"I know you'd never do anything to hurt me", Harry shrugged.
"Come on Harry you better get to class…I haven't talked to you lately. How's everything going?", Sirius grabbed Harry's backpack from off the floor.
"Don't worry", Harry rolled his eyes, "I'm going to graduate"
"Well that's good", Sirius dug something out of his pocket, "Because this came for you today"
"What is it?", Harry glanced down at the parchment.
"Go on open it", Sirius grinned.
"Sirius what's going on!", Harry laughed.
"Would you just open it!", Sirius refused to answer.
Harry tore the envelope open :
Dear Harry,
As you know Mr. Fudge (the minister of magic) is retiring this year. Sirius had convinced me (don't even ask how) that I should run.
"That's great!", Harry exclaimed.
"Keep reading", Sirius encouraged.
So to the point, I've wrested for the past few weeks with just who I want to run with me as Assistant Minister. That's when it hit me. I don't have to think any longer, because I know the man for the job. So Harry, if you accept, which I hope you do, it'll be a major step into the work force world. This may sound sudden, but when your Harry Potter rules get bent a bit. Normally you need to be at least eighteen to run, but your birthday will come before the actual elections. I've sorted it all out, so all I need is a yes or no from you.
Remus Lupin
"Are you serious!", Harry's eyes lit up, "Me?"
"Yes you!", Sirius laughed, "why not you?"
"I can't believe this!", Harry practically knocked Sirius over hugging him.
"Congratulations Harry", Sirius added, "You've got a higher position then me!"
Harry still jumping up and down grabbing his backpack from Sirius, "I've gotta go tell Ron and Hermione!"
"Whoa whoa whoa", Sirius grabbed the handle on Harry's backpack, "If you don't mind I think we should to see Remus"
"Of course", Harry nodded, "I just….I mean...wow I can't believe it! Are you sure I'm not to young or something?"
"Nope…actually a lot of times they'll pick up the kids fresh out of school. Wait a year or so and there enthusiasm dies a bit", Sirius explained, "Remus wanted to talk to you in person but I thought this would be better. I still can't believe the look on your face…priceless"
"Hahah we'll see who's laughing when I get the power to embarrass you!", Harry threatened.
"When you get", Sirius repeated, "Not yet!"
"Who else is running?", Harry asked.
"Lucius Malfoy of course…doing the whole family issue bringing Draco in with him", Sirius groaned, "and then Allen Michaels and I can't remember the other name"
"Malfoy?", Harry mouthed, "Who would've thought…guess the quidittch thing didn't work! Hahah!"
"Well they may have the family issue going for them but that's about it. Who in there right mind wants that dumbass making laws", Sirius looked at his watch, "well we'd better get going"
"Oh yeah!", Harry forgot, "come on…lets go lets go lets go!"
******************
"That's fantastic Harry!", Hermione cheered, "I'm so happy for you"
"Congrats", Ron grinned, "It's good to see a smile on your face"
"Thanks", Harry slammed his textbook closed, "all done!"
"Your kidding….come on let me see", Ron pleaded, "You miss a day and you still get it better than me"
"I've never seen you put so much enthusiasm into your potions homework Harry", Hermione laughed, "but anyway Ron and me have some news"
"You finally did it eh?", Harry looked over at Ron.
"Your turn", Ron added leaning forward to grab Harry's book.
"Ron would you shut up about that already? She obviously told her dad after you asked her not to. She can't be trusted", Harry shrugged.
"Wait wait wait….Harry has a crush on Sarah?", Hermione screamed, "Our little Harry is growing up!"
"Okay okay so once you get beyond the fact that see made a pass at me before she even knew my middle name…", Harry admitted.
"Aw…that's so cute Harry", Hermione looked up from her own homework.
"But like I said she can't be trusted", Harry frowned.
"Harry…", Hermione said softly, "Sarah didn't say anything…I did"
Silence erupted between the three for a moment. Before Harry finally gave them the signal everything was fine, "Thanks"
"So everything's okay between you and Sirius?", Ron changed the subject.
"Yep"
"Thank goodness!", Hermione attracted attention when she yelled.
"Isn't it great? Everything's turning out perfect…maybe we will move on with life and live happily ever after!", Harry exclaimed, "Well I have to meet Sirius so I'll see you both tomorrow okay?"
But before they could even respond Harry was already out of sight.
"Isn't it great?", Hermione gathered up the things Harry had left behind, "I can't believe how happy he is"
"Yeah great so now Harry and you both have futures", Ron shrugged, "I always figured Harry and me would end up working together"
"Harry'll hire you once they win the election", Hermione reminded Ron.
"I know…"
"It's just hard to be happy for him when he's leaving you behind?", Hermione asked.
"Yeah", Ron set his quill down, "maybe I'll just go to be myself"
"Ron I don't have the future you think I have…it's just a temporary job", Hermione reminded Ron.
"Wish I had connections with bookstores", Ron shrugged.
"Are we feeling sorry for our self?, Hermione laughed.
"Oh come on Hermione we both know as soon as McGonagall leaves next year the jobs as good as yours", Ron smiled at her.
"I really don't know what your worried about. Brother of George Weasley who owns the biggest prank store around", Hermione moved closer to Ron.
"Your right", Ron put his arm around Hermione, "If there's one thing I've learned from Harry its this. What's going to happen we'll happen, we just have to wait and see"
And then the magic moment happened. As if attracted by magnets, Ron and Hermione shared their first kiss.
************
"Hey!", Harry exclaimed when he saw Sirius walking toward him.
"Glad your still in a good mood", Sirius put his arm around Harry, "Ready to break the cycle?"
"I'm not just ready…I'm determined"
********************
Author's Note:
Hey I bet you were all worried I wouldn't update this weekend. Well wahla! Here it is. And good good news. Since I have off Thursday through Sunday expect hopefully at least two updates in that frame of time. Maybe more…depends.
Oh and I'd like to mention that we are exactly 74 reviews away from meeting my goal of achiving more reviews than I did for Shades of Blue and Yellow. Come on guys help a girl's dream come true by reviewing!
Well I think I've begged enough…so until next time.
AngelDusterBuster
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Blue Cat- Harry headmaster? No…Harry's not going to be headmaster. But thanks for reviewing!
A . Reader- Haha cute name. Of COURSE you have to ask a question I can't answer. But thanks for being on the few who apparently actually reads my author's notes! In other words thanks for the input!
Pip- Yeah…I was having an off day. Had to have someone hug someone! Sarah will defiantly be in the future chapters so I'm glad you like her! Although she'll be less annoying to Harry hint hint.
Lady of Arundel- Sirius isn't an ass in this chapter! (excuse my language) So stop pouting you big baby! Haha that's my way of saying thanks for reviewing!
Harrystwin- Sure will! And thanks for reviewing.
Serea- Hahah yes, this chapter. And AS I have mentioned at least once before…this is seventh year. We really don't know how anyone will act by then. As much as I hate the criticism thanks for being honest. I understand everyone's not going to like my work, and that's just fine. I hope you can find something you do enjoy to read.
Nobody In Particular- Yesum I like Sarah myself…I actually thought the whole Sarah/Harry thing last chapter was funny. I laughed when I wrote it at least…but then I'm different. Sarah will be in upcoming chapters don't worry. But thanks for reviewing!
Anaticulapraecantrix- You know I've been meaning to ask you. How'd you come up with the name? It's a devil to try to type in! But other than that keep an open mind about Sarah yet.
Sherylyn- Thank you so much! I love hearing that…not sure how my twisted mind created the plot but hey I did! But I repeat thank you so much!
Maxwell Coffee House- Hey I think I made things better for Harry this chapter. Go me! But thanks for reviewing!
Arwena- Hahah I got what you meant either way. Glad you were excited.
Lei Dumbledore- Well yes but as you might've caught in this chapter, Professor McGonagall's only going to be teaching at Hogwarts one more year. More about that in the sequel though. Hope that clears it up a bit.
Black Dreamz- Don't make me feel bad!
Ciria- Well what do you know…Harry and Sirius appear to be getting along! (now maybe people's threats with stop) Hahah j/k but in all seriousness I do have a lot of ideas for this story and its sequel. So lookout for more!
-_- It's my birthday? Whoa…even I didn't know that. Haha.
SaJeHill- HEY! How evil of you to say that! J/k. No I'm not anything like that…it is based on someone I know but I won't say any names incase that person ever stumbles upon this story for some odd reason. And NO, Professor Sanibel is NOT a death eater. Not sure where you got that from…Harry just hates her because Sirius went out with her without telling him.
Jeane- Hey well lookie here I made them all happy! Your wish came true.
Mrs. Moony- Yeah Harry/Sarah will be in upcoming chapters more then the brief appearance she made this chapter. Just wait!
Them Girl (x2)- Thanks for the compliment! Figuring out how I was going to do the whole Draco thing was a bit complicated. So its nice to hear it ended up sounding good. And like I'm telling everyone keep an open mind with Sarah just yet.
Bookworm2000- OH! I was trying to figure out what exactly you were talking about for the longest time. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
CNJ- Okay like I told someone else…here I'll just paste it cause I'm lazy. Well yes but as you might've caught in this chapter, Professor McGonagall's only going to be teaching at Hogwarts one more year. More about that in the sequel though. Hope that clears it up a bit. Give me some credit I did give him a life! Not saying it won't have bumps because well everyone's life does. I'm sorry didn't have a chance to check your stuff out just yet…majorly busy. But I'll try my hardest.
Twenty-One! Go you guys! I mean of course go beat it! Twenty-Two come on you can do it! Hahah…and no I'm not kidding!
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Contact Me:
*Email: AngelDusterBuster@msn.com
(Please note my email address recently changed)
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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!