Disclaimer: Anything you recognise does not belong to me it belongs to JK
Rowling. I'm not making anything from this, so please don't sue me.
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews – Greatly appreciated!! – Hope you like this chapter?
SURPRISE – I managed to find a spare few hours to write a chapter & get it typed up but this really will be the last one until the middle to end of June ** SORRY ** (She says again!) – Couldn't resist after all those fantastic reviews again!!!
Thanks to all the faithful reviewers that have been with me from the beginning – Very glad you are still enjoying reading this story. Hello to all those who just started reading.
FIRENZ
Exhaustion finally took its toll on James's body, unable to keep his focus the broom he had been riding for the last two days plummeted into the dense canopy bellow him. He had now been awake for nearly forty-eight hours. The only time he had attempted to sleep, the memories of his parents dying flooded his mind so thick and fast that he had woken up screaming. After that he had decided that sleep was unwise, but it had now got to the point at which he was no longer in control.
He gasped in pain as the branches snagged and tore at his robes and skin. After what seemed an eternity James landed on the ground in a crumpled heap.
Opening his eyes he was unsure of how long he had lay there. Trying to sit up he discovered a sharp stabbing pain in both his right shoulder and all along the right hand side of his rib cage. Clenching his teeth James rode the pain his body was screaming with and he managed to hoist him self into a sitting position leaning back against a tree trunk. He let out the breath he had been holding in a slow hiss. Trying to cope with the waves of pain that were washing over his body, James closed his eyes gasping for breath.
Under the dense coverage of the forest James's reserve wavered and he was unable to hold back the emotion he had shielded himself from for the last two days. Raising his knees as best he could James hugged them to him with his left arm. Chin resting on top of his knees the tears streamed down his face.
Eyes closed against the raw pain and anguish he saw the events of the last two days replay in front of him.
** He had been stood in the kitchen talking to his mother, they had been laughing and joking. Hearing a knock at the door and then his father shouting from the study "I'll go, it will be Denny…you know what he is like"
His mother wandering over to the hall door and then the look of abject terror as she pushed it opens and glimpsed the scene in the hall. Moving closer to her but stopping as she had held up her hand. The horror in her voice as she screamed "NO…HARRY…NO" and then she let the door go and turned to him "GO JAMES…NOW." The feel of her pushing him towards the door, the begging tone in her voice "Please James before it is to late"
Next thing I'm out by the broom store, dodging curses and hex's. Taking to the air I see mum fall through the open door. Hovering for a moment, waiting to see her move but she doesn't. Then they are all coming out of the door; black robes billowing behind them and masks covering their faces.
More curses fly in my direction, it takes all my skill to evade them, then I noticed that a couple of them had taken to the air but they are no match and soon I am alone in the sky. Only one thought rushing through my mind HOGWARTS. Getting my wand out and using the 'point me' spell I am soon heading north. **
A sound close by caused James to snap his head up sharp and go back into vigilance mode. A snort escaped his throat as he realised that this was it, he could go no further. If they wanted him they wouldn't get him with out a bloody good fight.
Throwing him self-forward he managed to get to his feet, backing up to the tree, wand out and poised for battle.
James saw a bush move to his left but nothing then the sound moved around to his right. Unable to stand it James shouted "Who's there?…Show yourself!"
Slowly a head poked through the foliage followed by a body and a set of heavy hooves. James rested his head back against the tree letting out the breath that had been trapped in his lungs and then winced at the pain it caused. It was a centaur not death eaters.
Taking a good look at it James realised it was not quite full-grown and was looking at him curiously.
"Hello I'm James Potter," he said as he moved closer to the centaur. It nodded to him but when it did not speak James asked, "Can you tell me where I am?" Again it simply looked at him as if unsure of how to respond when James added, "Please help me?"
Finally it said, "It is not safe for you here" at this James rolled his eyes and thought Tell me something I don't know. Then it continued "You are in the forbidden forest." At this James sighed and thought At least I am close to Hogwart's
James smiled "Can you show me how to get out of the forest?"
"No we are not allowed to meddle with what is written in the stars" it answered
Running his left hand through his hair James asked, "Can you at least tell me your name?"
The centaur made a small bowing movement and said, "I am Firenz"
Feeling he was making a little progress James asked, "Do you know Hagrid?"
This cause the creature to look at him hard "Yes…Hagrid is known to many here"
Pushing a little further James said "I really need to find him and get back to Hogwarts"
A strange clicking sound filled the air causing Firenz to raise his head and stare off towards the right, James followed suit and thought he saw a large black shadow move.
Firenz turned back to James "W e must leave this area…follow me"
Picking up his damaged broom James headed towards the young centaur. As they moved off it wasn't long before James was gasping for breath as waves of nausea caused by the pain in his chest and shoulder swept through him.
Noticing the trouble the boy was in Firenz stopped and said "Put your arm around my shoulder and I will help you"
Thankful for the extra support it wasn't long before the density of the forest started to change and James realised they must be close to the edge of the forest.
Firenz came to a halt and said "You should be safe from here" moving away from James he said, "I hope the stars are wrong…Goodbye James Potter"
James watched as it slowly disappeared back into the depths of the forest. Taking a deep breath he continued on in the direction that Firenz had led him. Again James heard the strange clicking sound and felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Forcing every last once of energy he had left James quickened his pace and was urged on as he saw the outline of Hagrid's hut materialise in front of him. Finally breaking from the coverage of the forest James stumbled into the open calling on all his reserves of strength he made it closer to Hagrid's hut before darkness enveloped him.
****
The welcome feast over the professors adjourned to the staff room. The main agenda for this emergency meeting was the problem of the missing seventh year.
Professor Greenhaulgh did not earn any favours with the rest of the staff with her comment "If he is not here tomorrow I think we should select another head boy." Pausing for breath and not noticing the icy glares she was getting from her colleagues she continued "We can't have the position unfilled on the off chance that he has managed to not get him self killed"
The normal kind glow that filled the headmasters eyes extinguished but it was professor McGonagall who spoke first "I think you would be wise to keep your comments to your self"
Professor Dumbledore interjected at this point as he noted the anger of his transfiguration professor "I think it best if we leave this discussion for a later date…there is still hope that Mr Potter will turn up safe and sound." Standing he nodded at them and said "I hope to see you all at breakfast…When we have all had time to consider this issue more carefully"
The meeting terminated the staff bid their goodnights to each other and headed for the sanctuary of their private quarters.
Leaving the staff room with a heavy heart Hagrid made his way back through the castle. Striding over the front lawn to his hut he noticed a dark shape slumped near the front steps of his home. Quickening his pace Hagrid let out a gasp of shock as he recognised the form as that of a human.
Approaching the figure he bent down and gently turned the person over, concern turned to panic as he saw the battered and bruised body of James Potter.
Hagrid carefully picked up the unconscious boy and dashed back towards the castle. Heading for the Hospital wing via Professor McGonagall's quarters, Hagrid knocked on the portrait that hid the private rooms of Minerva McGonagall shouting "PROFESSOR…QUICK…I FOUND HIM" getting no immediate response he knocked again "PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL"
Finally the portrait swung open and she said "Hagrid what is it?" but as her eyes fell on the body he was carrying she said "Hospital wing…I will fetch Albus"
It wasn't long before the quiet hospital wing was alive with activity as Poppy Pomfrey frantically assessed James's injuries. Treating as many as she could while he was still unconscious. There were a few potions she wanted to give him but they would have to wait.
Hagrid had backed away from the bed he had laid the boy onto, tears flowing down his cheeks as he watched the mediwitch work. He had not noticed Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall enter the room and come to stand beside him.
As a hand came to rest on his arm Hagrid turned to look at the headmaster "I found him out front of me hut professor" he said through the sobs.
"There, there Hagrid…He is in good hands now" Albus said trying to reassure the man.
Professor Dumbledore cast his mind back to the faces he had watched during the welcome feast. Turning to Professor McGonagall he said "Minerva please could you go to Gryffindor tower and bring Miss Evans and Mr Black up to the hospital wing"
"Albus I'm sure they can wait till morning…Mr Potter needs rest" she replied
Smiling at the concern in her voice he said "No I believe he needs the love of his friends more"
Understanding his meaning she nodded and left.
****
Up in Gryffindor tower all was quiet, the seventh year students were still up but conversation was minimal. All heads turned as they saw the portrait swing open and Professor McGonagall walk into the common room.
Moving over to the cosy seating area she surveyed the anxious faces of her students and said "Miss Evans and Mr Black the headmaster would like to see both of you." Watching them stand up she said "Mr Potter has been found and he is up in the hospital wing"
Lily grabbed Sirius's hand as a small gasp escaped and Sirius pulled her into his arms and held her tight.
Professor McGonagall said, "If you two could come with me" and turning to the others she continued "I would advise the rest of you to go to bed…You will be able to visit Mr Potter tomorrow." Noting then looks of concern for their friend she said, "He is going to be fine…Madame Pomfrey is seeing to him now"
Holding her arm out towards Sirius and Lily she motioned for them to go and glared at the others.
The three Gryffindor's, two students and head of house made the trek to the hospital wing in silence all grateful that the staircases were on their side making the journey as swift as possible. With each step anxiety and tension multiplied for both Lily and Sirius, the only comfort coming from the tight grip they each had of the others hand.
Professor McGonagall pushed the door open and allowed the two friends to enter the room before her. Only one light was shining, illuminating the unconscious form of James. Seeing him caused Lily's breath to catch in her throat and by the time she was beside the bed her face was already wet with tears that were cascading silently over her cheeks.
Watching her break was more than Sirius could cope with and he pulled her tight to him and lost in the embrace Sirius felt his own pent up tears escape.
Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey stood in silence as they witnessed the release of raw emotion.
It was during this scene that no one noticed a pair of dark brown eyes flutter open and finally focus on the group before him. That was until they heard a raspy voice say "Padfoot…Stop molesting my girlfriend"
In stunned silence five sets of eyes turned to face a very weak James who was doing his best to smirk at them.
In a swift movement Lily was beside James, leaning over hugging him as if her life depended on it.
Madame Pomfrey made a move but Professor Dumbledore touched her arm and shook his head. At this she stood firm and watched the friends transfer the best Medicare of all…Love!!
A/N: Well there you go another chapter and finally the return of James - Hope you enjoyed it.
Please don't forget to click the button and let me know what you think – as usual the reviews are a real motivational boost to help get the next chapter up loaded
Thanks for reading
Madame Padfoot
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews – Greatly appreciated!! – Hope you like this chapter?
SURPRISE – I managed to find a spare few hours to write a chapter & get it typed up but this really will be the last one until the middle to end of June ** SORRY ** (She says again!) – Couldn't resist after all those fantastic reviews again!!!
Thanks to all the faithful reviewers that have been with me from the beginning – Very glad you are still enjoying reading this story. Hello to all those who just started reading.
FIRENZ
Exhaustion finally took its toll on James's body, unable to keep his focus the broom he had been riding for the last two days plummeted into the dense canopy bellow him. He had now been awake for nearly forty-eight hours. The only time he had attempted to sleep, the memories of his parents dying flooded his mind so thick and fast that he had woken up screaming. After that he had decided that sleep was unwise, but it had now got to the point at which he was no longer in control.
He gasped in pain as the branches snagged and tore at his robes and skin. After what seemed an eternity James landed on the ground in a crumpled heap.
Opening his eyes he was unsure of how long he had lay there. Trying to sit up he discovered a sharp stabbing pain in both his right shoulder and all along the right hand side of his rib cage. Clenching his teeth James rode the pain his body was screaming with and he managed to hoist him self into a sitting position leaning back against a tree trunk. He let out the breath he had been holding in a slow hiss. Trying to cope with the waves of pain that were washing over his body, James closed his eyes gasping for breath.
Under the dense coverage of the forest James's reserve wavered and he was unable to hold back the emotion he had shielded himself from for the last two days. Raising his knees as best he could James hugged them to him with his left arm. Chin resting on top of his knees the tears streamed down his face.
Eyes closed against the raw pain and anguish he saw the events of the last two days replay in front of him.
** He had been stood in the kitchen talking to his mother, they had been laughing and joking. Hearing a knock at the door and then his father shouting from the study "I'll go, it will be Denny…you know what he is like"
His mother wandering over to the hall door and then the look of abject terror as she pushed it opens and glimpsed the scene in the hall. Moving closer to her but stopping as she had held up her hand. The horror in her voice as she screamed "NO…HARRY…NO" and then she let the door go and turned to him "GO JAMES…NOW." The feel of her pushing him towards the door, the begging tone in her voice "Please James before it is to late"
Next thing I'm out by the broom store, dodging curses and hex's. Taking to the air I see mum fall through the open door. Hovering for a moment, waiting to see her move but she doesn't. Then they are all coming out of the door; black robes billowing behind them and masks covering their faces.
More curses fly in my direction, it takes all my skill to evade them, then I noticed that a couple of them had taken to the air but they are no match and soon I am alone in the sky. Only one thought rushing through my mind HOGWARTS. Getting my wand out and using the 'point me' spell I am soon heading north. **
A sound close by caused James to snap his head up sharp and go back into vigilance mode. A snort escaped his throat as he realised that this was it, he could go no further. If they wanted him they wouldn't get him with out a bloody good fight.
Throwing him self-forward he managed to get to his feet, backing up to the tree, wand out and poised for battle.
James saw a bush move to his left but nothing then the sound moved around to his right. Unable to stand it James shouted "Who's there?…Show yourself!"
Slowly a head poked through the foliage followed by a body and a set of heavy hooves. James rested his head back against the tree letting out the breath that had been trapped in his lungs and then winced at the pain it caused. It was a centaur not death eaters.
Taking a good look at it James realised it was not quite full-grown and was looking at him curiously.
"Hello I'm James Potter," he said as he moved closer to the centaur. It nodded to him but when it did not speak James asked, "Can you tell me where I am?" Again it simply looked at him as if unsure of how to respond when James added, "Please help me?"
Finally it said, "It is not safe for you here" at this James rolled his eyes and thought Tell me something I don't know. Then it continued "You are in the forbidden forest." At this James sighed and thought At least I am close to Hogwart's
James smiled "Can you show me how to get out of the forest?"
"No we are not allowed to meddle with what is written in the stars" it answered
Running his left hand through his hair James asked, "Can you at least tell me your name?"
The centaur made a small bowing movement and said, "I am Firenz"
Feeling he was making a little progress James asked, "Do you know Hagrid?"
This cause the creature to look at him hard "Yes…Hagrid is known to many here"
Pushing a little further James said "I really need to find him and get back to Hogwarts"
A strange clicking sound filled the air causing Firenz to raise his head and stare off towards the right, James followed suit and thought he saw a large black shadow move.
Firenz turned back to James "W e must leave this area…follow me"
Picking up his damaged broom James headed towards the young centaur. As they moved off it wasn't long before James was gasping for breath as waves of nausea caused by the pain in his chest and shoulder swept through him.
Noticing the trouble the boy was in Firenz stopped and said "Put your arm around my shoulder and I will help you"
Thankful for the extra support it wasn't long before the density of the forest started to change and James realised they must be close to the edge of the forest.
Firenz came to a halt and said "You should be safe from here" moving away from James he said, "I hope the stars are wrong…Goodbye James Potter"
James watched as it slowly disappeared back into the depths of the forest. Taking a deep breath he continued on in the direction that Firenz had led him. Again James heard the strange clicking sound and felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Forcing every last once of energy he had left James quickened his pace and was urged on as he saw the outline of Hagrid's hut materialise in front of him. Finally breaking from the coverage of the forest James stumbled into the open calling on all his reserves of strength he made it closer to Hagrid's hut before darkness enveloped him.
****
The welcome feast over the professors adjourned to the staff room. The main agenda for this emergency meeting was the problem of the missing seventh year.
Professor Greenhaulgh did not earn any favours with the rest of the staff with her comment "If he is not here tomorrow I think we should select another head boy." Pausing for breath and not noticing the icy glares she was getting from her colleagues she continued "We can't have the position unfilled on the off chance that he has managed to not get him self killed"
The normal kind glow that filled the headmasters eyes extinguished but it was professor McGonagall who spoke first "I think you would be wise to keep your comments to your self"
Professor Dumbledore interjected at this point as he noted the anger of his transfiguration professor "I think it best if we leave this discussion for a later date…there is still hope that Mr Potter will turn up safe and sound." Standing he nodded at them and said "I hope to see you all at breakfast…When we have all had time to consider this issue more carefully"
The meeting terminated the staff bid their goodnights to each other and headed for the sanctuary of their private quarters.
Leaving the staff room with a heavy heart Hagrid made his way back through the castle. Striding over the front lawn to his hut he noticed a dark shape slumped near the front steps of his home. Quickening his pace Hagrid let out a gasp of shock as he recognised the form as that of a human.
Approaching the figure he bent down and gently turned the person over, concern turned to panic as he saw the battered and bruised body of James Potter.
Hagrid carefully picked up the unconscious boy and dashed back towards the castle. Heading for the Hospital wing via Professor McGonagall's quarters, Hagrid knocked on the portrait that hid the private rooms of Minerva McGonagall shouting "PROFESSOR…QUICK…I FOUND HIM" getting no immediate response he knocked again "PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL"
Finally the portrait swung open and she said "Hagrid what is it?" but as her eyes fell on the body he was carrying she said "Hospital wing…I will fetch Albus"
It wasn't long before the quiet hospital wing was alive with activity as Poppy Pomfrey frantically assessed James's injuries. Treating as many as she could while he was still unconscious. There were a few potions she wanted to give him but they would have to wait.
Hagrid had backed away from the bed he had laid the boy onto, tears flowing down his cheeks as he watched the mediwitch work. He had not noticed Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall enter the room and come to stand beside him.
As a hand came to rest on his arm Hagrid turned to look at the headmaster "I found him out front of me hut professor" he said through the sobs.
"There, there Hagrid…He is in good hands now" Albus said trying to reassure the man.
Professor Dumbledore cast his mind back to the faces he had watched during the welcome feast. Turning to Professor McGonagall he said "Minerva please could you go to Gryffindor tower and bring Miss Evans and Mr Black up to the hospital wing"
"Albus I'm sure they can wait till morning…Mr Potter needs rest" she replied
Smiling at the concern in her voice he said "No I believe he needs the love of his friends more"
Understanding his meaning she nodded and left.
****
Up in Gryffindor tower all was quiet, the seventh year students were still up but conversation was minimal. All heads turned as they saw the portrait swing open and Professor McGonagall walk into the common room.
Moving over to the cosy seating area she surveyed the anxious faces of her students and said "Miss Evans and Mr Black the headmaster would like to see both of you." Watching them stand up she said "Mr Potter has been found and he is up in the hospital wing"
Lily grabbed Sirius's hand as a small gasp escaped and Sirius pulled her into his arms and held her tight.
Professor McGonagall said, "If you two could come with me" and turning to the others she continued "I would advise the rest of you to go to bed…You will be able to visit Mr Potter tomorrow." Noting then looks of concern for their friend she said, "He is going to be fine…Madame Pomfrey is seeing to him now"
Holding her arm out towards Sirius and Lily she motioned for them to go and glared at the others.
The three Gryffindor's, two students and head of house made the trek to the hospital wing in silence all grateful that the staircases were on their side making the journey as swift as possible. With each step anxiety and tension multiplied for both Lily and Sirius, the only comfort coming from the tight grip they each had of the others hand.
Professor McGonagall pushed the door open and allowed the two friends to enter the room before her. Only one light was shining, illuminating the unconscious form of James. Seeing him caused Lily's breath to catch in her throat and by the time she was beside the bed her face was already wet with tears that were cascading silently over her cheeks.
Watching her break was more than Sirius could cope with and he pulled her tight to him and lost in the embrace Sirius felt his own pent up tears escape.
Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey stood in silence as they witnessed the release of raw emotion.
It was during this scene that no one noticed a pair of dark brown eyes flutter open and finally focus on the group before him. That was until they heard a raspy voice say "Padfoot…Stop molesting my girlfriend"
In stunned silence five sets of eyes turned to face a very weak James who was doing his best to smirk at them.
In a swift movement Lily was beside James, leaning over hugging him as if her life depended on it.
Madame Pomfrey made a move but Professor Dumbledore touched her arm and shook his head. At this she stood firm and watched the friends transfer the best Medicare of all…Love!!
A/N: Well there you go another chapter and finally the return of James - Hope you enjoyed it.
Please don't forget to click the button and let me know what you think – as usual the reviews are a real motivational boost to help get the next chapter up loaded
Thanks for reading
Madame Padfoot