Disclaimer: all characters belong to J K Rowling and Warner brothers.
a/n wah! Everyone's giving me these suggestions, but I already wrote half of the story! No more no more! It makes me feel so guilty (don't ask me why, I just do… eep…). Umm… I don't know if I can make these chapters any longer, it would mean a longer waiting time. Everyone wants a shorter waiting time though, so I don't know.
a request from shei: She's looking for a story she read a while ago about Harry falling in love with a muggle girl named June. They're living toguether and she doesn't know about Harry being a wizard. Harry asks her to marry him but before that he tells her his secret. And she breaks up with him, because he didn't tell her earlier. If anyone knows the title of the story or the author, please tell!
Cheating Death
By neutral
Chapter nine - cheating denial
Sirius stirred weakly under the covers, opening his sunken eyes slowly. Remus seemed not to notice. Sirius stared at the ceiling uncomprehending, looking dazed, but his eyes cleared abruptly and jerked up.
"Harry?" he said sharply.
Remus' stiffened, head snapping up quickly. He looked at Sirius' frantic expression with concern.
"Padfoot," he whispered. "Harry isn't here."
"No, that can't be right. He was here, I saw him," Sirius looked bewildered, eyes taking on a desperate glint as he glanced around the room. "He spoke to me. I heard him." He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.
"No, Padfoot."
"He was right here. I remember…"
"Sirius," Remus' voice was trembling with suppressed emotions. "You're scaring me."
Sirius was fell silent, afraid to meet his friend's eyes. He was silent for a long time, running his fingers over the sheets. He sighed, rubbing his hand over his eyes harshly.
"I was dreaming," he explained, head bowed to hide his expressions.
Remus closed his eyes and nodded in understanding, sympathy etched in his face. "It's good that you're trying to get some sleep. I'll bring you something to eat." He patted his friend on the head with brotherly concern as he stood up.
Sirius gave his friend a grateful smile. "Thanks for the blanket, Moony."
Remus paused on his way to the door, looking back at Sirius in confusion. "You were sleeping under the covers when I came in, Sirius." Looking pained at the baffled expression on his friend's face, he asked slowly, "Are you feeling alright?"
But Sirius wasn't listening. His eyes were darting through the room, finally resting on Harry, lying against a chair in the furthest corner of the room, limbs sprawled out haphazardly.
"Did you move him?" Sirius whispered, eyes not leaving the pale face.
"What are you talking about?"
"Harry."
Remus stumbled, color draining from his face. It seemed to take all of his concentration to remain standing. "Sirius, I don't know what you're talki--"
"He was here," Sirius interrupted, face lit with a hopeful smile. It didn't even slip when Remus' shook his head and backing away almost fearfully. "I wasn't even lying in the bed, I certainly didn't cover myself with the blanket, I knew I fell asleep sitting. And Harry was right here…" he said, gesturing towards the limp body and pointing to the spot beside him on the bed.
"Sirius, maybe you were sleepwalking or something…"
"No! I remember it; I was sitting right here, and I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I turned around, and I saw Harry. He was solid, I could touch him!"
"Sirius!" Remus shouted, leaning against the wall heavily. He shut his eyes tightly and shook his head. "Stop it! You--"
"I'm not insane!"
"--can't keep clinging to the past, Sirius. Don't let this destroy you!"
"Moony, I'm not making this up."
"Harry's death is not your fault…"
"He was here! Or maybe he was Harry's ghost…"
"Stop," Remus choked out, looking close to tears. He raised his hand warningly, visibly shaking. "Just stop it. I can't take much more."
Sirius fell silent, his face clouded with concern when he saw his friend's ashen face. When he spoke again, his voice was pleading. "Moony, please believe me…"
"I can't!" Remus' face was twisted in a grimace, it had cost him a lot to say those words that nearly cost Sirius his life fourteen years ago. "For the past three days, you didn't speak, you didn't move. You just held Harry and refused to leave this room. Now you say you've seen him," Remus' voice softened, the expression on his face filled with pain. "Sirius, please, you're the only true friend I have left. Don't loose when Harry tried so hard to keep you alive."
Sirius looked aghast, eyes widening in shock at Remus' words. Finally, he tore himself away from his friend's gaze, fidgeting with the blanket distantly. His face was thoughtful for a long time, but his expression soon became hard and determined. He pushed back the covers, moving to stand up.
"I need to speak to Dumbledore."
Remus looked horrified. "Sirius, no! Don't make Albus think you're insane."
"What about me?" said a rather amused voice.
Both men froze in surprise, looking at the white breaded man standing at the door with mixed expressions of apprehension, hope, and fear. Dumbledore smiled at their silence, eyes twinkling for the first time in days.
"Albus, did you hear…?" Remus asked hesitantly.
Dumbledore waved the question away casually, clearing his throat to speak again. "Last night, I felt Harry's wand was responding rather strangely. Curious, I checked the wards placed on this house, but instead of discovering the presence of two people, I felt three."
Sirius jumped up from the bed instantly, hungry for more information. Remus paled even more, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Actually, it was two and two thirds."
"What?" Sirius asked.
Dumbledore watched the two carefully for a moment before continuing. "Whoever the third person was, he was incomplete. Parts of him were missing, like they were broken away or stolen from him somehow. But even so, the person contained immense power, much like Harry when he was very, very upset," Dumbledore paused, eyes taking on a rather wistful light. He broke into a small smile, looking at Sirius pointedly. "How is Harry doing?"
There was a stunned silence that hung thickly in the room. Sirius blinked at Dumbledore numbly, before relief flooded his features, and he smiled for the first time in days. It quickly sobered when he recalled last night's memories.
"He was confused," Sirius said slowly. "He didn't know if it was real or not. He… he didn't want to see us upset."
Dumbledore nodded, twinkle fading slightly. "That sounds like Harry. It'll be hard for him for a while."
"You mean he's really dead? He can't come back?" Sirius looked like he was voicing his deepest fear; eyes watching the older wizard with apprehension.
Dumbledore sighed, helping Remus sit on the bed and seating himself into a chair nearby. "I'm not sure, although I admit I did know Harry had a possibility of coming back. When I heard the circumstances surrounding his death, I wasn't sure, but I still hoped."
"What do you mean? Are you saying that Harry could have resisted the curse even without Lily's protection?" Remus asked, finding a voice to speak again. It still shook slightly, but some color had returned to his face, and he wore the same hopeful expression that Sirius had.
"Remus, I'm sure you noticed when you were teaching him that Harry was unusually gifted. He's strong when he puts his mind on something. If he was as motivated as Hermione, I'm sure she'd be no match for him. He was a lot like Sirius and James, getting high marks without really putting his mind on it. " Dumbledore smiled, looking almost wistful. "Harry has a lot of untapped potential, enough to summon Gryffindor's sword from the Sorting Hat and wield it to its full power."
Sirius was stunned, feeling a surge of fatherly pride. "He did that?"
Dumbledore nodded, looking at the expression on Sirius' face knowingly. The amused twinkle in his eye soon faded when his mind drifted away. "But it appears that I have misjudged Harry's character again. Harry gave his life willingly, a bit too willingly. If he had fought against the curse, it would have been deflected. He is strong enough. He would have survived if the curse was thrown at him directly, but it seems that by throwing himself in front of it, he had no desire to struggle," Dumbledore sighed again, leaning back against the chair. "For that split second, Harry wanted to die. He was too weary, I think. I've been too hard on him." Dumbledore's shoulders slouched in defeat, looking old and feeble again.
There was another tense silence.
"How could he want to die?" Sirius asked weakly.
Dumbledore shook his head, "Harry is too considerate, too kind, too fair, much like his father. Evidently, he changed his mind about dying soon afterwards, and returned in the form of a half spirit, visible to only a select few, but something made him leave again."
Remus looked pained. "He probably felt guilty. I said some things…"
"Remus, it could be anything that made Harry leave. But that isn't important right now. What I'm worried about, is why Harry couldn't return to his body."
*
*cackle* I let the plot bunny go! Or actually, pieces of the bunny. Or maybe, humm.. I cut off a piece of its tail or ear or something.. Ack! Bad mental image.
A rather poorly written chapter, I and short too (I know I've been complaining since chapter 7 but I can't help it! It seems to be getting more and more… what's the word I'm looking for… slow? But then again, I try to rush everything *sigh* donnuo whether that's good or bad). I like the first three, everything after that seem to go down hill. Urg. Rather long and tedious, but necessary for plot development, unfortunately. The part with Remus flipping out was a bit overdone though, but I loved it too much to remove it. Remus always seem very composed, but I thought it'll be interesting to put him in a situation where he can't help but crack. What do you think? How are the characterizations so far?
Gia - *cackle* that's a secret!
Lady Foxfire - don't worry! The story's coming along! And it will be finished! I hope…
Lin-z - well, his body isn't really kicking… its just sort of… preserved. Uhh… yeah. The next chapter has the full explanation! Actually, it's not so confusing or twisting after chapter 11. Urg… maybe I should change the plot.. *schemes*
Hermione45695 - don't worry, this one isn't that bad of a cliffee! It'll be explained soon!
starkitty - I'm not hanging anyone, really I'm not! See… You're still alive… Did it really seem like James? I never really thought about it…
Natasha Malfoy - umm.. Longer chapters mean longer waiting time. Can't have both though, sorry! I'm trying, I really am!
Enji - uhh… I didn't mean to make Sirius so sad! Or maybe I did… but… he'll be okay! Really he will! He's not insane yet!
Gaby - thanks! I was a little worried how the interaction seemed a little bumpy, but it seems that it turned out just fine. Yeah… I can't imagine touching a dead body either… eek… especially not my own. Crud… I forgot to mention whether Harry's body was healed or not. Uh oh.
Kat - *laughs evilly* I am evil! Evvvvvvvil! Wow… did I really trick you?
Slinky - Oo.. Does the lyrics match the story? I have to go download the song.
Nicky - write more stories that I don't like. Humm… but then, that means I'll feel a bit obligated to keep editing it!
Vmr - thanks!
Shayla - yupz! I have the story written through chapter 17. I think I finally got the ending chosen, although it's sorta… what's the word for it. Nah, I won't spoil you. Uh… post sooner? That means the chapters will have to be even shorter… chapter 10 has some major errors, and I can't post chapter 11 until after I finish chapter 10! Urg!
Phoenix - *grin* that's a secret! You have to read to find out. Wow… did you really think it was James? For some reason, I keep imagining James with brown hair.
Rio Rapture - happiness to you too! That's good! Be demanding! it means I'll have to write better to please readers. Be critical, really, it helps me improve my writing. Somebody flame me, okay? Everyone's being so supportive so far… *sniff*
Elspeth - I get points for Sirius torture! *dances around happily* nope, no clones here. I'm terrible at science *hides* Don't go nuts! Not yet at least!
Natty - eh? You're shaking? Waah… I'm so happy you like this story… But was the last chapter too weird? Was it okay?
Starlight - yeah, Sirius seems to be the type. But don't worry, you'll see what happens!
Googoo4you - fix them later? But… that'll mean a repost… that'll mean.. delayed writing of the next chapter. Uh oh… I only explained it partially.. Don't get too mad!
Bumblebe Bucy - yup! Here it is
Rita - *grin* I already have a sequel underway.
Evie - ack! You're making me feel guilty for keeping you up! Looks like everyone's after my neck for killing Harry. Well, Wormtail is already sort of… repenting. Voldie on the other hand… *schemes*
Lily Potter - no, don't cry! *gets tissues*
Tilly & MercS - *counts the number of cliffies in the next few chapters* uh oh, I'm going to need some food in that closet. Wah!! Help me! *hides behind Tilly and glares accusingly at MercS* don't kill me or I'll never be able to finish! *flees while wailing*
Saphire - thanks!
Nacasara - huh? He and Harry switched places? Oo.. Do you mean the part where Harry died for Sirius instead of the other way around?
Alexz - yup! Here it is!
Eleanor Branstone - here's the next chapter. Tell me what you think!
Aalilyah - wah! I'm a horrible and evil person! *cackle* everything will be explained, really it will!
a/n wah! Everyone's giving me these suggestions, but I already wrote half of the story! No more no more! It makes me feel so guilty (don't ask me why, I just do… eep…). Umm… I don't know if I can make these chapters any longer, it would mean a longer waiting time. Everyone wants a shorter waiting time though, so I don't know.
a request from shei: She's looking for a story she read a while ago about Harry falling in love with a muggle girl named June. They're living toguether and she doesn't know about Harry being a wizard. Harry asks her to marry him but before that he tells her his secret. And she breaks up with him, because he didn't tell her earlier. If anyone knows the title of the story or the author, please tell!
Cheating Death
By neutral
Chapter nine - cheating denial
Sirius stirred weakly under the covers, opening his sunken eyes slowly. Remus seemed not to notice. Sirius stared at the ceiling uncomprehending, looking dazed, but his eyes cleared abruptly and jerked up.
"Harry?" he said sharply.
Remus' stiffened, head snapping up quickly. He looked at Sirius' frantic expression with concern.
"Padfoot," he whispered. "Harry isn't here."
"No, that can't be right. He was here, I saw him," Sirius looked bewildered, eyes taking on a desperate glint as he glanced around the room. "He spoke to me. I heard him." He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.
"No, Padfoot."
"He was right here. I remember…"
"Sirius," Remus' voice was trembling with suppressed emotions. "You're scaring me."
Sirius was fell silent, afraid to meet his friend's eyes. He was silent for a long time, running his fingers over the sheets. He sighed, rubbing his hand over his eyes harshly.
"I was dreaming," he explained, head bowed to hide his expressions.
Remus closed his eyes and nodded in understanding, sympathy etched in his face. "It's good that you're trying to get some sleep. I'll bring you something to eat." He patted his friend on the head with brotherly concern as he stood up.
Sirius gave his friend a grateful smile. "Thanks for the blanket, Moony."
Remus paused on his way to the door, looking back at Sirius in confusion. "You were sleeping under the covers when I came in, Sirius." Looking pained at the baffled expression on his friend's face, he asked slowly, "Are you feeling alright?"
But Sirius wasn't listening. His eyes were darting through the room, finally resting on Harry, lying against a chair in the furthest corner of the room, limbs sprawled out haphazardly.
"Did you move him?" Sirius whispered, eyes not leaving the pale face.
"What are you talking about?"
"Harry."
Remus stumbled, color draining from his face. It seemed to take all of his concentration to remain standing. "Sirius, I don't know what you're talki--"
"He was here," Sirius interrupted, face lit with a hopeful smile. It didn't even slip when Remus' shook his head and backing away almost fearfully. "I wasn't even lying in the bed, I certainly didn't cover myself with the blanket, I knew I fell asleep sitting. And Harry was right here…" he said, gesturing towards the limp body and pointing to the spot beside him on the bed.
"Sirius, maybe you were sleepwalking or something…"
"No! I remember it; I was sitting right here, and I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I turned around, and I saw Harry. He was solid, I could touch him!"
"Sirius!" Remus shouted, leaning against the wall heavily. He shut his eyes tightly and shook his head. "Stop it! You--"
"I'm not insane!"
"--can't keep clinging to the past, Sirius. Don't let this destroy you!"
"Moony, I'm not making this up."
"Harry's death is not your fault…"
"He was here! Or maybe he was Harry's ghost…"
"Stop," Remus choked out, looking close to tears. He raised his hand warningly, visibly shaking. "Just stop it. I can't take much more."
Sirius fell silent, his face clouded with concern when he saw his friend's ashen face. When he spoke again, his voice was pleading. "Moony, please believe me…"
"I can't!" Remus' face was twisted in a grimace, it had cost him a lot to say those words that nearly cost Sirius his life fourteen years ago. "For the past three days, you didn't speak, you didn't move. You just held Harry and refused to leave this room. Now you say you've seen him," Remus' voice softened, the expression on his face filled with pain. "Sirius, please, you're the only true friend I have left. Don't loose when Harry tried so hard to keep you alive."
Sirius looked aghast, eyes widening in shock at Remus' words. Finally, he tore himself away from his friend's gaze, fidgeting with the blanket distantly. His face was thoughtful for a long time, but his expression soon became hard and determined. He pushed back the covers, moving to stand up.
"I need to speak to Dumbledore."
Remus looked horrified. "Sirius, no! Don't make Albus think you're insane."
"What about me?" said a rather amused voice.
Both men froze in surprise, looking at the white breaded man standing at the door with mixed expressions of apprehension, hope, and fear. Dumbledore smiled at their silence, eyes twinkling for the first time in days.
"Albus, did you hear…?" Remus asked hesitantly.
Dumbledore waved the question away casually, clearing his throat to speak again. "Last night, I felt Harry's wand was responding rather strangely. Curious, I checked the wards placed on this house, but instead of discovering the presence of two people, I felt three."
Sirius jumped up from the bed instantly, hungry for more information. Remus paled even more, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Actually, it was two and two thirds."
"What?" Sirius asked.
Dumbledore watched the two carefully for a moment before continuing. "Whoever the third person was, he was incomplete. Parts of him were missing, like they were broken away or stolen from him somehow. But even so, the person contained immense power, much like Harry when he was very, very upset," Dumbledore paused, eyes taking on a rather wistful light. He broke into a small smile, looking at Sirius pointedly. "How is Harry doing?"
There was a stunned silence that hung thickly in the room. Sirius blinked at Dumbledore numbly, before relief flooded his features, and he smiled for the first time in days. It quickly sobered when he recalled last night's memories.
"He was confused," Sirius said slowly. "He didn't know if it was real or not. He… he didn't want to see us upset."
Dumbledore nodded, twinkle fading slightly. "That sounds like Harry. It'll be hard for him for a while."
"You mean he's really dead? He can't come back?" Sirius looked like he was voicing his deepest fear; eyes watching the older wizard with apprehension.
Dumbledore sighed, helping Remus sit on the bed and seating himself into a chair nearby. "I'm not sure, although I admit I did know Harry had a possibility of coming back. When I heard the circumstances surrounding his death, I wasn't sure, but I still hoped."
"What do you mean? Are you saying that Harry could have resisted the curse even without Lily's protection?" Remus asked, finding a voice to speak again. It still shook slightly, but some color had returned to his face, and he wore the same hopeful expression that Sirius had.
"Remus, I'm sure you noticed when you were teaching him that Harry was unusually gifted. He's strong when he puts his mind on something. If he was as motivated as Hermione, I'm sure she'd be no match for him. He was a lot like Sirius and James, getting high marks without really putting his mind on it. " Dumbledore smiled, looking almost wistful. "Harry has a lot of untapped potential, enough to summon Gryffindor's sword from the Sorting Hat and wield it to its full power."
Sirius was stunned, feeling a surge of fatherly pride. "He did that?"
Dumbledore nodded, looking at the expression on Sirius' face knowingly. The amused twinkle in his eye soon faded when his mind drifted away. "But it appears that I have misjudged Harry's character again. Harry gave his life willingly, a bit too willingly. If he had fought against the curse, it would have been deflected. He is strong enough. He would have survived if the curse was thrown at him directly, but it seems that by throwing himself in front of it, he had no desire to struggle," Dumbledore sighed again, leaning back against the chair. "For that split second, Harry wanted to die. He was too weary, I think. I've been too hard on him." Dumbledore's shoulders slouched in defeat, looking old and feeble again.
There was another tense silence.
"How could he want to die?" Sirius asked weakly.
Dumbledore shook his head, "Harry is too considerate, too kind, too fair, much like his father. Evidently, he changed his mind about dying soon afterwards, and returned in the form of a half spirit, visible to only a select few, but something made him leave again."
Remus looked pained. "He probably felt guilty. I said some things…"
"Remus, it could be anything that made Harry leave. But that isn't important right now. What I'm worried about, is why Harry couldn't return to his body."
*
*cackle* I let the plot bunny go! Or actually, pieces of the bunny. Or maybe, humm.. I cut off a piece of its tail or ear or something.. Ack! Bad mental image.
A rather poorly written chapter, I and short too (I know I've been complaining since chapter 7 but I can't help it! It seems to be getting more and more… what's the word I'm looking for… slow? But then again, I try to rush everything *sigh* donnuo whether that's good or bad). I like the first three, everything after that seem to go down hill. Urg. Rather long and tedious, but necessary for plot development, unfortunately. The part with Remus flipping out was a bit overdone though, but I loved it too much to remove it. Remus always seem very composed, but I thought it'll be interesting to put him in a situation where he can't help but crack. What do you think? How are the characterizations so far?
Gia - *cackle* that's a secret!
Lady Foxfire - don't worry! The story's coming along! And it will be finished! I hope…
Lin-z - well, his body isn't really kicking… its just sort of… preserved. Uhh… yeah. The next chapter has the full explanation! Actually, it's not so confusing or twisting after chapter 11. Urg… maybe I should change the plot.. *schemes*
Hermione45695 - don't worry, this one isn't that bad of a cliffee! It'll be explained soon!
starkitty - I'm not hanging anyone, really I'm not! See… You're still alive… Did it really seem like James? I never really thought about it…
Natasha Malfoy - umm.. Longer chapters mean longer waiting time. Can't have both though, sorry! I'm trying, I really am!
Enji - uhh… I didn't mean to make Sirius so sad! Or maybe I did… but… he'll be okay! Really he will! He's not insane yet!
Gaby - thanks! I was a little worried how the interaction seemed a little bumpy, but it seems that it turned out just fine. Yeah… I can't imagine touching a dead body either… eek… especially not my own. Crud… I forgot to mention whether Harry's body was healed or not. Uh oh.
Kat - *laughs evilly* I am evil! Evvvvvvvil! Wow… did I really trick you?
Slinky - Oo.. Does the lyrics match the story? I have to go download the song.
Nicky - write more stories that I don't like. Humm… but then, that means I'll feel a bit obligated to keep editing it!
Vmr - thanks!
Shayla - yupz! I have the story written through chapter 17. I think I finally got the ending chosen, although it's sorta… what's the word for it. Nah, I won't spoil you. Uh… post sooner? That means the chapters will have to be even shorter… chapter 10 has some major errors, and I can't post chapter 11 until after I finish chapter 10! Urg!
Phoenix - *grin* that's a secret! You have to read to find out. Wow… did you really think it was James? For some reason, I keep imagining James with brown hair.
Rio Rapture - happiness to you too! That's good! Be demanding! it means I'll have to write better to please readers. Be critical, really, it helps me improve my writing. Somebody flame me, okay? Everyone's being so supportive so far… *sniff*
Elspeth - I get points for Sirius torture! *dances around happily* nope, no clones here. I'm terrible at science *hides* Don't go nuts! Not yet at least!
Natty - eh? You're shaking? Waah… I'm so happy you like this story… But was the last chapter too weird? Was it okay?
Starlight - yeah, Sirius seems to be the type. But don't worry, you'll see what happens!
Googoo4you - fix them later? But… that'll mean a repost… that'll mean.. delayed writing of the next chapter. Uh oh… I only explained it partially.. Don't get too mad!
Bumblebe Bucy - yup! Here it is
Rita - *grin* I already have a sequel underway.
Evie - ack! You're making me feel guilty for keeping you up! Looks like everyone's after my neck for killing Harry. Well, Wormtail is already sort of… repenting. Voldie on the other hand… *schemes*
Lily Potter - no, don't cry! *gets tissues*
Tilly & MercS - *counts the number of cliffies in the next few chapters* uh oh, I'm going to need some food in that closet. Wah!! Help me! *hides behind Tilly and glares accusingly at MercS* don't kill me or I'll never be able to finish! *flees while wailing*
Saphire - thanks!
Nacasara - huh? He and Harry switched places? Oo.. Do you mean the part where Harry died for Sirius instead of the other way around?
Alexz - yup! Here it is!
Eleanor Branstone - here's the next chapter. Tell me what you think!
Aalilyah - wah! I'm a horrible and evil person! *cackle* everything will be explained, really it will!