Disclaimer: all characters belong to J K Rowling and Warner brothers.
a/n see bottom. I really don't know if I can email people about updates. I type my story on my laptop, but I don't have the password to my email address saved (and lo and behold, I forgot it too). The only way I can check it is if I go to my old computer, which I use about 2 times a week. If I email about updates, I might be horrendously late. I'm an idiot, aren't I?
Part twelve b is going to be loaded soon! There was a glitch in the file.
Cheating Death
By neutral
Chapter twelve - cheating enemies
James pulled off his cloak and wrapped Harry in it tightly, despite his son's protests. He waved his wand to dim the bright light, and led the way down the rocky mountainside quickly, steps firm and sure. He was familiar with all the paths that led up the cliffs. James kept the shorter boy close, steadying him after he stumbled a few times. He was afraid to lose Harry after such a long absence, but at the same time, upset that he would be condemned to such an early death.
Harry didn't deserve that, James thought angrily, as he gripped his son's hand tighter.
James paused at an innocent-looking pile of rocks, Harry crashing into him at the abrupt stop. He raised his wand and whispered a soft spell, lighting the tip with a dim light. A dark, rather ominous looking mouth stared back at him. The opening was only large enough to fit a rather lean, full grown man, lined by rather jagged rocks, but it'll have to do for now.
"There's a small carven down there," James said, "We'll have to hide out until the sun rises; it's too dark to travel safely."
Harry nodded, and James marveled and how calm his son seemed. He climbed through the opening with barely an emotion traceable on his face. He recalled the stubbornness his son displayed then; he had to be proud of how brave Harry became, but he felt an unease when he remembered the hardness in his green eyes. It was almost as if Harry had expected himself to be hurt or even killed.
James followed him silently, careful to keep his weight off the rocks as he slipped into the carven. His feet struck a smooth, even surface, and he raised his wand, illuminating the small room. He caught sight of Harry, leaning against the darkest corner, staring back at him with a curious, intent, but strangely timid expression. James wondered if hiding was an instinctive habit of his. Harry always seemed to go for dark corners.
"Is your arm alright?" James asked, approaching his son and touching his shoulder guiltily. He couldn't help but feel a trace of shame the way he had twisted his arm harshly, but he had thought Harry was a Death Eater. It certainly seemed like it, the way Harry had attacked him.
Harry nodded quickly almost reading his mind, but James could feel him wince. It was rather obvious he was lying.
"Let me see. I could numb the pain a bit," he offered, lifting a light to his arm.
Harry tensed when he pulled up the oversized sleeve of his shirt, and James had a vague idea he was trying very hard not to pull away. Harry was strangely jumpy; perhaps the last few hours had been traumatizing and trust didn't come easily. James bit his lip when he caught sight of his handprints, rapidly bruising against Harry's wrist. But a livid stain of blood plastered his elbow that he had never noticed before. James carefully pulled the cloth away to examine it, but Harry jerked away abruptly. Harry backed away, dragging the sleeve to hide his limb.
"Harry, did I break your arm?" James asked, paling.
Harry shook his head quickly. "No, you didn't. It doesn't hurt, really."
"Harry, let me see!" James growled out.
He reached out and gripped Harry's hand firmly, careful to avoid the bruises, concern quickly becoming frustration. Something had happened to his son, and his son was completely adamant not to elaborate.
"Oh god," James whispered.
A mass of purple blotches branded on his son's bony arm like paint. By the color, it was obvious he had died with it; James also bore a rather livid bruise on his side from a few broken ribs on his arrival as well. Despite the numbness that death brought from any injury that was carried over the living, it still stayed for well over a week. But at the fingerprints that littered the whole length of Harry's arm, it was as if someone had grabbed it and snapped the fragile limb like a stick.
"Who did this to you?" James asked softly, gingerly touching the discolored skin.
Harry tensed, looking tempted to tear his arm out of his father's grasp. He pulled his sleeve down, futilely trying to hide the bruises with his head downcast. James turned his head to face him, refusing to break the gaze.
"Harry, tell me."
"Voldermort," Harry softly, catching the brief flicker in his father's eyes. "All this was Voldermort's doing. No one else could be blamed."
James could feel his stomach churn at Harry's explanation. His son was killed by the Dark Lord. After all those months of fear for Harry, in the end, they still failed. Slowly, he glanced at his son's face, catching for a moment the demons that lurked beneath his eyes.
"What happened to you?" James whispered.
Harry was silent for a long time, expressions unreadable. But when he spoke again, there was a tremor in his voice, and a watery brightness in his eyes. "Can we… talk about something else, please?"
"Harry…"
"Where you trying to avoid an enemy back there?"
At the tone of Harry's voice, James realized that he was trying hard to divert the subject. But Harry seemed so uneasy, James was afraid to pursue the subject.
He was going to find out, James told himself firmly. But only when Harry was ready. He would wait until his son trusted him with everything.
"There are some of Voldermort's former supporters here. Lily and I were worried that they would come after you; I was afraid they already got to you. There are some ex-Death Eaters who aren't too happy."
"They want me dead?" Harry asked.
James was surprised to hear his son amazingly calm. The only emotion his voice betrayed was disappointment, almost as if he was used to people trying to kill him. James was brimming with questions about Harry's life, but Harry was probably confused enough as it is. Sighing resignedly, James sat of the floor beside Harry and lit a small, fuelless fire at their feet.
"No," James finally answered. "You can't die again. All they can do is hurt you and torture you until you wished you were dead. But I'll make sure nothing happens to you," he said reassuringly.
Harry seemed strangely unfazed. A dark, hollow look was visible in his green eyes for an instant before he turned away.
There was a tense silence between the two where James furiously raked his mind for something to say. It was strange sitting beside his son when the last time he saw him was as an infant.
"You're not very talkative, are you?" When Harry blinked back at him in surprise, James shook his head and ruffled his son's hair fondly. "When I was your age, I just ran away at the mouth. Well, sometimes," he added quickly. "McGonagall always had a fit."
He was just talking to relieve the tension that settled between them again, but Harry looked extremely interested.
"Really? What was it like then?" Harry asked eagerly.
James grinned, throwing an arm around Harry's shoulders and ruffling his hair again. "It was some of the best years of my life. I'll tell you some other time; your mum will kill me if I tell you without her present," he frowned, thoughts soon sobering again. "So how was your life?"
Harry was silent, but James could feel him stiffen beside him. He knew Harry was withdrawing again, but he couldn't bring himself to let the subject drop. He was curious; what happened? What made Harry so withdrawn? James seethed, silently screaming at Sirius for the neglect. And he thought Sirius would make at least a mediocre godfather too...
"What does Sirius feed you?" James asked sharply, noticing the protruding bones of his son's arm as the light of the fire brushed against it. "Rabbit food?"
Harry looked at him strangely, and when he finally spoke, there was a hint of reluctance in his voice. "I didn't live with Sirius."
James' mind drew a blank. There must have been a long history that he missed, but considering there were no newcomers for thirteen years after Lily and his arrival, there wasn't much information for him to draw on. Other than the fact of Voldermort's fall by his son's hands, there was really nothing else he knew.
"Why not?"
Harry frowned, turning towards the floor to pick at small stone.
"Harry," James gripped Harry's shoulder urgently. "what happened? Did something happen to Sirius?"
*
Notice a trend going on here? Everyone's suffering from self guilt! I think it's a major theme, but I wasn't paying attention. It just came out.
Ack, yet another cliff hanger!
I don't particularly like Harry and James' interactions, but hey, they haven't seen each other and don't know each other at all. Can't expect them to run into each others arms and wail, right? But it seems so…. *sigh*
After I read through the smoothened story, it occurred to me that chapters 14 - 18 will be the most boring thing that you'll ever read. It's mostly an interlude after such a high strung beginning and (possibility end, but I'm not going to ruin it for you), but no matter what I try, I can't seem to bring myself to get rid of it. Waah… if I disappoint anyone, I'm really REALLY sorry.
I'm really hard on myself, aren't I? *sigh* But I actually like this chapter… so I guess, humm…
Tasha - *laughs evilly* I made it up for this chapter, didn't I? I mean, it's long. About twice as long as my chapters usually are. I was going to chop it at four pages, but…
Lady Foxfire - that's coming! I can't seem to handle Lily's personality well, so she doesn't play a huge part. I hope you're not angry…
Tilly & MercS - nooooo!! *runs* don't kill me this time! Umm… I can't really post any more chapters, because so many people want me to add scenes. So that's sorta the trade off while I go back in and fill scenes. Waah I want a bigger closet! Maybe… I can hide in the attic this time?
Mike Potter - thanks!
starkitty - here it is!
Kat - yeah, the story isn't that predictable from this point on anymore. *sighs dejectedly* I hope you still enjoy it though!
LilyAyl - I'll try!! Since I have that email problem, it might take me a few hours before I can get it to you.
Sherlock2k - promise me you won't kill me if I don't *grin* this chapter is long, but I have a slight trouble with chapter 13 and 14 so it'll probably take more than 2 days to post them. Urg.
Lin-z - uhh… I can't say! That'll ruin my story. Although, I have to admit, for the past few chapters, you have been psychic! *plots evil ways to throw Lin-z off* Oh! Another note. Draco's reaction's going to be introduced in chapter 14! It's sort of like an interlude chapter.
Kay - yeah, I know what you mean! I don't think the sequel's that great of an idea… Ooo.. Chapter 8? Are you almost done?
Ken-chan - I'm so sorry! *gets tissues*
ravenclawer - thanks!
Alexz - I will!
Miss ice - I'll try!
Gwen - see! He's almost there! Well… next chapter.
Nacasara - waah! Thank you! *hands Nacasara tissues*
Connie - your wish is my command! I'm adding some scenes and the story's about 2 chapters longer now. I'm not done though.
Phoenix - but that means I have the potential of never finishing it! I'm already a bit worried about my sequel… but I'll keep your words in mind! Thanks!
Vmr - thank you!
Starlight - here it is!
Madelaine - thanks for reviewing! It's very encouraging.
Googoo4you - umm.. I haven't thought of a good explanation for that. Harry can come back because he has the potential and he has the power. Sirius isn't really bringing him back, he's just helping Harry find his way back. Voldermort? Well… I donnuo… *thinks*
Allocin - well, I sort of took a middle ground. The middle is boring, and I do mean boring, I mean, it's a bunch of conversations with no action what so ever. So I beefed it up a bit, not a lot. I think you'll enjoy it! It keeps the plot tense.
Sunny Girl - thank you so much!!
Lily Potter - I'll try! I don't know if I can with my email problem.
padfoots girl - here it is!
Dark-Angel-Star - I think you'll like the new twist better! The story does take a significant drop, it's not as good as the beginning *sigh*
Crescent - fear not! I will! muhahaha...
a/n see bottom. I really don't know if I can email people about updates. I type my story on my laptop, but I don't have the password to my email address saved (and lo and behold, I forgot it too). The only way I can check it is if I go to my old computer, which I use about 2 times a week. If I email about updates, I might be horrendously late. I'm an idiot, aren't I?
Part twelve b is going to be loaded soon! There was a glitch in the file.
Cheating Death
By neutral
Chapter twelve - cheating enemies
James pulled off his cloak and wrapped Harry in it tightly, despite his son's protests. He waved his wand to dim the bright light, and led the way down the rocky mountainside quickly, steps firm and sure. He was familiar with all the paths that led up the cliffs. James kept the shorter boy close, steadying him after he stumbled a few times. He was afraid to lose Harry after such a long absence, but at the same time, upset that he would be condemned to such an early death.
Harry didn't deserve that, James thought angrily, as he gripped his son's hand tighter.
James paused at an innocent-looking pile of rocks, Harry crashing into him at the abrupt stop. He raised his wand and whispered a soft spell, lighting the tip with a dim light. A dark, rather ominous looking mouth stared back at him. The opening was only large enough to fit a rather lean, full grown man, lined by rather jagged rocks, but it'll have to do for now.
"There's a small carven down there," James said, "We'll have to hide out until the sun rises; it's too dark to travel safely."
Harry nodded, and James marveled and how calm his son seemed. He climbed through the opening with barely an emotion traceable on his face. He recalled the stubbornness his son displayed then; he had to be proud of how brave Harry became, but he felt an unease when he remembered the hardness in his green eyes. It was almost as if Harry had expected himself to be hurt or even killed.
James followed him silently, careful to keep his weight off the rocks as he slipped into the carven. His feet struck a smooth, even surface, and he raised his wand, illuminating the small room. He caught sight of Harry, leaning against the darkest corner, staring back at him with a curious, intent, but strangely timid expression. James wondered if hiding was an instinctive habit of his. Harry always seemed to go for dark corners.
"Is your arm alright?" James asked, approaching his son and touching his shoulder guiltily. He couldn't help but feel a trace of shame the way he had twisted his arm harshly, but he had thought Harry was a Death Eater. It certainly seemed like it, the way Harry had attacked him.
Harry nodded quickly almost reading his mind, but James could feel him wince. It was rather obvious he was lying.
"Let me see. I could numb the pain a bit," he offered, lifting a light to his arm.
Harry tensed when he pulled up the oversized sleeve of his shirt, and James had a vague idea he was trying very hard not to pull away. Harry was strangely jumpy; perhaps the last few hours had been traumatizing and trust didn't come easily. James bit his lip when he caught sight of his handprints, rapidly bruising against Harry's wrist. But a livid stain of blood plastered his elbow that he had never noticed before. James carefully pulled the cloth away to examine it, but Harry jerked away abruptly. Harry backed away, dragging the sleeve to hide his limb.
"Harry, did I break your arm?" James asked, paling.
Harry shook his head quickly. "No, you didn't. It doesn't hurt, really."
"Harry, let me see!" James growled out.
He reached out and gripped Harry's hand firmly, careful to avoid the bruises, concern quickly becoming frustration. Something had happened to his son, and his son was completely adamant not to elaborate.
"Oh god," James whispered.
A mass of purple blotches branded on his son's bony arm like paint. By the color, it was obvious he had died with it; James also bore a rather livid bruise on his side from a few broken ribs on his arrival as well. Despite the numbness that death brought from any injury that was carried over the living, it still stayed for well over a week. But at the fingerprints that littered the whole length of Harry's arm, it was as if someone had grabbed it and snapped the fragile limb like a stick.
"Who did this to you?" James asked softly, gingerly touching the discolored skin.
Harry tensed, looking tempted to tear his arm out of his father's grasp. He pulled his sleeve down, futilely trying to hide the bruises with his head downcast. James turned his head to face him, refusing to break the gaze.
"Harry, tell me."
"Voldermort," Harry softly, catching the brief flicker in his father's eyes. "All this was Voldermort's doing. No one else could be blamed."
James could feel his stomach churn at Harry's explanation. His son was killed by the Dark Lord. After all those months of fear for Harry, in the end, they still failed. Slowly, he glanced at his son's face, catching for a moment the demons that lurked beneath his eyes.
"What happened to you?" James whispered.
Harry was silent for a long time, expressions unreadable. But when he spoke again, there was a tremor in his voice, and a watery brightness in his eyes. "Can we… talk about something else, please?"
"Harry…"
"Where you trying to avoid an enemy back there?"
At the tone of Harry's voice, James realized that he was trying hard to divert the subject. But Harry seemed so uneasy, James was afraid to pursue the subject.
He was going to find out, James told himself firmly. But only when Harry was ready. He would wait until his son trusted him with everything.
"There are some of Voldermort's former supporters here. Lily and I were worried that they would come after you; I was afraid they already got to you. There are some ex-Death Eaters who aren't too happy."
"They want me dead?" Harry asked.
James was surprised to hear his son amazingly calm. The only emotion his voice betrayed was disappointment, almost as if he was used to people trying to kill him. James was brimming with questions about Harry's life, but Harry was probably confused enough as it is. Sighing resignedly, James sat of the floor beside Harry and lit a small, fuelless fire at their feet.
"No," James finally answered. "You can't die again. All they can do is hurt you and torture you until you wished you were dead. But I'll make sure nothing happens to you," he said reassuringly.
Harry seemed strangely unfazed. A dark, hollow look was visible in his green eyes for an instant before he turned away.
There was a tense silence between the two where James furiously raked his mind for something to say. It was strange sitting beside his son when the last time he saw him was as an infant.
"You're not very talkative, are you?" When Harry blinked back at him in surprise, James shook his head and ruffled his son's hair fondly. "When I was your age, I just ran away at the mouth. Well, sometimes," he added quickly. "McGonagall always had a fit."
He was just talking to relieve the tension that settled between them again, but Harry looked extremely interested.
"Really? What was it like then?" Harry asked eagerly.
James grinned, throwing an arm around Harry's shoulders and ruffling his hair again. "It was some of the best years of my life. I'll tell you some other time; your mum will kill me if I tell you without her present," he frowned, thoughts soon sobering again. "So how was your life?"
Harry was silent, but James could feel him stiffen beside him. He knew Harry was withdrawing again, but he couldn't bring himself to let the subject drop. He was curious; what happened? What made Harry so withdrawn? James seethed, silently screaming at Sirius for the neglect. And he thought Sirius would make at least a mediocre godfather too...
"What does Sirius feed you?" James asked sharply, noticing the protruding bones of his son's arm as the light of the fire brushed against it. "Rabbit food?"
Harry looked at him strangely, and when he finally spoke, there was a hint of reluctance in his voice. "I didn't live with Sirius."
James' mind drew a blank. There must have been a long history that he missed, but considering there were no newcomers for thirteen years after Lily and his arrival, there wasn't much information for him to draw on. Other than the fact of Voldermort's fall by his son's hands, there was really nothing else he knew.
"Why not?"
Harry frowned, turning towards the floor to pick at small stone.
"Harry," James gripped Harry's shoulder urgently. "what happened? Did something happen to Sirius?"
*
Notice a trend going on here? Everyone's suffering from self guilt! I think it's a major theme, but I wasn't paying attention. It just came out.
Ack, yet another cliff hanger!
I don't particularly like Harry and James' interactions, but hey, they haven't seen each other and don't know each other at all. Can't expect them to run into each others arms and wail, right? But it seems so…. *sigh*
After I read through the smoothened story, it occurred to me that chapters 14 - 18 will be the most boring thing that you'll ever read. It's mostly an interlude after such a high strung beginning and (possibility end, but I'm not going to ruin it for you), but no matter what I try, I can't seem to bring myself to get rid of it. Waah… if I disappoint anyone, I'm really REALLY sorry.
I'm really hard on myself, aren't I? *sigh* But I actually like this chapter… so I guess, humm…
Tasha - *laughs evilly* I made it up for this chapter, didn't I? I mean, it's long. About twice as long as my chapters usually are. I was going to chop it at four pages, but…
Lady Foxfire - that's coming! I can't seem to handle Lily's personality well, so she doesn't play a huge part. I hope you're not angry…
Tilly & MercS - nooooo!! *runs* don't kill me this time! Umm… I can't really post any more chapters, because so many people want me to add scenes. So that's sorta the trade off while I go back in and fill scenes. Waah I want a bigger closet! Maybe… I can hide in the attic this time?
Mike Potter - thanks!
starkitty - here it is!
Kat - yeah, the story isn't that predictable from this point on anymore. *sighs dejectedly* I hope you still enjoy it though!
LilyAyl - I'll try!! Since I have that email problem, it might take me a few hours before I can get it to you.
Sherlock2k - promise me you won't kill me if I don't *grin* this chapter is long, but I have a slight trouble with chapter 13 and 14 so it'll probably take more than 2 days to post them. Urg.
Lin-z - uhh… I can't say! That'll ruin my story. Although, I have to admit, for the past few chapters, you have been psychic! *plots evil ways to throw Lin-z off* Oh! Another note. Draco's reaction's going to be introduced in chapter 14! It's sort of like an interlude chapter.
Kay - yeah, I know what you mean! I don't think the sequel's that great of an idea… Ooo.. Chapter 8? Are you almost done?
Ken-chan - I'm so sorry! *gets tissues*
ravenclawer - thanks!
Alexz - I will!
Miss ice - I'll try!
Gwen - see! He's almost there! Well… next chapter.
Nacasara - waah! Thank you! *hands Nacasara tissues*
Connie - your wish is my command! I'm adding some scenes and the story's about 2 chapters longer now. I'm not done though.
Phoenix - but that means I have the potential of never finishing it! I'm already a bit worried about my sequel… but I'll keep your words in mind! Thanks!
Vmr - thank you!
Starlight - here it is!
Madelaine - thanks for reviewing! It's very encouraging.
Googoo4you - umm.. I haven't thought of a good explanation for that. Harry can come back because he has the potential and he has the power. Sirius isn't really bringing him back, he's just helping Harry find his way back. Voldermort? Well… I donnuo… *thinks*
Allocin - well, I sort of took a middle ground. The middle is boring, and I do mean boring, I mean, it's a bunch of conversations with no action what so ever. So I beefed it up a bit, not a lot. I think you'll enjoy it! It keeps the plot tense.
Sunny Girl - thank you so much!!
Lily Potter - I'll try! I don't know if I can with my email problem.
padfoots girl - here it is!
Dark-Angel-Star - I think you'll like the new twist better! The story does take a significant drop, it's not as good as the beginning *sigh*
Crescent - fear not! I will! muhahaha...