Disclaimer: all characters belong to J K Rowling and Warner brothers.
a/n this chapter is dedicated to VeryWildWitch for reviewing every single chapter of Cheating Death! It was a huge surprise to sign on and see CD's review count jump like that.
Cheating Death
By neutral
Chapter twenty-nine - cheating Sirius
The pain left as abruptly as it came. For a long time, Harry could only lean against the wet ground, gasping for air. But as the fog from his mind cleared and the world swam back into focus, Harry suddenly realized he was lying completely vulnerable against the ground. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to stand. The ground swayed violently for a moment as Harry took several deep, steadying breaths.
It was then Harry realized Riddle wasn't paying any attention to him at all. He was staring at something over Harry's head with an expression of shock. Not intending to let this opportunity slip, Harry raised his wand with a shaking hand.
"Stupefy!"
Oddly, the spell that escaped from his wand wasn't the stunning spell at all. It was a burst of raw magic that struck Riddle squarely in the chest, inciting a high pitched scream of pain and disbelief. The force knocked his enemy to his knees, shoulders heaving as he caught his breath. Harry spun around to see what was behind him and nearly cried out in a mixture of relief and confusion.
"Sirius?!" Harry tried to say, but instead, a raspy cough escaped his lips. His throat was raw and grainy.
Sirius looked just as stunned as he, but when his eyes caught the sight of his godson, all the confusion vanished from his face.
"Harry, thank god you're okay," he whispered, genuine relief shining through his eyes. Obviously, Harry noted, he hadn't seen anything before that. Sirius suddenly froze, the relief rapidly turning into terror. "Harry…!"
But the warning came too late. A searing pain ripped at his chest, grinding his flesh like a blade. Harry couldn't bite back a cry of pain as he fell to his knees. But before he could even catch a breath, another curse slammed into him like ten Dudleys charging downstairs. He rammed into something bony, but the momentum sent them both crashing to the ground.
Sirius dragged himself into a sitting position despite his aching ribs, pulling Harry into a protective embrace as he directed his wand at Riddle. He scowled, daring the enemy to come closer. Harry shivered against him, and Sirius had a vague idea he wasn't coherent yet. His hand shook in bitter anger as he glared at the lanky man with frustratingly innocent features.
"Bastard," he hissed, narrowing his eyes at Riddle. "Don't you dare hurt him…"
Riddle recovered his shock of seeing Sirius rather quickly. Instead, he folded his arms, straightening in a haughty manner that was disturbingly reminiscent of his son. "I can't be killed by something not of my realm. I'm not a fool, I know a spirit when I see one. You are not a dead spirit."
Sirius swallowed back an enraged retort, and drew Harry deeper into the folds of his cloak. He slowly edged to his feet, keeping his godson shielded as he warily backed away.
"I must admit, I was quite surprised to see you here. Quite the spell that Dumbledore offered you, binding you to that boy like that," Riddle's lip twitched in the mockery of a smile, shaking his head in sympathy. "It's pity he can't defend himself."
"Harry's far stronger than you'll ever be," Sirius snapped impulsively, indignant rage building at Thomas' snide remark.
Thomas remained impassive; only a small twitch of his left eye signaled that he heard at all. He stood as firm and as stoic as before, and Sirius could feel his anxiety growing. Riddle was far more composed than his son, and it made him far more dangerous.
"Well, so they say," Thomas said finally, carelessly flicking his eyes skyward. "It'll be interesting to add him to my collection."
Sirius inwardly cringed in rage and disbelief. Arm tightening around Harry defensively, Sirius took another step back. "You're sick. You're worse than your son!" he spat, hand gripping his wand so firmly that it trembled. "Harry isn't some… thing you can do this to! He's…"
"… just like the rest of them," Thomas broke in, suddenly looking irritated. But even his anger burned cold in his eyes. "A freak, a monster, a wandering spirit that just happens to lack the rest of himself. What difference does it make whether he dies or not?"
"Is this a game to you?" Sirius almost shouted in aggravation.
"If he hadn't defeated that snake, I wouldn't even bother with him," Riddle whispered without a flicker of emotion. "But that boy… well, to say he's a disappointment is an understatement."
Sirius inwardly seethed; Riddle looked almost… amused. Gritting his teeth, Sirius pointed his wand and flung some of the nastiest curses he could remember
The streams of various colors struck an invisible barrier solidly, bouncing back at various angles. He could hear the dull thud of each hit. Riddle didn't even move, watching the two with a small smile. Suddenly, the curses stopped as if time was frozen around it, every single one turning towards him faster and stronger than before. Sirius blindly dodged, Harry limp and unresponsive against his shoulder, his mind a whirlwind of confusion.
How could he deflect them? Those spells require different counter curses, yet Riddle hadn't even spoken a word!
A vicious curse snagged his heel like fingernails eating into his flesh. Sirius staggered onto the thick, mucky ground and in the impulsive spurred by raw desperation, hauled himself defensively over his godson. The pain came in white hot waves; instinctively, he bit his lip to keep from crying out. It was his stubborn pride that held him back, but the curse felt like nails under every inch of his skin, his body convulsed and a scream of complete agony ripped from his throat.
Harry jolted awake as the first shout cut into his reverie like a burning knife. The previous haze of unconsciousness dissipated in an instant when Sirius jerked and twisted like a cloth puppet in a child's hands, his entire body writhing in agony as the curses struck. It only took a moment for realization so slam over him. Harry struggled to push the taller man out of the way of the attack, but Sirius had him in a death grip. His hand tightened on his arm painfully each second.
Stop! he wanted to say. Don't do this!
Sirius' scream sank into silence, but Harry could feel the warm sticky blood running onto his arms and staining his robes. Harry trembled violently beneath the folds of the cloak.
"Stop!" Harry screamed, squeezing his eyes tightly shut.
Sirius fell limp, the grip around Harry relenting. He slumped to the floor weakly, eyes closed and breath raspy. He looked inches from unconsciousness. Harry squirmed out of his godfather's grasp, shielding Sirius as best as he could when he looked at Riddle apprehensively.
He was shocked to discover a golden film between them. It was translucent, but gave everything a yellow hue of sunlight, and it rapped around the two like a protective bubble. Riddle scowled, and oddly, didn't attack. It took a second glance for Harry to recognize the thin barrier as a shield, but as to how it came he was too distracted to care.
Sirius stirred, face contorted in pain.
"Sirius!" Harry whispered urgently, tentatively touching his shoulder.
His blue eyes snapped open, trying to drag his sluggish limps to move. Harry placed a restraining hand on Sirius' shoulder, but pulled away quickly when Sirius made a small hiss of pain.
"Harry," Sirius sighed in relief when he caught sight of his godson.
Harry shook his head angrily, the fear and apprehension of the threat slipping away at the wave of worry. "Why? Why are you here? You shouldn't be here!"
Sirius' glare was equally stubborn. "I'm not… going to let anything happen to you again!" Sirius growled out, gasping as he fought to catch his breath. He sounded determined despite the extreme paleness of his face, and the blood running in rivers from his face. "I'll be damned if he hurts you!"
"No! Sirius, get out of here! Riddle doesn't want to fight you," Harry whispered. There were hints of plea in his voice that surprised them both, but Harry was too desperate to care.
But Sirius' eyes hardened even more at the echo of Harry's words at the Riddle House. It was too similar, too frighteningly similar. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself into a sitting position, pushing aside Harry's restraining hand.
A flicker of gold tore him from his thoughts. Sirius blinked in surprise when he noticed the thin layer of color surrounding them. "A shield? Did you…?" Sirius trailed off when he noticed Harry's equally baffled expression. But his expression darkened as he examined the material. "This isn't going to last. When it flickers, make a run for it."
"What about you?" Harry nervously asked.
"I'll distract him," Sirius said with firm resolve.
"But he's my only chance!" Harry almost shouted in disbelief, hand clenching into a fist around his wand.
Sirius gripped Harry's shoulders and gave him a rough shake. "You aren't going to win against someone like him, Harry! It doesn't matter, just get back safely."
"No!" Harry shook off Sirius' hand almost angrily. "I'm going to try!"
Sirius' expression tensed with a flash of regret and pain, but the next words of retort died in his throat as a ripple of white clouded the shield for a second. The barrier cracked and died, melting like rain water against glass. Sirius staggered to his feet, dragging Harry behind him.
"Run," he hissed under his breath. "I'll hold him off. Just run!"
Harry nearly choked at the statement, wondering desperately if Sirius knew at all the meaning of those words. The urge to stay despite the consequences was almost overwhelming, but apart of him knew that he couldn't win against an enemy like Riddle no matter how frantic his attempts were. But running would mean leaving Sirius behind, leaving him behind to die…
But Sirius wasn't dead! He was suppose to be alive, he was suppose to be alive all along. He never deserved any of this…
Noticing his reluctance, Sirius gave him a shove that nearly threw him to the ground.
"Run!" he shouted.
He flung a couple of harmless hexes, anticipating the response. They were aimed only to disrupt and distract, not actually to defeat. Sirius dodged a couple of curses sluggishly, the pervious injuries were catching up with him.
Harry stood frozen, unable to turn away. Every now and then, Sirius would give him an angry glare and Harry would take a step back, but that distraction soon took its toll. As Sirius turned glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, a well aimed curse struck him squarely and shredded the skin on his arm like cloth. Blood rushed from the abused skin, staining the entire arm a brilliant red. Sirius bit back a cry, clutching at his wand arm as he fell to his knees.
That was the last straw. Something within him snapped, and Harry could feel the anger like hot flames in his mind. There was a rush of heat spreading through his blood, licking at his hands and fingers. Harry could almost sense the wind rustle around him in the dead land.
"Stop!" Harry shouted, pointing his wand at Riddle's exposed back.
His enemy spun around to face him, surprise etched in his features. Without warning, an unseen force seemed to ensnare him and drag him into the earth. Riddle shrieked in disbelief, writhing as mud caught his legs like hands, pulling him down.
"You freak!" Riddle glared at him, entire body trembling with unsuppressed anger. "You did this!"
Harry watched, stunned. He hadn't even said a spell. How could it be possible?
"I… I didn't…," Harry dazedly whispered, eyes wide as he watched the ground swallow his enemy in a twisted imitation of an animal devouring its meal.
With an enraged snarl, he turned to Sirius, still slumped against the floor looking weak at the loss of blood. The next moments felt like eternity, every movement sluggish and every sound muffled. Harry watched in horror as a light burst from Riddle's wand and Sirius looking up, dazed and deathly pale. He tried to shout a warning, but no sound came. He tried to rush forward, but his legs were heavy and slow. The light touched Sirius' head almost tenderly, spreading like a spider's web over his body. It pulsed and thickened as if it had a life of its own.
And then he was gone, fading away as if he was a color washed away from a canvas.
Harry watched in numb disbelief. He could still see that look of calm acceptance as the curse came his way, eyes flickering to Harry for the briefest of moments before closing peacefully.
Sirius was gone. Sirius was gone. He was gone! He was dead, all because of him!
"No…" Harry choked out, sinking to his knees. His wand trembled violently in his hand.
It was impossible. It wasn't possible!
A hollow laughter echoed through the marsh. Harry turned his empty eyes to Riddle's, the look in his brown eyes bore sickening satisfaction that sliced him to the bone.
"You…" Harry hissed, the grief, pain, and disbelief became fury. White hot rage that felt like acid in his blood. "What did you do to him? What did you do? You… this is your fault! He wasn't suppose to be dead! He… what did you do?"
The fire in his body was filling every inch of his skin. Even his eyes seemed to burn as he raised his wand. A burst of red light streamed from its tip, looking as if it was on fire itself. The wand shook beneath his fingers, a hot bar of metal in his hand. It was burning his very skin, but Harry couldn't seem to let it go. All Harry wanted was to kill him. Nothing else in the world mattered.
But as the fiery light streaked towards Riddle, the wand in his hand shook even harder. The wood was so hot it was beginning to smother. Pieces of it fell to the ground in blackened bits. Harry could see the glowing light of the phoenix feather, illuminating the air around him lighter than any fire.
Riddle howled in agony even as the fire neared, already sensing the pain. It met his hand first, igniting his wand like a small useless stick, and his entire body went up in flames. Riddle shrieked, a blood curling shriek that felt like nails against the pavement, and the ground opened up like a mouth. There was no warning, no anticipation. Riddle couldn't even react when the earth parted beside him and swallowed him whole.
The fire of his spell died with him, vanishing as suddenly as it came, leaving Harry a handful of ashes in place of his wand. The phoenix feather was fading, flickering brightly every now and then before dimming again. It trembled in his hand then crumbled like the rest of the wood into a fine white dust.
Harry sank to his knees, barely registering the cool ground below him. The sea of darkness stretched endlessly for miles. He was alone.
*
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/neutrallized - a mailing list for updates! so far, the setting is under moderated posting. Only moderators can post, since I didn't want people getting emails they weren't interested in getting. But if people want the mL open to discussion, regardless of getting a some annoying mail, then feel free to tell me and I'll change the settings!
Err… the majority of Cheating Death is… umm… well... ack! Coming back to read the story is scary and very embarrassing, but leaving it incomplete is probably worse. *sigh* I'm not going to bash! *repeats continously* But if you have criticisms, please go right ahead! It's understandable considering this chapter, well... beyond the cliffhanger part *hides*
*eyes budge* oh my god! rubie has a blog layout with Sirius as the feature!! It's a fanart, very, very animeish, but it looks good! *eyes fall out* *screams* I want that layout! I'm going to steal that... *plots and schemes* oh wait, here's the link: www.feffi.net/foxfire ACCCCCCCCCCCCCK! I think I'll just stick with writing from now on, and forget my pathetic attempts in art.
*hides* well, these chapters weren't as good as CoS and PoM, Sandrine Black! It was sort of embarrassing. You know, cliffhangers are addicting once in a while, Avelera. Ack! They're evil, aren't they? Sorry these took so long, Lily Potter!
I'm glad to see you back, Lily of the Valley! I read your story last night but didn't review, and I'm going to review very soon today. Meanwhile, looks like I'll have to resort to pestering you or holding you at blackmail for updating SR. How about... I won't post anything for PoM until you post for SR? *cackles*
humm... Kaydee, I don't know, but for some reason, I can't connect with Lily as well as James, Remus, and Sirius. Maybe it's because Rowling never really addressed her past the fact that she saved Harry with her love. James, Sirius, and Remus were pretty obvious, and they're interesting too since they were so fun loving. But Lily... well, Petunia referred to her as 'perfect' and that's not very easy to connect with. As for the pillow fight scene, maybe its because I have a problem with my characters being happy. But... oh no, I didn't just admit to that! *cries* speaking of which, how did you like evil Sirius? I didn't see you again after I posted chapter 11 of CoS part two, and I was beginning to get worried. Are you okay? You haven't been ran over by a car or anything? I've been parnoid of all these things ever since I nearly got ran over by a car on my bike, but that was years ago. Or is school murderous? *grins* boring monologues of an enraged farmer. Have you done yours yet? How did it go? Umm... you know what could be fun? Do an enraged farmer ranting about inflation prices and crappy merchandise and stupidity of big oil. But ack... that sounds... dorky. Nevermind...
really, Shei? Wow, I never expected that! I always thought PoM or WS was better than CD. CD is probably my most... feared story since I'm so embarrassed about it now, but... wow! Thank you! I'm glad you liked Lily, Lucy! Well, as for what happens, you'll see soon!
you're right, Abby! You were my first reviewer! Wow, that brings back memories, doesn't it? I have to dedicate the epilogue to you! It brings CD back full circle. The marsh, well... that was sort of explained at the beginning of the chapter, wasn't it? The marsh is the Dark Lord's realm, I cropped two chapters so the significance of the marsh was lost. It's great to see you again, Ayod Botla! How are things going at your end?
I'm sorry, Kimmy! *offers tissues* don't cry, umm... eat chocolate! Ack, I'm so sorry for making you cry! Oh no, another cliffy *hides* Don't worry about reviewing every single chapter, MeShelly! That takes a lot of time! It's great that you're taking time to review at all, I'm very flattered.
*grins* I know what you mean! Secretly reading fanfics when you're suppose to be doing your homework. I'm so sorry for making you cry! Er... but crying over chemistry is completely logical. Calculus is worse, it deserves full fledged wailing.
a/n this chapter is dedicated to VeryWildWitch for reviewing every single chapter of Cheating Death! It was a huge surprise to sign on and see CD's review count jump like that.
Cheating Death
By neutral
Chapter twenty-nine - cheating Sirius
The pain left as abruptly as it came. For a long time, Harry could only lean against the wet ground, gasping for air. But as the fog from his mind cleared and the world swam back into focus, Harry suddenly realized he was lying completely vulnerable against the ground. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to stand. The ground swayed violently for a moment as Harry took several deep, steadying breaths.
It was then Harry realized Riddle wasn't paying any attention to him at all. He was staring at something over Harry's head with an expression of shock. Not intending to let this opportunity slip, Harry raised his wand with a shaking hand.
"Stupefy!"
Oddly, the spell that escaped from his wand wasn't the stunning spell at all. It was a burst of raw magic that struck Riddle squarely in the chest, inciting a high pitched scream of pain and disbelief. The force knocked his enemy to his knees, shoulders heaving as he caught his breath. Harry spun around to see what was behind him and nearly cried out in a mixture of relief and confusion.
"Sirius?!" Harry tried to say, but instead, a raspy cough escaped his lips. His throat was raw and grainy.
Sirius looked just as stunned as he, but when his eyes caught the sight of his godson, all the confusion vanished from his face.
"Harry, thank god you're okay," he whispered, genuine relief shining through his eyes. Obviously, Harry noted, he hadn't seen anything before that. Sirius suddenly froze, the relief rapidly turning into terror. "Harry…!"
But the warning came too late. A searing pain ripped at his chest, grinding his flesh like a blade. Harry couldn't bite back a cry of pain as he fell to his knees. But before he could even catch a breath, another curse slammed into him like ten Dudleys charging downstairs. He rammed into something bony, but the momentum sent them both crashing to the ground.
Sirius dragged himself into a sitting position despite his aching ribs, pulling Harry into a protective embrace as he directed his wand at Riddle. He scowled, daring the enemy to come closer. Harry shivered against him, and Sirius had a vague idea he wasn't coherent yet. His hand shook in bitter anger as he glared at the lanky man with frustratingly innocent features.
"Bastard," he hissed, narrowing his eyes at Riddle. "Don't you dare hurt him…"
Riddle recovered his shock of seeing Sirius rather quickly. Instead, he folded his arms, straightening in a haughty manner that was disturbingly reminiscent of his son. "I can't be killed by something not of my realm. I'm not a fool, I know a spirit when I see one. You are not a dead spirit."
Sirius swallowed back an enraged retort, and drew Harry deeper into the folds of his cloak. He slowly edged to his feet, keeping his godson shielded as he warily backed away.
"I must admit, I was quite surprised to see you here. Quite the spell that Dumbledore offered you, binding you to that boy like that," Riddle's lip twitched in the mockery of a smile, shaking his head in sympathy. "It's pity he can't defend himself."
"Harry's far stronger than you'll ever be," Sirius snapped impulsively, indignant rage building at Thomas' snide remark.
Thomas remained impassive; only a small twitch of his left eye signaled that he heard at all. He stood as firm and as stoic as before, and Sirius could feel his anxiety growing. Riddle was far more composed than his son, and it made him far more dangerous.
"Well, so they say," Thomas said finally, carelessly flicking his eyes skyward. "It'll be interesting to add him to my collection."
Sirius inwardly cringed in rage and disbelief. Arm tightening around Harry defensively, Sirius took another step back. "You're sick. You're worse than your son!" he spat, hand gripping his wand so firmly that it trembled. "Harry isn't some… thing you can do this to! He's…"
"… just like the rest of them," Thomas broke in, suddenly looking irritated. But even his anger burned cold in his eyes. "A freak, a monster, a wandering spirit that just happens to lack the rest of himself. What difference does it make whether he dies or not?"
"Is this a game to you?" Sirius almost shouted in aggravation.
"If he hadn't defeated that snake, I wouldn't even bother with him," Riddle whispered without a flicker of emotion. "But that boy… well, to say he's a disappointment is an understatement."
Sirius inwardly seethed; Riddle looked almost… amused. Gritting his teeth, Sirius pointed his wand and flung some of the nastiest curses he could remember
The streams of various colors struck an invisible barrier solidly, bouncing back at various angles. He could hear the dull thud of each hit. Riddle didn't even move, watching the two with a small smile. Suddenly, the curses stopped as if time was frozen around it, every single one turning towards him faster and stronger than before. Sirius blindly dodged, Harry limp and unresponsive against his shoulder, his mind a whirlwind of confusion.
How could he deflect them? Those spells require different counter curses, yet Riddle hadn't even spoken a word!
A vicious curse snagged his heel like fingernails eating into his flesh. Sirius staggered onto the thick, mucky ground and in the impulsive spurred by raw desperation, hauled himself defensively over his godson. The pain came in white hot waves; instinctively, he bit his lip to keep from crying out. It was his stubborn pride that held him back, but the curse felt like nails under every inch of his skin, his body convulsed and a scream of complete agony ripped from his throat.
Harry jolted awake as the first shout cut into his reverie like a burning knife. The previous haze of unconsciousness dissipated in an instant when Sirius jerked and twisted like a cloth puppet in a child's hands, his entire body writhing in agony as the curses struck. It only took a moment for realization so slam over him. Harry struggled to push the taller man out of the way of the attack, but Sirius had him in a death grip. His hand tightened on his arm painfully each second.
Stop! he wanted to say. Don't do this!
Sirius' scream sank into silence, but Harry could feel the warm sticky blood running onto his arms and staining his robes. Harry trembled violently beneath the folds of the cloak.
"Stop!" Harry screamed, squeezing his eyes tightly shut.
Sirius fell limp, the grip around Harry relenting. He slumped to the floor weakly, eyes closed and breath raspy. He looked inches from unconsciousness. Harry squirmed out of his godfather's grasp, shielding Sirius as best as he could when he looked at Riddle apprehensively.
He was shocked to discover a golden film between them. It was translucent, but gave everything a yellow hue of sunlight, and it rapped around the two like a protective bubble. Riddle scowled, and oddly, didn't attack. It took a second glance for Harry to recognize the thin barrier as a shield, but as to how it came he was too distracted to care.
Sirius stirred, face contorted in pain.
"Sirius!" Harry whispered urgently, tentatively touching his shoulder.
His blue eyes snapped open, trying to drag his sluggish limps to move. Harry placed a restraining hand on Sirius' shoulder, but pulled away quickly when Sirius made a small hiss of pain.
"Harry," Sirius sighed in relief when he caught sight of his godson.
Harry shook his head angrily, the fear and apprehension of the threat slipping away at the wave of worry. "Why? Why are you here? You shouldn't be here!"
Sirius' glare was equally stubborn. "I'm not… going to let anything happen to you again!" Sirius growled out, gasping as he fought to catch his breath. He sounded determined despite the extreme paleness of his face, and the blood running in rivers from his face. "I'll be damned if he hurts you!"
"No! Sirius, get out of here! Riddle doesn't want to fight you," Harry whispered. There were hints of plea in his voice that surprised them both, but Harry was too desperate to care.
But Sirius' eyes hardened even more at the echo of Harry's words at the Riddle House. It was too similar, too frighteningly similar. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself into a sitting position, pushing aside Harry's restraining hand.
A flicker of gold tore him from his thoughts. Sirius blinked in surprise when he noticed the thin layer of color surrounding them. "A shield? Did you…?" Sirius trailed off when he noticed Harry's equally baffled expression. But his expression darkened as he examined the material. "This isn't going to last. When it flickers, make a run for it."
"What about you?" Harry nervously asked.
"I'll distract him," Sirius said with firm resolve.
"But he's my only chance!" Harry almost shouted in disbelief, hand clenching into a fist around his wand.
Sirius gripped Harry's shoulders and gave him a rough shake. "You aren't going to win against someone like him, Harry! It doesn't matter, just get back safely."
"No!" Harry shook off Sirius' hand almost angrily. "I'm going to try!"
Sirius' expression tensed with a flash of regret and pain, but the next words of retort died in his throat as a ripple of white clouded the shield for a second. The barrier cracked and died, melting like rain water against glass. Sirius staggered to his feet, dragging Harry behind him.
"Run," he hissed under his breath. "I'll hold him off. Just run!"
Harry nearly choked at the statement, wondering desperately if Sirius knew at all the meaning of those words. The urge to stay despite the consequences was almost overwhelming, but apart of him knew that he couldn't win against an enemy like Riddle no matter how frantic his attempts were. But running would mean leaving Sirius behind, leaving him behind to die…
But Sirius wasn't dead! He was suppose to be alive, he was suppose to be alive all along. He never deserved any of this…
Noticing his reluctance, Sirius gave him a shove that nearly threw him to the ground.
"Run!" he shouted.
He flung a couple of harmless hexes, anticipating the response. They were aimed only to disrupt and distract, not actually to defeat. Sirius dodged a couple of curses sluggishly, the pervious injuries were catching up with him.
Harry stood frozen, unable to turn away. Every now and then, Sirius would give him an angry glare and Harry would take a step back, but that distraction soon took its toll. As Sirius turned glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, a well aimed curse struck him squarely and shredded the skin on his arm like cloth. Blood rushed from the abused skin, staining the entire arm a brilliant red. Sirius bit back a cry, clutching at his wand arm as he fell to his knees.
That was the last straw. Something within him snapped, and Harry could feel the anger like hot flames in his mind. There was a rush of heat spreading through his blood, licking at his hands and fingers. Harry could almost sense the wind rustle around him in the dead land.
"Stop!" Harry shouted, pointing his wand at Riddle's exposed back.
His enemy spun around to face him, surprise etched in his features. Without warning, an unseen force seemed to ensnare him and drag him into the earth. Riddle shrieked in disbelief, writhing as mud caught his legs like hands, pulling him down.
"You freak!" Riddle glared at him, entire body trembling with unsuppressed anger. "You did this!"
Harry watched, stunned. He hadn't even said a spell. How could it be possible?
"I… I didn't…," Harry dazedly whispered, eyes wide as he watched the ground swallow his enemy in a twisted imitation of an animal devouring its meal.
With an enraged snarl, he turned to Sirius, still slumped against the floor looking weak at the loss of blood. The next moments felt like eternity, every movement sluggish and every sound muffled. Harry watched in horror as a light burst from Riddle's wand and Sirius looking up, dazed and deathly pale. He tried to shout a warning, but no sound came. He tried to rush forward, but his legs were heavy and slow. The light touched Sirius' head almost tenderly, spreading like a spider's web over his body. It pulsed and thickened as if it had a life of its own.
And then he was gone, fading away as if he was a color washed away from a canvas.
Harry watched in numb disbelief. He could still see that look of calm acceptance as the curse came his way, eyes flickering to Harry for the briefest of moments before closing peacefully.
Sirius was gone. Sirius was gone. He was gone! He was dead, all because of him!
"No…" Harry choked out, sinking to his knees. His wand trembled violently in his hand.
It was impossible. It wasn't possible!
A hollow laughter echoed through the marsh. Harry turned his empty eyes to Riddle's, the look in his brown eyes bore sickening satisfaction that sliced him to the bone.
"You…" Harry hissed, the grief, pain, and disbelief became fury. White hot rage that felt like acid in his blood. "What did you do to him? What did you do? You… this is your fault! He wasn't suppose to be dead! He… what did you do?"
The fire in his body was filling every inch of his skin. Even his eyes seemed to burn as he raised his wand. A burst of red light streamed from its tip, looking as if it was on fire itself. The wand shook beneath his fingers, a hot bar of metal in his hand. It was burning his very skin, but Harry couldn't seem to let it go. All Harry wanted was to kill him. Nothing else in the world mattered.
But as the fiery light streaked towards Riddle, the wand in his hand shook even harder. The wood was so hot it was beginning to smother. Pieces of it fell to the ground in blackened bits. Harry could see the glowing light of the phoenix feather, illuminating the air around him lighter than any fire.
Riddle howled in agony even as the fire neared, already sensing the pain. It met his hand first, igniting his wand like a small useless stick, and his entire body went up in flames. Riddle shrieked, a blood curling shriek that felt like nails against the pavement, and the ground opened up like a mouth. There was no warning, no anticipation. Riddle couldn't even react when the earth parted beside him and swallowed him whole.
The fire of his spell died with him, vanishing as suddenly as it came, leaving Harry a handful of ashes in place of his wand. The phoenix feather was fading, flickering brightly every now and then before dimming again. It trembled in his hand then crumbled like the rest of the wood into a fine white dust.
Harry sank to his knees, barely registering the cool ground below him. The sea of darkness stretched endlessly for miles. He was alone.
*
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/neutrallized - a mailing list for updates! so far, the setting is under moderated posting. Only moderators can post, since I didn't want people getting emails they weren't interested in getting. But if people want the mL open to discussion, regardless of getting a some annoying mail, then feel free to tell me and I'll change the settings!
Err… the majority of Cheating Death is… umm… well... ack! Coming back to read the story is scary and very embarrassing, but leaving it incomplete is probably worse. *sigh* I'm not going to bash! *repeats continously* But if you have criticisms, please go right ahead! It's understandable considering this chapter, well... beyond the cliffhanger part *hides*
*eyes budge* oh my god! rubie has a blog layout with Sirius as the feature!! It's a fanart, very, very animeish, but it looks good! *eyes fall out* *screams* I want that layout! I'm going to steal that... *plots and schemes* oh wait, here's the link: www.feffi.net/foxfire ACCCCCCCCCCCCCK! I think I'll just stick with writing from now on, and forget my pathetic attempts in art.
*hides* well, these chapters weren't as good as CoS and PoM, Sandrine Black! It was sort of embarrassing. You know, cliffhangers are addicting once in a while, Avelera. Ack! They're evil, aren't they? Sorry these took so long, Lily Potter!
I'm glad to see you back, Lily of the Valley! I read your story last night but didn't review, and I'm going to review very soon today. Meanwhile, looks like I'll have to resort to pestering you or holding you at blackmail for updating SR. How about... I won't post anything for PoM until you post for SR? *cackles*
humm... Kaydee, I don't know, but for some reason, I can't connect with Lily as well as James, Remus, and Sirius. Maybe it's because Rowling never really addressed her past the fact that she saved Harry with her love. James, Sirius, and Remus were pretty obvious, and they're interesting too since they were so fun loving. But Lily... well, Petunia referred to her as 'perfect' and that's not very easy to connect with. As for the pillow fight scene, maybe its because I have a problem with my characters being happy. But... oh no, I didn't just admit to that! *cries* speaking of which, how did you like evil Sirius? I didn't see you again after I posted chapter 11 of CoS part two, and I was beginning to get worried. Are you okay? You haven't been ran over by a car or anything? I've been parnoid of all these things ever since I nearly got ran over by a car on my bike, but that was years ago. Or is school murderous? *grins* boring monologues of an enraged farmer. Have you done yours yet? How did it go? Umm... you know what could be fun? Do an enraged farmer ranting about inflation prices and crappy merchandise and stupidity of big oil. But ack... that sounds... dorky. Nevermind...
really, Shei? Wow, I never expected that! I always thought PoM or WS was better than CD. CD is probably my most... feared story since I'm so embarrassed about it now, but... wow! Thank you! I'm glad you liked Lily, Lucy! Well, as for what happens, you'll see soon!
you're right, Abby! You were my first reviewer! Wow, that brings back memories, doesn't it? I have to dedicate the epilogue to you! It brings CD back full circle. The marsh, well... that was sort of explained at the beginning of the chapter, wasn't it? The marsh is the Dark Lord's realm, I cropped two chapters so the significance of the marsh was lost. It's great to see you again, Ayod Botla! How are things going at your end?
I'm sorry, Kimmy! *offers tissues* don't cry, umm... eat chocolate! Ack, I'm so sorry for making you cry! Oh no, another cliffy *hides* Don't worry about reviewing every single chapter, MeShelly! That takes a lot of time! It's great that you're taking time to review at all, I'm very flattered.
*grins* I know what you mean! Secretly reading fanfics when you're suppose to be doing your homework. I'm so sorry for making you cry! Er... but crying over chemistry is completely logical. Calculus is worse, it deserves full fledged wailing.