Impossibilities
Chapter 9 - Believing the Unbelievable is Unbelievablely Hard
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Dedication: This chapter is for Meg (CrazieBabieMeg) to make up for forgetting her in m thank you's- something which I am most deeply sorry for.
A/N: well... school has started... lucky me. *scowls* I will try to continue to write as fast as I can... (CA's education system is HIGHLY over-rated)
Kat- what is your pen name ( YOUR REAL PENNAME!)
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Hermione looked questioningly towards Professor Dumbledore. Surely he would speak with herself and the Weasleys before Remus, Sirius, and who ever the other man was that Professor McGonagall mentioned. Harry was far more important, wasn't he?
Dumbledore seemed indecisive only momentarily, than he turned back to the Gargoyle that still waited patiently beside the opening leading to Dumbledore's office.
"Come along everyone," he said briskly starting up the stairs. They followed slightly hesitantly behind him, all exchanging worried glances.
Dumbledore marched right on into this office causing the two men and one dog waiting inside of it to jump. "Ahh, Remus, Snuffles, it is good to see you." The Weasleys (minus Molly) all exchanged glances at Dumbledore's addressal of the large black dog.
"Good day, sir," Remus returned. Sirius gave a slight bark, but James remained silent. Remus had once again charmed his appearances. Apparently it was effective as Dumbledore showed no recognition upon turning to him.
Dumbledore was about to pursue the matter of this unknown gentleman when Remus interrupted his train of thought. "We hoped to speak with you privately, Professor," he said. He smiled at the Weasleys and Hermione as they filed into the room from behind Dumbledore. "Of course it is lovely to see you all as well, but we have some news for the Headmaster."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley hurriedly assured Remus that there was no offense taken what so ever while Hermione eyed James thoughtfully. There was something about that man's bearing that seemed oddly familiar... did she know him?
Dumbledore turned to Remus. "I have a rather pressing matter to discuss with the Weasleys and Miss Granger here-," he said apologetically, "Can you wait?"
"Yes, of course," Remus said, trying not to betray his disappointment. He desperately longed to get the matter of James out in the open with Dumbledore, but he was far too polite to say so. If Dumbledore had a reason to speak with the Weasleys then in was probably important.
"Shall we wait some place else?" Remus offered, looking uncertainly about the room.
Dumbledore waved him away, "No need. You may remain here, I want the Weasleys to be the first to test out my new office space." The others in the room exchanged puzzled glances. New office space?
Oblivious to their curious gazes Dumbledore turned and opened the door that they had come through from the stairway.
At least it appeared to be the same door, if their memory served them correctly. But even Hermione Granger had to second guess herself when the door swung open. Instead of revealing the descending stairway Dumbledore stepped through into another brightly lit room.
He paused when he realized that no one was following him. He glanced around and chuckled at the bug eyed people peering nervously at him through the door frame.
"There's no need to look so surprised," Dumbledore said good-naturedly, "It's a charm I had Professor Flitwick put on the door for me. I now have four extra rooms that appear through a single doorway."
"Wicked," breathed Fred Weasley, working up his nerve and tip toeing into the room. The rest of them quickly followed.
Professor Dumbledore bowed to Remus, Sirius, and James before closing the door saying, "Thank you very much, my friends, for waiting. We shan't take too long."
Remus nodded rather glumly, and Sirius (still in dog form) let out a small whine. James merely looked at his feet, trying very hard to keep his wits about him.
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The conversation between Mrs. and Mr. Weasley, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, and Dumbledore was a brisk one. Only George had actually been at the scene of the curse, but he wasn't present to be questioned.
Fred did his best to go over what he knew. He explained carefully what Harry and Ron had said about Wormtail, but little else could be said on the subject.
It rapidly became apparent that what they needed was Ron, George, and most of all Harry to explain precisely what had happened. Dumbledore finally suggested that the Hermione and the Weasleys go on down to the hospital wing while he talked to Remus. Harry was in no immediate danger, and the full story could be shared after everything had settled down.
They agreed, Hermione was especially eager to go down and see Harry- if only to reassure herself that he was alright.
Dumbledore opened the door for them once again. Instead of leading back to his main office, it opened upon the stairway that led out to the gargoyle entrance.
He assured them once again that he would join them shortly, and to come directly to him if anything unexpected happened with Harry.
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James Potter leaned back in a soft dark-red armchair and crossed his legs, heart beating wildly with pent-up adrenaline. Before him the fire crackled and popped, while inside he attempted to sort out the mass of utter confusion that comprised his brain.
What if Dumbledore didn't believe him? What if he thought they were all crazy? Dumbledore is a very powerful wizard- if he thought this had anything to do with Dark Magic things could get ugly...
No, he was being silly. James uncrossed his legs, shifted slightly, and crossed them the opposite way. Of course Dumbledore would believe, Dumbledore was that kind of a guy. He'd know it was James, wouldn't he?
James uncrossed his legs again, leaned forward, and raked his fingers through his hair. Oh the complications of coming back from the dead.
Remus glanced at his fidgeting friend and hid a smile. In truth he was just as worried as James, but years of practice kept his face blank and his body still. He looked almost relaxed to the casual observer, inside, however, he was as tense as a tightly coiled spring.
Remus shifted his attention to gazing about the room. He never tired of admiring Albus' many fascinating trinkets which were set at odd places about the room.
Remus glanced back at James, who was now fiddling half-heartedly with his glasses. With all the charms on him, James now resembled an ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill kind of guy. The sort of person no one will look at twice. Perfect for sneaking supposedly dead men into Hogwarts.
"I can take the charm off now, if you like," Remus volunteered, walking over to James. His friend looked up from his glasses and smiled.
"Thanks," James said, handing over the spectacles.
Remus nodded and drew his wand. He tapped the frame and muttered a quick charm. The glasses immediately stretched and reformed, molding themselves into their original shape.
Sirius, now shaped as a man, was busy pacing the room. Now he paused, watching as James slowly transformed back into his normal appearance.
It was reassuring to see James return to the way Sirius remembered him- wild black hair and all. Whenever Remus put those charms on it almost made Sirius believe that James was gone again, that he had never come back from the dead at all. Sirius couldn't stand the thought of losing his best friend again- once was more than enough.
"I wonder what's taking him so long," Sirius said returning to his pacing- 7 steps to the wall with the funky portrait, 7 steps back to the wall with all the shelves, 7 steps to the wall with the funky portrait, and 7 steps back to the wall with all the shelves, 7 steps to the-
"Stop pacing," Remus grumbled, "you're giving me a headache. Besides they've hardly been in there 3 minutes."
"Sorry," Sirius muttered. He flopped down in an armchair opposite the one James occupied and stared broodingly in to the fire. Sirius hated waiting. No that was a lie, Sirius didn't hate waiting, he loathed it.
After 12 years of brooding in a prison cell, Sirius felt he needed to make up for lost time by filling all waking hours with constant activity- constant mayhem wouldn't go amiss either.
Remus wandered over to a tall bookshelf crammed full with a multitude of volumes. Some were old and thick with pages that seemed to crumble away before his eyes- others thin and sleek with binding that had yet to be cracked.
Remus let his eyes sweep down the rows of titles as his mind wandered elsewhere. He waited, extra sensitive ears straining for the sound of footsteps approaching the door. It seemed an age before they finally arrived.
Hastily Remus turned from the shelf to open the door. James had shrunk back in his chair, nervousness growing every second. Sirius, who was not blessed with werewolf hearing, twisted around in his chair to see what Remus was doing.
The door opened before Remus could even brush his fingers against the handle. In stepped Albus Dumbledore. (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards- thankyouverymuch.)
For the first brief moment before Dumbledore looked up, Remus thought the Headmaster looked rather more strained than usual. But as Dumbledore caught his eye with a smile that clearly expressed his delight, Remus was sure he must be imagining things.
"Ah Remus, thank you for waiting. To what do I owe this pleasant surprise," Professor Dumbledore said motioning for Remus to sit down and moving towards his own seat behind his desk.
As he moved towards his seat, Dumbledore noticed Sirius peering around the side of the armchair. "Just turn it around Mr. Black," he said with a smile, "that must be a terribly uncomfortable position."
Sirius stood up and grinned, "Of course sir." He rotated the chair until he could face Professor Dumbledore properly. James, his back still to the Headmaster, sank down further into his chair.
"Right then," Dumbledore said, settling down and with his clasped hands resting on the table in front of him, "to business."
Dumbledore looked to the one armchair that still remained pointed towards the hearth. His eyes twinkled behind his half moon spectacles as he said to Remus, "I was under the impression there was one more to this party. Unless of course, Minerva was mistaken,"
"No, we do have someone else we would like you to meet," Sirius said, a gleeful smile playing across his face.
Remus stood up and moved towards the armchair. Plainly James was not planning on joining the conversation anytime soon. "You see Professor," Remus explained grabbing the resisting James' hand and pulling him to his feet, "Sirius and I ran across an old friend, and we don't know quite what to make of it."
Dumbledore stood up quickly as the back of the familiar messy black haired head came into view. All his worries and concerns about Harry vanished as shock instated itself.
James reluctantly turned around to face the stunned silence. "Good afternoon, sir," he said weakly, "I'm afraid it's been a while."
Sirius couldn't help but smirk at the look on Professor Dumbledore's face. It's not often you see the greatest wizard alive completely speechless. It was a sight to remember.
After several very tense moments Dumbledore appeared to have collected himself. "Remus Lupin," he said sharply, "Please explain yourself."
"Well, you see, the thing is," Remus began uncertainly, "Well... it would seem that James has, uh, come back from the dead."
"How?" Dumbledore asked, eyes filled with caution.
"Well, we're not totally sure...because, well..."
"We don't know," Sirius interrupted, "that's all there is to it. We only know that James is back and that this is really him, but how and why are quite a mystery." He grinned at Dumbledore, "Explanations are usually your department, sir."
"I see," Professor Dumbledore said. He sank wearily back into his seat. "How is it that you are sure?"
"He proved it," Remus replied. He still stood slightly behind James, one hand resting protectively on his friend's shoulder.
"Beyond a doubt," Sirius added, his tone daring Dumbledore to disagree.
James merely remained rooted on the spot, managing a weak smile in Dumbledore's direction.
Dumbledore's aged fingers massaged his temples as he evaluated the situation. His heart was yelling for him to leap up and hug James without another thought, but his brain was wary. Perhaps it was a trap?
Yet both Remus and Sirius seemed totally convinced. Had it just been Sirius, Dumbledore might have been able to believe that this was a hoax. That some Death Eater was toying with the poor young man's grief and guilt. But Remus as well? That didn't mesh. Remus was very level headed, and very hard to trick. Werewolf instincts were useful that way.
Could it be? How could he be sure? Dumbledore knew that common sense is clouded when faced with such a predicament. He desperately wanted to believe, but feared what would happen if his trust was misplaced.
Proof. He needed proof. How do you prove the impossible?
Vertisium would be nice, but you had to go through all sorts of procedures to obtain it from the ministry. A skilled potions maker could attempted to make it themselves, one as apt as Severus Snape might even succeed. But something told Dumbledore that bringing Snape into this was not a good idea.
And much as he wished he could, Dumbledore refused to believe solely on the words of Remus, Sirius, and the man claiming to be James.
Slowly Dumbledore raised his head. Sirius and Remus were staring at him expectantly. James eyes were downcast, as if he knew Dumbledore didn't believe him.
And then it came to Albus, a way to prove it.
"Very well," Dumbledore said. He stood up and opened a drawer to his desk. Instantly a soft glowing sheen coated the room. It's eerie light bounced off the walls and made the fire dance with silver. He pulled out his pensive and placed it on the center of his desk. Sirius, Remus, and James merely stared.
"Professor?" James asked hesitantly. Dumbledore beckoned him forward.
"Mr. James Potter," Professor Dumbledore began, "if that be who you are, than I pray you will not be offended it I ask you to prove it." James nodded slowly.
"I want you close your eyes," Dumbledore continued, "and remember everything you can about past conversations you have had with me. And then, when I ask you to, I would like you to remember how it is you are alive."
James was utterly and thoroughly confused, but he attempted to appear calm as he closed his eyes and thought back through the years.
Professor Dumbledore took his wand and gently placed the tip to the center of James' forehead. He muttered a few words that James did not understand and than began to draw the wand point away from James and towards the pensive. A stream of silver light followed the wand until it touched the liquid inside the pensive.
Dumbledore withdrew his wand but the light between James and the pensive remained. It shimmered and danced then slowly grew brighter. It looked like some sort of shiny water being poured from James' head into the bowl on Dumbledore's desk.
All the occupants of the office save James watched the stream of light with rapt attention. Suddenly the office seemed to melt. Sirius and Remus' eyes darted around wildly, but Dumbledore appeared unconcerned.
The scenery shift first to show a much younger Dumbledore and a twelve year old James sitting together in the office holding a lively conversation.
After a few moments if changed to show four very guilty looking marauders hanging their heads as another Dumbledore fought to hide a grin.
Another shift and it was James receiving his Head Boy badge.
Shift- James and Lily's wedding. The pictures were moving faster now. Again and again images of Dumbledore and James flashed before them. Sometimes there were others as well, other times the two were alone.
It continued on and on. The real James was shaking slightly now and drops of sweat glistened on his face, but the memories kept right on flooding into the pensive. Finally it came to the night Harry had witnessed Voldemort's resurrection. It showed James escaping the wand, of his months as a free shade, then at last- the day he became alive.
Midway through a reliving of James meeting Remus again, Dumbledore spoke.
"Enough."
The word sounded odd after the hollow sound of conversations from the pensive. Abruptly they were back in Dumbledore's office and James was opening his eyes. He caught himself against the desk as his knees sagged. Tentatively he glanced up to meet Dumbledore's gaze.
The headmaster's face was impassive for a few moments and James feared the worse. Could something have gone wrong?
Finally, Dumbledore's expression softened- changing into a huge smile.
"Welcome back, my boy," he said hoarsely, unshed tears glistened in the corners of his eyes as he hugged James warmly, "Welcome back."
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Ron slouched dejectedly against the headboard of the hospital bed assigned to him by Madame Pomfrey. She had yet to see to him, and the annoying throbbing of his injured nose as the Pain Potion wore off caused his eyes to water.
Seated on the next bed over, George had resorted to counting ceiling tiles while he contemplated what to do about the wand he had discovered. The obvious choice was to tell Professor Dumbledore, but George seriously doubted Madame Pomfrey would allow him to leave, even though he felt perfectly fine. Molly Weasley could rather over protective.
George smiled to himself, there was a good point to all this confusion. Now he and Fred would know for sure whether or not the wand could be used for Apparation. They had been struggling to find someone who was willing to test it, or at least someone who was too dense to notice if they switched their wands. It seemed the opportunity had finally presented itself.
George glanced over to his youngest brother. Poor Ron, it must be tough having you best friend under near constant threat of attack by the most feared dark wizard in all history of the magically world. All George's amusement in picturing Wormtail holding a rubber mouse vanished as the reason for his visit to the hospital wing returned to his mind in full force.
He squeezed his eyes shut but the memory of Harry- pale faced and strained- as Madame Pomfrey had closed the curtains around his bed kept repaying on the inside of his eyelids. Please let him be ok. George thought desperately. He didn't even want to imagine what would happen to the wizarding world if it lost it's hero.
George couldn't take it anymore. He needed something to take his mind off of both trick wands and fallen heroes.
"Ron?" George asked finally breaking the silence. Ron rolled over to face him.
"What?"
"How does Harry know Wormtail?"
Ron gave a resigned sigh. "I wondered when you'd be asking that," he said propping himself up on one elbow. "Well back in third year..." he began, but was cut off as Madame Pomfrey suddenly came out from behind the curtain around Harry's bed and approached Ron's.
"Let's have a look at that nose of yours," she said drawing her wand in a business like manner. Ron resisted the urge to cover his nose protectively, instead he asked, "How's Harry?"
Madame Pomfrey scowled slightly. "I don't know about that about that boy," he exclaimed shaking her head, "If its not one thing, its another. But this time he's outdone himself. How he survived that curse is beyond me." She looked at Ron and George's anxious face, realizing she was beginning to ramble. "Don't worry dears," she said softly, "He's going to be just fine."
Ron looked as if he didn't quite believe Madame Pomfrey was telling the truth, but settled back anyway and allowed her fix his nose. After she finished she moved on to George. Despite his insisting that nothing was wrong with him, Madame Pomfrey forced him to drink a putrid smelling concoction along with a thorough check-up.
All the while, both boys kept glancing nervously in the directions of the silent curtains hanging around Harry Potter's bed.
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(A/N: ok the time-line gets a little warped here, but just go with it...)
"Gus?" Lily exclaimed once again, her disbelief so profound it caused her to repeat herself.
"Yes. That'd be my name, Miss," the man replied giving Lily a funny look, "But how you know that is beyond me."
Lily continued to gape openly at him for several minutes before responding. "Don't you recognize me?"
Mundungus stood back and folded his arms across his chest whist he thoroughly appraised Lily.
Finally he smiled, a boyish grin that made him look years younger, "Bless my soul- it's Miss Lily Evans! Seems a while since I've seen you."
Lily laughed. "Actually Gus, its Potter now," she said, "And it has been a while. Fourteen years actually."
By now, Gus had pulled both Lily and Cedric (who remained too dumbfounded to speak) to their feet and was proceeding to dust them off in a businesslike manner.
"Fourteen years?!" Gus exclaimed, "That's hardly polite, my dear. Imagine not visiting poor old Mundungus for fourteen years."
Lily rolled her eyes. "You've forgotten Gus- I've been dead." She winked at Cedric who continued to look mystified. Who was this guy and why was he so dang accepting about this whole scenario?
"Ahh yes, that's right isn't it," Gus said dismissively, "I do remember hearing something about a funeral- for both you and that Potter boy. Had a son, didn't you?" he added.
Lily's chest tightened at the mention of Harry. "Yes," she said faintly, "Yes, his name was- is Harry."
Gus nodded amiably directing both Cedric and Lily out of the cemetery and down the street. "Yes, yes- Harry. Fine name that." His forehead furrowed suddenly and he turned a perplexed gaze upon Cedric. "But this isn't Harry," he said.
"My name's Cedric... umm... sir," Cedric mumbled caught off guard, "Cedric Diggory."
"Diggory?" Gus repeated, "Why then you must be Amos' boy. Died too didn't you?"
Cedric nodded uncertainly, raising an eyebrow towards Lily who merely fought to control a mad fit of giggles.
"Well Mr. Diggory its a pleasure to meet you," Gus proclaimed. He stopped right there in the middle of the sidewalk and gave an elegant bow. "Mundungus Fletcher, at your service." He then proceeded to heartily shake Cedric's hand.
Cedric, for his part, looked utterly dazed. Understandable- Mundungus had that effect on people.
Lily rolled her eyes and gave Cedric a reassuring smile from over Gus' shoulder. "Shouldn't we be going, Gus?" she asked mildly.
Gus instantly dropped Cedric's hand a pulled out a large pocket watch. It had 16 hands of varying color and length- all of which whirled around wild around pointing to rapidly to a multitude of strange symbols.
"You're quite right Lily," Gus said consulting the watch. With that he marched off importantly down the walkway.
Lily prodded Cedric between the shoulder blades. "Well? Come on then," she said and turned to follow Gus.
Cedric shook his head to clear his befuddled mind before hurrying after her.
"What's with him?" he asked, warily eyeing Gus who strode purposely ahead of them.
"Oh don't mind Gus," Lily said with a chuckle, "He's a bit of an odd soul. Has little concept of time- can't remember what's already happened or what's going to happen very well."
"He's a seer then?" Cedric asked.
"I suppose so," Lily said with a frown of concentration, "He's- he's just Gus. I'm not even sure he's completely human." She grinned, "He doesn't really grasp the concept of death like we do either- if you didn't notice."
Cedric gave her a dubious look. "Are you sure its safe to trust him like this? Shouldn't we go to Dumbledore?" ha asked hesitantly.
Lily shook her head. "Nah, Gus'll take care of us." She through a friendly arm over Cedric's shoulders, "He's a great guy. Even if he is a bit odd."
By this time Gus had led them up to a tidy white cottage surrounded by a quaint picket fence who's gate he held open for them.
"Now what do you say to a nice spot of tea?" Gus asked once they were all settled inside.
"Oh yes please," Lily said. Gus turned inquiringly to Cedric.
"What? Oh yes, thank you," Cedric responded distractedly. He was busy gazing around the living room in awe.
It was a truly marvelous room. Gus must have been a sailor at one point because all sorts of sea faring paraphernalia decorated the room. A real ships steering wheel hung on one wall, several model boats sat upon the mantel and various paintings of marvelous high sea adventures hung on every wall.
Gus returned with a tray and passed a cup of hot tea each to Cedric and Lily. Lily sighed gratefully as she took hers. Gus' tea was the very best anywhere. And it was especially pleasant after one has been dead for a while.
"Now then," Gus said after several moments of quiet sipping, "Someone please explain to me the situation. I was under the impression that people tend to stay dead. I had an idea that you'd be coming back," he nodded to Lily, "but I figured I was wrong..." He laughed, "I'm all in a muddle."
"Well it's like this, see-"
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A/N: Next chapie- find out what's up with wierdo Gus, see the trick wand and Wormtail have some fun, little bit of voldie, and the LONG awaited James and Harry reunion... maybe Lily too...
I really would like to thank each and everyone of you personally but I really don't have the time at the moment. I'm sorry its taken me so long to get this posted. Brace yourselves because it will probably continue to take about 2 weeks per chapter. I'll go faster if I can, but with school and all its really hard.
SO A GIANT BIG HUMUNGOUS THANK YOU to Kaydee, Jeva, Kat,
CrazieBabieMeg, Shei as always you guys are the BEST!!!!!!!! Your insanely funny, long, witty, and EXCELLENT reviews are awesome. Kat and Kaydee you guys are making me nervous about the whole longest review thing.... this could be very interesting
Scottish and Irish twins I'm going to have GREAT fun with you two, school should be starting next chapie... so *evil grin*
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO CrazieBabieMeg: I'M SO SUPER SUPER SORRY FOR FORGETTING TO PUT IN MY THANK YOU LAST TIME! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR REVIEWS!!!!!!! THEY MAKE ME LAUGH AND FEEL PROUD AND OMG ITS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!! SORRY AND THANKS FOR STILL REVIEWING!
THANK YOU SO MUCH:
Jagged Edge(i'm honored!),
Midnight,
Lyra,
Dragon Blood 99 (yes),
E.R,
mahna mahna (yes),
Alorra Spinnet (i'm gonna have fun with ratboy),
Vanessa,
Belle (school is evil! *sigh*),
Chibi-Chingo (ratboy used a trick wand instead of his own),
TheYellowSubmarine,
WeasleyTwinsLover1112,
BandBabe1603,
Jessica,
Cammy (i'm glad you liked the wormtail part... *grin*),
Anneliese (eek! don't attack me*grin*),
Kranberries (i couldn't kill my little harrikins *grin*),
scarred4life (nice name and it is called impossibilities),
Usa Yui and Usa Kou (harry WILL see his father soon, i'm sorry i'm stretching it out soo much, i can't help it....),
Senaca,
Rozebunny (YAHOO I'm on a favorites!!!!!),
Vanessa (next chapter = james, sirius, and remus reactions to harry. promise.),
Megan,
Neutral ( THANK YOU SSSSSOOOOO MUCH FOR REVIEWING! your one of my FAVORITE authors, so the fact you read my story is SUPER cool),
hardshoe (*sigh* compliments I LOVE 'EM thanks),
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and last but definitely not least
AngelWriter14
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN EVERYONE! I promise i'll do individual responses next chapters (i feel REALLY bad that you guys all reviewed so nicely and i didn't respong individually) so please:
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!