Kimmy: Who's talking to Harry? Hmm. . .I have a feeling that's gonna be a
popular question this time. . .Oh well, here's the chapter, go on and find
out!
____________: Hmm. . .I never considered that. . .but you know what. . .that might actually work with what I'm planning in the next couple chapters. . .can I use that? Please say yes!
Lady Foxfire: Who be it, you ask? Well. . .it's not exactly Merlin but. . .you do learn some stuff from him this chapter. . .won't say anymore here right now. Happiness for Harry. . .maybe, maybe not. I refuse to answer any questions like that till the last chapter. . .
Gabriella: Yes, I *really* don't like Snape so I just had to give Harry a reason to cuss him off! And if you want to know who was talking to him all you have to do is read on!
PR Lucken: Thanks for the compliment! Yes, Malfoy *is* going to get what's coming to him. . .but not for a while. You're gonna have to wait till after Christmas. . .in the story that is. But trust me, it's going to be worth it!
Myrddin Ambrosius: Yes, I know about that. . .I got into that habit around chapter 12 so. . .well, let's just say that your review is the one that got me to go ahead and fix all of 'em! And don't worry about your first review. It's what got me to go on and repost my earlier ones! Every now and then every author needs some criticism! Thanks for your honesty!
Laterose: Yep, yep, you asked for soon and you get it! Leave me a review!
Wanted: Love
Ch15: Learning the Truth
"Hello, Harry. We've been waiting for you."
Harry's head shot up and he looked around. He didn't see anyone there besides himself, but then again, there was a drape hanging a couple of feet from him. Harry wiped his eyes and listened to make sure he hadn't been hearing things.
"How do you even know it's him? What if it's Dumbledore again?"
"It isn't Dumbledore. He hasn't visited us in ages. Besides, it's been sixteen years. It's time."
Harry stood up and looked curiously through the crack between the drape and the wall. There was apparently a room beyond the drape, a bright one. He took a step forward and peeked through the crack but still didn't see anyone.
"Let's settle this, then. Whoever's out there, could you please come in here?"
Hesitating only for a moment, Harry pulled the drape aside and felt faint at what he saw. The room was elegantly decorated in red and gold with cushy chairs and sofas lining the walls. And while there wasn't any visible source of light, there was enough to leave no doubt of what was in the center of the far wall.
"It is him! I told you! You owe me a soda, bud!" exclaimed Lily Potter, trapped within a picture frame with her husband, James Potter.
Harry could hardly believe what he was seeing. His parents, both of them, in a form where he could actually have a conversation with them. He wanted to get closer to them, but his legs didn't seem to remember how to walk.
"Not now, Lily. Harry, what's wrong?" asked James, noticing Harry's disheveled state.
Looking down at his robes, Harry noticed that they were covered in dust and he imagined that his eyes were bloodshot from his tears.
'Perfect.' he thought to himself, 'I finally get to meet my parents and I look like crap.'
"Mom? Dad? Is that really you?" he asked, ignoring his father's question.
Lily nodded and clasped her hands to her chest, "Oh, Harry. It's so good to see you. You've grown into such a handsome young man."
Harry looked at the floor and shifted uneasily for a few seconds before looking up at them again, "But how? What is this place?"
It was very difficult for him, to be so close to his parents and yet not be able to touch them. He hid his disappointment as well as he could, though, and it seemed to be working.
"This room was made especially for you, Harry. So that when you were ready you would find this place and we could tell you the truth." said Lily.
Harry plopped himself angrily onto one of the couches, drew one of his legs to his chest, and then said sarcastically, "Oh, you mean that I'm going to die in less than a year?"
Lily and James looked at each other then to their son. They hadn't known that Harry had figured it out. They had been created in the picture seventeen years ago and had had that long to brew about how to tell him. Him already knowing they hadn't even considered as a possibility. After all, it was supposed to be kept a secret from him.
"You know?" asked James, "But no one was supposed to tell you. We were going to---"
"Yeah, well, I overheard Tali and Sirius talking. It's my fucking life! I had a right to know long before I actually got a life!" Harry shouted at them.
The two looked taken back. They knew it wasn't going to be easy on him but both seemed to have forgotten what they had planned out to say.
"And another thing! Why didn't anyone ever tell me that you went to the same thing I did!?" Harry asked his mother, standing up and stalking forward.
Their eyes widened. Dumbledore hadn't visited them once that year and, therefore, they knew nothing of Harry's Pensieve or his life at the Dursleys'.
"You---you. . .it can't be true." whispered Lily, "Surely Petunia would know better!"
"God dammit, Lily! You're talking about your sister and her fat prick of a husband and that great lump of a thing they call a son! We should have known! Wait till Sirius finds out! Heaven knows he'll find a way to avenge Harry without getting caught." said James.
Despite the topic of discussion, Harry felt himself grow a small smile, "He's already been cleared. . .and Wormtail's been thrown in Azkaban."
"Really!? That's great! Damn traitor got what he deserved!" said James pumping his arms back in victory.
"How'd they ever manage to clear his name, though? Peter made quite a believable story." said Lily.
Harry turned his gaze down. And his parents looked at him curiously.
"Harry?" asked Lily.
When he remained silent James took a step forward, though you couldn't really tell in the picture, "Harry? What's been going on this past year?"
Sighing, Harry took a seat back on the couch and proceeded to tell his parents everything that had happened over the year. For several hours he told them of his last summer at the Dursleys', making it back to Hogwarts, the traps sprung by Voldemort that had twice nearly killed him, the Pensieve, and the fruitless hours spent in the Chamber of the Founders. By the time he had finished Lily had had to magic James' mouth shut to keep him from interrupting.
When she finally released him he exploded, "Just wait until I get a hold of those jackasses! Those relatives of yours, Lily, are going down! And that Malfoy! I still can't believe they let a bastard like that Lucius Malfoy run free!---"
He could have gone on for much longer, both Harry and Lily had no doubt, but Lily cut him off, "And exactly *how* do you plan on getting out of this painting, James? Be realistic. I want revenge as much as you do."
"I haven't been there for my son for sixteen years! I'm not about to sit back and relax knowing what's happened to him!" exclaimed James.
"Then why did you!?" asked Harry, nearing tears again, and trying desperately to fight them, "Why didn't you come find me!? I've been at Hogwarts for six years! Why didn't you come find me!?"
"Oh, Harry. It's not that simple," said Lily, bending to her knees to be closer to her son, "Believe me, if we could have come talk to you sooner we would have. But it's not like we're a normal painting. We're trapped within this single picture frame."
"But why are you in that painting for?" asked Harry.
James looked at Lily and she nodded. He put his hand on her shoulder and she grasped it.
"Harry," James said, "Go to that door to your right."
Glancing in that direction, Harry noticed for the first time a door that looked like it hadn't been opened in ages.
"What's in it?" he asked.
"Go look." said James.
Slowly, Harry walked over to the door and slid it open. It was very dark and dingy inside the small, cramped room. Completely empty other than a marble podium with a small, very old book on it, Harry turned back to his parents.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Take it." urged Lily.
Harry stepped into the room and took the book. For something so small, it was very heavy. Closing the door and sitting back on the couch, he put the book on his lap.
"Merlin's Book of Prophecies?" asked Harry, looking up from the cover.
Lily and James nodded for him to continue and Harry opened to the first page. For quite a while it was silent in the room, Harry reading through the book and the other two watching him with bated breath. Eventually Harry got to a page that described Voldemort to a T. But it wasn't until he got to the next page that he came into play.
The Dark Lord will come near to dominating the world, but all is not lost.
A Potter and Muggle-born will join together and produce a son. This child
will be born with special powers. Ones even strong enough to rival my own
He and his mother will harbor a similar dark secret, both coming to light around
the age of sixteen. This secret will be the key to unlocking the child's powers
and must no be tampered with.
Harry looked up from the book at his parents.
"Does this mean that I was actually *supposed* to live like that at the Dursleys?'" he asked.
They said nothing for a minute then, slowly, nodded.
He turned back to the book with a slight scowl on his face, angry at the purpose for his life. Turning the page, he found nothing cheerier to read about.
The Chosen One will go after the Dark Lord to regain his most prized possession.
He will succeed in doing so and bring it back to safety. However, when the Dark
Lord comes back to get even, the two will engage in the battle to end all battles.
But be warned not to fall for false presences. The Chosen One will defeat the Dark
Lord but before he dies, he will take one last shot at the Chosen One, killing him not
but five months before his seventeenth birthday.
Closing the book roughly and looked accusingly at his parents, "Why?"
"Why what, Harry?" asked James.
"Why---*how* could you do this to me? You knew about this before. How could you go on and have me?" he asked, temper rising.
"Harry, please try to understand. . .we never wanted any of this to happen, but it couldn't be helped. All of this had to happen---" started Lily.
"Oh, I understand just fine! I 'understand' that the only reason I was ever born was so I would kill Voldemort and die doing it! I 'understand' that Fudge only put those damn Dursleys in Azkaban was so that I'd feel in debt and go along with the whole fucked up thing!" shouted Harry, "And trust me, I 'understand' that the only reason everyone worked so hard to keep me alive is so I *could* kill Voldemort! Well what if I don't *want to be a murderer!? I was never asked! Why should I die!? Because everyone expects me to!? I'd like to see half of them pull through if it was them!"
With that said, Harry, who had already stood up during his little speech, stalked towards the exit. Lily was still kneeling and her head was bent downward, crying. James, however, standing quite tall, looking harshly at his son.
"Harry Potter!" he bellowed, but Harry ignored him, "Don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you, young man! Harry!"
Harry whipped around, eyes narrowed to mere slits.
"What?" he whispered deadly through clenched teeth.
"Where do you get off blaming your mother and I? We did the best we could! How could you even think that we'd want you dead!? I'm your father---" started James.
"I don't have a father." Harry whispered almost inaudibly but loud enough for James to hear.
James stopped in his tracks (he had been walking forward) and looked at Harry with a look of immeasurable hurt, "What?"
"I don't have a father." Harry said more firmly and then turned to Lily, "And I don't have a mother either."
Both the adult Potters looked at their son, not finding any words to say. Harry could have left and they wouldn't have tried to stop him, but for some reason, perhaps the look in their eyes, he could leave. He knew he had crossed the line with them, but at the same time, couldn't find it in himself to apologize, not when he was still as mad as he was.
So the three stood there, silent as could be for a good long time. It wasn't for what seemed like several hours until one of them finally broke the silence.
"Harry. We have to be going soon." said Lily quietly.
Harry looked up at them with growing regret, "What? But why? Where? I thought you couldn't leave this room."
"We already told you. We aren't like a normal picture. We were created so that we could tell you about your destiny when the time was right. Now that we've told you, our purpose has been fulfilled. Our spirits will finally be able to go to rest." said Lily calmly, though James remained silent and staring at nothing in particular.
"But. . .do you have to? I didn't mean what I said! I just. . .I'm just. . ." Harry led off, not able to continue.
Lily smiled softly and reached out as though to touch his face. Harry wished more than anything that she could. He would have gladly given anything he had to be able to hug his parents, a feeling he had never known.
"Shh, don't say any more. I know," she looked at James, "We both know. And we don't blame you. You had a right to say that. We haven't very good parents, and we're really, truly sorry about not being there, Harry. But believe me when I say that I do love you."
"I love you, mom. . .dad." Harry said, the aching for a hug increasing by the second.
James snapped his eyes down to where Harry stood and his gaze softened, "We love you too, Harry. Take care of yourself. Trust your friends, they'll help you through and. . .we'll be with you, too. You don't have to be scared or alone anymore."
Harry sniffed and wiped away the unwanted tears as he gave a small smirk and breathed a laugh, "Me? Scared?"
Lily and James both gave a small laugh and the three stood there for a few more minutes without saying a thing. Then. . .
"Harry, it's time." said James.
"No! You can't go!" Harry yelled at them, but it was no use, they were already fading.
"Oh, Harry." said Lily, tearing falling from her eyes.
"Mom! Dad!" Harry exclaimed, pushing his hand flush against the painting, trying to fall through to the other side.
He leaned all his weight against the painting, willing it to open up into another room like the wall that had allowed him into this one. But before he could join his parents they had disappeared, leaving an empty picture frame. Harry sank to his knees and pounded his fist against the empty picture, the same one that had not but seconds ago held his parents. And what he had said to them. Harry felt ashamed of himself, ashamed and miserable.
He wasn't left alone for long, however. For at that moment a tall, lean looking wizard in sky blue robes and a long white beard that much resembled Dumbledore's waltzed into the picture frame.
"Hello, there, Harry. Don't look so glum. You've just seen your parents. You should be happy!" the wizard chirped.
"Who are you?" Harry asked dully.
"Who am I? Goodness, what *are* they teaching kids in schools these days? I, Harry, am Merlin." said the wizard, resettling his robes importantly.
Harry glared at him. *This* was Merlin. The same Merlin who had made the prediction that had tipped off Voldemort, consequentially leading to the deaths of his parents. The same Merlin who was responsible for every miserable little thing that had happened to him over the past fifteen years.
"What do *you* want?" Harry asked gruffly.
Merlin looked taken back; Harry wasn't surprised. After all, this *was* Merlin, how many people had actually talked to him, let alone in a heated tone of voice.
"Well, I, like your parents, have been in this picture frame for ages. And, also like your parents, I need to discuss with you about your future." said Merlin.
"What's to discuss? I'm not going to kill Voldemort. And there's nothing anyone can say to change my mind." said Harry.
"Surely you cannot be serious. It is your destiny. You must kill the Dark--- " started Merlin.
"What the hell is up with that!? Am I not even human enough to make my own decision about whether or not I'm going to die!? I'll do whatever I want with my life, *my* life! What makes you or anyone else think they can mold me into some kind of tool to save their asses and then just let me die! Well, sorry, but I'm not going to do it!" Harry shouted.
"But you must! It is your destiny---" said Merlin.
"Screw my destiny! I'll live if I damn well please! Or maybe you never thought that your precious 'Chosen One' might actually have a life!" yelled Harry.
Merlin's mouth opened and closed several times before he said anything again, "Now you listen here, Harry! I hate to put it so bluntly but you don't have a choice! You *will* defeat the Dark Lord, you *will* save the rest of mankind, and you *will* die! I am sorry about it, but there is nothing strong enough to rearrange the threads of fate! It is your fate, your destiny to die after bringing peace to the world and you *will* do it!"
"Oh, really? Then why do you sound so worried? I *do* have a choice, and you're just afraid that I won't do what you want! Well, sorry but I'm not doing what you want! If everyone wants him dead so much they can go find someone else to kill him!" raged Harry beginning to walk to the exit.
"There *is* no one else! You're the only one who can do it! And you *don't* have a choice!" Merlin said, then doing something that shocked Harry to no end.
Merlin actually jumped out of the painting and walked towards him. Though, true that it wasn't a real flesh and blood body (more of a ghost type of being, only more solid) Harry still had to strangle back a shout of surprise.
"Surprised, Harry?" Merlin asked, "I wouldn't be. Once you get a handle on your powers you'll be able to do things much more complex than this."
Harry quickly closed his mouth, "I don't *want* the powers! I don't *want* to die! I won't do it!"
Merlin sighed and put a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Harry, I know this is hard for you. I know you are afraid of death, but it isn't as bad as it seems."
Harry didn't look half convinced so Merlin continued, "I'll tell you what. I know this won't make up for what everyone is asking you to give up in a few months but. . .I am offering to use the last of my powers to give you a gift, should you want it."
Looking at him cautiously, Harry tried to hide his curiosity, "What kind of a gift?"
"I will bring your parents back in the same form I am, though, my powers are almost gone and I'm afraid they won't be able to stay long." said Merlin.
Eyes, widening, the young wizard looked at Merlin with inexpressible gratitude, "Could you? Really?"
Merlin nodded and Harry quickly agreed to it.
"Alright then. Make the most of the time you have with them. . .it will have to last you a few months. And Harry," said Merlin as he started to disappear, "I am sorry that it had to be you."
Once he was completely gone, Harry felt quite alone and saw no sign of his parents. He was beginning to think that Merlin had lied to him, or perhaps underestimated the amount of powers he had left, when he heard something behind him. He turned and saw both of his parents standing behind him, smiling. Lily with tears in her eyes.
"Harry." she said happily, holding her arms out.
Harry was in her arms within that second, experiencing for the first time, that he could remember, a hug from his mother. Though his eyes were closed, he could feel his father wrapping his arms around the two as well. Harry never wanted that moment to end. Never before had he actually been able to feel his parents, take in their scent, and now that he could. . .
Lily planted a kiss on Harry's unruly mop of hair as the three separated, "We only have five minutes."
Harry nodded, not really taking in what she had said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I said that, I didn't mean it."
"It's okay, Harry. We know." said Lily.
James laughed, "We've already been over this kid. You forget already?"
"I miss you." said Harry.
Lily smiled whimsically, "As much as I hate to say it, you'll be joining us soon enough. You need to have as much fun as you can while you can."
"Yeah, tell Dumbledore that I said to have a trip to Hogsmeade soon. You need to load up on stuff to get that git Malfoy back with." said James.
Harry smiled, "I'll drop a dung bomb just for you."
"That's my boy!" exclaimed James, ruffling his son's hair.
"You're a wonderful young man, Harry. Hermione sure lucked out." said Lily.
Harry blushed at the compliment but James' next comment quickly drew attention away from it, "She's not the only one. You're pretty lucky too, Lils."
"I wouldn't go as far to say lucky." joked Lily.
James shoved her gently as Harry laughed, "You better watch it, Lily."
The five minutes passed soon and before they knew it, James and Lily had started to disappear.
Lily pulled Harry into another hug, "This isn't goodbye. It's just see you soon. I'll be waiting for you, Harry."
Once she released him, James drew him into a similar hug, "Don't forget about that dung bomb, Harry. And you know Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. There should be some loose tiles in the fifth stall from the right. I think you, Ron, Hermione, and Lavender might find a certain box under there that could help you."
Harry looked at him strangely but Lily smacked his shoulder, "Is that where you hid it? James Potter! What were you doing in the girls' bath---"
But before she could finish the sentence, both completely disappeared with a small pop. With both parents gone and no ancient aggravating wizard to yell at, Harry found his way to the couch and lay down. He didn't know what time it was but he was awfully tired and not just a little depressed. He yawned and stretched his arms. But just as he started to drift off to sleep, he thought of something. Five months before his seventeenth birthday. That was February. He was going to die in three months!
Author's Note: ::Sniff:: That was one of my most emotional chapter in this story. . .personally, my favorite so far. Lots of ultimate highs and lows. Poor Harry. . .just three months to live. What kind of life is that? I didn't make Merlin too mean did I? I hope not. . .I didn't mean too. . .hmm. . .whatcha guys think? Write me reviews! Lots of reviews!
____________: Hmm. . .I never considered that. . .but you know what. . .that might actually work with what I'm planning in the next couple chapters. . .can I use that? Please say yes!
Lady Foxfire: Who be it, you ask? Well. . .it's not exactly Merlin but. . .you do learn some stuff from him this chapter. . .won't say anymore here right now. Happiness for Harry. . .maybe, maybe not. I refuse to answer any questions like that till the last chapter. . .
Gabriella: Yes, I *really* don't like Snape so I just had to give Harry a reason to cuss him off! And if you want to know who was talking to him all you have to do is read on!
PR Lucken: Thanks for the compliment! Yes, Malfoy *is* going to get what's coming to him. . .but not for a while. You're gonna have to wait till after Christmas. . .in the story that is. But trust me, it's going to be worth it!
Myrddin Ambrosius: Yes, I know about that. . .I got into that habit around chapter 12 so. . .well, let's just say that your review is the one that got me to go ahead and fix all of 'em! And don't worry about your first review. It's what got me to go on and repost my earlier ones! Every now and then every author needs some criticism! Thanks for your honesty!
Laterose: Yep, yep, you asked for soon and you get it! Leave me a review!
Wanted: Love
Ch15: Learning the Truth
"Hello, Harry. We've been waiting for you."
Harry's head shot up and he looked around. He didn't see anyone there besides himself, but then again, there was a drape hanging a couple of feet from him. Harry wiped his eyes and listened to make sure he hadn't been hearing things.
"How do you even know it's him? What if it's Dumbledore again?"
"It isn't Dumbledore. He hasn't visited us in ages. Besides, it's been sixteen years. It's time."
Harry stood up and looked curiously through the crack between the drape and the wall. There was apparently a room beyond the drape, a bright one. He took a step forward and peeked through the crack but still didn't see anyone.
"Let's settle this, then. Whoever's out there, could you please come in here?"
Hesitating only for a moment, Harry pulled the drape aside and felt faint at what he saw. The room was elegantly decorated in red and gold with cushy chairs and sofas lining the walls. And while there wasn't any visible source of light, there was enough to leave no doubt of what was in the center of the far wall.
"It is him! I told you! You owe me a soda, bud!" exclaimed Lily Potter, trapped within a picture frame with her husband, James Potter.
Harry could hardly believe what he was seeing. His parents, both of them, in a form where he could actually have a conversation with them. He wanted to get closer to them, but his legs didn't seem to remember how to walk.
"Not now, Lily. Harry, what's wrong?" asked James, noticing Harry's disheveled state.
Looking down at his robes, Harry noticed that they were covered in dust and he imagined that his eyes were bloodshot from his tears.
'Perfect.' he thought to himself, 'I finally get to meet my parents and I look like crap.'
"Mom? Dad? Is that really you?" he asked, ignoring his father's question.
Lily nodded and clasped her hands to her chest, "Oh, Harry. It's so good to see you. You've grown into such a handsome young man."
Harry looked at the floor and shifted uneasily for a few seconds before looking up at them again, "But how? What is this place?"
It was very difficult for him, to be so close to his parents and yet not be able to touch them. He hid his disappointment as well as he could, though, and it seemed to be working.
"This room was made especially for you, Harry. So that when you were ready you would find this place and we could tell you the truth." said Lily.
Harry plopped himself angrily onto one of the couches, drew one of his legs to his chest, and then said sarcastically, "Oh, you mean that I'm going to die in less than a year?"
Lily and James looked at each other then to their son. They hadn't known that Harry had figured it out. They had been created in the picture seventeen years ago and had had that long to brew about how to tell him. Him already knowing they hadn't even considered as a possibility. After all, it was supposed to be kept a secret from him.
"You know?" asked James, "But no one was supposed to tell you. We were going to---"
"Yeah, well, I overheard Tali and Sirius talking. It's my fucking life! I had a right to know long before I actually got a life!" Harry shouted at them.
The two looked taken back. They knew it wasn't going to be easy on him but both seemed to have forgotten what they had planned out to say.
"And another thing! Why didn't anyone ever tell me that you went to the same thing I did!?" Harry asked his mother, standing up and stalking forward.
Their eyes widened. Dumbledore hadn't visited them once that year and, therefore, they knew nothing of Harry's Pensieve or his life at the Dursleys'.
"You---you. . .it can't be true." whispered Lily, "Surely Petunia would know better!"
"God dammit, Lily! You're talking about your sister and her fat prick of a husband and that great lump of a thing they call a son! We should have known! Wait till Sirius finds out! Heaven knows he'll find a way to avenge Harry without getting caught." said James.
Despite the topic of discussion, Harry felt himself grow a small smile, "He's already been cleared. . .and Wormtail's been thrown in Azkaban."
"Really!? That's great! Damn traitor got what he deserved!" said James pumping his arms back in victory.
"How'd they ever manage to clear his name, though? Peter made quite a believable story." said Lily.
Harry turned his gaze down. And his parents looked at him curiously.
"Harry?" asked Lily.
When he remained silent James took a step forward, though you couldn't really tell in the picture, "Harry? What's been going on this past year?"
Sighing, Harry took a seat back on the couch and proceeded to tell his parents everything that had happened over the year. For several hours he told them of his last summer at the Dursleys', making it back to Hogwarts, the traps sprung by Voldemort that had twice nearly killed him, the Pensieve, and the fruitless hours spent in the Chamber of the Founders. By the time he had finished Lily had had to magic James' mouth shut to keep him from interrupting.
When she finally released him he exploded, "Just wait until I get a hold of those jackasses! Those relatives of yours, Lily, are going down! And that Malfoy! I still can't believe they let a bastard like that Lucius Malfoy run free!---"
He could have gone on for much longer, both Harry and Lily had no doubt, but Lily cut him off, "And exactly *how* do you plan on getting out of this painting, James? Be realistic. I want revenge as much as you do."
"I haven't been there for my son for sixteen years! I'm not about to sit back and relax knowing what's happened to him!" exclaimed James.
"Then why did you!?" asked Harry, nearing tears again, and trying desperately to fight them, "Why didn't you come find me!? I've been at Hogwarts for six years! Why didn't you come find me!?"
"Oh, Harry. It's not that simple," said Lily, bending to her knees to be closer to her son, "Believe me, if we could have come talk to you sooner we would have. But it's not like we're a normal painting. We're trapped within this single picture frame."
"But why are you in that painting for?" asked Harry.
James looked at Lily and she nodded. He put his hand on her shoulder and she grasped it.
"Harry," James said, "Go to that door to your right."
Glancing in that direction, Harry noticed for the first time a door that looked like it hadn't been opened in ages.
"What's in it?" he asked.
"Go look." said James.
Slowly, Harry walked over to the door and slid it open. It was very dark and dingy inside the small, cramped room. Completely empty other than a marble podium with a small, very old book on it, Harry turned back to his parents.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Take it." urged Lily.
Harry stepped into the room and took the book. For something so small, it was very heavy. Closing the door and sitting back on the couch, he put the book on his lap.
"Merlin's Book of Prophecies?" asked Harry, looking up from the cover.
Lily and James nodded for him to continue and Harry opened to the first page. For quite a while it was silent in the room, Harry reading through the book and the other two watching him with bated breath. Eventually Harry got to a page that described Voldemort to a T. But it wasn't until he got to the next page that he came into play.
The Dark Lord will come near to dominating the world, but all is not lost.
A Potter and Muggle-born will join together and produce a son. This child
will be born with special powers. Ones even strong enough to rival my own
He and his mother will harbor a similar dark secret, both coming to light around
the age of sixteen. This secret will be the key to unlocking the child's powers
and must no be tampered with.
Harry looked up from the book at his parents.
"Does this mean that I was actually *supposed* to live like that at the Dursleys?'" he asked.
They said nothing for a minute then, slowly, nodded.
He turned back to the book with a slight scowl on his face, angry at the purpose for his life. Turning the page, he found nothing cheerier to read about.
The Chosen One will go after the Dark Lord to regain his most prized possession.
He will succeed in doing so and bring it back to safety. However, when the Dark
Lord comes back to get even, the two will engage in the battle to end all battles.
But be warned not to fall for false presences. The Chosen One will defeat the Dark
Lord but before he dies, he will take one last shot at the Chosen One, killing him not
but five months before his seventeenth birthday.
Closing the book roughly and looked accusingly at his parents, "Why?"
"Why what, Harry?" asked James.
"Why---*how* could you do this to me? You knew about this before. How could you go on and have me?" he asked, temper rising.
"Harry, please try to understand. . .we never wanted any of this to happen, but it couldn't be helped. All of this had to happen---" started Lily.
"Oh, I understand just fine! I 'understand' that the only reason I was ever born was so I would kill Voldemort and die doing it! I 'understand' that Fudge only put those damn Dursleys in Azkaban was so that I'd feel in debt and go along with the whole fucked up thing!" shouted Harry, "And trust me, I 'understand' that the only reason everyone worked so hard to keep me alive is so I *could* kill Voldemort! Well what if I don't *want to be a murderer!? I was never asked! Why should I die!? Because everyone expects me to!? I'd like to see half of them pull through if it was them!"
With that said, Harry, who had already stood up during his little speech, stalked towards the exit. Lily was still kneeling and her head was bent downward, crying. James, however, standing quite tall, looking harshly at his son.
"Harry Potter!" he bellowed, but Harry ignored him, "Don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you, young man! Harry!"
Harry whipped around, eyes narrowed to mere slits.
"What?" he whispered deadly through clenched teeth.
"Where do you get off blaming your mother and I? We did the best we could! How could you even think that we'd want you dead!? I'm your father---" started James.
"I don't have a father." Harry whispered almost inaudibly but loud enough for James to hear.
James stopped in his tracks (he had been walking forward) and looked at Harry with a look of immeasurable hurt, "What?"
"I don't have a father." Harry said more firmly and then turned to Lily, "And I don't have a mother either."
Both the adult Potters looked at their son, not finding any words to say. Harry could have left and they wouldn't have tried to stop him, but for some reason, perhaps the look in their eyes, he could leave. He knew he had crossed the line with them, but at the same time, couldn't find it in himself to apologize, not when he was still as mad as he was.
So the three stood there, silent as could be for a good long time. It wasn't for what seemed like several hours until one of them finally broke the silence.
"Harry. We have to be going soon." said Lily quietly.
Harry looked up at them with growing regret, "What? But why? Where? I thought you couldn't leave this room."
"We already told you. We aren't like a normal picture. We were created so that we could tell you about your destiny when the time was right. Now that we've told you, our purpose has been fulfilled. Our spirits will finally be able to go to rest." said Lily calmly, though James remained silent and staring at nothing in particular.
"But. . .do you have to? I didn't mean what I said! I just. . .I'm just. . ." Harry led off, not able to continue.
Lily smiled softly and reached out as though to touch his face. Harry wished more than anything that she could. He would have gladly given anything he had to be able to hug his parents, a feeling he had never known.
"Shh, don't say any more. I know," she looked at James, "We both know. And we don't blame you. You had a right to say that. We haven't very good parents, and we're really, truly sorry about not being there, Harry. But believe me when I say that I do love you."
"I love you, mom. . .dad." Harry said, the aching for a hug increasing by the second.
James snapped his eyes down to where Harry stood and his gaze softened, "We love you too, Harry. Take care of yourself. Trust your friends, they'll help you through and. . .we'll be with you, too. You don't have to be scared or alone anymore."
Harry sniffed and wiped away the unwanted tears as he gave a small smirk and breathed a laugh, "Me? Scared?"
Lily and James both gave a small laugh and the three stood there for a few more minutes without saying a thing. Then. . .
"Harry, it's time." said James.
"No! You can't go!" Harry yelled at them, but it was no use, they were already fading.
"Oh, Harry." said Lily, tearing falling from her eyes.
"Mom! Dad!" Harry exclaimed, pushing his hand flush against the painting, trying to fall through to the other side.
He leaned all his weight against the painting, willing it to open up into another room like the wall that had allowed him into this one. But before he could join his parents they had disappeared, leaving an empty picture frame. Harry sank to his knees and pounded his fist against the empty picture, the same one that had not but seconds ago held his parents. And what he had said to them. Harry felt ashamed of himself, ashamed and miserable.
He wasn't left alone for long, however. For at that moment a tall, lean looking wizard in sky blue robes and a long white beard that much resembled Dumbledore's waltzed into the picture frame.
"Hello, there, Harry. Don't look so glum. You've just seen your parents. You should be happy!" the wizard chirped.
"Who are you?" Harry asked dully.
"Who am I? Goodness, what *are* they teaching kids in schools these days? I, Harry, am Merlin." said the wizard, resettling his robes importantly.
Harry glared at him. *This* was Merlin. The same Merlin who had made the prediction that had tipped off Voldemort, consequentially leading to the deaths of his parents. The same Merlin who was responsible for every miserable little thing that had happened to him over the past fifteen years.
"What do *you* want?" Harry asked gruffly.
Merlin looked taken back; Harry wasn't surprised. After all, this *was* Merlin, how many people had actually talked to him, let alone in a heated tone of voice.
"Well, I, like your parents, have been in this picture frame for ages. And, also like your parents, I need to discuss with you about your future." said Merlin.
"What's to discuss? I'm not going to kill Voldemort. And there's nothing anyone can say to change my mind." said Harry.
"Surely you cannot be serious. It is your destiny. You must kill the Dark--- " started Merlin.
"What the hell is up with that!? Am I not even human enough to make my own decision about whether or not I'm going to die!? I'll do whatever I want with my life, *my* life! What makes you or anyone else think they can mold me into some kind of tool to save their asses and then just let me die! Well, sorry, but I'm not going to do it!" Harry shouted.
"But you must! It is your destiny---" said Merlin.
"Screw my destiny! I'll live if I damn well please! Or maybe you never thought that your precious 'Chosen One' might actually have a life!" yelled Harry.
Merlin's mouth opened and closed several times before he said anything again, "Now you listen here, Harry! I hate to put it so bluntly but you don't have a choice! You *will* defeat the Dark Lord, you *will* save the rest of mankind, and you *will* die! I am sorry about it, but there is nothing strong enough to rearrange the threads of fate! It is your fate, your destiny to die after bringing peace to the world and you *will* do it!"
"Oh, really? Then why do you sound so worried? I *do* have a choice, and you're just afraid that I won't do what you want! Well, sorry but I'm not doing what you want! If everyone wants him dead so much they can go find someone else to kill him!" raged Harry beginning to walk to the exit.
"There *is* no one else! You're the only one who can do it! And you *don't* have a choice!" Merlin said, then doing something that shocked Harry to no end.
Merlin actually jumped out of the painting and walked towards him. Though, true that it wasn't a real flesh and blood body (more of a ghost type of being, only more solid) Harry still had to strangle back a shout of surprise.
"Surprised, Harry?" Merlin asked, "I wouldn't be. Once you get a handle on your powers you'll be able to do things much more complex than this."
Harry quickly closed his mouth, "I don't *want* the powers! I don't *want* to die! I won't do it!"
Merlin sighed and put a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Harry, I know this is hard for you. I know you are afraid of death, but it isn't as bad as it seems."
Harry didn't look half convinced so Merlin continued, "I'll tell you what. I know this won't make up for what everyone is asking you to give up in a few months but. . .I am offering to use the last of my powers to give you a gift, should you want it."
Looking at him cautiously, Harry tried to hide his curiosity, "What kind of a gift?"
"I will bring your parents back in the same form I am, though, my powers are almost gone and I'm afraid they won't be able to stay long." said Merlin.
Eyes, widening, the young wizard looked at Merlin with inexpressible gratitude, "Could you? Really?"
Merlin nodded and Harry quickly agreed to it.
"Alright then. Make the most of the time you have with them. . .it will have to last you a few months. And Harry," said Merlin as he started to disappear, "I am sorry that it had to be you."
Once he was completely gone, Harry felt quite alone and saw no sign of his parents. He was beginning to think that Merlin had lied to him, or perhaps underestimated the amount of powers he had left, when he heard something behind him. He turned and saw both of his parents standing behind him, smiling. Lily with tears in her eyes.
"Harry." she said happily, holding her arms out.
Harry was in her arms within that second, experiencing for the first time, that he could remember, a hug from his mother. Though his eyes were closed, he could feel his father wrapping his arms around the two as well. Harry never wanted that moment to end. Never before had he actually been able to feel his parents, take in their scent, and now that he could. . .
Lily planted a kiss on Harry's unruly mop of hair as the three separated, "We only have five minutes."
Harry nodded, not really taking in what she had said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I said that, I didn't mean it."
"It's okay, Harry. We know." said Lily.
James laughed, "We've already been over this kid. You forget already?"
"I miss you." said Harry.
Lily smiled whimsically, "As much as I hate to say it, you'll be joining us soon enough. You need to have as much fun as you can while you can."
"Yeah, tell Dumbledore that I said to have a trip to Hogsmeade soon. You need to load up on stuff to get that git Malfoy back with." said James.
Harry smiled, "I'll drop a dung bomb just for you."
"That's my boy!" exclaimed James, ruffling his son's hair.
"You're a wonderful young man, Harry. Hermione sure lucked out." said Lily.
Harry blushed at the compliment but James' next comment quickly drew attention away from it, "She's not the only one. You're pretty lucky too, Lils."
"I wouldn't go as far to say lucky." joked Lily.
James shoved her gently as Harry laughed, "You better watch it, Lily."
The five minutes passed soon and before they knew it, James and Lily had started to disappear.
Lily pulled Harry into another hug, "This isn't goodbye. It's just see you soon. I'll be waiting for you, Harry."
Once she released him, James drew him into a similar hug, "Don't forget about that dung bomb, Harry. And you know Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. There should be some loose tiles in the fifth stall from the right. I think you, Ron, Hermione, and Lavender might find a certain box under there that could help you."
Harry looked at him strangely but Lily smacked his shoulder, "Is that where you hid it? James Potter! What were you doing in the girls' bath---"
But before she could finish the sentence, both completely disappeared with a small pop. With both parents gone and no ancient aggravating wizard to yell at, Harry found his way to the couch and lay down. He didn't know what time it was but he was awfully tired and not just a little depressed. He yawned and stretched his arms. But just as he started to drift off to sleep, he thought of something. Five months before his seventeenth birthday. That was February. He was going to die in three months!
Author's Note: ::Sniff:: That was one of my most emotional chapter in this story. . .personally, my favorite so far. Lots of ultimate highs and lows. Poor Harry. . .just three months to live. What kind of life is that? I didn't make Merlin too mean did I? I hope not. . .I didn't mean too. . .hmm. . .whatcha guys think? Write me reviews! Lots of reviews!