"Bittersweet"
Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. No loyal fan is stalking me, no reporters are clamoring to get my picture, no copyright infringement intended.
Author's Note: MWAHAHAHA! More evilness! I'm leaving you on the edge of your seats as a follow up for that awful last chapter! Another Flashback Chappie! Enjoy!
Freakyleopard, thanks for the invite, but I don't think it'll be necessary, now....then again, you'll see.
Chapter 10: Defying Fate
Flashback- MWPP Generation
Lily Riddle swallowed hard, and knocked on the door.
It opened, revealing a smiling old man with white hair.
"Come in, Miss Riddle. Take a seat."
Lily slipped into a chair, looking around her in wonderment. Though she'd been here before, she'd never get over the wonders of it- Dumbledore's office. She smiled as Fawkes fluttered over and landed on her knee, letting out a quavering note.
Dumbledore sighed. "Miss Riddle, I know of your Grandfather's, er, special situation." Lily looked down at her feet. "However, action cannot be taken against him- we have no proof that Tom Riddle is indeed Lord Voldemort." She flinched. "So, if it ever does come out, to give you the chance you truly deserve, without discrimination, we are enrolling you as a muggle born. Only the deputy headmaster, Professor Fletcher, will know you are not muggle born, as will Mrs. Weasley- she will be the one who taught you what you know about our world. So, Miss Riddle, as far as anyone else is concerned-" he put emphasis on anyone else, leaving no room for argument "- you are a muggle born witch who, coincidently, shares Voldemort's last name. I hope you enjoy your journey into the newly found magical world." He gave the smallest of winks.
Lily smiled. She wouldn't be alienated. She nodded.
~*~
Flashback- MWPP Generation- Year Five for James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter, Year Four for Lily and Arabella
Lily sat down in the chair, as her mentor folded his hands and looked at her.
"Is something wrong, Lily?" The old professor sounded concerned.
Lily swallowed. "Professor Dumbledore, James knows. I couldn't hide it anymore. And, and...." she trailed off. Dumbledore nodded.
"James is the Heir of Gryffindor."
Lily nodded.
Dumbledore gave a small smile. "Lily, is it not the path our ancestors have taken, it is the path we chose. I know you and James love each others company-" Lily flushed, "-and it does not matter. Especially since you're having children is quite a ways off."
You could no longer see the difference between Lily's hair and face.
~*~
Flashback/book 4 reference
"For a fleeting instant, Harry thought he saw a gleam of something like triumph in Dumbledore's eyes. But the next second, Harry was sure he had imagined it, for when Dumbledore had returned to his seat behind the desk, he looked as old and weary as Harry had ever seen him."
-Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 36, 'The Parting of the Ways'
Albus Dumbledore sat down in his office, Fawkes swooping gracefully over and sitting on his knee. Albus closed his eyes, mulling over the events of the third task.
"Even now, if Harry defeats Voldemort, the blood of Slytherin is mixed with the blood of Gryffindor. They aren't separate anymore, through both Harry and Voldemort, through the generations after them. Not only that, Voldemort now has enough human in him to die. But, alas, what an ordeal for such a young boy..."
Albus's eye opened, and he smiled.
Harry had not imagined the look of triumph.
~*~
Flashback: Pre-Chapter One, the Events Leading Up to our Current Story
Harry stepped out of Mr. Weasley's 'new' Ford Anglia. He smiled at the familiar seemingly on the edge of destruction Burrow. His smile barely reached his eyes, which were shadowed with guilt, fear, and other emotions that no 14 year old boy, no matter how close to 15, should be experiencing.
Harry grabbed his trunk out of the back, and walked to the house, neither him nor Mr. Weasley saying much.
Mr. Weasley opened the door and Harry was immediately greeted by a familiar voice.
"Harry! You've outgrown your midget phase!"
Harry's grin widened, finally blocking out the sadness in his eyes. Indeed, he had grown to a full 5'7 this summer, though Ron seemed to have reached a few inches over 6'0.
Ron walked over and slammed him on the back in a brotherly fashion, causing him to stumble a good two feet forward.
"I missed you too, Ron, but must you kill me?"
Ron grinned. "Of course, oh evil child of the wind." (A/N: do NOT ask.)
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Pardon?"
Ron's grin widened. "You do not want to know. Hermione should be here any minute, Mum flooed to her house."
Harry grinned. "I bet you can't wait to see her, eh?"
Ron flushed as he turned to face the fireplace. "Bet you can't wait to see Cho Chang."
Harry's grin dropped. "No, not really."
Neither of them noticed Mr. Weasley, watching with an extremely amused look on his face.
Ron frowned.
"After-after last year, that's not going to happen." Harry's ton, though slightly shaking, left little room for argument.
Ron threw a brotherly arm around Harry's shoulders. "How you doing, mate?" The concern was evident in his voice.
Before Harry could respond, a loud voice stopped him.
"Harry!"
He flushed bright red as Ginny ascended the stairs. Dang, what happened to make her that gorgeous! Geez!
"H-hi, Gin."
Ron was too busy watching the fireplace to notice Harry's face, but Mr. Weasley was loving it. 'Ah, it's like when Molly gets me new batteries.' he though contentedly.
Ginny threw her arms around Harry's neck in a quick hug. Harry squeezed back, thoroughly shocked.
Wasn't this the same Ginny who flushed and ran from him?
His train of thought was interrupted when Ron yelled out yet again.
"Hermione!"
Ginny broke away from Harry. Harry kept an arm around her waist without even realizing it. Ginny glanced down at his arm, a sly grin spreading across her face. She nudged Harry with her hip. He went redder, and dropped his arm.
Mr. Weasley looked like a national plugs day had just been declared!
Hermione stepped out of the fireplace, dusting off ashes and smiling. "Hello, every-oof!" She was cut off by Ron's sudden hug. She came just barely below his shoulder.
"My, my, Ron, aren't we being affectionate? Be happy the twins are at Diagon Alley." said Mrs. Weasley as she stepped out of the fireplace, dusting herself off.
Ron ignored her.
Hermione pecked Ron's cheek. Ron pecked her cheek right back- surprising everyone, including himself. He pulled out of the hug blushing.
Harry gave Hermione a quick hug.
"Even I can call you shorty now!"
Hermione glared. Harry laughed.
Ginny gave Hermione a quick hug, whispering something in her ear very quickly. Hermione grinned, and whispered back. "Gin, you really banged your hip into him? Go girl!"
~*~
Same Flashback
Harry scratched out the note. While it seemed stupid to him, he knew Sirius would be perfectly happy to answer his question. After all, since the battle at Diagon Alley, Dumbledore was working with evidence to set Sirius free.
Dear Sirius, and Remus if you are there,
I've got a rather odd problem. You know Ginny Weasley? I know I've got a crush on her, but it seems like a bit more than the one I had on Cho Chang. I feel really stupid asking about this, just to let you know. Well, like, I blush constantly, like when we went swimming, and I went beet red when I saw Ginny in a bathing suit- and it was a one piece! Hermione knows something is up- but Ron's doesn't. OK, what am I supposed to do? I wanted to kiss her! Help? Please? I don't want to face the wrath of the Weasley brothers!
-Harry
Dear Harry,
Why, I agree. You have quite a problem-
Remus here. Sirius is laughing so hard. Don't take it personally, it's just that its eerily like James's reaction to when he found out he liked Lily-
Sirius again, I've regained control. Harry, you're in love with the girl. I know how special you must feel! A way I've found works is- GO TO RON! He'll be more, er, accepting, if you tell him first-
Remus again. For once, Sirius is right. Yes, believe it or not, SIRIUS IS CORRECT!
Sirius here. Shut up, Moony.
Here's one from both of us: tell Ron, and KISS THE GIRL!
Write back soon,
Snuffles, your lovable mutt,
And Remus, who is beginning to think he is the only sane person on the planet.
Harry grinned as he finished the letter. 'I'm lucky, in a way, I have three dads,' he though of James, Sirius, and Remus, 'two mums,' he though of Lily and Mrs. Weasley, 'and tons of brothers and sisters." He thought of the Weasley Children.
Swallowing hard, he trotted up the steps to Ron's room, and prepared for all hell to break lose.
~*~
Yup, Same Flashback still.....
Ron looked dumbfounded.
"So let me get this straight."
Harry nodded.
"You potentially like my sister."
Another nod.
"But you came to me first because you wanted to make sure it was ok."
Another nod.
Ron grinned, and whacked his friend on the back, making Harry tumble headfirst off the bed.
"Wicked! I'm fine with it Harry, because you came to me first. I know that you value our friendship. I'll talk to my brothers, you go figure out how to talk to her!" Ron had manic glint in his eyes that often came was he was riled up.
Shocked, Harry nodded, and walked outside.
~*~
Same Flashback, Different Day
Harry swallowed very hard. He had to write this letter.
She had the right to know. He didn't like her anymore, last year had stopped that, but she need to know what happened.
She need to know how Cedric died.
Dear Cho,
I know we aren't that good of friends, not at all. But I wanted to tell you how it happened. How he died.
I know I'm being abrupt, but I'm hoping this letter will help both of us. You're probably fine by now, you're a lot stronger than me, but I'm not fine. Not yet.
You know the circumstances, Cho. The Third Task.
Ginny just gave me a worried look. I'm at the Weasley's, and I didn't tell them who I am writing. They're worried.
I wish they wouldn't. I'm not someone they should waste their time on.
Well, Cho, I'm avoiding the subject.
It was the Third Task. We were in the center of the maze, having just beaten a huge spider that broke my leg. He wouldn't take the cup, and neither would I. I then proceeded to do the stupidest thing I've ever done. I told him to take the cup with me.
We touched it at the same moment, him helping me stay upright. It was a port key. We were taken to a graveyard, where we met Wormtail, and a not yet resurrected Voldemort.
I hope I'm not hurting you by telling you this, Cho.
Voldemort told Wormtail to kill the spare.
I won't put you through the rest, Cho. I can't even face it yet. But I hope knowing how it happened will help you, Cho. I hope you are fine.
You don't have to write me back.
Love,
Harry.
Dear Harry,
Thank you. I needed to know. I had no idea how it happened, and I was miserable.
Harry, I'm glad we can be friends. Friends are all we have to get through the rough times. Cedric taught me that.
I believe you owe me a dance at the next Hogwarts Ball, if there is one.
Love,
Cho.
~*~
Still in Flashback Mode- A Few Days Later, News of Cornelius Fudge's Death has Reached the Burrow.
Harry's shoulders slumped. His Firebolt lay on the ground next to him.
The rain poured down around him, but he barely flinched. His eyes were locked on the horizon, filled with misery, guilt, and perhaps fear........
~*~
Thank Yous,
Freakyleopard: We all make mistakes, and I'm very forgetful to. Hey, you survived Chapter 9, you can survive anything! That was random....
A/N: Don't worry, I'll be posting Chapter 11 soon. I will remove your doubts soon! It should be up by *squints at the calendar* Friday.
~Merusa, Who is staring blankly at Chapter 11, trying to get her thoughts written out.
Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. No loyal fan is stalking me, no reporters are clamoring to get my picture, no copyright infringement intended.
Author's Note: MWAHAHAHA! More evilness! I'm leaving you on the edge of your seats as a follow up for that awful last chapter! Another Flashback Chappie! Enjoy!
Freakyleopard, thanks for the invite, but I don't think it'll be necessary, now....then again, you'll see.
Chapter 10: Defying Fate
Flashback- MWPP Generation
Lily Riddle swallowed hard, and knocked on the door.
It opened, revealing a smiling old man with white hair.
"Come in, Miss Riddle. Take a seat."
Lily slipped into a chair, looking around her in wonderment. Though she'd been here before, she'd never get over the wonders of it- Dumbledore's office. She smiled as Fawkes fluttered over and landed on her knee, letting out a quavering note.
Dumbledore sighed. "Miss Riddle, I know of your Grandfather's, er, special situation." Lily looked down at her feet. "However, action cannot be taken against him- we have no proof that Tom Riddle is indeed Lord Voldemort." She flinched. "So, if it ever does come out, to give you the chance you truly deserve, without discrimination, we are enrolling you as a muggle born. Only the deputy headmaster, Professor Fletcher, will know you are not muggle born, as will Mrs. Weasley- she will be the one who taught you what you know about our world. So, Miss Riddle, as far as anyone else is concerned-" he put emphasis on anyone else, leaving no room for argument "- you are a muggle born witch who, coincidently, shares Voldemort's last name. I hope you enjoy your journey into the newly found magical world." He gave the smallest of winks.
Lily smiled. She wouldn't be alienated. She nodded.
~*~
Flashback- MWPP Generation- Year Five for James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter, Year Four for Lily and Arabella
Lily sat down in the chair, as her mentor folded his hands and looked at her.
"Is something wrong, Lily?" The old professor sounded concerned.
Lily swallowed. "Professor Dumbledore, James knows. I couldn't hide it anymore. And, and...." she trailed off. Dumbledore nodded.
"James is the Heir of Gryffindor."
Lily nodded.
Dumbledore gave a small smile. "Lily, is it not the path our ancestors have taken, it is the path we chose. I know you and James love each others company-" Lily flushed, "-and it does not matter. Especially since you're having children is quite a ways off."
You could no longer see the difference between Lily's hair and face.
~*~
Flashback/book 4 reference
"For a fleeting instant, Harry thought he saw a gleam of something like triumph in Dumbledore's eyes. But the next second, Harry was sure he had imagined it, for when Dumbledore had returned to his seat behind the desk, he looked as old and weary as Harry had ever seen him."
-Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 36, 'The Parting of the Ways'
Albus Dumbledore sat down in his office, Fawkes swooping gracefully over and sitting on his knee. Albus closed his eyes, mulling over the events of the third task.
"Even now, if Harry defeats Voldemort, the blood of Slytherin is mixed with the blood of Gryffindor. They aren't separate anymore, through both Harry and Voldemort, through the generations after them. Not only that, Voldemort now has enough human in him to die. But, alas, what an ordeal for such a young boy..."
Albus's eye opened, and he smiled.
Harry had not imagined the look of triumph.
~*~
Flashback: Pre-Chapter One, the Events Leading Up to our Current Story
Harry stepped out of Mr. Weasley's 'new' Ford Anglia. He smiled at the familiar seemingly on the edge of destruction Burrow. His smile barely reached his eyes, which were shadowed with guilt, fear, and other emotions that no 14 year old boy, no matter how close to 15, should be experiencing.
Harry grabbed his trunk out of the back, and walked to the house, neither him nor Mr. Weasley saying much.
Mr. Weasley opened the door and Harry was immediately greeted by a familiar voice.
"Harry! You've outgrown your midget phase!"
Harry's grin widened, finally blocking out the sadness in his eyes. Indeed, he had grown to a full 5'7 this summer, though Ron seemed to have reached a few inches over 6'0.
Ron walked over and slammed him on the back in a brotherly fashion, causing him to stumble a good two feet forward.
"I missed you too, Ron, but must you kill me?"
Ron grinned. "Of course, oh evil child of the wind." (A/N: do NOT ask.)
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Pardon?"
Ron's grin widened. "You do not want to know. Hermione should be here any minute, Mum flooed to her house."
Harry grinned. "I bet you can't wait to see her, eh?"
Ron flushed as he turned to face the fireplace. "Bet you can't wait to see Cho Chang."
Harry's grin dropped. "No, not really."
Neither of them noticed Mr. Weasley, watching with an extremely amused look on his face.
Ron frowned.
"After-after last year, that's not going to happen." Harry's ton, though slightly shaking, left little room for argument.
Ron threw a brotherly arm around Harry's shoulders. "How you doing, mate?" The concern was evident in his voice.
Before Harry could respond, a loud voice stopped him.
"Harry!"
He flushed bright red as Ginny ascended the stairs. Dang, what happened to make her that gorgeous! Geez!
"H-hi, Gin."
Ron was too busy watching the fireplace to notice Harry's face, but Mr. Weasley was loving it. 'Ah, it's like when Molly gets me new batteries.' he though contentedly.
Ginny threw her arms around Harry's neck in a quick hug. Harry squeezed back, thoroughly shocked.
Wasn't this the same Ginny who flushed and ran from him?
His train of thought was interrupted when Ron yelled out yet again.
"Hermione!"
Ginny broke away from Harry. Harry kept an arm around her waist without even realizing it. Ginny glanced down at his arm, a sly grin spreading across her face. She nudged Harry with her hip. He went redder, and dropped his arm.
Mr. Weasley looked like a national plugs day had just been declared!
Hermione stepped out of the fireplace, dusting off ashes and smiling. "Hello, every-oof!" She was cut off by Ron's sudden hug. She came just barely below his shoulder.
"My, my, Ron, aren't we being affectionate? Be happy the twins are at Diagon Alley." said Mrs. Weasley as she stepped out of the fireplace, dusting herself off.
Ron ignored her.
Hermione pecked Ron's cheek. Ron pecked her cheek right back- surprising everyone, including himself. He pulled out of the hug blushing.
Harry gave Hermione a quick hug.
"Even I can call you shorty now!"
Hermione glared. Harry laughed.
Ginny gave Hermione a quick hug, whispering something in her ear very quickly. Hermione grinned, and whispered back. "Gin, you really banged your hip into him? Go girl!"
~*~
Same Flashback
Harry scratched out the note. While it seemed stupid to him, he knew Sirius would be perfectly happy to answer his question. After all, since the battle at Diagon Alley, Dumbledore was working with evidence to set Sirius free.
Dear Sirius, and Remus if you are there,
I've got a rather odd problem. You know Ginny Weasley? I know I've got a crush on her, but it seems like a bit more than the one I had on Cho Chang. I feel really stupid asking about this, just to let you know. Well, like, I blush constantly, like when we went swimming, and I went beet red when I saw Ginny in a bathing suit- and it was a one piece! Hermione knows something is up- but Ron's doesn't. OK, what am I supposed to do? I wanted to kiss her! Help? Please? I don't want to face the wrath of the Weasley brothers!
-Harry
Dear Harry,
Why, I agree. You have quite a problem-
Remus here. Sirius is laughing so hard. Don't take it personally, it's just that its eerily like James's reaction to when he found out he liked Lily-
Sirius again, I've regained control. Harry, you're in love with the girl. I know how special you must feel! A way I've found works is- GO TO RON! He'll be more, er, accepting, if you tell him first-
Remus again. For once, Sirius is right. Yes, believe it or not, SIRIUS IS CORRECT!
Sirius here. Shut up, Moony.
Here's one from both of us: tell Ron, and KISS THE GIRL!
Write back soon,
Snuffles, your lovable mutt,
And Remus, who is beginning to think he is the only sane person on the planet.
Harry grinned as he finished the letter. 'I'm lucky, in a way, I have three dads,' he though of James, Sirius, and Remus, 'two mums,' he though of Lily and Mrs. Weasley, 'and tons of brothers and sisters." He thought of the Weasley Children.
Swallowing hard, he trotted up the steps to Ron's room, and prepared for all hell to break lose.
~*~
Yup, Same Flashback still.....
Ron looked dumbfounded.
"So let me get this straight."
Harry nodded.
"You potentially like my sister."
Another nod.
"But you came to me first because you wanted to make sure it was ok."
Another nod.
Ron grinned, and whacked his friend on the back, making Harry tumble headfirst off the bed.
"Wicked! I'm fine with it Harry, because you came to me first. I know that you value our friendship. I'll talk to my brothers, you go figure out how to talk to her!" Ron had manic glint in his eyes that often came was he was riled up.
Shocked, Harry nodded, and walked outside.
~*~
Same Flashback, Different Day
Harry swallowed very hard. He had to write this letter.
She had the right to know. He didn't like her anymore, last year had stopped that, but she need to know what happened.
She need to know how Cedric died.
Dear Cho,
I know we aren't that good of friends, not at all. But I wanted to tell you how it happened. How he died.
I know I'm being abrupt, but I'm hoping this letter will help both of us. You're probably fine by now, you're a lot stronger than me, but I'm not fine. Not yet.
You know the circumstances, Cho. The Third Task.
Ginny just gave me a worried look. I'm at the Weasley's, and I didn't tell them who I am writing. They're worried.
I wish they wouldn't. I'm not someone they should waste their time on.
Well, Cho, I'm avoiding the subject.
It was the Third Task. We were in the center of the maze, having just beaten a huge spider that broke my leg. He wouldn't take the cup, and neither would I. I then proceeded to do the stupidest thing I've ever done. I told him to take the cup with me.
We touched it at the same moment, him helping me stay upright. It was a port key. We were taken to a graveyard, where we met Wormtail, and a not yet resurrected Voldemort.
I hope I'm not hurting you by telling you this, Cho.
Voldemort told Wormtail to kill the spare.
I won't put you through the rest, Cho. I can't even face it yet. But I hope knowing how it happened will help you, Cho. I hope you are fine.
You don't have to write me back.
Love,
Harry.
Dear Harry,
Thank you. I needed to know. I had no idea how it happened, and I was miserable.
Harry, I'm glad we can be friends. Friends are all we have to get through the rough times. Cedric taught me that.
I believe you owe me a dance at the next Hogwarts Ball, if there is one.
Love,
Cho.
~*~
Still in Flashback Mode- A Few Days Later, News of Cornelius Fudge's Death has Reached the Burrow.
Harry's shoulders slumped. His Firebolt lay on the ground next to him.
The rain poured down around him, but he barely flinched. His eyes were locked on the horizon, filled with misery, guilt, and perhaps fear........
~*~
Thank Yous,
Freakyleopard: We all make mistakes, and I'm very forgetful to. Hey, you survived Chapter 9, you can survive anything! That was random....
A/N: Don't worry, I'll be posting Chapter 11 soon. I will remove your doubts soon! It should be up by *squints at the calendar* Friday.
~Merusa, Who is staring blankly at Chapter 11, trying to get her thoughts written out.