A Life Not Worth Wanting
Chapter 10
I picked a song for this fic! It's Matchbox Twenty's "Unwell." Here's the chorus:
Well I'm not crazy
I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay a while and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy
I'm just a little impaired
I know, right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be
Reviewers: Kemenran- right away, sir!
Xirleb70- all for you! Happy?
Child-of-the-Dawn: update, right here! Get your update!
Disclaimer: read the last chapter.
A/N: Back from Nashville! Had fun, but anyways, here's the next chapter. I didn't get to write in Nashville, since I was running around so much, but here you go.
*~*
With a earing in my left ear, and a pair of black jeans that barely fit, I searched for my shirt. Finally, I spotted the shirt that says 'Doesn't play well with others', and tossed it on my head, along with a simple gold chain, with a ring attached to it. I put on a spiked bracelet, and spiked my hair with gel. Proudly, I pulled on a pair of old black shoes, and put a chain on my pants as a belt. I put on some black nail polish, and stepped outside of my room. Just my luck, a few first years wondering around my room. Annoyed, I shooed them away, and took the steps to the Great Hall, chains clanking.
Grandfather watched me walk in, and shook his head. I tossed him a smirk, and took a seat at the end of the Gryffindor table. Immediately, Neville, Seamus, Lavender, Ron, Hermione, Dean and Ginny surrounded me, wanting to hear about everything. I quickly blew them off, saying I didn't feel comfortable talking about it, and thankfully, they understood. I think. Oh well. I ate silently, feeling people's eyes on me. I ignored them, and ate what was on my plate, standing up to leave. immediately, a few second years got up, and began wiping my clothes off. I brushed them off, as I walked to the staff table, and grabbed a glass of water. I walked out of the Great Hall, drinking the water, before handing the glass to a waiting house elf, and heading straight for the dungeons.
"Snape!" I yelled, as I stepped in the best part of the castle, the potions classroom. "Sevvy!" Severus Snape appeared, glaring. "Potter" he warned, "Don't ever call me Sevvy." I smirked, and wrapped my arms around him. He shrugged me off, and went back to his potions.
"Whatcha making, Snapie?" I asked, as I grabbed a cauldron. I grabbed a few ingredients, and set to work, before he realized what I was doing. "Potter, what on earth are you making now?" I smiled innocently at him, in the best mood of my Life. "Another pepper-up potion." I said, stirring the potion. Snape looked ready to blow, as he stole the stirrer from me, and threw the potion out. "Harry, is that what you've been taking?" I frowned at him. "No." I said smartly. He rolled his eyes. "No more, Potter." Pouting, I looked in his eyes. "Evil old man." I said, as I left the lab. "Evil."
*~*
A week later, I was off the pepper-up potion. Unfortunately, I wasn't myself. I missed my friends, yes, but I also knew I needed a job. Or something to tie me over. So, I went to Dumbledore.
"Professor, I need a job." I told him, as I stepped inside of his room. He smiled. "Great. We have an opening for next year's DADA, if your interested." I smiled back at my grandfather, and yes, I accepted. In a few months, I would be a teacher. Scary, isn't it? As I walked the halls those few months, I knew that I had found what I was to do, teach. May not be exciting, but someone has to do it.
*~*
Another school year ended, and a summer of preparing. I looked around what would be my classroom, not thrilled with what I saw. The walls were a golden brown, and the desks were all old, and ugly. I produced my wand, and made the walls a baby blue. Then, I made the desks all nice and new, made from oak. Finally, I put up some things to decorate the place, before putting up a portrait of my father. He winked at me, and I gave him a mocking salute. As I put up the one of my mother, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in." I said, looking around the room. In walked Professor Snape, who handed me a stack of books. I looked through the stack, and smiled at him. "Thanks" I said, as I took them to the bookcase. "Anything else?" He asked me. I shook my head. "C-ya." He left me alone, as I put the books in order, and stacked them in the case. Then, I collapsed on my bed, realizing that it had been 6 months. 6 long months. My eyes shut as tears filled my eyes. Next thing I knew, it was morning.
I dressed in black pants, a green and black shirt, and a green robe, slipping on a pair of shoes. I looked at the wall, spotting a picture of the four of us. I smiled sadly at it, and left the room.
*~*
September 1st. Great. Kids. Fun. I woke up this morning, tired, and grumpy. Part of me felt that I was doing the wrong thing, but that's ok. Someone pounded on my door. "Harold James, move it!" I groaned, but got up, and showered, before opening the door. "Hey Sev." I greeted, as I looked at the older man in front of me. "C'mon, the brats will be here soon." I rolled my eyes, but grabbed a robe, and followed him.
"I hate kids." He told me, as we walked to the Great Hall, and sat at the teacher's table. I got comfortable, as breakfast appeared. I hungrily scarfed everything down, and waited for hours for the kids to arrive. Sure, I was only 15, but in mind and spirit, I felt a lot older. I had more experience than any one under 18, and maybe more than people over 18.
As kids piled in the hall, I watched patiently, with a smile. Many kids recognized me, and waved. I waved back politely, as I spotted the two people I really wanted to see. Remus Lupin and his lovely wife, Sandra. I gave both of them hugs, and watched, as they handed the two month old baby to me. "Hey Ali." I greeted the small girl, who sat snuggle on my lap. Remus took a seat next to me, and Sandra next to him. I smiled at my goddaughter, yes, I have a goddaughter, Alexandra Liz Lupin. I named her, with their support. I held the small baby with pride, as students watched me. Gently kissing her forehead, I handed her back to her mother, and watched as the sorting began.
For all these years
I've sorted the few
Who went on to do great things
I knew what to do
I put them in the house
That fit them the best
They were all different
None like the rest
The houses are simple
yet strong in every way
like Hufflepuff, the loyals,
who are here to obey
Gryffindor, the brave
and strong at heart
Slytherin the cunning
and Ravenclaw, the smarts
It's all up to them
Where they choose to be
I just do my job
it's fun to be me
So try me on
I don't bite
let's see where you belong
this will be a delight.
The hat finished it's song, and Professor McGonagal clapped with everyone else, at the best sorting song they'd heard. I smiled gently, as the first girl, Anna Alexander, was sorted into Gryffindor. Sarah Azizi was sorted into Slytherin, and the list continued. I stopped paying attention, until McGonagal rolled up her scroll, and winked at me. Grandfather stepped up, his eyes twinkling.
"Welcome students, to another year. A few announcements, before the feast. First off, we added a new position, a Dueling Director, Mr. Remus Lupin and his wife. Second, Hagrid chose to give up his teaching position, which has been filled by Charlie Weasley." I didnt know this guy, but looked at the other side of the table, I spotted a red head blushing. I shook me head, as he announced my name. "Harry Potter will be our new DADA teacher." Whispers filled the room, and I felt like dying.
"Harry...THE Harry Potter?" Many wondered, as I stood up. "Thank you, Grandfather. Well, yes, I am Harry Potter. Happy?" I cast my annoyed look, and took my seat, as he chuckled. The food appeared, and I found myself in deep talk with Charlie Weasley, who was a nice guy. I asked him if he was Ron and Ginny's brother, and sure enough, he was.
"Yes, I am. The twins have told me about you, incredible how you have helped them." I found myself grinning at this stranger. Grandfather looked over at me, and mouthed 'I need to talk to you.' I nodded, and got up, politely thanking Charlie. I walked over to his seat, and he whispered, "The trial's tommorow." to me.
You may not remember, but this trial is for the accident. They would have had it sooner, but I didnt feel up to attending, until recently.
I excused myself from everyone, and went back to my room, where I curled up into a ball, and wondered if my Life could get any worse.
*~*
I rubbed my eyes as I climbed into the carriage the next morning. I was going to stop by the graves, before going to the trial.
As the carriage pulled up to the gravesite, I grabbed a bundle of flowers, and walked inside, as the driver announced I had 10 minutes. I walked to Ali's grave, and squatted down.
"Hey sis. Well, the trial's today, and hopefully, I'll do some justice for you guys. I cant believe it's been this long already. I accepted a job at Hogwarts, teaching DADA. It's amazing, sissy. I love it. Ephram, I hope your taking care of my sis and my baby. Lizzie, I love you baby, stick with Ephram and Ali, it'll be ok. I'll see you guys when I get there. I love you with all of my heart." I placed the respective flowers on each grave, as I traced the letters. I held back tears, as I stood up, and walked off, leaving the bodies of my friends six feet under, but their souls were above me.
The carriage pulled up at the courthouse, and I met Grandfather and Maddy and Remus, who helped me past the press and inside. I ducked inside, just as flashes went off. Remus led me to a seat in the front, where we waited for everyone to get inside. It was the people against Mr. Dellmont, the limo driver.
Mr. Dellmont entered, with restraints. I couldn't bare to look at him, but I looked up into his eyes. I blinked, as I looked at the murderer.
Maddy took my hand, as the judge entered, and we all stood. She let us sit, and announced our case.
"Case 1134, The People verses Dave Dellmont is now in session. Representing for Mr. Dellmont is Charles Barkles. For the people, representing is Mr. Harry Potter, and his lawyer, Jonathan Tyler. Mr. Tyler, if you would."
Mr. Tyler stepped forward, giving me a reassuring smile. The court was underway, and I didnt pay attention until I heard them call me.
"Mr. Harry Potter." I stood up, and walked to the bench, as I looked nervously at the judge. She smiled warmly at me, and I answered the questions Mr. Tyler asked. Mr. Barkles questioned me next, and soon, I was done. I got off the bench shakily, and managed to get back to my seat, where Maddy pulled me into her arms, and held me. We were like that until the last person was questioned, and the judge stood. "We will have a short recess, before the jury makes their decision." I watched as she left the room, along with the jury. Just a few moments later, they entered, and a girl with brown hair, in a red pant suit stepped forward to the microphone.
"We, the jury, have found Dave Dellmont guilty of all charges, including murder, and drug use. We sentence Mr. Dellmont to 3 lifetimes in jail."
I felt a part of the anger lifted when I heard them say that. Tears filled in my eyes, and I looked over at Dellmont, who was being taken away. Ali, Ephram, and Liz's killer was off the streets. Now they could finally rest in peace. Or so I hoped.
*~*
My first class. It has been only a few short hours since the trial, and I felt great. I walked into my classroom, just as the bell rang for the final time. A whole bunch of eager 2nd years awaited, watched me happily. I was able to return the happiness, as I took a seat on my desk, and began to talk.
"Welcome. I am Harry Potter, and yes, im 15. Any questions?" A small girl with shoulder length brown hair and mouse like features raised her hand first. "Is it true that you're a duke?" I smiled. "Yes, it is. Duke Harry." The girl smiled satisfied. A tall boy raised his hand next. "I love your hair. How do you do that?" He was referring to the spikes I had in my hair. "Lots and lots of gel." I explained, as I called on the next student. Nearly an hour later, a girl with red hair, and sparkling green eyes raised her hand.
"Sir, is it true that you were friends with Ali Smith?" I looked at the girl when she said that name. "How did you know?" I asked the small girl, who looked extremely shy. "She was my cousin." I looked at her solemnly, knowing where she was coming from. As an instinct, I held my arms out, and she climbed in them. "She was beautiful, Ali was. You were incredibly lucky to have her as a cousin." I told the girl, who revealed her name as Michelle Smith. As I held this small redhead in my arms, a part of me felt like I had found something to live for. A small girl, nicknamed Chelle. I knew, as I dismissed the class, and stayed with her, that a friendship could grow from this. Chelle is so much like Ali was, and yes, I liked being an older brother to her. As she unraveled herself from my arms, she smiled one of those innocent baby smiles, and thanked me. My heart melted, seeing this girl with tears in her eyes. Yes, this would be a fun year.
Next chapter: Last chapter! *sobs* However, this chapter will explain several things, and yes, there will be a sequel. No worries. It will be a long chapter, so it will be about 3 or 4 weeks, which I apologize, but im going to be out of town for the next two weeks. Thanks so much for the support, and I hope you guys will wait patiently!
Harry: So what's going to happen?
You should know
Harry: I don't remember!
Oh well, everyone give Harry a hug, and tell him to get lost. Buh-bye!
*I brought in Chelle as a last minute thing, that I just decided to do. I felt that Harry could have some kind of big brother feelings, and what better than the cousin of Ali?
