A/N- Again, thanks to all who reviewed, it is greatly appreciated! Suggestions, and/or comments are always helpful. I'm trying my best to update as fast a possible. Expect one about every week or so, maybe more if I get my act into gear. Since it is a weekend, I'm talking advantage of this leisure time and writing my forth chapter- Voila, here it is. Remember...... R&R!
Chapter 4:
Pardon?
Blinking rapidly to clear his vision, Harry groaned with discomfort. A fire-burning pain flashed across his forehead. His stomach was cramped and his legs felt like lead weights. No even able to sit up, Harry scarcely remembered what had just happened. He had came off the train, and was walking to the Great Hall, when Harry, feeling fine at the time, was tapped on the shoulder. Remembering following Professor Dumbledore, has was lead, into the now familiar office. Seeing the sight that he thought awaited him, Harry fainted. Then he remembered seeing Sirius's face looming overhead. After that, it went black again.
Now he lay here, wondering, where here was. The cream coloured ceiling above him swung in swirls as his stomach did the same. Suddenly, bright orange plumage flashed over his eyes. Wet drops hit his forehead. Was is raining? He thought stupidly, then, the pain disappeared. Sitting up and rubbing his still blurry eyes Harry glanced around. Here, he was, still in Dumbledore's office. The wetness that had cascaded on his head were tears from Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix.
"Thanks Fawkes" he said quietly, looking around for the provoking object, that had caused him to faint. Noticing nothing unusual, Harry glanced around to find a clue that might help him find the reason why he was here. Seeing a stray phoenix feather on the ground, Harry picked it up, power radiating from the weightless piece of fluff. Tucking it into his robes, he walked to Dumbledore's desk. Lying there was a piece of parchment, it read;
Harry,
I realize how traumatic it must be to have fainted, coming to, and fainting again. I'm sorry that nobody was there when you revived, but as Headmaster, I must make an appearance at the opening feast. Fawkes will keep you company until I come back, please do not leave, this I can not stress enough. I have something very important to discuss with you. Sirius does as well. As soon as you finish this letter, food will arrive, so you won't become famished.
Sincerely, Professor Dumbledore.
As soon as, Harry read the last syllable of Dumbledore's name, a tray of food appeared, containing a small chicken, lamb chops, ribs, mashed potatoes, creamed beans, a melody of different vegetables and cranberry sauce. Also a cold pitcher of pumpkin juice appeared next to it, along with a goblet, plate, and other essential utensils. His stomach rumbling loudly, reminding him that he was hungry, Harry decided to tuck in. After finishing what was on the plate, Harry glanced around the room, trying to find something that would occupy his time, while he waited for Dumbledore and Sirius. Seeing a door ajar, Harry moved close to it. Seeing the Pensieve, exactly where it was the last year brought back memories. Memories Harry wish had been buried. Even though Harry didn't want to see inside the pensive, something, a force, was bringing him closer to it. Looking over the brim, he saw the familiar substance. It was a bright whitish-silver, continually it moved, the surface rippled like calm water being caressed with wind. Whatever the substance was, Harry couldn't make up his mind.
He leaned in closer, learning from his experience last year, that he would not see the basin's bottom, but a clear picture of Dumbledore's thoughts. The substance swirled and twisted forming a picture of Hagrid, Harry leaned in closer, his nose touching the substance.
Suddenly, as before, the office reeled forward, Harry felt himself being hurled forward into the basin.
***
Looking around his new surrounding, and giving it great thought, Harry realize he didn't recognize where he was. He was on a green, grassy hill. With a small village, down in a valley to the left, and a forest to the right oh him, and a glimpse of the sea in the distance, Harry assumed he was on the coast somewhere. A breeze ran through the air, sending a chill down Harry's back. Unwanted goose bumps appeared on Harry's arms and chest. He shivered. Turning he saw Hagrid and Dumbledore standing behind him. He faced them, knowing that they could not see him, or hear him if he talked.
"Dumbledore, sir, I'ave talked wi' Olympe, and we're goin' in a fortnight. They're in Northumbria, an' we're ta meet 'em there," Hagrid said, nervously looking around. " If yeh don' mind me askin' sir, what if they don' want ta help us?"
"Hagrid, I have complete faith in you. The future lies in our hands, we must succeed," Dumbledore sighed. "The balance lies thinly on a thread."
***
Once again, Harry was tumbled into a new memory.
***
Snape stood in front of Dumbledore's giant desk. Nervously, he shuffled foot to foot. Dumbledore looked up from the papers he was reading. He sighed, bleariness showing his face, his eyes were no longer twinkling, but sad and tired. His once smiling mouth was thin and in a tight line. His jaw clenched and brow weary. He rubbed his eyes and stared at Severus.
"Does he believe you," Dumbledore questioned him. "Does he think that you are loyal to him?"
Snape glanced down at his shuffling feet and almost simultaneously sighed with Dumbledore. He rubbed his temples, weariness also showing on his face, stress was taking toll on him as well. His usually brisk, sneering face was devoid of any emotion. His eyes and mouth drawn out, every feature looking pale from lack of sleep.
"Yes, I believe he does," He sighed again, "It took him a little while, to test whether I was true to him or not."
"But you're sure, he believes that you're not a fair-weathered friend?"
"Yes."
"I owe you much for this Severus, you have my gratitude." He faintly smiled. "Please take a Dreamless-Sleep potion, you need one."
Snape nodded briskly, energy slowly working its way back to him. He walked to the door and let himself out. Dumbledore glanced in Harry's direction, not seeing him, but looking past him to Fawkes. Fawkes wasn't looking too well. Half his feathers was missing, and it started to make a gagging noise. Harry, remembering in his second year, when he saw Fawkes on his burning day, was not surprised by what happened next. The bird burst into flames, a fireball, if you will. Suddenly the flame blew out and left there was a pile of ash. Watching it, a few moments later, a little bird thrust his head up from the ashes. Reborn after the fire. Dumbledore's voice carried softly across the room.
"A new Hope."
***
With a jerk, Harry was back in Dumbledore's office, the one where an hour ago, he had fainted. Harry sat in the chair across from Dumbledore's desk. Suddenly tired, Harry closed his eyes. Sleep almost came to him instantly. He curled up, his face laying gently on his arm, and he dreamed.
***
He was at the burrow, upon his favourite grassy knoll, lying down with his face looking at the clear blue sky. The sun shown merrily overhead, making the world seem fresh and new. Fluffy, white clouds floated overhead. A perfect day. Clouds drifted by, while he heard explosions coming from the Burrow, probably from Fred and George's room. He looked down towards the lake and orchard. Bright red apples shone in the sunlight, the lake glistened with the rolling waves, drinking in the airy light.
Wind rustled over head, a bird flew above him. A dove, it flew with purpose, strength, power, and yet, innocence, and delicacy. Harry's eyes followed it's path. Down towards the trees it flew, lowering with each gust of wind.
The sky turned from a baby blue, to more of a royal. It was nearing dusk. The sun was setting, orange, red, and purple sparkled and glittered across the lake. Harry lay there, time passing quicker then imagined, watching the sun set, turning the pleasant sky into a dark navy blue, shining with stars. 'Ahh, sunset' Harry thought, sighing deeply. 'The only time when reality fades away and your left with fantasy. He blinked momentarily, capturing the beauty and innocence in his mind. His eyes opened.
The sky was so black it shined with blue. No stars adorned the night sky. Harry glanced around him, the familiar surroundings were not the one he was in a minute ago. The dirt he was lying on was dry, mixed in with gravel. Spots of green broke their way through the barren ground. Tombstones were the only objects around him. A high cackled laugh shot across the deadly silence. Lord Voldemort hovered in the air above him.
"Harry Potter. The Boy-Who-Lived. The defeater of the Dark Lord. Simple names you have," Voldemort sneered down at him. "As you can see though, two of those names do not suit you. Here I am, the Dark Lord, feared by all. I am flesh, I live. You will not be the defeater of me. The Boy-Who-Lived, another name that does not quite fit, for you are not going to live....."
Harry never looked at anyone in his life with as much hatred as he did now. His hand slowly made its' way down towards his pocket, trying to reach his wand. Voldemort continued talking.
"...you see, I am going to kill you, not right away of course, but slowly, painfully. This time I will succeed. You will not slip by me again." Voldemort caught sight of Harry's hand making it's way down to his pocket. "Ahhh, I think not. Accio!"
Harry's wand that had been so close to his grasp, was wrenched from his hand. Harry, now frantic, was unarmed. Voldemort played with his wand, twirling it between his fingers.
"Think that you were smart, eh? Trying to deceive me by not conversing, but you see again, that I have outdone you yet anew. Crucio!"
Harry's once peaceful body, twitched, shook and jerked from the curse. Pain shot through his body, he felt like he was splitting in two. His head burned like a hundred fires. Voldemort raised his wand, the burning ended. Harry's body still fidgeted, and trembled from the aftershock of the pain.
Voldemort's high cackle shot through the sky once more. His red eyes flashed, as he looked dangerously upon Harry.
"Avada Kedavra!" His voice boomed, the surrounding area crackled with energy. A green light flashed overhead. A force was blasted into Harry, the pain unbearable, his scar splitting in two. His laughter was circling around Harry. Louder and louder.......
***
"Harry!"
Harry turned his head, curling up on the other arm, ignoring the voice whispering in his ear.
"Harry, wake up."
He moaned, tired from the day, just wanting to go back into sleep's silence.
"Harry!"
Harry finally opened his eyes, staying into the smiling eyes of Sirius.
"Sirius!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here? How long are you staying? Where are you staying?"
Sirius smiled, the twinkle was back in his eyes, like in the photo Harry kept. He was sturdier, heathier and
cleaner looking then at the end of last year. Harry, sitting up, smiled at the man. So happy to see him there, safe, and healthy.
"I'm here for 3 days, I'm staying here, but the reason why, I can not say." Sirius stated.
Harry eyed Sirius suspiciously, why wouldn't he tell him why he was staying. A cough came from behind them. Harry turned to see Dumbledore standing there. Dumbledore looked only a little better then what Harry had seen in the Pensieve. His eyes, had a little sparkle back, but not what Harry had remembered from before, in previous years. He grinned at Harry.
"Tired, I see." he said amused. "Well, I'm glad you decided to stay, you see." he sighed. "I have something very important to discuss with you. It involves something that you have."
Harry looked at him, confused. What did he have? It must be important from the sound of Dumbledore's voice. The way he looked at Harry, the way he was looking into him.
"What is it that I have?" Harry asked him. "What could I have that is so important?"
"Harry, what is around your neck right now?"
***
As Harry walked back to Gryffindor tower, he had a lot on his mind. The amulet, Sirius, and Ginny. Confusingly enough, Ginny was the foremost thing on his mind. Not the danger of the amulet, not the escapade Sirius was about to do, but the way Ginny's hair shimmered. The way she spoke, the gentleness of her touch. When he approached the Fat Lady, his thoughts were clouding his vision, that he almost walked into her.
"Uh, sorry. Moonseed." The Fat Lady smiled as he said the password Dumbledore gave him. He walked into the warm, honey and red coloured common room. Seeing Ron, Hermione, and Ginny in a corner, he walked over to them. Descending down next to Ginny, he moaned in exhaustion. They all looked expectantly at him, silently asking him what happened. Ron couldn't take it anymore.
"Well," he said impatiently, "what happened?"
Harry looked at him wearily, the knowledge he received from Dumbledore taking effect on him. Ginny lay her hand on his forearm, smiling encouragingly. Harry glanced at her, smiling thankfully. The he looked at Ron, Hermione and Ginny in turn.
"Something happened to me, whether it is good or not, is another question. But it is thanks to Ginny here that I got it."
"Pardon?" the said, in unison.
"Well, I just learned that I hold the greatest power, around my neck."
TBC.....
Blue Eyes: Harry will realize that he likes Ginny sooner or later, just give him time.
Princess Hermione: You will find out why Harry fainted in the next chapter.
Happy Reading!
Chapter 4:
Pardon?
Blinking rapidly to clear his vision, Harry groaned with discomfort. A fire-burning pain flashed across his forehead. His stomach was cramped and his legs felt like lead weights. No even able to sit up, Harry scarcely remembered what had just happened. He had came off the train, and was walking to the Great Hall, when Harry, feeling fine at the time, was tapped on the shoulder. Remembering following Professor Dumbledore, has was lead, into the now familiar office. Seeing the sight that he thought awaited him, Harry fainted. Then he remembered seeing Sirius's face looming overhead. After that, it went black again.
Now he lay here, wondering, where here was. The cream coloured ceiling above him swung in swirls as his stomach did the same. Suddenly, bright orange plumage flashed over his eyes. Wet drops hit his forehead. Was is raining? He thought stupidly, then, the pain disappeared. Sitting up and rubbing his still blurry eyes Harry glanced around. Here, he was, still in Dumbledore's office. The wetness that had cascaded on his head were tears from Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix.
"Thanks Fawkes" he said quietly, looking around for the provoking object, that had caused him to faint. Noticing nothing unusual, Harry glanced around to find a clue that might help him find the reason why he was here. Seeing a stray phoenix feather on the ground, Harry picked it up, power radiating from the weightless piece of fluff. Tucking it into his robes, he walked to Dumbledore's desk. Lying there was a piece of parchment, it read;
Harry,
I realize how traumatic it must be to have fainted, coming to, and fainting again. I'm sorry that nobody was there when you revived, but as Headmaster, I must make an appearance at the opening feast. Fawkes will keep you company until I come back, please do not leave, this I can not stress enough. I have something very important to discuss with you. Sirius does as well. As soon as you finish this letter, food will arrive, so you won't become famished.
Sincerely, Professor Dumbledore.
As soon as, Harry read the last syllable of Dumbledore's name, a tray of food appeared, containing a small chicken, lamb chops, ribs, mashed potatoes, creamed beans, a melody of different vegetables and cranberry sauce. Also a cold pitcher of pumpkin juice appeared next to it, along with a goblet, plate, and other essential utensils. His stomach rumbling loudly, reminding him that he was hungry, Harry decided to tuck in. After finishing what was on the plate, Harry glanced around the room, trying to find something that would occupy his time, while he waited for Dumbledore and Sirius. Seeing a door ajar, Harry moved close to it. Seeing the Pensieve, exactly where it was the last year brought back memories. Memories Harry wish had been buried. Even though Harry didn't want to see inside the pensive, something, a force, was bringing him closer to it. Looking over the brim, he saw the familiar substance. It was a bright whitish-silver, continually it moved, the surface rippled like calm water being caressed with wind. Whatever the substance was, Harry couldn't make up his mind.
He leaned in closer, learning from his experience last year, that he would not see the basin's bottom, but a clear picture of Dumbledore's thoughts. The substance swirled and twisted forming a picture of Hagrid, Harry leaned in closer, his nose touching the substance.
Suddenly, as before, the office reeled forward, Harry felt himself being hurled forward into the basin.
***
Looking around his new surrounding, and giving it great thought, Harry realize he didn't recognize where he was. He was on a green, grassy hill. With a small village, down in a valley to the left, and a forest to the right oh him, and a glimpse of the sea in the distance, Harry assumed he was on the coast somewhere. A breeze ran through the air, sending a chill down Harry's back. Unwanted goose bumps appeared on Harry's arms and chest. He shivered. Turning he saw Hagrid and Dumbledore standing behind him. He faced them, knowing that they could not see him, or hear him if he talked.
"Dumbledore, sir, I'ave talked wi' Olympe, and we're goin' in a fortnight. They're in Northumbria, an' we're ta meet 'em there," Hagrid said, nervously looking around. " If yeh don' mind me askin' sir, what if they don' want ta help us?"
"Hagrid, I have complete faith in you. The future lies in our hands, we must succeed," Dumbledore sighed. "The balance lies thinly on a thread."
***
Once again, Harry was tumbled into a new memory.
***
Snape stood in front of Dumbledore's giant desk. Nervously, he shuffled foot to foot. Dumbledore looked up from the papers he was reading. He sighed, bleariness showing his face, his eyes were no longer twinkling, but sad and tired. His once smiling mouth was thin and in a tight line. His jaw clenched and brow weary. He rubbed his eyes and stared at Severus.
"Does he believe you," Dumbledore questioned him. "Does he think that you are loyal to him?"
Snape glanced down at his shuffling feet and almost simultaneously sighed with Dumbledore. He rubbed his temples, weariness also showing on his face, stress was taking toll on him as well. His usually brisk, sneering face was devoid of any emotion. His eyes and mouth drawn out, every feature looking pale from lack of sleep.
"Yes, I believe he does," He sighed again, "It took him a little while, to test whether I was true to him or not."
"But you're sure, he believes that you're not a fair-weathered friend?"
"Yes."
"I owe you much for this Severus, you have my gratitude." He faintly smiled. "Please take a Dreamless-Sleep potion, you need one."
Snape nodded briskly, energy slowly working its way back to him. He walked to the door and let himself out. Dumbledore glanced in Harry's direction, not seeing him, but looking past him to Fawkes. Fawkes wasn't looking too well. Half his feathers was missing, and it started to make a gagging noise. Harry, remembering in his second year, when he saw Fawkes on his burning day, was not surprised by what happened next. The bird burst into flames, a fireball, if you will. Suddenly the flame blew out and left there was a pile of ash. Watching it, a few moments later, a little bird thrust his head up from the ashes. Reborn after the fire. Dumbledore's voice carried softly across the room.
"A new Hope."
***
With a jerk, Harry was back in Dumbledore's office, the one where an hour ago, he had fainted. Harry sat in the chair across from Dumbledore's desk. Suddenly tired, Harry closed his eyes. Sleep almost came to him instantly. He curled up, his face laying gently on his arm, and he dreamed.
***
He was at the burrow, upon his favourite grassy knoll, lying down with his face looking at the clear blue sky. The sun shown merrily overhead, making the world seem fresh and new. Fluffy, white clouds floated overhead. A perfect day. Clouds drifted by, while he heard explosions coming from the Burrow, probably from Fred and George's room. He looked down towards the lake and orchard. Bright red apples shone in the sunlight, the lake glistened with the rolling waves, drinking in the airy light.
Wind rustled over head, a bird flew above him. A dove, it flew with purpose, strength, power, and yet, innocence, and delicacy. Harry's eyes followed it's path. Down towards the trees it flew, lowering with each gust of wind.
The sky turned from a baby blue, to more of a royal. It was nearing dusk. The sun was setting, orange, red, and purple sparkled and glittered across the lake. Harry lay there, time passing quicker then imagined, watching the sun set, turning the pleasant sky into a dark navy blue, shining with stars. 'Ahh, sunset' Harry thought, sighing deeply. 'The only time when reality fades away and your left with fantasy. He blinked momentarily, capturing the beauty and innocence in his mind. His eyes opened.
The sky was so black it shined with blue. No stars adorned the night sky. Harry glanced around him, the familiar surroundings were not the one he was in a minute ago. The dirt he was lying on was dry, mixed in with gravel. Spots of green broke their way through the barren ground. Tombstones were the only objects around him. A high cackled laugh shot across the deadly silence. Lord Voldemort hovered in the air above him.
"Harry Potter. The Boy-Who-Lived. The defeater of the Dark Lord. Simple names you have," Voldemort sneered down at him. "As you can see though, two of those names do not suit you. Here I am, the Dark Lord, feared by all. I am flesh, I live. You will not be the defeater of me. The Boy-Who-Lived, another name that does not quite fit, for you are not going to live....."
Harry never looked at anyone in his life with as much hatred as he did now. His hand slowly made its' way down towards his pocket, trying to reach his wand. Voldemort continued talking.
"...you see, I am going to kill you, not right away of course, but slowly, painfully. This time I will succeed. You will not slip by me again." Voldemort caught sight of Harry's hand making it's way down to his pocket. "Ahhh, I think not. Accio!"
Harry's wand that had been so close to his grasp, was wrenched from his hand. Harry, now frantic, was unarmed. Voldemort played with his wand, twirling it between his fingers.
"Think that you were smart, eh? Trying to deceive me by not conversing, but you see again, that I have outdone you yet anew. Crucio!"
Harry's once peaceful body, twitched, shook and jerked from the curse. Pain shot through his body, he felt like he was splitting in two. His head burned like a hundred fires. Voldemort raised his wand, the burning ended. Harry's body still fidgeted, and trembled from the aftershock of the pain.
Voldemort's high cackle shot through the sky once more. His red eyes flashed, as he looked dangerously upon Harry.
"Avada Kedavra!" His voice boomed, the surrounding area crackled with energy. A green light flashed overhead. A force was blasted into Harry, the pain unbearable, his scar splitting in two. His laughter was circling around Harry. Louder and louder.......
***
"Harry!"
Harry turned his head, curling up on the other arm, ignoring the voice whispering in his ear.
"Harry, wake up."
He moaned, tired from the day, just wanting to go back into sleep's silence.
"Harry!"
Harry finally opened his eyes, staying into the smiling eyes of Sirius.
"Sirius!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here? How long are you staying? Where are you staying?"
Sirius smiled, the twinkle was back in his eyes, like in the photo Harry kept. He was sturdier, heathier and
cleaner looking then at the end of last year. Harry, sitting up, smiled at the man. So happy to see him there, safe, and healthy.
"I'm here for 3 days, I'm staying here, but the reason why, I can not say." Sirius stated.
Harry eyed Sirius suspiciously, why wouldn't he tell him why he was staying. A cough came from behind them. Harry turned to see Dumbledore standing there. Dumbledore looked only a little better then what Harry had seen in the Pensieve. His eyes, had a little sparkle back, but not what Harry had remembered from before, in previous years. He grinned at Harry.
"Tired, I see." he said amused. "Well, I'm glad you decided to stay, you see." he sighed. "I have something very important to discuss with you. It involves something that you have."
Harry looked at him, confused. What did he have? It must be important from the sound of Dumbledore's voice. The way he looked at Harry, the way he was looking into him.
"What is it that I have?" Harry asked him. "What could I have that is so important?"
"Harry, what is around your neck right now?"
***
As Harry walked back to Gryffindor tower, he had a lot on his mind. The amulet, Sirius, and Ginny. Confusingly enough, Ginny was the foremost thing on his mind. Not the danger of the amulet, not the escapade Sirius was about to do, but the way Ginny's hair shimmered. The way she spoke, the gentleness of her touch. When he approached the Fat Lady, his thoughts were clouding his vision, that he almost walked into her.
"Uh, sorry. Moonseed." The Fat Lady smiled as he said the password Dumbledore gave him. He walked into the warm, honey and red coloured common room. Seeing Ron, Hermione, and Ginny in a corner, he walked over to them. Descending down next to Ginny, he moaned in exhaustion. They all looked expectantly at him, silently asking him what happened. Ron couldn't take it anymore.
"Well," he said impatiently, "what happened?"
Harry looked at him wearily, the knowledge he received from Dumbledore taking effect on him. Ginny lay her hand on his forearm, smiling encouragingly. Harry glanced at her, smiling thankfully. The he looked at Ron, Hermione and Ginny in turn.
"Something happened to me, whether it is good or not, is another question. But it is thanks to Ginny here that I got it."
"Pardon?" the said, in unison.
"Well, I just learned that I hold the greatest power, around my neck."
TBC.....
Blue Eyes: Harry will realize that he likes Ginny sooner or later, just give him time.
Princess Hermione: You will find out why Harry fainted in the next chapter.
Happy Reading!