A/N: First of all, I would like to thank my beta reader Sarelle since I
didn't do it at the beginning. It's always good to have someone like her
to help work out your kinks. I suggest going to her little home in ff.net
for a good read.
Second, I would like to make it a habit to respond to as many reviews as I can. Like I've said before, reviews are great and help assure me that my stories aren't just wasting space. You guys are the greatest! Every 50th review will get a request story or addition to any WIP's. That's assuming anyone wants me to write them a story. ; p I'll explain this further when it happens. I also have my responses to the reviewers at the end of the chapter.
//..// means flashbacks, memories, or dreams /./ means thoughts
Part 2: Any Dream Will Do
That Saturday evening, Harry hardly even tasted the food as he hurried to finish. He couldn't wait until after dinner to meet with Rob. He had so many questions burning inside of him. He could even forget about his earlier dreams and visions in his excitement. Rob was his path to overcoming the obstacle that Javen had placed in front of him. He was sure of it. Sirius' talks and his friends' assurances could only get him so far. This may be what he needed to end it all.
"Harry, we've been talking," Hermione said matter-of-factly. When he didn't answer, she looked over to him. He was staring off into space and obviously not paying her any mind. She sighed in exasperation at Ron who shrugged and reached for another chicken leg. She poked Harry in the arm with her fork to grab his attention. "Harry, please pay attention!"
"Huh?" He looked over to Hermione who wore a look on her face that he was now becoming accustomed to seeing. He was apt to zone out for periods of time more and more often since school had started and his friends were becoming less and less patient as time wore on. "Sorry, Hermione. I was just thinking."
"That's all you seem to be doing lately," she lightly scolded, but he could sense an undertone of worry in her voice. "Anyway, me and Ron have been talking."
"I'm sure you have." She ignored the jab.
".And we think that you should see someone about these dreams. You've been getting them since you got home from the hospital. They've been getting worse each time too, haven't they? I mean, you usually don't get mysterious cuts and bruises during a dream. And what if they mean something? Your scar has been hurting too, hasn't it?"
"I'm sure it's nothing," Harry insisted, not too sure himself, "I haven't had a dream with Voldemort in it for a long time. And it's not the same kind of dream anyway. These show what already happened, but with a different twist at the end." He decided not to tell them how he had gotten those bruises and cuts. He hadn't even described his dreams to them in a long time so he wasn't surprised that they were concerned. But it didn't mean that their constant fretting didn't irritate him sometimes.
"They were all about Javen, right?" asked Ron. Harry nodded.
"But he's dead."
"My dad says that they haven't found the body yet," Ron continued. "And they've searched everywhere."
"He's dead, Ron," insisted Harry uncomfortable with the new direction of talk, "You weren't there. No one could have survived that cave-in. Sirius and I barely got out ourselves. I saw him die. And I felt it too. Our link is gone. And it can only be destroyed through death. He's dead."
"Then why do you look so afraid at the idea?" asked Hermione. "Look, I'm not saying we should institutionalize you or put you under maximum security. I just think you should talk to someone about it. Like Dumbledore."
"I can't keep running to Dumbledore every time I get a nightmare," he said, very much annoyed with her poking her nose into his business.
"Well then, Sirius or Remus," she returned.
"Sirius would come back and pull me out of school if he knew. And Remus would tell Sirius."
"Not if he didn't think it was important," Hermione said fiercely, "Listen to me, Harry. I know you are angry that everyone seems to fuss over you. And I know that you don't give much thought to your own safety. But we're only looking out for you. You are our friend and we want to see you safe. We don't want anything to happen to you if we can help it, especially not something like last summer. What can it hurt to tell Remus? Honestly?"
"Fine, you win," he said, holding up his hands in mock defeat, "I'll send a letter to Remus as soon as Hedwig gets back from his house. I sent him a letter a few days ago asking about Sirius."
Hermione looked at him long and hard as though trying to see if he was lying or not. Satisfied, she returned to her meal and soon another more pleasant conversation was brought up by one of the twins. Harry was not paying attention. His thoughts were hundreds of miles away.
//Harry stood alongside Javen as they sent curse after curse at the Auror. Believing him to be a Death Eater in disguise, Harry had no problem in getting rid of the threat. His wand moved swiftly and surely as he shouted out various curses. He never felt so alive. He had never dueled like this before, and it felt as natural as flying. The power flowed through him like a river and he had no problem keeping up with his guardian.
Whenever the power failed him and he silently asked for more, it would be there without fail. He was as strong as he wanted to be and the power rush made him dizzy. It did not matter that he had only just learned how to duel 'properly' from Javen; it was as though he had always known. Nothing remained of the unsure, stumbling boy that used to be him.
He saw Javen leaving an opening for the Death Eater when he stumbled. He saw the moment of fear in his guardian's eyes as the enemy aimed his wand carefully. And he was the one who had to stop the fight before anyone got seriously hurt. Unwilling to use any of the Unforgivable Curses even in his power-hungry state, he let loose a powerful Stunning Curse to take the Death Eater out. The aim was true and the curse hit its mark. With a loud oomph, the Death Eater flew back among the rubbish when the curse hit. When the man finally landed a few feet away, it was a brick wall that broke his fall. An audible crack filled the now silent alleyway and the man lay motionless. Too motionless.
The power rush began to fade from Harry and his red-hazed vision cleared at last. Javen was already praising him for quick reflexes and strong curses, but he wasn't paying attention. All his focus was on the still man on the other end of the alley. Even in an unconscious state, he should not be so still. Oh, God.please let him move the slightest bit.
Javen followed his line of vision and walked over to the fallen Death Eater. Placing a hand against the man's neck, he checked for a pulse. Quickly removing his hand as though the physical contact disgusted him, he turned to Harry solemnly and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Harry. Your father did not survive."
The rush and the pleasure came to a screeching halt for Harry. His father? What was going on? It was a Death Eater, wasn't it?
He ran to where the Death Eater lay and gasped in horror as he saw the face. It was Sirius there, lying so still and a bluish tint coming into his lips already. The look on his face was frozen in betrayal and a tear stained his left cheek where the blood from the head wound mingled with it.
"No," he whispered, "What have I done?"
Javen casually transfigured the body into a rat, a rat with one missing toe, and threw it away in the nearest trash can. He turned to Harry with a gentle, loving gaze.
"Harry, if I thought I could have saved him I would have. But the curse was already cast and.Life goes on, Harry. Soon, you will learn to forget and put it behind you."
"Forget, yes," Harry found himself saying as though in a trance. Javen crept into his mind willing for the boy to forget. It wasn't Sirius that he had killed. It was a Death Eater. And not even that. It was nothing but a rat. Why, then, when Harry walked away from the scene, his heart light and happy, that there were tears streaming down his face?//
A powerful slap knocked him out of his trance. The motion caused him to nearly fall out of his chair. When he looked back startled, Hermione was standing over him looking as though she would do it again though her eyes were wide with fear. When she raised her hand again, he involuntarily flinched and raised his hands in defense whimpering slightly.
Hermione stared back at him and dropped her hand. The look on his face was enough to halt a raging hippogriff. He wasn't startled anymore. He was afraid; terrified. He had even let out a whimper of fear. But what was he so frightened of when she had never heard him make such a noise? Then she realized what it was. She had struck him.
"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry," she burst out, "I wasn't thinking. After what happened during the summer.I just didn't know how to snap you out of it."
"What did you see?" asked Ron, his face pale and his eyes wider than a houself's. Harry wondered why everyone was giving him such strange looks. Yeah, he had made a prat of himself by flinching and crying out, but.he reached up to his face and realized he was crying. Crying heavily judging his friends' faces and the amount of tears still streaming from his itchy eyes.
"Are you alright, Harry?" asked Rob coming up to him, "I heard you cry out."
"I'm fine, Rob. I just blanked out for a.second." He stared at Rob for a moment. That feeling of familiarity came back to him as Rob repeated Javen's words. What was going on?
"This has to stop, Harry," Hermione said still shaken by what she had seen, "You can't keep doing this."
"Doing what?" he demanded, "You think I'm doing this on purpose!? I can't make it stop anymore than I can stop anything else that's happening. I don't get it. Why is this happening? Why now after all that's happened? And why can't I do anything about it?!"
He tore his eyes from his friends. He hated that look. It was a look he had been receiving more and more often and he couldn't stand it anymore. He didn't need their pity or their understanding. He needed answers. And he needed a cure to this.whatever it was.
"You've got a letter," Ron said softly, timidly.
/Great,/ thought Harry, /Now I'm scaring away my friends./
He reached over to stroke Hedwig who was taking large gulps from his pumpkin juice. She hooted at him softly and stuck out her leg. Harry took the note and sat back to read it wondering what Remus had to say. Usually his letters weren't so long. Harry, Thank you for your last letter. First and foremost, I must tell you that the Aurors have contacted me with new information. Javen's body was recovered at the site of the cave-in. You have no more to fear from him. He was killed instantly in the cave-in.
I can also assure you that Sirius is just fine and that he is dying to come home. He says to say hi and that he misses you. He also said to keep up with your studies, even Potions. But trust me when I say that he is very much safe and will be home in time for Christmas at the latest.
Now, here's the bad news. Apparently, the Dursleys decided to go over your parents' wills to make sure that there was no inheritance they might have missed that would go to them. When they found out about the money was turned over to you they investigated to see how much still remained and what it was worth in Muggle money. It is worth over $100,000 easily by the way.
They are now fighting for custody of you on the grounds that they only gave you to Sirius because of threats. While all of us know that they were not threatened (though Sirius would've taken it that far) we have to admit that there were no formal signings to hand over custody, rightful guardian or not. They are taking this to court and are trying to make it sound like you are better off with them because Sirius is irresponsible and puts your safety at risk.
They are using every incident from 1st year up and are focusing mainly on your various encounters with Sirius in 3rd year and the situation last summer. This has not reached mainstream news yet in the wizarding world, but it will very shortly. This will not be easy and it will not be a one-day affair. I assure you that Sirius and I are doing everything in our power to prevent the turnover, but from the way things are going, it will be very hard. The Dursleys have a good lawyer on their side and came up with a convincing story for the danger you are in.
I have contacted Dumbledore with this information and we are working on a defense as you are reading this. Do not worry; we refuse to allow this to happen. Please respond to me and give your thoughts. Don't hesitate to come to me with any concerns. ~ Remus
Harry read and re-read the letter until he thought he nearly had it memorized. Well, this just made his day that much better didn't it? Not only do his friends think he's a lunatic, but the Dursleys wanted him back just for his money. Great.
He gave the note to his friends to read as he struggled with his thoughts. What could he do now? He was still trying to get over what happened during the summer and now he was supposed to prove to a judge that he was happy here? This wasn't fair! He had thought the Dursleys were just a bad memory now. And now they had to come up and say that Sirius put Harry in danger. Sirius was the only person who ever really kept him out of danger. It was the rest of the world that seemed to want to do him in. None of it was Sirius' fault. Without him, Harry was sure he would be long dead.
Unable to contain his feelings without causing a scene, Harry mumbled some excuse to his friends and left the table for the Common Room with Hedwig on his shoulder. He needed to vent and he couldn't do that here.
Once safely inside, he summoned some parchment and a quill and set about writing a letter to Remus. He could no longer pretend that everything was fine. Once started, he continued to relate everything about his recurring dreams, visions, and the injuries he had sustained. Then he went on to say that he thought they meant something like most of his painful visions. With Javen gone, the only explanation was that the Javen in his dreams symbolized the Dursleys and whenever Sirius was hurt, angry, or killed, it was because of Harry.
Everything that had happened lately hinted at danger. And now the danger, those dreams, was pulling him closer and closer to the Dursleys. That's where the danger was centered. He had felt it all along. Perhaps these dreams mean that he will one day betray Sirius by leaving him for the Dursleys. Although he could never imagine doing that, he couldn't be too sure. Stranger things had happened.
How could he convince the Dursleys to leave him alone? Suddenly he knew what he had to do. It was risky and the consequences would be great if he were caught, but he had nothing else to do. He was just desperate enough to do it. He would do it when everyone else was asleep and hopefully be back before dawn. If no one noted his absence by the time he got back, then no one would be the wiser. Besides, even if he were noticed missing, no one would think it unusual. He was beginning to think that Hermione didn't consider him normal unless he were out having some adventure or making a scene. There, it was set. He would go tonight.
He signed the letter and gave it to Hedwig. As he watched her fly away, his thoughts began to calm and he didn't feel as angry. He knew what he had to do and he felt in control for the first time in weeks.
The door opened behind him and he guessed that dinner was over. Most of the students went up to their dorms, tired from a long day at Hogsmeade. However, Ron and Hermione, true to their friendship, made a beeline to Harry's side. He turned around to greet them, noticing Rob hanging back at the fireplace.
"At the risk of repeating myself," Hermione said holding Remus' letter, "Are you alright?"
"I am now," he said truthfully, "I just wrote Remus back. I told him about the dreams and injuries."
"And the Dursleys?" asked Ron, "What do you think?"
Harry smiled grimly, "I think I know a way to end the visions and their claim at the same time. Just give me some time."
"If you're sure," Hermione said uncertainly, "I just don't want you to do something stupid."
"You mean like get passed a three-headed dog, fight a girl-possessing ghost, track down a mass murderer, and steal from a dragon?" he joked. She tried to look stern but ended up smiling despite herself.
"If you get yourself killed I'll never speak to you ever again," she swore.
"Is that a promise?" Ron piped in. She jabbed him in the ribs and turned to the girls' dorms yawning.
"Well, if you're sure you're fine."
"Go on, Hermione," Harry said, "I won't break."
She sighed and climbed the winding stairs. Ron turned to Harry grinning mischievously.
"Y'know, maybe getting yourself killed might not be such a bad idea," he said, "If it'll get Hermione to be quiet."
"I heard that Ronald Weasley!" came a shout from upstairs. He and Harry shared a good chuckle at this.
"I'll be up in a few minutes," said Harry, "I just have to help Rob with his homework."
Ron nodded and followed the other boys to the dorms. When all the Gryffandors had gone to bed, Harry joined Rob by the fireside. It was now or never to learn all he could about his former adversary.
"You said you wanted to talk to me," Rob started. Harry nodded, sitting down across from him. Suddenly, all of his bravado left him as he was faced with the young boy and his large blue eyes.
"Yeah. If you don't mind, that is."
"I wouldn't be here if I minded," Rob replied. Harry shivered again. He wished the boy wouldn't stare at him like that. He stared like Javen did when he was trying to make sense of a situation.
"I thought you should know that.that the Aurors have found his body. Javen's I mean. He died instantly." Harry felt that it was the only way to open up the conversation without blatantly interrogating the boy.
"There was no suffering?" asked Rob. Harry shook his head deciding not to mention the battle that led to Javen's death. No, when he died it was instant and there was no further pain.
"If you want me to be honest with you, Harry," Rob said angrily, "Then you'd better be honest with me."
Harry sat back stunned. How had Rob known? Surely his only source of information was his mother, but how had she known? He and Sirius had told no one and they were the only witnesses to Javen's last moments. Even Rita Skeeter was unable to dig up much information on the occurrences.
"W-well, there was a fight before the cave in if that's what you mean," Harry said. "What do you know about what happened?"
Rob began speaking in a voice that betrayed no emotions behind the facts or judgment, "I know that Javen led the Death Eaters to your house as a distraction. With everyone thinking you and Sirius were dead, my father could take you where he wanted. I know that he tried to teach you how to complete his revenge by teaching you to duel. I know that Sirius somehow tracked you down and together you killed my father." He paused for a moment before looking straight into Harry's eyes, "I know that you killed a man."
"How do you know this?" Harry whispered fiercely, afraid someone might hear, "How could you when no one else knows?"
"Does it matter how I know? What matters is that I know the truth and that you are honest with me."
Harry was startled into silence. How had Rob twisted the purposes of this meeting so that instead of Harry receiving answers from the boy, it was the other way around?
Rob composed himself again, visibly thrusting his anger away where it could do no harm. "Forgive me," he said, "I've gone and let my temper get the better of me again. I do not mean to be so rude. But.he was my father. Despite what he's done or has been accused of doing, he was still my father."
"It's ok," Harry assured, still shaken by the ferocity of Rob's previous outburst. "I understand. It must be hard on you after all that's happened."
Rob nodded, smiling slightly, "I've gone through more than one should ever have to." His voice was soft, sorrowful. His mind was miles away from the conversation.
"It was wrong of me to ask for this meeting," Harry burst out feeling for the young boy in front of him, "I shouldn't."
"I was the one who asked for it," Rob interrupted, his thoughts returned from where they had gone. "It will be good for both of us."
"Can you tell me about Javen?" asked Harry suddenly, "Anything from what you remember. I'm afraid I don't understand as well as I would like to. I can't believe that someone would do the things he's done for no reason."
Rob sat back and thought for a minute before telling his story. "I remember him being so kind and happy. He loved my mother and me even when he was divorced. He would teach me how to play Quidditch and take me out to games when he could. The job at the Ministry was hard on him and he didn't have much time to spare. If he ever struck me, it was for discipline only and my pride smarted more than anything. But I remember he was haunted. You are an orphan, Harry. Surely you must know part of what he felt when Voldemort killed his parents. Only he was older when it happened. He could remember everything more clearly. And he swore to avenge them one day no matter what.
"He quit the Ministry because they held him back from his vow. They thought he was too angry and wouldn't let him get too close to the field jobs. Meeting you must have been like a ray of hope for him. You were the only one to ever stand up to Voldemort and survive. The thought that you could be the key to his final act of revenge must have been too much for him. That's the only explanation I have for his going off the edge. It is hard to believe the things that you and your father say he did. Forgive me again, Harry. I mean no offence to you. These are just my thoughts."
After that, Rob grew silent and observed the reaction his words were having on Harry. Harry lost eye contact after a minute, unable to stand those two piercing eyes. Why must everything about the boy remind him of Javen? Why couldn't his haunting presence just leave him alone?
Tearing himself from Rob's stare, Harry got up and turned to go upstairs. "It's very late, Rob. We should go to bed," he mumbled in an excuse to get away.
"Wait! You never told me what you thought of him," Rob interrupted, "Please tell me."
The teenager stood next to the stairs for a long time to think over his answer. Sirius' words came back to him and he found his answer. "I think he was a sick man who didn't care who he hurt to reach his goal. If it weren't for my father, Javen would have killed me. I don't know who he was when you knew him, but the Javen I knew was a very sick man." Ignoring Rob's gasp of surprise or the boy's growing anger, Harry calmly walked up the stairs, knowing what he had to do to solve all his problems. The insistent little voice in his head was growing in intensity now and it could not be denied. He would not allow himself to be weak this time. If he wanted to remain in Sirius' care and to attend Hogwarts again, he had to take the initiative. Nothing else mattered except to see the Dursleys. And that would happen tonight before anything else got out of hand.
When he reached his dorm, Harry made sure all the boys were asleep. When he was sure, he got out his Firebolt and Invisibility Cloak. As an afterthought, he wrote out a letter for Ron in the event he didn't make it back before he was missed. It wasn't much of a note. Only an assurance that he knew what he was doing and that he would be back as soon as possible. He told him not to worry about him for everything would be alright. Giving one last glance at the dorm, he fled the Gryfindor tower to the Astronomy Tower. Throwing his cloak on, he flew away into the night, desperate to put his mind to rest once and for all.
**** Harry stumbled along Privet Drive for what seemed like an eternity. He didn't know where he came from or where he was going. All he knew was that he was walking and couldn't find the strength to stop. Something tugged at the back of his mind in warning, so he reached for his wand, but found it suddenly missing. Where was it.? And there was something sticky on his hands.something that smelled terrible. But he could not think straight. What was wrong with him? Where were his glasses? It had only been a few hours since he left school and here he was wandering around like he had been lost for days. He barely registered the fact that the sun was beginning to poke through the trees in front of him. The glare only further confused him.
"Halt!" a sharp voice said behind him. He turned around to meet the blurry forms of nearly 20 men on broomsticks. They wore the robes of Senior Aurors. And they all had their wands pointed at him.
"Wh-what's going on?" he asked weakly. What were they playing at?
"Harold James Potter Black," the first speaker said with ice in his voice, "You are under arrest by order of the Ministry of Magic."
"What for?" Harry's groggy countenance shot up quickly. Something was terribly wrong here.
"For violation of Article 116, Section 9," another Auror said. Harry stared at him bewildered. How could he be expected to know.
"Murder, Mr. Black," the first Auror said grimly, "Murder of a Muggle family in the First Degree."
End Chapter 2
Sorry! I know how much people hate cliffhangers, but I couldn't resist. So, what does everyone think? Any ideas on what's going on? I'm always open to new ideas and insights. Unfortunately, it may be some time before chap. 3 is up due to time and some certain research I need to do with my Beta reader concerning the story. Be patient with me and keep pestering me to work on it. I promise it'll be done soon.
So here are my responses to some reviews I got for the previous chapter.
Megan: Thanks for the review. I love Sirius too and I can't help but put him in my stories. Unfortunately, I sort of make him a bad guy mid-way in the story. It's actually quite sad. But all will be good in the end. And thank you for your comment on SGNG.
Emilie: Don't worry, I'll update as soon as I can.
Abby: Thanks!
Nicky: Actually, his absence was a coincidence, but now that you mention it.I like the way you think. If you have an idea, please feel free to e- mail it to me. I'll give you credit for your idea if I use it. And yes, Rob's appearance wasn't a coincidence. If you read SGNG carefully, you'll find an interesting fact about Javen having offspring. Brownie points to the first one who figures it out. And about Harry being alone later.well, you'll see at the end of the next chapter. (Hopefully)
Coqui: Heartwrenching, huh? Thank you, it's how I intended it. Yeah, I suppose this is a series now, isn't it? I actually was thinking of writing a prequel to SGNG to finish off this particular series. What do you guys think? It would be about Javen mostly, and how he became the evil person we know and hate. Set around his Hogwarts days and after.
Kelly: I'll try to update as much as I can. I promise.
Second, I would like to make it a habit to respond to as many reviews as I can. Like I've said before, reviews are great and help assure me that my stories aren't just wasting space. You guys are the greatest! Every 50th review will get a request story or addition to any WIP's. That's assuming anyone wants me to write them a story. ; p I'll explain this further when it happens. I also have my responses to the reviewers at the end of the chapter.
//..// means flashbacks, memories, or dreams /./ means thoughts
Part 2: Any Dream Will Do
That Saturday evening, Harry hardly even tasted the food as he hurried to finish. He couldn't wait until after dinner to meet with Rob. He had so many questions burning inside of him. He could even forget about his earlier dreams and visions in his excitement. Rob was his path to overcoming the obstacle that Javen had placed in front of him. He was sure of it. Sirius' talks and his friends' assurances could only get him so far. This may be what he needed to end it all.
"Harry, we've been talking," Hermione said matter-of-factly. When he didn't answer, she looked over to him. He was staring off into space and obviously not paying her any mind. She sighed in exasperation at Ron who shrugged and reached for another chicken leg. She poked Harry in the arm with her fork to grab his attention. "Harry, please pay attention!"
"Huh?" He looked over to Hermione who wore a look on her face that he was now becoming accustomed to seeing. He was apt to zone out for periods of time more and more often since school had started and his friends were becoming less and less patient as time wore on. "Sorry, Hermione. I was just thinking."
"That's all you seem to be doing lately," she lightly scolded, but he could sense an undertone of worry in her voice. "Anyway, me and Ron have been talking."
"I'm sure you have." She ignored the jab.
".And we think that you should see someone about these dreams. You've been getting them since you got home from the hospital. They've been getting worse each time too, haven't they? I mean, you usually don't get mysterious cuts and bruises during a dream. And what if they mean something? Your scar has been hurting too, hasn't it?"
"I'm sure it's nothing," Harry insisted, not too sure himself, "I haven't had a dream with Voldemort in it for a long time. And it's not the same kind of dream anyway. These show what already happened, but with a different twist at the end." He decided not to tell them how he had gotten those bruises and cuts. He hadn't even described his dreams to them in a long time so he wasn't surprised that they were concerned. But it didn't mean that their constant fretting didn't irritate him sometimes.
"They were all about Javen, right?" asked Ron. Harry nodded.
"But he's dead."
"My dad says that they haven't found the body yet," Ron continued. "And they've searched everywhere."
"He's dead, Ron," insisted Harry uncomfortable with the new direction of talk, "You weren't there. No one could have survived that cave-in. Sirius and I barely got out ourselves. I saw him die. And I felt it too. Our link is gone. And it can only be destroyed through death. He's dead."
"Then why do you look so afraid at the idea?" asked Hermione. "Look, I'm not saying we should institutionalize you or put you under maximum security. I just think you should talk to someone about it. Like Dumbledore."
"I can't keep running to Dumbledore every time I get a nightmare," he said, very much annoyed with her poking her nose into his business.
"Well then, Sirius or Remus," she returned.
"Sirius would come back and pull me out of school if he knew. And Remus would tell Sirius."
"Not if he didn't think it was important," Hermione said fiercely, "Listen to me, Harry. I know you are angry that everyone seems to fuss over you. And I know that you don't give much thought to your own safety. But we're only looking out for you. You are our friend and we want to see you safe. We don't want anything to happen to you if we can help it, especially not something like last summer. What can it hurt to tell Remus? Honestly?"
"Fine, you win," he said, holding up his hands in mock defeat, "I'll send a letter to Remus as soon as Hedwig gets back from his house. I sent him a letter a few days ago asking about Sirius."
Hermione looked at him long and hard as though trying to see if he was lying or not. Satisfied, she returned to her meal and soon another more pleasant conversation was brought up by one of the twins. Harry was not paying attention. His thoughts were hundreds of miles away.
//Harry stood alongside Javen as they sent curse after curse at the Auror. Believing him to be a Death Eater in disguise, Harry had no problem in getting rid of the threat. His wand moved swiftly and surely as he shouted out various curses. He never felt so alive. He had never dueled like this before, and it felt as natural as flying. The power flowed through him like a river and he had no problem keeping up with his guardian.
Whenever the power failed him and he silently asked for more, it would be there without fail. He was as strong as he wanted to be and the power rush made him dizzy. It did not matter that he had only just learned how to duel 'properly' from Javen; it was as though he had always known. Nothing remained of the unsure, stumbling boy that used to be him.
He saw Javen leaving an opening for the Death Eater when he stumbled. He saw the moment of fear in his guardian's eyes as the enemy aimed his wand carefully. And he was the one who had to stop the fight before anyone got seriously hurt. Unwilling to use any of the Unforgivable Curses even in his power-hungry state, he let loose a powerful Stunning Curse to take the Death Eater out. The aim was true and the curse hit its mark. With a loud oomph, the Death Eater flew back among the rubbish when the curse hit. When the man finally landed a few feet away, it was a brick wall that broke his fall. An audible crack filled the now silent alleyway and the man lay motionless. Too motionless.
The power rush began to fade from Harry and his red-hazed vision cleared at last. Javen was already praising him for quick reflexes and strong curses, but he wasn't paying attention. All his focus was on the still man on the other end of the alley. Even in an unconscious state, he should not be so still. Oh, God.please let him move the slightest bit.
Javen followed his line of vision and walked over to the fallen Death Eater. Placing a hand against the man's neck, he checked for a pulse. Quickly removing his hand as though the physical contact disgusted him, he turned to Harry solemnly and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Harry. Your father did not survive."
The rush and the pleasure came to a screeching halt for Harry. His father? What was going on? It was a Death Eater, wasn't it?
He ran to where the Death Eater lay and gasped in horror as he saw the face. It was Sirius there, lying so still and a bluish tint coming into his lips already. The look on his face was frozen in betrayal and a tear stained his left cheek where the blood from the head wound mingled with it.
"No," he whispered, "What have I done?"
Javen casually transfigured the body into a rat, a rat with one missing toe, and threw it away in the nearest trash can. He turned to Harry with a gentle, loving gaze.
"Harry, if I thought I could have saved him I would have. But the curse was already cast and.Life goes on, Harry. Soon, you will learn to forget and put it behind you."
"Forget, yes," Harry found himself saying as though in a trance. Javen crept into his mind willing for the boy to forget. It wasn't Sirius that he had killed. It was a Death Eater. And not even that. It was nothing but a rat. Why, then, when Harry walked away from the scene, his heart light and happy, that there were tears streaming down his face?//
A powerful slap knocked him out of his trance. The motion caused him to nearly fall out of his chair. When he looked back startled, Hermione was standing over him looking as though she would do it again though her eyes were wide with fear. When she raised her hand again, he involuntarily flinched and raised his hands in defense whimpering slightly.
Hermione stared back at him and dropped her hand. The look on his face was enough to halt a raging hippogriff. He wasn't startled anymore. He was afraid; terrified. He had even let out a whimper of fear. But what was he so frightened of when she had never heard him make such a noise? Then she realized what it was. She had struck him.
"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry," she burst out, "I wasn't thinking. After what happened during the summer.I just didn't know how to snap you out of it."
"What did you see?" asked Ron, his face pale and his eyes wider than a houself's. Harry wondered why everyone was giving him such strange looks. Yeah, he had made a prat of himself by flinching and crying out, but.he reached up to his face and realized he was crying. Crying heavily judging his friends' faces and the amount of tears still streaming from his itchy eyes.
"Are you alright, Harry?" asked Rob coming up to him, "I heard you cry out."
"I'm fine, Rob. I just blanked out for a.second." He stared at Rob for a moment. That feeling of familiarity came back to him as Rob repeated Javen's words. What was going on?
"This has to stop, Harry," Hermione said still shaken by what she had seen, "You can't keep doing this."
"Doing what?" he demanded, "You think I'm doing this on purpose!? I can't make it stop anymore than I can stop anything else that's happening. I don't get it. Why is this happening? Why now after all that's happened? And why can't I do anything about it?!"
He tore his eyes from his friends. He hated that look. It was a look he had been receiving more and more often and he couldn't stand it anymore. He didn't need their pity or their understanding. He needed answers. And he needed a cure to this.whatever it was.
"You've got a letter," Ron said softly, timidly.
/Great,/ thought Harry, /Now I'm scaring away my friends./
He reached over to stroke Hedwig who was taking large gulps from his pumpkin juice. She hooted at him softly and stuck out her leg. Harry took the note and sat back to read it wondering what Remus had to say. Usually his letters weren't so long. Harry, Thank you for your last letter. First and foremost, I must tell you that the Aurors have contacted me with new information. Javen's body was recovered at the site of the cave-in. You have no more to fear from him. He was killed instantly in the cave-in.
I can also assure you that Sirius is just fine and that he is dying to come home. He says to say hi and that he misses you. He also said to keep up with your studies, even Potions. But trust me when I say that he is very much safe and will be home in time for Christmas at the latest.
Now, here's the bad news. Apparently, the Dursleys decided to go over your parents' wills to make sure that there was no inheritance they might have missed that would go to them. When they found out about the money was turned over to you they investigated to see how much still remained and what it was worth in Muggle money. It is worth over $100,000 easily by the way.
They are now fighting for custody of you on the grounds that they only gave you to Sirius because of threats. While all of us know that they were not threatened (though Sirius would've taken it that far) we have to admit that there were no formal signings to hand over custody, rightful guardian or not. They are taking this to court and are trying to make it sound like you are better off with them because Sirius is irresponsible and puts your safety at risk.
They are using every incident from 1st year up and are focusing mainly on your various encounters with Sirius in 3rd year and the situation last summer. This has not reached mainstream news yet in the wizarding world, but it will very shortly. This will not be easy and it will not be a one-day affair. I assure you that Sirius and I are doing everything in our power to prevent the turnover, but from the way things are going, it will be very hard. The Dursleys have a good lawyer on their side and came up with a convincing story for the danger you are in.
I have contacted Dumbledore with this information and we are working on a defense as you are reading this. Do not worry; we refuse to allow this to happen. Please respond to me and give your thoughts. Don't hesitate to come to me with any concerns. ~ Remus
Harry read and re-read the letter until he thought he nearly had it memorized. Well, this just made his day that much better didn't it? Not only do his friends think he's a lunatic, but the Dursleys wanted him back just for his money. Great.
He gave the note to his friends to read as he struggled with his thoughts. What could he do now? He was still trying to get over what happened during the summer and now he was supposed to prove to a judge that he was happy here? This wasn't fair! He had thought the Dursleys were just a bad memory now. And now they had to come up and say that Sirius put Harry in danger. Sirius was the only person who ever really kept him out of danger. It was the rest of the world that seemed to want to do him in. None of it was Sirius' fault. Without him, Harry was sure he would be long dead.
Unable to contain his feelings without causing a scene, Harry mumbled some excuse to his friends and left the table for the Common Room with Hedwig on his shoulder. He needed to vent and he couldn't do that here.
Once safely inside, he summoned some parchment and a quill and set about writing a letter to Remus. He could no longer pretend that everything was fine. Once started, he continued to relate everything about his recurring dreams, visions, and the injuries he had sustained. Then he went on to say that he thought they meant something like most of his painful visions. With Javen gone, the only explanation was that the Javen in his dreams symbolized the Dursleys and whenever Sirius was hurt, angry, or killed, it was because of Harry.
Everything that had happened lately hinted at danger. And now the danger, those dreams, was pulling him closer and closer to the Dursleys. That's where the danger was centered. He had felt it all along. Perhaps these dreams mean that he will one day betray Sirius by leaving him for the Dursleys. Although he could never imagine doing that, he couldn't be too sure. Stranger things had happened.
How could he convince the Dursleys to leave him alone? Suddenly he knew what he had to do. It was risky and the consequences would be great if he were caught, but he had nothing else to do. He was just desperate enough to do it. He would do it when everyone else was asleep and hopefully be back before dawn. If no one noted his absence by the time he got back, then no one would be the wiser. Besides, even if he were noticed missing, no one would think it unusual. He was beginning to think that Hermione didn't consider him normal unless he were out having some adventure or making a scene. There, it was set. He would go tonight.
He signed the letter and gave it to Hedwig. As he watched her fly away, his thoughts began to calm and he didn't feel as angry. He knew what he had to do and he felt in control for the first time in weeks.
The door opened behind him and he guessed that dinner was over. Most of the students went up to their dorms, tired from a long day at Hogsmeade. However, Ron and Hermione, true to their friendship, made a beeline to Harry's side. He turned around to greet them, noticing Rob hanging back at the fireplace.
"At the risk of repeating myself," Hermione said holding Remus' letter, "Are you alright?"
"I am now," he said truthfully, "I just wrote Remus back. I told him about the dreams and injuries."
"And the Dursleys?" asked Ron, "What do you think?"
Harry smiled grimly, "I think I know a way to end the visions and their claim at the same time. Just give me some time."
"If you're sure," Hermione said uncertainly, "I just don't want you to do something stupid."
"You mean like get passed a three-headed dog, fight a girl-possessing ghost, track down a mass murderer, and steal from a dragon?" he joked. She tried to look stern but ended up smiling despite herself.
"If you get yourself killed I'll never speak to you ever again," she swore.
"Is that a promise?" Ron piped in. She jabbed him in the ribs and turned to the girls' dorms yawning.
"Well, if you're sure you're fine."
"Go on, Hermione," Harry said, "I won't break."
She sighed and climbed the winding stairs. Ron turned to Harry grinning mischievously.
"Y'know, maybe getting yourself killed might not be such a bad idea," he said, "If it'll get Hermione to be quiet."
"I heard that Ronald Weasley!" came a shout from upstairs. He and Harry shared a good chuckle at this.
"I'll be up in a few minutes," said Harry, "I just have to help Rob with his homework."
Ron nodded and followed the other boys to the dorms. When all the Gryffandors had gone to bed, Harry joined Rob by the fireside. It was now or never to learn all he could about his former adversary.
"You said you wanted to talk to me," Rob started. Harry nodded, sitting down across from him. Suddenly, all of his bravado left him as he was faced with the young boy and his large blue eyes.
"Yeah. If you don't mind, that is."
"I wouldn't be here if I minded," Rob replied. Harry shivered again. He wished the boy wouldn't stare at him like that. He stared like Javen did when he was trying to make sense of a situation.
"I thought you should know that.that the Aurors have found his body. Javen's I mean. He died instantly." Harry felt that it was the only way to open up the conversation without blatantly interrogating the boy.
"There was no suffering?" asked Rob. Harry shook his head deciding not to mention the battle that led to Javen's death. No, when he died it was instant and there was no further pain.
"If you want me to be honest with you, Harry," Rob said angrily, "Then you'd better be honest with me."
Harry sat back stunned. How had Rob known? Surely his only source of information was his mother, but how had she known? He and Sirius had told no one and they were the only witnesses to Javen's last moments. Even Rita Skeeter was unable to dig up much information on the occurrences.
"W-well, there was a fight before the cave in if that's what you mean," Harry said. "What do you know about what happened?"
Rob began speaking in a voice that betrayed no emotions behind the facts or judgment, "I know that Javen led the Death Eaters to your house as a distraction. With everyone thinking you and Sirius were dead, my father could take you where he wanted. I know that he tried to teach you how to complete his revenge by teaching you to duel. I know that Sirius somehow tracked you down and together you killed my father." He paused for a moment before looking straight into Harry's eyes, "I know that you killed a man."
"How do you know this?" Harry whispered fiercely, afraid someone might hear, "How could you when no one else knows?"
"Does it matter how I know? What matters is that I know the truth and that you are honest with me."
Harry was startled into silence. How had Rob twisted the purposes of this meeting so that instead of Harry receiving answers from the boy, it was the other way around?
Rob composed himself again, visibly thrusting his anger away where it could do no harm. "Forgive me," he said, "I've gone and let my temper get the better of me again. I do not mean to be so rude. But.he was my father. Despite what he's done or has been accused of doing, he was still my father."
"It's ok," Harry assured, still shaken by the ferocity of Rob's previous outburst. "I understand. It must be hard on you after all that's happened."
Rob nodded, smiling slightly, "I've gone through more than one should ever have to." His voice was soft, sorrowful. His mind was miles away from the conversation.
"It was wrong of me to ask for this meeting," Harry burst out feeling for the young boy in front of him, "I shouldn't."
"I was the one who asked for it," Rob interrupted, his thoughts returned from where they had gone. "It will be good for both of us."
"Can you tell me about Javen?" asked Harry suddenly, "Anything from what you remember. I'm afraid I don't understand as well as I would like to. I can't believe that someone would do the things he's done for no reason."
Rob sat back and thought for a minute before telling his story. "I remember him being so kind and happy. He loved my mother and me even when he was divorced. He would teach me how to play Quidditch and take me out to games when he could. The job at the Ministry was hard on him and he didn't have much time to spare. If he ever struck me, it was for discipline only and my pride smarted more than anything. But I remember he was haunted. You are an orphan, Harry. Surely you must know part of what he felt when Voldemort killed his parents. Only he was older when it happened. He could remember everything more clearly. And he swore to avenge them one day no matter what.
"He quit the Ministry because they held him back from his vow. They thought he was too angry and wouldn't let him get too close to the field jobs. Meeting you must have been like a ray of hope for him. You were the only one to ever stand up to Voldemort and survive. The thought that you could be the key to his final act of revenge must have been too much for him. That's the only explanation I have for his going off the edge. It is hard to believe the things that you and your father say he did. Forgive me again, Harry. I mean no offence to you. These are just my thoughts."
After that, Rob grew silent and observed the reaction his words were having on Harry. Harry lost eye contact after a minute, unable to stand those two piercing eyes. Why must everything about the boy remind him of Javen? Why couldn't his haunting presence just leave him alone?
Tearing himself from Rob's stare, Harry got up and turned to go upstairs. "It's very late, Rob. We should go to bed," he mumbled in an excuse to get away.
"Wait! You never told me what you thought of him," Rob interrupted, "Please tell me."
The teenager stood next to the stairs for a long time to think over his answer. Sirius' words came back to him and he found his answer. "I think he was a sick man who didn't care who he hurt to reach his goal. If it weren't for my father, Javen would have killed me. I don't know who he was when you knew him, but the Javen I knew was a very sick man." Ignoring Rob's gasp of surprise or the boy's growing anger, Harry calmly walked up the stairs, knowing what he had to do to solve all his problems. The insistent little voice in his head was growing in intensity now and it could not be denied. He would not allow himself to be weak this time. If he wanted to remain in Sirius' care and to attend Hogwarts again, he had to take the initiative. Nothing else mattered except to see the Dursleys. And that would happen tonight before anything else got out of hand.
When he reached his dorm, Harry made sure all the boys were asleep. When he was sure, he got out his Firebolt and Invisibility Cloak. As an afterthought, he wrote out a letter for Ron in the event he didn't make it back before he was missed. It wasn't much of a note. Only an assurance that he knew what he was doing and that he would be back as soon as possible. He told him not to worry about him for everything would be alright. Giving one last glance at the dorm, he fled the Gryfindor tower to the Astronomy Tower. Throwing his cloak on, he flew away into the night, desperate to put his mind to rest once and for all.
**** Harry stumbled along Privet Drive for what seemed like an eternity. He didn't know where he came from or where he was going. All he knew was that he was walking and couldn't find the strength to stop. Something tugged at the back of his mind in warning, so he reached for his wand, but found it suddenly missing. Where was it.? And there was something sticky on his hands.something that smelled terrible. But he could not think straight. What was wrong with him? Where were his glasses? It had only been a few hours since he left school and here he was wandering around like he had been lost for days. He barely registered the fact that the sun was beginning to poke through the trees in front of him. The glare only further confused him.
"Halt!" a sharp voice said behind him. He turned around to meet the blurry forms of nearly 20 men on broomsticks. They wore the robes of Senior Aurors. And they all had their wands pointed at him.
"Wh-what's going on?" he asked weakly. What were they playing at?
"Harold James Potter Black," the first speaker said with ice in his voice, "You are under arrest by order of the Ministry of Magic."
"What for?" Harry's groggy countenance shot up quickly. Something was terribly wrong here.
"For violation of Article 116, Section 9," another Auror said. Harry stared at him bewildered. How could he be expected to know.
"Murder, Mr. Black," the first Auror said grimly, "Murder of a Muggle family in the First Degree."
End Chapter 2
Sorry! I know how much people hate cliffhangers, but I couldn't resist. So, what does everyone think? Any ideas on what's going on? I'm always open to new ideas and insights. Unfortunately, it may be some time before chap. 3 is up due to time and some certain research I need to do with my Beta reader concerning the story. Be patient with me and keep pestering me to work on it. I promise it'll be done soon.
So here are my responses to some reviews I got for the previous chapter.
Megan: Thanks for the review. I love Sirius too and I can't help but put him in my stories. Unfortunately, I sort of make him a bad guy mid-way in the story. It's actually quite sad. But all will be good in the end. And thank you for your comment on SGNG.
Emilie: Don't worry, I'll update as soon as I can.
Abby: Thanks!
Nicky: Actually, his absence was a coincidence, but now that you mention it.I like the way you think. If you have an idea, please feel free to e- mail it to me. I'll give you credit for your idea if I use it. And yes, Rob's appearance wasn't a coincidence. If you read SGNG carefully, you'll find an interesting fact about Javen having offspring. Brownie points to the first one who figures it out. And about Harry being alone later.well, you'll see at the end of the next chapter. (Hopefully)
Coqui: Heartwrenching, huh? Thank you, it's how I intended it. Yeah, I suppose this is a series now, isn't it? I actually was thinking of writing a prequel to SGNG to finish off this particular series. What do you guys think? It would be about Javen mostly, and how he became the evil person we know and hate. Set around his Hogwarts days and after.
Kelly: I'll try to update as much as I can. I promise.
