Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Long story short, J.K. Rowling's mind has far surpassed mine J. I own my stuff. But I do NOT own "Ghost of You and Me" by BBMak.
Thanks A LOT to all of my reviewers. You really cheered me up.
Indiangurl: I know it was short, and I was kicking myself for it, but thanks for your kind words. I will try for longer chapters, but the song bit makes it hard. I'll try, though. If I don't, I give you permission to cyberly bash me on the head (corny, I know) J.
Person (): Wow, I'm thrilled that you like it and I am more than happy to put up this next chapter. Thanks for reading, it means a lot!
BURN THE RUM: I'm glad you know the song, 'cause I am a MAJOR Evanescence fanatic!!! Yeah, I like to throw a little verse in here and there (hey, Tolkien did it, right?). By the way, you spelled Evanescence right! Yay! PLEASE type down some of your ideas soon, 'cause I love reading your stories!
Harryforeva: Thanks! Your review was the first I got on the last chapter, and it made me feel better, 'cause I thought it wasn't good. I'm glad you like the story so far. Here's more!
Dishonest Jack Sparrow: Rachel, is that you? Even if it's not, thank you! That was really nice 'cause I love hearing feedback. By the way, I like your penname! J
Okay, guys, I know it's been long since I've updated, but I have a thousand boatloads of stuff going on right now (or shiploads – Black Pearl loads for all of the Pirates of the Caribbean fans out there). But I'll keep updating as much as I can. Enjoy the chappie!
What am I supposed to do with all these blues
Haunting me
Everywhere no matter what I do
Watching the candle flicker out in the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love
It's robbery
I'm sleeping with the Ghost of you and me
Seen a lot of broken hearts go sailing by
Phantom ships
Lost at sea and one of them is mine
Raising my glass I sing a toast to the midnight sky
I wonder why
The stars don't seem to guide me
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love
It's robbery
I'm sleeping with the Ghost of you and me
The Ghost of you and me
When will it set me free
I hear the voices call following footsteps down the hall
Trying to save what's left of my heart and soul…
Watching the candle flicker out in the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love
It's robbery
I'm sleeping with the Ghost of you and me
"Padfoot," said James in a near whisper, "are you going to be ok?"
Sirius turned his head towards his best friend. "No," he answered truthfully. He would never be ok…if she didn't open her eyes…
James sensed the longing for loneliness in Sirius' tone. He decided to take Lily and leave the hospital wing. Remus was lying in the bed next to Mel, unconscious, trying to recover from the memory potion. Peter was God knows where. As soon as James and Lily left, Sirius did something very unusual. He allowed himself to cry.
"Oh, Melissa…" he pleaded, "what did you do? You never should have taken the vile."
Sirius lay his head at the foot of the bed, and let the tears gently caress the surface of the covers. Mel was pale. Her lips were drained of all their color, and beads of sweat lingered on her face. She would not move a muscle, even in sleep. Sirius remembered how relieved he was when he detected a faint pulse. But his relief vanished when he realized just how faint it was.
"I never meant for this to happen," he whispered softly. And out of his robes, he produced a small little package.
----------------------------
Harry's eyes fluttered open. He expected to be staring at the white walls of the hospital, but instead found himself looking upon the many portraits hanging in Dumbledore's room.
"I see you've woken up," said Dumbledore quietly.
"Where's my dad and mum and-"
"Calm down, Mr. Potter, they are all fine. Except for Melissa, I am not sure of her condition. The events that took place tonight were short – but intriguing. Very intriguing, indeed…"
Harry's thoughts began to loom towards Mel. He seemed to now have a certain connection with her. But he did not understand…he couldn't understand anything about tonight.
"I am sure you are confused about the events of tonight. They were puzzling, but important. This night will linger with you for the rest of your days."
Harry's stomach gave an uncomfortable lurch. He did not want to remember this night. It sent an odd chill through his body, but a stinging was piercing his back.
"When Voldemort gave you the potion, I assume you saw the events of last year at the Department of Mysteries. Then you felt a long, cold stab in your middle back. That is the seal of this memory. Though this night will not cause you pain, you will remember with precision of all that took place tonight. It will never fade like most memories tend to do."
Harry leaned back. He thought of how one small drop could cause that much damage. He didn't ever want to remember tonight.
"Then, what about Mel? She drank the whole vile!"
Dumbledore looked down, almost as if he was ashamed. "The potion Voldemort had obtained is not only painful, but lethal. Drinking too much can kill you. Mel is fortunate, though. Her body is strong with a powerful and ancient force – one Voldemort had not counted on. Only, in a heroic effort, she has condemned herself with a terrible burden. The potion she drank is now a part of her blood, her being. If she does not drink it again every year, then she will die. As a result, she is forced to relive tonight over and over again. She will be stuck in this moment forever."
"But, Professor" asked Harry, "Voldemort said something…in verse…like he was reading off a spell, or incantation, or something."
"Yes, I know what you mean. That ancient force in Mel is what drove Voldemort to seal his own fate. Since he attempted to kill off this pure magic, Mel was able to telepathically transfer a punishment. She doesn't know or remember ever doing such a thing, though. Think about it, Harry. She wants him to pay for Sirius' life. It all becomes untangled."
Harry was able to understand it now. "But, sir, I know I said something too. What did that mean?"
"Again, it was Mel. She was making a prediction about her own life. But now, Harry, you two share a connection, a life force. It is too hard to put in words. Yes, Mr. Potter, even for me. She did place an incantation on you, though it was unintentional."
"So now what am I to do?" asked Harry quietly.
"It is time for them to leave, Harry. They need to get back, or they could risk leaving existence entirely. I know it's hard."
No, he didn't. He didn't know the immense amount of guilt and pain it caused Harry to send his parents, Remus, and Sirius back. It was as if he were leading them to their own deaths.
-------------------------
Sirius held the small, squarish box in his hand. He stared at the smooth velvet surface for a long time. It was now or never, and all he could feel was right now.
He opened the tiny box and revealed a stunning sapphire ring. The square-cut jewel glimmered on the silver band. The two square diamonds on each side gave the ring a frosty shimmer. He had been able to buy it after sneaking off to Hogsmede when Mel was hanging out with Lily. No one knew of his plan.
He took the ring out and slowly slipped it on Mel's left ring finger. He got down on one knee and whispered, "Melissa Blaine, whether you make it through this or not, I love you, and I always will." Tears began to slip out of his eyes and down his cheeks. "Will you marry me?"
He dropped his head onto the soft comforter, knowing there would be no response. And with this thought, he let out a quiet, slow wail.
"Ask me again."
He looked up, astonished. It couldn't be. But with all his heart, he knew…
"Will you marry me?" he said, louder this time.
Melissa said nothing. She slowly sat up, and pulled him into a long kiss, one that blew every other away.
"How did you know I'd say yes?" she asked.
"Well," he answered, "how can you resist me?"
She laughed and kissed him again, letting her ring glow and illuminate the darkness inside her.
A/N: How'd you like that for a chapter? By the way, who's seen Return of the King? IT'S AWESOME!!!!