Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters.
A/N: I am getting so sick of writing that. Sorry, anyways, only one person noticed I was listening to Christmas music last time! Lei Dumbledore! I wrote something for the heck of it at the bottom of my replies to the reviews. Kind of like at the end of the second Harry Potter movie. Did you guys see that? It was about Professor Lockhart, or whatever his name was. He was in a straight jacket on the cover of a book, for those of you who are wondering. Anyways, I'm sick, and it sucks. But I'm going to update now, since my FINALS ARE OVER!!!!!!!!!!! Yes! Plus, the evil roomies are upstairs asleep. Okay, I'm shutting up now, I swear. Oh, I lied. I am past the 100 mark on reviews!!!!! I'm thrilled! Now, I'm shutting up.
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"Uh." moaned Harry. He threw his bag onto his bed and then crawled onto it himself. The day had lasted longer than he thought was humanly possible. As he buried his face into the pillow, he heard the door open and wasn't surprised when he found a hand on his forehead. "Oh, for the love of Merlin, I'm fine." He mumbled, brushing the hand away.
"Harry, the way you were trudging around classes today tells me otherwise." Harry nearly fell out of bed when he heard Hermione's voice. He hadn't expected her to come into the boys dorms. "You look pale, are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes, I'm just tired, okay?" said Harry sitting up to face his friend. "Things seem different now. Everyone's treating me like I'll fall apart or something. Hell, even Snape was slightly nice to me today."
"Well, we're worried about you. You've hardly eaten at all and…you won't talk about what happened."
"Did the thought ever occur to you that perhaps I don't want to talk about it? Besides, I think you all talk about it enough without me having to." he said, getting up from the bed.
Hermione looked flustered. He always did this. 'Why won't he just talk to us!' her mind screamed at her. "Harry," but she was cut off.
"Look, dinner's in ten minutes. Why don't you go ahead and go, alright? I'll be there in a minute." he turned away from her, signaling the end of the discussion.
"Fine. I'll see you down there then." she said and walked out the door. Harry watched as Hermione went down the stairs and then fell back onto his bed again. He thought he'd take a little nap before going downstairs and facing all the stares of the other students. They'd been doing it all day and he was sick of it. He closed his eyes and immediately fell asleep.
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Before he even opened his eyes he knew where he was. A deep feeling of dread crept into his heart. He could feel dirt sifting through the slits in the lid. The confined space made him feel like throwing up. He brought his hands up in a futile attempt to open the lid, only to bring them down again in defeat. As he lay there, he felt something moving down by his feet. He lifted his head up until it hit the coffin lid. The 'thing' near his feet was blacker than the darkness surrounding him. As he watched it, he realized it was looking at him with glowing grey dead eyes. He cringed in fear as it started to crawl up his legs, its eyes never wavering from his own. He started banging on the coffin lid again and screaming for someone to let him out. He could feel the 'thing' slowly getting closer to his face. He thought if he looked at it, he would die. Suddenly the coffin lid shot open. Ron.
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Ron had Harry by the shoulders and was shaking him furiously. Harry's eyes shot open and he looked at Ron as if he had just saved his life. Harry sat up shakily, never losing sight of Ron.
"Harry, are you alright? You were having a nightmare. Was it about the coffin?" Harry shied away as if burned. Ron had learned never to mention the 'buried alive' subject around Harry, but decided to try anyways. The nightmares were getting worse.
"We don't have to talk about it Harry." he said quickly, trying to calm him down. "Don't flip out on me, alright?" he said, in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Harry mock glared at him. "Shut up." he said, "I don't flip out."
"Seriously, are you alright? I could tell this one was worse than the others."
Harry just nodded. "I'm alright. What are you doing here?"
"Came to check on you. Dinner started fifteen minutes ago." replied Ron. "When you didn't show up, Hermione got worried and sent me to look for you."
"Oh." said Harry. He was definitely getting tired of everyone fussing over him. "Well, I am a little hungry now. Let's go down so I can ease her fears." he said semi sarcastically. He knew she really was worried about him.
"Okay."
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As soon as they walked into the Great Hall, conversation stopped. All eyes were on Harry, as they had been all day. No one had dared to talk to him. Some people were even scared of him. What person died and then could come back to life? Those who hadn't seen Harry in the halls were flat out staring at him, unabashedly, while others had the decency to look away once seen. Harry had had enough.
"I'm alive, get over it!" he said the last part in pronounced syllables. As everyone in the Hall hurriedly looked to their plates in embarrassment, Harry and Ron made their way to their table, which was filled with smiling friends.
"Couldn't have put it better myself, Harry." said Fred, with George nodding fervently by his side.
Harry just smiled in return. He noticed that Hermione was looking at him with a look that showed her concern and her pride of how he handled the idiots from the other houses.
"I'm fine, Hermione." he whispered so only she could hear.
"I could tell." replied Hermione, laughingly. "I thought Draco was going to pass out when you came in."
Apparently Malfoy didn't believe the rumors that Potter was still alive, but he did now.
After that, most people kept their eyes to themselves, although some couldn't help it, and were caught looking at Harry, which earned them a glare in return.
As Harry slowly ate his meal, his thoughts drifted to the dream he had just had. It sent shivers down his spine just thinking about it. He hoped he would never have that dream again, but he knew he would. He'd been having the same dream ever since he woke up in the Hospital Wing a week ago. The 'thing' at the foot of the coffin had been new, though, and it scared Harry to no end.
"Harry, dinner's over. Are you coming back to the common room?" asked Ron. Harry had been so engrossed in his own thoughts that he hadn't noticed half of the room leave.
"Um, yeah, I'll be there in a few." Harry wasn't in the mood to go converse with his housemates just yet. He wanted some alone time, he hadn't been able to be by himself in ages it seemed.
"Oh, okay. Well, don't stay gone too long or Hermione will throw a fit, alright?"
"Alright." and he left the Great Hall. He wasn't quite sure where he was going, but he also didn't care. It was good to be able to be by himself for once. No one constantly asking him if he was alright or following him around wherever he went. He ended up in an area of the school he hadn't been in before, or at least it didn't look familiar. This really didn't surprise him; he figured he'd find something new even when he was in his seventh year. He climbed a flight of stairs that seemed to materialize from out of nowhere. He ended up in a tower. As he looked around he could see he was in the tallest tower. He could see everything from here. He climbed up onto the ledge, and sat down; letting his legs dangle over the edge. If someone saw him now, they would probably think he was about to do something stupid. However, that thought never crossed his mind.
He felt free, just sitting there, letting the wind blow through his hair, revealing his scar on his forehead. This was the way he liked it, he would much prefer to be outside than in. This was a new feeling to him. He always liked being outside, but now the need to be without walls was greater than ever. Confinement wasn't something he liked, even if he was in a classroom or in the castle at all. When he had gone into McGonagall's class that afternoon, he thought he would pass out when the door had shut. Divination was practically impossible for the mere fact it was so stuffy. He sat by the window the entire time, taking deep breaths. He was thankful no one had noticed his odd behavior. He didn't want them to know about his fear. He thought it made him seem weak, and he hated it.
He hadn't realized how much time had passed. He had been sitting on the edge of a tower for over three hours. He didn't know that half the staff was currently searching for him or the Gryffindor common room was filled with his friends, who were worried something had happened to him. He sat blissfully unaware, kicking his legs against the walls beneath him, while something crept slowly upon him.
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"Where the hell is he?!" yelled Ron. He didn't think he could take it if something happened to his friend. Watching his friend die had been the most horrible thing he had ever bared witness to. If they didn't find Harry soon, he thought he would explode. Fred, George, and Ginny were sitting by their brother, in an attempt to calm him. They knew what he was going through, and hoped Harry would show up before he cracked.
"What if he's sick again? What if he's hurt? He kept getting sick before he….you know. What if he's dying?" Hermione blurted it out and everyone in the room just stared, slack jawed for a whole minute. "I know, it's a horrible thing to think, but it could very well be the reason he's not shown up. He just got sick before, what if it's happening again?" she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She knew she wasn't the only one who had been thinking the same thing. Everyone was worried that Harry might up and get sick again. And then what, would he die? Would it just be a cold? No one knew, and this is what would make people worry for the rest of their lives about Harry. The fear that they might accidentally hurt Harry the way they had just done.
"He's fine Hermione. He's probably just sitting somewhere, thinking, and has lost track of the time. He'll come back when he realizes how late it is. And then, I'm going to beat the crap out of him." Ron smiled at Hermione.
"I hope you're right."
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"Hello, Harry." His blood ran cold at the voice. It couldn't be.
He slowly turned around and came face to face with someone he thought he'd never see again. "Hello," he paused, not entirely sure he was seeing what he thought he was seeing. "You're a ghost." he watched as the figure before him bobbed up and down. Harry brought his hand up and right through the misty white figure. "Just checking." he mumbled, before facing him again. "I'm sorry about what happened." He still felt guilty about what had happened last year.
"It wasn't your fault, so stop blaming yourself already." said Cedric, who was now floating directly in front of Harry.
"What are you doing here? Are you going to be like nearly headless Nick, now? Or what?" asked Harry.
"Not exactly, Harry. Actually, I'm here to help you. You need closure about something. I know you still think it's your fault that I died, but Harry, you've got to understand that it was Voldemort's doing, not yours. You weren't to blame. You didn't know the cup was a portkey, neither did I. I don't blame you." He stated.
Harry looked at him for a moment. The fact that Cedric Diggory was standing in front of him, telling him straight up that he didn't blame him was kind of hard to deny. "I know, I know." he said.
"Good." he said, feeling he finally got through the thick headed boy in front of him. "Now get off this ledge, before you join me in the land of dead people.
Harry laughed. "Have you seen my parents?" he didn't know why he asked it, but he had to know.
"A few times, actually. They're very nice people Harry, they're very proud of you."
Harry nodded his head. His parents were proud of him. "Why aren't they here too? I mean, you're here; there are other ghosts that haunt the castle even. Why don't you guys do it too?" asked Harry.
"It's kind of hard to explain, Harry. The only reason you can see me is because you've, well, you've died." he said, shrugging his shoulders. "You're parents can't come because of the way they died. When people are murdered, or have abnormally horrible deaths, they generally don't come back. They're not allowed, for fear that they might avenge their deaths. Now you and I know that if they had the chance, they probably would, especially if it was to protect you. Ghosts do have the ability to jump into bodies, you know. But they have to know how to do it. It's a very complex task, and most don't even try it. It is very tiring."
"Wow." said Harry. "I didn't know that. But wait, you're here, and you were murdered by Voldemort, so, shouldn't you also not be allowed?"
"I'm an exception to the rule right now. Since, technically I didn't know that I was murdered until after I was dead, I don't count. When we ended up there in that graveyard, things were confusing, and I just didn't figure it out until afterwards. So, I am allowed. I don't feel the need to avenge anything, because I was happy before I died. You're parents were worried about your safety. That's the difference." said Cedric.
"Oh, okay." said Harry, slightly bumming after realizing he wouldn't be able to see his parents.
"By the way, you might want to get back to your common room. You've been gone for a very long time, they're worried."
"Oh no!" he moaned. "They'll never let me out of their sights now. Wait, are you leaving now?"
"Yes, but you just might see me again soon." said Cedric, smiling. "Hurry now."
Harry ran from the tower.
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A/N: Hello all! I'm leaving you with slight cliffy. Sorry! I felt like I was getting no where. Anyways, I always feel like that, though. But did you like it????? Please say you did! Now, let's just hope that no one beats the crap out of him for disappearing on them like that. Well, I hope to just kind of skip to the Christmas holidays in the next chapter or so, since Christmas will be here very soon. Well, on to the replies to reviewers!
MixedUpAgain: Glad to know that you didn't die of suspense! Yeah, I thought I'd better lay off of the cliffhangers before someone shot me. But this one isn't too bad. How are you? I hope you're not bored anymore. Well, you shouldn't be! You read my story, if you're reading this, that is! Yes, I love A Christmas Story. It's like my favorite Christmas movie. "YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!" I love that. Yep, Harry isn't a very happy person right now, and it's about to get worse. I'm so mean. Promise kept, sort of. REVIEW!
Jocelyn: Well, I'm glad you liked all my stories. That makes me very, very happy! Hmm….Snape….Hmmm…..I don't know. He'll probably be in this story, but he won't be a main character. Plus, I'm not too fond of him, either. He's always so mean to Harry in the books. He's a meanie. Great, that just made my day when I read what you thought about my characterizing Sirius. I was hoping for that. Thanks! Vernon's about to be a big fat jerk, just so you know.
JaimeyKay: Way to keep you mouth shut! LOL! Prepare to be taunted! Oh, it was definitely hard to write. I was afraid I wasn't getting it across how angsty I wanted it to be. But I think it worked for the chapter. Yes, getting buried alive, thankfully, isn't an everyday occurrence! lol. Yea, I did it perfectly, thankyou! Come on over, I'd be more than happy to let you beat down the roomies. HA! Yes, Vernon is about to come into play, probably in the next chapter or so. And Christmas will be spent with the Dursley's! So no goodness for Harry, yet! Yes, the ending was sad, I liked it though. I was about to put AWW in it, but decided it would ruin the moment! Hee-Hee. YOU HAVE TO WAIT!! I can't tell you yet how he died and came back to life. What did you think of the Cedric scene? Was it good? Did it make sense? TELL ME! Oh and yes, I was incredibly NOT frightened by your act of demanding! LOL! Finals sucked, but hey, it's all good now! HERMIONE AND RON FOREVER lol.
Dream: Good name! Thanks! Glad you like my writing!
Burnin Broom Gal: Holy crap, you're alive! So, how are those dreams coming? Sounds like you're still having issues with your nightmares. Glad you liked the last chapter, and woo-hoo, they made it on time to save him! Now, he's just got to attempt to not get killed by his extremely worried teachers and friends! Yep, no curse can get to me, I have a force field surrounding me and my computer! I don't get nightmares, sorry! Not even The Ring could freak me out. ALthought, I spent most of the time with my hands over my face! lol. I am such a wimp. I can't wait until book 5! That is quite sad, my friend. But fanfic is wonderful!
Hermione Eveningfall: Perhaps I should send you some smelling salts???? lol. Yes, he's alive! And alright!
Lei Dumbledore: I'm still listening to Christmas music! It's the greatest thing in the world! Next to writing and reading Harry Potter fics. Or the book, if she ever gets it published! Are you on break yet? I am, although I won't be attending school next semester. Thank goodness. A semester off is what everyone needs. Yes! The angst showed, and it was BLOODY BRILLIANT!! Cool beans. Yeah, I can see it now. "I'm hexing you, roomies!' they would stand there and look at me dumbly. Ah, but they are moving out in four months. That's a long time, but then I could freaking update everyday if I wanted to! Here's the more for you!
Arizosa: were you mumbling because it was good? Shrieking!
Jeez, did I freak you out? Sorry! Hope this chapter was just as good. Let me know what you think!
Tiger Lily: I have something planned for the Dursleys, actually. Rita sucks. Glad you liked it!
Masty2424: Glad you liked it. Your heat thingy broke, is that what you were trying to say? Wearing gloves and typing has to suck. Did it get fixed? Hope the show goes good. I think I've heard the candlelight version of heaven. It's cool. I updated!
Iniysa: Glad you liked it, here's the next chapter for you!
Ashiah Kusnezov: Did I spell that right? Great, you liked it. I try my best. I am done with finals! Yes!
Lanfear: Good. Yea, I'm not mean anymore. I know I'm nice. It's what I live for. Good, I'm glad you liked it! Okay, but apparently I'm about to be mean again! Dursley's in the picture very soon. Cookies!?
Icewind Stormfire: Prodding, note taken. I have updated!
Anna: yes, I have many reviews! 110! I was so excited! I want this story to be extremely long. I haven't had an extremely long story yet! Epic length is right. Yeah, we're both gonna kill him, Vernon, I mean. He's evil. I have something up my sleeve for him, though. You'll like it. How did you imagine it would come out? I want to know! Anything I can do to improve, just let me know. Constructive criticism is always good, sometimes. But since it came out perfectly, I'm a happy person. Glad you liked the cliff free ending, because they're coming back strong soon! AH!