Chapter 6 - The Choice
Lily climbed out of the portrait hole and headed up to the Astronomy Tower. She saw out the window that in a little while the sun would set. Frustrated that she'd miss it for she had to meet Potter, she kept going up to the Tower. When she got up there, right away she didn't see anything, and after waiting for 30 seconds, James came out of the shadows, making Lily jump. She sighed and said,
"I was told you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes, are you going to listen to me? Or are you just going to stand there with that annoyed look on your face like you have now?" Lily said,
"I know what you want to talk to me about."
"Really? So you've picked up on reading people's minds then? Impressive, especially who hates Divination."
"I can't read people's minds, I just sense this, and knowing from experience, I know what you are going to ask me."
"Ok, if you're so smart, what am I going to ask you?"
"You're going to ask me to go with you to Hogsmeade this weekend." James said,
"No, actually, I was going to ask you to go on a broom ride with me."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"Because you won't go out with me for anything else, so I thought we'd do something that nobody knows about, so they won't say you're a hypocrite."
"What everyone else says is the least of my worries."
"Then what worries you about going out with me?"
"You."
"Me? What, are you scared of me or something?"
"No, I'm scared that if I do fall for you, that the James Potter ways will kick in and you'll dump me within the week for some other girl."
"What makes you think I'd do that, Lily?"
"From seeing it happen to other girls around me. All those girls who fall for your charms and then are totally heartbroken when you dump them. You and Sirius both are known for being the "players" of the school, and your relationships only lasting for a week or less."
"If you're going to compare me with Sirius, then you'll also remember that he's been going out consistently with your best friend since 6th year?"
"Your point?"
"He can change, what makes you think I can't?" Lily opened her mouth, ready to say something back, but couldn't think of anything and closed it. James said,
"See, you don't know that I can't change."
"But even if we did go out, when we break up, I don't know how I'd feel after that."
"What makes you think we'll break up?"
"C'mon, think about it, we're Lily Evans and James Potter, what are the chances of us ending up together? We can't even have a conversation without fighting with each other."
"We're having one right now and not fighting." Lily again, realized he was right. She looked at the floor and said softly,
"I don't want to go out with you because I'm afraid of getting hurt." James stood in front of her and tilted her head up with his finger. He looked into the emerald green eyes that were filled with tears and said,
"I would never hurt you, Lily." He leaned in and gave her a light kiss on the lips. Lily feebly smiled and James said,
"You've stopped to watch the sunset here before, right?"
"Yes."
"Have you ever seen one from the air?"
"No." James got his broom and placed it next to him, and it sat immobile ready for him to mount. Lily looked uneasily at it, while James got on the broom. Lily said,
"I'm not the best on brooms."
"Don't worry, I won't let you fall. So, how about it?" He held out a hand for her to take, and hesitantly she took it. She climbed on the broom and sat in front of James. James kicked off the ground, taking them into the air, high above the ground. As soon as the broom took flight, Lily's body tensed, clearly not the most comfortable on a broom. James felt her body tense, and slowed down. He said,
"You alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Scared?"
"A little."
"Your in good hands. I won't let you fall."
"I know, but I'm still scared." James looked around at Lily's face and saw that she had her eyes closed, refusing to look around her. James came to the place where he wanted to be, and stopped. He said,
"Lily, open your eyes, you'll miss it."
"Miss what?"
"Just open your eyes." They were hovering over the trees of the Forbidden Forest, looking out to the west. The reddish-orange sun was half way into the horizon, sinking every second. Lily gasped at the beauty of it, the clouds pink and purple swallowing the rays of the sun.
"Oh, my God, it's so beautiful!" Lily said in awe. James smiled and Lily said,
"I don't think I've ever seen anything so beautiful in all my life."
"Now you know how I feel everytime I see you." Lily smiled, taking in the beauty of the sunset. She said,
"James, I don't think I'll ever forget this night." James nodded, and a song came to Lily's head. She sang softly,
"A moment like this, some people wait a lifetime, for a moment like this. Some people search forever, for that one special kiss. Oh I can't believe it's happening to me. Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this." Her voice faded out, and James said,
"Keep goin'." Lily laughed and said,
"No, I sound like crap."
"No, you sound beautiful. I've never heard you sing before. Go on, keep going." Lily took a deep breath and thought about the words for a little bit and then sang,
"What if I told you, it was all meant to be?
Would you believe me? Would you walk away?
It's almost that feeling, we've met before.
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come here and now.
A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe its happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Everything changes but beauty remains
Something so tender, I can't explain.
Well I may be dreaming, but till I awake
Can't we make this dream last forever
And I'll cherish all the love we share
For a moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe its happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
Could this be the greatest love of all
I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall
So let me tell you this...
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment...like this
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Some people search forever for that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Some people search forever...
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this...
oooohh...like this." Lily finished singing, and leaned against James. As the sun sank completely into the horizon, Lily turned her head to look at James. They stared into each other's eyes, then finally leaned in and kissed. Lily put her hand behind James' head, and they sat in the air, kissing a long and passionate kiss. Finally, Lily pulled away and she said,
"We'd best be getting back." James nodded, and they flew back to the castle. Harry looked at the present day Lily and saw she was crying, yet smiling. She looked over at Harry and said,
"I've never forgotten that night." The memory changed to after Lily and James had left Hogwarts. They were in a church, holding each other's hands. James was dressed in a tux and Lily in a long white dress. The pastor said,
"Do you James, take Lily to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." James said with a grin.
"Do you Lily, take James to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." The best man, Sirius, handed James the ring, and he placed it on Lily's finger. The present day Lily turned it on her finger, not realizing that she was. The pastor in the memory said,
"By the power invested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride." He said with a grin. James leaned in and kissed Lily, and the congregation stood and applauded. The newly married couple pulled apart, and smiling, walked back down the aisle and out of the church. Just as the memory was about to show the reception, the spirit Lily came and sat beside Harry. Harry looked over and said,
"Where have you been?"
"Right here, you just couldn't see me."
"Well, what do you need?"
"It's time to go."
"No, I don't want to go. I've never spent time with my mother before."
"There still is much to see." She took Harry's hand and they were transported to a cheap part of London. Harry said,
"Why are we here?"
"You're going to visit a friend of your mother and father's." Harry, not comprehending who it was, looked at Lily with a questioning look on his face. She said,
"Think about it. He's more your father's friend than your mother's, but he's still one of her friends. Think about it, Sirius is in Azkaban, you saw him already, Peter is with Voldemort, serving his master, who's left?" Realization dawned on Harry. Knowing that Remus wouldn't recognize him, said,
"I can't speak to him, I know he won't know who I am."
"I understand."
"How is he affected by my not being born? Is he still part of the Order?" Lily nodded, and said,
"He is one of the ones who isn't really affected by you never being born, but he, like Sirius, considers you to be just like your father. Like your the next best thing to having him back. I believe that when Sirius died, that he took up the role of godfather, am I correct?" Harry nodded, and Lily said,
"I'm afraid if you speak with him, you'll find that he's not the same person you remember. His personality has changed ever since James died and Sirius sent to prison. He's the only true Maurauder left, especially with Wormtail working for Voldemort. I guess you could kind of say he's in a life long depression. He has a hard time keeping jobs, because of the fact that he's a werewolf." Harry looked at the small house sadly, and suddenly, the door opened, and Remus came out carrying a bag of trash. He saw Harry and he stopped. He looked closely Harry and said,
"Who are you?"
"Harry."
"Harry who? And what are you doing outside my house?"
"I'm not going to lie to you, I'm Harry Potter."
"Potter? As in James Potter?"
"Yes. He was my father." Remus shook his head and said,
"James and Lily never had kids."
"I know, I know, it's a long complicated story."
"Well, I've got time."
"You wouldn't understand."
"Try me." Harry sighed, and went into his whole story with how he was in a dream that he was never born.
"And I really am Lily and James' son in my world." Remus was looking at Harry as though he was mad. He said,
"You're right, I don't believe you, I think you're completely mad."
"I'm telling the truth, I'm Harry James Potter, I'm sixteen years old. I attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I'm in Gryffindor on the house Quidditch team, and I'm also captain. I have two best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. You were my Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher my third year, you taught me how to perform a Patronus Charm." Remus shook his head and started to go back to his house. Harry said,
"You want proof? Ask me anything. Ask me anything that only James' son would know."
"Ok, how does the Maurauder's map work?"
"You tap it with your wand and say, 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.' And to wipe it clean, you tap it and say 'Mischief managed'."
"How did the Maurauder's get their nicknames?"
"You're a werewolf, so therefore you're name is Moony. Peter is a rat Animagus and is called Wormtail, Sirius is a dog so he is called Padfoot, and James was a stag, hence the name Prongs." Still unconvinced, Remus thought for a while then said,
"What form does your Patronus take? If you are James son it should be a stag." Harry took out his wand and said,
"Expecto Patronum!" And a silver stag erupted out of his wand. Remus' jaw dropped, the stag looked exactly like James when he transformed. The stag vanished, and Remus said,
"Oh my God."
"See, I was telling the truth."
"But how can you be James' son? He didn't have any children."
"I'm telling you, I'm from another world. I had a dream and this woman that looked exactly like my friend Hermione told me she was going to show me what the world would be like if I had never been born."
"I'm sorry Harry, but it's just too far-fetched. Even for the wizarding world. I'm sorry." Remus went back into his house, leaving Harry standing outside. He turned to Lily and snapped, glaring at her,
"Damnit, I told you I didn't want to talk with him, but you knew I would, that's why you brought me here." Lily looked at him calmly and said,
"You wanted to see what life was like if you had never been born. You didn't have to tell him the truth." Harry laughed and said,
"I'm sorry, but I honestly never thought I hear the words not telling him the truth come out of Hermione Granger's mouth." Lily looked at him and said,
"Speaking of which, she's the last person you're going to see. And we're going to see her now."
"I already saw her, she doesn't believe me either."
"I'll explain later." She took Harry's hand and they were transported to Hogwarts again. Hermione was sitting in the Great Hall, reading a book, eating dinner. She looked up when she heard Harry coming. She said,
"Oh, hello. Harry, isn't it?" Harry nodded, and said,
"So, you still don't believe me?"
"Well, I kind of do believe you. But you can understand why people wouldn't believe you, can't you? Think about it, put yourself in our place. How would you react if someone came and told you that they were your best friend when you had never seen them before?"
"I'd probably think there was some Dark Magic going on."
"Exactly. So you understand?"
"Yeah."
"So, you said in your world you and I are best friends, right?"
"Yes, along with Ron."
"And am I going out with Ron in that world too?"
"N...wait a minute, you're going out with Ron?"
"Yeah. Why, is it something that would be impossible in your world?" Hermione said, smiling. Harry shook his head and said,
"No, it's not impossible, it's just unbelievable. I didn't know Ron felt that way about you."
"Yeah, we've been going out since the beginning of fifth year." Harry nodded, and said,
"Is he a good boyfriend? Like in treating you right and everything?"
"Yeah, he is. He's sweet, and good to me. Why?"
"Just checking. Don't know the Ron Weasley with a girlfriend part of him. He's never had one for as long as I can remember."
"Interesting. How about me, am I the same?"
"You look the same, you're a bookworm there too, and you're single." Hermione sighed, then laughed and said,
"Well, I don't blame any guy for not wanting to go out with me."
"Why do you say that?"
"Look at me."
"What about you?"
"I'm ugly!" Harry shook his head and said,
"You're far from ugly, Hermione." Hermione smiled and said,
"Well, I'm glad I know you in your world Harry, you are one of the sweetest people I've ever met." Hermione looked at her watch and said,
"Well, I have to go, how long will you be here?"
"I don't know."
"Well, I'll see you in your world then."
"Bye, Hermione."
"Goodbye Harry." Hermione left, and Harry turned to Lily and said,
"If she and Ron have been going out since 5th year, why aren't they in my world?"
"Because of you."
"What do I have to do with them going out?"
"Hermione loves you. Ron knows it, and has never asked her out, he's waiting for you to do it."
"Hermione loves me? Why?"
"Look, just back there, talking with her, you're sweet, kind, look at yourself, you're handsome, there are a lot of girls who like you, but only Hermione knows the real Harry James Potter. The rest of the girls just like you because you're the Boy Who Lived. Hermione loves you for you. Since you weren't born, you weren't there for her to develop a crush on since first year, and to gradually fall in love with. So, she fell for Ron. She nevers says anything that would suggest that she loves you, but you can see it in her eyes if you take the time to look. She understands you, and you need each other. You may not see it yet, Harry, but you will." Harry, still in a state of shock said,
"So, are Hermione and I destined for each other?"
"That's something you have to figure out for yourself." They were silent then Lily said,
"Now, Harry, this isn't your oridinary dream. It's a vision, that you have the choice. You can choose to go back to the world your familiar with, where your parents are both dead, your godfather is dead, you're the Boy Who Lived, the one who has the power to vanquish Voldemort, the one that Hermione Granger loves. Or, you can choose to make this world the right one, where you are never born, where your mother is alive, Sirius is alive but in jail, Neville is the one with the power to vanquish Lord Voldemort, Hermione and Ron are going out, and nobody will ever have heard of you. But, if you choose this world, you will cease to exist. You will disappear, for you chose the world where you were never born. Nobody will remember speaking with you, or will ever have heard of anyone named Harry James Potter. The choice is yours. What do you choose?" Harry thought about it, thinking of how people were in the world where he didn't exist, and how they were in his life. While he was thinking, Lily said,
"You see Harry, you have an effect on more people than you think. You have been given a wonderful life. It be a shame to throw it away. When you've reached your decision, take my hand, and things will become as you chose. Harry took her hand, and Harry felt the jerk like traveling by Portkey, and he saw familiar pictures. James and Lily celebrating the fact that Lily was pregnant, the Potters holding their son for the first time, his parents getting killed, getting beat up by Dudley, finding out he was a wizard, making friends with Ron, being sorted, fighting off the troll in the girls bathroom, becoming friends with Hermione. Harry looked closely at Hermione, this time seeing the love in her eyes. The more memories he saw with her, the more he realized he had feelings for her. He reached the memory in the Department of Mysteries where Hermione was struck down by a Death Eater. Harry remembered the emptyness he felt for that moment he thought she was dead. The memories went on, to Sirius dieing, and finally the conversation with Hermione that got him into this situation in the first place. They stopped, and Harry woke up. Lily was nowhere to be found, and it was still the same time it was when Harry fell asleep. He put his glasses on, and went out into the common room.
A/N: Well, I'm almost done, hope you all liked it so far. Still am not getting many reviews, and it's making me sort of sad. Please review, I want to know what you think. I'll try to have the next and final chapter posted ASAP
Husker_fan_2006
Lily climbed out of the portrait hole and headed up to the Astronomy Tower. She saw out the window that in a little while the sun would set. Frustrated that she'd miss it for she had to meet Potter, she kept going up to the Tower. When she got up there, right away she didn't see anything, and after waiting for 30 seconds, James came out of the shadows, making Lily jump. She sighed and said,
"I was told you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes, are you going to listen to me? Or are you just going to stand there with that annoyed look on your face like you have now?" Lily said,
"I know what you want to talk to me about."
"Really? So you've picked up on reading people's minds then? Impressive, especially who hates Divination."
"I can't read people's minds, I just sense this, and knowing from experience, I know what you are going to ask me."
"Ok, if you're so smart, what am I going to ask you?"
"You're going to ask me to go with you to Hogsmeade this weekend." James said,
"No, actually, I was going to ask you to go on a broom ride with me."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"Because you won't go out with me for anything else, so I thought we'd do something that nobody knows about, so they won't say you're a hypocrite."
"What everyone else says is the least of my worries."
"Then what worries you about going out with me?"
"You."
"Me? What, are you scared of me or something?"
"No, I'm scared that if I do fall for you, that the James Potter ways will kick in and you'll dump me within the week for some other girl."
"What makes you think I'd do that, Lily?"
"From seeing it happen to other girls around me. All those girls who fall for your charms and then are totally heartbroken when you dump them. You and Sirius both are known for being the "players" of the school, and your relationships only lasting for a week or less."
"If you're going to compare me with Sirius, then you'll also remember that he's been going out consistently with your best friend since 6th year?"
"Your point?"
"He can change, what makes you think I can't?" Lily opened her mouth, ready to say something back, but couldn't think of anything and closed it. James said,
"See, you don't know that I can't change."
"But even if we did go out, when we break up, I don't know how I'd feel after that."
"What makes you think we'll break up?"
"C'mon, think about it, we're Lily Evans and James Potter, what are the chances of us ending up together? We can't even have a conversation without fighting with each other."
"We're having one right now and not fighting." Lily again, realized he was right. She looked at the floor and said softly,
"I don't want to go out with you because I'm afraid of getting hurt." James stood in front of her and tilted her head up with his finger. He looked into the emerald green eyes that were filled with tears and said,
"I would never hurt you, Lily." He leaned in and gave her a light kiss on the lips. Lily feebly smiled and James said,
"You've stopped to watch the sunset here before, right?"
"Yes."
"Have you ever seen one from the air?"
"No." James got his broom and placed it next to him, and it sat immobile ready for him to mount. Lily looked uneasily at it, while James got on the broom. Lily said,
"I'm not the best on brooms."
"Don't worry, I won't let you fall. So, how about it?" He held out a hand for her to take, and hesitantly she took it. She climbed on the broom and sat in front of James. James kicked off the ground, taking them into the air, high above the ground. As soon as the broom took flight, Lily's body tensed, clearly not the most comfortable on a broom. James felt her body tense, and slowed down. He said,
"You alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Scared?"
"A little."
"Your in good hands. I won't let you fall."
"I know, but I'm still scared." James looked around at Lily's face and saw that she had her eyes closed, refusing to look around her. James came to the place where he wanted to be, and stopped. He said,
"Lily, open your eyes, you'll miss it."
"Miss what?"
"Just open your eyes." They were hovering over the trees of the Forbidden Forest, looking out to the west. The reddish-orange sun was half way into the horizon, sinking every second. Lily gasped at the beauty of it, the clouds pink and purple swallowing the rays of the sun.
"Oh, my God, it's so beautiful!" Lily said in awe. James smiled and Lily said,
"I don't think I've ever seen anything so beautiful in all my life."
"Now you know how I feel everytime I see you." Lily smiled, taking in the beauty of the sunset. She said,
"James, I don't think I'll ever forget this night." James nodded, and a song came to Lily's head. She sang softly,
"A moment like this, some people wait a lifetime, for a moment like this. Some people search forever, for that one special kiss. Oh I can't believe it's happening to me. Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this." Her voice faded out, and James said,
"Keep goin'." Lily laughed and said,
"No, I sound like crap."
"No, you sound beautiful. I've never heard you sing before. Go on, keep going." Lily took a deep breath and thought about the words for a little bit and then sang,
"What if I told you, it was all meant to be?
Would you believe me? Would you walk away?
It's almost that feeling, we've met before.
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come here and now.
A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe its happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Everything changes but beauty remains
Something so tender, I can't explain.
Well I may be dreaming, but till I awake
Can't we make this dream last forever
And I'll cherish all the love we share
For a moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe its happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
Could this be the greatest love of all
I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall
So let me tell you this...
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment...like this
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Some people search forever for that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Some people search forever...
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this...
oooohh...like this." Lily finished singing, and leaned against James. As the sun sank completely into the horizon, Lily turned her head to look at James. They stared into each other's eyes, then finally leaned in and kissed. Lily put her hand behind James' head, and they sat in the air, kissing a long and passionate kiss. Finally, Lily pulled away and she said,
"We'd best be getting back." James nodded, and they flew back to the castle. Harry looked at the present day Lily and saw she was crying, yet smiling. She looked over at Harry and said,
"I've never forgotten that night." The memory changed to after Lily and James had left Hogwarts. They were in a church, holding each other's hands. James was dressed in a tux and Lily in a long white dress. The pastor said,
"Do you James, take Lily to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." James said with a grin.
"Do you Lily, take James to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." The best man, Sirius, handed James the ring, and he placed it on Lily's finger. The present day Lily turned it on her finger, not realizing that she was. The pastor in the memory said,
"By the power invested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride." He said with a grin. James leaned in and kissed Lily, and the congregation stood and applauded. The newly married couple pulled apart, and smiling, walked back down the aisle and out of the church. Just as the memory was about to show the reception, the spirit Lily came and sat beside Harry. Harry looked over and said,
"Where have you been?"
"Right here, you just couldn't see me."
"Well, what do you need?"
"It's time to go."
"No, I don't want to go. I've never spent time with my mother before."
"There still is much to see." She took Harry's hand and they were transported to a cheap part of London. Harry said,
"Why are we here?"
"You're going to visit a friend of your mother and father's." Harry, not comprehending who it was, looked at Lily with a questioning look on his face. She said,
"Think about it. He's more your father's friend than your mother's, but he's still one of her friends. Think about it, Sirius is in Azkaban, you saw him already, Peter is with Voldemort, serving his master, who's left?" Realization dawned on Harry. Knowing that Remus wouldn't recognize him, said,
"I can't speak to him, I know he won't know who I am."
"I understand."
"How is he affected by my not being born? Is he still part of the Order?" Lily nodded, and said,
"He is one of the ones who isn't really affected by you never being born, but he, like Sirius, considers you to be just like your father. Like your the next best thing to having him back. I believe that when Sirius died, that he took up the role of godfather, am I correct?" Harry nodded, and Lily said,
"I'm afraid if you speak with him, you'll find that he's not the same person you remember. His personality has changed ever since James died and Sirius sent to prison. He's the only true Maurauder left, especially with Wormtail working for Voldemort. I guess you could kind of say he's in a life long depression. He has a hard time keeping jobs, because of the fact that he's a werewolf." Harry looked at the small house sadly, and suddenly, the door opened, and Remus came out carrying a bag of trash. He saw Harry and he stopped. He looked closely Harry and said,
"Who are you?"
"Harry."
"Harry who? And what are you doing outside my house?"
"I'm not going to lie to you, I'm Harry Potter."
"Potter? As in James Potter?"
"Yes. He was my father." Remus shook his head and said,
"James and Lily never had kids."
"I know, I know, it's a long complicated story."
"Well, I've got time."
"You wouldn't understand."
"Try me." Harry sighed, and went into his whole story with how he was in a dream that he was never born.
"And I really am Lily and James' son in my world." Remus was looking at Harry as though he was mad. He said,
"You're right, I don't believe you, I think you're completely mad."
"I'm telling the truth, I'm Harry James Potter, I'm sixteen years old. I attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I'm in Gryffindor on the house Quidditch team, and I'm also captain. I have two best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. You were my Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher my third year, you taught me how to perform a Patronus Charm." Remus shook his head and started to go back to his house. Harry said,
"You want proof? Ask me anything. Ask me anything that only James' son would know."
"Ok, how does the Maurauder's map work?"
"You tap it with your wand and say, 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.' And to wipe it clean, you tap it and say 'Mischief managed'."
"How did the Maurauder's get their nicknames?"
"You're a werewolf, so therefore you're name is Moony. Peter is a rat Animagus and is called Wormtail, Sirius is a dog so he is called Padfoot, and James was a stag, hence the name Prongs." Still unconvinced, Remus thought for a while then said,
"What form does your Patronus take? If you are James son it should be a stag." Harry took out his wand and said,
"Expecto Patronum!" And a silver stag erupted out of his wand. Remus' jaw dropped, the stag looked exactly like James when he transformed. The stag vanished, and Remus said,
"Oh my God."
"See, I was telling the truth."
"But how can you be James' son? He didn't have any children."
"I'm telling you, I'm from another world. I had a dream and this woman that looked exactly like my friend Hermione told me she was going to show me what the world would be like if I had never been born."
"I'm sorry Harry, but it's just too far-fetched. Even for the wizarding world. I'm sorry." Remus went back into his house, leaving Harry standing outside. He turned to Lily and snapped, glaring at her,
"Damnit, I told you I didn't want to talk with him, but you knew I would, that's why you brought me here." Lily looked at him calmly and said,
"You wanted to see what life was like if you had never been born. You didn't have to tell him the truth." Harry laughed and said,
"I'm sorry, but I honestly never thought I hear the words not telling him the truth come out of Hermione Granger's mouth." Lily looked at him and said,
"Speaking of which, she's the last person you're going to see. And we're going to see her now."
"I already saw her, she doesn't believe me either."
"I'll explain later." She took Harry's hand and they were transported to Hogwarts again. Hermione was sitting in the Great Hall, reading a book, eating dinner. She looked up when she heard Harry coming. She said,
"Oh, hello. Harry, isn't it?" Harry nodded, and said,
"So, you still don't believe me?"
"Well, I kind of do believe you. But you can understand why people wouldn't believe you, can't you? Think about it, put yourself in our place. How would you react if someone came and told you that they were your best friend when you had never seen them before?"
"I'd probably think there was some Dark Magic going on."
"Exactly. So you understand?"
"Yeah."
"So, you said in your world you and I are best friends, right?"
"Yes, along with Ron."
"And am I going out with Ron in that world too?"
"N...wait a minute, you're going out with Ron?"
"Yeah. Why, is it something that would be impossible in your world?" Hermione said, smiling. Harry shook his head and said,
"No, it's not impossible, it's just unbelievable. I didn't know Ron felt that way about you."
"Yeah, we've been going out since the beginning of fifth year." Harry nodded, and said,
"Is he a good boyfriend? Like in treating you right and everything?"
"Yeah, he is. He's sweet, and good to me. Why?"
"Just checking. Don't know the Ron Weasley with a girlfriend part of him. He's never had one for as long as I can remember."
"Interesting. How about me, am I the same?"
"You look the same, you're a bookworm there too, and you're single." Hermione sighed, then laughed and said,
"Well, I don't blame any guy for not wanting to go out with me."
"Why do you say that?"
"Look at me."
"What about you?"
"I'm ugly!" Harry shook his head and said,
"You're far from ugly, Hermione." Hermione smiled and said,
"Well, I'm glad I know you in your world Harry, you are one of the sweetest people I've ever met." Hermione looked at her watch and said,
"Well, I have to go, how long will you be here?"
"I don't know."
"Well, I'll see you in your world then."
"Bye, Hermione."
"Goodbye Harry." Hermione left, and Harry turned to Lily and said,
"If she and Ron have been going out since 5th year, why aren't they in my world?"
"Because of you."
"What do I have to do with them going out?"
"Hermione loves you. Ron knows it, and has never asked her out, he's waiting for you to do it."
"Hermione loves me? Why?"
"Look, just back there, talking with her, you're sweet, kind, look at yourself, you're handsome, there are a lot of girls who like you, but only Hermione knows the real Harry James Potter. The rest of the girls just like you because you're the Boy Who Lived. Hermione loves you for you. Since you weren't born, you weren't there for her to develop a crush on since first year, and to gradually fall in love with. So, she fell for Ron. She nevers says anything that would suggest that she loves you, but you can see it in her eyes if you take the time to look. She understands you, and you need each other. You may not see it yet, Harry, but you will." Harry, still in a state of shock said,
"So, are Hermione and I destined for each other?"
"That's something you have to figure out for yourself." They were silent then Lily said,
"Now, Harry, this isn't your oridinary dream. It's a vision, that you have the choice. You can choose to go back to the world your familiar with, where your parents are both dead, your godfather is dead, you're the Boy Who Lived, the one who has the power to vanquish Voldemort, the one that Hermione Granger loves. Or, you can choose to make this world the right one, where you are never born, where your mother is alive, Sirius is alive but in jail, Neville is the one with the power to vanquish Lord Voldemort, Hermione and Ron are going out, and nobody will ever have heard of you. But, if you choose this world, you will cease to exist. You will disappear, for you chose the world where you were never born. Nobody will remember speaking with you, or will ever have heard of anyone named Harry James Potter. The choice is yours. What do you choose?" Harry thought about it, thinking of how people were in the world where he didn't exist, and how they were in his life. While he was thinking, Lily said,
"You see Harry, you have an effect on more people than you think. You have been given a wonderful life. It be a shame to throw it away. When you've reached your decision, take my hand, and things will become as you chose. Harry took her hand, and Harry felt the jerk like traveling by Portkey, and he saw familiar pictures. James and Lily celebrating the fact that Lily was pregnant, the Potters holding their son for the first time, his parents getting killed, getting beat up by Dudley, finding out he was a wizard, making friends with Ron, being sorted, fighting off the troll in the girls bathroom, becoming friends with Hermione. Harry looked closely at Hermione, this time seeing the love in her eyes. The more memories he saw with her, the more he realized he had feelings for her. He reached the memory in the Department of Mysteries where Hermione was struck down by a Death Eater. Harry remembered the emptyness he felt for that moment he thought she was dead. The memories went on, to Sirius dieing, and finally the conversation with Hermione that got him into this situation in the first place. They stopped, and Harry woke up. Lily was nowhere to be found, and it was still the same time it was when Harry fell asleep. He put his glasses on, and went out into the common room.
A/N: Well, I'm almost done, hope you all liked it so far. Still am not getting many reviews, and it's making me sort of sad. Please review, I want to know what you think. I'll try to have the next and final chapter posted ASAP
Husker_fan_2006