Silver Blood
Chapter 9: Broken
The hallways were completely empty and silent except for the sound of two pairs of footsteps. Most teachers were in their offices getting still working on getting things set and scheduled for the next year. There was a lot of work to be done after the fall of dark magic to keep things in order and make sure that dark magic didn't have an opportunity to take rise again.
However, thoughts of the new upcoming school year and everything about the future was forgotten as Sirius and Remus continued to walk toward Professor McGonagall's office. All that they were worried about was Harry and when he'd be able to finally be relieved of his duty of Fudge-watching. Sirius was practically pounding angrily on the floor with his shoes. Finally, the two arrived at the door and Remus stopped Sirius from knocking for fear that he'd puncture a hole in it.
A moment later the door opened and Professor McGonagall stood there, glasses hanging off her nose and looking quite displeased.
"What do you want gentlemen? And please make it quick, there's lots of work to be done before the new term starts."
"We understand Minerva," Sirius said a bit more roughly than he would have, had his Godson not been in possible danger, "but there's plenty of time left, and this is important."
She stared at them a moment longer before stepping aside to let them in. Once the door was closed she turned and folded her arms, waiting.
"Well?" she asked impatiently.
"You need to tell us when Dumbledore is coming back," Sirius said.
She unfolded her arms dramatically, giving them both a cool look. "I told you the meeting has been postponed until further notice. He'll probably be back tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow morning? Do you realize that Harry is watching Fudge, who possibly has gone crazy, and he's been there almost five hours now? The Ministry said it would only be for a couple hours," Sirius retorted trying to keep his voice at a minimum.
Professor McGonagall nodded, "I understand your concern for your Godson, Sirius, but you've also got to understand something too. The Ministry is working hard on something right now, trying to uncover a crisis that has been happening. So far, I'd say Harry is safe in the Ministry building." She looked up at them and smiled slightly. "I'm sure Fudge is no match for him anyway, after all, we could barely stop him from doing what we wanted him to."
Remus smiled and Sirius managed to calm down a bit. Still, the tension in the air was high.
"I just wish we knew what was going on," he said sitting down.
Just as Professor McGonagall opened her mouth to say something a soft popping noise came from the direction of the door. Severus Snape was standing there looking as cruel and greasy as ever. Sirius automatically sneered at him as if he were getting ready to growl.
"Minerva, what is he doing here?" Snape asked coolly, staring at Sirius.
She shook her head, amazed that grown wizards were still acting like children. "He's here because of Harry, now if you'll excuse me I have plenty of work to last me all night. Out you go."
With that she led them out the door and shut it without another word. Sirius was still glaring at Snape and Remus was making sure he watched carefully to prevent any physical fighting.
"Well Black, you sure do know how to come at inappropriate times," Snape sneered. "I assume you've come to talk to Dumbledore. He's still in the meeting and he won't be back until tomorrow, so if I were you I'd— "
Sirius quickly grabbed Snape's robe, pushing him face-to-face, glaring angrily at him. "If I were you I'd tell me what's going on at the meeting. Harry's life may be in danger!" Sirius growled.
"Sirius stop!" Remus said, pulling him off of Snape. "He won't tell us if you do that."
Snape brushed off his robes, looking menacingly at the both of them. Then, out of some miracle, motioned them to follow him. He led them straight down to his office and they went inside without a word to each other. Until they were all seated did Snape begin.
"There's a problem with the creatures of the night. They are acting much too strangely for our liking. Even the harmless ones have become a threat," Snape stated without much emotion.
"What do you mean?" Remus asked, sitting up in his chair.
"What I mean is that the creatures have been killing muggles and wizards of all sorts. There has only been one creature that has actually crossed the line and went into the muggle world. Fortunately, we were able to catch it, but it's only a matter of time," Snape explained.
Sirius was still glaring at him, but his voice was a little calmer. "What does this have to do with Harry? Is that why they're taking so long?"
Snape's cold gaze sharpened, "For your information, Sirius, there are things more important right now than your Godson. I hear he's in the Ministry, which means that he's most likely safe from harm. And after all...he is the famous Harry Potter."
"Cut the crap, Snape!" Sirius snapped, finally losing control of his anger. "I don't care if he's strong enough to take out even the most powerful wizard out there! Everything that has happened so far, since he's come to Hogwarts have all been attempts for Voldemort to kidnap and kill him. Who's to say someone hasn't all ready taken Voldemort's place to continue what he didn't finish?"
The room remained in silence for a moment, Sirius glaring at Snape and taking deep breaths to make sure he didn't blow up and knock him out.
Snape folded his hands together on his desk. "Before, during Voldemort's rule, everything may have been about him, but it's different now. All the Death Eaters, that posed a threat, have been locked away in Azkaban and as far as I know are still there. Dumbledore has even made the liberty to look into it and has seen no sign of any follower even tempting to take over Voldemort's place," Snape said calmly. "And therefore, Harry is not only out of harm's way in the Ministry, but he's far from any danger like before."
"In fact," he continued, "this is not a crisis concerning him anymore, it's a crisis concerning the world. If these creatures act up anymore than they are now the muggle world will be in danger and wizards will have to venture to their world using magic in front of them. This hasn't happened in years since after Salazar and Godric's death. We'll have to reveal ourselves to the muggles in order to save their world and ours. And after that, if it must come to that, we'll have to pull all of our magic together to erase their memories. We were lucky the last time it happened, but depending on how serious this gets, we may not be so lucky."
Sirius slumped back in his chair, still thinking about Harry's safety but focused mainly on what Snape was telling them. It was truly serious.
"You say these creatures have become vicious? How?" Remus asked.
Snape took his eyes off of Sirius to focus on Remus, his gaze softening only somewhat. Remus still had the job he wanted, not to mention he was friends with Sirius.
"Herbivorous creatures have become carnivorous, not necessarily eating other animals but attacking them, killing them, along with some muggles and wizards. And if you need more proof you are always welcome to see the pictures."
Remus shook his head, "There's no need. I was just wondering, do you think it has something to do with an upcoming full moon?"
"That's possible, in fact, we were debating that right before I left. They're guessing a full moon might come in a couple nights. There's no real answer but any strange happenings with nature and creatures of all sorts can sense it. The only thing that still is in question is why this full moon and no other, if it is that?"
Remus nodded and Sirius remained silent, looking down at the floor. "Well, thank you for telling us. We should be going."
Remus got up and waited for Sirius to follow him. Together they left, not in the best mood. As they walked back down the hall, Remus glanced at Sirius to see if he was still all right.
"Sirius, you are much too quiet, is something wrong?"
Sirius didn't answer immediately, instead he was still staring off into space. "It just doesn't seem right, Remus. Everything...Harry's watch over Fudge, the creatures acting up because of a possible full moon, even the Death Eaters aren't trying to escape. It's as if they're all waiting for something to happen."
Remus sighed and nodded slowly, "I know. I feel the same way, but there's nothing we can do but wait. Hopefully the Ministry will be able to figure this out quickly, but Snape did have a point Sirius. Harry is safe inside that building, and especially if this time he's not the target."
"But we don't know that!" Sirius shouted, then calmed himself. "I still don't trust everything he's saying. I'd rather hear it from Dumbledore. It's just that the puzzle doesn't seem to fit together, there has to be something else to it. There has to be another reason," Sirius paused. Soon a smile came over his face. "I could write Harry a letter, use a charm to get through the protections of the Ministry. I mean, we've got to warn him about what might be happening. If any creatures could get lose they could find a way to the Ministry. After all, some very dangerous creatures out there are attracted to those with more power," Sirius said, his smile fading. "He's still in partial danger like the rest of us. Protections or not, he still manages to somehow get himself into dangerous situations."
Remus raised an eyebrow, "You mean like how you were when you were his age?"
Sirius smirked, but didn't answer. The silence felt more comfortable between them now and the tension was lifted.
"I'm sure Hedwig won't mind dropping the letter off, it's better to let him know how long he might have to stay there. And in case he doesn't...," Sirius trailed off.
"He could write back, and let you know," Remus finished, understanding the unfinished statement. "I know you also really want to hear a reply from him, to make sure he's all right." Remus smiled, "And I think that's the best idea yet. Even though it's unnecessary for us to try and break through the spells, a letter charmed with a powerful orbing spell should do the trick."
For the first time in what felt to be a long time, Sirius smiled. Remus always had a way of making the worst seem not so bad. That didn't take away his worries for Harry's safety, but it eased his pain. At least he'd be able to get some sleep during the night knowing that Harry at least would be warned and would reply back. Immediately, Sirius headed up to the Owlery to wake Hedwig from her nap as Remus continued to his office to get some work done.
XXXXX
Bright colors of pink and purple were slowly dying, changing to a dark blue. Night time was on its way and the time for which the ultimate plan would be carried out was becoming closer. Voldemort was standing at the window watching daylight disappear as darkness over took it. It was a wonder how neither Dumbledore nor Harry's Godfather, Sirius Black, came by to check on him, but it was all working out perfectly.
"This time my plan won't fail me," he hissed.
He turned around and walked back into the warm room, now very stuffy from the fire going on for so long. Harry's body was slumped over, kneeling heavily on the carpeted floor, although he was still in a sitting position. Voldemort needed to stop showing him the images for a while to gain back some strength. It was almost time to finally bring Harry into the darkness and begin his plan. Time was running out. Only two more nights away and then darkness would forever cover the world.
Voldemort silently sat back down and looked at the fire. It was close to being only embers, but soon that wouldn't matter. He didn't need much more power to break Harry, and that was the hardest task of all: getting rid of Harry Potter, the boy that lived. Once that was completed everything else would fall right into place. Everyone would become so concerned with Harry's well-being that they wouldn't see what was right in front of them, threatening to destroy them...or change them forever. And Voldemort's power would slowly grow, with the help of Harry and the upcoming event. It would all power him enough to be able to break the binding spell, which would be weakened since Harry would be weakened, and retrieve his wand.
The sound of wings fluttering nearby turned Voldemort from his victorious thoughts. He waited, listening. It was good to be half inhuman to be able to hear greater distances. He saw a flash of light outside the window, a sign that something had gotten inside the protection around the Ministry building.
Slowly, Voldemort rose as if expecting an enemy to come flying through the window. Instead the door burst open, a huge blast of warm wind, followed by a bright trail of a sparkling blue substance came inside and settled near Harry's form. Soon, the bright blue light disappeared and a letter dropped to the floor. It was addressed to Harry. Smiling, Voldemort walked over and reached down to pick it up. He was only slightly startled when it began glowing blue again, small sparks of the blue substance shining on it and getting on his pale, bony hands. Voldemort ignored it and opened the letter.
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry I haven't checked with you sooner, I sure hope you're not dying of boredom. The moment this whole ordeal is over with I'm going to take you someplace special for your birthday. Just three days away and you'll have the best time of your life, I promise. Until then, there are some situations going on right now that don't look too good. I know that the Ministry promised you that you'd only watch Fudge for a couple hours, as you can tell, that has changed. You'll have to stay there over night, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you come home in the morning. As the Ministry has informed me, you may sleep anywhere that is comfortable and just make sure Fudge gets one last meal and a jug of water before you go to sleep. After that you can just put up your own charm to prevent him from getting out, I know he'll never break through yours. Personally, if I were you, I'd sleep in the Minister's office. There's a small room hidden behind the farthest bookcase. Pull out the fifth page of the book titled The History of Hogwarts.
Voldemort stopped reading and smiled. "How keen..."
If you want to know our latest problem, the dark creatures that usually stay in their own territory are moving out and hurting wizards and muggles. We've been able to keep them in our world for now, but we think it's because of an upcoming full moon. Remus has been having strange feelings, so I hope this will soon pass. Let me know how you're doing, or you know I'll suspect the worst. Love you, Harry.
Sirius
The two pages of the letter ripped with a loud tearing sound. Voldemort carried the pieces toward the fire, increasing the fire's power by a little bit, but not too much to tire him before his grand finale, and watched them catch fire and slowly turn from a bright red and orange to black until they finally disappeared among the wood in ashes. Without another glance back at the fireplace, Voldemort sat back down in his chair and folded his fingers together, idly turning to look at Harry, who was silent except for a few muffled whimpers almost too soft to hear if not for Voldemort's enhanced hearing.
"Finally they're beginning to worry about you, Harry," Voldemort hissed, his voice almost back to normal, barely rough or hoarse like it had been before. "It seems as though they've had a lot to deal with while you and I were in here...finishing up old times. Even so, the answer is still right there in front of them and they are too blind to see."
Voldemort continued staring at Harry, almost ignoring the blank look on his face and the pain etched into his eyes. "That's why my plan is brilliant, you see. It's so simple that they make it complicated. They assume the worst and begin to develop the most complex theories of what might be happening. They should realize that a full moon cannot directly affect all creatures of the night, especially those that are passive in nature," he continued. "And their ignorance will be their undoing. And you, Harry, will help cover my steps as well. Only when it is too late will they be able to piece everything together. It has been too carefully planned...too long awaited, but now the time has come."
Harry's body remained still as he continued to look blankly at the ground. Voldemort didn't seem to notice, or care. He only smiled to himself and lifted his hand once again, not even looking at the fire as it began to slowly die.
"Now, Harry. It is time for you to finally go where you belong. And that is, out of my way."
In one swift movement, Harry's head was thrown back and his body was engulfed deeper into his mind-set. A silent, invisible wind slowly dimmed the fire until it was barely giving off any light. The room seemed to become more stuffy and full of some dark, but invisible, force. And the pain etched into Harry's features soon disappeared and his face remained emotionless.
XXXXX
It was too unbearable. Everything they had said, the disappointed looks, the crying, the talk of the end of the world, everything was too depressing. Harry had to get out of it. He ran from the common room, not even looking back at his friends wanting more than anything for things to go back to normal. For him to go back to Sirius and forget it all. Strangely, he had been running through the dark corridors of the school for what felt like hours. He knew the school like the back of his hand, with exception to the new secret rooms that appeared out of thin air each year. And even so, he was somehow...lost.
How could I get lost in a school that I have gone to for four years? Ron and I explore the school almost every day, even ever since we first came here. How could I be lost!?
Harry slowly stopped running, looking around. He didn't want to go back to the common room because he couldn't stand the looks on his friends' faces. And he certainly didn't want to go back and tell them he was lost. Sighing, Harry leaned against the wall, unable to continue any further. The halls somehow felt different, even though they looked the same. It felt like Harry didn't even know the place.
"This is so confusing!" he said angrily to himself, covering his face and sliding down to the floor. "Everything was clear to me until I went to watch Fudge. Now everything's falling apart. I can't even remember what happened after I went to the Ministry." Harry pulled himself into a ball, wrapping his arms around his knees. "What's happening to me?"
Harry was getting ready to mope some more when he lifted his head to find that the door across from where he was sitting looked oddly familiar. He lifted himself up and smiled. It was the Dark Arts room, where Remus taught. Harry had been positive he had ended up in a hallway he didn't know. He hadn't even realized the door was there, almost as if it had suddenly appeared. Slowly, Harry approached it, wondering if Remus was also going to be disappointed in him. The last thing he needed was another person close to him telling him how he screwed up. Harry opened the door quietly without knocking and slipped inside. The room looked the same as when he left the school. Books and papers were piled neatly upon the desk. The chairs were neatly lined next to one another and the board had been neatly erased and washed. Harry approached the desk and looked at the books. Picking one up, he read the title.
"Rare Creatures of the Night," he muttered aloud. He picked up the next one. "What to do When Approached by a Kappa Demon."
Harry's eyebrow rose. He knew that Remus occasionally taught them about the dark creatures that they may be attacked by, but he had never gone into full detail. Harry figured it was probably because half of him was a dark creature and that made sense. Even so, he had never seen books about demons or dangerous creatures lying on the desk. Hopefully, Remus wasn't going to be forced to teach them about it next year. Knowing Snape, because he was extremely jealous that Remus, the werewolf, got another chance at teaching the job he wanted, he probably told Dumbledore that teaching about the creatures associated with dark magic and the Dark Arts is necessary.
Harry was so caught up in his thoughts he didn't realize the door had opened and closed until he heard footsteps. Out of reflex he dropped the book back on the desk and wheeled around. Slowly, his widened eyes began to fill with tears.
"Sirius!" Harry shouted and ran as fast as he could straight into his arms. He held him tightly for several minutes, not wanting to let go. He knew everything would be all right now, Sirius always made him feel better. He felt Sirius' arms come around him, squeeze him a bit, and then pull his arms off him.
"Harry, we need to talk," Sirius' calm voice said quietly.
Harry looked up at him, smiling and nodded. The two of them walked into the room away from the door and sat down side by side. Harry, at the moment, felt like crying with relief, but he wouldn't let the tears fall. He never did, and that was why he had never cried. Hermione often told him that building up all his emotions, just to keep the image of being tough, wasn't a good idea if anything drastic ever happened. Harry hadn't really taken her consideration. He didn't think crying was bad, he just wasn't used to it and felt weird even thinking about it.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Harry asked, breaking the silence.
Sirius lifted his head to look at him and then looked back down, leaning against the back of his chair. "I'm sure Ron and Hermione have all ready told you what happened."
Harry nodded, his smile slowly fading. "Yeah...they did. Has Fudge been caught yet?"
Sirius shook his head, "No, but the Ministry thinks they know where he is. Hopefully he'll lead us right to Voldemort."
"Well, that's good, isn't it?" Harry asked, unsure of the emotions playing on his Godfather's face.
Sirius hesitated but nodded slowly. "Yes, it is, for now. But it's only a matter of time before Voldemort unleashes his plan. I'm positive he's all ready thought through at least a couple. Dumbledore tells me he was a quick thinker when he was younger."
Harry turned away and looked at the floor, smiling almost bitterly. "Yeah, and brilliant too..." Harry turned toward him again. "What is it you want to talk to me about?"
Sirius sighed, rubbing his head slowly in a circular motion. Finally, he looked back up at Harry, who was eagerly waiting for a reply. "Harry, I've been thinking...with Dumbledore that is. We had a little chat after he came back from the meeting— "
"You mean he's back?"
Sirius nodded. "Yes, and he's been helping with tracking down Fudge hopefully to Voldemort's hideout."
Harry quickly sat up in his seat. "Is there anything I can do? How can I help?"
Sirius stared at him silently, a half grim expression slowly cascading over his features. "Harry...I don't think that's a good idea. The Ministry," he paused. "The Ministry doesn't want you involved."
The words stung Harry deeply, although it wasn't the same pain he got from looking at his friends it still hurt a lot. The Ministry didn't trust him. And Harry was supposed to be their savior. He only hoped Mr. Weasley wasn't angry with him.
"...Okay, well, I don't have to get involved to help. I mean, I could just stay with you and..."
Harry stopped as Sirius began shaking his head. "I know that you want to help now, Harry, but you were the one that told the Ministry Fudge was planning on taking over Voldemort's place. Unfortunately, that's what he wanted everyone to think and now Voldemort is loose because of that. We can't risk anything else happening."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry blurted out. He wasn't sure what was happening, but being with Sirius didn't feel the same. Usually most of the stress and worries Harry had would just disappear, but now they were only increasing.
"Harry, listen to me!" Sirius said, a bit more harshly than he probably intended. He stood up brushing his hands through his hair. "Look, I know that in the past it has been your job to help with everything having to do with Hogwarts and the Ministry, but this time you just have to leave it alone. The Ministry knows what they're doing and Arthur is doing a great job leading them."
Harry stood up and walked toward him. "But Sirius, what do you mean by that?"
Sirius looked down at him, but didn't answer immediately. "Harry, we think it's better that you not be involved at all. Even if Voldemort doesn't want you this time, he may know that you get intuitions about things and might send you the wrong image. It would be better if you just took a break until the chaos has ended," he hesitated. "Harry, we've decided we're going to take away your wand, just for now."
"What?!" Harry screamed, backing up slightly. "My...My wand? Why? I won't have it to protect myself!"
Sirius shook his head, "Harry, listen to me. You won't need it where you're going. It's just that you're much too powerful and we don't want Voldemort to somehow tap into your power and use it against us. He has ways of doing that, Harry. And even if you aren't the target this time, there's still a good chance he'll try and use you to bring down the Ministry. You've got to understand it's for the best, for everyone."
Harry was shaking his head from side to side, not believing a word Sirius was saying to him. It couldn't be. The Ministry distrusted him enough to take his wand away? He didn't understand how everything could go so wrong. It was all because of a simple mission. Harry had wanted to do it to help the Ministry and the people in the wizarding world and instead he ended up endangering them.
Sirius saw the look on his face and stepped forward. "Harry..."
"It's not true!" Harry shouted, feeling like he would break at any minute, or explode. The feelings inside of him, the strange urgings and sensations he had been feeling even when talking to his friends were coming back stronger than ever. All of his worries increased as if they had been justified. "Sirius, please, you know I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't let Voldemort take advantage of me," he said reaching forward and grabbing his robe.
"Harry, this isn't my order, it's the order from the Ministry. We've got to do what they say," he said calmly.
Harry shook his head again, his hands even beginning to shake. "What about Dumbledore? He'll change their minds, he always does."
Sirius grabbed Harry's arms, "Not this time, Harry. You've got to give me your wand."
Harry's whole body froze as he stared up into his Godfather's eyes. Something wasn't right. Why didn't Sirius trust him? He had made mistakes before, although he had never truly endangered the whole world before. Still, Sirius always stood by him even when the worst came. Harry slowly licked his dry lips, trying to calm himself and think rationally. "Okay...well, when will I get it back? I don't want to be too long without it."
Sirius' expression seemed to grow a bit warmer. "Not for a while, we're not sure how long this fight against bringing Voldemort down again will last. It could be years— "
"Years!? Without my wand? How will I learn magic?"
The silence was almost unbearable. Harry was still shaking, not understanding how everything got out of control so fast. Sirius took a deep breath, "Harry, you're not going to learn magic."
Harry's face immediately paled. His body began quivering as he stared into the serious expression plastered on Sirius' face.
"What?" he asked quietly, almost barely above a whisper.
Sirius sighed almost sadly, as if he didn't want to say what was coming next. "Harry, we're sending you back to your relative's house. You're going to stay in the muggle world for a while."
It was as if Harry had suddenly plunged into a huge lake covered in ice. His body felt like a cold breeze was slowly sweeping through his insides, giving him goose bumps inside and out. His face was pale and almost expressionless, except for his wide eyes and slightly opened mouth. His fingertips even began to feel numb. Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. He wouldn't.
"You wouldn't...," Harry whispered hoarsely.
Sirius turned away, taking Harry's hands off of his robe. "If you're in the muggle world Voldemort can't reach you, and without your wand you're powerless even if he does manage to get there somehow. And since your wand will be separated from you, there's no way he could use your power."
Harry's eyes had an almost dazed look to them, as if he couldn't fully hear him, or didn't want to. It wasn't happening...it must've been a nightmare. First, his fears of Dumbledore being disappointed in him, their trust slowly disintegrating. Then his fears of people around him blaming him for Cedric's death, not forgiving him. Then his friends...his friends meant everything to him, especially Ron and Hermione. Their opinions mattered most and they always sided with him, with the exception during his fourth year when he and Ron got in a fight. And now this, his worst fear and deepest fear was coming true. He could feel the warmth of his body slowly dying away as the room began to feel colder.
"You...You want me out of the way?" Harry's voice whispered. He was afraid if he had said it any louder that the tears begging to fall down would give in. He didn't want to cry, he wanted to take it bravely and be strong like he always was.
"Harry, I'm trying to keep you safe," Sirius argued, turning around in frustration and breathing deeply. "You don't have to make this so hard. We're all ready beginning to prepare for a war here, many could die and you're being selfish! You have the chance to live!"
"I don't want to live like that!" Harry shouted, unable to keep in anger inside any longer. "I don't want to! I've all ready lived there, Sirius and I hated it. I hated it!" Harry's lips began to quiver harder as his hands shook uncontrollably. "I want to be a wizard, I want to learn magic! I want to help you fight this war, I don't want to sit on the sidelines!"
Sirius intently stared at him gravely, "They won't let you. You've fought enough over these years, why don't you just take a break?"
Harry's eyes looked confused as he looked at him, taken aback.
"You told me that you're sick of fighting. You told me you don't want to endanger anyone else's life, isn't that right? You're getting a second chance," Sirius said desperately, stepping forward. "Don't you see, this isn't a bad thing like you're making it out to be."
"No, Sirius, it's not what I want," Harry said, afraid his emotions would get the better of him. He bit his lip to keep from crying. "I want...I want to be here with you. And Ron and Hermione and Dumbledore. Everyone! I want to have a job in this world after I graduate, I don't want to go back there. You promised me when you took me in that I'd never have to see the Dursleys again. You promised."
Sirius sighed exasperated. "Harry, I know I promised but I didn't expect the world to be on the verge of ending, now did I? And I know you want to see your friends. They're not preventing you from writing back and forth to them, or even seeing them once in a while. We may even be forced to send them there if the war gets too dangerous, but you have to understand," he said putting his hands on Harry's shoulder and looking at him right in the eye. "You could be the key to the world's destruction, now do you want that?"
"No," Harry shook his head, not able to move backward because Sirius was holding him tightly. "That won't happen! I could...I could be bate! If Voldemort wants to use me so bad, you could set it up making it look like I want to try and take him out myself and then we could trick him!"
"Harry, stop it!" Sirius yelled, shaking him vigorously. "You need to stop this! You can't always have your way! The world doesn't revolve around you!" Harry's eyes widened with hurt. "If you want to help, you'll do as I say, give me your wand and go to your relatives without another word."
"Sirius please!" Harry screamed, throwing his arms around him. He was shivering uncontrollably now, his skin felt clammy all over and his body numb. Goose bumps were visible on his arms now and he was whimpering, holding onto Sirius for dear life. His once bright green eyes, now sad and watery looked up at him hopefully. He couldn't stay strong, not when he would be separated from his friends, the people he cared about...his home.
"Please...," he begged. "Don't make me go back there. Don't be disappointed in me, give me another chance."
Sirius stared at him for a minute before closing his eyes and reopening them. "It's too late, Harry. You've got to go there."
Everything that had built up inside him from all those years and from the past few hours finally took its toll. The watery substance filling Harry's glossy, heart-broken eyes finally became too much and poured over. Bright crystal clear tears dripped down Harry's pale and feverish face.
"Please," Harry sobbed, "Sirius, I...I need you. This world is like my home, I can't leave."
Sirius' expression was grave, no warmth or love showing. He didn't answer, but his face showed it all. He wasn't going to change his mind and Harry crying didn't seem to matter to him. Harry shook his head, his shoulders shaking lightly as his eyes squinted, overflowing with tears. "I didn't mean it," he cried, pushing his face into Sirius' chest. "I only wanted to help. I didn't want to hurt anyone."
His body began shaking as his sobs became harder. Harry had never cried before in his life and now everything was coming out; every regret that lie dormant in his mind was now reawakened.
"Forgive me, please Sirius," Harry said lifting his head to look up at him, his face streaked with tears and more continued falling. "I didn't mean for any of it to happen. It was my fault, all my fault that Cedric died. I killed him! I knew Voldemort was there...I could sense it. I should've said something, or did something, but I didn't. I...," he sniffled loudly, trying to hold back the sobs that were urging to come forward, "I didn't want Ron and Hermione to get involved in my problems either. They almost died once because of me, because Voldemort wanted to hurt me through them. I always...I always get people in danger...," he couldn't finish talking as he began sobbing again, only harder until he began to cry. He covered his face with his hands, his regret and sadness filling the room and echoing off the walls of the empty office. Harry didn't notice the light in the room beginning to dim.
"It's all my fault," he whispered. "Everything is. And now I've let Voldemort get away and it's all going to repeat all over again. It's true I'm...," Harry stopped talking, taking his hands away letting his tears cascade down his cheeks to the floor. Sadly, and filled with hurt and remorse, Harry's dull eyes looked up at Sirius, his face contorting into a heart-broken expression showing that lots more tears were soon to come. "I'm just like him...I'm just like Voldemort."
Harry finally burst into tears, covering his face completely, his crying even louder and more heavier. He slowly sunk to the ground, knees hitting the floor. He then grabbed onto Sirius burying his head in his robe and continued crying.
"Please Sirius...," he gasped between sobs, "Say something...anything."
Harry looked up at him desperately, his eyes wet and his nose red from crying. Sirius' gaze was piercing and cold, holding nothing short of disappointment, as if his eyes were empty...or not there at all.
"I'm sorry, Harry," he said quietly, his voice sounding more than serious. "This is for your own good."
Harry's tears stopped flowing down his cheeks, as if they were suddenly frozen. His eyes were still wet, but had a blank look to them. He could no longer see or hear Sirius. He could no longer feel the cool material of the robe between his fingers. And he could no longer hear the voices of his friends or teachers, nor could he feel any presence or emotion through his body. He was falling backwards, his hands slipping from the grasp on Sirius' robe as the room began to dissolve.
But he couldn't see it, he couldn't see anymore, nor could he feel or think. He couldn't see Sirius slowly disappearing along with the rest of the room and images. His skin was now frozen, like his tears, abnormally pale and clammy, as the rest of his body lost its warmth. His pupils slowly disintegrated, disappearing with the voices as if they were never there. Everything disappeared as Harry was swallowed by the emptiness that was the only thing left, taking place of his once warm heart and body; an eternal darkness.
TO BE CONTINUED...