He was running. Running so hard sweat droplets were trickling down his forehead to his neck. Agh, why did there have to be so many bloody hallways? But it was familiar. All so familiar...
"Harry!"
Harry's hand slipped from beneath his cheek causing his head to fall sharply and awaken him .He quickly looked around baffled, allowing his mind to shake off the fuzzy post-affects of dozing. Yawning quietly, Harry leaned back in his chair and stretched. He was in Professor Trelawney's warm classroom listening (or rather forcing himself to catch bits and phrases) to the theories behind the pros and cons of knowing the future. He just remembered his thoughts before nodding off and that they were of the killing Dumbledore nature.
Bloody headmaster and his loyalties, how dare he leave them with Trelawney again, it took everything in Harry's self-control not to scream out and kill himself from boredom the past two months. And the long stretch of November with Trelawney wasn't lightened whatsoever by the Halloween Feast they had had a few nights ago. It only made her classes more torturous as ever.
"Harry, are you ok?" Neville mumbled quietly from his seat across from him.
Harry nodded rubbing the back of his head, "Yeah, why?"
"Well...cause you had this face that looked like you were worried or something," Neville replied in an even more whispered voice.
Harry frowned, the dream had been so short he didn't remember anything that would cause him to look worried. He was just thankful that neither Hermione nor Ron had this class with him anymore since they'd been asking him a million questions that demanded answers. Harry rubbed his slightly throbbing forehead and leaned forward on the circular table.
He couldn't still be tapping into Voldemort's thoughts. He just couldn't be...
"I sense much turmoil in you particularly, Potter," Professor Trelawney cooed mysteriously somewhere behind him.
Harry turned around to find her standing behind him, moving her hands slowly above his head.
Oh Lord, help me not to kill her, Harry thought to himself.
"Yes...ohh yes. MUCH turmoil," Trelawney breathed as she floated her hands along Harry's shoulders, arms and back.
Harry glanced at Neville and Seamus, and gave them a God-help-me look. They laughed silently and watched the Professor continue to float around Harry.
"You've been through much lately...Much danger," Trelawney whispered closing her eyes.
"Nah! Really?" Harry couldn't help but blurt out.
Most of the class laughed. It was rude, he knew that, but come on. It didn't take a genius to just pick up a newspaper and read the headlines for months now what Harry had gone through.
Professor Trelawney scowled at him, obviously ruffled by his complete disregard for her predictions. Ignoring his comment, she went on," I see many dangers coming your way, Mr. Potter. Many. A...duel..."
Harry's eyes widened as he froze in his seat. His hands gripped onto the edges of the table, turning his knuckles white. Neville and Seamus shot him concerned looks, now suddenly taking on an interest in regards to Trelawney's ranting.
"Yes, I see it. A fierce duel...in which only one of you will survive...I can not see who it is...ohhh ,but a bloody duel it was. Very bloody. Many die...Many...And it seems to take place in...a forest..."
Harry forced his breathing to remain normal, not wanting to alarm any of his classmates, now intently watching both he and Trelawney for truth behind her seeing. She can't be right, can she? No, its impossible. She's NEVER right. Except for that one night...
"Ohh, Potter...Its near. Quite near....Much turmoil for you ," The professor finished ominously.
The class stared at her dumbfounded. Not sure whether to dismiss her, or believe the horrified look upon Harry's face telling them that it was true. The bell rang some ways off, but no one moved quite yet. They all seemed to be waiting for some sort of sign from either Trelawney or Harry.
Harry exhaled finally and resumed blinking. He couldn't believe it, he refused. All of a sudden the teacher of Divination could predict actual events? It was just too far-fetched to consume. Not uttering a word, Harry stood up and left the classroom, hearing the others slowly mimicking
Harry didn't speak much during lunch, and refused to say anything about Divination. He faked a smile all through eating, nodded when comments were made and simply stayed out of the limelight. The last thing he wanted was to be questioned about the events Trelawney 'predicted'. Soon enough, to his relief, he was in Defense Against the Dark Arts again. He didn't expect to be taking it in doubles, let alone everyday. Not that he was complaining. The class went on in its usual exciting form. He learned how to put a tracking spell on someone, then in reverse how to block one.
Before he knew it, he was walking onto the pitch pulling his arm pads on. He laid his Firebolt over his shoulder and joined the team in the changing room. It wasn't much of a surprise that when Umbridge was put on trial for questionable behavior, all of her 'Educational Decrees' were made null and void, most importantly the Decree involving Harry, Fred and George being banned from Quidditch forever.
"Now, I know we've made great progress in working Ron, Andrew and Jack into our gaming techniques, but don't let that make you think we're going to slack off," Angelina started, pacing back and forth in the front of the room. Harry took a seat besides Andrew Kirke, one of the new beaters, and Ron. Angelina seemed to be taking on more and more of Oliver Wood's characteristics. The growing obsession with practicing, the need to win and how to improve. It was actually comical.
"Now, Harry, I'm expecting nothing but the BEST from you today. I know you've been through a lot lately, but don't use that as an excuse to not give it your all. ..Now, ok! Lets get going!" Angelina finished and lead the way down to the pitch.
Harry had to smile at her unflinching enthusiasm. He followed the others out and straddled his Firebolt.
"Now! I want to focus today solely on Ron's blocking techniques. Harry, I want you to fill in for Jack today and work with Andrew as a Beater, alright?" Angelina ordered as she mounted her broomstick.
Harry nodded and took a place besides Andrew, taking the club he held out for him. He'd never been a beater before, but a brief memory of Oliver stating 'Not bad, Potter...you'd make a fair beater,' before Harry's very first encounter with the concept of Quidditch gave him a little confidence.
Kicking off the ground, Harry hovered in alignment with Andrew and waited as Angelina grabbed the Quaffle and released one Bludger.
She floated up to join the team and called out," Ok! Katie, Alicia, we're going to come at Ron in the three ways we practiced. Andrew, Harry, I want you to work with the Bludger and run some techniques we've been forming. Try some out on us soon as you get the hang of it."
And they were off. It was odd handling the wooden club, he was so used to just flying around hands free. It proved to be quite tricky as he ducked and flew holding the thick stick.
"Alright, 'arry! Its coming your way. Hit it back to meh!" Andrew called from across the pitch.
Harry bit his lip and gripped the club firmly in his fist. With a forceful whack, Harry thumped the Bludger and sent it flying straight towards Andrew. Andrew blinked and quickly slammed it back to Harry. They continued this for the next few minutes, each of Harry's hits more or less perfectly aimed at Andrew's clubbed arm whereas Andrew's went in various directions around Harry. With one last whack, Andrew sent the Bludger sideways towards the poles Ron was guarding.
"Don't hit him straight on, 'ight? Make it miss him a few times, then we can start hitting it away from us," Andrew instructed as they flew towards Ron.
The experience of controlling the crazy Bludger was unbelievable. It was one thing to chase a beautiful, gold ball around but a complete other to handle such a mad object. His amateur skill started gaining attention from his fellow team mates. Soon, Angelina paused their practice and flew over to him.
"Harry, I didn't know you could handle a Bludger. Why didn't you tell me?" She asked rolling the Quaffle from hand to hand.
"Well, I didn't really know. I mean, Wood mentioned I was fair the first day we ever practiced, but that was it," Harry replied, slightly hitting the edge of the club against his broomstick.
"You're just full of surprises, Potter. I bet you could play the entire game by yourself given the chance," Angelina commented with a grin. She gave him a pat on the back and called for practice to resume.
The rest of the practice went on with compliments from his team mates. Later, Angelina called them to a halt and gathered them on the ground.
"Alright, that was good guys. I know we're ready for our game tomorrow against Ravenclaw. You guys can go," Angelina finished waving everybody off.
Harry was about to leave when she caught his arm and pulled him back, "Harry. I wanted a word with you privately."
Harry nodded and flew to the opposite end of the field with her, hovering behind one of the goal posts.
"Now, I know the little ..affiliation.. you and Cho Chang have been having together. But I need to know that you're not going to let your emotions get in the way of winning us this match." Angelina spoke to him, re-grabbing his arm tightly.
Harry nodded and held back his indignation. "That's totally not an issue, Angelina. I'm going to do my part and Cho won't know what hit her."
Angelina smiled and patted his arm firmly before flying off. Facing Cho wasn't anywhere near his list of worries. He had plum forgotten she was even on the Ravenclaw team ,let alone a fellow seeker like himself. But he wasn't all that panicked about not being able to beat her, far from it actually. Granted, he hadn't spoken to her since last year, but it didn't affect his playing. He was going to get that snitch before her and prove he wasn't still in mourning over their failed relationship.
Swooping down to the ground, he found himself walking towards a beaming Hermione and a flustered Ron. Unbeknownst to any of them, Snape crept back down the stands and disappeared behind them, his burning hate for Harry growing steadily.
//------------
" Ron! Watch out!" Harry shouted, wincing at the sight of Ron's broom getting beaned in the back by a zooming Bludger.
Hovering above the rest of them, Harry had a good view of what was going on in the game. Jack was having trouble aiming his hits due to his frequent, violent sneezes, Katie kept getting Bludger aimed at her whenever she had possession of the Quaffle and Ron was getting nervous again. The Ravenclaws were playing rather ruthlessly for some reason, acting more like the Slytherins in regards to playing technique. A loud cough made Harry look up and see Cho hovering close by, looking straight at him. She gave a tiny wave and moved closer.
Harry turned away and continued to watch the game, finding any reason not to look at Cho. Ron was getting back his confidence and making decent saves, though Jack seemed to be playing worse than ever. He could tell Angelina was panicking by the frantic look on her face as she whizzed back and forth. Harry swooped down to get a better look, keeping half his eye on spotting a flicker of gold. A black figure passed the corner of his eyes, making him turn around. Cho was hovering not too far from him. She obviously had the same technique as before, shadow Harry around, letting him find the snitch then take off after it. This was the sole technique that irked Harry the most.
"Jack! Jack! Watch it!"
Harry quickly looked down and saw Jack sneezing uncontrollably, flying around quite erratically. Swooping down to the ground ,feeling Cho's mimic close behind, Harry scanned his eyes along the bottom of the field for the slightest hint of shimmering gold. Upon seeing it, he made to rush off before a loud shout called out from above him.
"Jack! Ron!"
Looking up just in time, he saw Jack spinning out of control from what Harry only assumed was the result of a very powerful sneeze. Jack's club soared out of his hands to Harry's dread as a Bludger came whizzing straight at Ron, who obviously hadn't seen it yet. Harry zoomed up, quickly snatching the falling club, and hurried in front of Ron in the nick of time. With a hard swing, Harry sent the grumbling Bludger back across the field knocking a pass of the Quaffle out of Ravenclaw's possession and down into Alicia's. An uproar of pandemonium followed this feat, as Alicia and Katie passed off and scored a goal.
"Ten points for Gryffindor! Oh my god! What a move made by Harry Potter! Unbelievable! Without hesitation, Potter grabbed Sloper's club and saved Weasley from a maniac Bludger, and in turn knocking the Quaffle right out of Ravenclaw clutches!" Lee Jordan shouted over the loudspeaker."That deserves house points even! What do ya say Professor McGonagal?"
Needless to say, the Professor didn't agree with awarding house points for Quidditch, even though it WAS a miraculous move. Harry couldn't help but beam and glow at the riotous cheering coming from the scarlet and gold clothed section of the stadiums. Knocking him from his euphoria was Ron's shout of," Harry! Quick, Cho!!"
Not pausing to think this over, Harry immediately zoomed after Cho who had suddenly sped off. Quickly catching up, he noticed she was chasing nothing but air. Angrily, Harry stopped on a dime and glared at the faint image of Cho. Just then, a glint of gold swooshed past his head, nicking the ends of his wild locks. In moments, he was reaching out, closing in steadily upon the fluttering Snitch. Suddenly, a hard thump landed in his side, knocking him off course. He looked to the side to see Cho flying where he used to be. He narrowed his eyes and bumped her back, though considerably softer. She shoved him in return, much harder than her first. What was her problem? Harry asked himself. She continued to shove and bump him forcefully, trying to knock him either off course or out of her way. Their fingers stretched as far as they could go, aching for just a few centimeters closer. Harry could feel the thin wings flapping furiously just beyond his fingertips.
Unexpectedly, a rib-shattering force collided in Harry's side, shoving his reach just enough to wrap around the Snitch. A shrill whistle blew as Harry felt himself free-falling to the ground below. With a painful thud, Harry landed on the sand-covered ground, sending sand flying up around his landing.
He clutched his side, gasping for breath as hordes of people flooded the field and ran towards him.
"Harry! Oh my god, HARRY!" Hermione exclaimed as she slid onto the ground and scrambled besides him.
"Bloody 'ell! Are you alright, 'arry!" Ron shouted as he caught up.
Harry looked up, blinding explosions of white light littering his vision. He struggled to form words, but only found screams of pain escaping his mouth. His side was burning painfully, causing the rest of his body to quickly start losing strength.
"Wha-Wha-..AHHHHHHH! GOD! " Harry called out throwing back his head and squeezing his eyes as he attempted to make the slightest move.
His teammates wasted no time in surrounding him as Madam Hooch and Professor McGonagal kneeled besides him.
"Careful.." Professor McGonagal instructed as Angelina slowly pulled up Harry's sweater and shirt.
A series of gasps escaped the onlookers as McGonagal hastily ordered Ron to go inform Madam Pomfrey that Harry was going to need immediate attention upon his arrival. Ron took off like a bolt while Hermione squeezed Harry's hand firmer.
"Wha-...." Harry groaned, feeling tears leak from his eyes from the pain.
"L-looks like..." Hermione stammered, backing away as Professor McGonagal shouted Locomotor Corpse.
Harry felt himself gently lifted from the ground and slowly hovered away from the crowd. Gritting his teeth, Harry knew he couldn't keep bearing the pain ,and so before he could reach the hospital wing for the second time this year, Harry blacked out.
//------------
He was running. Running faster. His shoes made loud, thumping sounds as they collided with the slick, marble floor. It was the echo of emptiness. The echo of a place that was once filled to brimming, but was now completely devoid of life. It was familiar, the hallways...so familiar. He flew down the white marble staircase and stood in the long, huge hall. He continued to run, finding the hall longer than it looked. He paused ,looking to his right. There hung a portrait of a vacant chair where he knew was supposed to contain something pink...It was supposed to..
"' arry? " a faint voice called .
'No', he thought.' No, I must figure out what used to be there...I must figure out where I am..'
" I don't think he's conscious yet...."
'No. no I'm not...Go away, let me alone..'
" Pomfrey said we have to keep talking to him until he wakes, Hermione. Its part of the potion she gave him..."
'no...No Pomfrey...no potion. Just something pink...'
" 'arry? C'mon, mate. Time to wake up..."
Harry groaned and slowly opened his eyelids which he found to be quite heavy, A blurry form of Hermione and Ron were seated on either side of him. At the foot of his bed were several scarlet and gold clad figures, no doubt his team mates.
"Wha-....What happened?" He croaked roughly.
"Got knocked square in the side by some Bludger a Ravenclaw intended to aim at Alicia," Ron explained as his team maters drew closer.
"Luckily, we got you here before it got worse..." Hermione started.
"Worse?" Harry asked taking in his surroundings, looking down to see why he was so cold and saw he had on only his Quidditch uniform pants and socks. He motioned for a blanket which Andrew hastily fetched and spread over him.
"The impact was apparently so hard, it shattered the whole side of your ribs and bone had penetrated most of your vital organs," Angelina filled in.
"Any longer, mate, and you would've internally bled to death," Ron added grimly.
Harry licked his dry lips and looked over at Hermione. Her eyes were red and puffy and skin pale. He moved his hand slightly towards her and she quickly weaved her own in it.
The others exchanged looks at the motion, then Jack spoke up," Um, why don't we let Harry rest for now."
They all nodded and agreed and headed towards the dormitories. Ron gave Harry a gentle pat on his knee and beamed," Brilliant game, though, 'arry."
Harry smiled weakly and watched him leave. He looked back at Hermione who kept his gaze steadily. Fresh tears shimmered in her eyes as she collapsed in hugging Harry tightly. She buried her face in his neck as Harry feebly wrapped his arms around her. He let her sob and she let him care.
//------------
"You sure you have to continue those lessons?" Ron asked Harry as he walked him down to Snape's dungeon.
"Well, Dumbledore sure seems to think so," Harry grumbled resentfully.
"Ah, good luck, mate," Ron offered as they approached the entrance.
Harry mumbled a reply before entering the classroom. It seemed darker and more foreboding as ever. Harry wandered through the desks and towards Professor Snape's office, protectively rubbing his still sore side. He knocked as quietly as he could, half hoping Snape wouldn't hear it, Harry could pretend he wasn't there and avoid the Occulmency lesson. To his disappointment, a cold, low voice emanating from inside.
"Come in, Potter..."
Harry swallowed hard and pushed the door open. He saw Snape pulling threads of white with the tip of his wand and depositing them in the Pensieve.
Carefully walking towards him, Harry made to say something but was interrupted by Snape," Healed, are we?"
Harry stammered then nodded.
"Good...don't want a half-attempted job from you, Potter. Not that it'd be unusual."
Harry glared at Snape, who looked rather smug about it all.
"Front and center, Potter. We'll start immediately." Snape ordered standing behind the Pensieve.
Harry couldn't help but glance at its shimmering contents. Upon looking up, he found Snape glowering at him frantically, taking Harry aback.
" Legilimens' Snape shouted without warning.
Harry stumbled with the abruptness and saw images whiz past his vision. Shouting at Hermione and
Ron at The Order's headquarters. Hurrying Hedwig to the staff room after finding her hurt. Hermione's face growing closer and closer.
" Protego!"
Harry blinked, finding himself on the ground. He looked up and saw a mix of shock and smugness on Professor Snape's face.
"Your skill is quickening, Potter. I suppose it was only a matter of time..." He hissed. "Again!"
They continued on, each time Snape barely giving Harry time to recover from the last attack before starting the next. Two hours passed far too slowly before Snape ceased his last attack, which Harry managed to repel slightly standing.
"You need improvement, Potter. You will come back tomorrow evening." Snape ordered putting his thoughts back into his head and putting away the Pensieve.
Anger boiled in Harry as he swiftly turned to the door. Holding the doorknob in his palm, Harry found himself pausing. He sighed deeply closing his eyes momentarily, then walked back over to Snape at his desk. Snape looked up most bewildered, but quickly recovered.
"What do you want, Potter?" He spat.
Harry swallowed down his annoyance and brought up every ounce of courage he had to do what he KNEW he needed to do," I'm not James, you know."
Snape's face fell, all maliciousness vanishing completely. It took a few minutes for the words to sink in. Just as quickly as it had fled, Snape's poisonous glare came back." What was that, Potter?"
Harry took a deep breath and looked straight into his Potions master's eyes," I'm not James Potter. Yes, I am his son, but that doesn't mean I'm HIM...I must admit, he did TERRIBLE things
when he was my age, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'M doing them as well. I know how it feels to be humiliated and I know how it feels to want people to suffer for making you miserable...but. You just can't let past grudges effect how you live your future..."
Snape stared at him dumbfounded, somewhere behind his eyes his brain was quickly whirling, trying to figure out whether to snap at Harry or take it to heart.
"I loved my father, as well as my mother. I'm of their genes and there's nothing I can do about that...I can only hope you someday SEE that. Well...I'm Not James."
And with that, Harry exited the dungeon leaving a speechless Severus Snape in his wake.
"Harry!"
Harry's hand slipped from beneath his cheek causing his head to fall sharply and awaken him .He quickly looked around baffled, allowing his mind to shake off the fuzzy post-affects of dozing. Yawning quietly, Harry leaned back in his chair and stretched. He was in Professor Trelawney's warm classroom listening (or rather forcing himself to catch bits and phrases) to the theories behind the pros and cons of knowing the future. He just remembered his thoughts before nodding off and that they were of the killing Dumbledore nature.
Bloody headmaster and his loyalties, how dare he leave them with Trelawney again, it took everything in Harry's self-control not to scream out and kill himself from boredom the past two months. And the long stretch of November with Trelawney wasn't lightened whatsoever by the Halloween Feast they had had a few nights ago. It only made her classes more torturous as ever.
"Harry, are you ok?" Neville mumbled quietly from his seat across from him.
Harry nodded rubbing the back of his head, "Yeah, why?"
"Well...cause you had this face that looked like you were worried or something," Neville replied in an even more whispered voice.
Harry frowned, the dream had been so short he didn't remember anything that would cause him to look worried. He was just thankful that neither Hermione nor Ron had this class with him anymore since they'd been asking him a million questions that demanded answers. Harry rubbed his slightly throbbing forehead and leaned forward on the circular table.
He couldn't still be tapping into Voldemort's thoughts. He just couldn't be...
"I sense much turmoil in you particularly, Potter," Professor Trelawney cooed mysteriously somewhere behind him.
Harry turned around to find her standing behind him, moving her hands slowly above his head.
Oh Lord, help me not to kill her, Harry thought to himself.
"Yes...ohh yes. MUCH turmoil," Trelawney breathed as she floated her hands along Harry's shoulders, arms and back.
Harry glanced at Neville and Seamus, and gave them a God-help-me look. They laughed silently and watched the Professor continue to float around Harry.
"You've been through much lately...Much danger," Trelawney whispered closing her eyes.
"Nah! Really?" Harry couldn't help but blurt out.
Most of the class laughed. It was rude, he knew that, but come on. It didn't take a genius to just pick up a newspaper and read the headlines for months now what Harry had gone through.
Professor Trelawney scowled at him, obviously ruffled by his complete disregard for her predictions. Ignoring his comment, she went on," I see many dangers coming your way, Mr. Potter. Many. A...duel..."
Harry's eyes widened as he froze in his seat. His hands gripped onto the edges of the table, turning his knuckles white. Neville and Seamus shot him concerned looks, now suddenly taking on an interest in regards to Trelawney's ranting.
"Yes, I see it. A fierce duel...in which only one of you will survive...I can not see who it is...ohhh ,but a bloody duel it was. Very bloody. Many die...Many...And it seems to take place in...a forest..."
Harry forced his breathing to remain normal, not wanting to alarm any of his classmates, now intently watching both he and Trelawney for truth behind her seeing. She can't be right, can she? No, its impossible. She's NEVER right. Except for that one night...
"Ohh, Potter...Its near. Quite near....Much turmoil for you ," The professor finished ominously.
The class stared at her dumbfounded. Not sure whether to dismiss her, or believe the horrified look upon Harry's face telling them that it was true. The bell rang some ways off, but no one moved quite yet. They all seemed to be waiting for some sort of sign from either Trelawney or Harry.
Harry exhaled finally and resumed blinking. He couldn't believe it, he refused. All of a sudden the teacher of Divination could predict actual events? It was just too far-fetched to consume. Not uttering a word, Harry stood up and left the classroom, hearing the others slowly mimicking
Harry didn't speak much during lunch, and refused to say anything about Divination. He faked a smile all through eating, nodded when comments were made and simply stayed out of the limelight. The last thing he wanted was to be questioned about the events Trelawney 'predicted'. Soon enough, to his relief, he was in Defense Against the Dark Arts again. He didn't expect to be taking it in doubles, let alone everyday. Not that he was complaining. The class went on in its usual exciting form. He learned how to put a tracking spell on someone, then in reverse how to block one.
Before he knew it, he was walking onto the pitch pulling his arm pads on. He laid his Firebolt over his shoulder and joined the team in the changing room. It wasn't much of a surprise that when Umbridge was put on trial for questionable behavior, all of her 'Educational Decrees' were made null and void, most importantly the Decree involving Harry, Fred and George being banned from Quidditch forever.
"Now, I know we've made great progress in working Ron, Andrew and Jack into our gaming techniques, but don't let that make you think we're going to slack off," Angelina started, pacing back and forth in the front of the room. Harry took a seat besides Andrew Kirke, one of the new beaters, and Ron. Angelina seemed to be taking on more and more of Oliver Wood's characteristics. The growing obsession with practicing, the need to win and how to improve. It was actually comical.
"Now, Harry, I'm expecting nothing but the BEST from you today. I know you've been through a lot lately, but don't use that as an excuse to not give it your all. ..Now, ok! Lets get going!" Angelina finished and lead the way down to the pitch.
Harry had to smile at her unflinching enthusiasm. He followed the others out and straddled his Firebolt.
"Now! I want to focus today solely on Ron's blocking techniques. Harry, I want you to fill in for Jack today and work with Andrew as a Beater, alright?" Angelina ordered as she mounted her broomstick.
Harry nodded and took a place besides Andrew, taking the club he held out for him. He'd never been a beater before, but a brief memory of Oliver stating 'Not bad, Potter...you'd make a fair beater,' before Harry's very first encounter with the concept of Quidditch gave him a little confidence.
Kicking off the ground, Harry hovered in alignment with Andrew and waited as Angelina grabbed the Quaffle and released one Bludger.
She floated up to join the team and called out," Ok! Katie, Alicia, we're going to come at Ron in the three ways we practiced. Andrew, Harry, I want you to work with the Bludger and run some techniques we've been forming. Try some out on us soon as you get the hang of it."
And they were off. It was odd handling the wooden club, he was so used to just flying around hands free. It proved to be quite tricky as he ducked and flew holding the thick stick.
"Alright, 'arry! Its coming your way. Hit it back to meh!" Andrew called from across the pitch.
Harry bit his lip and gripped the club firmly in his fist. With a forceful whack, Harry thumped the Bludger and sent it flying straight towards Andrew. Andrew blinked and quickly slammed it back to Harry. They continued this for the next few minutes, each of Harry's hits more or less perfectly aimed at Andrew's clubbed arm whereas Andrew's went in various directions around Harry. With one last whack, Andrew sent the Bludger sideways towards the poles Ron was guarding.
"Don't hit him straight on, 'ight? Make it miss him a few times, then we can start hitting it away from us," Andrew instructed as they flew towards Ron.
The experience of controlling the crazy Bludger was unbelievable. It was one thing to chase a beautiful, gold ball around but a complete other to handle such a mad object. His amateur skill started gaining attention from his fellow team mates. Soon, Angelina paused their practice and flew over to him.
"Harry, I didn't know you could handle a Bludger. Why didn't you tell me?" She asked rolling the Quaffle from hand to hand.
"Well, I didn't really know. I mean, Wood mentioned I was fair the first day we ever practiced, but that was it," Harry replied, slightly hitting the edge of the club against his broomstick.
"You're just full of surprises, Potter. I bet you could play the entire game by yourself given the chance," Angelina commented with a grin. She gave him a pat on the back and called for practice to resume.
The rest of the practice went on with compliments from his team mates. Later, Angelina called them to a halt and gathered them on the ground.
"Alright, that was good guys. I know we're ready for our game tomorrow against Ravenclaw. You guys can go," Angelina finished waving everybody off.
Harry was about to leave when she caught his arm and pulled him back, "Harry. I wanted a word with you privately."
Harry nodded and flew to the opposite end of the field with her, hovering behind one of the goal posts.
"Now, I know the little ..affiliation.. you and Cho Chang have been having together. But I need to know that you're not going to let your emotions get in the way of winning us this match." Angelina spoke to him, re-grabbing his arm tightly.
Harry nodded and held back his indignation. "That's totally not an issue, Angelina. I'm going to do my part and Cho won't know what hit her."
Angelina smiled and patted his arm firmly before flying off. Facing Cho wasn't anywhere near his list of worries. He had plum forgotten she was even on the Ravenclaw team ,let alone a fellow seeker like himself. But he wasn't all that panicked about not being able to beat her, far from it actually. Granted, he hadn't spoken to her since last year, but it didn't affect his playing. He was going to get that snitch before her and prove he wasn't still in mourning over their failed relationship.
Swooping down to the ground, he found himself walking towards a beaming Hermione and a flustered Ron. Unbeknownst to any of them, Snape crept back down the stands and disappeared behind them, his burning hate for Harry growing steadily.
//------------
" Ron! Watch out!" Harry shouted, wincing at the sight of Ron's broom getting beaned in the back by a zooming Bludger.
Hovering above the rest of them, Harry had a good view of what was going on in the game. Jack was having trouble aiming his hits due to his frequent, violent sneezes, Katie kept getting Bludger aimed at her whenever she had possession of the Quaffle and Ron was getting nervous again. The Ravenclaws were playing rather ruthlessly for some reason, acting more like the Slytherins in regards to playing technique. A loud cough made Harry look up and see Cho hovering close by, looking straight at him. She gave a tiny wave and moved closer.
Harry turned away and continued to watch the game, finding any reason not to look at Cho. Ron was getting back his confidence and making decent saves, though Jack seemed to be playing worse than ever. He could tell Angelina was panicking by the frantic look on her face as she whizzed back and forth. Harry swooped down to get a better look, keeping half his eye on spotting a flicker of gold. A black figure passed the corner of his eyes, making him turn around. Cho was hovering not too far from him. She obviously had the same technique as before, shadow Harry around, letting him find the snitch then take off after it. This was the sole technique that irked Harry the most.
"Jack! Jack! Watch it!"
Harry quickly looked down and saw Jack sneezing uncontrollably, flying around quite erratically. Swooping down to the ground ,feeling Cho's mimic close behind, Harry scanned his eyes along the bottom of the field for the slightest hint of shimmering gold. Upon seeing it, he made to rush off before a loud shout called out from above him.
"Jack! Ron!"
Looking up just in time, he saw Jack spinning out of control from what Harry only assumed was the result of a very powerful sneeze. Jack's club soared out of his hands to Harry's dread as a Bludger came whizzing straight at Ron, who obviously hadn't seen it yet. Harry zoomed up, quickly snatching the falling club, and hurried in front of Ron in the nick of time. With a hard swing, Harry sent the grumbling Bludger back across the field knocking a pass of the Quaffle out of Ravenclaw's possession and down into Alicia's. An uproar of pandemonium followed this feat, as Alicia and Katie passed off and scored a goal.
"Ten points for Gryffindor! Oh my god! What a move made by Harry Potter! Unbelievable! Without hesitation, Potter grabbed Sloper's club and saved Weasley from a maniac Bludger, and in turn knocking the Quaffle right out of Ravenclaw clutches!" Lee Jordan shouted over the loudspeaker."That deserves house points even! What do ya say Professor McGonagal?"
Needless to say, the Professor didn't agree with awarding house points for Quidditch, even though it WAS a miraculous move. Harry couldn't help but beam and glow at the riotous cheering coming from the scarlet and gold clothed section of the stadiums. Knocking him from his euphoria was Ron's shout of," Harry! Quick, Cho!!"
Not pausing to think this over, Harry immediately zoomed after Cho who had suddenly sped off. Quickly catching up, he noticed she was chasing nothing but air. Angrily, Harry stopped on a dime and glared at the faint image of Cho. Just then, a glint of gold swooshed past his head, nicking the ends of his wild locks. In moments, he was reaching out, closing in steadily upon the fluttering Snitch. Suddenly, a hard thump landed in his side, knocking him off course. He looked to the side to see Cho flying where he used to be. He narrowed his eyes and bumped her back, though considerably softer. She shoved him in return, much harder than her first. What was her problem? Harry asked himself. She continued to shove and bump him forcefully, trying to knock him either off course or out of her way. Their fingers stretched as far as they could go, aching for just a few centimeters closer. Harry could feel the thin wings flapping furiously just beyond his fingertips.
Unexpectedly, a rib-shattering force collided in Harry's side, shoving his reach just enough to wrap around the Snitch. A shrill whistle blew as Harry felt himself free-falling to the ground below. With a painful thud, Harry landed on the sand-covered ground, sending sand flying up around his landing.
He clutched his side, gasping for breath as hordes of people flooded the field and ran towards him.
"Harry! Oh my god, HARRY!" Hermione exclaimed as she slid onto the ground and scrambled besides him.
"Bloody 'ell! Are you alright, 'arry!" Ron shouted as he caught up.
Harry looked up, blinding explosions of white light littering his vision. He struggled to form words, but only found screams of pain escaping his mouth. His side was burning painfully, causing the rest of his body to quickly start losing strength.
"Wha-Wha-..AHHHHHHH! GOD! " Harry called out throwing back his head and squeezing his eyes as he attempted to make the slightest move.
His teammates wasted no time in surrounding him as Madam Hooch and Professor McGonagal kneeled besides him.
"Careful.." Professor McGonagal instructed as Angelina slowly pulled up Harry's sweater and shirt.
A series of gasps escaped the onlookers as McGonagal hastily ordered Ron to go inform Madam Pomfrey that Harry was going to need immediate attention upon his arrival. Ron took off like a bolt while Hermione squeezed Harry's hand firmer.
"Wha-...." Harry groaned, feeling tears leak from his eyes from the pain.
"L-looks like..." Hermione stammered, backing away as Professor McGonagal shouted Locomotor Corpse.
Harry felt himself gently lifted from the ground and slowly hovered away from the crowd. Gritting his teeth, Harry knew he couldn't keep bearing the pain ,and so before he could reach the hospital wing for the second time this year, Harry blacked out.
//------------
He was running. Running faster. His shoes made loud, thumping sounds as they collided with the slick, marble floor. It was the echo of emptiness. The echo of a place that was once filled to brimming, but was now completely devoid of life. It was familiar, the hallways...so familiar. He flew down the white marble staircase and stood in the long, huge hall. He continued to run, finding the hall longer than it looked. He paused ,looking to his right. There hung a portrait of a vacant chair where he knew was supposed to contain something pink...It was supposed to..
"' arry? " a faint voice called .
'No', he thought.' No, I must figure out what used to be there...I must figure out where I am..'
" I don't think he's conscious yet...."
'No. no I'm not...Go away, let me alone..'
" Pomfrey said we have to keep talking to him until he wakes, Hermione. Its part of the potion she gave him..."
'no...No Pomfrey...no potion. Just something pink...'
" 'arry? C'mon, mate. Time to wake up..."
Harry groaned and slowly opened his eyelids which he found to be quite heavy, A blurry form of Hermione and Ron were seated on either side of him. At the foot of his bed were several scarlet and gold clad figures, no doubt his team mates.
"Wha-....What happened?" He croaked roughly.
"Got knocked square in the side by some Bludger a Ravenclaw intended to aim at Alicia," Ron explained as his team maters drew closer.
"Luckily, we got you here before it got worse..." Hermione started.
"Worse?" Harry asked taking in his surroundings, looking down to see why he was so cold and saw he had on only his Quidditch uniform pants and socks. He motioned for a blanket which Andrew hastily fetched and spread over him.
"The impact was apparently so hard, it shattered the whole side of your ribs and bone had penetrated most of your vital organs," Angelina filled in.
"Any longer, mate, and you would've internally bled to death," Ron added grimly.
Harry licked his dry lips and looked over at Hermione. Her eyes were red and puffy and skin pale. He moved his hand slightly towards her and she quickly weaved her own in it.
The others exchanged looks at the motion, then Jack spoke up," Um, why don't we let Harry rest for now."
They all nodded and agreed and headed towards the dormitories. Ron gave Harry a gentle pat on his knee and beamed," Brilliant game, though, 'arry."
Harry smiled weakly and watched him leave. He looked back at Hermione who kept his gaze steadily. Fresh tears shimmered in her eyes as she collapsed in hugging Harry tightly. She buried her face in his neck as Harry feebly wrapped his arms around her. He let her sob and she let him care.
//------------
"You sure you have to continue those lessons?" Ron asked Harry as he walked him down to Snape's dungeon.
"Well, Dumbledore sure seems to think so," Harry grumbled resentfully.
"Ah, good luck, mate," Ron offered as they approached the entrance.
Harry mumbled a reply before entering the classroom. It seemed darker and more foreboding as ever. Harry wandered through the desks and towards Professor Snape's office, protectively rubbing his still sore side. He knocked as quietly as he could, half hoping Snape wouldn't hear it, Harry could pretend he wasn't there and avoid the Occulmency lesson. To his disappointment, a cold, low voice emanating from inside.
"Come in, Potter..."
Harry swallowed hard and pushed the door open. He saw Snape pulling threads of white with the tip of his wand and depositing them in the Pensieve.
Carefully walking towards him, Harry made to say something but was interrupted by Snape," Healed, are we?"
Harry stammered then nodded.
"Good...don't want a half-attempted job from you, Potter. Not that it'd be unusual."
Harry glared at Snape, who looked rather smug about it all.
"Front and center, Potter. We'll start immediately." Snape ordered standing behind the Pensieve.
Harry couldn't help but glance at its shimmering contents. Upon looking up, he found Snape glowering at him frantically, taking Harry aback.
" Legilimens' Snape shouted without warning.
Harry stumbled with the abruptness and saw images whiz past his vision. Shouting at Hermione and
Ron at The Order's headquarters. Hurrying Hedwig to the staff room after finding her hurt. Hermione's face growing closer and closer.
" Protego!"
Harry blinked, finding himself on the ground. He looked up and saw a mix of shock and smugness on Professor Snape's face.
"Your skill is quickening, Potter. I suppose it was only a matter of time..." He hissed. "Again!"
They continued on, each time Snape barely giving Harry time to recover from the last attack before starting the next. Two hours passed far too slowly before Snape ceased his last attack, which Harry managed to repel slightly standing.
"You need improvement, Potter. You will come back tomorrow evening." Snape ordered putting his thoughts back into his head and putting away the Pensieve.
Anger boiled in Harry as he swiftly turned to the door. Holding the doorknob in his palm, Harry found himself pausing. He sighed deeply closing his eyes momentarily, then walked back over to Snape at his desk. Snape looked up most bewildered, but quickly recovered.
"What do you want, Potter?" He spat.
Harry swallowed down his annoyance and brought up every ounce of courage he had to do what he KNEW he needed to do," I'm not James, you know."
Snape's face fell, all maliciousness vanishing completely. It took a few minutes for the words to sink in. Just as quickly as it had fled, Snape's poisonous glare came back." What was that, Potter?"
Harry took a deep breath and looked straight into his Potions master's eyes," I'm not James Potter. Yes, I am his son, but that doesn't mean I'm HIM...I must admit, he did TERRIBLE things
when he was my age, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'M doing them as well. I know how it feels to be humiliated and I know how it feels to want people to suffer for making you miserable...but. You just can't let past grudges effect how you live your future..."
Snape stared at him dumbfounded, somewhere behind his eyes his brain was quickly whirling, trying to figure out whether to snap at Harry or take it to heart.
"I loved my father, as well as my mother. I'm of their genes and there's nothing I can do about that...I can only hope you someday SEE that. Well...I'm Not James."
And with that, Harry exited the dungeon leaving a speechless Severus Snape in his wake.