Harry Potter & the Price of Mercy

by: NecessaryEvil

Chapter Twelve: The Chapter that Escapes Description

Disclaimer: They aint mine, foo.

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers.

artico: Thanks for the compliments, I'll try not to disappoint.

big hp fan: Cummon folks I'm blushing here.

artico(again): The physical description and name may be the same as the guy from Kingdom Hearts, but I assure you that I do not intend the personality to be the same.

D.L.: Yes its a cliffhanger.

Now on with the show.

Riku brought his sword down on Harry's crossed arms, but could not go any further as a shield of power had formed across the arms, Harry pushed back into the thrust and was able to get Riku off of him. He then focused on the Black Tiger's vision and reflexes, suddenly the world slowed down around him, but Riku continued to move at amazing speeds. Harry was barely able to dodge most of the attacks and one got through to his leg causing a thick burning gash.

Harry's reflexes suffered from only having one good leg to use and he could sense that the other Harbingers were making their way up behind him. He began drawing all of the strength and power he had inside of himself into his fist. It was risky, but he knew that currently it was his best chance. At seeing what he was doing he felt Cho tense up in preparation behind him. He swung his punch straight towards Riku and a huge explosion of white raw energy erupted from where Harry's fist connected with Riku's blade. The light was blinding and its power forced both fighters back several steps before Harry collapsed, having expended all of his energy. He felt something fall on top of him and then he was gone.

***

Harry stood on the edge of the void looking in at something he knew was coming out. Something that he did not want to see. Cedric stood at his side looking down with him, "It's only a matter of time now,"

"Do you think I can do it?" Harry asked.

"Honestly?" Harry nodded, "No, but I think with your friends and me on your side you might have a fighting chance,"

"How'd I get here again?"

"You're drained, it makes sense in this case. I still don't know how you got here before,"

"I think I'll go back now,"

"Probably a good idea,"

Harry turned and walked away from the edge of the void and...

***

Harry sat bolt upright in the Hospital Wing bed. He felt icicles forming on his hands and face and shook them off watching them melt on the floor. That's weird, he thought, wonder where those came from. He looked around and saw Cho resting her head at the foot of his bed. He smiled slightly and scooted back to lean against the head of the bed. The movement woke Cho who looked up at Harry with worried eyes.

"Are you alright," she asked quietly.

Harry nodded.

"If you had died I would have killed you," Cho grinned slightly.

"Couldn't," Harry responded simply.

"Why?" Cho asked.

"Just found love," Harry said looking Cho right in the eyes. Cho blushed a deep red which complimented her features very well, "Finally I get you to blush," Harry grinned.

"I'll let you have that one Potter," Cho laughed.

"So I assume from our trip to the robe-central that there's a ball I don't know about," Cho nodded so Harry continued, "Will you go with me?"

"It's not until December,"

"Something I learned last time...ask early," Harry grinned then thought for a moment and said, "What day is it?"

"Still Saturday, amazingly,"

"You think she'll let me out tomorrow morning?"

"Probably, why?"

"Tryouts,"

"Oh, well I'll let you get some sleep," Cho began to get up to leave.

"Stay," Cho looked at Harry questioningly, "Never could stand being in an empty Hospital Wing,"

***

After much convincing Madame Pomfrey let Harry out at 9am on Sunday, giving him just enough time to get his Uniform and Firebolt before going down to the Quidditch Pitch. There were fifteen students trying out for Keeper. Harry recognized both of the Creevey brothers, Dean Thomas, and Ron, but there were also several others he didn't recognize that he knew he'd have to give equal consideration to. For the tryouts he had Katie and Alecia try to score on them. There were several very good players, but after a few runs Harry narrowed the running down to three, Ron, Dean, and a third year named Michael Martin. After conferring and giving one more run the team all said that it should be Ron. Which Harry was glad to hear, because if that had not been the case Ron would probably have not talked to him for a couple months.

The team made the announcement and then made their way quickly up to the school to try to avoid and retribution from the more rowdy hopefuls. They went into the Great Hall and sat down for lunch.

***

That evening Harry sensed a power reaching out to him, urging him to meet it. After dinner when no one was looking he slipped out the front door and down the Hogwarts grounds toward the Forbidden Forest. As he was running he shifted into his Black Tiger form. He entered the forest and kept running until he was well outside Hogwarts' bounds. He sat for a moment regaining his strength and then took off again.

***

Harry found the source of the power on a boat in the middle of a lake in California. It wasn't an astoundingly big power, but it called to him. The source of the power was a boy, maybe a year older than Harry sitting and staring into the lake.

"It's about time you showed up, I've been sending out invitations to you for hours,"

"Had to finish eating," Harry said flatly, "Who are you?"

"Names Will Finn, but the more interesting question has already been answered,"

"And what's that?"

"Who are you, but who wouldn't recognize Harry Potter,"

"You didn't know who I was?"

"Nope, but that was one impressive display of power you gave yesterday,"

"Was it now?"

"You could do better of course,"

"And I suppose you're going to teach me?"

"Among other things," Will looked directly into Harry's eyes, "Of course your girlfriend can join us if you like,"

"What other things?" Harry grinned.

"I've heard that your father was quite the swordsman,"

"Funny, I hadn't," Harry said sarcastically.

"I'm better," Will said without a inch of arrogance, "And you could be even greater than me,"

"How are you so sure?" Harry asked skeptically.

"Because, you are Harry Potter, the descendant of two powerful lines,"

Harry looked Will up and down, "I'll think about it," Harry paused, "And next time owl me,"

And then he was gone and Will Finn went back to staring into the lake before beginning to row back towards shore.

***

A/N: Those of you who have read Carpe Diem: Second Year Revision (at least what there is of it) will recognize Will Finn as the guy who makes it all possible. Same guy only earlier..or is it later, time travel is confusing, but this guy is on his first pass through life. This is kind of lame, but it's important and I decided that I was never going to figure out how to do the introduction to Will right so I might as well get doing it wrong over with, so I tacked it onto this chapter since it seemed too short.