A/N- Hey all! Well here's the next chapter! Interesting title...? I couldn't really think of one, this title kind of applies to the beginning of this chapter rather than the ending, but ah well. Thank you for all the reviews! *shocked face* You guys/girls keep getting better and better!! *HUGS* Thanks so much really! You don't know how much your support for me means! I'm touched that you all like it so much! *blush* My sister was threatening to flame my story, so that they weren't all good reviews....thanks Em, for the support. Wonderful.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, though I wish I did... Nor do I make any profit from this story.

Dedication: This is dedicated to Kemenran!! My 70th reviewer!!! Thanks so much!!

Ok so without much further ado here is chapter 12 entitled "Dark Humor" just stating the obvious *grin*

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"Dark Humor"

Harry turned on his side for what seemed like the tenth time in an hour. He had after all only been up here for an hour. After he had changed out of his 'death' robes and got cleaned off, he felt slightly better as if he was pulling off a layer from the heavy wright on his back.

Harry sighed dejectedly and wondered if everyone was downstairs still or if they had all gone up to bed. It was a shame that he just wasn't hungry, he would have liked to see everyone talking and laughing, but he knew they wouldn't do any of that near him. All he really wanted was to see the normal Weasley family interacting, laughing, not looking at him with worry every moment. But everyone had been affected by Sirius' death, not just him. Look at Remus for instance, he lost all his friends but he could still go down to dinner, why couldn't he? People were allowed to laugh, heck, Harry'd give anything to laugh a good long laugh again to have cheer introduced back into his life, but currently it just didn't feel possible. Carefree, exploring the new world he was introduced to just five years ago, the one he was expected to save, but that was all gone now.

Harry had seen that change in himself all to clearly. He knew how his once vibrant green eyes had become dull, his eyes had constant bags under them, which he could do nothing about until his return to Hogwarts. It seemed the bags would be permanent fixtures, even if he was the only one who could see through the charms. Harry wished he was back in Ron's room, but at the same time he was kind of glad of this small change, this tiny luxury. It was confusing, but then again most of his thoughts were.

He had heard often of adults wishing to go back to their childhoods, but Harry had the distinct feeling he would never feel that, well; if he lived that long anyway. He had grown up quickly, he knew it, and had heard some professors saying it when they didn't realize he was around. Dumbledore told it to his face back in fourth year, something about him carrying the burdens that no man should have to, he knew what those "burdens" were now. Dumbledore had meant the prophecy, he couldn't understand why Dumbledore had waited so long to tell him, he had been too young? Would you rather be young and prepare to fight against one of the most powerful dark wizard, or older and have less time? Personally, Harry was quite sure he would have picked the first of the two.

It had been Dumbledore's choice though, and if Dumbledore had his way Harry probably wouldn't even know about it still. Harry had to make the things of the limited time he was given, he knew that he would face Voldemort again this year, he always did, it was like a little reunion one that Harry would have no problem missing. Only his third year did he have off, and then he met Sirius. Harry quickly shook his head of the thoughts the swam in through the opening of the dam that was about to explode. He had also let Wormtail go that year. Harry felt the bile rise in his throat, the stupid arse. He had let him go when Sirius and Remus could have easily prevented Voldemort from coming to power. Everything would be different, Sirius would be free and alive, he wouldn't even have to be here at the Burrow. And Sirius would have told him of the prophecy long before Dumbledore did, last summer he had tried to tell him more things the Order was doing before Mrs. Weasley stopped him. It was his job to defeat Voldemort, he was sure doing a brilliant job wasn't he?

Harry flung himself onto his back, sulking in his own self pity. He hated when he did that, and then he just ended up sulking more because he was sulking because of sulking in the first place. It was a chain of bloody sulking, and he would've given anything to be off this train of no stops.

Harry paused and yawned widely, if he was so tired why couldn't he fall asleep? He cursed silently and moved so that he was lying on his stomach. It was almost eleven at this rate the most sleep he would get would probably only be four to five hours if he was lucky.

He thought of Hogwarts, his true home. The place with so many good memories, yet they had there own fill of bad ones as well. He suddenly got an idea and jumped out of his bed went to his trunk and threw his things aside searching for his "History of Magic" text book. He quickly pulled it out and went back to his bed, the book was almost as boring as his former teacher, Professor Binns. Harry wondered for a fleeting moment that if he ever had to teach some little first years, ten years later, about him, Harry Potter, if then he would finally get his name right?

'Would he even remember teaching him?' Harry thought idly. 'I doubt it, all I did was sleep anyway.'

Harry would miss that, a period of rest where he could stare out the window, occasionally being elbowed in the side by Hermione, waking him up. What he would give to be normal once again. Harry stopped and almost laughed, normal? When was he ever in his whole life ever been normal? When he was a baby, he defeated the darkest wizard of the time, then was sent to the Dursley's who hated him and then he found out he was a wizard.

"And a famous one at that." He heard Hagrid's voice echo through his head and he cracked a grin, at one of the stupidest comments he had ever heard.

One minute the wizarding world loved him the next time they hated him. They believe one moment, and the next they don't. It was too much for Harry. He hated it. Most of all, he hated the way people were/are so easily influenced by the media.

He thought back to the end of his fifth year when he had walked out of the castle and everyone was waving, and calling hello; he hated it. Harry sighed disdainfully as the clock turned to eleven thirty, he didn't get enough sleep as it was. Harry took a deep breath attempting to clear his mind when a sharp pain seared through his forehead. Harry put his head in his hands quickly, kneading the base of his hand on his forehead and then rubbing his temples.

'Voldemort seemed awfully cheerful tonight,' Harry thought grimly.

Harry took a deep breath again trying to clear his head, he took a couple of more gulps of air until he felt light headed and slowly breathe out. That's what he called getting high on air. Harry repeated this action numerous times until he finally was able to clear his head and he drifted off into an uneasy sleep, leaving his "History of Magic" textbook laying forgotten at the side of his bed.

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Harry awoke with a start waking himself up after jumping in his dream. He racked his brain and suddenly became embarrassed for the reason he jumped, he dreamed his was jumping into the veil.

Harry looked up at the clock and saw that it was four thirty, he sighed. He hated getting up early, but he usually always got up early. As long as he could remember he did. He remembered being woken up but Aunt Petunia's shrill screams to prepare breakfast, primary school waking up at seven, it was really only a four-hour difference.

The thing that he enjoyed seeing when he woke up this early, was the sunrise as well as the solitary he found in the morning, because unlike him people in the right state of mind wouldn't wake up at the ungodly hour of four thirty. He watched the sunrise almost every morning at the Dursley's, though watching it at the Burrow would be much better than watching it at the Dursley's, anything would be.

Harry remembered that he was at the Burrow and smiled, no more following around Big D and his gang of stupid cows, though he hoped that the little kids were going to be all right.

Harry got up slowly stretching all the while. He thought hesitantly of the reception he had received when he had arrived, being embraced in the hug from Mrs. Weasley, Harry was suddenly laden with guilt, Mrs. Weasley had probably gone all out last night for dinner, as she usually did. Cooking, gathering up the family, and then he didn't even show up. Mrs. Weasley had probably been preparing the meal for days. Harry shook his head there was nothing he could do about it now. It had happened already, it's not like there was a way to go back in time. A time turner, a time turner he could go back in time and save Sirius. Harry shook his head again, he had already thought of that, first off he would never be given one, and as Dumbledore had said everyone makes a difference, everything makes a difference. Harry thought back to Muggle physics "every action has an equal and opposite reaction" how many times he was forced to recite it a day and now he had already thought of it numerous times this summer.

Harry walked out of the twins room and walked down the hall to get washed up. How many kids and they only had one bathroom? Harry couldn't help but thinking. He got a mental image of Ron in his maroon pajamas being shoved aside by Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George, and grinned cheekily.

He quickly got bathed and changed into his clothes for the day and left the loo. He put his pajamas in his room and walked downstairs. When he arrived downstairs, he wasn't surprised to find no one awake because it was now five in the morning. Harry lingered in the sitting room, looking at pictures. He stopped at a family portrait that was of the Weasley's making funny faces at each other. He laughed as Ron stuck out his tongue and put bunny ears over Ginny's head, who was currently making fish lips at the camera. Fred and George it looked like they had hexed each other because they were all different colors flashing brilliantly. Harry was even surprised to see Percy giving himself moose ears. Charlie and Bill had their wands out and their hair kept growing into various women's hair styles causing them to laugh at each other. Mr. Weasley had put a heart above Mrs. Weasley's head that flashed "Arthur" every five seconds, causing Mrs. Weasley to blush, which was in itself funny, for Harry had never seen Mrs. Weasley blush. Arthur had a crown on his head and his face was painted like a clown. (A/N – Ahh, freaky clowns *shivers*)

Harry couldn't help but laughing out loud at the picture, it felt good, he hadn't laughed or at least really meant a laugh in a long time. He grinned and slowly looked around at the other photos, some were of individual shots but many more were of group pictures. Harry was amazed that such large family could remain so tightly knit.

Harry knew Bill had returned from Egypt to work in Gringotts, Charlie was obviously visiting but Dumbledore had wanted him to stay for international reasons. Harry suspected that now that Fred and George were out of school that they were in the Order. Percy . . . Harry didn't really know what he thought about him, but he seriously thought that he was as arrogant as Malfoy though he would never say that to any of the Weasley's.

Looking around at some more of the photos Harry was shocked to see some of himself with Ron and Hermione laughing or smiling. Harry never remembered anyone taking pictures of himself, he looked closely at them and saw that they were wearing their school robes, so it must have been Colin who took them. He turned away from the pictures and walked around, the fire was still on even though it was August, but he supposed it was always on for Flooing purposes, he moved closer to the fire place and was surprised to find that it gave off cool air rather than heat. He continued looking closely at bits and pieces around the Burrow till the golden sky caught his attention.

He walked out onto the porch and walked slowly down the yard toward the tiny lake near a large tree. He walked unconcerned down the path trying to keep his mind off that fact that the hair on his neck was prickling and the feeling that someone was watching him.

Harry cursed silently and kicked a stone from the lakes' shore, so that it landed violently into the lake, it was probably the Order. Harry continued walking around the lake when suddenly he shot his head around and saw a branch fly backwards as if someone had just hidden themselves. He was almost absolutely certain that it was Voldemort, Deatheaters were too rash they wouldn't have waited.

Harry flung himself onto the shore of the lake against the huge tree that was towering over him. He leaned against it and just relaxed for the first time all summer and felt eerily clam, considering that he had not felt so clam in ages.

"The calm before the storm"

He shook those thoughts from his head and allowed himself to fully relax. He felt the muscles in his back loosen and put his elbows on his knees and sat watching the lake and the creatures of the lake. He heard a frog croak nearby, and saw a dragonfly buzz past his head. He watched as a frog swam up from the mucky bottom and propelled itself onto a Lily pad.

He felt a tad uncomfortable knowing that people from the Order were going to keep an eye on him everywhere he went he remembered Sirius' words last year when he had complained about them, "Yeah, you are. And just as well, isn't it, if the first thing you're going to do on your weekend off is organize an illegal defense group." Harry cracked a sad smile at the thought of Sirius cracking jokes with him.

He picked up a flat rock that was lying in the sand in front of the lake and threw it up in the air catching it several times before he threw it sideways into the lake, causing it to skid off the lake and caused the rock to bounce a few times before dropping to the muddy bottom. He looked at it amazed, he had only tried to throw it that way not really expecting it to work, after all he had only seen it done before on the television.

He remembered when Aunt Petunia was watching a soap opera and he was vacuuming the floor when he was probably about seven, he had seen a commercial with a father and a son at a lake, and the father had been teaching his son how the commercial had been about Health insurance or something. All's Harry had done was mimic the position the man had been standing in and the way the rock curved out of his hand and it had worked.

Harry smiled slowly and went in search in another rock, he tried it numerous times, once getting four skips, again getting five, a devastating one, which caused Harry to quickly get another and he made up for it brilliantly by getting eight.

Harry retreated from the lake's shore and decided to take a solitary walk around the water's edge. He walked slowly with his hands stuffed deep in his hands, a position of deep thought. Harry distinctly wondered what time it was and took his hand out of his pocket to look at his watch, which didn't exist.

"Time, to get a watch." He mumbled to himself.

He hoped he would still be able to go to Hogsmeade. He however had a distinct feeling that he wouldn't be allowed. The thought of going back to Hogwarts caught his attention, and it was immediately taken to the large castle.

When he went back, he would be able to play quidditch once more, no thanks to the foul women Umbridge. He wondered what had happened to her once she left Hogwarts, had she gotten in trouble for sending dementors after him last summer? Harry unconsciously started to rub his hand, once he realized he was doing it he brought his hand in front of his face where he could clearly see the words "I will not tell lies" engraved into his hand. Well he hadn't been, now had he?

He thought of the scar on his arm from Peter's dagger and now this, at this rate he'd be even more scarred than Mad Eye. Harry shuddered to himself, Sirius hadn't had any scars and neither had his dad even though they had been Aurors.

He unconsciously slipped out his wand and started to twirl it through his fingers smiling lightly, when he had first got it he remembered how awkward it had been to remember the carry around a stick with him wherever he went; now he barely went anywhere without it.

He thought back to fourth year when Cedric had suggested they take their wands out during the end of the third task, and how Cedric's body had crumbled beside him. Guilt. Guilt consumed him causing his wand to go slack at his side and he felt his shoulders drop.

He hated feeling this way in front of the Weasley's he didn't need pity, he was consumed by his own self-pity. He sighed deeply as he arrived back at the willow by the lake. He was very thankful to see that this one showed no magical sign to it. He collapsed against the tree relaxing once more, he vaguely wondered why the tree had such an effect on him as he closed his eyes and leant back against the tree relying on its sole support and drifted gently off into a small slumber. He was not aware of the eyes on him from the Burrow of Mrs. Weasley and Remus, nor was he aware that such people cared for him, and loved him like family. He was not aware of anything at all except of the black that consumed him.

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There it's done! *smiles* Not one of my best chaps I'll be the first to admit it, but there it is! I hope you liked it though!

Oh and btw Ben, thanks for ruining this chapter for everyone!! Urgh! Give away all the good parts why don't you! *fustrated sigh*

Thanks so much for the reviews:

Melindaleo- Aw thanks so much for the great review! I love how you took the time out to comment on things you liked! Thanks so much, I personally love writing Ron as Harry's second, you know what I mean? How he's always there to support him whenever he needs it. I thought that JK was a little lacking with Ron maybe it was because of Harry's outbursts but I dunno, I just like that aspect of Ron. And Remus I thought he should still have that playful side to him, even after all the loss he has experienced, he kind of is what Harry models his emotional stability on. If Remus can still be sane then so can Harry! LoL. I agree Harry needs Ginny, to bad Harry doesn't tend to move fast when it comes to girls, as you can see with Cho. So I'm not going to make that happen, at least right away ;) Thanks again for the review!!

Pr0ph3t- Lmao Ben!!! First off a chapter can be nameless if those are it's only alternatives!! LoL! Getting on close terms with Harry now eh? Calling him Har? LoL did he find out you slapped Ginny's butt? I bet he'd be a little peeved with you if he found out! haha! Thank you!! I'm glad you thought they were all in canon! LOL of course Gin's Irish....lol I actually have no idea, but I doubt it. English ;) *nods head* LoL better than a daytime soap opera? And how would you know that may I ask Ben? lol! I love your simile "I need more, like a coffee addict needs starbucks." LoL! Thanks again for the support and reviews!! Jeeze Ben, you didn't have to give it away! I mean really telling everyone what happens and how H+G snog! What were you thinking?! LoL! JK! Lmao, what are you gonna do about it if I don't post once a week? Huh, remember you'd be dealing with the fighting Irish lass *wink* Better be careful, lol! Aw so sweet! Thanks again!!

Candor- Thanks so much for the review!!!

Pheonix friend- aw thanks so much!! Yeah I agree Remus and Harry may be able to heal together, with help from Gin of course! Aw thanks so much, yeah I really couldn't understand what that girl/guy was talking about the prophecy...odd, but anyway thanks so much for the review!

Ckat44- LoL!! I'm glad! Thanks so much for the review!

PhoenixTears101- Thanks so much!! *blush* Your too kind, really! Sad, yes sad..lol With time Harry will heal ;) Thanks so much for the review!

Sakura Sayoran- LoL Philly!!! Well here you are, my at least ONE sucky chapter...did you like it? I'm sorry that I'm taking so long to get to Hogwarts, I tend to dwell on things that aren't really to significant for the story like numerous Burrow scenes, I have at least three more chapters that take place at the Burrow I'm afraid! Thanks so much for the review!!

Kemenran- Thanks so much!! How does it feel to know that you are my 70th reviewer?! (lol) Thank you!!!

John Cruiz- Here you are the next chapter!! Thanks so much for the review!!!

Missers- *blush* Aww Missy really, you got wrapped up in it just like in JK's?! *blush* Thanks so much, I'm glad you liked my characters! *grins* Your to sweet Missy!!! I agree more hugs for Harry!! *hugs* Thanks so much for the review!!!

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Stay tuned for yet another unnamed chapter! ^_^