HARRY POTTER AND THE BREATH OF LIFE
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any other known character from the Harry Potter series. I do own the plot and a few characters.
A/N: From this chapter forward I'll introduce a new type of writing. When the events are in the first person or happen at Hogwarts they will appear in bold (I don't trust italics. Not sure I trust bold either) and will follow a ~@~ sign. Yes I'll introduce the first person view and Harry's doings at Hogwarts will also be described. But one more time I'll clearly say that the story will not revolve around Harry. Hope you don't mind. Next: the chapter.
Chapter 23 – Harry sixth year – A New Beginning
Harry's life had made another turn. The death of his godfather was pounding hard on his heart. In his almost sixteen years of life he had lost his parents, meet and lost his godfather and now lived with the knowledge that he was the only one that could vanquish Voldemort. His life couldn't get any worse. He was still stuck at Privet Drive and in three weeks he had received no news from any of his friends or from any member of the Order. He had been left alone to cope with the loss of his 'brother/father'. Now, not only did he hate Voldemort for everything he had done, but also he had a new enemy. Bellatrix Lestrange, Sirius's murderer. He had never liked her before but now he absolutely despised her. His wish was to make her meet Sirius's fate. He wanted her dead as much as he wanted Voldemort dead.
Life at #4 Privet Drive was not as bad as it used to be. Now Harry had a renewal freedom that allowed him to do almost everything. He could watch the news, eat what he wanted (to Dudley's demise) and he could have his daily walks freely. He knew that every time he left the house there was someone following him but he didn't mind anymore. As long as they left him alone.
Harry saw himself wandering every day to the place where he had first seen Sirius. While standing there he had to fight the tears as memories of his godfather came into his head. Harry still had the broken mirror on the bottom of his trunk. Sometimes at night he would pick up the broken pieces and made the puzzle of glass only to throw it again into the trunk. He felt so stupid. That mirror could have prevented so many things. But now he had to live with the fact that he was never going to see him again. All he did was wait for the letter telling him that he would be removed to Grimmauld Place. Not that he was looking forward to it. He just wanted to leave.
The letter announcing Harry retrieval from Privet Drive came on the 29th. He was to leave in the afternoon of that same day. Harry couldn't help but feel happy. He was finally leaving and there was a chance he would be spending his birthday with his friends.
At around 6 p.m. Lupin and Tonks arrived. This time they didn't even bother to send the Dursleys away. But it was almost the same because they stayed out of sight all the time. Harry didn't say goodbye. He had his trunk ready and his broom under his arm.
" Hello Harry. You can store your broom. We are going by Portkey." Lupin said when he saw Harry.
In his hand he had a shabby looking boot.
" Grab hold of your trunk and in ten seconds we're leaving."
Harry grabbed his trunk and on Lupin's call touched the boot. He felt the familiar sensation of being pulled and when he opened his eyes he saw himself on the kitchen of #12 Grimmauld Place. Everything was the same.
Tonks took Harry's trunk and broom and took them to his room. Lupin beckoned Harry to sit down and followed.
" So, Harry, how are you?" he asked.
" I've been better. And you?"
" I've been a lot better." Lupin answered gloomily.
" You are not going to change headquarters? This house has no owner
now."
" Well actually it has. I guess I can give you this now."
Lupin searched his pockets for something. He took an envelope and gave it to Harry. On the envelope was "To Harry from Sirius." The piece of parchment inside it was small but fully written. Harry recognised Sirius's handwriting.
" If you are reading this, Harry, it means I'm dead. I'm writing this very fast because I have to get to you in the Ministry of Magic. Snape told Remus that you were in danger because you believed that Voldemort had me. I can't tell you how that made me feel. You, risking your life for me? You are truly your father's son. James would have done the same thing. But enough small talk. What I have to say is very important. Although the house wasn't mine to the people in the Ministry because I was a wanted person I'm leaving it to you. #12 Grimmauld Place is yours if I die. That means that Kreacher must obey to you and you can do anything you want with him. I suggest beheading. I'm also leaving you my vault key. Do what you want with the money. It's a lot of it. I know this isn't much of a will but it's the best I could come up with considering the circumstances. Don't ask yourself or me how I know that I'm going to die in this adventure, I just know. I sincerely hope that you'll understand and move on. It's not like you've known me very well, did you? Don't despair. You'll always have Remus. He's a very good person. Consider him as your new godfather. I love you Harry.
I have to leave now because they are expecting me. Take care of yourself.
Sirius Black a.k.a. Padfoot."
Harry read it two more times before he started crying. Lupin looked like he was going to cry as well. Instead he got up and went to hug Harry. The two stayed like that for a few minutes, sharing each other's pain.
When Tonks entered the kitchen the two broke the hug. Harry cleaned his eyes and Lupin sat down again.
" Is everything all right?" she asked.
" Yes. Everything is all right now." Harry answered.
Lupin nodded at this answer.
" O.k. I'm off. I have loads to do. See ya tomorrow." She said before leaving.
" Listen Harry, we'll be alone today. The Weasleys are supposed to come by tomorrow and stay until your birthday. Speaking of which, what do you want for your birthday?" Lupin asked after Tonks left.
" You don't have to give me anything. Really."
" Are you sure?"
" What I want no one can give me." Harry muttered, his head down.
Lupin nodded and that was the end of the conversation. He understood what Harry wanted and he agreed with his last comment.
===================================================
True to what Lupin had said the Weasleys arrived on the next day. Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Ginny and the twins arrived at #12 after lunch. The twins left an hour after their arrival because of a 'business meeting'. Mrs. Weasley wasn't happy about that but she allowed the boys to go. After all they are of age.
Harry was happy to have Ron and Ginny around but somehow he felt that two pieces were missing. Hermione was one of them. The other was to remain missing.
Thankfully Hermione arrived at the end of the day. She wanted to spend the next day with her friend and offer her support. All he needed now was a miracle. And, unknown to him, that miracle wasn't far.
~@~
It feels strange to me returning to this place. So many memories. I know I have to be strong because I have a mission. I came here with one purpose and I have to achieve it. Problem number one: will the doors open to me? It's the holidays after all. I approach the big oak doors and wait. Then comes the sound that sends problem number one down the toilet. The doors are open.
The marble staircase presents itself in front of me. He knows of my presence by now. He always knows. Reaching him won't be a problem. I know the hallways like the palm of my hand. The path to his office is simple and I will finish it in a moment. I just hope no one shows up on my path. The last thing I want is to find someone on the way.
When I reach the gargoyle problem number two arises. What is the password? I try all the passwords I can remember from my trips here. (Which were a lot, let me tell you.)
None of it works. The old man has an imagination to create passwords! I'm going to stay here all day. But salvation comes in the form of Minerva McGonagall.
" How did you get here?" she asks, appalled to see me here.
" It's a long story Professor. I just need to talk to Professor Dumbledore." I tell her.
" And is the Headmaster expecting you?"
" He is now."
She looks at me in a very strange way. She doesn't recognize me.
" Very well." She says and turns to the gargoyle. "Merlin's beard."
It had to be a stupid password. The statue moves and I smile at her. She looks at me again in that strange way and before she says anything I make my way to the Headmaster's office. I open the door and enter. The office isn't different. In almost twenty years the man didn't change. He's sitting in his chair with his elbows on the desk and his fingers holding his chin. He looks at me from behind his half-moon shaped glasses and I can see a twinkle in his eyes.
" I was expecting you." He says calmly.
" Do you know how I got here and why I'm here?" I asked. I'm dieing to hear the answer.
" No, but surely you'll explain it to me in exchange for information." He answered in the same tone as before. I knew he was going to say that.
Always the smart one. I smile at him. Then I sit down and begin telling my tale.
TBC
There you go. Took me long because of the stupid thing that is school. Hope you enjoyed it. Next update soon. Prepare yourself.
Thanks to all my reviewers. 29 reviews when this chapter was posted. Thanks a bunch.
Cheers.
(Does anyone know how to make the italics and bolds stay on the uploads? I would really appreciate it if anyone could tell me how to do that.)
