Disclaimer: I don't own HP or associated.
A/N: this chapter is a little confusing. The theory that I used for this was completely made up but sounded believable for the world that J.K. Rowling made up for us to play in. The flashback scene is Harry explaining the final battle. It is done from an author's point of view (third person) because I didn't want to just drone on in paragraph form. Enjoy!
Harry Potter and the Ghosts of Past
Chapter 2 –Revelation and Explanation
The room was in a stunned silence, which lasted for many moments before...
"Please continue Ms. Granger," a voice said from the entryway.
"Dumbledore? Sir I'll conjure a..." Molly Weasley started.
"No need to fuss over me. I believe we are here to listen to Ms. Granger," He conjured himself a seat and nodded for Hermione to continue.
"Okay," Hermione said trying to relax her nerves a little, "Ghost such as those at Hogwarts are seen and heard because everything they do happens at a frequency that is within the human spectrum of sight and sound. If you've ever had a ghost pass through you, you can feel it, but a ghost cannot pick up objects. The form that they take and control is their ectoplasm, ghosts have a low radiation level."
"What about Peeves?" Ron asked as Hermione paused to breathe.
"Peeves is not a ghost, Ron, he is a poltergeist," Hermione replied, "Peeves is a build up of magical energies that manifested itself in Hogwarts. He can pick things up because of the magical energy he was created from. His ectoplasm radiation level is slightly higher than that of a ghost, but Peeves can still pass through people as well as walls and objects."
"What does this have to do with Harry?" Ginny felt pushed to her limit and had raised her volume at her friend.
"Please be patient, Ms. Weasley," Dumbledore said as Ron put an arm around Ginny, "Continue again Ms. Granger."
"The report said that ectoplasm was of a very high and unusual radiation level. The only explanation is Priori Incantatem, but not just from Voldemort's wand as it was in Harry's fourth year. There must have been a very powerful spell at work but I cannot find any reference to any spell that could cause all the Death Eaters wands to 'spit out' their victims of the Killing curse. When their brother wand was not the one fighting against it." Hermione took a deep breath, "The ectoplasm radiation that was found on the robes and around the scene of the final battle suggests that the 'ghosts' were close to solid. The prophecy said that Harry would have a power that the Dark Lord knew not. It could have been this spell." Hermione let this sink in and chanced a look at Ron.
Ron sat thinking about the prophecy, and trying to comfort Ginny. Tonks had a sad expression, not that she didn't believe Hermione but this brought more questions than answers. Shacklebolt was trying to remember anything that could help, but this was beyond him. McGonagall wore a tight smile; Hermione had to be her most brilliant student in years. Snape just sat unbelievingly in his seat. The twins looked as though Christmas had come early. Mr. Weasley was holding Mrs. Weasley, who was trying to control her emotions. Dumbledore sat in a deep state of thought.
"Thank you for the vote of confidence but I am not that powerful." A voice said meekly from the doorway, "I am, however, alive and for the most part unharmed." The owner of the voice stepped into the light.
Ginny was the first to react, "Harry?" She stood up as Hermione turned around to see Harry standing at the entrance to the kitchen. Ginny reached Harry first and wrapped her arms tightly around him as though afraid that if she let go he would disappear. Hermione stood in shell shock and like many in the room had tears of joy rolling down her cheeks.
"Gin," Harry said from where he had buried his face in her hair, "as much as I have waited for this. I still have a couple of bruised ribs."
Ginny grinned from where her face was buried in Harry's chest, and reluctantly pulled away. This action only gave way for Ron and Hermione to bombard Harry. Hermione carefully hugged him as to not irritate his ribs. Ron shook his hand a huge grin playing at his face. Harry feeling that this just didn't seem right, pulled Ron into a brotherly hug.
"Good to see ya' mate," Ron said to Harry.
"You too," Harry replied releasing Ron. He took a look around the table, "it looks at though all my favorite people are here," Harry spotted Snape and resisted the urge to say anything.
"Harry," Dumbledore spoke quietly, "are you willing to tell us what happened?"
Harry sat in the chair the chair that Dumbledore conjured next to the one that Hermione had originally sat in. Ginny sat next to him. Hermione and Ron took the only empty seats left.
"Yes, I am ready to tell you the basics of what happened at the final battle. Everything else comes with time," Harry took a big breath, "I was in a battle against Voldemort, but because of the risk of Priori Incantatem he refused to use his wand and I wasn't able to hit him. The 'mind link' worked against both of us. We were predicting each others move and no matter what we did the battle was at a stalemate." Harry chose his words carefully, "I knew to defeat Voldemort I would have to work up enough emotion to kill him, the problem was he was slipping into the sorrow and hate I felt, which he used against me by just being vile, verbally. And I started to wish that my parents were there, like in my fourth year. I started to hope that there was some way I would able to repay all of those lost during the First War and the Second War against Voldemort."
The entire room hung on Harry's every word, his tone had a monotonous ring to it as though he had practiced this speech many times and was trying not to show whatever emotion he was feeling. His hands were balling in fits on the table as he tried to calm himself. Ginny saw this and slipped her hand into his, hoping that he would continue and get everything that he had to say off his chest. She didn't care what exactly happened, just that he was safe and loved and with her.
"The next thing I knew hundreds of ghosts," Harry paused, "they were more solid than ghosts and most of them walked. But they came through the trees. At that point I had an idea of just how many people had been killed in Voldemort's tirade for power. They gathered in front of me and advanced on Voldemort, he was rambling about how it was possible. All except for a few approached Voldemort and grabbed him, giving me a clear shot at his chest." Harry went silent. Mrs. Weasley passed him a cup of tea, drank it gratefully.
"I was trying to work up the ability to kill Voldemort," Harry saw that some looked a little taken back by this statement. "I knew that everything was his fault but I was having trouble finding the strength to kill someone; and a way to be able to live with myself. Then a voice behind me said...
Flashback
"If you can't live with yourself knowing that you killed a guilty man; can you live with yourself knowing that you let a evil man, who is just going to kill an innocent the moment he gets a chance, live?"
Harry stopped staring at the ghosts tackling Voldemort and spun around to come face to face with the 'ghost' of Remus Lupin, "not you too Moony?" Harry said feeling as though a Dementor had just entered the clearing, and he would never be happy again.
"Harry, this is just a step on a ladder of life," Remus put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Everyone is so proud, Sirius, James, Lily... the list at this point is very long. Once this is done you can live life as a normal man, marry the girl of your dreams, have a few kids. We're your power, Harry the power that will defeat Voldemort-"
"-is love," Harry finished. Remus nodded, "Yes Harry."
"How do I thank so many people," Harry asked.
"Well first kill him but to respond to each of us personally," Remus stopped, "We will each at our own time appear above our graves to talk to you. Well, those who do have something to say. It will start with the first persons that he used the Killing curse on and they will give you directions to the next person."
"Who would that be?" Harry racked his brains for answers, "that was a long time before I was born."
"His father and grandparents, the Riddles will appear in the graveyard where Voldemort was 'reborn'." Remus said as more of the 'ghosts' went to hold Voldemort, "you must finish this Harry, now, think of those you love, of everyone who will live because of you. Go Harry, I'll be right here."
"You can't do it Potter," Voldemort spat from his struggle with the 'ghosts'.
Harry turned to Voldemort and raised his wand, "I will do, it the Light will succeed, do you know why Tom?"
"You won't succeed!" Voldemort hissed.
"We will because the Light is willing to sacrifice itself for love and life," Harry cut him off, "we do not seek immortality because without our loved ones what do we have to live for? We value life and live for love and that is something you never learned."
"That is your greatest weakness," Voldemort spat, "love for others. That is why your parents and godfather died, they loved you."
"That adds to my reasons to kill you," Harry advanced. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes and collected all of his emotions cleared his throat and said clearly, "Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort crumbled in a heap in as the 'ghosts' let go and slowly disappeared.
End Flashback
"-I looked at Voldemort's crumbled body, checked for a pulse, there wasn't one," Harry continued his story, "I Disapparated when I heard someone coming. I didn't know who it was, but I wanted to get back here. I couldn't not until I was finished talking to all those people. That meant that I had to wait for those who died during the war to be properly buried." Harry knew that he had skipped a few details in the flashback but there were some details that he didn't want or need to share.
"Why did you check for a pulse?" Hermione asked, "no one lives through the Killing curse,"
"Ah but this was a battle between the only two who had lived through it," Dumbledore replied, "Harry reflected it to Voldemort and though Tom was left as a shell of a man he did indeed survive."
Hermione felt stupid for asking the question in the first place, it just happened to be the first thing that slipped
"I am really tired," Harry said standing, "as much as I'd love to pour out more of soul in front of my friends," he looked at Snape, whose lip curled. Harry smiled a real smile, "Mrs. Weasley could I stay here until I can clean up the manor?"
"Take as long as you need dear," Mrs. Weasley said as she jumped up and engulfed Harry in a hug, "we are proud of you."
"And grateful," said Minister Shacklebolt, "you will be fully compensated-"
"No, Minister," Harry said, "I don't want the money." Harry stopped to think, "I would rather the money go towards rebuilding peoples homes and lives. I have enough money, from Sirius, my parents, and Remus, to live out this life and leave some for the next generation. Please, I don't need it."
"Well, Harry, we do have a lot of paperwork to go over," Shacklebolt begun, "Remus' will needs to be gone over and you will be called in front of the Wizengamot..."
"What why?" Ginny was shocked.
"It's just a technicality," Harry said quietly, "I killed someone. I performed an unforgivable. I was prepared for this. Set a date Minister and I will show up on time, if we could just cut the media coverage to a minimum?"
"Of course Harry," Shacklebolt said, "I'll send it via owl. Molly, Arthur thank you for having me but if I could use your fireplace, I must get back to the Ministry."
"Most of us do," Arthur said stepping towards the fireplace, "lead the way Minister." Shacklebolt reached the fireplace and grabbed a handful of Floo powder and turned back to the people who were staying, "Harry, once again thank you. And Ms. Granger I would like your thesis on this occurrence to come across my desk in a month's time. By then I may be able to read it and give you a position. Mr. Weasley," the twins, Arthur, and Ron looked at Shacklebolt, "I mean Ronald, yours and Harry's Auror training begins on September second. That is if you're still interested."
"Yes, I am," Ron said quickly then looked at Harry who was leaning on Ginny for support, "that is if you're still in, mate."
Harry looked at Ginny, who got his message and whispered, "Live, however you want to live. Either way I'll still be here."
"Yes Minister," Harry said standing up a little taller, "I'll see you about it after the Wizengamot trials."
"Good," Shacklebolt tipped his hat, "I'll see you all at the Wizengamot trials, I think. Good day." He walked into the fire and yelled "Ministry of Magic" and was gone in a brilliant green flame. The Weasleys, Harry and Hermione watched as the people disappeared in the fireplace.
"Harry!" Ginny screamed as Harry completely collapsed from her grip. Everyone left spun around and all except the twins started fussing over the fallen Harry.
"Guys, he's fine-"George started.
"Yeah, chill and –"Fred continued.
"-get him into a bed." George said.
"Preferably one in Ron's room," Fred teased, earning him a death glare.
"Why are you two so calm?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Dumbledore handed him this," George picked up a bottle that had a note on it.
"Then he Disapparated and Harry took a gulp." Fred finished.
"What is it?" Hermione inquired.
"Simple sleeping potion," George said pointedly.
"Help me get him upstairs," Ron grunted.
"Shall we?" Fred asked.
"Yes, I think we shall. Wingardium Leviosa," George pointed his wand at Harry and floated him up the stairs.
Harry didn't wake until breakfast two days later. R/R please... I happen to like this story the best of the five I've write in the past. Tell me what you think, constructive criticism greatly appreciated.
A/N: this chapter is a little confusing. The theory that I used for this was completely made up but sounded believable for the world that J.K. Rowling made up for us to play in. The flashback scene is Harry explaining the final battle. It is done from an author's point of view (third person) because I didn't want to just drone on in paragraph form. Enjoy!
Harry Potter and the Ghosts of Past
Chapter 2 –Revelation and Explanation
The room was in a stunned silence, which lasted for many moments before...
"Please continue Ms. Granger," a voice said from the entryway.
"Dumbledore? Sir I'll conjure a..." Molly Weasley started.
"No need to fuss over me. I believe we are here to listen to Ms. Granger," He conjured himself a seat and nodded for Hermione to continue.
"Okay," Hermione said trying to relax her nerves a little, "Ghost such as those at Hogwarts are seen and heard because everything they do happens at a frequency that is within the human spectrum of sight and sound. If you've ever had a ghost pass through you, you can feel it, but a ghost cannot pick up objects. The form that they take and control is their ectoplasm, ghosts have a low radiation level."
"What about Peeves?" Ron asked as Hermione paused to breathe.
"Peeves is not a ghost, Ron, he is a poltergeist," Hermione replied, "Peeves is a build up of magical energies that manifested itself in Hogwarts. He can pick things up because of the magical energy he was created from. His ectoplasm radiation level is slightly higher than that of a ghost, but Peeves can still pass through people as well as walls and objects."
"What does this have to do with Harry?" Ginny felt pushed to her limit and had raised her volume at her friend.
"Please be patient, Ms. Weasley," Dumbledore said as Ron put an arm around Ginny, "Continue again Ms. Granger."
"The report said that ectoplasm was of a very high and unusual radiation level. The only explanation is Priori Incantatem, but not just from Voldemort's wand as it was in Harry's fourth year. There must have been a very powerful spell at work but I cannot find any reference to any spell that could cause all the Death Eaters wands to 'spit out' their victims of the Killing curse. When their brother wand was not the one fighting against it." Hermione took a deep breath, "The ectoplasm radiation that was found on the robes and around the scene of the final battle suggests that the 'ghosts' were close to solid. The prophecy said that Harry would have a power that the Dark Lord knew not. It could have been this spell." Hermione let this sink in and chanced a look at Ron.
Ron sat thinking about the prophecy, and trying to comfort Ginny. Tonks had a sad expression, not that she didn't believe Hermione but this brought more questions than answers. Shacklebolt was trying to remember anything that could help, but this was beyond him. McGonagall wore a tight smile; Hermione had to be her most brilliant student in years. Snape just sat unbelievingly in his seat. The twins looked as though Christmas had come early. Mr. Weasley was holding Mrs. Weasley, who was trying to control her emotions. Dumbledore sat in a deep state of thought.
"Thank you for the vote of confidence but I am not that powerful." A voice said meekly from the doorway, "I am, however, alive and for the most part unharmed." The owner of the voice stepped into the light.
Ginny was the first to react, "Harry?" She stood up as Hermione turned around to see Harry standing at the entrance to the kitchen. Ginny reached Harry first and wrapped her arms tightly around him as though afraid that if she let go he would disappear. Hermione stood in shell shock and like many in the room had tears of joy rolling down her cheeks.
"Gin," Harry said from where he had buried his face in her hair, "as much as I have waited for this. I still have a couple of bruised ribs."
Ginny grinned from where her face was buried in Harry's chest, and reluctantly pulled away. This action only gave way for Ron and Hermione to bombard Harry. Hermione carefully hugged him as to not irritate his ribs. Ron shook his hand a huge grin playing at his face. Harry feeling that this just didn't seem right, pulled Ron into a brotherly hug.
"Good to see ya' mate," Ron said to Harry.
"You too," Harry replied releasing Ron. He took a look around the table, "it looks at though all my favorite people are here," Harry spotted Snape and resisted the urge to say anything.
"Harry," Dumbledore spoke quietly, "are you willing to tell us what happened?"
Harry sat in the chair the chair that Dumbledore conjured next to the one that Hermione had originally sat in. Ginny sat next to him. Hermione and Ron took the only empty seats left.
"Yes, I am ready to tell you the basics of what happened at the final battle. Everything else comes with time," Harry took a big breath, "I was in a battle against Voldemort, but because of the risk of Priori Incantatem he refused to use his wand and I wasn't able to hit him. The 'mind link' worked against both of us. We were predicting each others move and no matter what we did the battle was at a stalemate." Harry chose his words carefully, "I knew to defeat Voldemort I would have to work up enough emotion to kill him, the problem was he was slipping into the sorrow and hate I felt, which he used against me by just being vile, verbally. And I started to wish that my parents were there, like in my fourth year. I started to hope that there was some way I would able to repay all of those lost during the First War and the Second War against Voldemort."
The entire room hung on Harry's every word, his tone had a monotonous ring to it as though he had practiced this speech many times and was trying not to show whatever emotion he was feeling. His hands were balling in fits on the table as he tried to calm himself. Ginny saw this and slipped her hand into his, hoping that he would continue and get everything that he had to say off his chest. She didn't care what exactly happened, just that he was safe and loved and with her.
"The next thing I knew hundreds of ghosts," Harry paused, "they were more solid than ghosts and most of them walked. But they came through the trees. At that point I had an idea of just how many people had been killed in Voldemort's tirade for power. They gathered in front of me and advanced on Voldemort, he was rambling about how it was possible. All except for a few approached Voldemort and grabbed him, giving me a clear shot at his chest." Harry went silent. Mrs. Weasley passed him a cup of tea, drank it gratefully.
"I was trying to work up the ability to kill Voldemort," Harry saw that some looked a little taken back by this statement. "I knew that everything was his fault but I was having trouble finding the strength to kill someone; and a way to be able to live with myself. Then a voice behind me said...
Flashback
"If you can't live with yourself knowing that you killed a guilty man; can you live with yourself knowing that you let a evil man, who is just going to kill an innocent the moment he gets a chance, live?"
Harry stopped staring at the ghosts tackling Voldemort and spun around to come face to face with the 'ghost' of Remus Lupin, "not you too Moony?" Harry said feeling as though a Dementor had just entered the clearing, and he would never be happy again.
"Harry, this is just a step on a ladder of life," Remus put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Everyone is so proud, Sirius, James, Lily... the list at this point is very long. Once this is done you can live life as a normal man, marry the girl of your dreams, have a few kids. We're your power, Harry the power that will defeat Voldemort-"
"-is love," Harry finished. Remus nodded, "Yes Harry."
"How do I thank so many people," Harry asked.
"Well first kill him but to respond to each of us personally," Remus stopped, "We will each at our own time appear above our graves to talk to you. Well, those who do have something to say. It will start with the first persons that he used the Killing curse on and they will give you directions to the next person."
"Who would that be?" Harry racked his brains for answers, "that was a long time before I was born."
"His father and grandparents, the Riddles will appear in the graveyard where Voldemort was 'reborn'." Remus said as more of the 'ghosts' went to hold Voldemort, "you must finish this Harry, now, think of those you love, of everyone who will live because of you. Go Harry, I'll be right here."
"You can't do it Potter," Voldemort spat from his struggle with the 'ghosts'.
Harry turned to Voldemort and raised his wand, "I will do, it the Light will succeed, do you know why Tom?"
"You won't succeed!" Voldemort hissed.
"We will because the Light is willing to sacrifice itself for love and life," Harry cut him off, "we do not seek immortality because without our loved ones what do we have to live for? We value life and live for love and that is something you never learned."
"That is your greatest weakness," Voldemort spat, "love for others. That is why your parents and godfather died, they loved you."
"That adds to my reasons to kill you," Harry advanced. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes and collected all of his emotions cleared his throat and said clearly, "Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort crumbled in a heap in as the 'ghosts' let go and slowly disappeared.
End Flashback
"-I looked at Voldemort's crumbled body, checked for a pulse, there wasn't one," Harry continued his story, "I Disapparated when I heard someone coming. I didn't know who it was, but I wanted to get back here. I couldn't not until I was finished talking to all those people. That meant that I had to wait for those who died during the war to be properly buried." Harry knew that he had skipped a few details in the flashback but there were some details that he didn't want or need to share.
"Why did you check for a pulse?" Hermione asked, "no one lives through the Killing curse,"
"Ah but this was a battle between the only two who had lived through it," Dumbledore replied, "Harry reflected it to Voldemort and though Tom was left as a shell of a man he did indeed survive."
Hermione felt stupid for asking the question in the first place, it just happened to be the first thing that slipped
"I am really tired," Harry said standing, "as much as I'd love to pour out more of soul in front of my friends," he looked at Snape, whose lip curled. Harry smiled a real smile, "Mrs. Weasley could I stay here until I can clean up the manor?"
"Take as long as you need dear," Mrs. Weasley said as she jumped up and engulfed Harry in a hug, "we are proud of you."
"And grateful," said Minister Shacklebolt, "you will be fully compensated-"
"No, Minister," Harry said, "I don't want the money." Harry stopped to think, "I would rather the money go towards rebuilding peoples homes and lives. I have enough money, from Sirius, my parents, and Remus, to live out this life and leave some for the next generation. Please, I don't need it."
"Well, Harry, we do have a lot of paperwork to go over," Shacklebolt begun, "Remus' will needs to be gone over and you will be called in front of the Wizengamot..."
"What why?" Ginny was shocked.
"It's just a technicality," Harry said quietly, "I killed someone. I performed an unforgivable. I was prepared for this. Set a date Minister and I will show up on time, if we could just cut the media coverage to a minimum?"
"Of course Harry," Shacklebolt said, "I'll send it via owl. Molly, Arthur thank you for having me but if I could use your fireplace, I must get back to the Ministry."
"Most of us do," Arthur said stepping towards the fireplace, "lead the way Minister." Shacklebolt reached the fireplace and grabbed a handful of Floo powder and turned back to the people who were staying, "Harry, once again thank you. And Ms. Granger I would like your thesis on this occurrence to come across my desk in a month's time. By then I may be able to read it and give you a position. Mr. Weasley," the twins, Arthur, and Ron looked at Shacklebolt, "I mean Ronald, yours and Harry's Auror training begins on September second. That is if you're still interested."
"Yes, I am," Ron said quickly then looked at Harry who was leaning on Ginny for support, "that is if you're still in, mate."
Harry looked at Ginny, who got his message and whispered, "Live, however you want to live. Either way I'll still be here."
"Yes Minister," Harry said standing up a little taller, "I'll see you about it after the Wizengamot trials."
"Good," Shacklebolt tipped his hat, "I'll see you all at the Wizengamot trials, I think. Good day." He walked into the fire and yelled "Ministry of Magic" and was gone in a brilliant green flame. The Weasleys, Harry and Hermione watched as the people disappeared in the fireplace.
"Harry!" Ginny screamed as Harry completely collapsed from her grip. Everyone left spun around and all except the twins started fussing over the fallen Harry.
"Guys, he's fine-"George started.
"Yeah, chill and –"Fred continued.
"-get him into a bed." George said.
"Preferably one in Ron's room," Fred teased, earning him a death glare.
"Why are you two so calm?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Dumbledore handed him this," George picked up a bottle that had a note on it.
"Then he Disapparated and Harry took a gulp." Fred finished.
"What is it?" Hermione inquired.
"Simple sleeping potion," George said pointedly.
"Help me get him upstairs," Ron grunted.
"Shall we?" Fred asked.
"Yes, I think we shall. Wingardium Leviosa," George pointed his wand at Harry and floated him up the stairs.
Harry didn't wake until breakfast two days later. R/R please... I happen to like this story the best of the five I've write in the past. Tell me what you think, constructive criticism greatly appreciated.