I hope that my last chapter is satisfying but in reality, I know that it is pathetic. I downed two mugs of coffee just to get that chapter done. Well, enjoy this chapter and please, I really appreciate reviews. They're helpful and maybe you could give me ideas too.

IMPORTANT NOTE!

The next chapter will take a long time. My exams is killing me and I have to study to get into the A class next year. I'm in the middle of and exam I hope that you guys would understand. My exam is left for about 3 weeks and I have a study beak right now-in the middle of an exam.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter though I hope that I do. Also, I don't own Artemis' name. It just came to me and before you ask, it's not a crossover. On the other hand, anything that you don't recognise is mine.

Thanks to my beta, Aaron.

Chapter 10

A Surprise Guest

The Gryffindors were having a big party and by midnight, Professor McGonagall had to come in by the portrait hole to tell them off. She didn't actually have to because they were already so full of Butterbeers that they probably would have a hangover when they woke up. So, they officially ended the party and trudged to bed. Harry and Hermione on the other hand, were already asleep in their dorms at eleven, about half and hour after the party started since they were sensible enough not to stay up too late or drink too much Butterbeer for their own good. After all, they do have potions first thing in the morning and having a hangover while mixing potions isn't exactly a good combination.

So, when Harry and Hermione woke up the next morning, they found their roommates still sleeping on their beds and snoring. They knew that the others had probably stayed up much too late so they decided to just leave them be. Harry didn't wake Ron up because he'd get a black eye, probably. It didn't bother them, though because waking up early means that they get to use the bathroom first. When they were finished getting ready, they went to the Great Hall only to discover that they were very much early as there were only a couple of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs in the Great Hall.

They had breakfast and chatted about the potions lesson that they would be having that morning. As they talked, Hermione secretly felt proud of Harry for the effort that Harry had now put in his studies. While they were eating, they saw Ron, Ginny, Dean and a lot of other Gryffindors enter the Great Hall. Harry had to admit, they do look green and sick.

While resuming his breakfast, Hermione reminded him that they had fifteen minutes to head to the dungeons. So, Harry stuffed his toast and followed Hermione but not before kissing Ginny and Hermione pecking Ron on his cheek.

One of the downsides of potions is to endure unjustly treatment from head of Slytherin. He might be the spy for the Order but that didn't stop him from being biased and slipping snide remarks from the tip of his tongue. So, Harry with mixed feelings trudged to the dungeons for another potions lesson.

Harry and Hermione were rather early upon arriving at the dungeon. They lined up and were quietly chatting when they saw Draco coming through. Harry greeted Draco warmly and this had Hermione downright puzzled. Just then, Harry remembered that he hadn't told Hermione about the incident that had happened the other day.

"Umm, I forgot, Hermione. We actually agreed to call on a truce a couple of weeks ago since that Crabbe and Goyle incident which by the way I haven't had the chance to tell you."

"Okay, care to fill me in after class?"

"That'll be fine. I've been meaning to tell you about it. Oh, and I think Draco should come too. But there's going to be one big problem and that's Ron's reaction. Ginny on the other hand, I think she will accept this."

"Well, I certainly hope so. Ron could be so childish at about half the time. Sometimes I feel that he is too big headed and stubborn. Why can't he grow up a bit? I mean, he's older than Ginny but Ginny is much more mature than him. On top of that, he could be really clueless, I tell you."

"I hate to say this, but I actually agree with you," replied Harry.

At that moment, Snape came striding into the dungeon wearing his trademark sour expression. He barked at them to get themselves in or he would take fifty points off which are a bit too much. Well, not exactly the word. Exaggerating is much better suited but that isn't really important.

"Today, we will be brewing a very complicated potion. This potion is known as the Wolfsbane potion. I do not want any cauldron to explode or whoever you are will find yourself out of my class. When I say out, I mean literally. You wouldn't be coming back here to continue class. Instructions are on the board. Begin."

Nobody dared to even breathe one word. Snape was, as usual, breathing down people's necks and making them more nervous with every second ticking away that made almost everyone wish that it would be over pretty much sooner than it was supposed to. Harry, who had been mysteriously excelling in his studies, had finished quicker than anyone else. Even Hermione was astonished to say the least. Well, mainly because she's usually the first student to finish her work but she noticed that Harry is a lot more different. He's changed, somehow.

After finishing her potion, she found that she's still ahead of everyone. That is, except Harry, of course. She began flicking through the pages of her potions text. She found that Harry had done the same. She had her self thinking of her unspoken thoughts; why couldn't Ron be more like that? He could be much better if he had the sense to open up a book and read. The only thing he's ever read is 'Flying with the Cannons' and the only time he's ever studied is when the exams are on the next day.

The bell rang signifying that class is officially over and dismissed. Hermione was yanked out of her musings and packed her things with Harry in her wake. Although she had been daydreaming rather a lot lately, she hadn't exactly been the type to wonder about Harry. 'Wait a minute! Harry's with Ginny and I'm with Ron. How exactly am I thinking a lot about Harry when I'm Ron's girlfriend? It's not right!'

"Something bothering you, Hermione?" asked Harry, obviously concerned to see her in such state. Well, she doesn't exactly look troubled but she does wear the look of worry that had written on her face that very moment.

"Hmm... Nothing," answered a thoughtful Hermione. This only caused Harry to raise his eyebrow.

"Oh, okay. There is something." She knew she couldn't keep this forever and Harry certainly would find out one day. So, what harm would it cause? "You know, I find myself thinking about you all the time, wishing that Ron would be a tad bit more like you. Ron's so clueless except when it comes to chess or quidditch. Why couldn't he study more and be a little bit more assiduous?"

"Hermione, Ron's different. I'm me and he's he himself. Nobody could change that fact. Before this year, I don't really concentrate on my studies, except maybe Defence Against the Dark Arts. I admit. I somehow changed after all that happened to me and it somehow gave me a motivation to do well. Ron, on the other hand, maybe he's just had a lack of motivation. You can encourage him, Hermione. You're his girlfriend and I know that he's been mooning over you but would never admit it even if you hit him with the Bat Bogey hex. We both have our partners and we could try to be supportive of them and maybe we would be able to help them."

"Since when did you turn into a counsellor? I mean, I've always been the one to solve problems but now you're the one giving me a very good advice. You've had me surprised over a couple of times this year, you know."

"Hermione, people change and grow with experience. I've experienced so much that I think I could explode with such emotions. What I have experienced is nothing that I would wish upon anyone, even if that person is Crabbe. Well, maybe if Voldemort gets that, I wouldn't wish that on him either. He's had a very painful childhood that it turned him the way he is now. I'd never wish something that Voldemort's experienced in his childhood to anyone."

"Yeah, I agree with you. Nobody deserves that but you've never told me about V-Vo-Voldemort's childhood."

"So I haven't been. But now that you know, I trust that that secret is with you and with you alone shall it be unless I wish it to be told to any other living person or creature."

Hermione gave a small nod, which conveys that she had that secret concealed with her.

"So, what's this thing about Malfoy? I know you said that he's changed but I don't understand why he's suddenly turning over from the dark side. He's been boasting about joining Voldemort ever since Voldemort came back."

Maybe I'll tell you that in a later time. This matter is between me and him. So, I think I better leave it at the moment until a later time. However, DO NOT tell Ron about this conversation. Or even Malfoy in this matter. He'll not be quite as calm to accept it as you have. I don't want to have him screaming at me to question Draco's honesty."

"Well, that is very true. I might have to hit him with a cricket bat if he starts acting like a total idiot."

WwwwwwwwwwwwwW

Over dinner, Harry ate what he could muster and trudged along the corridor to Snape's dungeon. How he dreaded this. He'd gotten so well with Professor Winter but Snape had to come and darken his day. It's not as though Voldemort hadn't been trying to do that enough already.

Flashback

Before entering the Great Hall.

"Potter, meet me at my dungeon tonight. We have a lesson to resume as much as I'd hate it," said Snape.

"Wasn't I supposed to be doing it with Professor Winter?" asked Harry.

"Dumbledore had kindly asked me to resume my lessons with you and you are to have it with me on Mondays and Wednesdays and other days with Professor Winter," said a pissed Snape.

"Oh, okay then," answered a very disappointed Harry.

End Flashback

He arrived at the dungeon right on time. He reluctantly knocked on the door thrice and he was greeted by a sneering Snape. Why did he have to do that? Always sneering makes a face uglier but he didn't mind this on Snape. That man is horrible!

"I'm glad to see that you could make yourself audible and present tonight." Snape spat the word glad.

Harry on the other hand, remained silent. How he loathed this man, only god knows. He longed to kick his butt but he managed to compose himself although he's in a very depressing, annoying, bothersome situation.

"Well, if you'd please just get on with it," Said Harry impatiently.

"Well, well. Over confident here are we? Let's see what you can do about this, Legimens!"

Harry blocked it very easily as if it was the easiest thing to do in the whole world. This had Snape very surprised indeed. He'd never thought that Potter would be progressing this much but he'd had to admit, though not openly, that he'd not been a very good teacher to Harry last time. He'd have to congratulate Angela for her achievement. Well, not in the presence of other people, obviously. Otherwise, people would say, 'Hell's frozen over'.

"Well, you've become rather efficient with my presence. Very well, you are dismissed. I'll convey this to Dumbledore," said Snape. As an afterthought, Snape added, "Get out of my office."

As Harry was walking over to Snape's door, he felt as if he was trapped in another world and not really feeling that he's in his body anymore. He tried to fight his way out but didn't succeed. It was as if he was in the spirit realm.

Meanwhile, his body in the realm of the living was inhabited by another spirit.

"It has been too long a time, Severus."

Snape turned around to see Potter at the mention of his name. 'Ah, if it isn't that annoying brat, Potter!'

"What do you want, Potter!" Snape spat.

"I am not Potter, for your information."

"Of course, you are. Are you out of your mind, already because if you are, I'd happily send you to St. Mungos? Maybe it's about time you got there. You're just an insufferable brat who makes my life a living hell anyway," said Snape.

"Do you not notice that this is not his voice? Do you not remember this voice? Or maybe Severus, have you forgotten me or do you wish to forget me for the rest of you miserable life?"

Snape was taken aback. How in Merlin's name could he feel so calm? He was about to spat a rather rude and annoying comment when something clicked inside his mind. 1

"You can't be. It's impossible. Never in my entire life had I expected you to be here; of all people. How is this true? Is it really you, Artemis?

"Glad to see you've had your mind refreshed as it should have been since you've been spying for the Order, Severus," said Artemis/Harry.

"How on earth..."

"Easy. I just reincarnated for a while in this body. This boy is so powerful and full of love that a person like me could reincarnate."2

Before Snape could say anything, Artemis continued. Only this time, it was a warning.

"Severus, you will need to inform this to Dumbledore. The Dark Lord is gaining more power day by day than he had let on to his followers. He is looking for traitors in his circle and be warned, always be cautious with every step. Only this boy will be able to defeat the Dark Lord."

"But," Snape interrupted. "You can't mean that this irksome child could be the only hope to save our world."

"Do not interrupt me whilst I'm speaking, Severus," said Artemis/Harry. "But of course, I shall tell you one thing or two in fact. There is a prophecy involving this boy that only Dumbledore or himself will tell you, and only when they are ready should you be told its contents. Another is that I think you found yourself very wrong about this issue; He is certainly not a boy anymore. He has faced many hardships than all of us combined. For once, Severus, let him have the joie de vivre. 3 He is certainly inured to danger and hardship. So for once in your life, hold your tongue. I shall not be interrupted. This matter is important albeit you think that it is the contrary."

Snape was about to interrupt but fortunately, he held his tongue and let Artemis to continue.

"As I was saying, he will be able to vanquish him eternally and there would no more be a Dark Lord until the tide has turned but it is for a thousand centuries should another Dark Lord rise. And remember this, Severus. In every darkness there is a light shed and in every trouble, there is a way. 4 But be warned; treat the boy not to defeat the Dark Lord in a way that it is his only purpose. Once he felt that way, it will be the end of us and he will not hesitate to sacrifice himself for only him and his descendants could defeat the present and future Dark Lord."

"He will be needed for the first war of the New War and he would be needed for the last stand of the alliance against the Dark Lord. The battle ends between him and Tom Riddle, or as you call him Voldemort the Dark Lord, and I should ask no one to disrupt what is to be as it will be the only thing that will decide the outcome," said Artemis/Harry.

Snape was having his jaw hanging open by the time Artemis had finished speaking.

"I will be coming back to warn you again should the time come. Until that time, I will reside in this body and remain here," said Artemis/Harry.

"This boy will need attention after I have rested my soul within the depths of this body. He has used too much energy he possesses and it has taken a toll out of him," said Artemis/Harry.

With that said, Harry fainted. 5

WwwwwwwwwwwwwW

Harry woke up to find himself on a crisp white bed and he instantly knew where he was. "Oh, no, not the hospital wing again," moaned Harry.

"Well, hospital wing it is, Potter. What do you have to explain the incident?" said Snape.

"I don't really know what happened. One moment I was there and the next I was somewhere else. I think it was the spirit realm. It felt odd to be outside my own body at that moment. I sincerely apologize for anything that had happened in that space of time," said Harry, not even a bit flustered even though he just apologized to Snape. Somehow, that incident had changed him as a person and student.

"My... Apology accepted. I was talking to someone who appeared in you at that time. He is Artemis and I knew him for a long time." Snape replied. "Artemis was infallible so I trust him with my life but his warning that he had spoke of had me flummoxed. I knew you could not for bear him from emerging but Artemis thought that it was for the best. His reincarnation in you has instigated you to instinctively try to fight it but he is able to get through because he has an urgent errand for all of us. Allay your fear of him for he is on our side and now that he resides within you, you might be even more powerful than it is to be expected."

At that moment, Madam Pomfrey who had come out of her office went striding to Harry. "Well, Mr. Potter. Or shall I call you Harry now? That is, as you always do end up here, quidditch or not. You should be getting your rest as I know that you are certainly tired. I have my forbearance reserve only for you. As for now, please drink up your potion. You're going to need it," she said.

"Harry is fine, Madam Pomfrey. Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," said Harry.

Madam Pomfrey's face softens into a motherly sort of way. Well, she was rarely thanked so it felt like a big gratitude to be thanked. "That's quite all right."

Harry downed his potion and instantly fell asleep after an exhausting day.

A/N:

Yay, no cliffy!

This is my longest chapter yet and don't throw things at me for making Snape a bit nice. I'm fine with the idea.

1 I seriously considered ending it here but I don't want to leave a cliffy here. So, there it is.

2Artemis is a very powerful wizard in the history of the wizarding world but he never rivalled Merlin. In this story, that is.

3 joie de vivre – enjoyment of life.

4I like these sayings.

5Don't I just like him unconscious? It would not be more likely that Harry would end up in the infirmary in the near future. So, I put it here to satisfy myself. And write what I had planned to do.

Thank you for those who reviewed. You know who you are!