Author's Note- Hi everyone! This is chapter 20 of Erika. I know the last
chap was sorta cliched, but I couldn't help it. I needed something like
that to get Harry to come to the school and talk to Erika. In this chappie,
Harry tells Erika all, which will be quite fun. Hehe. Read and review.
Disclaimer- I own nothing. It all belongs to the great Harry Potter people. I'm certainly not getting paid. I'm broke, so you won't get anything from sueing me.
Erika - The Legacy of Lily and James
"What do you have to talk to me about?" I asked, looking at my brother.
Dumbledore nodded to Harry, "If you have any need of me I shall be in the next room."
Confused, I watched Dumbledore leave and Harry bit his lip.
"Erika, there's something I gotta tell you. I should've told you before, I know . . . Uh, why don't we sit down?" Harry suggested.
I sat down in one of the chairs across from Dumbledore's desk. Harry sat down in the other one.
There was silence for a moment, and then I asked, "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Um, you know how I told you that Voldemort was after us because of our family?" Harry asked.
I nodded, and said slowly, "Yeah."
"Well, that's only part of the truth. He is after us because of our family, but there's also more . . . This is sorta hard to explain . . . I mean, our family was really powerful and talented, but that's not the only reason he came after us. He, uh, was after me."
"You?" I asked.
Harry nodded, "Yeah. You see, there's this prophecy about the only person who could destroy him, or whatever. They said that the only person who could do it would be born at the end of July, to parents who had defied Voldemort three times."
"You were born at the end of July," I whispered.
Again, Harry nooded, "Yes, and so was a boy I know, Neville. You remember him? Well, the prophecy could have referred to either one of us, except for the next part. It said the Voldemort would mark him as his equal. Which Voldemort did when he tried to kill me. He tried to kill me, not Neville, because he feared the power I might have, due to my parents. You see, Dumbledore didn't know about the rest of the prophecy and the whole 'marking'. He only knew that the person who could bring about his downfall would be born at the end of July to parents who had defied him three times. When he didn't kill me, he marked me, and made me the one that prophecy referred to, not Neville."
I was silent, trying to sum it all up in my head.
Harry paused, and then said, "There's one other thing about the prophecy. I can't live while he does."
"But you're alive, and he's alive," I pointed out, "So you are living at the same time as him."
Harry shook his head, "That's not what it means. It means that I have to kill him, or he'll kill me."
Silence. Harry quickly continued, he didn't want to give me time to respond.
"When he tried to kill me, he connected us in a very strange way. I can tell what he's feeling, and I can sometimes see what he's doing, or I can feel him inside of me. I . . . I learned to fight it over the years, but it's still there. I've only felt it once since I met you, but I've also learned to push it back," Harry said.
I finally spoke, "Either you kill him, or he kills you?"
"Yeah," Harry said, and nodded.
I was silent again, thinking it over in my head. How could Harry kill him? If he didn't, he'd kill Harry, eventually.
"No one expected it to take this long. They all thought it'd be over by now . . . but it's not, and everyone wants it to be over. Everyone's sick of Voldemort being around and they want it done with. But I can't just go after him, I don't know if I can do it . . ."
I held up my hand, and asked, "Why didn't you tell me before?"
Harry blinked, and said, "I didn't want to tell you before. I mean, suddenly, I had a sister and I wasn't alone in the world and I could pretend that everything that was supposed to happen wouldn't happen. I could just be a normal person with a sister, and actually be happy. But then, this past week, Voldemort came after you. And, he doesn't just want to kill you because you're the daughter of Lily and James Potter-don't get me wrong, he hates our family with a passion-but because you're my sister. I still didn't want to tell you, even though I know you had a right to know . . ."
"You're right, I have a right to know! Harry, I'm your SISTER! I should've known from the beginning! YOU SHOULD'VE TOLD ME!" I shouted, standing up, "I mean, come on, right now, we're the only family each other has. I mean, sure, sometimes I can get REALLY mad at you, which I am right now, but you're still my brother, you're still family, you're still blood, and I deserved to know."
Harry was silent.
"I . . . I don't know what to say, I mean. I can't believe this. It seems surreal," I said, "I . . . I've gotta go."
"Erika, wait," Harry said.
But it was too late, I'd already opened the office door and was walking down the stairs.
When I got back to the Tower, the Common Room was still full. I ignored everyone, and ran up the stairs to our dorm. Meg was laying on her bed, reading another book on Seeing (which was most everything she read).
"Hey, what's wrong?" Meg asked, sitting up and seeing my face.
"Did you know?" I asked, and then, talking more to myself than her, "How could you not have known? I mean, you know more about my family than I do. You must've known. That stupid prophecy!"
Meg was silent, and then whispered, "The prophecy?"
"You did know! Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.
"I thought you knew! I thought Harry would tell you," Meg answered, shocked and setting her book down.
"You'd think so, wouldn't you? No, he just told me now," I said, and threw myself on my bed, "I can't believe it. How can he kill the most powerful Dark Lord the world's seen yet? I mean, he's just . . ."
"The only one that can do it," Meg finished for me, even if it wasn't what I was going to say.
I sighed, "Meg, what am I supposed to do?"
Meg shrugged, "You just got be his sister. That's what he needs know. A sister. Keeps him down to Earth."
I laughed, and said, "Look at the two of us, both of us stressed out about our siblings. Only difference is . . ."
"My sister's trying to kill me and you're brother is trying to kill my grandfather," Meg said, "Not THAT big of a difference."
We both laughed, and, once the laugh was done, I sighed and shut my eyes.
The next morning, I avoided the Great Hall since I didn't want to face Harry, and he'd be there eating breakfast before he left. My first class was DADA, so I headed up to the classroom. It was locked, as usual. Anya would be at breakfast with everyone else.
So I leaned against the stone walls and let myself slide down to the ground, my bag sitting beside me.
I sighed, and hit my head against the stones.
"How could this be happening?" I whispered.
It was then that I heard the footsteps, walking up the staircase that led to the hallway where the DADA classroom was located. Curious, I looked to see who it was.
Anya Jones stood on the threshold, frowning in a mix of sadness and pity.
"So, Erika," she whispered, "Dumbledore just told me that Harry told you . . . about the prophecy."
I shook my head, and asked, bitterly, "Did EVERYONE know but me? Honestly!"
Anya sighed, and walked quickly across the hallway until she was sitting beside me.
"Erika, Harry didn't want to tell you because he was enjoying himself, having a sister, being a big brother, and not being alone anymore. Harry may have two of the best friends there is, but on the family part, he was virtually alone, and that hurt him, very badly. I . . . I watched you both grow up, from a distance, making myself look like a casual person walking past you, but I saw what Harry went through, and you saw it too. The Dursleys weren't family to him, they were just people who he was forced to live with. There were so many times I wanted to just run in there and take him away, but I knew I couldn't. He was safe there, just like you were at the Orphanage.
"And then, you showed up and he was no longer alone. Why do you think he was so accepting when he was told that you were his sister? He wanted you to be, so desperately that he would've believed anyone. And when you were, it was so great to him. That's why he didn't tell you, Erika. He didn't want to hurt you!"
"Hurt me!" I cried, "Anya, I almost died last week, and I didn't know why! I thought it was all okay, that Voldemort was after me because of my parents, but then I find out that it's because I'm Harry's sister as well as that! How would you take it if you just found out that the only family you have will either kill or be killed by the most powerful Dark Lord the wizarding world has ever seen? I, for one, am scared stiff. HE'S THE ONLY FAMILY I HAVE!"
Anya nodded, "I know how you feel. I lost my parents, too. My entire family, actually, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, everyone but my older sister, Anra. We never got along, we always fought. But when she was all I had left, I just wanted to cling to her because I didn't want to be alone. I know how you feel, Erika. You aren't alone."
"Yes, but your sister isn't the only one who can defeat Voldemort or be defeated, is she?" I asked.
Anya shook her head, "No. But she's a target just like I am. She's in hiding, along with my niece, who I haven't seen in two years. I miss them like anything, and I can't write to them, or speak to them. It's too risky. But I know she's alive, and that's what matters. And she needs to know I'm alive.
"A family isn't just one person holding up everyone else. It's a series of connections, strings, if you will, holding everyone up. Each string is ommited from a person, and connected to another. And more strings, and more, until no one is holding anyone up, but everyone is holding everyone up. Harry's there for you, and he's desperately sad that you're taking this so badly, I saw him. Now you need to be there for him.
"He needs you now more than ever, Erika. Just like you need him."
I looked up at my godmother, and sighed, "I just don't know what to do, Anya. I'm so lost."
"You're never lost, not when you have people that care for you, and you have plently of people who do. That's what we're hear for, to put you back on the right path. I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you what I would do in your position. I'd stand beside Harry, and make sure he knows that no matter, you're there for him. Because he needs a sister right now, Erika. No matter what you think, he needs you just as much as you need him," Anya said.
I smiled, "That's what Meg was trying to tell me last night, but I didn't quite get it. Anya, do you mind if I'm a little late? I've gotta go find Harry before he leaves."
Anya grinned, and nodded, "But only a few minutes. We have a lesson to get to. Go on."
I quickly hugged her, and ran off down the hallway, my bag swinging at my side and my shoes clattering on the stone.
When I got to the Great Hall, it was slowly emptying out after breakfast. Meg was walking out at the same time.
"Erika! Where were you?" she asked.
"Talking to Anya. I have to go find Harry. Is he still in there?" I asked.
Meg nodded, "Yeah, yeah, he's up at the Head Table. I'll see you at class, then. Good luck!"
I grinned at my best friend, and ran inside, pushing past the people leaving.
Sure enough, sitting at a seat near the end of the Head Table, was my brother.
"Harry!" I shouted, running up to him.
When I reached his seat, I didn't stop to catch a breath and started to talk, "I'm sorry about last night. I acted like an immature little girl. I just want you to know that no matter what happens, you're my brother, and I'll stand by you. And, although I still think you should've told me before, I'm not mad at you anymore."
Harry grinned, and said, "Glad to know, Erika. You're a bit red, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I ran from Anya's classroom. I'm fine, just a bit tired," I assured him, and grinned, just as an idea hit me, "Harry, tonight's my first Quidditch practice. Can you come watch? Please? The team will be so happy to see you again. It'll be fun, really."
"Erika, I have to get back," Harry said.
I rolled my eyes, "You took today off, too. You told me. Besides, you can go back AFTER practice. It only goes to eight, and you're using Floo Powder anyway."
Harry laughed, "Fine, fine. I'll come. Well, I do want to see you in action with the rest of the team."
I grinned again, "Great. See you after dinner, then."
That evening on the Quidditch Pitch is one of my fondest memories. The team was so happy to have Harry, that they scrounged around for a broom so he could practice with us. He even showed us some of the drills that he'd made the team do when he went to school at Hogwarts, even if it was only a year ago.
After practice, we climbed up to Dumbledore's office so Harry could use the Floo Network. I hugged him goodbye.
"See you soon," I called as he stepped into the fire, and whirled away.
A/N- Short, but somewhat sweet. That's TWO chapters for you at once. Sorry these haven't been up sooner, I've been so busy it's almost pathetic. And I had to read OotP before I could write anymore. The story is definetely AU now, but I don't think it's that bad. Well, judge for yourself. And, now that you've read, there's only one thing left to do. REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!
Any additional comments can be given to me at StarlightEve111@aol.com
Disclaimer- I own nothing. It all belongs to the great Harry Potter people. I'm certainly not getting paid. I'm broke, so you won't get anything from sueing me.
Erika - The Legacy of Lily and James
"What do you have to talk to me about?" I asked, looking at my brother.
Dumbledore nodded to Harry, "If you have any need of me I shall be in the next room."
Confused, I watched Dumbledore leave and Harry bit his lip.
"Erika, there's something I gotta tell you. I should've told you before, I know . . . Uh, why don't we sit down?" Harry suggested.
I sat down in one of the chairs across from Dumbledore's desk. Harry sat down in the other one.
There was silence for a moment, and then I asked, "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Um, you know how I told you that Voldemort was after us because of our family?" Harry asked.
I nodded, and said slowly, "Yeah."
"Well, that's only part of the truth. He is after us because of our family, but there's also more . . . This is sorta hard to explain . . . I mean, our family was really powerful and talented, but that's not the only reason he came after us. He, uh, was after me."
"You?" I asked.
Harry nodded, "Yeah. You see, there's this prophecy about the only person who could destroy him, or whatever. They said that the only person who could do it would be born at the end of July, to parents who had defied Voldemort three times."
"You were born at the end of July," I whispered.
Again, Harry nooded, "Yes, and so was a boy I know, Neville. You remember him? Well, the prophecy could have referred to either one of us, except for the next part. It said the Voldemort would mark him as his equal. Which Voldemort did when he tried to kill me. He tried to kill me, not Neville, because he feared the power I might have, due to my parents. You see, Dumbledore didn't know about the rest of the prophecy and the whole 'marking'. He only knew that the person who could bring about his downfall would be born at the end of July to parents who had defied him three times. When he didn't kill me, he marked me, and made me the one that prophecy referred to, not Neville."
I was silent, trying to sum it all up in my head.
Harry paused, and then said, "There's one other thing about the prophecy. I can't live while he does."
"But you're alive, and he's alive," I pointed out, "So you are living at the same time as him."
Harry shook his head, "That's not what it means. It means that I have to kill him, or he'll kill me."
Silence. Harry quickly continued, he didn't want to give me time to respond.
"When he tried to kill me, he connected us in a very strange way. I can tell what he's feeling, and I can sometimes see what he's doing, or I can feel him inside of me. I . . . I learned to fight it over the years, but it's still there. I've only felt it once since I met you, but I've also learned to push it back," Harry said.
I finally spoke, "Either you kill him, or he kills you?"
"Yeah," Harry said, and nodded.
I was silent again, thinking it over in my head. How could Harry kill him? If he didn't, he'd kill Harry, eventually.
"No one expected it to take this long. They all thought it'd be over by now . . . but it's not, and everyone wants it to be over. Everyone's sick of Voldemort being around and they want it done with. But I can't just go after him, I don't know if I can do it . . ."
I held up my hand, and asked, "Why didn't you tell me before?"
Harry blinked, and said, "I didn't want to tell you before. I mean, suddenly, I had a sister and I wasn't alone in the world and I could pretend that everything that was supposed to happen wouldn't happen. I could just be a normal person with a sister, and actually be happy. But then, this past week, Voldemort came after you. And, he doesn't just want to kill you because you're the daughter of Lily and James Potter-don't get me wrong, he hates our family with a passion-but because you're my sister. I still didn't want to tell you, even though I know you had a right to know . . ."
"You're right, I have a right to know! Harry, I'm your SISTER! I should've known from the beginning! YOU SHOULD'VE TOLD ME!" I shouted, standing up, "I mean, come on, right now, we're the only family each other has. I mean, sure, sometimes I can get REALLY mad at you, which I am right now, but you're still my brother, you're still family, you're still blood, and I deserved to know."
Harry was silent.
"I . . . I don't know what to say, I mean. I can't believe this. It seems surreal," I said, "I . . . I've gotta go."
"Erika, wait," Harry said.
But it was too late, I'd already opened the office door and was walking down the stairs.
When I got back to the Tower, the Common Room was still full. I ignored everyone, and ran up the stairs to our dorm. Meg was laying on her bed, reading another book on Seeing (which was most everything she read).
"Hey, what's wrong?" Meg asked, sitting up and seeing my face.
"Did you know?" I asked, and then, talking more to myself than her, "How could you not have known? I mean, you know more about my family than I do. You must've known. That stupid prophecy!"
Meg was silent, and then whispered, "The prophecy?"
"You did know! Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.
"I thought you knew! I thought Harry would tell you," Meg answered, shocked and setting her book down.
"You'd think so, wouldn't you? No, he just told me now," I said, and threw myself on my bed, "I can't believe it. How can he kill the most powerful Dark Lord the world's seen yet? I mean, he's just . . ."
"The only one that can do it," Meg finished for me, even if it wasn't what I was going to say.
I sighed, "Meg, what am I supposed to do?"
Meg shrugged, "You just got be his sister. That's what he needs know. A sister. Keeps him down to Earth."
I laughed, and said, "Look at the two of us, both of us stressed out about our siblings. Only difference is . . ."
"My sister's trying to kill me and you're brother is trying to kill my grandfather," Meg said, "Not THAT big of a difference."
We both laughed, and, once the laugh was done, I sighed and shut my eyes.
The next morning, I avoided the Great Hall since I didn't want to face Harry, and he'd be there eating breakfast before he left. My first class was DADA, so I headed up to the classroom. It was locked, as usual. Anya would be at breakfast with everyone else.
So I leaned against the stone walls and let myself slide down to the ground, my bag sitting beside me.
I sighed, and hit my head against the stones.
"How could this be happening?" I whispered.
It was then that I heard the footsteps, walking up the staircase that led to the hallway where the DADA classroom was located. Curious, I looked to see who it was.
Anya Jones stood on the threshold, frowning in a mix of sadness and pity.
"So, Erika," she whispered, "Dumbledore just told me that Harry told you . . . about the prophecy."
I shook my head, and asked, bitterly, "Did EVERYONE know but me? Honestly!"
Anya sighed, and walked quickly across the hallway until she was sitting beside me.
"Erika, Harry didn't want to tell you because he was enjoying himself, having a sister, being a big brother, and not being alone anymore. Harry may have two of the best friends there is, but on the family part, he was virtually alone, and that hurt him, very badly. I . . . I watched you both grow up, from a distance, making myself look like a casual person walking past you, but I saw what Harry went through, and you saw it too. The Dursleys weren't family to him, they were just people who he was forced to live with. There were so many times I wanted to just run in there and take him away, but I knew I couldn't. He was safe there, just like you were at the Orphanage.
"And then, you showed up and he was no longer alone. Why do you think he was so accepting when he was told that you were his sister? He wanted you to be, so desperately that he would've believed anyone. And when you were, it was so great to him. That's why he didn't tell you, Erika. He didn't want to hurt you!"
"Hurt me!" I cried, "Anya, I almost died last week, and I didn't know why! I thought it was all okay, that Voldemort was after me because of my parents, but then I find out that it's because I'm Harry's sister as well as that! How would you take it if you just found out that the only family you have will either kill or be killed by the most powerful Dark Lord the wizarding world has ever seen? I, for one, am scared stiff. HE'S THE ONLY FAMILY I HAVE!"
Anya nodded, "I know how you feel. I lost my parents, too. My entire family, actually, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, everyone but my older sister, Anra. We never got along, we always fought. But when she was all I had left, I just wanted to cling to her because I didn't want to be alone. I know how you feel, Erika. You aren't alone."
"Yes, but your sister isn't the only one who can defeat Voldemort or be defeated, is she?" I asked.
Anya shook her head, "No. But she's a target just like I am. She's in hiding, along with my niece, who I haven't seen in two years. I miss them like anything, and I can't write to them, or speak to them. It's too risky. But I know she's alive, and that's what matters. And she needs to know I'm alive.
"A family isn't just one person holding up everyone else. It's a series of connections, strings, if you will, holding everyone up. Each string is ommited from a person, and connected to another. And more strings, and more, until no one is holding anyone up, but everyone is holding everyone up. Harry's there for you, and he's desperately sad that you're taking this so badly, I saw him. Now you need to be there for him.
"He needs you now more than ever, Erika. Just like you need him."
I looked up at my godmother, and sighed, "I just don't know what to do, Anya. I'm so lost."
"You're never lost, not when you have people that care for you, and you have plently of people who do. That's what we're hear for, to put you back on the right path. I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you what I would do in your position. I'd stand beside Harry, and make sure he knows that no matter, you're there for him. Because he needs a sister right now, Erika. No matter what you think, he needs you just as much as you need him," Anya said.
I smiled, "That's what Meg was trying to tell me last night, but I didn't quite get it. Anya, do you mind if I'm a little late? I've gotta go find Harry before he leaves."
Anya grinned, and nodded, "But only a few minutes. We have a lesson to get to. Go on."
I quickly hugged her, and ran off down the hallway, my bag swinging at my side and my shoes clattering on the stone.
When I got to the Great Hall, it was slowly emptying out after breakfast. Meg was walking out at the same time.
"Erika! Where were you?" she asked.
"Talking to Anya. I have to go find Harry. Is he still in there?" I asked.
Meg nodded, "Yeah, yeah, he's up at the Head Table. I'll see you at class, then. Good luck!"
I grinned at my best friend, and ran inside, pushing past the people leaving.
Sure enough, sitting at a seat near the end of the Head Table, was my brother.
"Harry!" I shouted, running up to him.
When I reached his seat, I didn't stop to catch a breath and started to talk, "I'm sorry about last night. I acted like an immature little girl. I just want you to know that no matter what happens, you're my brother, and I'll stand by you. And, although I still think you should've told me before, I'm not mad at you anymore."
Harry grinned, and said, "Glad to know, Erika. You're a bit red, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I ran from Anya's classroom. I'm fine, just a bit tired," I assured him, and grinned, just as an idea hit me, "Harry, tonight's my first Quidditch practice. Can you come watch? Please? The team will be so happy to see you again. It'll be fun, really."
"Erika, I have to get back," Harry said.
I rolled my eyes, "You took today off, too. You told me. Besides, you can go back AFTER practice. It only goes to eight, and you're using Floo Powder anyway."
Harry laughed, "Fine, fine. I'll come. Well, I do want to see you in action with the rest of the team."
I grinned again, "Great. See you after dinner, then."
That evening on the Quidditch Pitch is one of my fondest memories. The team was so happy to have Harry, that they scrounged around for a broom so he could practice with us. He even showed us some of the drills that he'd made the team do when he went to school at Hogwarts, even if it was only a year ago.
After practice, we climbed up to Dumbledore's office so Harry could use the Floo Network. I hugged him goodbye.
"See you soon," I called as he stepped into the fire, and whirled away.
A/N- Short, but somewhat sweet. That's TWO chapters for you at once. Sorry these haven't been up sooner, I've been so busy it's almost pathetic. And I had to read OotP before I could write anymore. The story is definetely AU now, but I don't think it's that bad. Well, judge for yourself. And, now that you've read, there's only one thing left to do. REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!
Any additional comments can be given to me at StarlightEve111@aol.com