Chapter Six: The Return of Sirius Black
Harry was in the graveyard again. He saw the tombstones of all of his loved ones. He heard the evil, high pitched laugh of Lord Voldemort. He was feeling to guilt and despair that this dream always has caused him. But then the dream changed, Voldemort disappeared, along with all of the tombstones. He was surrounded by white light, and the veil appeared in front of him. He watched as his godfather walk out from the veil, in almost disbelief.
"Well, aren't you going to say hello to me Harry?" Sirius said.
"But, how are you here?"
"If you don't want me here, Harry, I will go."
"No, please stay."
"Ok. And to answer your question, it is because you wished me to be here. When a person in the wizarding world dies, and someone wishes to see them, the dead person is given the choice if he will grant the wish."
"So you mean I could wish for my parents, and I could see them."
"Unfortunately no, Harry. The person or people you are trying to see must be just dead. After about a year, the dead can no longer hear the wishes of the living. They still watch over you Harry, but there is no way to see them like this."
"But at least I can talk to you every night."
"You are only aloud to visit someone three times. Plus, you really don't want to talk to me every night. You will have more important things to worry about. Just use your visits wisely, Harry."
"So you have seen my parents?"
"Yes. And they told me to give you a few messages. They are both really proud of you, all the times you have faced Voldemort, and not died. For all the people you have saved. For just being the person you are. Your father said you are almost as good of a seeker as he was a chaser. And coming from James' extremely big head that is saying something. "
"Thank you Sirius."
"But we need to talk about a few things."
"Like what?"
"Firstly, has the will reading happened yet?"
"Yeah, it was today."
"Ok, I need to discuss something with you. I didn't give you a guardian because I feel you are mature enough to choose your own guardian now. But if I can make a suggestion, I think you should pick Moony. Firstly, because he was like a brother to James and I. Secondly, because when you were born, the Marauders all made a pack to protect you and to be there for you. And lastly, to keep up the Marauder tradition. He will pass it on to you."
"Ok, I was wondering why you didn't mention that in the reading."
"Did you get a laugh when Remus had to unjinx the will itself?
"Yeah. Remus said you could never be serious."
"Probably knew I would have said, But I am Sirius."
"He said that too."
"Well, I have to keep up the humor, I am a Marauder. So, how are things between you and Ron and Hermione?"
"They are good. Ron asked Hermione out yesterday."
"Really?"
"Yeah, he, well I, planned a romantic dinner for them, and he took it from there. She was upset at first, but she accepted. Hermione told him about how she had liked him since they met, and how she was trying to get him to notice. Then they were talking about me for a bit, planning something"
"About time. How do you know the details so well?"
"Ginny showed me the wall you and dad used to use to embarrass your brother."
"Oh, I see. Speaking of little Ms. Weasley, how is she?"
"Umm, she is good."
"Harry, you have gotten a little red, did I hit something?"
"No."
"Harry, don't lie to me. I see that you have finally realized that Ginny was right in front of you. So, do you plan on asking her out?"
"Not until Voldemort is dead."
"Harry, Voldemort is not going to be gone tomorrow, why are you waiting?"
"Because, since Voldemort is after me, I can't let Ginny get too close. The people I love the people that I'm very close with, die."
"That isn't your fault, Harry. Voldemort kills all of those people, not you. Your parents died fighting Voldemort, not because you were their son. Cedric killed by one of Voldemort's Death Eaters. And, we all remember what happened with me."
"I'm sorry."
"Harry, there is nothing to be sorry about."
"If I hadn't have believed that stupid vision, I wouldn't have gone to the Department of Mysteries, and you would still be alive."
"And if I was there, and you hadn't gone, Voldemort would have killed me."
"If I had only used the mirror you gave me."
"I probably should have told you what it was before you left. Harry, please don't blame yourself for my death, I am happy that I died fighting Voldemort, and that I saved you. You need to see that I made a choice as well. I chose to go to the Department, even when Snape told me to stay. I wasn't going to let you die while I sat at home."
"So you aren't upset?"
"Harry, I don't care that I'm dead. It is a part of life. And I am glad that I died to save you."
"Ok."
"There is one more piece of advice I want to give you now."
"What?"
"I know you want to protect her, but don't just push Ginny away from you just to do it. Honestly, I think it shouldn't been that just because Voldemort is around that you don't go out with Ginny. If you care about her, tell her. Good-bye Harry. And remember; only two more visits, so use them wisely."
With those words, the veil and Sirius disappeared, and Harry heard knocking. He realized that someone was knocking at the door to his bedroom.
"Harry, it's Ginny, Mum wants you downstairs for breakfast."
"Ok Gin, I will be down in a minute."
Harry heard Ginny walk downstairs, and was thinking about what Sirius had said. I wish it was that easy, I wish I could go out with her. But with Voldemort around, I just can't. I can't lose Ginny like I lost you, Sirius. She means too much to lose. Harry then got dressed and walked downstairs, and saw everyone sitting at the table, minus Hermione.
"Hey Ron, where is Hermione?"
"She had to go she her parents for a bit, their trip got messed up by the will reading, but she will be back in a few hours. We are getting our OWL results today."
"Yeah, right. I hope I have the requirements to try to be an Auror. But I doubt it, because I needed an O in Potions, and if I got that, I will be shocked."
"Have faith in yourself, Harry, you probably got it." Ginny commented.
"I doubt it. We will have to wait to find out though."
"Why did you sleep so late today, Harry? I missed our usual morning conversation." Remus asked.
"I was talking to Sirius."
"What?" Ron and Ginny asked.
"I was wondering when you were going to wish to see him. He was shocked that I was the first one to wish to see him."
"What is going on?" Ginny asked. "Sirius is dead, how can you two talk to him?"
"It's called a Living Dead Wish. If someone just died, and someone alive wishes to see them, the dead have the right to visit them in their dreams. But it's only for up to one year after, and you can only see them three times. I wished for him before Harry got here. Harry, what did he talk to you about?" Remus stated.
"Advice on who should be my guardian. We decided that it should be you, seeing as you are the last Marauder."
"I think I can handle that Harry. Anything else?"
"Yeah, we talked about my parents for a bit."
"Yeah, I still remember the first visit I got from James, it was interesting."
They all finished, and Harry was sitting in his room, when Ginny walked in.
"Harry, did I do something wrong?"
"Gin, what are you talking about?"
"It's just, since that night with your parents' rings, you haven't wanted to talk, and you don't like being alone with me."
"No, you haven't done anything wrong Gin, it's just something is on my mind that I can't talk to you about."
"Oh, what is it about. Is it girl problems?"
"Kind of."
"What is it?"
:"It's just with Voldemort around, and won't be able to really date anyone; it would put that person in a lot of danger."
"But Harry, it really doesn't matter if you don't fancy anyone."
"I do like someone. I mean, she is brave, a great friend, very honest, and she is beautiful. I wish Voldemort wasn't around so I could be with her."
"Harry, who is the girl?"
"That I can't tell you, you know her too well, you would tell her."
"Harry, I promise I won't tell her."
"Ginny, I can't tell you, it would put you in danger."
"Because I would know would you fancy?"
"Right."
"Harry, just remember if this girl find out, and if she likes you, she may want to be with you anyways. She may be willing to risk it to be with you. I know if it was me, I would do everything to make you realize that I don't care if Voldemort is after you. I would want to be with you."
"Well, it's my choice to tell this girl or not."
"You're right, Harry, it's your choice. But please try to be happy. Don't let Voldemort ruin your life." Ginny left Harry after that comment. That was what I was afraid of. If Ginny ever finds out, she isn't going to stop until I go out with her. And Ron and Hermione know, and they said that they are going to do anything to get us together. Oh, this just makes things worse. Maybe I should just tell her. No, Voldemort, I can't do it to her. I wouldn't be the reason that Ginny dies.
Harry was broken out of his thoughts by Ron squealing. He figured that Hermione had just got back. He was happy that his friends were together finally, but was afraid of what they were going to do.
"Harry, come down here, our OWL results are here." Hermione said from downstairs.
Harry walked downstairs and saw Ron and Hermione holding an envelope in one hand, and the others hand. Harry picked up his envelope from the table. He looked at it for a minute. Well, this is it. Can I become an Auror or not. Harry opened the envelope.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are writing you today to give you your results on your OWL's that you took at the end of term. Due to the situation during your Astronomy Exam, we graded the work that was turned in, and didn't hold it against you for the work that wasn't completed.
Defense Against The Dark Arts
Theory- O
Practical- O
Transfiguration
Theory- O
Practical- O
Charms
Theory- A
Practical- O
Astronomy
Theory- O
Practical- A
Divination
Theory- P
Practical- P
Care Of Magical Creatures
Theory- A
Practical- O
Potions
Theory- A
Practical- O
Others Comments
Perfect score on the Defense examination.
I'm shocked, Mr. Potter, you actually do have some knowledge when it comes to Potions. Don't think I will be easier on you this year in my class. I expect the best in my NEWT Potions class.
Excellent work Mr. Potter, you have received a total of twelve OWL's. Please select from these classes that you wish to take in your next year.
Defense Against The Dark Arts, Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Astronomy, Care Of Magical Creatures.
"So how did you do, Ron?" Harry asked.
"I got eight OWL's. DADA, Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures, and Charms. I guess I'm not going to be an Auror." Ron said.
"Eight is still great, Ron." Hermione said, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
"Yuck, Hermione, never do that again." Ginny said as she walked in the room. "What are you doing in here?"
"OWL results." Harry said, trying not to look at Ginny.
"Oh, how did everyone do?" She asked.
"Well, Ron got eight, and I got fourteen." Hermione said, with a huge grin on her face. "Harry hasn't told us his yet."
"I got twelve."
"Oh Merlin, Harry, that is great." Ginny said as she threw her arms around Harry. This was the first time they had been in physical contact with Ginny since he almost kissed her. The shock that went through his body was very surprising for him, but he liked it. He hugged Ginny. This feels right. She is so pretty. And she smells really good. Stop it, you are trying to not go out with her, remember. Harry let go of Ginny, and they back away from each other. Harry noticed that Ginny was blushing, even though she was looking away from him.
"Excellent work, Harry, did you get Potions?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah. It's really surprising."
"You can become an Auror. That's great." Hermione noticed though that Ron had suddenly become disappointed. "Ron, let's go talk upstairs." With that, Hermione grabbed Ron's arm, and walked upstairs, leaving Harry and Ginny alone in the room.
"Harry, great work on your OWL's." Ginny said still not looked at him.
"Thanks."
"I want to talk to you about what we talked about earlier."
"What is it?"
"About what you said earlier, about the girl you like."
"Ok." Harry was getting hot.
"I think I know who it is."
"Really, who?"
"Harry, don't play dumb." Ginny was getting very close to Harry, and she wrapped her arms around him. A shock went through his body again. "You have been avoiding me after you tried to kiss me." Harry put his arms around her without thinking. I can't do this. No. But it feels so right. And she isn't going to let up until she has me. "I thought you thought it was a mistake until what you said today. It made me realize that you think it will protect me to not know that you like me." Ginny started to stand on her toes, her mouth inching closer to Harry's. "I want to be with you, Harry. I don't care about the risk."
Just as they were about to kiss, Remus and Tonks came into the room. This caused both of them to jump and split apart. Harry took the moment to run up to Sirius' bedroom, and lock the door. I'm doomed.