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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
By: Fred and George Weasley are MY kings
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Chapter 10: Sirius's Memory
FIRSTLY REVIEWS:
Blue Mittens: Thanks for reviewing! No, Sirius doesn't really have anything else to give Harry. He does have some money, which he includes in the scrapbook (in chapter 9). It isn't much because Sirius was disowned by his parents… he inherited nothing. The scrapbook will prove to be very important about understanding a few of the original characters. I wanted to build up a past for the OC's… and what better way then to see them in someone's memory? Thanks about info on Quidditch
Ice-Phoenix-Tears: I like the name…very creative! Thanks for being my best reviewer ---- sorry everyone else but if you review as much as this guy/girl does, then there might be some competition :) hehe. Well anyway, thanks so much! Glad you liked the chapter
Clara: Glad you liked the story and thanks a lot for reviewing. I can't just come out and tell you if he is the half-blood prince. It's a mystery remember? I will give you a hint: The half-blood prince IS younger than Harry (which I HAVE to change in chapter 1). That's all I am going to say! Hehe!
Hazelle: Just review whenever you can if you feel like it. Thanks so much!
Charlie: Thanks for the review! Oh and thanks a lot about filling me in on who was still at Hogwarts. I'll have to change that chapter a lot then… oh I'll have to have chaser tryouts yikes! Who do you think would fill that position well? Hmmm…Thanks again!
Chapter 10: Sirius's Memory
Harry awoke late the next morning, despite his early retirement from the Gryffindor victory party the previous night. He sat up and withdrew the curtains, revealing the steady stream of sunlight dancing with sparkling feet on the solid oak floor of the dormitory. Harry found himself deserted in the dormitory, all of the other beds exposing that they no longer held any occupants. Harry took this as his chance to finally view one of Sirius's memories that he had so long awaited to see. Harry, after doing some research on how to actually activate a shell pensive (since he had no idea how they worked and he couldn't find Hermione), he knew that he needed a keyword or password in order to gain access to the menu in which all of the memories would be displayed. He also immediately knew what Sirius's password would be.
Harry quickly took out the scrapbook and opened it up to where the shell pensive was located. He took his wand and jabbed the pensive while chanting, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." The shell pensive began to swirl as it became gradually a lighter shade of purple, and then after maximum of five seconds, the light purple became a color of the purest white. On the pensive, in messy and bold writing there read:
The Beginning
The Middle Part I
The Middle Part II
The End
Random Thoughts from an Old, Black and Lovable Dog
Harry couldn't help but smile as he read the last category, and he was very tempted to select it first. However, he overrode his temptation and instead selected the first memory, figuring that he better go in order so has not to be confused. He selected it with another jab of the wand and propped himself up on his elbows as he peered over the large book as the shell pensive again began to swirl in a blur of colors. Thanks to Harry's research on shell pensives in his text, Harry knew that the acted as a muggle television set did. Unlike normal pensives, shell pensives do not allow the onlooker to actually go into the memory. The onlooker, merely do just that… they observe and allowed only to see what the owner of the memory point of view or recount of the happenings happen to be.
The memory finally began to come into view. Harry watched eagerly, wondering anxiously if he really wanted to see this. He was fearful that this memory would, like the last one he had visited, show another unworthy characteristic of someone that he held dear (specifically his father). Harry saw through the shell pensive that his own godfather, Sirius Black was walking somewhat hurriedly, with a mischievous smile on his handsome face. Judging by his height, Sirius appeared to be probably a third year. Harry sat up and let the story unfold in front of him.
Memory #1: The Beginning… Harry's point of view is in parenthesis
Sirius walked briskly down the hall. He knew he looked somewhat smug but was not overly concerned ('Looks like he owns the world' Harry thought. How ironic considering for most of his adult life he would be held prisoner.) He was, after all, Sirius Black, the one the only. He strode with long and graceful strides into the Great Hall, where breakfast was currently being served. Sirius made his way towards the Gryffindor table and sat down next to his three best friends: (This caused Harry to sit up straighter and closely examine each of the three boys) Peter Pettigrew (Harry saw with disgust as Peter sat next to James, pretending to be his friend. If only Harry could change this and warn his dad right at this very moment), Remus Lupin (Harry noticed he look sickly… full moon must be approaching), and James Potter (who did indeed looked exactly like Harry as everyone claimed). James returned Sirius's cocky smile, while Remus shook his head disapprovingly (Harry could already see the similarities between his group of friends… Harry and Ron as Sirius and James and Hermione as Lupin…There luckily wasn't a Pettigrew) "Did you actually do it?" James asked arching his right eyebrow.
"Of course, I did, Prongs. Do I ever turn down a dare?" Sirius said still wearing his arrogant smile.
"You four and those pet names," a young female voice sounded from behind them. The four boys turned to see their first-year friend Gretchen Meadowes (Harry knew who it was immediately. She was so tiny then, looking more like seven years old then eleven years old, but her face was the exact same) as she sat down.
"Great morning, isn't lil' sis?" Sirius said giving her a mighty pat on the back and ruffled her hair.
"Sirius, don't!" the little girl whined, squirming. "And don't call me your little sister either. I am not little… and I am not your sister, so the whole comment is stupid."
"You are too little. You're eleven, Gretch."
"Well, you act like you're eleven," She said, somewhat dimly as she buttered her toast.
"She has a point, you know," James added.
"That's enough out of you," Sirius said playfully.
"So what were you up to this morning Sirius?" Remus asked as he polished off his second toast.
"Business," Sirius said, trying to be sophisticated as he gave James a hidden smirk.
"SIRIUS BLACK!" A female voice roared throughout the Great Hall, causing all of its occupants to turn and stare. Sirius cowered at seeing who it was, but tried to remain cool and calm. Lily Evans thundered down the Great Hall making her way straight for Black. "Is that your "business", Sirius?" Lupin asked, smiling as he caught sight of Lily. Sirius didn't say anything until Lily stood before him breathing heavy, obviously very upset. "Err… Hello, Lily," Sirius said with a sheepish smile. (Harry noticed his mother's eyes, which stood out like green emeralds among dull pearls. They really were his eyes, now that he saw them closely and wondered if his stuck out like hers did.)
"Don't you dare smile at me after what you just did to Hailey (What did Sirius do? Harry thought with curiosity.) Clara is even more furious then I am. What till she gets a hold of you!" (Harry had to stop and think. Were they talking about Clara Prewett?)
"Oh, that… yes. It was just a joke honestly Lily. I thought it was funny. So did Potter."
Lily eyes flashed as she heard mention of James's name. "Well of course Potter would find it funny. He's an arrogant, selfish prat who doesn't care about anybody's feelings but his own."
"I didn't even do anything," James said standing up, slightly losing his temper, choosing to ignore the stares that the feud was attracting.
"One must be honest, Potter," Lily said icily, "I believe that was your excuse for breaking up with Jennifer Brown wasn't it?" She glared at him as he returned it. "Now returning to the matter at hand…Sirius if you ever pull a stunt like that again, I will let Clara have a go at you. Heavens know she could finish you off in about 2 minutes," -- Sirius was a bit disturbed by this thought but didn't show it---. "Maybe you should consider other peoples' feelings before you go and pull a stunt like that."
"Look, I didn't mean to upset everyone…Danielle's not upset is she?" Sirius said referring to his own girlfriend who was known to be best friends with Clara Prewett. (Who is Danielle? Harry thought
"This has nothing to do with Danielle, you mindless git." Lily said the volume of her voice rising, causing Gideon Prewett, who was Head Boy, to give her glare. "Look," she continued growing quieter, "All the other girls you insult like that may take it lying down, but know right now that if you ever, and I mean ever pull a stunt like that again…"
"What?" Sirius asked mockingly "You'll hex us, miss-I-never-break-the-rules?"
"I'll make your life a living hell Sirius and it would serve you right. You know that I can." With that and a scathing look at James, as well polite goodbyes to Lupin and Peter, Lily left.
"I really can't stand that girl," Sirius said in an undertone.
"What was she talking about? About making your life a living hell? Honestly, how does she think she is going to do that?"
"Well, err… there are some circumstances surrounding that. She very well could I suppose."
"How?" James asked bewildered.
"Long story," Sirius said shortly and James didn't push any further.
"Well, all I know is that you to both made idiots of yourselves," Lupin said standing, now that he had finished his breakfast.
"What did you two do anyway?" Peter asked, standing up as well.
"We err… sort of pulled a prank and Hailey Jacobs," Sirius said with a bright smile.
"What kind of prank?" Lupin asked growing worried.
"The usual," Sirius responded, "The one she rightfully deserved too, for making fun of my lil' sis right Gretch." Sirius said again to the small girl beside who nodded.
"Sirius, no, not the…" Lupin started but stopped at Sirius grin and hyperactive nodding.
"She deserved it, Remus. You know what she called Gretchen? She called her a…"
"Sirius I don't care what Hailey called Gretchen. You shouldn't have done that: no wonder Lily exploded on you two,"
"I didn't even do anything," James complained, "But to Lily Evans everything is always my fault… I am not arrogant, you know." James added
Remus just rolled his eyes knowing that every conference or meeting with Lily Evans left Potter like this… in a state of denial. Sirius was just annoyed, not knowing how Potter could go on about the wench who had just gotten all over their backs.
"Well, Lupin I do care about what people say to an eleven year old kid, who hasn't done anything to deserve it." Sirius stated. Lupin just left without a word back in reply. James who seemed unaware that Remus had left said, " I am not selfish either. I think of other people, a lot. All the bloody time for that matter." As he finished he ran his hand through his messy hair, leaving it in an even messier state. At Sirius couldn't take it anymore, "Look James if you want Lily Evans that bad, for goodness sake ask her out. I am so tired of hearing this after every time she talks to you."
"I do not want Lily Evans. She hates me, and I do my best to return the favor."
"Well then shut up about it already then," Sirius said jokingly knowing that James was already head over heels. "Hey, Pete… want to see what we did this morning?" Sirius asked with a smile, "Don't tell Moony we showed you…"
There, at the exit of the Great Hall there was a pair of lacy pink underwear floating midair next to a matching pink bra that had Hailey's picture pinned on it. James had successfully conjured it that if anyone even attempted to take any of it down, they would immediately be burned, and would blister up. James and Sirius had done this twice before and by now everyone knew who was behind it - besides teachers of course - and knew better then to mess with it. Harry had to laugh all though it was very cruel of Sirius. But the thing that made him laugh was that in bold black letters that hung skillfully above the set of Hailey's undergarments. It read: All of the below (girl in the picture, bra, and underwear) rightfully belong to Padfoot (90 percent) and Prongs (10 percent).
The shell pensive began to swirl and it returned to its normal regal purple. How on earth had his parents actually gotten together? Harry's mother made it seem as though she hated James. Harry was slightly reminded of two other people he used to think hated each other: Ginny and Malfoy…I have to see how they finally realize how much they mean to one another, Harry thought thinking of his parents. He was going to activate another memory when Ron came bursting in. Harry jumped at the sudden sound and knocked the scrapbook off of the bed. He scrambled to pick it up and recovered it quickly, putting it in his trunk as Ron started towards him. Ron had a piece of parchment in his hand and was looking at Harry with a confused expression.
"What were you doing?" Ron asked, as Harry was about to say hello.
"Oh… I… err… was just looking at some old photos," Harry explained gesturing back to his trunk. Why he reacted the way he did, he had no idea. He just seemed to feel as though those memories were private, and were meant only for him to see.
"Anyway," Ron said shaking his head as if dismissing the topic they were just discussing, "Have a look at this. Hermione found it posted this morning. All the girls are going crazy down there." Ron said with a shudder as he gave the parchment he had been holding onto to Harry. The notice read:
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONThanks to the HeadBoy and HeadGirl of Hogwarts Institute
A dance celebration has been scheduled to take place after the Halloween Feast on
Halloween night. We are disappointed to included that only fourth years and older will
Be able to attend the dance, seeing as it will take place well past the curfew of the younger students. We hope that all of the upper classmen will attend and enjoy the celebration. We all hope to see everyone there!
-Katie Bell and Marcus Randal
HeadGirl and HeadBoy of Hogwarts
Harry was slightly surprised, and then was hit with crushing reality. Was he going to ask anyone to this dance, like he was probably expected to? Did he even want to? Thought settled immediately on a certain person, but Harry shook it off quickly. Of course she wouldn't accept… They were just friends weren't they? Did he, Harry want it to be more? Why else he immediately thought to ask her?
"It's awful, isn't it? You don't know how much I wan to be a third year right now," Ron asked, slicing through Harry's thoughts. "I have no idea who to go with. I suppose we don't have to go with anyone…"
"Yeah…" Harry said absently.
"Do you… I mean are you thinking of asking Cho?"
"Oh, her? No. I really have gotten over that, you know. I don't know why you and Hermione…"
"I am not going to ask Hermione!" Ron interrupted Harry quickly, in a nervous voice.
"Err… Right. I was going to say that I don't know why you and Hermione refuse to believe I am over Cho," Harry said with a smile.
"Well, if I did ask Hermione, you don't think it would be bad… Not that I am going to or anything… just if," Ron said, clearly not listening to Harry.
"No not at all. In fact I think it would be brilliant," Harry said suppressing a laugh.
"So, you think I should?"
"Of course,"
"Well, if you think so… I suppose your right you know."
"Of course, I am right," Harry said again with a chuckle that went unnoticed.
"Well, since it was your idea, I suppose it can't do any harm then?"
"No, no… no harm at all."
"Great, I'll ask her right now." Ron said was gone, bounding down the dormitory steps leaving Harry to laugh at his friend's antics. Maybe if they were all lucky, this would be the beginning of something great. Now all Harry had to do was find out his real feelings for a certain blonde Ravenclaw.
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Hermione accepted Ron's invitation (Surprise, Surprise!) and they both went out nervously seeking Harry's advice, which was perfectly fine to him, besides the fact that they were too preoccupied to give him any advice about his current problem.
Sunday afternoon, Harry was reading quietly and Ron was finishing his potion essay in the common room when Hermione approached him with a determined look on her face.
"Hey guys, we need to talk," Hermione said quietly as she sat down next to them. Ron and Harry exchanged nervous glances. "It's about the prophecy," Hermione hissed as she noticed their expressions.
"What about it?" Harry asked, dreading the topic. He hated thinking about it, let alone talking about it.
"It's too crowded… Let's go somewhere else," Hermione said as she scanned the full common room.
"Hermione, it's almost five. We will have to really hurry if we are going to be back by 5:30." Ron said checking his watch.
"We'll go to the library… fast. Come on," Hermione said leading the way to the library, going through the portrait hole.
The trio entered the library, Hermione leading the way. Ron and Harry were both pleased to see her acting like her normal self, not any of the suspicious letter sending that had been occurring. Ron had seemed to have finally forgotten about it, but Harry knew that Ron hadn't completely forgiven Hermione. Harry, himself, was just more curious then anything else.
Hermione quickly began whispering as soon as they sat. "I was thinking about everything last night try to sort it all out," Hermione started, "Then something hit me… Last year, the whole reason for all of Voldemort's exploits last year were for the sole purpose of you getting the prophecy for him. Now that we know what the prophecy says, I don't see how it would've helped Voldemort anyway. I mean sure it was useful to us because we had no idea, but killing you has been on Voldemort's agenda for a very long time, so it wouldn't have made a difference. I know Voldemort would got through all of that ordeal just for that tidbit of information."
"So… what? You think we got the wrong prophecy?" Ron whispered, confused.
"No. I think that Dumbledore didn't tell Harry the whole prophecy." The thought had occurred to Harry before as well when Lupin made the comment about not sparing Harry's life at this time… like there was a time and place for Voldemort and him to duke it out.
"Why would Dumbledore do that though?" Ron asked in a quiet voice.
"Well," Hermione whispered, "Maybe he's trying to protect Harry… I am not really sure why. But the way the prophecy stands now it makes absolutely no sense."
"I think you're right," Harry said speaking for the first time in the conversation. "Remember last year when they were talking about how Voldemort would be able to use a weapon? That information is not a weapon, no matter how you look at it."
"Exactly. That's why I think that the prophecy must've included… a way to stop both of you… meaning that it had sort of advice. There has to be something it tells about that both of you can use to your own advantage once you find out what it is."
"But why wouldn't Dumbledore tell Harry how to you-know-who if he knew?"
"There's something holding Dumbledore back… Maybe he doesn't think Harry should be burdened with it… I am not sure. But I know, mark my words, that there is something else in that prophecy. A weapon… and whoever has it will defeat the other."
A/N: Chapter 10! Special thanks to all the reviewers and bcoolgirli, who helped me with my summary! Okay, you all are lucky that I got this out so soon. I might, notice the might, get Chapter 11 up during the weekend but don't count to heavily on it. I have semester finals coming up fast… but if we keep having snow days (Wisconsin weather rocks!) then I will be able to write a TON more. Okay so in chapter ten we don't have a lot going on since it takes place in the span of about two days but the stuff that does occur is very important: Sirius's memory (that might be a bit confusing to read – haha I thought it was funny though) Halloween Celebration is coming up… Ron asks Hermione to the dance and we learn that Harry has a new love interest as well. Then there is the trio's chat about the prophecy. Does it really contain more? Of course it does! I was slightly disappointed when I finished the fifth book because I KNEW there was more to the prophecy then that. I mean the characters were all surprised, but I certainly wasn't! Now that I have reached chapter 10 (yay!) I am going to majorly revise this story. The plot will stay the exact same – the changes will be mostly spelling errors and stuff like that. I also have to give Gryffindors two new chasers… That whole scene needs to be fixed, but that will be the only chapter that the actual storyline will change.
Preview for next chapter: Occulmency with Hall, Romance starts to boil, trust is gained and some trust begins to fade, first trip to Hogsmeade, and maybe some more quidditch! I hope to get 11 out this weekend. After that though don't expect a lot… I'll be super busy with school and exams. But I'll try!