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Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten
By: LogicalRaven
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As promised, here is the first real chapter of my story. I'm experimenting with literary styles right now. I guess I'm a bit bored with writing from only HPOV. Don't get me wrong, my story will mainly be from Harry's viewpoint, but I might play with a few other character, giving a tad bit here and there about what they may be thinking.
I'm overwhelmed by the response to my first posting of this story. WOW, you guys are really to kind.
About the turns of this story. If you've read the previous two stories, then you know I did leave something for me to work with. All questions about Cho's vampire encounter or Luna's betrayal will be explained. I have a plan drawn out in my head, and I think everything will come together nicely.
Harry's antagonist in this story will be himself, well for the first part at least. Unlike his father, Harry can't stand fame. The first part of my story is about how he will keep it from tearing his life apart piece by piece. Later they'll be action, Dark Wizards and all the other wonders that make us love Harry Potter's Series.
DISCLAIMER:
Nothing is my Own…..but read and review all the same.
MAILING LIST: If you would like to be added to my mailing list please contact me at
logicalraven@insightbb.com
*****
The Famous Harry Potter
Three months, it had been three months since the events that transpired in Hogmeade. It had been three months since Lord Voldemort had been destroyed. A man, barely more than boy, stared at his reflection in the mirror.
Harry Potter hadn't changed much in those three months. He was still a wiry framed skinny boy with uncontrollable hair. His green eyes may have faded a bit from the horrors that he had be faced with, but they still glowed like emeralds. On his forehead the scar still remained. Nothing had changed.
In Harry's hands laid a letter from the Order of Merlin. Tonight he would dress in his wizarding best to except an award. He would join the ranks of wizards and witches who were given the honors of being an Order of Merlin, First Class. To anybody else, this would have been a lifetime achievement, but Harry reminded himself that it just a title, a title that had once been given to the traitor who was responsible for his parents' death.
He had been home less than a week. The definition of home had changed quite a bit in a year. Voldemort was destroyed and his aunt and uncle were dead. With the death of the Dark Lord, the Order of the Phoenix had been disassembled, permanently. The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, was now Harry's completely.
He had graciously invited Ron, Neville, Dean, Michael and Terry to move into his new home. The thought of being by himself was too much to bare, he had been alone far too long. Ron, Neville, Dean and Terry and excitedly taken Harry up on his offer, being they couldn't wait to get out on their own homes. Michael Corner however had declined for the present time. He and Harry had both been accepted into Auror Academy. Michael wanted to spend some time with his parents before rushing off once again, but he had made sure the offer still stood for his second year when the young Aurors would be allowed to moved off campus during the terms.
Ron and Neville didn't have the slightest inkling about what career path they would follow now they were done with Hogwarts. Ron had applied to an unlikely position with the Canons, some kind of wizarding marketing, since they had such a losing record, their ticket sales were low. Neville tinkered with his plants. He mentioned wanting to teach Herbology, but Professor Sprout was nowhere near retirement. Dean had decided to pursue a muggle career sticking to his roots.
Terry Boot and Hermione Granger had been accepting into the ministry's academy as well, but not as Aurors. The two brightest students from the latest seventh year class were going to be Healers. Terry had been the only one who came close to matching Hermione's NEWT scores.
Harry sighed as his thoughts lingered in his mind. He shook his head at his reflection, why in the world had he decided to chase dark wizards the rest of his life? Hadn't he faced enough dark wizards to last a lifetime?
A card flew under Harry's bedroom door and he heard Ron and Neville laughing as they passed. Another Chocolate Frog card with his picture on it beamed up at him. Something Dumbledore had said during his fifth year rung his mind. It didn't matter what titles they took away, as long as they kept his picture on the Chocolate Frogs.
"Harry! Lupin's here!" Terry called up the stairs.
Harry cringed as he heard the portrait of Mrs. Black begin wailing in the next room. He shook his head as he made a mental note to do something with that wicked painting before it drove him mad. Hedwig fluttered annoyingly around the room in reaction to the shrieking.
"Calm down," Harry spat at her. He took one final glance in the mirror and turned toward his door to go greet his guest.
Harry grinned as he started down the corridors of his house. He supposed he should consider himself lucky, how many newly graduated students had a house to share with their friends.
"Harry, twelve this week!" Ron announced as he held up another Chocolate Frog Card, "There are more of you than Dumbledore."
Harry forced a grin, he hated all this new found fame. If someone reminded him one more time that he would be the first Auror ever to enter into academy with an Order of Merlin First Class he was going to scream.
"Morning Harry, are you excited about tonight?" Remus Lupin smiled as Harry appeared at the top of the banister.
Harry forced yet another grin, "Yea, I suppose."
"Well, Dumbledore said we need to be there around seven, I just thought I drop in to remind you," Lupin said steadying his tone so he sounded like the teacher Harry had grown accustomed to.
Harry reached the bottom stair and made his way over to the couch where he collapsed, "I think you're more excited about this award than I am."
Remus lowered his head and grinned a little smugly, "Your parents would have been extremely proud of you."
"Thanks," Harry said heavily as he reached down and grabbed the Prophet off the coffee table, "I see I made the front page again."
"Nice picture," Lupin offered glancing over Harry's shoulder.
"The Truth of the Boy Who Lived," Harry read with a snicker.
Lupin placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, "It will pass, just remember fame doesn't last forever, just ask Lockhart."
"Is Cho going to be attending with us tonight?" Lupin asked lightly, looking for a change in conversation.
Harry shrugged, "She had a training practical with Raymer, she said she'll try her best."
"December is meeting us there, if you think I'm excited, you should see December," Remus laughed, looking slightly nervous.
Harry arched his eyebrows but decided not to ask.
"Order of Merlin, First Class," Harry mocked in an announcers voice, "What exactly does that mean?"
"It means you've done something that had benefited the wizarding community," Lupin answered glancing at his watch, "Sorry I can't stay, but I have a ton of things to do before this evening. I'll be here to pick you up around six thirty, be ready."
Harry nodded and rolled his eyes, "Do I have a choice?"
Lupins shook his head and in a snap apparated with a loud crack.
"Famous Harry Potter," Harry muttered under his breath with a bitter tone.
People revered him as a hero. Every time he walked out onto the street someone would ask for his autograph. He had hordes of fan mail, and Witch Weekly had interviewed his girlfriend to get the inside scoop on his softer side. Harry sighed, so much for a normal life.
His friends didn't see what was so terrible about being him. Ron had even told him to eat it up, because he didn't know how long it would last. Harry had been inclined to disagree.
"Well if it isn't our favorite hero," Ron jeered walking in on Harry who was muddling in his thoughts on the couch.
"Sod it," Harry snapped; tossing the paper back onto the table, "You think they could find something more interesting then me to write about."
"Are you mad, you destroyed Voldemort. I'd say you'd be on the cover spot at least another six months. It isn't everyday someone destroys the darkest lord in the history of dark lords," Ron said as he crammed a piece of toast in his mouth.
"You're such a pig," Harry laughed, noticing the crumbs around Ron's mouth.
Ron narrowed his eyes and swallowed hard, "Yea, yea, just don't tell Hermione, she's been on my arse about being a slob or something like that."
"The joys of being in love," Harry said sarcastically, "She stopping by today?"
Ron nodded, "She wants to go over career options with me 'Ron you can't sit around and wait for a job to slap you in the face'."
"Still on your case mate?" Harry grinned.
"I swear if I hear that I should be more focused like you one more time," Ron started. "I don't see her on Neville's case, and he hasn't even applied anywhere."
Harry shook his head and Ron's naive ness, "Honestly, I think she has more of a vested interested in you."
Ron rolled his eyes, "A vested interested? You act like we're getting married or something."
Harry grinned a little wider, "I think that's her long term plan."
Ron choked suddenly spitting up little pieced of bread.
"Apparently not yours mate," Harry laughed at his friends pale expression.
"Married, what do I look like, Bill?" Ron croaked struggling to catch his breath.
Harry frowned slightly, "So how are Bill and Fleur?"
Ron shrugged, "I'm guessing he hasn't knocked her up yet, mum hasn't sent me a letter anyways."
"Ron, that was uncalled for," Hermione suddenly appeared with her hands on her hips, looking very Molly like.
Ron flushed slightly, "Sorry dear."
"Dear?" Harry asked snickering slightly, which received a cold glare from Ron.
"Hello Harry, I'm glad you find Ron's insensitive behavior entertaining," Hermione greeted dusting the crumbs off Ron's mouth.
"How are you Hermione?" Harry said controlling his laughter slightly.
"Busy," Hermione stated without hesitation, "I never realized how much preparation there was before entering into the academy."
"Yea, Terry seems to be a bit preoccupied lately as well," Harry admitted.
"You should see the reading list that must be completed before the first day of training," Hermione sighed, her hair bushing out slightly, a signal she was stressed.
Ron threw his hands up to his neck behind Hermione's back to imitate him strangling himself causing Harry to snicker again.
"RON!" Hermione said instinctively, spinning around to catch his act.
"Sorry," he attempted putting on a charming smile.
Hermione sighed, "Come on, we have work to do anyways. Have you done the research I've asked you to?"
Ron muttered something unrecognizable as he followed Hermione upstairs. Harry imagined he'd get a large dose of Hermione's disappointment when they were out of laughing company.
Harry sighed; once again he was left alone on the couch. The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black had changed so much since the first time Harry remembered the first time he visited it. If he didn't know any better he'd swear it wasn't even the same house. Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, Hermione and Cho had done a wonderful job transforming the Order of the Phoenix into a home four young men would enjoy. Life was perfect, too perfect.
****
"Keep your tongue, the Dark Lord will rise again, he has not deserted us."
The cries were the same all through the prison of Azkaban. The Ministry had done a fine job of rounding up Death Eaters, but many who had been loyal to Voledmort's cause still wandered free.
Draco Malfoy threw his hands over his ears as he tried to block out the cold voices that rang through the prison walls. The memory of his trial was still fresh in his mind. He could see the tears running down his mother's face and the cold finger of his Potions Professor pointing in his direction.
"I've seen the boy at the meetings, I recognized his voice," Severus Snape had testified before the wizarding court.
Draco Malfoy was a prisoner, sentenced to Azkaban for the rest of his life. The cold wall clamored around him as he struggled to push the voices out of his head, they were mad. He had seen his master fall into a pile of ashes. Lord Voldemort was not returning, and his misfortune was all because of Harry Potter.
"DAMN YOU POTTER!" Malfoy shrilled into the madness.
"Yes, Damn you Harry Potter!" another deranged voice joined in.
The entire cellblock erupted into pleas of revenge as the capture Death Eaters cursed the famous boy who lived.
Draco threw his hands over his ears again, cringing at the ringing around him. He couldn't imagine Azkaban being any worse, even if the Dementors were to return. The smell of dung and mildew infiltrated his nose causing his head to swirl. This was hell.
"Pipe down Malfoy, your stirring up the maniacs," croaked one of the few wizarding guards that patrolled the prison halls.
Draco sprung towards the door as he desperately tried to pull himself towards the small barred window that was above the tallest man's head. He wanted to see this wizard; he would have been satisfied to see any wizards or man at that point. He had been in solitary confinement for nearly three months.
It was his punishment for refusing to divulge any of his colleagues' whereabouts, including his father Lucian Malfoy. Draco had literally cried, as the Aurors had demanded information. He would have divulged any information to spare himself from the torment, but Lord Voldemort had taken the precautions to make sure his Death Eaters knew nothing of the others existence. Draco could reveal the Hogwart's students who had joined the cover club, "Purebloods United," but all of them had already been captured. He could tell them his father was a Death Eater, but they already knew. He had nothing to bargain with.
"COME BACK!" Draco screamed as his strength failed him and he fell from his hoist to the floor. He was dying, his spirit was breaking.
"I'll tell you anything you want to know," Draco whimpered. He pulled his knees into his chest and began to sob. He narrowed his eyes as he pictured what Potter would pay to see Draco Malfoy broken and crying like a girl. Suddenly, the heavy door popped and pried open for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. Draco shielded his eyes as the dim light tore into him. He had been with light for three months. His nearly translucent skin looked ghostly against is white hair.
"Are you now willing to talk Mr. Malfoy?" asked a cloaked wizard.
"I'm ready to bargain," Draco spat moving his hand to stare the wizard in the face.
The door slammed shut again and Draco lunged at his, beating his until his clammy hands began to bleed.
"There will be no bargaining. Your soul is mine," the wizard laughed as his voice faded down the corridor.
This was hell.
***
The morning passed quickly, as did the afternoon and the early evening. Harry soon found himself staring at the same reflection he had seen earlier that day. His forest green dress robes seemed to hang off his limbs as he snarled his nose in dissatisfaction. He still looked like the skinny little boy who had been locked in the broom closet of his aunt and uncles house. The only thing that had seemed to have change was he taller now.
He picked up the comb setting on his dresser and started the usual battle with his stubborn hair. It was hopeless really, the more he tried to calm the more outraged it became.
"Do you need instructions on how to use that thing?" asked a grinning voice coming from Harry's bedroom doorway.
"Apparently," Harry responded sarcastically as he sighed in defeat.
"Here," Cho said approaching and taking the comb out of his hands. She bit her lip as she worked on Harry's hair like an artist painting a picture.
"Is it better?" Harry asked as she finally backed away.
"Good Merlin no," Cho said with a huff, "I've never seen such stubborn hair in all my life."
Harry smiled at her in spite of himself, "I take it you got out of training early?"
Cho nodded as she started back towards the door, where her over night bag was stashed, "I told Eros I wasn't missing your award."
"And your mentor was okay with this?" Harry asked grinning a little wider, he loved it when she placed Harry needs above those of her Auror mentor's.
"Of course not, but I don't really care," Cho said lightly, "It was a stupid training practical anyway. We were learning how to combat mountain trolls. Honestly, if I can handle Death Eaters and Vampires, I'm sure I can manage a mountail troll."
"I'm sure you could, I defeated one during my first year," Harry said with a cheeky grin.
"Of sod off," Cho spat rolling her eyes, "I swear you become more arrogant everyday."
Harry suddenly frowned, "I don't like it when you make comments like that about me."
Cho sighed, "I'm staying the night if that is alright." It was more of a statement than a request.
She picked up her bag and trotted down the hall to her bedroom. Although she wasn't technically living in the house, she did stay frequently. It was just too big of a hassle to apparate back to China every time she got a few days off.
Harry sighed as she disappeared. Their relationship had been touchy since her interview with 'Witch Weekly'. The article had been titled, The Love of Harry Potter . Like most of his friends, Cho had been relishing in all the newfound attention. She had pretty much confessed hers and Harry's entire relationship to the famous magazine. She confessed everything to their first kiss in the Room of Requirements to his confession of love on the streets in Hogmeade.
Harrry favorite quote was, "He save me really. I knew what was going on, but I didn't have the strength to fight off the Dark Lord's curse, but when he confessed his love while death was staring him in the face, I found the strength to fight. He really is more than just a scar."
Harry rolled his eyes at the thought of the article. He had meant what he told her in the halls of St. Mungo the days after the attack. If she was going to learn to truly love him, she had to learn that the lightning shaped mark on his forehead was just a scar. The past few months he had caught her staring at it more than once. She looked at him like everyone else did these days, as more than human.
He seized the comb for one more attempt at his hair then slammed it down in frustration. His reflection seemed to laugh at him. "You, an Order of Merlin, First Class?"
"Harry are you ready? Lupin is waiting downstairs" asked Ron as he poked his head into Harry's room.
"Yea, I'm ready," Harry said flatly, "Can you go make sure Cho is ready to go for me?"
"Hermione is helping her with a hair charm, they'll be ready in a few seconds," Ron replied trying to trick a smile out of his sullen face friend.
"Hermione knows hair charms?" Harry asked lightly.
Ron shrugged, "You know how girls are."
Harry forced a smile then grabbed his wand off his dresser, "I guess we best be going then."
Remus Lupin was grinning like a proud parent as Harry appeared in the parlor.
"A wizard to be reckoned with, that's what James would have said," Remus beamed.
"All I need now is a pair of antlers and you can call me Prongs," Harry said sarcastically.
Remus laughed, "That would be interesting."
"I'm sorry," Cho cried rushing down the stairs, her hair looked forced, slightly, but Cho could pull it off easily. Hermione apparently wasn't very good at hair charms.
"Well, we're already late, everyone will be wondering where the guest of honor is," Remus announced taking a quick peek at his watch.
Ron ran his hands down his dress robes to knock out a few of the wrinkles before Hermione could start her inspection.
"Ron, I told you to lay out your dress robes last week," Hermione said noticing Ron's sudden movement.
"It will fine, stop being such a rue," Ron spat, apparently he had all of Hermione fussing he could withstand for one day.
Hermione rolled her eyes and placed her hands in a tight position across her chest.
Harry patted down his hair quickly, hoping not to become her next target.
Moments later they five of them had apparated their way to the Plaza of the Order of Merlin. It was spectacular in a word. The entire palace was made of crystal and it hummed against the busy chatter below. Harry grinned as he heard Cho let out a quick gasp.
"Welcome, we were starting to become worried," greeted an aging wizard who seized Harry's hand to shake it firmly.
"Mr. Potter, congratulations on your achievement. I told you that you would do great things."
Harry spun around to see the smiling face of Mr.Olivander, the old man still have Harry a creepy feeling.
"Order of Merlin, Second Class," he announced presenting his hand out for Harry to take.
"Nice to see you again sir," Harry responded shaking the wand masters hand.
"Ah, still young enough to posses manners," he commented before turning away to greet another guest.
Hermione beamed as him and Cho let out a slight giggle, "This is a enormous honor, do you realize that there are only fifteen living Order of Merlin, First Class wizards. You'll be number sixteen."
"I'm thrilled," Harry said heavily as a horde of fighting reporters where desperately trying to get back the guards to snap his picture.
"Harry, nervous?" December said as she rushed up to greet the new group.
"Should I be?" Harry questioned.
December shrugged, "I assume you have your acceptance speech all rehearsed."
Harry felt his voice catch in his throat, "Speech?"
December laughed as she lead them to the guest of honor's table in the middle of the banquet hall.
"Oh, this is so exciting," Cho said beaming at Harry as her eye took in the spectacular surroundings.
Harry sighed again, why wasn't he more excited about this honor?
"Harry Potter, what an honor it is to meet you. I'm Gaurav Patil, Order of Merlin Third Class. My daughters have told me so much about you."
"You're Parvati and Padma's father?" Harry questioned.
The wizard nodded, "Let me know if you need anything."
Harry frowned as he turned back towards Cho and Hermione, "Why do they do that. Order of Merlin class thing, it seem a bit overdone if you ask me."
"Oh Harry, it's a title. You best be getting use to it," Cho said with a grin as she seized his hand to give it a squeeze.
Harry frowned again as he turned his head away from Cho.
"Welcome members and guests to the ceremony of the Order of Merlin. Tonight we have a new inductee into out prestigious rankings. Before we begin, everyone take a moment to remind yourselves what the title that has been bestowed upon you means," Dumbledore announced from the head table. It reminded Harry of Hogwarts in an odd way.
The group began to chatter among each other again.
"Sorry we're late, Arthur got home late," Molly Weasley greeted as the family of red heads took their seats.
"How does it feel Harry?" Ginny teased as she sat on the opposite side of him.
Harry shrugged, "Nothing like catching the snitch during a Quidditch match if that makes sense."
"Quidditch?" Cho asked catching the last part of Harry's statement.
"Oh it's a shame the rest of the family couldn't be here. Fred and George send their love dear, but they got caught up on business," Mrs. Weasley frowned picking up one of the enchanted menus.
"What about Bill and Charlie?" Ron asked reaching for a piece of bread that had magically appeared on the table.
"Apparently Malfoy is talking, I ran into Tonks at the ministry. Bill's new position as a charm master kept him away tonight. I imagine he's at Azkaban using a truth charm on Malfoy," Arthur Weasley said with a smug look of satisfaction, like his son he reached for a piece of bread.
"I do hope they don't let him out," Cho said defiantly.
"They won't," Ron assured as he bit into his freshly buttered piece.
The banquet began, as the guest decided what they wanted to eat off the menus and it appeared on a plate before them If Harry hadn't seen this type of dining before during his fourth year he would have been impressed.
"So Harry, are you excited about the academy?" December asked, "I hear Tonks is going to be your mentor."
Harry forced a grin, "I don't think Auror Academy is going to nearly as exciting as Hogwarts."
"For most it is, I'm not sure we can compete with your Hogwarts adventures though," December said sarcastically. "I'll be your Defense Master if it is any consolation."
"It will be like sixth year all over again," Harry said with a hint of jeer.
As Harry managed to chew his last bite of roast chicken the plates disappeared and Dumbledore rose to his feet.
"Brothers and Sisters of the Order of Merlin. It has been voted on and unanimously decided that a new member will be invited to join our titles. Merlin, famous for his role in the King Arthur chronicles, He tutored the young Arthur before he knew who he was and what role he was to play in history. He is an example of how our world can benefit the betterment of not only wizard but also mankind." The hall broke out into a verse that all of the members seem to know.
Merlin, Merlin
be our guide, lead us not
with a troubled stride.
Make us witty and
wander straight, though the
darkest nightly fate.
Merlin, Merlin,
be our king.
A wizard's
toast to be foreseen.
In your Order we stay
true, to better wizards
and to follow you.
Three classes we do title
thee. First, Second and Third
accordingly.
The Third our shield
to protect our tryst.
Second our code,
our wizardly script.
And last the First,
though ironic it seem.
To protect our meaning,
and our legacy.
Three colors we stay true.
Purple, Red and Gold.
The colors of mighty Camlot,
your wore upon your robes.
And with this toast, and
due respect, we remain
The Order or Merlin, collect.
There was a clamber of glasses as they members raised their goblets to seal their toast.
"Harry, will you accept this title?" Dumbledore asked as he focused on Harry.
Harry swallowed hard and nodded.
"Then rise and join your new brothers and sisters," Dumbledore announced, motioning him to wander forward.
Cho gave Harry a small nudge as he rose from his seat. He approached the front of the hall as another member slid a purple robe around his shoulders, "Congratulations," he whispered.
"And now are newest member would like to say a few words," Dumbledore announced.
Harry eyes grew wide as he approached an enchanted floating object, which Dumbledore had been speaking into.
"I really didn't prepare anything to say. I did what I had to do, I honestly didn't have much of a choice, but thank-you for selecting me to join our order," Harry said quickly, feeling the beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
The hall broke into applause.
"I think he should run for Minister," shouted out a voice of man in a red robe.
"I second the motion, he should be the candidate from the Order of Merlin," shouted a second witch.
Dumbledore lifted his hands to calm the group, "Now, now. Harry is still young. There is plenty of time for him to run for Minister of Magic when he's older."
Harry face fell, where these people mad. Him, the Minister of Magic?
"Don't be silly Albus, Harry would steal the election. The people love him, and he's famous," said a witch next to Dumbledore dressed in purple.
"I don't want to run," Harry snapped, "I don't want to be famous."
His voice was lost in the crowd, as he no longer had the enchanted object floating in front of him.
"I say we put it to a vote. All in favor for nominating Harry Potter to be the Order of Merlin's candidate for Minister of Magic raise your wand," announced a wizard on the front row.
A soar of wands reached towards the sky as a witch next to Harry started frantically counting them to tally the vote.
"Well, an overwhelming majority," she finally announced.
"Harry, congratulations, you have our full backing," said a gleeful wizard who rushed up to shake Harry's hand. The photographers from the Daily Prophet were snapping photos as Harry stood dumbfounded in the spotlight. The headlines were flashing in his head already.
"NO!" Harry screamed, "I don't want to be the Minister of Magic!"
The room ignored him and continued their celebration. He saw Cho beaming up at him from the guest of honor table and the rest of his friends smiling proudly. It was apparent nobody cared what Harry wanted.
****
AN: You all know me, I had to leave a little cliffy. What do you guys think so far? Harry's temper is dangerous close to the surface once again. It could get interesting.
NEXT UPDATE: No later than 03/14/04
Thanks-- ~LogicalRaven~