The Final Lesson
Written by: HoshiHikari
Disclaimer: I do not own HP! That's right, the characters still all belong to J.K Rowling As for the plot, it might have been done before, so I won't take credit for that either
Summary:
He is tainted by evil. He had lost all emotions, all feelings all humane senses. He had become heartless, soulless towards all living creatures. The final straw had snapped. How could Harry save the world and bring light into a world consumed by darkness, when he, himself is the cause of chaos and destruction? When he himself is the Dark Master, the Half-Blooded Prince?
He is a werewolf, a dark creature, tainted by the goodness of people. He is the remaining Marauder, given the responsibility and the burden to raise young Harry. Now that Harry's gone evil, to what lengths would his guardian goes to protect him, to save him, not only from the world but from himself? Can Remus bring back the Harry that was once adored by everyone? Will Remus be able to teach Harry the most important lesson of all time? Can Remus teach Harry how to once again be humane, to have a heart and a soul? Will he, Remus be persuaded to give up, and cross over, when all is lost, and Harry is past being worth saving? Or will he stick by his beliefs, run out of time, and in turn pay the ultimate price?
NO SLASH! NO SLASH! in fact, Romance is not important, nothing romantically, and if there is, its not meant at all!
Author Notes: "…." talk Italic thoughts/dreams /…/ Parseltongue Snake language underlinetext/letter/writings bold/italicslyrics from songs (if any)
Strega: well, I suppose Draco wasn't that important, and he didn't really matter much at all (at least his survival). He's suppose to have made mistakes, so that it could trigger other events, like maybe finally snapping Dumbledore awake and show him the true horrors that are occurring, could happen anytime, anywhere and to anyone. Haha! A 'Dummies guide to being a spy' and have Snape write it? That's a great idea! Had me laughing!
Well, Remus now knows he's using the potion, but as for additction, don't think he notices that he's additcted to it.
Trust Snape. Of course the Prince could never truely trust anyone, but as you said, he could pretend to do so.
Harry really switching sides (to the light) by the end of the fic? No. Maybe some back and forth, but he will never be the same. Even if he did want to, the world wouldn't accept it. There is no future for him, unless he continues what he's doing. Unlike Dumbledore, most of the world, at least a majority side with Mad-Eye and his 'I don't believe in second chances' policy. There is no turning back.
Remus is striving to play his part. He's actually trying very hard (feel so sorry for him), but to no avail. The Prince absolutely will not tolerate being persuaded to go down the opposite path. With the broom and the other afternoon activities, well it was just to have Remus try to open the 'what if things had been different' scenario. No, he won't be buying ice cream next. Lolz, Harry is almost 18 (3-4 days) and he isn't a kid either. Yes, he is trying. As you said, Harry won't be fazed any longer by threats. So, this is a different approach to strive for a similar solution.
Yes, the chess game is symbolic, (though I didn't realize it until I reread twice). It made me think. Really think. As you said, they play two opposite sides with very opposing goals, as in reality. Only one can win. It's either black or white, there is no grey. Either Evil or Good, no in-between. So far, Harry's won all the consecutive games (as in reality, being the Dark Prince and actually bending everything and everyone to his will), and he's bored of it. Remus mentioned about how he use to play Sirius, in the same situation, until finally one day he defeated him. That's probably because of his willingness to endure and surpass the barriers ahead, until finally the enemy, who by that time would have been too confident and overlook some things, therefore causing the eventual defeat.
Lucius was difficult to portray, at least in this scenario. Not much of his character is truly developed in the books, except for the single fact that he is a slippery friend. He, himself and his survival seems to come first. Is he truly devoted to Harry, maybe not. If any shift occurs, he might again be one of the first to switch back, to save his own skin. He probably won't necessarily have any pangs fatherly devotion. Yet put onto a scale, with Harry being the extremist for being inhumane and emotionless and Dumbledore who would sacrifice anything for the protection of mankind (I doubt that), then Lucius as well as the rest of them will fall somewhere in-between, some closer to one side then the other.
Haha! Filching at Harry's name! That's only the beginning. Soon you'll see the extent of fear that is promoted by the Prince.
I said the dead don't come back. That is a fact, (at least in this fic). However, there might have been some misunderstandings. Voldemort IS dead. Yet, he came back? He is neither dead nor alive, yet he somewhat exist in the magical realm. How and under what circumstances? Why simply answering the question of how and under what circumstances does he exist in now, after his death, at lest for the version that he left behind. Confused? Reread Voldemort's explanation of why Harry could see him and he would say that before he died, he had imprinted himself into his wand. So technically he didn't come back alive, a part of him was still here in the magical community all along (remember Tom and the diary in CoS and how Tom could name Voldemort who was after his time because he IS Voldie, well something like that)
Interestingly enough you mention Sirius grins. I wasn't going to mention him until coughs, coughs Yes, at the rate he's going, the only one that can possibly sway Harry would be Sirius, but he's dead…..or is he? At any rate, Remus doesn't seem to be able to handle the swaying enough. He'll need some help to balance out the weight. Of course your idea could work, but I do not believe you'll find it in this fic as I do enjoy the real Sirius then a polyjuiced one. Besides, I'll just leave swaying to Remus, as he does portray what's genuine, which eventually may pay off. I already have something in mind regarding Sirius as this thought has long occurred. After all, no fic would truly be complete without Padfoot! hint He might wake up in a daze somewhere, in a very bizarre world/ location, that he would never have imagined. You'll just have to wait. Then again, if you really can't, then figure out Voldie first, that is a start. winks
Yes, there will be a lot of twist and conflicts in the following chapters (till the end, the ending may be a surprise as well) No thank you for responding! I love having discussions that promote new ideas and major thinking.
HI: thanks! (Not sure how to respond…lolz)
Alonea Metallium: thanks for the review. A Draco fan? Sorry then about killing him. Hope you like the story though.
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed! I'm going to update my bio often so please check it out!
Chapter 20Dumbledore walked back into the other room, carrying the dead body with him. Eyes followed him, watched his every move as he placed down the body and sat down beside the corpse. The room was silent, holding their breaths, waiting for something to happen, anything to happen so that their eyes could peel off of the blonde.
"I'm Sorry…." Ron squeaked out a last. Eyes darted onto him, and he shifted nervously. He unconsciously grip the hand next to him, a bit too tight, as when he released it later, Hermione would notice the imprint of a faint palm on it.
"It's my fault. I never fully trusted him. I thought, I thought….." but then he trailed off, after realizing that what he thought didn't matter as it could not bring back the dead.
"He tried, he tried so hard to be a good person, and I took that away from him. Draco is a good hearted man, there's no doubt about it. If anyone should have died, it should have been me. He didn't deserve it, he did not deserve to die."
There was a long silence that followed. The group seemed to be waiting, but nothing more came out. Ron had slumped back onto his chair, with only the reassuring grip that kept him from darted out of the room to do something stupid.
The headmistress opened her mouth, with a scolding look that suggested a harsh 'Mr. Weasley.' However, before she could speak, Dumbledore beat her to it.
"We all make mistakes. It is in human nature to do so. There will always be gains and losses, some greater then others. Theses can not be prevent, however it can be minimized. As Alastor pointed out" at this he looked around, still unbelieving that the ex-auror could have been captured.
"Constant Vigilance" This caused everyone to jump as the phrase was barked out in a very Moody like way. Heads spun around as the dwellers realized that Dumbledore hadn't been the one to say it.
Leaning on the door was Hogwarts all time favorite Potion Master, Severus Snape. He wasn't wearing his usual Death Eater gown or anything that bore any resemblance of it. Even so, wands were pointed at him, and hateful glares were thrown at him, ever since the day he had declared his entire loyalty to the Prince and Dumbledore had regretfully confirmed that Snape quite being a spy. Swung on his back and levitating behind him were bodies, more bodies, dead bodies.
"So maybe I was wrong Weasley. Maybe Professor Dumbledore did send the right man for the task." Snape spoke smoothly, ignoring everything that was occurring around him. "Congratulations." A pause. "but then again, maybe you were lucky that I was in charge."
Ron didn't know how to reply. He was having a difficult time piecing the praise with the face. Everyone watched on as for the second time, Weasley's face turned into a tomato.
"Severus" Dumbledore greeted, calmly, being one of two (the other being Ron) who hadn't pointed his wand at the new arrival. "Is something wrong? I didn't expect you to reappear after dropping of Draco and even if you did, I thought we made an agreement on…."
The group eyed Dumbledore curiously, especially after the abrupt end in the mid sentence.
"Half an hour." Snape replied. "He is waiting for me. I must be back by then." Dumbledore nodded understandingly, thinking that he meant the Prince. Before he continued further, he laid down all the bodies. "These are the dead Prisoners." Some of the Order members bent closer to confirm it.
"The Master." At this, all attention fell on him. "will be turning 18 in 3 days." Snape continued and for the first time, eyed the wands that were directed at him. "The Prince has humbly asked that you do not crash the party." At last, his true intentions for being here were made known. "but instead join him in a day of celebrations." From within his inner robes, Snape pulled out an envelope. He used his wand and levitated it over. Dumbledore took it, and stared at it. It was a formal invitation.
"The Prince has also claimed that he understands your feelings that you would like to avenge the fallen." Snape gestured at the dead. "Except that he has asked that that day be set aside for another day. July 31st is strictly restricted to celebrations."
From the side, someone snorted. "Celebrations for the havoc and destruction that he has caused."
Snape ignored it completely.
"If you Albus, feel uncomfortable of attending alone, a maximum of five others may attend as well, on your behalf. The prince has assured me of you and your companion(s) safety and that he will not use this as an excuse to launch a surprise attack, ambush or attempt to assassinate any of you. In return, he will cease all attacks from now until his birthday."
There was a silence before he picked up again. "On his behalf, I sincerely hope that you will respect and accept these terms and conditions. He will keep his end, as long as you keep yours."
"I have no choice then Severus?" Dumbledore asked evenly. "We both know that attending will wound me politically. Whoever heard of someone attending their enemy's lair for a decent conversation, a cup of tea? Things will look fishy. I might as well have a sign hung on my back with 'support the Master' on it." A soft chuckle escaped the old man. "No, I will not attend. I will not be used by the Prince as a means of creating the wrong mental image that will benefit him but ruin me."
"even at the expense of the world?" Snape countered. Dumbledore's eyes furrowed. "even if it means the entire world, when the innocent must suffer on your account, on your decision? I see how it is….I see how it is. So political face is much more important then life itself. I see how it is. Selfish, but then again, I assume you have reasons, personal reasons for personal gains."
Anger was clearly written on the older man's face now. "Whose side are you on Severus?" Albus asked dangerously, his fingers twitching next to his wand. "Are your true colors showing at last?"
Snape let out a hurtful expression, making no comment to the accusation.
"I am merely pointing out the facts. Yes, we all have choices and we all make choices. The question then is if we made the correct choice. In this world there will always be gains and losses. No one can fulfill a desire without sacrificing another. The choice then is what to keep, what to let go. Is persuading that dream, worth the sacrifice?
I believe the wise decision is that you do attend. There is nothing more you can loose, but everything to gain. Three days of temporarily peace is much more then you can ever ask for. This is sufficient time to recruit, reorganize, to plan and to strategize and most importantly to recuperate.
This is not a game Albus. It's about time you realized that. People are dying for the sake of you, and your beliefs. You must not let these deaths go into vain. You must not act rationally for political face.
I advise you now. This will be one of your toughest decisions in life. Yes, if you accept these terms, you will lose political, public face, but in the end you will save the lives of the innocent. In the end, Professor, what is more important to you?"
All eyes fell on the headmaster, waiting for a reaction that never came.
"I volunteered to come today to deliver his plans and the consequences if you choose otherwise. No, I do not agree with his views, but I am here now to represent his behalf. I am here merely to execute my duty, merely here to make sure you will make the correct choice, merely here to point out to you the facts and the consequences of each decision. Weather you realize it or not, this doesn't only directly affect you and your political status, it affects all of us, every single person in this room, every single person in this world. You must realize the stake I'm upholding, the risk I'm taking on your success is much greater then what you may ultimately lose. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day of every year, my life is on the stake. This isn't a game to me. I cannot afford to lose. I will not let you do as you please if it affects me at all. I cannot let you endanger my position as a spy. I will die for you if I must Albus Dumbledore, in the name of justice and peace. However I will not die for selfish desires, the desires of a manipulative heartless bastard who claims that life is the most precious thing in the world while acting to save his own life."
Some of the members growled at that. Dumbledore smiled inwardly. He didn't seem bothered by it, but seemed to nod in agreement.
"How will I know he will keep his promise? How will he know that I will keep mines?"
"I think both your positions in society enable it possible." Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "However, to assure this, the Prince has already ordered that the cease of attacks take place immediately. You will then attend his birthday. If not, then he has sworn and promised that he will inflict a thousand time damages the day after to make up for the loss of fun and entertainment."
"I see, I will think on it…"
"Good, let you think on it then." A pause as Snape seemed to check the clock hanging on the wall. "I must go. He has hinted that if I were a minute late, he would send Avenger to fetch me. I doubt you would want that to happen…."
"Avenger…." Dumbledore grumbled, anger mixed in the name. "by any chance, do you know who it is?" Snape shook his head slowly. "No one besides that Master has seen the face of the man behind the mask."
July 29
Avenger walked down Knockturn Alley, ignoring the curious glances that were directed at him. He was in full outfit, and in being so, his very presence caused the shop keepers and shoppers to scurry away and hide in the shadows. Knowing his destination, he kept his eyes straight and gave his full attention to his surroundings. He halted in front of a small shop that would not have been noticeable to a passerby as two larger buildings loomed over it.
There was no light on the inside. It was dusty and cobwebbed. Nothing was placed on display, and in fact the only piece of furniture in the small room was the counter. From behind the counter, stood an old hunchback, that had messy grey hair.
"Good evening Avenger, how may old Bryant be of service?" The hunchback inclined bowed, causing his already hunchback to bump up and his nose to touch the ground. When he stood up he gave Avenger a toothless grin.
"Mr. Bryant" Avenger addressed stepping closer to the man so that he easily leaned over the counter. "I would like to place an order for this…" From his robes, he took out a piece of paper and placed it onto the counter. Mr. Bryant looked at him curiously before leaning over and taking a look at what was on it. His eyes brightened, and it glowed, his fingers twitching excitedly. "Can you help me?"
If it weren't for his old age, and the hunchback, Avenger was sure the man would be prancing up and down. "For the Master?" he asked. "yes…birthday present" Mr. Bryant's eyes twinkled madly, suddenly livening. "It will be my pleasure to serve the Master."
Dumbledore's eyes swept through the small group of five before him. He took them in, slowly, his eyes calculating.
"I would kindly ask for the five of you to join me, on the 31st of July to attend the birthday party." No one spoke, but they scrunched up their faces in disapproval.
"If you insist…." The person standing at the far left murmured. Dumbledore heaved in a deep sigh.
"You must all understand my position. Severus is correct, the three days gained is indeed very valuable. We can use it to buy ourselves more time and to patch up the glitches in the plan. I plan to attack August 1st, pushing it a day later then the original plan. The date does not harm us, if not help us. To say the very least, we will have a specific target and will not have to act as a sitting duck while waiting to be attacked."
There were scattered nods.
"I have made my decision. The five of you can either come with me or I can find someone else." The group exchanged glances, making no objections. "Very well, go and make sure the preparations are being made concerning the attack. I will check later, after I have returned from a trip to Hogsmade."
"A trip to Hogsmade? Isn't it dangerous? Though the community isn't in ruins, it doesn't mean its safe…."
Dumbledore smiled wearily. "Ah….one can not empty-handily attend a birthday celebration. I daresay presents are necessary in situations such as these…."
"What exactly do you plan to get the Prince?"
"That, you will have to find out later." A pause "Perhaps I need not get something at all….but merely return something that rightfully belongs to him….we will see. We will see."
July 30
There was a cool breeze that disturb the night air. It was dark, the stars were out and a new moon hung in the sky. It was still early, an hour or so after dinner, so that there was still light out a 8. The grass swayed softly beneath their feet shifting restlessly. Two groups of 7 people stood facing each other clothed in black-green or black-silver. Each person mounted their broom, waiting noiselessly for the whistle to sound.
"Now, I want a clean clear cut game." The prince breathed, pacing between the two rows of opposing teams, that consisted entirely of Death Eaters. Avenger paced behind him, keeping a fare distance in between. "Give it all you got. Standard rules." There was a unison 'yes'. The prince then turned to face Avenger, and struck out his hand. "May the best man win." He said, with a smile playing between his lips. Avenger shook it. Then the two of them turned their backs on each other and joined the opposing team.
The Prince then nodded to Crabbe Sr. who was referring and Goyle Sr. who was going to do the commentary. Goyle nodded, pointed his wand at his throat, muttered some words and magnified his voice to address the crowd, or more precisely the Death Eaters that were gathered in the stands (that rivialed and surpassed that of the Quidditch World Cup) surrounding the temporarily Quidditch field that was built a distance from the Potter Manor.
"Ladies and gentleman welcome!" Goyle spoke slowly and carefully, reciting the lines that he had spent time memorizing so that he could host the game. "Welcome to the opening ceremony that will kick off the celebrations to our beloved Master's 18th birthday!" There were cheering among the hooded, cloaked people. "It is my pleasure to host the Quidditch game of the century! Tonight we shall witness the best of the best. The very reason of Quiditich's existence! After tonight, the Quidditch World Cup will become nothing more then a minuscule practice at a park!"
By the now, the crowd was on their feet and just dying to witness the event. Goyle smiled happily. "Now I wish my Prince an early happy birthday and an early snitch victory!" More clap and applause. "Now, with nothing more to do, I herby proclaim the beginning of the festive!"
Crabbe blew the whistle. In a flash, the players were off and in the sky.
"May I humbly present from this game's purpose, and this game only, the players of the Master vs. Guardian (the name which future generations entitled it as, for that was the case) !" Golye exclaimed as above him each person flew and got settled for the game.
"On the Guardians, we have L. Malfoy (chaser), Avery (chaser), Nott (Chaser), B. Lestrange (keeper), Mcnair (beater), Rookwood (beater) and……" Now there was a pause, a great pasue. " Captain Avenger (seeker) !" There was an enormous uproar. By now the name Avenger had been placed next to the Prince. He was just as infamous and the people were egger to meet him, even if in costume (as only a few had been able to meet the man personally and only a small fraction had ever caught the glimpse of his robe.)
"Of the Master we have…..R. Lestrange (chaser), N. Malfoy (chaser), R. Lestrange (chaser) Dolohov (keeper), Jugson (beater), Snape (beater)….." Now Goyle had to trail off and leave the rest waiting. "and the legendary Seeker of the Century, The Master, the one and the only Half-Blooded Prince…..Harry Potter!"
Crabbe released the Quidditch balls, let it zoomed in the air, brought the whistle to his mouth and blew. In an instant, the game officially began.
The Order of the Phoenix was busy very busy. Last minute preparations were being made for the day after tomorrow's attack. With more then half of the group still being held captive, all of the freshly graduated and current seventh years of Hogwarts were drafted into the fight that was merely two days away.
It was nearly 9 and a mere eight hours before sunrise. They had so much to do, and so little time. Dumbledore had thought of using a time turner to buy himself more time, but at last had gone against it as too much memories of the past began to overwhelm him.
"So let's go through this one last time." Dumbledore said softly, taking in every single person in the room. As much as he hated it, he was in control again and therefore would be directly leading the upcoming attack.
"We mobilize the minute we return." Albus continued. "and if we don't return, my second in command here will mobilize the troops. Either way, there will be an attack."
There was a unison nod. Dumbledore clasped his hands together and let his head rest upon it, using his elbows to support his weight. After a while, he began to speak again. This was going to be a long night, a very long and tiring night.
Harry circled lazily on the field, drifting on his Firebolt (the best broom in the game). He waited patiently not really looking for the snitch. From the half blocked commentary, he could hear that Bella had scored, causing the scoring to become 50-70 in his favor. It was an hour and a half into the game, and both sides were neck to neck. Catching the snitch now, would not assure a victory.
Swish, a buldger (?) swung by Rookwood, missed him by a feet. Harry didn't know that if Rookwood had a bad aim or if he had purposely missed him, for fear of being 'punished' if the ball actually did hit him. Whatever the reason, Snape was in front of him in a flash, and the buldger was sent flying away, at the same time knocking the Quaffle (?) away from the Guardian's goal.
Harry turned and gave Snape a smile. The ex-professor nodded in acknowledgement before flying close to him, circled him once.
"Talk to the old coot, he should be arriving tomorrow." The words trailed off, the wind burying the last few words. Harry shrugged it off.
"Rodolphus has got the Quaffle." Goyle's commentary buzzed faintly in his mind. "Passes it to Rabastan and Rabastan sco" There was a huge groan from the crowd. "Magnificent save by Bella! Superb!"
Harry glanced down towards his opponent's goal post, watching the two Lestrange brother's duck as a buldger was sent their way.
"Still neck to neck, only about a 60 point difference!" Goyle reminded. "110-170 in favor of the Prince! Folks the game could end now with the catch of the snitch! The tides are with the Master!"
Harry rolled his eyes. It was still too early for that. Catching the snitch now would mean nothing. It was still even game. With an added 150 (?) points, either side could win. He needed his team to double their score of his opponent to assure a clean, clear cut victory.
Two hours later
It was nearly 11:30 and the game was still in full play. The score, 260-300 hadn't changed much of the prospects for either side. Either side had pulled ahead no more then 30 points before the opposing team caught up and surpassed it. It was dragging longer then anyone had expected and the outcome was still undefined. The crowd was on the edge of their seats gaping and gasping for every score and save that occurred.
Harry was growing impatient. Not only was this game longer then any that he had ever participated in, but also had defeated his record catch snitch time, by hours. The scoring was too close, and it was dangerous to catch it now. He had seen the Snitch a few times in the whole game, and if he had intended to catch it, the game would have ended a lot sooner then expected. However, because of the time issue and the fact that he had never been a patient waiting man, he was going to gamble the chance of winning by catching the snitch, to bring their score to 450 more then doubling the opponent's score.
"Harry!" The Prince turned to his right to see Lucius gapping at him, finger pointing to the opposite end of the Quidditch pitch. Harry turned to look. At first he didn't see anything, but then after squinting, he saw it. The snitch flying near the center of the field. What was more was Avenger charging towards it, also content on pulling ahead and wining with a 110 margin.
Harry smiled, now this was what he was looking for. At last there was some excitement in the game. Gripping his Firebolt hard, he zoomed down like a bullet, directly towards the snitch, coming from the opposite direction of the opposing seeker.
The crowd, as well as Goyle must have realized what was occurring as the stands became still. After all, both seekers had been reported flying lazily about, carelessly avoiding the buldgers.
"The Snitch has been spotted!" Goyle cried out at last. "Both seekers are racing head on towards it…." And then Harry couldn't hear anymore. There was a deafening silence, similar to when he had experience in the First Task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The only difference is, this time it wasn't because he had shut off all sound, but more because of the fact that there was no sound. Absolute silence reigned. Even the players lingered in mid air, forgetting the game and their positions in playing as all eyes were focused on the seekers and the golden snitch.
He severed to his right and then to his left, zooming through the frozen statutes of the fliers. In an instant, Harry had gained speed and had closed up the distance between himself and the snitch in accordance to Avenger and the Sntich. Though they were from different directions, the distance between each seeker and the snitch was merely two arm distance away.
Then it happened. Neither of them had expected it. The snitch, took an unexpected dive downward. It's wings stopped moving and it pelted down, tumbled down, letting gravity do its own magic.
The seekers halted in mid air. If it weren't for the fact that both had been experience fliers the inevitable crash would have occurred. Avenger severed his broom, did a summersault in the air, regained his balance and dived down. Harry though, pulled his broom up, halted somewhat, before charging upwards, shooting up at the sky. He went up about 20 feet, regained control of his broom, and dived.
It was a flash before the Firebolt caught up again. The two were neck to neck, both with their arms out, inching to clasp the snitch that was a mere 2 feet away. The ground though was 20 feet away. At this speed they would reach it, crash and never catch the snitch as it may end up taking another unpredicted move.
"Remus pull back!" Harry cried out in between gritted teeth. "Your broom can't handle it." Avenger did not seem to hear. "For heaven's sake, let me catch it! Your safety's more important then this pathetic game!" Avenger turned to look at the younger man. "neither can the Firebolt" he countered.
Whatever Harry wanted to reply was cut short. Through the conversation neither had even given the slightest sign of decreasing their speed, instead it seemed to have increased. Now, it was too late, and both seemed to have realized it. The snitch made another sudden movement. It's wing snapped opened, and shot upwards. Both the seeker's hands went up in an instant, hopping the catch it.
Weather it was caught or not, no one in the stands saw. All they saw was both brooms hit the floor at a tremendous speed. They saw Avenger in mid air give an enormous push towards Harry, swinging him upwards for about 10 feet. He himself fell splat onto the grassy floor. Harry given just enough time, pulled out his wand, cast a spell to steady himself in the air, before landing softly next to his guardian.
"Remus…Remus…." Harry shook the man, squatting down next to him. He reached out and grabbed the man's left hand. "Hold on…hold on….hang in there….please…." There was no response, but what could he expect from a crash such as that?
A hand touched Harry's back. He turned around to see the teammates gathered around. "Come on. Let's get him inside." Lucius said. "We need to fix him up right away." Was all he could say, not really knowing how to address the current change.
Harry nodded mutely. He watched from the sidelines as a few of the team members gently lifted Avenger up. The prince didn't know if he should have given a sigh of relief at the fact that there were fresh blood marks which indicated there wasn't any outer wounds.
"Hey look" Bella exclaimed, standing next to her Master, with a hand on his shoulder. "He's got the snitch! He caught the snitch!" she exclaimed louder, pointing at Avenger's tightly clasped right hand.
Her teammates jumped up and down with joy as they celebrated. Harry watched. He too should be celebrating, or at least congratulating the victor, however the sudden change had taken it away.
He walked silently next to Avenger, his hand never letting go of one of the hands. It suddenly had drawn to him the meaning of losses. The price to pay for a victory.
Was it worth it? Is winning everything? Are there some things worth dying for?
Looking at Remus, he knew his answer. Suddenly he didn't feel like being the hour or so birthday boy. He knew that awaiting him were presents, numerous presents, and more celebrations. Yet, at the moment he would have given it up for the assurance that his guardian is alive.
After all I did to him. After all I've done to the world. He still risked his life for mines.
True it was only a Qudditch game, no harm was meant. However, Harry couldn't help imagine if it wasn't, if it had been a battle and Remus had fallen because he protected him.
Alright so a few things happened. (even I hadn't anticipated, ie. The end of the chapter) So yes, the past few days a big contrast of what went on between the two sides. The Dark is so light and leisurely, while the Order is preparing for the battle ahead. So what did Avenger get Harry? What did Dumbledore get? What could it be that he might need to return? Who might be the five people who Dumbledore choose to attend the party with? No story is complete without Quidditch! Review!