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)
Stregaeh? Ravenclaw points? He's not in Ravenclaw though…..anyways….its good to know I'm still on top of things….didn't really think I could outmaneuver you…anyways….
Another point for Remus! Trivial harm yes, but risky not really. He did have a choice, but choose not to. Yes, it does put things into perspective. Had some tough time deciding who to harm (him or Harry…but then Harry has a battle ahead, can't hurt him just yet. Still it would be quite and interesting alternative if Dumbledore did attack and the Prince was out cold.) but then as you said this well it causes Harry to reflect, and his true emotions, something that would not occur under normal circumstances.
The Potion addiction, you have a point. Then again, Remus is a werewolf, he should have extraordinary senses. Well knowing or not knowing, really doesn't affect the rest of the fic. He's somewhat aware of it.
At least the part of Voldemort has been cleared. A certain dog animagus going to reappear. Now, when have I said that? sighs must stop spoiling matters, will say no more. Just note, don't get hopes too up! If by any chance a big black dog does appear, it would be similar to Voldie's situation, but in a more unlikely place. Have to agree though with the fact that only Sirius can really shake up Harry now, make him rethink his plans and such, (unless of course, somehow Harry toys with him the same way he does with Remus…and succeeds)
Haha, the dark forces are people too (maybe with the exception of Harry, being the only inhumane character). The goal here is teamwork! Don't really understand the humor (it was not intended for I am unaware of it's existence), but I suppose I'll look over it, and see what I might have missed.
Harry knows risk, but he doesn't care about it or any consequences. As you said, victory for him is everything and the possible aftermath, could come after. Regrets? Maybe, but not on something so trivial. Death can come any time anywhere, and consequences can take any shape form or fashion. By going along with it, is accepting its terms. For this particular Quidditch situation, the regret may have come from surprise, shock, from the unexpected. It would have been nothing if it was in a battle, if Remus had risked his life for Harry there. I suppose the possibility of something of this magnitude occurring in most trivial places, makes a greater impact.
Ah, yes, the Evil manual (haven't read it, but sounds correct). Hary is indeed a tyrant. Indeed something to bear in mind. There is much persuading going on. Harry wanted to change Remus and Remus trying to save Harry. I suppose both of them are already too attached to each other, though Harry may not realize, admit it. He's trying just as hard to change Remus, to manipulate the older man to his liking. Don't suppose we'll see either one finally willing to give up the other for a while to come. Besides, the more difficult the task, the challenge, the more the person wants to overcome it and succeed. Yes, evil cannot have reluctance to act or guilt towards acting. I suppose Harry's somewhere there, but sometimes, there are some things that are out of his control. Maybe spending too much time with Remus would be a very bad idea for him, but good idea for Remus, as it might be too softening.
Don't trust Lucius? Good. Never trust anyone at all! No one! True, Lucius could have killed his son, privately. But then, Snape as well as other Death Eaters were there. Remember, rule number 1, don't trust anyone. So, in a way, he was protecting himself by declaring publicly his loyalties, to assure that if Harry caught wind of the situation, he could defend himself.
Btw…I've noted that there wasn't much of a response towards Remus after he ended up that situation, by the end of the chapter. Just curious. One of my reviews had thought I killed him, and you didn't really have much response. Is it so obvious that he's alive that there is no doubt and worry? shrugs as I said, I'm curious.
HI: I killed Remus? I killed him? OMG! Did I? Would I really kill off one of the second main character (next to Harry) when the fic hasn't properly begun? No! Why is Bella around? Actually her presence isn't too important.
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed! I'm going to update my bio often so please check it out!
Chapter 21 Eighteenth Birthday (part I)"Everything is in order my prince"
"Good."
"We should leave now Master."
He aroused to the sound of voices. His eyes remained shut as he tired to concentrate.
"Alright then. Let's bring him down." There was reluctance in the voice. Before he knew it, he felt pairs of hands touch him, and lift him. He groaned at that.
That must have startled the others for he was immediately released and dropped onto the bed. He gasped at the pain that was caused from it. Immediately footsteps hurried over, and another hand touched his shoulder.
"Remus?" A pause. "Remus" His shoulder was being shaken once more. "Remus!" This time more urgently, so that it forced him to open his eyes.
At first, his vision was a blur, but then after blinking a few times he regained focused. Remus found himself staring up at Harry. He smiled weakly at the younger man.
"Hey, Moony." Harry said. Remus frowned, something seemed off about the other man's appearance but he couldn't quite get a finger on it yet. "Congratulations. You won the Quidditch…"
"Master." Snape's voice carried through, interrupting the Prince. "We must get going. The first wave of Aurors and Order Members should be able to break in about now."
Remus' face darkened. "Aurors and Order members?" his voice trailed off, noting that Harry wasn't angry at being interrupted. "What is going on here."
"We're being attacked." Harry spoke softly. In an instant Remus shot up in bed, sitting straight up, wide eyed, staring at the Prince in disbelief. It was a moment later when pain oozed in his body and he crumpled into a heap.
"It's alright Remus." Harry said softly. "It's been nearly two weeks and finally the wards the front lines have the first signs of being penetrated."
"Two weeks!" Remus exclaimed.
"Yes, two weeks. That's how long you've been out since that ugly fall off the broom. You've been out cold since then."
Just then a siren went off. Harry scrunched his face. "At last, they've broken in." he said more to himself then to the others. Then in a louder voice he said. "Alright Lucius, Bella take him down now. Then meet up with the front lines. Defend as needed. Abandon if must."
"Yes" came out in unison.
"Harry, what is going on here?" Remus demanded as the two tried to lift him without injuring any more then needed.
"They're taking you to a temporary cell." Harry said, turning back to face his guardian. "and stay there. You are in no condition to participate in this war. No matter good or bad, at least I know you'll be alright." A pause, and Remus was as confused as ever. "If you are locked up in a cell, they think you are on their side."
Understanding seeped though to the werewolf. "Harry…."
"Remus, this is no time to argue." Harry gave a piercing gaze, however it wasn't enough to stop the next words from coming out.
"I'm staying. Weather you like it or not. For good or for bad, you're stuck with me. I'm not going to abandon you and not because I, shall I say have submitted to your will and its my obligation, but because I want to, not because of who you pretend to be but because of who you really are, not because I agree with your beliefs and enjoy what you do for pleasure, but simply because you are my family. Family, that's what it all, boils down now. I won't let you fight a lone battle, even if it means hell breaks free into this world…."
"Family" Harry said interrupting the other man. "I have none" he growled, and watched as Remus' face dimmed again. "However, you may stay if you want. You will be on your own. If anything happens, I take no responsibility. If the media ever gets a hold of 'The Prince, a cold hearted beast, didn't even blink once as Avenger, his best man, and second in command was slaughter in front of his face'. You choose to stay, then you'll have to look out for yourself."
"I am aware of that." Remus said. "I believe I'm quite capable of defending myself." He added coolly. Harry just nodded. Then he turned to face his Death Eaters again.
"Go and distribute yourself around the Manor. Make sure the critical areas are not penetrated."
"How about you Master? Do you think we need to get you to safer location for the time being?" Bella asked.
Harry shook his head. "I'm not a coward. I will fight my own war. I'm not going to abandon this place. This is after all my home, I shall defend it."
"Then I presume we will be seeing you shortly?" Snape asked. Harry nodded. "I suppose we shall go then." Again another nod from the half blood prince. "We shall leave you with your guardian then." Malfoy added. Another nod. "Remember defend as needed. Abandon if must. When time comes, make your own calls. I will understand. I will not have all my men parish under a blow because they were too stubborn to make the smart decision. Remember some battles you must fight, others you will avoid. You are all old enough to distinguish between them." Having said that, the three Death Eaters disappeared.
Neither of the remaining people said a thing afterwards. Harry sat in silence. Remus too slowly sat up, moving as little as possible as he realized that when and if he moved the very slightest enough pain was present that it almost black him out again. When he settled into a comfortable sitting position, he took his time to examine the other, trying to see what it was that made the younger man seem different.
"You missed my birthday celebration." Harry muttered at last, cutting into the silence. Remus cast his gaze downwards. "After the Qudditch Match I have to admit, I wasn't up to it. I had a big depressing matter on my mind."
"Happy Birthday." He whispered quietly. "I'm sorry if I worried you."
"It's nothing. I'm glad you're awake though. For nearly an hour after the match, I thought you had died. I cursed at my luck and the fact that you had the easy way out. I cursed at the fact you were gone before I got to finish with breaking you and torturing you, toying you, bending you to my will. I was this close to completing it, and well I thought it was the end and that you still got the better end of it."
"So how was your birthday?" Remus interrupted, forcing a smile. He wasn't really keen on wanting to know that he was being used by Harry for the Prince's purpose.
"Do you really want to know?" Harry asked. His guardian nodded in confirmation. The teen shrugged. "I suppose I can go over it briefly, but only briefly as we are being attacked."
Flashback
July 31
It was well into the next morning before anyone got any sleep. The commotion that had been caused by the Quiddtich Match was only beginning to die down. The fact that Avenger's state was unknown only caused more anticipation. A nameless Death Eater doctor had pronounced the man alive, but riding on a very thin line. The Prince had been noted to have stayed with his guardian throughout the whole ordeal and only at 4 in the morning was he seen exhausted and sleeping on the couch. The others were too exhausted themselves to wake the Prince and make sure he got some decent sleep.
When Harry did awake, he found that he had only slept for two hours. It was only 6 in the morning, but he knew that there was much to be done. Today was his day. He had at last lived up to his 18th birthday, something that when he was younger had doubted that he would be able to do, yet still felt the same. He wasn't overly excited about the plans for the day, nor was he looking forward towards his first birthday that could be considered a decent birthday. In fact the fact that his guardian was in such an unstable condition was eating the back of his mind. The fact that the feeling was present wasn't what bothered him, but the fact that he cared and paid attention to it, made him feel miserable.
Secretly, he had to admit that he was looking towards this particular birthday. For the first time, he would actually be around a family member, as Remus kept pointing out that that was who he was. He knew that after the Quiddtich failure, it wouldn't be the same. Earlier, Remus had promised him some time alone which they could spend together so that Harry wouldn't have to put up with the Death Eater celebrations which they both knew would never be genuine. Harry had gratefully accepted it. Now though, because of the sudden events, everything would have to change. Plans would have to change. In the end, his 18th birthday would never be the same, could never be the same as the image that he had already drawn in his mind.
Harry growled unpleasantly. He stood up, stretched, went over to check his guardian's condition, finding no changes, before leaving the room for an early shower, something that he knew would wake him up a bit.
By the time he had left for breakfast, he was quite refreshed. He was dressed in his best outfit and had combed his hair so that it looked presentable, though he did let it stick up, so that it had a natural appearance. After all, he was the birthday boy, and birthday boys needed to be presentable. Besides, he would be having guest as he did invite some that were not Death Eaters, and as a host, he needed public face. He needed to look nice even if he was the villain.
"Happy Birthday" was the first thing that greeted him as he entered the main dining hall for breakfast. At 8, the Death Eater's were all present and the hall was filled with them. They weren't in their standard robes, but instead also dressed in their best outfits.
The male's had on suits and matching ties of assorted colors. The female's weren't all in dresses, although some were, however the majority were in outfits fit for formal occasions such as interviews, or business that required greeting the public and things such as that. The children of both genders were much causal, though it had to appropriate. All of them were required to wear a half mask that covered the forehead and descended to half the nose. It was for the identity purposes.
Harry acknowledged the greetings, shaking the head of each families' hand, taking the wives hand and bringing it to his lips for a kiss and then beaming down at the young children, giving them a big smile. Those that were around his age and were single, of both genders swooned and fainted. It wasn't a secret that their prince was handsome and young, his beauty rivaling those of the Blacks. The fact that his face was lined with five hideous scars that had been left behind only a few months ago, near the end of the school year only added to his figure. The fact that he was half blind made no difference whatsoever.
He made his way to the inner table, where he took a seat at the head of the table, settling down, and waited for the House Elves to do their job. He gave them all a tentative smile, nodding slightly when he was being addressed to, or when his followers made a comment. Truthfully, he only half listened to them, giving them enough attention to give himself a positive light in anyone's eyes.
At precisely half past nine, when people were long finished eating, but were just chatting to their neighbor, the door to the dining room swung open again. Some looked over their shoulder to see who it was, only to turn back to finish their conversations after seeing that it was a snake that had entered. Of course they would have been surprised to find such a small creature able to bang open the door with the force of a human, however, by now most if not all had seen the yellow bellied, black overcoat snake and knew that it was one of the Prince's most prized possessions.
/Happy Birthday Master/ Karo, the snake greeted as it slithered up Harry's arm and wrapped itself there.
/Thank you Karo./ The Prince hissed back. He took a small piece of ham and fed it to his pet.
/He has come/ Karo said after swallowing the meat. /along with five others./ Then the next hiss came out more like a laugh, if snakes could do such a thing. /They do not like snakes. I can tell. The old one tired firing spells on me/ Harry raised an eyebrow but made no comment.
"Lucius, Bellatrix, Rodphus" Harry's eyes swept the inner circle members, pausing and choosing. "Rabastan….and…" His eyes passed Snape, lingered there, pondering before sweeping away. "Avery. Come with me." The six stood in unison as though rehearsed. Following their Master at a respectable distance, the group swept out of the hall, out of the Manor.
"Best Behavior" Harry warned under his breath. From a distance, the group could see a few people standing in a group, looking very out of place.
"Professor Dumbledore." Harry greeted once the group neared the others. They stopped about 10 feet away from the others. The Death Eaters came to a halt. If they were surprised to see the Order and some Hogwarts Professors here, and they were as only Snape was the other person who had been informed of this, they tried their best to hide it. Dumbledore and the group was just as surprised to be welcomed by Harry himself.
"Headmistress, Professor Flickwick, Hagrid, Madame Promfrey, Professor Sprout" Harry noted, speaking each name clearly. Then turning to Dumbledore he said. "Interesting choice. A transfiguration expert, a charms expert, a magical creature's expert, a healer, and a plant/herbs expert. I must say you come prepared for the worst. However, I must note missing a Defense and Potion expert is quite unlike you. Then again, I suppose you can fill that spot Professor Dumbledore."
The ex-headmaster gave a weak smile. "believe me, I would have brought them if I could my boy, just to play it safe. However I must say and you will agree, Defense has always been running low, and now Potion is coming in second to that…"
As he spoke, he took in the appearance of his former pupil, seeing him for the first time after the incident at Hogwarts where he believed that he had successfully defeated him. But now, the more he look, the more the young man took the appearance of a attractive healthy masculine man.
The teen had dark green suit with a black tie with silver outlines, and black pants. He was no longer wearing glasses, but because the emerald eyes were brought out, Dumbledore assumed the other had contacts. (which wasn't far off as Harry was wearing one contact lenses on his right eye, as his left was blind and there was no need to wear glasses for just one eye.)
However there was one flaw that completely ruined his face. Two things actually, but located in about the same location. Even the snake that was coiled around the teen, slithering relentlessly up and down seemed to complete the picture.
His eyes traced the scars that were so perfectly defined by its surroundings, starting from the left eyebrow, cutting into the left eye and disappearing past his right chin. Taking a look at the left eye, the old man realized that it was motionless and took on a glazed expression.
"You'll want to thank Remus for that." Harry said, with one hand gesturing at the scar and eye, knowing that it was the place that the other was staring at. Then he added. "that is if you ever see him again, which I highly doubt, unless you meet in hell."
There was a growl that came from Hagrid. His fists were balled and before anyone could stop him, he roared. "You killed Remus! You killed the only man who would have given every thing for you. You killed one of your parent's best friends? You killed your own guardian." Before the half giant could launch himself at the Prince, Dumbledore put a hand in front of him. He only smiled, not commenting to what the Prince had just said.
"Please. I'll prefer it if I don't go deaf as well. Being half blind is bad enough." Harry looked Hagrid up and down. "I believe we are old enough to settle things in a gentleman's fashion." A cold glare was sent at the giant. "However that is left for another day. I did not send you an invitation so that I could be scolded at and punished on my birthday. If you cannot behave properly, I am sorry to say, you must leave now." Harry seemed to reach into his robes, leaving his hand there. "Otherwise I may have to personally escort you out of this world." Then in a very dangerous voice, he added. "No one is going to crash my party."
Hagrid's face reddened, then turned pale as he realized the underlying threat that was causally thrown. The other adults face darkened as Hagrid tried to blubber out incomprehensible words, only stopping when he realized that fact.
"Forgive him. We mean no harm. We have come as you request. There is nothing more to it." McGonagall tried after the silence began to build.
Harry nodded absent mindedly. "If you say so Headmistress. Then I trust your word." Then Harry half turned sideways and gestured at the Manor. "I've been a horrible host." He muttered to himself.
"Come. Welcome to my home."
Without hesitating, Dumbledore followed the birthday boy. His friends however took a look around before following. The Death Eaters brought out the rear.
When they had entered the Manor, all the Professors stood rooted to the spot. It felt as though they had walked into the past.
"Is something wrong?" Harry asked, though he knew the reason.
Dumbledore shook his head. He wasn't going to tell the other that he noticed the Manor was built from the blueprint of the original Potter Manor that had stood on the very grounds 18 years before. The only difference was, it was enlarged and changed significantly. Upon closer inspection, the basic foundation, structure was still there.
When they had entered the Grand Hall, where the other Death Eaters were still gathered, the Hall immediately fell silent. Heads swirled around and if it weren't for the mask, confused expressions ensured. Eyes lingered not on the Prince, but on his guest, especially one that they would have never thought belonged here.
Harry made his way to the front, feeling the eyes on him. The others, both Death Eaters and the new guest seemed to linger behind.
"Today is a special day indeed." Harry began a small speech. "As by now everyone knows, today is my 18th birthday." Everyone was silent. "I must thank you each and every one of you for putting together such a celebration which is unnecessary but very much appreciated. I must personally thank a few in particular." Harry's eyes swept through the group. "I will not name names. You know who you are, and it is through your humble efforts that my friends have kindly joined us in my party." A pause as tension builds.
"Yes, Albus Dumbledore and a selected group of Professors have honored me with their presence and blessings. Therefore it is my duty as the host to take them under as my protection, at least for today. They are my guests of honor." There were mummers around the room. "If there are any arguments or complaints from any, you will answer to me. Any problems, objections then kindly leave now. I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior. Remember they are here under my invitation, as are any of you".
The hall couldn't become even quieter then it already was. No one moved.
"Thank you Harry" Dumbledore said quietly.
"It's nothing." Harry grumbled, once he had stepped off from the spotlight that he held and the Death Eaters realized it. "Breakfast?" The headmaster shook his head. "We have eaten." Harry nodded. He turned and spoke softly to the Death Eaters that had been following him, so that no one heard. They gave him a nod. Then Harry turned to his guest. "You may all wander the building and its grounds for the time being. Unfortunately I am not much of a host. Things have happened and my mind isn't where it is suppose to be."
The group eyed him suspiciously. They wondered what the Prince was playing at. No person in their right minds would do such a thing. Wasn't he afraid? Didn't he know the fear of slipping unwanted information to the enemy and the danger that came along with it? But then, the answer came soon enough. The house and the area surrounding it would have been warded to prevent such an occurrence.
"Professor Dumbledore." Harry said smiling at him. "If you would honor me with your presence for the day." The elder glanced between those who he had brought. Harry gave another reassuring smile. "Trust me, they will be fine." Guiding the retired headmaster, Harry led the way out of the hall again, taking him out of his home, but still within its grounds.
"Happy birthday Harry." Dumbledore said the minute he was sure they were alone and there was absolutely no one around. The two had come to the edge of a natural lake. On the opposite side was the temporary Quidditch pitch. Harry had plopped himself comfortably down on the grass.
"Thank You" The teen said mindlessly, taking a nearby stone and tossing it into the lake.
"Why did you invite me today?" Dumbledore asked again, trying to start a conversation. An odd sensation passed through him as he realized that the Harry before him was still that Harry that now lived only in his memory, and not the Harry that was causing chaos in the world.
"Do I need a reason? Do I really need to answer? I believe we both know the reasons. The reasons themselves though may vary."
"Yes, I'll like to know."
"I had a chat with Remus…" Harry could feel the other man hold his breath. Harry ignored it. He choose his next words carefully. Earlier he had already known Dumbledore would ask such a thing, so he had come up with a reason. A reason for his back up plan. Since the arrival of the guest, he had put up an act, an act to fool the man the way he had done Remus. Make them all think the way he wanted them to, so that just in case anything unexpected comes up, he would have a backup plan. Now, he was going to reinforce the act with verbal words.
"It wasn't pleasant." He gestured at his face. "but a chat never the less." Dumbledore frowned. "He tried to change me back to the oh so Golden Boy." The lines in the old man's face deepened. "He threatened, he pleaded, he did everything. In the end, it was useless, I gave him to Avenger to finish." Harry closed his eyes and thought back to the condition his guardian was currently in. "He's as good as dead"
"However, before that, Remus had requested this meeting" he gestured at both of them. "between us." Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "a private meeting."
"and you consented."
Harry nodded. "His terms were simple. He would sacrifice his body, his life and his soul to me. I could do whatever I pleased with him, and he would make no objection. I could kill him, have someone kill him or simply use him to kill or for that purpose. Of course death for him is appealing, but I prefer raising bloody killing machines." Then he added hastily. "but I won't have that. Keeping him is keeping a lion in the den. He would bite back the first minute he's got.
Anyways, whatever I have done to him is none of your concern. All you need to know is that he sacrificed himself in hopes that you could do what he could not. In hopes that you would be given a chance to fill what he could not."
"Remus" Dumbledore breathed, choking slightly.
"You have the rest of today to do your magic" Harry added.
"I do not understand. Why did you consent? You already have everything you want in your grasp. You already can do whatever you want to with those you have."
"Unlike contrary believe I am still human. I do pity. I do hate. I do know the meaning of sacrifice, the meaning of love. I do have a heart. Perhaps because of this I consented to Remus. I do enjoy breaking the werewolf, though still fruitless at it. He has tried to do something that no one has done, I respect him for it and maybe that is why he can make small but significant changes." A laugh.
"Hey, he's my parents and godfather's closes friend. No matter how anyone looks at it, unlike you Dumbledore, he will always be a direct superior to me, the only one. Of course I despise him, first for everything he's caused me in these 18 bloody hell years and secondly because he's so intent on sticking to his beliefs and hopes that I easily raise and then crush, but then again because of this he's earned himself a place in my heart. As I said to him once, he's the only thing that keeps me from giving my self all out to insanity and darkness and from my darker half to take completely over."
"You are insane. There's no doubt about it. There is nothing to justify your actions…"
"No reasons! Try switching roles for once. I believe you would crack Dumbledore! Believe what you must. I am not here to argue with you." Harry suddenly jumped to his feet.
"You know what. You're wasting my time. I have parties to attend and gifts to unwrap. I had never included you in my plans. I especially made room for it and you throw it down the drain, oh wait I didn't. This was supposed to have been spent with Avenger, my 'true' guardian, but since unexpected occurrences have occurred I am stuck with you." Dumbledore glared at him. "I tired to listen, so it's not my fault. I'm not the one who wants this, needs this. Remus was wrong to turn to you. You will disappoint him when he hears of it. You were his last chance. He will break at last. I look forward to it."
"Harry I…" Dumbledore tried as he hurried after the other. "Listen to me, I…" but Harry had turned and hurried away, disappearing the minute after he entered his Manor, slamming the door behind him.
Dumbledore shrugged causally. His stomach growled softly, reminding him that it was lunch. Not knowing where to find the Prince, he decided to find his companions instead.
A long chapter (cut in half, but still long, so part I). So a bit of time spent with Dumbledore. Remember, Harry is acting this way just to form a back up plan for himself, while pulling Remus into it, even if his guardian doesn't want to be sucked in.
A very special treat! The alternate ending to the last chapter. What could have happened if it had been Harry. Just had to get this out. Basically still the same. Just had to get it out though.
Chapter 20 Alternate Ending!
"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. "The same goes for you as well."
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, shattering into a gazillion pieces. A huge dust bowl was created and it surrounded the impacted area, concealing all movement. The Quidditch players landed around the debris, waiting for it to clear, holding their breaths and preyed that nothing wrong happened.
The first thing that they saw was a lone person, standing, swaying on his legs which threatened to give away. By body build, they could easily tell that it wasn't Harry.
"Avenger" Lucius acknowledged, hurrying towards him, surprised to see him unscathed by the incident. Aside from the initial incident, he seemed in a very healthy condition.
Avenger didn't seem to hear him. He fell onto his knees, and gripped at something on his feet.
"Harry! Harry!" He yelled out, still not believing what had happened. The young man had wiped out his wand, pointed it at him, and forcefully blasted him off the broom, so that he flew into the sky. His broom along with Harry and the Firebolt tumbled onto the floor, shattering into twigs.
"Harry! Harry! Harry!" Avenger shouted, bellowed, shaking the young man to no avail. There was no response. Nothing at all.
"Avenger, come on. Let's get him back inside. We need to fix him up, immediately."
Still no response from the guardian. At last, the Death Eaters had to yank their Master away from the man's grasp and carefully levitated the body away, leaving the other man be.
Avenger stared numbly at the spot where Harry had fallen. The grass was blood stained, glistening under the starlight. No one came to comfort him, to give him a hand, or some support. They were all too busy trying to keep the Prince alive then to deal with him.
Harry why? Why? Is winning everything? Is it even more precious then life itself?
He gave out a hallow laugh.
Because if it is, then let me tell you something. I don't feel happy. There is nothing victorious about it. I won. So what? Why do I feel so miserable? Why do I feel sick? Why am I not dancing with glee?
Avenger gave a frustrated growl.
The price to pay for something as trivial as this to too high. You want the snitch. You want to win? Fine take it. I have no use of it. Frankly if I'm given a chance to back out, after what's happened, I would gratefully take it. So should you. This whole business has gone over board.
However, as much as he wanted out, he knew it was not possible. He had come this far. There was no backing down now. The most he could do, the best he could do was to stay and stick by Harry through the entire storm that laid ahead.
Growling one last time, he stood up again. Opening his left hand slightly, he stared angrily at the Snitch that struggled to be let loose. Avenger stared coldly at it. Then, igniting a force, he squeezed his hand and crushed it, breaking its wings and dented the golden ball. With that, he swung his arm back and chucked it. His eyes following it, while one of his right hand reached into his robes and pulled out a dagger. Gracefully throwing it, he watched as it sliced the ball evenly in half, in thin air. Giving a satisfied, smirk, Avenger pulled off his mask, sucked in a deep breath and headed back into the Manor, to where Harry now resided in.