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: first off, thanks for the fan art again! If only I could draw as good as my writing. sighs thanks for it!
Horary! Score! Got another bunch of Ravenclaw points! (for me as well as my characters) Wonderful.
Yes, if Remus hadn't woken up, he would have been placed in a 'locked cell'. No one really knows who Avenger is, so since he is injured and not in combat mode, his life as Avenger is in danger and would probably be killed. As his other identity, Remus, his condition would be plausible and well he'll get a living chance.
At first, I had thought of having an unconscious Master (as proven with the Alternate Ending), but then like you said it would be too predictable. In that case then, it would be Avenger who would be in power and then leading attacks of defense against his 'friends'. In that scenario, Avenger's loyalties would truly be tested. sighs That was the original plan never made it on paper, for one reason or another. I would have been too predictable and too many holes. (besides, there won't be a birthday party if there was an unconscious master, as Dumbledore would have probably taken that advantage to destroy them.)
Having Remus wounded was the alternative, (and as it is clear now, it is the one that won out). At one point or another Harry does need to reflect, (otherwise all Remus has been doing trying to bring out the humanness in him would be wasted) and rethink. It would be too simple if Harry wins every battle.
Yes, lets just drop the whole Potion ordeal.
As I am going to repeat myself again, I am making no promises on Sirius' behalf. It would be cold, cruel and harsh if the Light ever had to resort to using an image of any sort of Sirius to drive Harry insane. It would be a desperate, last resort and very debatable before if ever it was going to be in use. Still, yes, it would, or should someway help the Order's side.
Harry toying with Sirius (if he ever returns) is difficult to answer. One thing is agreeable though. Sirius is and forever will be devoted sincerely to Harry (if that remains so because of Harry's drastic change, is still questionable).
Well to think of the Game the way you did, does bring a chuckle to my face. It wasn't apparent before, but after it being pointed out, I would say it was a sad thing that I could miss it!
Harry's assets are at risk if Remus (or anyone else for that matter) got hurt in something so trivial. The lost at trivial occurrences (in its own way) would amount to something greater then in battle. In battle its too predictable and people are aware of it, but when Death comes and goes at the most unpredictable places, it will always cause a greater impact.
Well as you have reminded (as at a point in time, I had forgotten) back up plans are good things to have. There really isn't much Harry can tell Dumbledore about Remus without raising any unwanted questions. Remus for one does have a 'get out of jail free' (taken from Monopoly) card. Harry might only have ½ of it and still needs to build his other ½.
Very true. Neither of my leading characters will die so soon (if either does at all). You did point out the fact that if he did, then maybe he could be brought back to life. Truthfully, I had thought of killing him, and yes, bringing him back (and maybe other people too). However it would require too much Dark Magic. Something like during the process, just bring them back only after completely changing and modifying the individual so that the person would be someone entirely new who would reside in the form of an old character. (mold Remus to something dark, that won't question his orders, execute it out efficiently and fill in the gaps that Harry finds in the man)
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed! I'm going to update my bio often so please check it out!
Chapter 22 Eighteenth Birthday (part II)Harry stormed into the room that Avenger currently confided in. He wasn't angry, but he really felt as though he wasted his time. He knew he had to do this, but was very reluctant to keep up the act.
He grunted, frustrated. Taking a look at his unconscious guardian didn't help either. It only made him worry. Sighing, he summoned a house elf, had it bring him his lunch, and he ate silently keeping the other man company.
After lunch, he went back out again, deciding to join his followers again. He was still, after all the host of the festive.
"Master" Malfoy's called out, once spotting him in the dinning hall. Harry paused at turned to him, greeting him in return. The senior Malfoy gestured him over to his family table with those including his extended family of Lestranges, and Snape (as he was an only child and was still single) and Blacks, if one were to consider maiden names. Harry made his way towards them, smiling softly.
"Hope you are enjoying yourself." Snape greeted, minimizing his usual sneer upon his face though it was still present. "If you consider being accused and snapped at by Albus and having to put up with him without blasting him to smithereens." Harry sat himself down between Lucius and Bella. "and then spending lunch with Avenger" he lowered his voice. "who hasn't given the slightest sign of life" then in a regular voice. "then yes, I am definitely enjoying myself. So much that I think I'll break my promise a day early and really have some fun."
"Ah, I'm sorry to hear it." Narcissa said warmly. She seemed to nudge her husband slightly, who grunted in response. "Maybe this will cheer you up." She nudged Lucius again, and then he took out what seemed to be a small box. With his wand, he enlarged it.
"Happy birthday." They said together, handing the present over. Harry smiled, taking the present. His fingers fumbled with the wrapping paper. He took one look at them and they gave him an encouraging smile. Taking it as a sign to continue, he slowly unwrapped the box and then opened the lid.
Inside was a variety of the most unusual objects that he had ever seen. He looked up, with questioning eyes. "They once belonged to the Dark Lord. Very useful if I may add." Narcissa explained. "Don't ask how we got them. We just do." Harry nodded, thinking about Tom Riddle's diary and how it made no sense that the Malfoy's would have it. "but we reckon it should come in handy." Lucius added. "although we have not got the slightest clue of its uses or as a matter of fact what it may be."
"Thank you. I will look into it." He tucked each item back into the box, closing it, and sealing it by casting a charm that only parsalmouths could open.
Then the Lestranges took a glance at each other. Rodophus and Rabastan eyed each other before giving a nod. From within her robes, Bellatrix produced another minimized box, handing it over to the Prince. Harry took it, thanking them.
Harry's eyes widened at the sight of it. "It's a pensive!" he exclaimed. "Two in fact!" he said.
"Yes. The one to the right, had once belonged to Sirius." Bella was explaining. "Since he was my cousin and we did grow up together most of our childhood life, and we did end up in Azkaban together, we did spend some decent time in each other's presence." A pause, as she studied the Prince. "I have viewed it once. I would say, it is pretty accurate and covers almost his entire life, starting at 5 until he was released from Azkaban at which in that point the Pensive was given for my safe keeping as it was later found in his empty cell by the guards and given to me as I was related to him." She turned to Snape, smiling slightly. "I would say he and his friends pulled some decent memorable pranks on Snivellus."
"Thank you Bella." Snape responded dryly, his face reddening. Lucky for him though, no one snickered as when anyone tired to, a glance at the Potion Master and then at Harry told them it was a very bad idea.
"The other" Rodophus added. "is empty. It is for you and your memories, my Prince. By now, I believe you should know the usefulness of such a tool."
"Thank You" Harry murmured, unconsciously grasping onto Sirius' pensive tightly as though afraid it would disappear. Now, the group turned to face Snape, expecting him to present his birthday present for the Prince.
"So Professor Snape." Harry started brightly, realizing that if Snape did give him a present, it would be the first time that it was done. "so what did you get your childhood enemy's son that you despise so deeply. What you get for Harry Potter?"
"If you would follow me, I'll show you." The others raised their eyebrows, wondering why Snape couldn't present it in front of the group as everyone else did. "I insist." He said briskly, standing up during the process. Harry eyed the man behind his mask. He shrugged, standing up and then following him out, letting him lead the way.
Harry let the man bring an empty guest room. "Close your eyes. Only open them when I tell you to." Harry gave him a wearily look, but did so nevertheless. He heard Snape give the password before being ushered in.
"You can open your eyes now. Happy Birthday."
At first he didn't seen anything. The room was dark. Harry gasped when his eyes adjusted, and saw what he saw. Sweat formed on his finger tips, and he suddenly felt himself shaking. There right in front of him was something that he hadn't seen since his 5th year at Hogwarts, though its image was forever imprinted in his mind.
The Veil, the veil, including the archway that had once been part of the Department of Mysteries now resided in his house.
"Severus." The tension began to build and Harry didn't know what to say.
"Don't ask. Don't tell. Yes, the arch that Sirius fell through now resides before you."
"and the body?" he choked out.
"It wasn't there. Nothing except his clothes that he was wearing, his possessions and" Snape held something up. "this was found"
Something clogged up in his throat. There, the thing that Severus now held was the mirror that Sirius had carried. The very mirror that Harry had tried to contact his godfather through after the others death.
"It has been tested with cats and dogs and objects that have no life." Snape heaved in a deep breath. "The results were stunning. Anything living would disappear. Any lifeless thing would remain."
"Then how did you managed to get the objects out."
"We didn't get it out. The objects fell through and managed to end up on the opposite side of the veil, on the outside. I believe its some sort of portal, and because living things disappear, I believe it's a passage to the dead."
Harry seemed to want to speak, but Snape beat him to it. "When I asked Bella later, and had her recall the incident, the second spell that she used was not the Avada Kedavra. It was a second stunner. It means that Sirius wasn't dead when he fell through the veil, but could only have died after he fell through. A stunning spell eventually wears off, and when it does, I am sure Sirius would not have kept you waiting and would have reappeared if he could".
"I see. So it's a passage to death. So whatever lies behind is the world of the Dead?"
"It would seem so."
This was followed by an awkward silence.
"I'll leave you now so that it can sink in." Severus remarked once more. Harry shook his head. "No, I'll go with you. I'll come back when I have time." He said, knowing that if he stayed, he would never leave again unless Sirius was somehow out of that place, even if it was only his dead, physical body, one that would deserve a proper burial.
Neither spoke on the journey down to the Hall again. Severus respected that, knowing that the other needed time to think. When they were down, Harry just plopped down back at the table, still deep in thought. He didn't sit still when other Death Eaters approached him, coming with their family to give him his presents. Harry accepted it, though his mind was somewhere else.
"Harry, if I may have a word with you." Professor Dumbledore's voice came from behind him.
"What do you want?" Harry replied, not bothering to turn around and face him.
"I think we got off on the wrong foot today. It is my fault. You were trying to get at something and I closed you off. I am sorry. I'll wish to make up that time now". Dumbledore ignored the dirty looks that were thrown at him by the Death Eaters.
"I gave you a chance to do your magic. You choose not to."
"I insist." There was sternness in the voice that made no room for objections.
"If you got anything to say, say it in front of them as well."
"I insist we speak privately." Dumbledore persisted again.
Harry gestured at one of the nearby Death Eaters. "What time is it?" he asked. "6 pm master." Harry nodded his thanks.
"Very well Dumbledore, you have one hour. Let's see what you can make out of it. There will be no more discussion during and after dinner, if you are staying." Albus shook his head. "I am afraid not. I must say I have other plans. The others have returned already." Harry raised his eyebrow. "Oh?" "Yes" Dumbledore replied firmly, with a hidden smile behind his beard. Harry shook his head, standing, stretched, before letting himself be led out of hid own house.
"Do you fly often?" Dumbledore asked carelessly as the two of them found themselves in the exact location that they were only earlier that day. The Professor gestured at the Quidditch field.
"No. I flew the first time in nearly 4 years last night." Dumbledore seemed surprised. "Still the youngest and fastest player in nearly a century?" The old man asked. Harry shook his head. "Avenger beat me, 300-410 with a 110 point margin."
Dumbledore didn't know what to say to it, so just sighed. "Avenger must be really special to you."
Harry didn't directly respond.
"To have named him as 'vincocustos'"
Harry seemed to be deep in thought. "He is" he replied at last. "He's like a father to me. I respect him, and his guidance. He is the only man below me who directly and publicly refuses my wishes, yet when he does execute them, it is done so gracefully and efficiently. We are complete opposites. There is nothing that we agree on, and differ the way our tastes do."
Dumbledore frowned in confusion. If this was true, then why would such a person side him the Prince?
"However, we both agree on one thing, wait, maybe a few things. It is these things that have pulled us together. Or maybe, it is because we don't have similarities that finally drove him to my service. Opposites do tend to attract."
"I see" Albus whispered, knowing that he was going nowhere with this.
"You mentioned earlier that you have a Dark Side?"
"We all have a Dark Side, including you Albus Dumbledore, especially you." Harry chuckled.
"Do I now?"
"In public eyes, you seemingly are the all so powerful Light Sorcerer who's dedicated to defeating Evil. You pretend to welcome all and accept the differences of people."
Albus nodded in agreement.
"However, you're nothing more then a manipulating bastard who molds people so that you can get your desires. You use people as weapons. When they are of no use, you depose of them."
Flame boiled in the old man's eyes, though his face was mutual.
"and don't you dare deny it either. You never offered your hand to Tom Riddle when it could have made a difference. You never gave me a boost when I needed it. You wanted to use me as a weapon to defeat the Dark Lord, because you know you aren't powerful enough!
Now, when I'm a threat, you come cowering back, pleading wanting to make that difference when its too late."
"I won't deny my actions. I did what I though was best." Dumbledore defended.
"What you thought was the best for you" Harry shot back.
"We all make mistakes. No one is perfect." Dumbledore was saying. "I have made my own share, and I will not deny making them." He heaved in a deep sigh. "I too have once descended down the road of Darkness"
This seemed to have caught Harry's full attention as he swirled around completely to face the old man.
"It was Dark Times during the first war against Tom. He had risen and was by far the darkest lord of this century, making Gindlewind (?) an inexperienced armature."
"Then what am I? Am I an overgrown ant?"
There was a twinkle in the blue eyes. "Ah, but you have taken the royal title as Prince, making you the Master and Lords are subjects of the Master. I daresay you would not want to be classified, cannot be classified amongst your inferiors."
Harry chuckled softly.
"I had always suspected Tom, but have taken no direct action to prevent anything. That was my mistake. By the time he had offered me a chance to surrender, and that he would offer me a place amongst his group, the world was in turmoil. I was tempted, and I almost did give in, for then at least the remaining innocent will be spared. It was one life of servitude, depending if I was granted life or death, for the rest of the world. However I did not do so. My colleagues would not have it. They would rather die in battle long before that thought was left to dwell in their minds. I should say they were surprised to find their leader so tempted and so cowardly that such a thought could reside in me.
It was dark times. Dark times. At last not only did I have an external battle, internal unrest began. Spies and moles aroused. Some openly left me, others out of fear of the results if they lingered too long, while even more left because of insecurity. My support was dwindling and it was clear that I had lost."
"but you didn't. You survived past the Second War. How is that possible"
"At last there was one person that managed to wake me up and pulled me out of this darkness that had led to some depressing and low self esteemed thoughts. He told me, and explained to me the situation and the possible scenarios that may occur because of the choices, which was frankly the same.
Voldemort would still continue to take over the world. After all who could trust a psychotic Dark Lord? Tyrants never keep their word of honor. He convinced me to fight. That giving my life away would make no difference. I only would be out of his way. How could I then save those who needed to be saved? How could I ever face anyone again? How could I face those who I've betrayed for a selfish desire?"
"Who was it?" Harry asked, interrupting.
"Your father, James Potter."
There was an unbearable silence.
"He's taught me things I would never forget and will be forever grateful. It is time I did the same for you. Harry just give me one last chance…"
"No"
"I-can-help-you" he breathed out, word for word.
"No" came the firm reply.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I have until 7" he whispered.
"Ah, but it is 6:55. You wasted your time again blubbering on what you did wrong. You never mentioned anything about what you would do now, or how you could help. I gave you a second chance today. You ruined it."
For a moment, Dumbledore was speechless. Then he recovered quickly. "I don't want to start another war." He whispered at last. "I have seen too many to not realize the beginning of another one. Even though, I have found that sometimes fighting for what is right is the only way to achieve anything, I do not wish to approach this one this way."
"I'll here no more." Harry said firmly. "Go back before I change my mind. Your safety expires the minute your invitation does, which is now."
"Harry"
"Last warning. Unless of course you want to end everything now. Just because it's my birthday doesn't mean I won't give my best." Harry rolled up his sleeves indicating that it was no empty threat.
Dumbledore didn't falter. He shook his head. "You have already graciously done something that many in your position would have discarded the first minute they get. I am not that foolish. I know generosity when it is given. I won't spoil your day."
Harry inclined his head. "No, it is I who should Thank you for blessing me with your mighty presence. Though we stand on opposite sides now, I am satisfied that some things never will change."
Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling. Slowly and carefully, he pulled out something from his inner robes. It wasn't his wand, which Harry had momentarily thought, and had felt for his own, out of sheer reflex.
A single feather was produced, a phoenix feather.
"A phoenix is a very special creature. Its life cycle continues throughout eternity. Even at the darkest hours, as long as there is love, there is trust, there is hope, the phoenix will triumph. As long as you have these qualities, it will protect you for eternity."
"You know, it'll only make me that much more difficult to defeat."
"I love a good challenge. Besides, I look forward to such a day. For when the day comes when the phoenix's powers are activated, it would mean the war has finally come to an end. When that day comes, I would truly have succeeded and you Harry Potter, would be worthy of redemption"
Harry scoffed, knowing that it will never occur.
"Don't underestimate the power of the phoenix Harry. Remember, both your and Tom's wand is equipped with a feather from Fawkes."
"Speaking of Fawkes, so much for a creature that symbolizes rebirth. I've heard it died, for good." Harry remarked softly. There was a baffled look on the old man's face. "Yes, that's true."
Harry petted his snake that was now coiled loosely upon his neck.
"A testament that there is no need for such creatures in the world. Such powers are only weakness".
Dumbledore shook his head, making no attempt to argue. Instead, he pulled out something else, handing it over along with the feather.
Harry examined this one, much more carefully then the other, his curiosity glowing in his active eye. It was one of those objects that he had never seen before. It was flat on all sides, rectangular shape, and about the size of a standard Muggle wallet. He looked up questioningly at Dumbledore, as if waiting for an explanation.
"Open it" Albus encouraged. Harry took his time, examining it. Once he deemed that it was safe, he carefully did as he was told. At first nothing happened.
"Close your eyes, and relax your mind. Concentrate on nothing. Forget about the present, forget about the past, let go of the future. Let go of the hatred, let go of the darkest the now ebbs your mind." Each word was spoken out clearly, slowly so that there was a pause between one word to the next. Slowly, and cautiously, Harry did as he was told, his eyes pinned on Dumbledore, and only closing it after a silent threat was thrown.
It felt like an eternity before Dumbledore spoke again. "Now open your eyes Harry." Harry quickly did so. A gasp escaped his lips. The two of them were no longer in the back of his Manor. They were somewhere else, somewhere entirely different. In addition to them, there were four more holographic figures.
"This place Harry, is the projection of your own mind." Dumbledore spoke silently, slightly amused as Prongs and Padfoot were each taking turns in giving a four year old Harry a ride while the other animal chased after them. Lily and Remus were sitting in the middle of it all, laughing, clearly enjoying themselves.
"This is where you feel the safest, securest, and the happiest." Dumbledore continued. "It this world, reality does not exist. Nothing is ever the way it seems here, for this place cannot truly exist anywhere else."
Harry didn't say a thing. He watched as his four year old self, fell off of Prongs and landed in a heap of grassy floor. He began to cry, and throw a tantrum, though it was clear that he wasn't injured at all. Padfoot and Prongs look worriedly at the child approaching him consciously knowing that Harry was perfectly all right. Neither approached him, but just stared, as though waiting. At last, nothing did happen, and so they settled down next to him. Young Harry didn't stop what he was doing. That is not until someone picked him up from behind, and helped him stand. Harry watched as Remus cooed with his younger self until he was smiling and calling out 'Moony' while Lily threw her own tantrum and began yelling at Padfoot and Prongs for not being careful enough. Padfoot had his paws around his ears while Prongs was standing affectionately around Lily wrapping his head around her shoulders.
Dumbledore watched, not at the holograms, but at the real Harry, who once again had his eyes closed and a soft smile about his lips. "So, there is hope." Albus whispered, loud enough to cause the Harry to snap out of his daze and back to reality. His fist clenched and the wallet snapped shut, so that this imaginary world disappeared for good.
"Happy Birthday Harry" Dumbledore whispered one last time before turning away and then walking away from the other. Harry stared after him, watch his retreating back as it finally disappeared into nothing.
Flashback end
Remus listened silently. What was supposed to have been a brief summary of what had occurred, sprouted into a very long story. So many questions aroused. The one thing that was bugging him the most being the fact that Harry had used him to manipulate Dumbledore in thinking a certain way. He didn't like that idea one bit, especially because Harry could be so blunt in telling him about it, as though it was nothing. The second thing that bugged him was the veil. Then again he could ask Snape about it sometime which he knew he would definitely do.
Harry watched his guardian the entire time. Mixed emotions descended upon his face, changing rapidly from one color to the next. Throughout the telling of his tale, Harry had been aware of his surroundings. He could clearly hear the battle that occurred in his house. It was loud enough from him to distinguish the distance of the closest defense line and where the two of them were currently residing in. It wasn't that far off.
"I have to go now." Harry said at last. "I must defend my home. I will defend my home till the end."
Remus jerked as he pulled himself out of his own thoughts. Pain elapsed him once more as he cried out softly, indicating that he wasn't fully healed.
"Don't strain yourself." Remus smiled weakly at that, his face contorting in pain at the slightest movement. Harry's face turned serious once more. "You sure you don't want to be locked up in an empty dungeon?" Remus shook his head. "Very well then. You're on your own. Take care of yourself."
Remus watched as the other stood up and slowly walked away.
"Promise me Harry. Promise me you won't die. Promise me you will abandon this place as a last resort."
Harry turned back to face his guardian, before smiling. "You have my word of honor."
Ah! Another long chapter. So the battle between the Light and the Dark has finally approached. So who's going to win? Review!