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)
shadowwalker2: glad you think it is interesting. I'm doing my best with it!
samuraiduck27: thanks! The end of the trail is approaching! Not going to say if he'll be condemned or not, that would be spoiling!
Matthijs: thanks!
Strega: actually I don't think Bryant did a good job defending. It could have been better, but he gave it a shot. Who knows? He might save the best defense for last! That was exactly the point of Hermione's testimony. Supposedly, it should have been because of Sirius' death that led to the change. However, that is not the entire case. That was just the point that caused Harry to finally snap. Just the lost of his Godfather might have pushed him over, but not towards those that caused it. He would have more likely created a third party. Motive, is what everyone wants to know? People would want to know just what in the world was or is going through the mind of an evil tyrant, however, sometimes, because of actions, people don't care, because whatever the motive may him been, does not justify the action. Bryant is playing for sympathy that to him is the best way out.
Ah, coming to spiritual control now? You always seem to be a step ahead. I won't comment, except in the fact that you do have a point. Just bear in mind what Bryant had asked Bones to promise before hand, "Let me call forth my own witness in defense for Mr. Potter, without any objections. Their safety for the duration of the trail must hold, no matter who I call forth. The evidence used is of my choice. I suggest you comply as well. You won't want an uprising from within the Ministry." That line can have many interpretations. Keep in mind that Bones did comply with it. Note, the suggested threat, and that it allows any witness, and any of those witnesses would remain safe and unharmed during the trail. This statement helps a lot when it comes to character witnesses.
Oh, I like that rebuttal! My mind was thinking differently at that point, or wasn't thinking at all. You had Bryant really twist the words settle matters. If, only it was there, then again, I still believe I've got the perfect people for defenses. They should make up for it.
Harry had never thought of the wand used that way. It was suppose to have been used instead of his own, because he had too little control of his own any more. Who knew that it turned out useful.
Ah, Bumble. Indeed, he would have been surprised to see Remus. No one (on the Light) has seen him since who-knows-when and indeed would have made a big response. He would have done it if he was there. Just bear in mind, now everyone knows Remus recovered with his surprise presence. What people don't know is how he survived, where he was or what happened to him after he was stabbed. We only know he apparated away, but not where to, and who helped him 'recover' as it doesn't seem like he followed instructions, a direct order from the Prince to go and show up in that empty cell, for if he did, that Harry would have heard from him in one form or another (from others talking, or the man himself) and he hasn't, nor has Snape. Besides as Remus or Bryant pointed out, it was Lupin that had hired the man for defense lawyer. Same thing with Bumble. We know what may have happened to him, with guesses of all sorts, but nothing more. His character was just thrown aside and left in the blackened state. Therefore it will stay that way. Yes, he would have been surprised with Remus' appearance, if he was there (he may have been, may have not). But already now, neither Snape or Harry has heard from that man, and McGonagall really seems to be taken things onto her own hands. Does that suggest anything? His non reaction serves a purpose. Besides even if Remus didn't show up, wouldn't he be an active participant in condemning Harry?
Back to Remus. Yes, there were some whispers about his reappearance from death. Remember, only very few knew him as Avenger, so only a selected few would even know he came close to death. Whispers might have been coming from those people (remember that ¼ of those gathered are Death Eaters, and ½ of those are prominent Death Eaters.) To everyone else, Remus is really a nobody. He was just one of those many captured, tortured and thought to be dead people.
Ah, I just love Bryant. All eyes across the entire world (both Magical and Muggle) plus Muggles of reality (haha, I just had to add that, and in truth it is right, because since the beginning of the trail, the number of reviews went up!) are glued him. Tricky, stubborn and the prefect defense lawyer. Ah, the man must have become famous for doing this case, and for good or bad, his future seems very bright! (who wouldn't want him to be their lawyer!) He defiantly knows how to do his work, and he has to have more then a surprise witness to pull this off.
Warlord Harrsk: thanks so much! Glad to hear that it is the most amazing story you have ever read! All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you so much! It means a lot to have such fans out there!
Fire Gazer: thanks!
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed! I'm going to update my bio often so please check it out!
Chapter 29 Judgment of the World (Part III)"Perhaps, not absolute perfection, but close enough." Ollivander corrected himself. "As you did mange to inflict such damage upon the world with it."
Harry said nothing.
"Excuse me?" Bones asked again, not believing what she was hearing.
"This wand was bought by Tom Marvolo Riddle, better known as Voldemort. No, this is not Harry Potter's wand in any shape form of fashion." The wand maker confirmed. The entire court house became even quieter then before. A satisfied smile was etched on Bryant's countenance. He stepped forward a bit, with a confidence look upon his face as he held out his hand in you-see gesture.
"Now, I wish to know how many people were present at the last battle which had brought my client before this court." The lawyer continued, not giving time for the people here to recover. A series of scattered hands were raised into the air. Bryant scanned them quickly. "Your honor, take your pick. Choose anyone present at the time, preferably someone you trust and is on your side, and allow me to interrogate them."
Bones looked around. She didn't see anything wrong with it, after all, if she choose carefully and correctly, she'll come out just fine. "Kingsley Shacklebolt" feeling confident that the auror would do perfectly fine. The auror removed himself from the panel of judges, and made his way down to the center of the courthouse.
"Kingsley Shacklebolt?" Bryant asked, confirming the identity. "An auror of the Ministry who was present on the day that Mr. Potter was captured?"
"Yes sir" The African said.
"May you kindly share with us your memories of that night?"
"Gladly."
"That I may probe into your mind and publicly reveal it now."
The auror nodded, knowing that there was nothing in his mind that couldn't be used against the defendant. With the man's consent, the lawyer pointed his wand at him, and performed Legilimens. With another spell, he enlarged it so that all could see. The group watched silently as the man probe the other's mind, without bumping into any resistance. Flashes of what happened from the point of view of the auror swept through, one after the next. Five minutes, ten minutes, half an hour, Bryant had a stern frown on his face. He was looking for something, but didn't seem to find it. Shacklebolt had a smug smile.
"Nothing?" The auror asked.
"Oh no, there is something. You're just unconsciously hiding it. You know its there and you're afraid to show it."
"Really?" Shacklebolt taunted, "Ten more minutes before I kick you out."
A devilish smile crossed the lawyer as he suddenly spotted what he wanted. "I've found it." He held his wand still. "Now, brace yourselves for the truth, the words coming from the man himself." In an elegant movement, he pulled out exactly what he was looking for.
The courthouse watched eyes staring at the holograms of the new figures.
The first was of Dumbledore, the second of Avenger. Both of their attention was focused on a distance passed Avenger to where Harry seemed to be floating. What was more,something or someone began to fade into view, first legs, then a torso, then the upper body and then arms, a neck and finally a head.
Immediately, the same reaction that happened at the Potter manor, occurred in the courthouse: people panicked.
"So you've finally decided to take your own form, Voldemort, and not hide through my charge." Avenger was heard saying softly.
Bryant let that stick in for a while pausing it, keeping one single eye on Harry, who he noticed had sat up straight and had an eye of interested. He had initially thought of fast forwarding it, but now realized that the Prince had been unconscious during this time, and because he showed interest, Bryant decided to let it run.
"Yes, so I have." Came Voldemort's cool reply.
Bryant fast forwarded it slightly as the conversation afterward didn't matter, although it was done slowly so that the images prevailed.
"I must say, I never believed my plan would succeed at such ground breaking records that would go way off the charts." Voldemort said casually, fumbling the wand he had retrieved from Harry's grasp. "Thanks to you Dumbledore, I have succeeded."
Dumbledore frowned, not understanding. "I do not know what you are playing out Avenger. It won't fool me." He said, ignoring Voldemort. "Tom's dead, wiped off the face of the Earth. None of your little creations would or could bring back the real thing."
Before Avenger could retort, Voldemort boomed into another laugh. "You think I'm dead? You really believe I'm dead?" he asked, mockingly. "No, wait, I am dead. The man you now face is a mere spirit of its former self!" Another laugh. "You are blind Dumbledore! As blind as a bat! You and the rest of the world! Blind!" he boomed out. Then Voldemort suddenly pointed his wand at the Prince, who was still unconscious. "If anyone is dead, then that boy is! In fact, Harry James Potter has been dead for 3 years!"
Now, once again, the stir that came from the courthouse matched that that was occurring at the Potter Manor. They watched as Voldemort preceded in his explanation.
"As you all know, three years ago, I was challenged by the Potter brat. It was bloody at the very least. We both ended up being knocked senseless. In the end, for the need of survival, I possessed the Potter boy, for he was the only one present. For the next two years, there was a fierce mind struggle for dominance of a single body. The boy was weak, and in the end I overpowered his mind, body and soul completely. From then on, I resurfaced in the world as Harry Potter." A chuckle. "Did you ever think my Death Eater's would truly follow my sworn nemeses?" Then as if to answer his own question he said. "No, they don't. They were following my others. They are my faithful servants. The only reason Potter got tangled in this messed, should I say framed for my actions, is because I was working through him. Brilliant, is it not?"
Dumbledore's fist clenched, as he took another look at Harry. "and now that you don't need Harry, you're disposing him?"
"Correct. I never needed him to begin with, although he proved himself useful. After all, didn't you convince the world that Harry Potter was Evil? You help aid and promote my little scheme. You gave me enough time to recuperate and at last" he gestured at himself. "regain my own form and dispose of my former nemeses body. He is weak. Potter will not survive past a day without my presence. I now thank you for that Dumbledore. Through your cooperation, I have succeeded in conquering the world."
With that, Bryant paused the memory with a wave of his wand. His eyes swept the entire courthouse, giving it a deadly stare, as though daring anyone to rebuttal it.
"The man's own words. Thousands were present that night. Ask any, on either side, and they would have given the same answer."
Bryant had received the dire result, better then he had hoped. He knew perfectly well that the court as well as the rest of the world were now within his clasped. He might still need to make a few more points, but it was clear from the horrified looks on people's faces, that he had their votes securely locked around his finger. Of course there were those stubborn ones that even when facing a lost, still held onto it. He was now going to change that.
"Rigged memories?" he asked. "I don't think so." He said causally. "As I recalled, you, your honor, picked the person to be interrogated. In the end it didn't matter, for anyone who was present, I can conjure up the same memories, so can you, any of you.
Voldemort himself stated clearly that he had used my client, and he's dammed proud of it too. Right now in hell, he should still be gleefully dancing with joy at his success."
There was no response.
"and for those who still do not believe, I have more to show." He raised his wand and fast forwarded the memory. "That night, the possession of Albus Dumbledore proved just how venerable the strongest, most powerful person can be."
In an instant, before the court, the people there witnessed once more the battle between possessed Albus Dumbledore and Avenger.
"If my client is to be charged with such actions and offenses that he had no control over, I see not why that cannot be done the same to Albus Dumbledore. If being possessed and influenced by the darkest, foulest creature is a crime, then I hereby charge Albus Dumbledore with the same offences, in addition to the fact that he did not fight it off."
"The man will resist."
"Oh no." Voldemort drawled. "The boy." He gestured at Harry. "was much more of a challenge. At least he resisted for two years. Dumbledore gave up after two minutes." He sneered, clearing enjoying the startled looks upon the other's faces.
Again, the man paused the memory. "My client fought, and resisted, something that Dumbledore did not do. If you want to charge and sentence Harry, I'll make sure he gets sentenced for it as well."
An awful, unbearable restlessness passed. With a wave of his wand, Bryant dismissed the memories as well as the auror. A quick glance at everyone, he noticed the pale, white that descended on them.
"Need I go on?" he sneered, talking to what seemed like a brick wall. He shook his head, doing so anyways, taking full charge of the court.
"I'll like to call forth Avenger, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Lucius Malfoy."
This caught Harry's full attention, even more then Voldemort's little speech, in which he reminded himself that he'll have to thank the man that is, if they ever met again. The Prince was surprised at the slightest that those two Death Eaters were willingly to risk everything for him. What caught all his attention was Avenger. It was odd. Remus was still standing near the center of the court, and if that man was Avenger as well, how could there be two at the same place at the same time.
The court seemed to snap back into reality as a whole. Heads whipped around, unable to believe or locate the infamous three who served under the Prince. Wands were drawn as people prepared for the worst. Thoughts such as 'so this is what Bryant meant by 'unhappy' people and that they didn't want an 'uprising from within the Ministry.'
At first, there was no strange movement. Then slowly three figures rose in unison. The positions that they had been located within the courthouse shocked everyone. Two were standing next to Amelia Bones and the third was directly across from her. All had their hoods on drawn tightly around them, wearing identical robes. Immediately, wands were drawn.
"The court has already allow my client a full trail. It has let me call forth my own witness in defense for Mr. Potter, without any objections. Their safety for the duration of the trail must hold, no matter who I call forth. The evidence used is of my choice." Bryant repeated, word for word.
Bones frowned, but did nothing, as she had spoken her word and now was tied to it.
Slowly, the three made their way to the front of the court. Like everyone else, Harry was watching them keenly, or one person keenly. Unlike everyone else, he could distinguish all his Death Eaters, and knew immediately that the one across from Bones was Avenger. What puzzled him was the simple fact of how the same person could be at two different places at once, while being at the same place. From what he could make out, both Avenger and Remus were who they claimed to be. There was no potion use, nor any other altering device. Glancing back and forth between Remus and Avenger, he tried to distinguish the real man, and as hard as he tried, he found himself unable to do so.
"Avenger, Bellatrix Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy" Bryant greeted, slightly inclining his head towards them, while speaking in a much more respective tone then before.
"Minister, members of the court, fellow citizens" Malfoy began with a polite, almost perfect recital of his long thought out speech. "We are gathered here, on the 21st of August, to bear witness to the trail of Mr. Harry James Potter."
"On behalf of our Dark Lord, Voldemort, we are here to merely confirm that indeed our lord has been living within and using Mr. Potter against his will for the past three years." Bellatrix continued, lacking her childish voice and falling into a serious one.
"you may wonder why," Avenger began. "No, it is not because my Lord pity's the brat" he pointed at Harry. "In fact the brat has been an eyesore for 18 bloody years." He continued. "We are not here to defend the boy. For all we care, we would be grateful if you, the Light, got rid of him for us."
"However, unlike contrary belief, the Dark Lord too has honor." Lucius slipped in again. "He will take responsibility for his own actions."
"No, he is not a coward" Bella followed afterwards. "He will not hide behind his nemesis. He is a man of strength, he will stand up for his beliefs and he will swallow the consequences. In no way will he let another take what belongs to him, away form him. "especially not Potter. With head high, feet firm on the ground, he will face the world once again as THE Dark Lord."
There was a long silence, before laugher broke out from Avenger. "Funny thing isn't it?" he asked smoothly. "That the world would turn against their savoir, the first minute it's got, with only half of the cards face up. What's more is that his greatest enemies are his truest friends, the ones who are now here to stand up for him"
There was an uneasy stir. Silently, they watched as Avenger stepped towards Harry. Then at a distance he kneeled before him.
"Mr. Harry Potter, I, Avenger, now hereby humbly ask that you join our ranks." Harry watched, confused. "In the name of the former Dark Lord, Voldemort, as his followers, we humbly ask you to succeed in his place. I now formally before the entire world, ask that you, Harry James Potter, to abandon those who have clearly abandoned you and have betrayed you for something you have no control over. They have given you nothing, never have they supported you once before. You are nothing to them. With you as our new leader, together we can fulfill Lord Voldemort's dreams, in which I believe you now understand our true views."
Harry squinted his eyes, feeling everyone stare at him. He wondered the purpose behind it.
Was it to cause regret? Is this suppose to make the world feel bad, because if I said 'yes' now, it would mean that it was the entire world's fault, and not his.
"No, Mr. Potter." McGonagall suddenly rose to her feet. She had a very angry face. Her wand was outstretched and pointed at the Death Eaters. "Get Out!" she yelled to them. "Get out!" she waived her wand. "otherwise I will force you all to."
Avenger slowly rose to his feet to face the woman. "Mr. Potter will not be manipulated no longer, by you lot." She sneered, held it there before moving to Harry.
"You're not as alone as you thought Mr. Potter." She said. "I cannot deny what you have done, but it must stop there." Then in a gentler voice, she said. "I'm sorry if you never had any true support from any of us. I regret it now, not because you are a threat, but for mistreating you as what you called an 'alien.' Nobody deserves it, especially you.
Everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect. The world has done you wrong, and you have already avenged it. There needs no more be violence and corruptness. We must move forward, and once again place this wretched past behind us."
Harry closed his eye, listening.
"Please Harry. You won't want to do this. You will regret it your entire life. In the end, it's our choices that determine who we are. We make our own paths, we choose to be who we are." She pleaded. "Unlike what you may think, and what you believe, we have been supporting you though out this time.
From the beginning, Albus has thought of nothing but the best for you. You may not agree it, but it kept you alive, and safe. Battle after battle he has fought in hopes that you survive. Lesson after lesson, he's taught you about life and given you the basics that help you struggle away from darkness. He was always there; his doors were always open to you. You knew that, but still cut him off. No Harry, he didn't shut that link, you did. You closed him off, in hopes to protect him from the world, your world, the darker world that you couldn't rid of.
Your friends too have been with you from the beginning. Since the day you met the Weasley's, they've taken you in as their own. As Bill said, you were like another brother to them. Who was there first year when you faced Qurillel and the Sorcerer's stone? Your friends. Who were there to fight off those who thought you were Slyterin's heir because of being a paraslmouth? Your friends. Who was there in the Chamber of Secrets with you? Your friends. Who tried to prevent you from going out to find Sirius Black and protect you from a insane murderer? Your friends. Who supported you through the Tri Wizard Tournament? Your Friends. So don't tell me Mr. Potter that your friends weren't' there to support you, because they were.
And how about your guardian? If for no one else, just for the sake or Remus." She pointed at him. "He's done more for you, stood up for you more then anyone else combined. Tell me Harry, can you face Remus if you ever turned against him? How about Sirius? Can you ever do that?"
There was no reply, as Harry's eyes were shut tightly.
"You told me before the trail Harry,
'There is no point in denying the world its pleasure. In the end, I too have my own honor and pride. I will live up to my name. I will take my own responsibilities. It's the least I can do. For all those who have died in vain, for all those who have suffered in vain, for all those who now struggle to live in vain, this is the least I can do for them. It is the only way I will be at peace with myself and the world'"
"Even better then I thought." Avenger commented, clapping softly. "Indeed, Harry will make a great leader then. However, I too see my purpose wasted. It has already been served. Come, we will leave them now." With that the group walked causally out of the courthouse.
Taking this chance, Bryant spoke once more. "May you repeat the last part again?"
""There is no point in denying the world its pleasure. In the end, I too have my own honor and pride. I will live up to my name. I will take my own responsibilities. It's the least I can do. For all those who have died in vain, for all those who have suffered in vain, for all those who now struggle to live in vain, this is the least I can do for them. It is the only way I will be at peace with myself and the world', those were his exact words" McGonagall confirmed.
"Very well then, we will leave it at that." Bryant said, turning to Bones again. "There is significant prove that my client was under the influence of Lord Voldemort. In the end he too is a victim. He too is a confused, lost boy, waiting to be saved." He said for his closing statement. "I rest my case. It is time for the world to decide his fate."
There was a stirring amongst the group. Slowly, Bones stood up to address the group of people. When all attention was focused on her, she began to speak.
"In the light of new evidence that has been brought forth within this court, I hereby would wish a vote from the full courthouse. I will now put forth three sentences, and those in favor will raise their hands for it afterwards." Bones swept her eyes through the court.
"For all the crimes charged against Mr. Potter in this court, I hereby denounce him guilty of all charges. As the prince he is the mastermind and the undertaker of these counts of conduct. All in favor of the death sentence…"
Bryant looked around. There were raised hands everywhere. He held his breath, unbelieving that after all his efforts, there were still so many Potter haters out there. It was then after looking closer that he realized that these were the victims, direct victims of the Prince or direct members of families that were victims. He realized now that there were many, and no matter how brilliant his work was, these people will forever hold his client responsible.
"With recent evidence showing the possession of Mr. Potter by the Dark Lord Voldemort I hereby condemn him guilty of 'not fighting hard enough' and taking out 'direct orders from the Dark Lord' and innocent for having 'little to no control' over his actions as well as falling victim to the Dark Lord as well. Therefore, those like me, in favor of a lifetime imprisonment of the defendant, please raise your right hands now."
The first hand up was Remus, followed by Bones herself. People were looking at one another. Hesitantly, a few hands rose, and then more and more. Bryant watched intently, holding his breath as he anticipated for the worst. All around the courthouse there were scattered clumps of raised hands, some ½ raised, some ¼ raised, but raised nevertheless. He wondered, by the looks up it, if his client had a fighting chance to remain alive.
"Now those, who believe Mr. Potter is entirely innocent and should not be held responsible for anything that has occurred the last three years," there was bitterness laced in her voice. "and should be let to walk freely away from this court of justice, raise your hands now."
Surprisingly there were still those who hands shot up. Both Bryant and Harry had anticipated this, and knew that those who now raised their hands were the ¼ Death Eaters who had mingled in with the group. Still, even so, the ¼ of the raised hands was not enough.
"Now may I have the final results read out?" Bones asked.
"Fully innocent" Flickwick said, "250 votes"
"For the Death Sentence" Flickwick announced. "368 votes"
"For the life time imprisonment in Azkaban," he continued. There was a long pause. "382 votes" he squeaked as surprised as everyone else.
Bones eyes squinted. Bryant wore a smile on his face. Harry, looked normal, unaffected, even if it was clear that he beat death by 14 votes.
"Thank you, thank you." Bryant said, bowing low to the courthouse. "My client deserves nothing more."
"Under the name of justice, in the court of law, I, Amelia Bones condemn the defendant to a lifetime interment in Azkaban." She hit the gravel. "Court dismissed."
Nearly 2 dozen aurors, security guards, Ministry officials, and dementors escorted Harry Potter to the wizardry fortress Azkaban, which resided on an island, off the shore of nowhere.
The prison was a complete maze. The deeper they entered, the darker, damper and confusing it became. The path forked this way and that, and as hard as the Prince tried to remember a decent escape route, he too lost track of the right and left turns. Sometimes, he felt as though they were going in circles, something that he had thought the others did on purpose to confuse him.
"They will come for me." Harry whispered absent mindedly. "Avenger made a promise. He will come for me."
"What's that?" a nearby person asked.
"They will come for me. They wish to seek revenge for the lost of their Lord. They will come for me."
"He'll have to do that over my dead body." A voice said from the shadows. "Never again will I let anyone take you away from me."
"Remus" Harry whispered, as the man came to view. His voice clogged in his throat, and nothing more was able to come out.
"I'll take him from here." Lupin said to the head of the group.
"No, direct orders from the court" the man said. "I must personally see to it."
"Please. I fear this may be the last time I see my charge, before insaneness ensures. I must get it out from him why exactly he done what he did. Why did he not turn to me, his guardian when he knew I was there? Where in the world did the forked path began. Where in the world did I mess up?"
There was an awful silence.
"Oh, very well. However you cannot escort him alone, Mr. Lupin. Like I said, I as well as a few others must be present…"
"Very, very well then. Bring the minimum." Lupin said impatiently, standing behind his charge, leading him away from the others.
The others took a look at the two retreating men. With a wave of his hand, the leader instructed a few to follow, and the rest to go back. By the time the smaller group had caught up with them, Lupin was opening the lock to a cell.
"This is the highest security vault in Azkaban, Harry." Lupin was saying as the door opened. "Don't try escaping, for it will be to no avail."
Harry walked inside silently.
"Perhaps staying at the heaviest guarded cell by humans, dementors and wards will knock some sense too you." Lupin continued stepping in behind him. He glared at the group that followed and threatened to come forth, before entering completely. "At least it'll give you enough solitude time so that you can reflect on your actions."
Harry still said nothing as he stared at Lupin with an unreadable expression. The man was walking around in circles as the scooping the place out. To the young man, his guardian was acting very odd, and had been doing so since his reappearance after the trail. He wondered what had happened afterwards.
"What happened afterwards" Harry asked at last, being indirect but direct as possible.
Remus stared at him. He didn't respond, but was giving him a hard look. Finally he said. "I don't know. I was hoping you could explain to me exactly what had been going on now." Then slowly, he flipped up his sleeve. At first Harry didn't see anything. Then as Remus came closer, it came into view.
Harry's eyes glittered in hatred as he realized a tracking/monitoring device had been put on the man from Dumbledore.
"and they'll think I didn't realize it." Lupin whispered, barely audible. "After all that's been going on, I've been a lot more keener then a normal werewolf."
"as I was saying, this place here should knock some sense into you. It's the best Azkaban can offer." Lupin walked to a far corner of the cell. He seemed to kick it slightly. Curious at what the man was doing, Harry came up to the man. At first he didn't realize anything.
"They thought keeping you here in this particular cell would bring back some memories that might help set you on the right path again." He turned to Harry. "I hope it would as well." He kicked the corner harder. "For my sake, as well as his, stay sane." Then bending closer he whispered in the boy's ear. "I'll get you out. Wait for me. Stay sane."
Then Remus turned to leave. "I must be going now. I'll see if I can visit you soon."
Harry watched his back, walking further and further away from him. When the man was at his cell door, he suddenly asked.
"I'm sorry." Then louder. "I'm sorry for what I've done. What I did. I'm sorry Remus. I know you hate me. You have every right to do so. I'm sorry. I can't say that more enough." The prince said, more for the benefit of the monitoring device then actually meaning those words.
Remus stopped and turned to face Harry who was strolling up to him. "I know you didn't mean it."
There was an awkward silence.
"How about 'wolfsbane'? I, he took that away from you. Are you sure you're ready to face use of it after withdrawal?" Harry chose his words carefully, twisting it, hoping the other man would understand the true meaning.
"I will speak with Severus." He then leaned closer and from Harry's robes, took out three bottles of the addictive potion that the Prince had been using on him. "This should be enough for now. If not…" he trailed off. "then lets hope the world can remain a safe place." He thought a bit. "You've seen my other side, the 'wolf'. He can be very nasty if his necessities are denied."
"Indeed, lets hope Professor Snape can help." Harry commented, understanding.
"I must leave now." Remus repeated. This time Harry watched him leave and the cell door shut without making any further comments.
Five minutes passed, then ten, and fifteen. He hadn't been here long, but he was already inpatient. Thoughts of escape rushed into his mind. He paced around back and forth. After a while he sat down next to the corner that Remus had been kicking.
Why exactly was Lupin kicking that? Is there something there? Was he trying to draw my attention there?
Thinking that it was, he turned to face the wall. The kicking had done its job. He could somewhat see faint scratch marks on it. Using his hands and legs, he cleared it. When it was done, he couldn't help but stare at it.
There were numerous markings, slashes on the wall. Looking at it, he could tell it was a form of counting. However this wasn't what caught his attention. It was what was scratched above it.
Sirius Black: I am Innocent
At last! The trail is completed! Your thoughts and comments greatly appreciated. A few things to note: Harry did not speak once during the entire trail, and who/how was it possible that both Remus and Avenger could appear at the same place at the same time? Please Review!