**How could J. K. Rowling do that?! I don't care what she said, that person
will and always will be very much alive in my fan fic and isn't going
anywhere anytime soon, so there! Ok anyway back to business. To answer a
question someone had about me switching the placement of my story from
Harry and Sirius to Harry and Ginny. Please do not worry Sirius still has a
huge role to play in this story! The only reason I switched was so I could
introduce my story to new readers! So no worries! Secondly Enjoy!**
Chapter 17: Why is it Always Me?
"Sirius will you please calm down!" Remus said, desperately trying to keep a hold of his enraged friend.
"CALM DOWN!" Sirius shouted attempting unsuccessfully to get out of Remus's persistent tight hold. "How can you tell me to calm down when my Godson is gone and that man over there told me everything was going to be fine! HE LIED TO US! Does Harry look FINE to you! Oh wait you don't know BECAUSE HE'S NOT HERE TO TELL US!"
Remus for his part was having a two away battle with himself. Part of him just wanted to let Sirius go and give Dumbledore what he deserve, with the other part of him was calmly trying to convince him that this wasn't Dumbledore's fault.
"Sirius please." Remus pleaded. "Be reasonable! Dumbledore didn't know this would happen."
"Oh and that's suppose to make me feel better!" Sirius yelled yanking one of his arms loose and whacking Remus in the eyes with his elbow, though much to Remus credit he didn't relent his hold on his friend.
"Sirius is right Remus." Dumbledore's soft voice said interrupting their argument, causing both Professors to look up at their old Headmaster in surprise. "I never should have ask Harry to do this. It wasn't my place."
Looking at Dumbledore's tired defeated face Sirius felt his angry towards his old Professor fade. Sirius knew Albus loved Harry like a grandson and should have known better then to let his anger get the better of him.
Silence over power them as their tear-filled eyes come to rested on what now remained of the chair Harry had occupied minutes before.
"He can't be dead." Sirius said desperately, his voice creaking and his knees buckling underneath him causing both him and Remus to stumble to the ground. "He just can't be."
* * * *
Harry knew he was quickly regaining consciousness, but whether or not he really wanted to was questionable. He hurt, bad. When the Founder's had said it would cause unbearable pain to transfer the powers of the sphere into his body they hadn't been kidding. The moment the power had started to flow into him his body felt like it was on fire and ice. Harry wasn't sure how long he lasted until he had been swept into unconsciousness.
Harry slowly opened his eyes now that he was fully conscious and blinked, trying desperately to adjust his eyes and clear his vision of dance white dots. Once he had accomplish the task he immediately wished he hadn't as he recognized the familiar white ceiling of the hospital wing. 'Why me? Why is it always me?'
Harry turned his head slightly, briefly wondering way is legs felt so heavy. Looking down Harry couldn't help but smile.
Sirius was sitting in a chair next to the bed sound asleep, his head and one of his arms was resting on Harry's legs, while his other hand was gripping Harry's hand tightly.
Harry smiled again and decided not to wake him. Because knowing Sirius he had probably not left his bedside the entire time in had been in there. Which was how his thoughts were turn to wondering just how long he had been in there. Judging by the sunlight that was dimly peeking through the curtains Harry guessed that it was yearly morning, though what day of the week it was he had no clue.
Harry was brought out of his musing when he heard someone enter the hospital wing and quietly close the doors behind them. Praying it wasn't Madam Pomphry Harry turned his head the other way only to have his green eyes met surprised purple one's.
"Hey Kairi." Harry said smiling at his mentor's sister. "What's up?"
Kairi just stared at Harry for a moment longer before quickly covering the distance between them and wrapping him in a tight hug before drawing him back and propping him up by the shoulders before beginning to yell at him.
"What's up!" Kairi shouted Harry's question back at him. "I'll tell you what's up Mr. Potter! First you disappear to Merlin knows where only to reappear unconscious THREE hours later. Then to top it all off you have been lying in this hospital wing running a fever of 104 for the passed four days. Showing no signs what so ever that you were going to recover in time soon! You've given me and every other adult in this castle anxiety that we really didn't need! And you have the nerve to ask what's up!"
Harry suddenly felt another pair of hands grab his shoulders before he was jerked around and forced to look into his Godfather's angry blue eyes. "Not to mention that I almost killed Albus after you disappeared while given poor Remus a black eye. What were you thinking when you told Albus you'd try this little experiment of his?"
"Were you even thinking at all!" Kairi ask, picking up Sirius's ranting. "Demin's been worried sick about you, not to mention Delia, who's cried herself to sleep every night since you've been in here thinking you were going to die!"
"Then there's your friends." Sirius went on after Kairi ran out of breath. "Ginny, Hermoine, and Ron seem to have disappeared to Merlin knows where! The only reason we haven't done anything about it is because they've shown up to all their class and Dobby has assured that they have been eating, though he refuses to tell us where they are!"
"If you ever disappear on us again or decide you want to spend days in the hospital wing fighting for your life so help me I'll kill you myself." Kairi finished given Harry a look that told him she wasn't kidding.
"That goes double for me." Sirius said glaring at his Godson sternly.
"Are you two done yet?" Harry asked trying to repress his grin.
"Yes." Both of them replied before abruptly pulling him into a breath- depriving hug.
"Merlin Harry you scared us." Sirius breathed while hugging his Godson tighter.
"Sorry." Harry said sheepishly. "It's not like I meant to."
"I know you didn't." Sirius said releasing his Godson and taking a seat on the bed. "But you need to stop doing this to me."
"I'll try." Harry said with a sigh. "Though I can't make any promises."
"That's all I ask." Sirius said with a smile before dropping the subject. "How about I go find Madam Pomphry and see if I can't get you out of here."
"How about we forget about Madam Pomphry and just get out of here now?" Harry said hopefully. "I feel completely normal."
Sirius gave Harry a look that said 'yeah-right' before adding, "If you're feeling normal then I KNOW there's something wrong with you because you're anything but normal."
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Harry asked indignantly.
"It means that you are going to stay in that bed and listen to an adult for once in your life." Sirius said standing up and glaring at Harry.
"Well until Remus, Demin or Dumbledore comes in here and tells me to stay in bed, then I see no adult in here telling me I need to." Harry reported back, not able to repress his grin this time.
Kairi who had been listen amusedly to the whole conversation started to laugh causing Sirius to turn his death glare on her.
"And may I ask what you find so funny?" Sirius inquired.
"You and Harry!" Kairi said grinning. "You both are so much alike it's scary! Especially since I can't tell which one of you is suppose to be the adult.
"Isn't that like calling the kettle black?" Harry asked Kairi.
"Yes, but at least I can admit it." Kairi said laughing.
Sirius was about to tell Kairi exactly what he thought about that statement when a very furious voice interrupted him.
"Sirius Black what do you think you are doing?" Madam Pomphry shrieked pushing Sirius roughly aside. "You were suppose to inform me the second he woke up! Can I trust no one to follow such simple instructions?"
"I was just on my way to notify you." Sirius said defensively, while Harry sent his Godfather a smirk over Madam Pomphry shoulders.
Madam Pomphry started muttering under her breath about immature parents and adults that should know better, while giving Harry a thorough examination. Finally after what seem like forever Madam Pomphry shoved some potion down his throat and announced him fit.
"His fever is completely gone and he seems to be fine. However," Madam Pomphry said eyeing Harry critically. "I would like him to remain in the hospital wing for the rest of the weekend just incase he has a relapse."
"What?!" Harry cried horrified.
Sirius was very tempted in doing just that, payback for getting him in trouble with the mid-evil witch just seconds ago. Though in the end he just couldn't bring himself to exact such a punishment on anyone much less his godson.
"As much as your care for your patients is anything but superior Madam Pomphry, I am afraid that your beds are not." Sirius said a look of mischief passing through his eyes. "I therefore think that Harry would be more comfortable and on a faster road to recovery if he was to stay with Professor Lupin and I in our quarters, where he will be under our watchful eyes for the remainder of the weekend."
Madam Pomphry opened her mouth, to argue no doubt, but was halted by another voice.
"An excellent idea Sirius." Dumbledore's calm voice said as he strolled into the hospital wing smiling. "An admirable solution don't you think Poppy? You can go about your busy work schedule without the interruptions of students trampling in and out of here intent on visiting our awaken Mr. Potter."
Madam Pomphry still didn't look like she wanted to let Harry out of her sight, but in the end she decide not to question the Headmaster. So with last minute instructions to notify her if Harry went into a relapse so took her leave.
"Well Harry." Dumbledore said turning to Harry. "I do believe I owe you an apology for my error in judgement."
Harry was taken aback for a moment before smiling and shaking his head. "You don't owe me a thing. You didn't know anything like that was going to happen and besides I don't think you could have stop it if you had."
"So it would seem." Dumbledore said some of his old twinkle returning to his eyes.
"So I'm guessing you found the note that was left on me?" Harry said.
"Indeed I did." Dumbledore said a pensive look crossing his face. "That would be the other reason I am down here. I have several questions to ask you and I dare say so dose Sirius."
"You've got that right." Sirius growled.
Harry knowing this had to come eventually sighed. "What would you like to know?"
"As of right now, nothing." Dumbledore said smiling at Harry's perplexed look. "I would like you to go get dressed and then go inform your missing friends that you are alive and well." Dumbledore said before turning to Sirius and Kairi. "I would like the two of you to go assure Remus and Demin that young Harry is indeed fine and awake and then bring them up to my office an half an hours time. That includes you, Harry and your friends." Dumbledore said to the reemerged Harry. "The password's Candy Cream Twist."
"Candy cream twist?" Sirius asked confused, after Dumbledore had left.
Harry laughed. "You should ask your girlfriend about that one. Though how Dumbledore knows about them I don't want to know."
Sirius turned a raise eyebrow at Kairi who chuckled and said. "Remind me to offer Remus one later. I would demonstrate on Demin, but he's a lot more cautious around me. Has been ever since he was ten."
Harry snorted. "For good reason to. Though I don't think it would be polite to give it to Remus either. He's done absolutely nothing to you."
"Then how do you suggest I demonstrate my prize creation?" Kairi ask. "On you?"
"In your dreams." Harry said before smirking evilly. "Though I do have an idea of who to demonstrate it on."
"The Slytherins." Sirius said picking up on Harry's train of thought as an identical smirk spread across his face.
"Most defiantly." Harry and Kairi said at the same time making them all laugh.
"You two can arrange the details, while I think I'll go follow Dumbledore's instructions." Harry said heading to the door only to stop and turn around just before exiting. "By the way thanks for the lecture. I've never really had anyone who cared enough about me to yell at me for worrying them. Well apart from Demin who was constantly yelling at me when I did stupid things. You two are going to make wonderful parents someday because you already are to me."
With that said Harry turned and exited the hospital wing leaving behind two stunned adults.
Harry knowing exactly where his friends were hiding quickly slipped into a hidden passageway quickly making his way up to the hidden room wondering if he was even going to be able to get in.
Five minutes later answered that question as very agitated Harry stood in front of the Predator's hideout trying unsuccessfully to gain access into it. After moving the bricks and shouting passwords didn't help he had resorted to spells which only proved to be completely futile.
"Would you just let me in!" Harry shouted at the immobile brick wall.
Harry wasn't sure if it was his anger that caused it but he suddenly felt a hot searing pain shoot down his arms and generate into his hands before he felt it release creating a blinding flask of light causing him to cover his eyes with his arms. Seconds later Harry removed his arm only to see a four- foot burnt black streak going up the wall, almost as if it had been struck by . . .
'Lightening!' Harry thought panicky. 'But how? I didn't call it forth and plus I'm inside for Merlin sakes!'
Harry looked at his now pain free hands and then at the burnt black wall trying to comprehend what had just happen. Though before he could contemplate on it for too long, the bricks started to shift around revealing the door and emitting a very astonish Ron seconds later.
"Hey Ron." Harry said cheerfully to the now paralyzed Ron, before side stepping around him and into the room.
"Harry!" Two girls voices squealed giving Harry a brief warning before he found himself on the floor trying to hugged a crying Hermoine and a very relieved looking Ginny.
"It's nice to know I was missed." Harry said jokingly which only yearned him a hard smack on each of his arms and one on the back of his head, all courteous of a not very amuse Ginny, Ron and Hermoine.
"Was that really necessary?" Harry asked as he climbed to his feet after being released by the two girls.
"Yes!" All three of them shouted at him before he was again attacked by Ginny who proceeded to hug him in a death grip.
"Don't you ever scary me like that again." Ginny whispered fiercely in his ear before releasing her grip.
"I can't make any guarantees." Harry said smiling. "My life seems to be one mystery after another. It doesn't seem like I have much control over it."
"No worries mate." Ron said grinning. "You didn't have us all that worried."
At Harry's questioning look Ron elaborated. "The life bracelets. Your stone never flickered or dimmed in the slightest since we all saw you last. We knew you were going to pull through even if the adults were walking on egg shells."
"Did you happen to inform Sirius or one of the other adults about what the bracelets?" Harry asked suddenly.
"Er . . . no." Ron said hesitantly. "We didn't know if you wanted them to know about the bracelets."
"Well considering that Demin help me make them and I told Remus and Sirius about them when I was in the Elf Realm so I could add their stones to mine I'd have to say it would have been safe to tell them." Harry said.
"Sorry Harry I guess we weren't really thinking clearly." Hermoine said.
"What?" Hermoine added when all three of her friends gave her an incredible look.
"You do just realize that you just admitted to not thinking things through? You, who is top of our year!" Harry said in mock horror. "Hermoine Granger has stop thinking. Oh I think the world is coming to an end!"
"Oh shut up." Hermoine said moodily while the others laughed.
Taking this opportunity to look around Harry did so and felt his jaw drop in awe.
The room its self seemed slightly bigger then the last time Harry had saw it, been roughly half the size of a normal classroom. The color scheme the girls had chosen consisted of red, gold, black, and white blending perfectly together.
The floor was covered in a rich gold carpet trimmed around the edges by sparkling black granite. The walls were painted white with a beautiful illustration painted in the middle of each of them.
On the right sidewall his Phoenix Silver was captured on it, in flight towards the sun leaving behind a glisten silver trail in his wake. While the left sidewall had his Cubcat Elle on it, playfully jumping from one foot stone to another trying to cross the stream without getting wet.
On the front wall a fireplace had been placed in the center where three golden armchairs and two red couches surrounded it. Harry's favorite part of the whole room however, was the golden 3-D letters poised above the fireplace that spelled out:
P R E D A T O R ' S H E A D Q U A R T E R S
"This is . . . wow!" Harry breathed for lack of better words. "You girls have really out done yourself. This room is . . . wow!"
Hermoine and Ginny beamed brightly.
"We can't take all the credit though." Hermoine said. "Ron did helped out a little."
"Yeah by supervising most of the time." Ginny muttered under her breath only loud enough for Harry to hear.
"Do I even want to know how you manage to get a fireplace in here?" Harry asked.
"Hermoine." Ron and Ginny said together.
"Again I can't take all the credit." Hermoine said smiling. "I found the spell in the library, but I ask Dobby for help when it came to actually casting the spell. He was more then happy to help out when I told him it was for you."
"Remind me to thank him later." Harry said. "But right now we are needed in Professor Dumbledore's office."
"Why? We aren't in trouble for anything? Are we?" Hermoine ask anxiously.
"Only you." Harry deadpan to Hermoine. "Seeing how you're a Gyffindor Prefect and you're were suppose to be setting an example for your fellow students and instead you purposely led two fellow Gryffindor's into disappearing with you for an entire week, McGonagall is call you in and questioning your badge."
"What?!" Hermoine squeaked. "We . . . we attended every class and did everything else we were suppose to do! They . . . I . . ."
"Hermoine relax! I was only joking!" Harry said laughing. "Professor Dumbledore just wants to find out what happen to me after a disappeared and he wants all of you there too."
"Why?" Ron asked after he stopped snickering at Hermoine.
Harry shrugged. "No idea. Probably because he know I would tell you everything anyway so he's saving me the trouble."
"Makes sense." Hermoine said. "The only other reason I can think of is that he wants to see for himself that we are ok."
Harry laughed. "Whatever the reason we better get going."
So with that the four of them exited the new Predator's Headquarters and started their trek down the many corridors.
"So how have classes been?" Harry asked.
"Don't you mean 'how much work did the teacher give you so I have a rough idea of how much make up I'm going to have?'" Ginny asked grinning.
"No." Harry said. "Besides I'm hoping that I'll be excused from doing the makeup work seeing how I didn't want to spend five days in the hospital wing."
Ron snorted. "Good luck, especially with Snape. Knowing him he'll probably give you double makeup or just won't let you make it up at all."
"Ron I really don't need to here that right now." Harry cringed before asking again. "How have classes really been?"
"Normal as usual." Hermoine said. "Mostly this week has been a review from what we learn last year. I don't think you'll have any problem catching up."
"What!" Ron asked incredible. "You mean to tell me we've already learned everything they've covered this week?!"
"For Merlin's sake Ron!" Hermoine said exasperated. "If you would just pay attention in classes you would soon realize that the teachers are not up there for your amusement."
"I do pay attention in classes." Ron said indignantly. "Well except potions, but that doesn't count."
"Paying attention for the first twenty minutes of class does not count as paying attention." Hermoine informed Ron.
"Hermoine is your brained befuddled?" Ron asked. "Because I do pay attention for at least half of the class before tuning out."
Harry wisely deciding to stay out of this argument turned to Ginny and asked. "So how have the DADA classes been."
"Awesome!" Ginny said. "Demin taught the class for two more days and then Kairi took over. You weren't kidding when you said they were good teachers. I don't think I've learned as much in DADA in my entire four year here then I've learned in a week."
"I don't doubt that." Harry said smiling. "So what are those two teaching?"
"That the best defense is offense and the best offense is defense." Ginny recited for Harry who laughed.
"Just how many students in this entire school actually knew what that meant?" Harry asked.
Ginny grinned. "Probable a handful of Ravenclaws and Hermoine."
Harry shook his head. "What about the dueling class? Did they still have that?"
"Yes, but seeing how no one could pier Sirius away from your bed Demin was nice enough to fill in for him and help Remus out." Ginny said. "It was a little chaotic at first, but once things calm down they slit us into two groups defense and offense. Seems to me the DADA professors have been spending to much time with the dueling professors."
"How do you know it's not the other way around." Harry said laughing. "So what group did you end up in?"
"Offense." Ginny said. "Actually all the girls are in offense and all the boy or defense."
"Really." Harry said thoughtfully. "Boys on the defense, girls on the offense. Seems to me that Sirius and Remus are just a little evil."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"Think about it." Harry said. "I'm guess that Sirius is teaching offense while Remus is teaching defense." At Ginny's affirmative nod Harry continued. "Once they've trained us their going to pin us up against each other. Boys against the girls, Offense vs. defense."
Ginny slowly grinned. "I think the word evil is way to nice for what Sirius and Remus are doing."
"You're right." Harry said smirking. "It's absolutely brilliant! Oh I really hope Ron and Hermoine have to go up against each other."
"Ok NOW that's evil." Ginny said trying to hide her own amusement. "What about you and me?"
"Ah that wouldn't even be a match." Harry said. "You would have me down and begging for mercy before a single spell could be cast."
"So long as you're forewarned." Ginny said smiling.
"So true." Harry said before turning to the stone gargoyle that he now stood in front of and saying. "Candy Cream Twist."
"Don't ask." Harry added as the other gave him curious looks. Once they reached the top of the stairs Harry knock.
"Do come in Harry." Dumbledore voice said from behind the door.
Harry and the other's did as they were told and entered, Harry only having a moment to glimpse around the familiar office before someone enveloped him in a hug.
"Harry please, you have got to stop doing this." Demin said as he released him.
"Sorry Demin and I'll try." Harry said as he took an empty seat.
"Hey Remus." Harry said as he spotted the brown hair man sitting in a nearby seat. "Nice shiner."
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that and just be glad you're ok." Remus said smiling. "And I will also skip the lecture because I'm sure you've already had enough of them for one day."
"Try a life time." Harry muttered before turning to Dumbledore. "So what would you like to know Professor?"
* * * * * *
An hour later Harry, Sirius, Remus, Kairi, Demin, Ron, Hermoine, and Ginny all found themselves exiting Dumbledore's office, their minds overwhelmed with the information Harry had just giving them. It had taken Harry twenty minutes to explain where he had went after he had disappeared and another five for everyone in the office to get over their initial shock about him meeting the legendary four Founders of Hogwarts. Then yet another ten to answer all their questions about the founders they had, before he was finally able to tell them the reason he had been brought to them in the first place.
Let's just say that besides Dumbledore finding it extremely fascinating, the other's in the room were not looking happy.
Harry was therefore relieved when it was all over and was glad that he had conveniently forgotten to mention that the power could one day kill him. He knew it would just cause needless worry that no one really needed to hear. Besides there was no guarantee that he was going to die.
He also forgot to ask Dumbledore about the lightening bolt he had accidentally caused earlier. Not on purpose though, he just simple forgot.
"This is totally unbelievable." Ron voiced once the entire group was in the corridor outside Dumbledore's office.
"I am in complete agreement with you." Sirius informed Ron.
Harry choosing to ignore them turned to Demin. "Where's Delia?"
"In our room waiting impatiently for you to show up." Demin said.
"Brilliant." Harry said turning to his friends. "I'll catch up with you guys later. I'm going to go and see if I can't make peace with Delia before tracking down the teachers I need to talk to."
"All right." Hermoine said nodding.
"Just incase Delia does kill you, I'll leave you with this." Ginny said linking her arms around Harry's neck and forcing his lips to meet hers in a passionate kiss.
"Urg." Ron said disgustedly. "I don't think I'm ever going to get use to that."
"Like watching you and Hermoine snog is any better." Ginny snapped back after her and Harry had broke about for air.
Ron, for his part was turning a nice shade of red, while Hermoine's had a sudden pinkish tint to her cheeks.
"When did this happen?" Sirius inquired. "I was under the impression that you two were never going to hook up."
"Now Padfoot." Remus said. "They couldn't hide their feelings for each other forever now, could they?"
"So right you are Moony." Sirius said turning to his Godson. "So who won the bet?"
"Bill." Harry said laughing. "Though we haven't told anyone yet, guess you should go do that. I'm sure Mrs. Weasley would love to know."
"Hello!" Ron cried irritable. "Me and Hermoine are still here."
"And so you are Mr. Weasley." Sirius said. "Though I don't seem to comprehend your point on that matter."
"I believe he's point Mr. Black it that you should stopping talking about them as if they weren't here." Kairi put in.
"Mr. Black?" Harry said snickering. "What do you do to be called that?"
"Absolutely nothing." Sirius said.
"Yet." Remus muttered under his breath.
"I'm sure." Harry said turning back to his friends. "I'll meet you guys at dinner."
"All right." Ginny said. "Ron and I have homework to finish anyway."
"Oh yes that's right." Ron added evilly. "Do have fun talking to all the Professor's for your makeup work Harry and do make sure to say hi to Snape for me."
"Goodbye Ron." Harry said shaking his head and following the four laughing adults down the hall.
* * * * *
Immediately upon arriving in Demin and Kairi's quarters Harry found himself being tackled for the third time that day by a very relieved looking Delia who instantly started asking questions.
"Are you ok? What happen to you? Daddy told me that Aunt Kairi got a little to enthusiastic in one of your training secessions and knocked you out. Is that true? Because if it is I'm going to have a long chat with Aunt Kairi because she should have known better." Delia said.
Harry for his part was trying really hard not to laughter, as was Remus and Sirius, while Demin was trying desperately to stay out of Kairi's reach.
"Delia do you really think that Kairi could take me in a fight? Much less knock me out?" Harry asked after he was sure he could without laughing.
"I didn't think Daddy was telling the truth." Delia said earnestly. "So what really happened?"
"Oh your Daddy was being somewhat truthful." Harry said evilly. "But it wasn't Kairi who knock me out it was you dad."
"WHAT!" Delia said eyes widening in shock.
"That is not true!" Demin said as his daughter leaped of Harry and immediately rounded on him and started shouting.
"Daddy how could you! You're twice his size and more then half is age!" Delia ranted at her father. "You could have seriously hurt him!"
Harry bit his lip hard to keep from laughing at the look on Demin's face.
"That was immensely cruel." Sirius said bending down to whispered into Harry's ear as they both continued to watch Delia yell at her father.
"Yeah I know." Harry whispered back. "But he's the one that started the lying so he's the one who should finish it."
"Did you do team up on him like this a lot when you were staying with him in the Elf Realm?" Remus asked.
"All the time." Harry said grinning.
"I am starting to fell extremely sorry for Demin about now." Sirius said watching the elf unsuccessfully try to calm his daughter down.
"Don't be." Kairi's smiling voice entered the conversation. "Demin would never admit it, but he loved having Delia and Harry team up on him, like siblings. I've never seen him happier." Kairi said before her voice suddenly become distant. "It was rough on him when Diane past away. To raise their child while still blaming himself for no saving the one he loved."
"One would never guess he did." Remus said looking at Kairi surprised.
"That's because he doesn't anymore." Kairi said turning her piercing purple eyes to look at Harry. "He hasn't ever since Harry came into his life."
Both Sirius and Remus turned to look at Harry who smiled softly.
"Don't think it didn't work both ways." Harry said his eyes glistening and his voice becoming softer. "For two years I lived with the conviction that I had been the reason Cedric had died, that his blood stained my hands. I become a master at hiding it deep with in me so people would stop telling me it wasn't my fault, when deep inside I knew it was."
"Harry why didn't you tell someone." Sirius asked quietly. "It's Voldemort's fault that Cedric died, not yours."
"I know that now." Harry said smiling slightly at his Godfather. "But I didn't then. And no matter how many times people told me it wasn't, I just couldn't stop blaming myself. Then one day Demin and I were talking when I unconsciously brought up the subject. Demin, like so many others, firmly told me that I was not responsible for something that was completely beyond my control. Well me being, well, me, didn't exactly like being told by a mere stranger that I should stop walloping in my self-pity and did the only thing I could think at the time. I throw his own preaching straight back in his face, telling him that it was no different then him blaming himself for his wives death." Harry stopped and laughed lightly at the now three horrified faces. "Yeah I know, not the smartest thing to do, but oddly enough it was exactly what he both needed to hear. Of course the accusation completely through him off guard but after a while we talked and in the end we both started to understand that sometimes things are just meant to be."
A comfortable silence followed Harry's last words. Everyone trapped in their own thoughts. It wasn't until Delia's exasperated voice spoke right in front of Harry did they all pull out of their thoughts.
"Harry daddy said that it was an accident that put you in the hospital wing and not him or Aunt Kairi. Is that true or is Daddy lying again?"
Harry smiled. "For once your dad is telling the truth."
Delia looked at Harry for a moment judging to see if he was telling the truth before suddenly punched him in the arm.
"Ow! What was that for?" Harry asked in mock indignant.
"For worrying me when you were sick and for lying to me." Delia said placing her hands on her hips. "But mostly for worrying me."
"How about I make it up to you?" Harry said.
"Ok." Delia said brightly before she frowned slightly. "How?"
"By teaching you how to fly." Harry said.
"Really!" Delia said eyes widening in disbelief. "You really real? Can I use your broom? Will you teach me to play quidditch? Can you teach me right now?"
Harry started laughing at Delia who was bouncing around the room excitingly shouting that she was going to learn how to fly.
"Don't worry Demin." Harry said to Delia's anxious father. "She'll be fine. Besides this is your punishment for lying to her in the first place."
"Please Daddy! Please!" Delia begged her father tugging on his robe. "I'll be really really careful and Harry won't let anything happen to me. Please."
Demin for the life of him just couldn't say no. So with a sigh he relented. "All right you may learn to fly. . ."
"Yes!" Delia said punching the air. "I'm going to learn to fly!"
"But," Demin continued. "I will be present when Harry teaches you."
"It's a deal." Delia said hugging her father.
"You have nothing to worry about Demin." Sirius put in. "Just flying on a broom isn't dangerous. It's just when you mix it with quidditch."
"Tell me about it." Harry said. "I've spent just about as much time in the Hospital wing for quidditch injuries then I have for Voldemort injuries."
"Defiantly can relate." Sirius said. "I remember my first game at Hogwarts."
"I remember that game." Remus said chuckling. "You were trying to show off for some girl and ended up falling from your broom and shattering half the bones in your legs."
"Yeah and bruising my ego severely." Sirius said flinching at the memory.
Harry laughed. "Well at least my quidditch injuries were not my fault."
"Oh yeah?" Sirius asked skeptically.
"Yeah!" Harry said smiling. "Let's see, there was my second year when a tampered bludger decide it wanted to take my head off while only succeeding in breaking my arm. Not my fault. Then I think we all remember my third year when I fell fifty feet from my broom. If it were anyone's fault, it would have to be yours Sirius, seeing how the Dementors were there because of you. And then last but not least was last year, when I was unjustly knock from my broom by an opposing team member who was bent on winning the game no matter the cost. Again not my fault."
"He does have a point Padfoot." Remus said. "Most of yours and James injuries were due to the fact you were showing off. Like the time you and James collided in mid-air right before a game while trying to show off for a group of seventh year girls."
"Remus I don't remember asking you to talk." Sirius said irritable.
"Well we wouldn't want your Godson getting the wrong idea about you now would we?" Remus asked innocently.
"Of course you wouldn't." Sirius said through clench teeth. "Nor you."
"I have nothing to hide." Remus informed Sirius.
"Er . . . guys." Kairi interrupted. "I really don't think you're helping the matter."
Confessed the three wizards turn to where so was pointing to see a slightly ashen Demin staring at them in horror.
"That's it! Delia you are not going anywhere near a broom! Especially with any wizard in this room!" Demin declared.
Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Kairi couldn't help it, they laughed. The look on Demin's face was comical, especially when Delia informed him that he couldn't go back on his word.
* * * * * *
A couple of hours later Harry was finding his way down to the Great Hall for dinner just having finished talking to his last teacher. All of them, surprisingly including Snape, had given him the makeup work he had ask for and had told him to turn it in within a week. So it was a much happier Harry that entered the Great Hall minutes later.
"So how did it go." Ginny ask as Harry sat down next to her.
"A lot better then a thought it would." Harry admitted filling his plate with food. "I have about a million papers to write, but another then that it went fine."
"Even Snape?" Ron asked in disbelief.
"Yes." Harry said shoving food into his mouth.
"Dumbledore must have had something to do with that." Ron said.
"No I don't think so." Harry said thoughtfully. Ron opened his mouth to ask Harry what he meant when a cry of horror filled the air followed by piles of laughter. Seeing that every eye in the Great hall was now looking at the Slytherin table Harry turned around to see what was going on and choked.
Most of the Slytherin's were now cursed from head to feet, both skin and clothes supporting a color of one of the three opposing houses. To say they looked remarkably like human candy canes was right on target.
"Who?" Ron turn to Harry and asked incredulously.
"Kairi and Sirius." Harry said shaking his head and looking up at the head table to see the two culprits looking completely innocent, even though Harry knew full well they were both trying hard not to laugh. "That my friend is Candy Cream Twist."
**I'm really really sorry but I am leaving on vacation for the next two weeks so there will probably not be an update for that long, unless I can access a computer by some miracle. But a promise I will be working on it and will have it up as soon as possible so please be patient. And again thanks for the reviews I love them!
Chapter 17: Why is it Always Me?
"Sirius will you please calm down!" Remus said, desperately trying to keep a hold of his enraged friend.
"CALM DOWN!" Sirius shouted attempting unsuccessfully to get out of Remus's persistent tight hold. "How can you tell me to calm down when my Godson is gone and that man over there told me everything was going to be fine! HE LIED TO US! Does Harry look FINE to you! Oh wait you don't know BECAUSE HE'S NOT HERE TO TELL US!"
Remus for his part was having a two away battle with himself. Part of him just wanted to let Sirius go and give Dumbledore what he deserve, with the other part of him was calmly trying to convince him that this wasn't Dumbledore's fault.
"Sirius please." Remus pleaded. "Be reasonable! Dumbledore didn't know this would happen."
"Oh and that's suppose to make me feel better!" Sirius yelled yanking one of his arms loose and whacking Remus in the eyes with his elbow, though much to Remus credit he didn't relent his hold on his friend.
"Sirius is right Remus." Dumbledore's soft voice said interrupting their argument, causing both Professors to look up at their old Headmaster in surprise. "I never should have ask Harry to do this. It wasn't my place."
Looking at Dumbledore's tired defeated face Sirius felt his angry towards his old Professor fade. Sirius knew Albus loved Harry like a grandson and should have known better then to let his anger get the better of him.
Silence over power them as their tear-filled eyes come to rested on what now remained of the chair Harry had occupied minutes before.
"He can't be dead." Sirius said desperately, his voice creaking and his knees buckling underneath him causing both him and Remus to stumble to the ground. "He just can't be."
* * * *
Harry knew he was quickly regaining consciousness, but whether or not he really wanted to was questionable. He hurt, bad. When the Founder's had said it would cause unbearable pain to transfer the powers of the sphere into his body they hadn't been kidding. The moment the power had started to flow into him his body felt like it was on fire and ice. Harry wasn't sure how long he lasted until he had been swept into unconsciousness.
Harry slowly opened his eyes now that he was fully conscious and blinked, trying desperately to adjust his eyes and clear his vision of dance white dots. Once he had accomplish the task he immediately wished he hadn't as he recognized the familiar white ceiling of the hospital wing. 'Why me? Why is it always me?'
Harry turned his head slightly, briefly wondering way is legs felt so heavy. Looking down Harry couldn't help but smile.
Sirius was sitting in a chair next to the bed sound asleep, his head and one of his arms was resting on Harry's legs, while his other hand was gripping Harry's hand tightly.
Harry smiled again and decided not to wake him. Because knowing Sirius he had probably not left his bedside the entire time in had been in there. Which was how his thoughts were turn to wondering just how long he had been in there. Judging by the sunlight that was dimly peeking through the curtains Harry guessed that it was yearly morning, though what day of the week it was he had no clue.
Harry was brought out of his musing when he heard someone enter the hospital wing and quietly close the doors behind them. Praying it wasn't Madam Pomphry Harry turned his head the other way only to have his green eyes met surprised purple one's.
"Hey Kairi." Harry said smiling at his mentor's sister. "What's up?"
Kairi just stared at Harry for a moment longer before quickly covering the distance between them and wrapping him in a tight hug before drawing him back and propping him up by the shoulders before beginning to yell at him.
"What's up!" Kairi shouted Harry's question back at him. "I'll tell you what's up Mr. Potter! First you disappear to Merlin knows where only to reappear unconscious THREE hours later. Then to top it all off you have been lying in this hospital wing running a fever of 104 for the passed four days. Showing no signs what so ever that you were going to recover in time soon! You've given me and every other adult in this castle anxiety that we really didn't need! And you have the nerve to ask what's up!"
Harry suddenly felt another pair of hands grab his shoulders before he was jerked around and forced to look into his Godfather's angry blue eyes. "Not to mention that I almost killed Albus after you disappeared while given poor Remus a black eye. What were you thinking when you told Albus you'd try this little experiment of his?"
"Were you even thinking at all!" Kairi ask, picking up Sirius's ranting. "Demin's been worried sick about you, not to mention Delia, who's cried herself to sleep every night since you've been in here thinking you were going to die!"
"Then there's your friends." Sirius went on after Kairi ran out of breath. "Ginny, Hermoine, and Ron seem to have disappeared to Merlin knows where! The only reason we haven't done anything about it is because they've shown up to all their class and Dobby has assured that they have been eating, though he refuses to tell us where they are!"
"If you ever disappear on us again or decide you want to spend days in the hospital wing fighting for your life so help me I'll kill you myself." Kairi finished given Harry a look that told him she wasn't kidding.
"That goes double for me." Sirius said glaring at his Godson sternly.
"Are you two done yet?" Harry asked trying to repress his grin.
"Yes." Both of them replied before abruptly pulling him into a breath- depriving hug.
"Merlin Harry you scared us." Sirius breathed while hugging his Godson tighter.
"Sorry." Harry said sheepishly. "It's not like I meant to."
"I know you didn't." Sirius said releasing his Godson and taking a seat on the bed. "But you need to stop doing this to me."
"I'll try." Harry said with a sigh. "Though I can't make any promises."
"That's all I ask." Sirius said with a smile before dropping the subject. "How about I go find Madam Pomphry and see if I can't get you out of here."
"How about we forget about Madam Pomphry and just get out of here now?" Harry said hopefully. "I feel completely normal."
Sirius gave Harry a look that said 'yeah-right' before adding, "If you're feeling normal then I KNOW there's something wrong with you because you're anything but normal."
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Harry asked indignantly.
"It means that you are going to stay in that bed and listen to an adult for once in your life." Sirius said standing up and glaring at Harry.
"Well until Remus, Demin or Dumbledore comes in here and tells me to stay in bed, then I see no adult in here telling me I need to." Harry reported back, not able to repress his grin this time.
Kairi who had been listen amusedly to the whole conversation started to laugh causing Sirius to turn his death glare on her.
"And may I ask what you find so funny?" Sirius inquired.
"You and Harry!" Kairi said grinning. "You both are so much alike it's scary! Especially since I can't tell which one of you is suppose to be the adult.
"Isn't that like calling the kettle black?" Harry asked Kairi.
"Yes, but at least I can admit it." Kairi said laughing.
Sirius was about to tell Kairi exactly what he thought about that statement when a very furious voice interrupted him.
"Sirius Black what do you think you are doing?" Madam Pomphry shrieked pushing Sirius roughly aside. "You were suppose to inform me the second he woke up! Can I trust no one to follow such simple instructions?"
"I was just on my way to notify you." Sirius said defensively, while Harry sent his Godfather a smirk over Madam Pomphry shoulders.
Madam Pomphry started muttering under her breath about immature parents and adults that should know better, while giving Harry a thorough examination. Finally after what seem like forever Madam Pomphry shoved some potion down his throat and announced him fit.
"His fever is completely gone and he seems to be fine. However," Madam Pomphry said eyeing Harry critically. "I would like him to remain in the hospital wing for the rest of the weekend just incase he has a relapse."
"What?!" Harry cried horrified.
Sirius was very tempted in doing just that, payback for getting him in trouble with the mid-evil witch just seconds ago. Though in the end he just couldn't bring himself to exact such a punishment on anyone much less his godson.
"As much as your care for your patients is anything but superior Madam Pomphry, I am afraid that your beds are not." Sirius said a look of mischief passing through his eyes. "I therefore think that Harry would be more comfortable and on a faster road to recovery if he was to stay with Professor Lupin and I in our quarters, where he will be under our watchful eyes for the remainder of the weekend."
Madam Pomphry opened her mouth, to argue no doubt, but was halted by another voice.
"An excellent idea Sirius." Dumbledore's calm voice said as he strolled into the hospital wing smiling. "An admirable solution don't you think Poppy? You can go about your busy work schedule without the interruptions of students trampling in and out of here intent on visiting our awaken Mr. Potter."
Madam Pomphry still didn't look like she wanted to let Harry out of her sight, but in the end she decide not to question the Headmaster. So with last minute instructions to notify her if Harry went into a relapse so took her leave.
"Well Harry." Dumbledore said turning to Harry. "I do believe I owe you an apology for my error in judgement."
Harry was taken aback for a moment before smiling and shaking his head. "You don't owe me a thing. You didn't know anything like that was going to happen and besides I don't think you could have stop it if you had."
"So it would seem." Dumbledore said some of his old twinkle returning to his eyes.
"So I'm guessing you found the note that was left on me?" Harry said.
"Indeed I did." Dumbledore said a pensive look crossing his face. "That would be the other reason I am down here. I have several questions to ask you and I dare say so dose Sirius."
"You've got that right." Sirius growled.
Harry knowing this had to come eventually sighed. "What would you like to know?"
"As of right now, nothing." Dumbledore said smiling at Harry's perplexed look. "I would like you to go get dressed and then go inform your missing friends that you are alive and well." Dumbledore said before turning to Sirius and Kairi. "I would like the two of you to go assure Remus and Demin that young Harry is indeed fine and awake and then bring them up to my office an half an hours time. That includes you, Harry and your friends." Dumbledore said to the reemerged Harry. "The password's Candy Cream Twist."
"Candy cream twist?" Sirius asked confused, after Dumbledore had left.
Harry laughed. "You should ask your girlfriend about that one. Though how Dumbledore knows about them I don't want to know."
Sirius turned a raise eyebrow at Kairi who chuckled and said. "Remind me to offer Remus one later. I would demonstrate on Demin, but he's a lot more cautious around me. Has been ever since he was ten."
Harry snorted. "For good reason to. Though I don't think it would be polite to give it to Remus either. He's done absolutely nothing to you."
"Then how do you suggest I demonstrate my prize creation?" Kairi ask. "On you?"
"In your dreams." Harry said before smirking evilly. "Though I do have an idea of who to demonstrate it on."
"The Slytherins." Sirius said picking up on Harry's train of thought as an identical smirk spread across his face.
"Most defiantly." Harry and Kairi said at the same time making them all laugh.
"You two can arrange the details, while I think I'll go follow Dumbledore's instructions." Harry said heading to the door only to stop and turn around just before exiting. "By the way thanks for the lecture. I've never really had anyone who cared enough about me to yell at me for worrying them. Well apart from Demin who was constantly yelling at me when I did stupid things. You two are going to make wonderful parents someday because you already are to me."
With that said Harry turned and exited the hospital wing leaving behind two stunned adults.
Harry knowing exactly where his friends were hiding quickly slipped into a hidden passageway quickly making his way up to the hidden room wondering if he was even going to be able to get in.
Five minutes later answered that question as very agitated Harry stood in front of the Predator's hideout trying unsuccessfully to gain access into it. After moving the bricks and shouting passwords didn't help he had resorted to spells which only proved to be completely futile.
"Would you just let me in!" Harry shouted at the immobile brick wall.
Harry wasn't sure if it was his anger that caused it but he suddenly felt a hot searing pain shoot down his arms and generate into his hands before he felt it release creating a blinding flask of light causing him to cover his eyes with his arms. Seconds later Harry removed his arm only to see a four- foot burnt black streak going up the wall, almost as if it had been struck by . . .
'Lightening!' Harry thought panicky. 'But how? I didn't call it forth and plus I'm inside for Merlin sakes!'
Harry looked at his now pain free hands and then at the burnt black wall trying to comprehend what had just happen. Though before he could contemplate on it for too long, the bricks started to shift around revealing the door and emitting a very astonish Ron seconds later.
"Hey Ron." Harry said cheerfully to the now paralyzed Ron, before side stepping around him and into the room.
"Harry!" Two girls voices squealed giving Harry a brief warning before he found himself on the floor trying to hugged a crying Hermoine and a very relieved looking Ginny.
"It's nice to know I was missed." Harry said jokingly which only yearned him a hard smack on each of his arms and one on the back of his head, all courteous of a not very amuse Ginny, Ron and Hermoine.
"Was that really necessary?" Harry asked as he climbed to his feet after being released by the two girls.
"Yes!" All three of them shouted at him before he was again attacked by Ginny who proceeded to hug him in a death grip.
"Don't you ever scary me like that again." Ginny whispered fiercely in his ear before releasing her grip.
"I can't make any guarantees." Harry said smiling. "My life seems to be one mystery after another. It doesn't seem like I have much control over it."
"No worries mate." Ron said grinning. "You didn't have us all that worried."
At Harry's questioning look Ron elaborated. "The life bracelets. Your stone never flickered or dimmed in the slightest since we all saw you last. We knew you were going to pull through even if the adults were walking on egg shells."
"Did you happen to inform Sirius or one of the other adults about what the bracelets?" Harry asked suddenly.
"Er . . . no." Ron said hesitantly. "We didn't know if you wanted them to know about the bracelets."
"Well considering that Demin help me make them and I told Remus and Sirius about them when I was in the Elf Realm so I could add their stones to mine I'd have to say it would have been safe to tell them." Harry said.
"Sorry Harry I guess we weren't really thinking clearly." Hermoine said.
"What?" Hermoine added when all three of her friends gave her an incredible look.
"You do just realize that you just admitted to not thinking things through? You, who is top of our year!" Harry said in mock horror. "Hermoine Granger has stop thinking. Oh I think the world is coming to an end!"
"Oh shut up." Hermoine said moodily while the others laughed.
Taking this opportunity to look around Harry did so and felt his jaw drop in awe.
The room its self seemed slightly bigger then the last time Harry had saw it, been roughly half the size of a normal classroom. The color scheme the girls had chosen consisted of red, gold, black, and white blending perfectly together.
The floor was covered in a rich gold carpet trimmed around the edges by sparkling black granite. The walls were painted white with a beautiful illustration painted in the middle of each of them.
On the right sidewall his Phoenix Silver was captured on it, in flight towards the sun leaving behind a glisten silver trail in his wake. While the left sidewall had his Cubcat Elle on it, playfully jumping from one foot stone to another trying to cross the stream without getting wet.
On the front wall a fireplace had been placed in the center where three golden armchairs and two red couches surrounded it. Harry's favorite part of the whole room however, was the golden 3-D letters poised above the fireplace that spelled out:
P R E D A T O R ' S H E A D Q U A R T E R S
"This is . . . wow!" Harry breathed for lack of better words. "You girls have really out done yourself. This room is . . . wow!"
Hermoine and Ginny beamed brightly.
"We can't take all the credit though." Hermoine said. "Ron did helped out a little."
"Yeah by supervising most of the time." Ginny muttered under her breath only loud enough for Harry to hear.
"Do I even want to know how you manage to get a fireplace in here?" Harry asked.
"Hermoine." Ron and Ginny said together.
"Again I can't take all the credit." Hermoine said smiling. "I found the spell in the library, but I ask Dobby for help when it came to actually casting the spell. He was more then happy to help out when I told him it was for you."
"Remind me to thank him later." Harry said. "But right now we are needed in Professor Dumbledore's office."
"Why? We aren't in trouble for anything? Are we?" Hermoine ask anxiously.
"Only you." Harry deadpan to Hermoine. "Seeing how you're a Gyffindor Prefect and you're were suppose to be setting an example for your fellow students and instead you purposely led two fellow Gryffindor's into disappearing with you for an entire week, McGonagall is call you in and questioning your badge."
"What?!" Hermoine squeaked. "We . . . we attended every class and did everything else we were suppose to do! They . . . I . . ."
"Hermoine relax! I was only joking!" Harry said laughing. "Professor Dumbledore just wants to find out what happen to me after a disappeared and he wants all of you there too."
"Why?" Ron asked after he stopped snickering at Hermoine.
Harry shrugged. "No idea. Probably because he know I would tell you everything anyway so he's saving me the trouble."
"Makes sense." Hermoine said. "The only other reason I can think of is that he wants to see for himself that we are ok."
Harry laughed. "Whatever the reason we better get going."
So with that the four of them exited the new Predator's Headquarters and started their trek down the many corridors.
"So how have classes been?" Harry asked.
"Don't you mean 'how much work did the teacher give you so I have a rough idea of how much make up I'm going to have?'" Ginny asked grinning.
"No." Harry said. "Besides I'm hoping that I'll be excused from doing the makeup work seeing how I didn't want to spend five days in the hospital wing."
Ron snorted. "Good luck, especially with Snape. Knowing him he'll probably give you double makeup or just won't let you make it up at all."
"Ron I really don't need to here that right now." Harry cringed before asking again. "How have classes really been?"
"Normal as usual." Hermoine said. "Mostly this week has been a review from what we learn last year. I don't think you'll have any problem catching up."
"What!" Ron asked incredible. "You mean to tell me we've already learned everything they've covered this week?!"
"For Merlin's sake Ron!" Hermoine said exasperated. "If you would just pay attention in classes you would soon realize that the teachers are not up there for your amusement."
"I do pay attention in classes." Ron said indignantly. "Well except potions, but that doesn't count."
"Paying attention for the first twenty minutes of class does not count as paying attention." Hermoine informed Ron.
"Hermoine is your brained befuddled?" Ron asked. "Because I do pay attention for at least half of the class before tuning out."
Harry wisely deciding to stay out of this argument turned to Ginny and asked. "So how have the DADA classes been."
"Awesome!" Ginny said. "Demin taught the class for two more days and then Kairi took over. You weren't kidding when you said they were good teachers. I don't think I've learned as much in DADA in my entire four year here then I've learned in a week."
"I don't doubt that." Harry said smiling. "So what are those two teaching?"
"That the best defense is offense and the best offense is defense." Ginny recited for Harry who laughed.
"Just how many students in this entire school actually knew what that meant?" Harry asked.
Ginny grinned. "Probable a handful of Ravenclaws and Hermoine."
Harry shook his head. "What about the dueling class? Did they still have that?"
"Yes, but seeing how no one could pier Sirius away from your bed Demin was nice enough to fill in for him and help Remus out." Ginny said. "It was a little chaotic at first, but once things calm down they slit us into two groups defense and offense. Seems to me the DADA professors have been spending to much time with the dueling professors."
"How do you know it's not the other way around." Harry said laughing. "So what group did you end up in?"
"Offense." Ginny said. "Actually all the girls are in offense and all the boy or defense."
"Really." Harry said thoughtfully. "Boys on the defense, girls on the offense. Seems to me that Sirius and Remus are just a little evil."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"Think about it." Harry said. "I'm guess that Sirius is teaching offense while Remus is teaching defense." At Ginny's affirmative nod Harry continued. "Once they've trained us their going to pin us up against each other. Boys against the girls, Offense vs. defense."
Ginny slowly grinned. "I think the word evil is way to nice for what Sirius and Remus are doing."
"You're right." Harry said smirking. "It's absolutely brilliant! Oh I really hope Ron and Hermoine have to go up against each other."
"Ok NOW that's evil." Ginny said trying to hide her own amusement. "What about you and me?"
"Ah that wouldn't even be a match." Harry said. "You would have me down and begging for mercy before a single spell could be cast."
"So long as you're forewarned." Ginny said smiling.
"So true." Harry said before turning to the stone gargoyle that he now stood in front of and saying. "Candy Cream Twist."
"Don't ask." Harry added as the other gave him curious looks. Once they reached the top of the stairs Harry knock.
"Do come in Harry." Dumbledore voice said from behind the door.
Harry and the other's did as they were told and entered, Harry only having a moment to glimpse around the familiar office before someone enveloped him in a hug.
"Harry please, you have got to stop doing this." Demin said as he released him.
"Sorry Demin and I'll try." Harry said as he took an empty seat.
"Hey Remus." Harry said as he spotted the brown hair man sitting in a nearby seat. "Nice shiner."
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that and just be glad you're ok." Remus said smiling. "And I will also skip the lecture because I'm sure you've already had enough of them for one day."
"Try a life time." Harry muttered before turning to Dumbledore. "So what would you like to know Professor?"
* * * * * *
An hour later Harry, Sirius, Remus, Kairi, Demin, Ron, Hermoine, and Ginny all found themselves exiting Dumbledore's office, their minds overwhelmed with the information Harry had just giving them. It had taken Harry twenty minutes to explain where he had went after he had disappeared and another five for everyone in the office to get over their initial shock about him meeting the legendary four Founders of Hogwarts. Then yet another ten to answer all their questions about the founders they had, before he was finally able to tell them the reason he had been brought to them in the first place.
Let's just say that besides Dumbledore finding it extremely fascinating, the other's in the room were not looking happy.
Harry was therefore relieved when it was all over and was glad that he had conveniently forgotten to mention that the power could one day kill him. He knew it would just cause needless worry that no one really needed to hear. Besides there was no guarantee that he was going to die.
He also forgot to ask Dumbledore about the lightening bolt he had accidentally caused earlier. Not on purpose though, he just simple forgot.
"This is totally unbelievable." Ron voiced once the entire group was in the corridor outside Dumbledore's office.
"I am in complete agreement with you." Sirius informed Ron.
Harry choosing to ignore them turned to Demin. "Where's Delia?"
"In our room waiting impatiently for you to show up." Demin said.
"Brilliant." Harry said turning to his friends. "I'll catch up with you guys later. I'm going to go and see if I can't make peace with Delia before tracking down the teachers I need to talk to."
"All right." Hermoine said nodding.
"Just incase Delia does kill you, I'll leave you with this." Ginny said linking her arms around Harry's neck and forcing his lips to meet hers in a passionate kiss.
"Urg." Ron said disgustedly. "I don't think I'm ever going to get use to that."
"Like watching you and Hermoine snog is any better." Ginny snapped back after her and Harry had broke about for air.
Ron, for his part was turning a nice shade of red, while Hermoine's had a sudden pinkish tint to her cheeks.
"When did this happen?" Sirius inquired. "I was under the impression that you two were never going to hook up."
"Now Padfoot." Remus said. "They couldn't hide their feelings for each other forever now, could they?"
"So right you are Moony." Sirius said turning to his Godson. "So who won the bet?"
"Bill." Harry said laughing. "Though we haven't told anyone yet, guess you should go do that. I'm sure Mrs. Weasley would love to know."
"Hello!" Ron cried irritable. "Me and Hermoine are still here."
"And so you are Mr. Weasley." Sirius said. "Though I don't seem to comprehend your point on that matter."
"I believe he's point Mr. Black it that you should stopping talking about them as if they weren't here." Kairi put in.
"Mr. Black?" Harry said snickering. "What do you do to be called that?"
"Absolutely nothing." Sirius said.
"Yet." Remus muttered under his breath.
"I'm sure." Harry said turning back to his friends. "I'll meet you guys at dinner."
"All right." Ginny said. "Ron and I have homework to finish anyway."
"Oh yes that's right." Ron added evilly. "Do have fun talking to all the Professor's for your makeup work Harry and do make sure to say hi to Snape for me."
"Goodbye Ron." Harry said shaking his head and following the four laughing adults down the hall.
* * * * *
Immediately upon arriving in Demin and Kairi's quarters Harry found himself being tackled for the third time that day by a very relieved looking Delia who instantly started asking questions.
"Are you ok? What happen to you? Daddy told me that Aunt Kairi got a little to enthusiastic in one of your training secessions and knocked you out. Is that true? Because if it is I'm going to have a long chat with Aunt Kairi because she should have known better." Delia said.
Harry for his part was trying really hard not to laughter, as was Remus and Sirius, while Demin was trying desperately to stay out of Kairi's reach.
"Delia do you really think that Kairi could take me in a fight? Much less knock me out?" Harry asked after he was sure he could without laughing.
"I didn't think Daddy was telling the truth." Delia said earnestly. "So what really happened?"
"Oh your Daddy was being somewhat truthful." Harry said evilly. "But it wasn't Kairi who knock me out it was you dad."
"WHAT!" Delia said eyes widening in shock.
"That is not true!" Demin said as his daughter leaped of Harry and immediately rounded on him and started shouting.
"Daddy how could you! You're twice his size and more then half is age!" Delia ranted at her father. "You could have seriously hurt him!"
Harry bit his lip hard to keep from laughing at the look on Demin's face.
"That was immensely cruel." Sirius said bending down to whispered into Harry's ear as they both continued to watch Delia yell at her father.
"Yeah I know." Harry whispered back. "But he's the one that started the lying so he's the one who should finish it."
"Did you do team up on him like this a lot when you were staying with him in the Elf Realm?" Remus asked.
"All the time." Harry said grinning.
"I am starting to fell extremely sorry for Demin about now." Sirius said watching the elf unsuccessfully try to calm his daughter down.
"Don't be." Kairi's smiling voice entered the conversation. "Demin would never admit it, but he loved having Delia and Harry team up on him, like siblings. I've never seen him happier." Kairi said before her voice suddenly become distant. "It was rough on him when Diane past away. To raise their child while still blaming himself for no saving the one he loved."
"One would never guess he did." Remus said looking at Kairi surprised.
"That's because he doesn't anymore." Kairi said turning her piercing purple eyes to look at Harry. "He hasn't ever since Harry came into his life."
Both Sirius and Remus turned to look at Harry who smiled softly.
"Don't think it didn't work both ways." Harry said his eyes glistening and his voice becoming softer. "For two years I lived with the conviction that I had been the reason Cedric had died, that his blood stained my hands. I become a master at hiding it deep with in me so people would stop telling me it wasn't my fault, when deep inside I knew it was."
"Harry why didn't you tell someone." Sirius asked quietly. "It's Voldemort's fault that Cedric died, not yours."
"I know that now." Harry said smiling slightly at his Godfather. "But I didn't then. And no matter how many times people told me it wasn't, I just couldn't stop blaming myself. Then one day Demin and I were talking when I unconsciously brought up the subject. Demin, like so many others, firmly told me that I was not responsible for something that was completely beyond my control. Well me being, well, me, didn't exactly like being told by a mere stranger that I should stop walloping in my self-pity and did the only thing I could think at the time. I throw his own preaching straight back in his face, telling him that it was no different then him blaming himself for his wives death." Harry stopped and laughed lightly at the now three horrified faces. "Yeah I know, not the smartest thing to do, but oddly enough it was exactly what he both needed to hear. Of course the accusation completely through him off guard but after a while we talked and in the end we both started to understand that sometimes things are just meant to be."
A comfortable silence followed Harry's last words. Everyone trapped in their own thoughts. It wasn't until Delia's exasperated voice spoke right in front of Harry did they all pull out of their thoughts.
"Harry daddy said that it was an accident that put you in the hospital wing and not him or Aunt Kairi. Is that true or is Daddy lying again?"
Harry smiled. "For once your dad is telling the truth."
Delia looked at Harry for a moment judging to see if he was telling the truth before suddenly punched him in the arm.
"Ow! What was that for?" Harry asked in mock indignant.
"For worrying me when you were sick and for lying to me." Delia said placing her hands on her hips. "But mostly for worrying me."
"How about I make it up to you?" Harry said.
"Ok." Delia said brightly before she frowned slightly. "How?"
"By teaching you how to fly." Harry said.
"Really!" Delia said eyes widening in disbelief. "You really real? Can I use your broom? Will you teach me to play quidditch? Can you teach me right now?"
Harry started laughing at Delia who was bouncing around the room excitingly shouting that she was going to learn how to fly.
"Don't worry Demin." Harry said to Delia's anxious father. "She'll be fine. Besides this is your punishment for lying to her in the first place."
"Please Daddy! Please!" Delia begged her father tugging on his robe. "I'll be really really careful and Harry won't let anything happen to me. Please."
Demin for the life of him just couldn't say no. So with a sigh he relented. "All right you may learn to fly. . ."
"Yes!" Delia said punching the air. "I'm going to learn to fly!"
"But," Demin continued. "I will be present when Harry teaches you."
"It's a deal." Delia said hugging her father.
"You have nothing to worry about Demin." Sirius put in. "Just flying on a broom isn't dangerous. It's just when you mix it with quidditch."
"Tell me about it." Harry said. "I've spent just about as much time in the Hospital wing for quidditch injuries then I have for Voldemort injuries."
"Defiantly can relate." Sirius said. "I remember my first game at Hogwarts."
"I remember that game." Remus said chuckling. "You were trying to show off for some girl and ended up falling from your broom and shattering half the bones in your legs."
"Yeah and bruising my ego severely." Sirius said flinching at the memory.
Harry laughed. "Well at least my quidditch injuries were not my fault."
"Oh yeah?" Sirius asked skeptically.
"Yeah!" Harry said smiling. "Let's see, there was my second year when a tampered bludger decide it wanted to take my head off while only succeeding in breaking my arm. Not my fault. Then I think we all remember my third year when I fell fifty feet from my broom. If it were anyone's fault, it would have to be yours Sirius, seeing how the Dementors were there because of you. And then last but not least was last year, when I was unjustly knock from my broom by an opposing team member who was bent on winning the game no matter the cost. Again not my fault."
"He does have a point Padfoot." Remus said. "Most of yours and James injuries were due to the fact you were showing off. Like the time you and James collided in mid-air right before a game while trying to show off for a group of seventh year girls."
"Remus I don't remember asking you to talk." Sirius said irritable.
"Well we wouldn't want your Godson getting the wrong idea about you now would we?" Remus asked innocently.
"Of course you wouldn't." Sirius said through clench teeth. "Nor you."
"I have nothing to hide." Remus informed Sirius.
"Er . . . guys." Kairi interrupted. "I really don't think you're helping the matter."
Confessed the three wizards turn to where so was pointing to see a slightly ashen Demin staring at them in horror.
"That's it! Delia you are not going anywhere near a broom! Especially with any wizard in this room!" Demin declared.
Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Kairi couldn't help it, they laughed. The look on Demin's face was comical, especially when Delia informed him that he couldn't go back on his word.
* * * * * *
A couple of hours later Harry was finding his way down to the Great Hall for dinner just having finished talking to his last teacher. All of them, surprisingly including Snape, had given him the makeup work he had ask for and had told him to turn it in within a week. So it was a much happier Harry that entered the Great Hall minutes later.
"So how did it go." Ginny ask as Harry sat down next to her.
"A lot better then a thought it would." Harry admitted filling his plate with food. "I have about a million papers to write, but another then that it went fine."
"Even Snape?" Ron asked in disbelief.
"Yes." Harry said shoving food into his mouth.
"Dumbledore must have had something to do with that." Ron said.
"No I don't think so." Harry said thoughtfully. Ron opened his mouth to ask Harry what he meant when a cry of horror filled the air followed by piles of laughter. Seeing that every eye in the Great hall was now looking at the Slytherin table Harry turned around to see what was going on and choked.
Most of the Slytherin's were now cursed from head to feet, both skin and clothes supporting a color of one of the three opposing houses. To say they looked remarkably like human candy canes was right on target.
"Who?" Ron turn to Harry and asked incredulously.
"Kairi and Sirius." Harry said shaking his head and looking up at the head table to see the two culprits looking completely innocent, even though Harry knew full well they were both trying hard not to laugh. "That my friend is Candy Cream Twist."
**I'm really really sorry but I am leaving on vacation for the next two weeks so there will probably not be an update for that long, unless I can access a computer by some miracle. But a promise I will be working on it and will have it up as soon as possible so please be patient. And again thanks for the reviews I love them!