a/n: This is Chapter two in the story Choices. Nobody reviewed the first chapter. I don't know why not. I thought at first there was something wrong with the ability to review it but found that wasn't it. I ask that you please review this and the other chapter. It is a really good story and it will become better over time. I also ask that if you review it please critique it. I know that is what a review is but I would like some honest feedback on this story. I have chapter 3 all ready to go. I just want to see some reviews to see if I am going on the right path. Thanks to all 2 of the reviewers on my other story, a songfic, set to Don Henley's "Boys of Summer". Thanks again and enjoy.
----------------------------------------------The Great Battle------------------------------------------
Harry Potter awoke with a start on the day of the great battle, although neither he nor anyone else knew what was to come that day. A throbbing pain encompassed his head as Harry tried to remember what had caused him to awake so quickly. He could not quite remember the nightmare, all he could feel was a sense of doom and a pain that ached through his scar. At first Harry was scared that his Occlumency had failed him and Voldemort had possessed his thoughts again, but Harry knew that it was not the case. His Occlumency lessons, although difficult at first, had eventually come easy to him, almost like second nature. No, Harry knew that what had awoken him early that June morning was not a possession but maybe a vision. Soon his thoughts of his nightmare where interrupted by the increasing pain in his head. With every breath Harry's head hurt worse till finally his vision started to blur. There were many times that Harry's head had hurt in the past but none like this. It felt like someone had dipped an ice pick in hot lava and pierced the scar on his head. Tears started to well in his eyes as he tried to search his room for his wand. It was difficult to say the lease. He could not concentrate on any one thing except for the pain. It grew in intensity as each second passed his head on fire. Finally Harry, through his blurred vision, caught site of his wand on top of his steamer trunk. It took all of his energy just to reach it, point it at his head and speak the words that Madam Pomfrey had taught him at the end of 6th year to help him with the headaches he would have.
"Subsisto Poena" whispered Harry.
His wand sparked and Harry felt a sharp pain and a burning sensation and the pain became a dull ache. Harry rubbed his head and thought it weird that the pain did not entirely go away. Usually with that spell the entire pain evaporates like it was never there. In this case, however, the ache was still present, although much much dampened.
Harry sat on the edge of his bed and contemplated what to do next. The clock on his nightstand displayed 5:14am and Harry looked around his room. Everyone is still asleep and will be for quite sometime. Harry noticed that Ron's bed was empty and looked to be in the same mess as it was yesterday morning. Harry chuckled to himself realizing where Ron was and stood up.
"No need to waste the morning" Harry said as he peered out of the window and noticed the blue hue that is associated with an early summer morning.
Harry gathered his toilet and silently crept out of his bedroom and into the hallway of Gryffindor tower and headed towards the showers. Striping down and stepping into the showers Harry thoughts wandered to what his day looked like.
It being a Saturday, Harry had no classes but it was a busy day none the less. It was the
First annual school picnic, an idea sponsored by Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny to foster better faculty student relations and away for 7th years to say their goodbyes to everyone before year end tests and graduation preparations took hold. The idea struck Harry one day before Christmas break when he noticed that Ginny felt torn between her friends she made that were in her class and her blooming relationship with Harry. Since their relationship was relatively new, Ginny found herself putting all of her free time into Harry and his friends and interests.
"I feel I am drifting apart from the friends I made my first year." Was a constant complaint Harry remembers hearing from Ginny.
"Luv, if you want to hang around your friends then we can hang around your friends, as long as your next to me I would have lunch in the forbidden forest with you!" Harry would reply.
"I know, It's jus...just that there seem to be barriers between the classes and some of the six years feel I am betraying them by being the girlfriend of a seventh year, and I still have one more year to go that I have to live with these people and I don't want to feel uncomfortable with them." Ginny sniffed
"Well then let's break down those barriers." Harry spoke as he put his arm around Ginny. "Why don't we have a picnic towards the end of school where all the houses and all the classes can come and spend time with each other before the seventh years graduate and everyone leaves for the summer?"
"Yeah, I bet ya we can get the staff to participate as well, and have games and contests!" Ginny squealed. "What a great idea Harry!"
Ginny threw her arms around Harry's neck and started to kiss him.
"That's why I love you Harry. You always think of others."
The words echoed through Harry's head as the shower ran. He smiled to himself like he always did when he though of Ginny. It always felt like it was just yesterday when he finally noticed Ginny at the end of sixth year. A lovesick little girl had suddenly turned into a beautiful, smart, funny, ravishing women and Harry observed it all. He had spent most of that summer with the Weasley's and had a first hand account of the blooming maturity of Ginny. He knew he felt something special about Ginny and it took him all summer and first term to tell her. He had told Ron first, partially because he was his best friend and he wanted Ron to know everything, but mostly to seek his permission. For Harry knew that if Ron had objected, even in the slightest, Harry would never act on his feelings. Harry and Ron's friendship always came first. Although at first Ron had issue with Harry's feelings for his only sister, going so far as to grabbing Harry by the collar and slamming him into the wall repeatedly, Ron eventually came through, with much help and yelling from Hermione and gave his blessing to Harry to ask his sister out. When Harry finally got up the nerve to ask Ginny out she almost passed out from sheer shock. Needless to say she said yes and they have been inseparable ever since. An interesting side note though, Harry was the one to pass out when Ginny first kissed him on the lips underneath an oak tree by the lake and had to be revived by Pomfrey.
Harry turned off the shower and dried himself off. He was worried about the nightmare he could not remember. He tried to focus his mind in order to recall the events of his night terror, but when he tried the pain would come back. Harry tried harder, ignoring the pain even though it got worse. He could start to make out shadowy figures and the nightmare slowly came back to him. He kept trying to focus on the shadowy figures trying to make them come into few. His eyes were shut tight and his entire body was tense. One figure started to come into focus and just has Harry was going to see who it was a bright yellow wave came over him and the mirror in front of him shattered, breaking his concentration and sending shards of glass on the floor. Harry collapsed to the cold hard tiled ground in a cold sweat. He felt the sweat run down his nose and put a finger to wipe it away, when he pulled it back there was blood on his fingertips.
"Harry, You alright?" Harry turned around to see Neville Longbottom looking down at him.
"I don't know" Harry replied "I think so."
Neville stuck his hand down to Harry and pulled him to his feet.
"Watch out mate, there's glass everywhere." Neville said.
Harry looked around the floor and saw that the mirror had shattered everywhere. Harry didn't know where to walk.
"Here mate, let me clear a path." Neville started to brush aside the shards of glass with his slippers. After a small path was cleared and Harry was able to step away from the glass Neville muttered a cleaning spell and the shards dissipated into the floor. Neville then turned his attention to the broken mirror and repaired it using his wand.
"What happened Harry?" Neville turned and spoke to Harry.
"I'm not quite sure Neville" Harry said as he grabbed his towel "I was thinking about something and then all of the sudden the mirror broke and I was on the floor."
"Your bleeding Harry!" Neville exclaimed
"Yes Neville I know" Harry replied "It's stopping now"
"Good then. I am going to go take shower then. You need anything Harry?"
"Yea, Can you not tell anyone about this Neville?" Harry said nervously
"Sure Harry, no problem." Neville turned and smiled at him
"Thanks Neville." Harry said then quickly added "for everything"
Neville nodded and headed toward the showers. Harry turned back to the mirror and noticed that his bloody nose had stopped. He wondered what the hell was going on and was a little frightened. His head ached a little more and he decided to finish his morning routine and head back to his dorm.
Harry got back to his dorm and noticed that Ron still had not returned to the dorm. He got dressed and headed to the common room. The fireplace was smoldering from the previous night's fire as Harry sat in front of it. He drew is wand and re started the fire. Harry sat there for a long time and thought about things. Ron and Hermione had spent a lot of time together alone lately and Harry felt alone. It slowly crept on him that he really did not have a lot of friends. He was popular and generally out going but he began to notice that with out Ron and Herm, Harry was alone. He still had Ginny, and he did love her, but it wasn't the same. He missed the closeness that they all shared and the fun times they had together. It seemed that all they had time for was each other. Harry wondered if they felt the same way when he started dating Ginny.
Harry then started to think about all things that had yet to transpire, Voldemort and his death eaters, graduation, and life after Hogwarts all seemed to cross his mind at once. What would that be like, life after Hogwarts? Where was he going to go? He still had Sirius' place but he really did not want to live there, too many painful memories. He wondered what he was going to do for a living. His parents and Sirius had left him quite a bit of money, but Harry was not the type of person to not work. He was sure people would want him to do things based solely on his fame, but again Harry didn't want to rest on his laurels, he wanted to work and payback the world that gave him a life. He knew that whatever he chose he hoped that it would be of some benefit to the wizarding world that Harry loved so well.
With his stomach rumbling Harry knew that it was time for Breakfast. It was still early, but he was sure there would be something down in the great hall. He was hoping to catch Ron, but figured he'd see him in the great hall. Harry gathered some books and headed down to the hall.
The sun had already risen as the halls glowed with sunlight. It was still cool, but Harry could tell it would warm up soon. Harry finally arrived at the great hall and saw it was pretty empty. There were a few people at the Ravenclaw table and a small group of Slytherins at their table but both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables were empty although they were stocked with food. Harry sat down towards the middle of the table and began eating.
As Harry began to scoop some eggs on his plate he noticed Dumbledore heading his way. Harry stood up to greet the headmaster.
"Morning Professor." Harry spoke as Dumbledore approached.
"Morning Harry." Dumbledore smiled "Glad to see you so early, I wish to speak with you later today after the festivities as to your future after Hogwarts."
"Sure Professor"
"I cannot wait to see what you and your fellow students have arranged today" Dumbledore said
"We'll be setting up soon Professor, right after breakfast. It should be fun. Are the Professor's ready?"
"Oh, I think we'll be most ready Mr. Potter." Dumbledore laughed as he walked away.
Harry sat back down to finish breakfast and start preparations for today. During breakfast he was to meet with each of the prefects from each of the houses and give them there instructions for the day. Then he was to organize the building of all the games and rides. After that he was going to check on the preparations for that afternoon's Quidditch game. Before the festivities started he was going to check and make sure everything was running smoothly and prepare the house elves for that evenings midnight picnic. It was hectic, but when Harry proposed the idea everyone wanted him to be in charge. Everyone except the Slytherins. They didn't even want to participate until Dumbledore said that there house points at stake and he wouldn't have a problem deducting points from houses for non-participation. Harry knew that it was going to be an uphill battle with or with out the Slytherins help, but felt it would take his mind off what happened this morning and his thoughts on the whole Ron and Hermione situation. And besides, Harry always loved a challenge and this one was, in one way or another, they biggest challenge his was ever going to deal with.
The rest of the morning and early afternoon went smooth. Harry was busy with all of the preparations and didn't even notice that he hadn't spoke to Ron or Hermione all morning. He was able to see Ginny for a bit in the morning before his meeting with the prefects. It was a real quick exchange as Harry was on his way to his meeting and Ginny was coming in for breakfast. Harry was hoping to be able to spend more time with Ginny tonight since Ginny was going to spend all day with her friends.
By noon it was almost time to start the merriment and as Harry was going over last minute preparations someone came behind him and covered his eyes.
"Guess who?" said the voice
"Gee let me think" Harry laughingly pondered "Could it be the beautiful, smart and easily the most talented witch ever?"
"The one and only" said Hermione as she uncovered Harry's eyes and spun him around into a hug.
Harry hugged her back and saw Ron standing a few feet behind her with a smile on his face.
"I was wondering what happened to you too." Harry spoke as Hermione released the hug "Did you guys sleep in" Harry laughed.
"Stop that Harry" Hermione said as she playfully slapped him
"We had some things to discuss so we took some time to er, uh discuss them." Ron said as walked to Hermione's side and held her hand.
It was then that Harry noticed what they had "discussed" as on Hermione's hand was a ring. Not just any ring, an engagement ring. It didn't look like much, but it meant a lot to Hermione. Harry smiled so wide that he thought it would hurt forever.
"Oh my God!" Harry spoke shocked as Hermione gave him another hug.
"Just a few hours ago. He took me up to the gardens and proposed to me. You're the first to know Harry, I am so happy." Hermione said as she started to cry.
"I hope your happy Herm, that ring cost me a small bundle." Ron spoke jokingly.
"Oh my God Ron" Hermione said as she let go of the hug and slapped Ron "You can be so rude sometimes, we're going to have to fix that before we get married"
"Oh great, only two hours into this engagement and she's all ready to start the obedience training." Ron laughed as Hermione slapped him some more.
"Better late then never." Hermione spoke angrily "You act like a dog, you get treated like a dog!"
Harry began to tune them out as they started arguing. He wondered if they would be arguing for the rest of their life. Harry knew that for all their battles they truly loved each other and would until the end of time. He also began to think what would happen to them now that they were getting married. Soon there would be kids and things and he would lose his friends forever. Still, Harry was happy for them and couldn't wait for them to get married.
"Hey mate, I know your busy here but do you think you got a minute to take a walk with us?" Ron spoke when they finished arguing.
"Uh yeah sure. Hold on a minute." Harry walked towards Neville and handed him the clipboard. "Your in charge Neville, I'll be back in a minute."
"But, but Harry what do I do?" Neville said nervously
"Stand there and look important." Harry laughed.
"Why is it always me!" Neville spoke as he face the oncoming horde of teachers and students.
Harry, Ron and Hermione walked away from the party towards the lake. Harry was nervous and wondering what they were going to say to him. He hoped it wouldn't be the end of their friendship but Harry didn't know. Finally Ron spoke to break the silence.
"We want to talk about the future Harry."
"What about it?" Harry replied
"About us, Ron, you and I." Hermione said
"I'm happy for you guys, you should know that." Harry spoke
"We know Harry, we just want you to know that we want you to be a part of our lives." Ron spoke.
"We were talking after Ron proposed and the first thing that came to our mind was you. We don't want you to feel alienated from us. We are still your best friend's Harry" Hermione said.
"I know." Harry responded.
"Well we were wondering and all if you would like to live together, the three of us." Ron spoke.
"Yeah, but if you don't want to that will be fine" Hermione quickly added.
"We're just scared that we would lose your friendship and drift a part after Hogwarts. My dad is going to get me a position at the Ministry, he could get you one too. Hermione is going to intern at St. Mungo's and we are thinking of living somewhere in between. Maybe by the Burrow, we haven't really discussed it, but we know that we want you there."
"Harry, your friendship is so important to us. We want you to be a part of our wedding and when the time comes, we want you to become a member of our family." Hermione spoke as she held Harry's hands. "I want to hear our children scream 'Uncle Harry' when they see you."
"What do ya say mate?" Ron face became a smile
"Well, I don't want to be a hass-" Harry started to speak
"You won't be a hassle Harry" Hermione said with exasperation "We want you there!"
"Yea mate!" Ron exclaimed "Please."
Harry thought about this. He was shocked to see that Ron and Hermione were just as worried, if not more worried, as him about losing their friendship. He looked at both of them and really wanted to be a part of their lives. He knew that it would be hard for both of them since they didn't have a lot of money to start out with. Low level positions within the Ministry did not pay very well and being an intern at St. Mungo's paid even less. It would be tough to get an apartment anywhere and to be able to pay all the bills. Harry thought a little more about it and finally realized that he would have what he always wanted with them, a family.
"I think it's a splendid idea" Harry responded and saw their faces light up. "but, I'll only do it on one condition."
"What?" Ron and Hermione spoke at the same time.
"Well in Sirius' will he made me sole beneficiary of his estate which includes his mansion and all of his assets. I am going to put up his place for sale, I am told I could get a nice sum of money for it."
"What about the Order? Where would they go?" Ron interrupted
"If you would let me finish Ron" Harry rolled his eyes "I also am sole beneficiary of my parents' estate and their home in Godric's Hollow. It is smaller than Sirius' place but has a lot of land around it. I will ask Dumbledore to move the Order there and sell Sirius' place."
"Harry, what does this have to do with us?" Hermione spoke quizzically
"I'm getting to that Herm. As I was saying, I will sell Sirius' place and with that money buy us a place of our own, as a wedding gift for you."
"No Harry, we can't let you do that." Ron shook his head as he spoke
"Yeah Harry that's not fair to you." Said Hermione
"Take it or leave it guys. If you don't let me do this, then I will not live with you guys. It's only fair for me. You guys are giving me something I never really had, and that's a family. Besides, it helps me to solve the problem of what to do with Sirius' place. I don't want to live there with all the painful memories and now I can take all the pain and transform it into something that benefits the people I love the most. It's the deal breaker guys."
Ron and Hermione looked at each other and thought for awhile. They didn't want to take advantage of their friend, but they must admit it was an ingenious plan. They knew that it would be hard to survive those first few months. Money would be scarce and they would not be able to afford a very nice place. Here Harry was offering them a nice place to live and a solution to his problem. Hermione looked at Ron and he nodded to her.
"We'll do it!" Hermione informed Harry "but we pay all the bills and I get to decorate."
"Why do you get to decorate?" Ron said
"Because I have taste, something both of you seem to be lacking."
Ron and Harry both looked at each other than the lake. At the same time they both got a mischievous look on their face. Ron grabbed Hermione from behind and Harry grabbed her legs.
"What! What are you doing?" Hermione screamed
"No taste eh?" Ron said
"Tell me how the lake tastes Hermione." Harry laughed.
They pretended to toss her into the lake. When they let her down she chased both of them around the water until she caught them both. They ended up laying by the lake for awhile laughing. Ron turned to Harry lying next to him and quietly said.
"Family, we are a family now Harry, all of us, and we always will be."
Harry smiled at Ron. For the first time in his life Harry felt a warm glow in his heart. He wondered if he felt this way when his parents were alive. Within one afternoon Harry, Ron and Hermione stopped being friends and became family and it was the best feeling in the world.
It seemed like days passed while they all lay by the lake. Harry couldn't help but feel good. It seemed like the best he ever felt. He had a family finally. Something he could call all his own. They would never look at him as the boy who lived, they would only look at him as Harry. Something he thought no one could do. He started to think about Ginny and how much he would miss her as she spent her final year here. He would see her on holidays and would owl her as much as possible. He knew she loved him and he loved her too. This whole day was for her and it made him happy that it made her happy. Next to Ron and Hermione she was the best thing in his life. It struck Harry as funny that three people could mean so much to him, more than anything on this earth. Harry looked up at the clouds and saw them move in slow motion almost with the rhythm of his breathing. He looked over at Ron and Hermione and saw them just stare at each other while they were holding hands. Harry silently wondered if that's how his parents looked at each other. Harry never saw anybody as much in love as those two. Not even Ginny and he could come close to that. Certainly Harry felt that Ginny and he were soul mates, but it seemed to him that Ron and Herm had such a deeper connection than just their soul. It was like God himself had created one person then thought they would be better off as two people. Sure Ron and Herm argued like cats and dogs. Sure they could sometimes get on everybody nerves. But Harry knew that it wasn't the arguing that put people off, it was their love. Harry always knew they loved each other. He also knew that they would someday be together. Harry realized that no matter what happened Ron would follow Hermione anywhere and Hermione the same. Without Harry's help they would've struggled for a long time financially, but he knew that neither of them would care about money. As long as they had each other the world would be a beautiful place to live.
Harry continued starring into space as his head began to ache. More and more it seemed to burn like never before. The pain grew in intensity, becoming stronger than it was that morning. Harry was in so much pain that he did not notice the clouds gather and the bright, sunny day quickly become dark, and cold. Both Ron and Hermione noticed Harry crying in pain and his nose dripping blood.
"Harry, you alright?" Ron asked
Harry couldn't hear Ron, the pain was too severe. His vision became blurry as Harry broke out into a cold sweat. He felt his stomach churn and gurgle while his breakfast slowly made its way up into his throat. Soon his breakfast ended up on his shirt along with the blood from his nose.
"Merlin Harry!" Hermione exclaimed "You okay? Ron we got to get him to Pomfrey NOW!"
With that Ron dove toward Harry and pulled him up by his arms. Harry didn't feel Ron pulling on him. The pain had become so intense that his hold body became numb and distant. His eyes were blurred but Harry could tell he was being dragged away from the lake which seemed to be on fire.
"Harry, Can you hear me. Harry, God damn it, can you hear me!" Ron shouted as he pulled Harry back to Hogwarts.
"Please Harry are you alright." Hermione cried "Ron, what's going on?"
"God damn it Harry tell me what's going on?" Ron started to cry
As fast as it all started it stopped. The pain, the bloody nose, the numbness all was gone, and calmness enveloped Harry. It was like he was in the eye of the storm. Everything had ceased. Except the sky, it was still dark and cold. Harry looked up to see Ron's eyes soaked with tears.
"R-Ron, stop a minute." Harry barely could speak. His voice had left him.
"H-Harry, you okay?" Ron cried out
Harry nodded his head but couldn't respond. Suddenly he felt Ron grab him and hug him hard. Soon he felt Hermione's presence encompass the both of them. After awhile Hermione spoke.
"I think we should get him to Madame Pomfrey." Hermione sniffed.
They all released the hug and turned around. Harry was still on unsure footing and placed his arms around the shoulders of his new family and they started the walk back to Hogwarts. In the distance they could see the party going on, but something didn't seem right. Events were happening, and people were talking, but it looked as if people were worried but were not admitting it. As if there was some secret boogeyman that everybody felt, but no one wanted to admit to it presence. Harry sniffed the air and smelled smoke and felt heat at the back of his neck. Harry stopped and turned around, then Ron and finally Hermione, but they all realized at the same time what was going on. The lake had erupted into fire.