Harry Potter and the Golden Labyrinth
Book Seven Fanfic
A/N: Please Review, I barely got any comments on the last chapter. I don't have much time to write, so it would be nice to know if someone appreciates it when I do.
Sorry I haven't updated for so long. School has been completely hectic, with bucket loads of coursework and my mocks at the start of next term. It's the holidays on Friday, so I am hoping to write lots.
Disclaimer – Anything that you recognise belongs to J K Rowling.
Chapter 6 – Memory'That was an amazing dive though.' Ron said for the hundredth time.
Harry nodded his agreement, his mouth full with ham sandwich. The Cannons has won by two hundred and twenty points to one hundred and ten. Now the group was sitting at the bottom of the hill eating a late picnic lunch and discussing the match. Even Hermione was joining in with the talk as they ate.
'I wonder how Piper is.' She said worriedly.
'That was quite some whack he got from the bludger.' Harry agreed.
'You could see his head bleeding as he fell.' Ron added. 'He's probably at St Mungo's now.'
After eating they lounged around in the sunlight, then played some games. At about four thirty Remus stood up regretfully.
'We need to be going.' He said. 'We've been gone for five and a half hours.'
The spell would wear off in half an hour, so no one complained as they packed up and headed back to the clearing. Harry was feeling happy and relaxed after a surprisingly exciting day. The warden checked their passes and everyone grouped up as they had earlier. Tonks counted quietly to three and Harry and Hermione stepped and turned with her. With loud cracks they Apparated back to the Burrow.
When Harry, Tonks and Hermione landed, there was no one else in sight.
'Where'd Remus, Ron and Ginny go?' Harry asked, instantly on his guard.
'They probably Apparated around to the other side of the house.' Tonks said unconcernedly. 'You two wait here, I'll go and check that they're all right.'
With that she turned and left the two of them alone. A couple of minutes later they heard a shout from around the back of the house. Instantly Harry set off at a run, wishing that he'd been allowed to take his wand with him. He rounded the corner and screeched to a halt.
There were two large tables pushed together in the garden, covered by tablecloths and heaving with food of all sorts. From where he was standing Harry could see lamb cutlets, roast chicken, potatoes, carrots and all manner of other foods. Around the table there were several people; Molly and Arthur Weasley were sitting nearest him, next to Charlie; Bill and Fleur were sitting next to each other, with Tonks and Lupin were opposite them; Fred, George and Ginny were talking to Moody; at the far end sat Ron, no looking like normal, with a space opposite him for Hermione. At the head of the table, in front of an empty chair, was a huge pile of presents.
When Harry was noticed everyone cheered. He was led, looking slightly bewildered, to the head of the table and told to sit down and open his presents.
'Ron, do you have any idea how much you scared me?' Harry asked, ignoring his gifts.
Ron laughed. 'You should've seen your face mate; you looked just like Crabbe whenever he is asked a question. Now hurry up and open your presents, I want to eat and I can't 'cause they're spilling onto my plate.'
Harry's first present was from the twins. He opened it with some trepidation, half-expecting the present itself to be a trick. Out of the wrapping he produced a thick chain necklace, which the twins explained held a strong shield charm. It was a development off the trick shield-hats they had invented, only this one was stronger and in a more practical format. Fred winked at Harry when he said that he thought it might be useful.
Mad-Eye Moody had got Harry a pocket sneak 'o' scope, although it was a far better quality one then Ron had bought him all those years ago. Tonks' gift was a plain golden ring. He held it up and looked at her enquiringly, not wanting to be rude but wondering why she had given him a ring.
'Wear it, and it will grow warm and glow slightly when someone approaches. You can sort it out so that it doesn't alert you to certain people, for example Ron and Hermione, or else it would be useless. I'll show you that later.'
Ron's gift was a large album that Harry could use for his chocolate frog collection, which currently lived in one of Ron's drawers. Wrapped up with it was a box of chocolate frogs.
'For old time's sake.' Said Ron with a shrug in way of explanation, and Harry remembered when he had met Ron on the Hogwarts express at the start of their first year. That was when he had started his now huge collection.
'I thought you said you hadn't got me anything.' Harry commented.
Ron winked. 'It's called owl delivery.'
Charlie supplied Harry with his third piece of jewellery, and he wondered for a moment why everyone was giving him necklaces and rings. This necklace had a single dragon's claw hanging from the thick string. Harry slipped it over his head and admired at the way the deep blackness shined.
'If you're really in trouble, grab onto that and yell my name. If you really mean it then my claw,' here Charlie pointed to a similar rope around his neck, 'will glow, and I'll know you need me.
The next gift Harry opened, from Fleur and Bill, contained a glasses case. Inside was a pair of glasses identical to the ones he was wearing, although less battered. Harry picked them up inquisitively, wondering why he was being given glasses when he already had some.
'Try them 'Arry.' Fleur encouraged, so Harry switched them for his current glasses. The prescription was just right, and the glare from the sun seemed to lessen slightly too.
'They're more then just normal glasses.' Bill explained. 'They will shade you from the sun if it is bright, but without changing in colour or restricting your vision in any way. They also increase your vision hugely even in complete blackness without giving off any light. And they repel water.'
Harry instantly saw the huge usefulness of this gift, and thanked them profusely. Glasses were such a hindrance in the sunlight or rain, but these ones would actually be an aid.
There were only three presents left on the table, and Harry picked up the one from Molly and Arthur Weasley. They had given Harry a thick warm, black cloak, which would repel even the heaviest rain. Ginny gave Harry a box of mixed sweets from Honeydukes.
Hermione's gift was last; a dark blue, muggle, plastic flask. Harry picked it up inquisitively, and something inside swished. He opened the lid and saw what looked like ordinary water inside.
'You can drink it.' Hermione said at Harry's doubtful look. 'It's just ordinary water. Only, never drink all the water. As long as even a tiny amount remains, the flask will refill itself once closed.'
'So it's a never ending supply of water?' Harry asked, putting the lid back on. Hermione nodded. 'Did you make it?' Another nod, and a slight blush, answered Harry's question. He whistled under his breath; that must have been one hell of a complicated charm, and he suspected that not many people could have done it. Harry was filled once again with admiration for his friend's magical powers.
They cleared the gifts onto the grass and dug into the birthday meal. Harry, who always loved Mrs Weasley's cooking, couldn't decide what to eat first. The meal lasted for a long time, with everyone laughing and talking happily. For once Ron, Hermione and Harry talked of normal things, not Horcruxes and strong enchantments. Harry enjoyed the rare feeling of being normal.
Once the main course had been cleared away, Fred and George carried out a large chocolate birthday cake, with thick chocolate icing. Even though they were full, everyone could manage a slice with ice cream beside it.
The sky was dark, even though it was mid-summer, by the time everyone was heading to bed. As Harry stood up Remus came over with something in his hand.
'Harry, will you come with me for a second?' He asked.
Harry nodded and gestured Ron and Hermione that he would be fine alone before following Remus away from the group.
'Harry, I didn't give you your present earlier, because it's quite personal.'
'Oh, I thought maybe the present from Tonks was from both of you.' Said Harry, wondering what the present could be.
Remus held out a flat, lumpy object. Taking the roughly wrapped package, Harry was reminded of something, although he couldn't remember what. Slowly he pulled the wrapping open, and produced a silver mirror.
Harry felt as if he had been hit in the stomach. He struggled for breath and only just managed to avoid dropping it. Remus was watching him closely, with a concerned look on his features. The mirror was identical to the one Sirius had given Harry at the start of the fifth year; the one that Harry had forgotten to use to find out if Sirius was safe. Regrets and guilt welled up in his chest as he looked at the innocent seeming object.
'I see you do know what this is. I thought he might have given you one.' Remus said, his voice somewhat choked. 'I'm sorry.'
Harry calmed himself. 'It…It's ok.' He replied gruffly.
'Are you alright?' Harry nodded, although 'alright' didn't really explain how he felt. 'I have the twin to this mirror.' Remus continued. 'I don't know what your plans for the next year are, but this way we can contact each other without using owls which can be intercepted. It also allows for immediate contact. I want you to promise me you will take this with you wherever you go, as long as the situation allows. I will always have my one to hand.'
Because of the seriousness of the situation, Harry felt that he was being charged with something rather then being given a birthday present. He nodded. 'I will, although I can't promise I will always have it. A mirror is not the most practical item to carry around.'
'I can think of many that would be worse.' Remus said with a laugh.
Harry smiled at the image conjured up; someone staggering along under the weight of a large bathroom mirror. He tucked the hand-mirror into a pocket and thanked Remus, then turned to go.
'Wait, that isn't all.' Said Remus, calling Harry back. 'I know what you saw in Snape's memory in you fifth year. That must have been hard to see, and I know it altered your feelings about your father, Sirius and probably me as well. So I want to give you another memory, showing James for who he really was.'
Harry was shocked for a minute; he had never even though of the fact that Lupin would have many memories of his father and mother. To see him again, to give him a second chance, was something Harry had wished for. He nodded mutely, unable to answer.
'This is a memory from our sixth year.' Said Remus, withdrawing a small bottle filled with silvery substance from his pocket. 'It's yours to view whenever you want. It's in a tiny amount of pensive already, so you only need to touch it with your finger to view it.'
With a small, wistful smile, Remus turned and headed into the Burrow.
Harry stared at the little bottle in his hand. He didn't want to share this with Ron and Hermione; he had never told them about Snape's memory and didn't want to have to explain what had happened now. On an impulse, Harry hurried over to the garden shed. He rushed inside, closed the door and sat down. Pulling the stopper out of the bottle Harry placed the memory on the floor beside him. Taking a steadying breath, Harry touched the liquid with his finger.
With a lurch that felt like his arm was being torn from its socket, Harry was dragged into the memory. He fell and then landed with a thump on grass and staggered to stay standing. Looking around he saw many students in school robes enjoying the bright and warm sun. Nearby, the waters of the lake were shining in the light. Just in front of Harry a sandy-haired boy in black robes was strolling towards the lake. Harry followed this younger version of Remus, looking ahead to try and see where his parents were.
The two followed the contours of the lake, passing groups of people relaxing on the shore. They were approaching a shady beech tree, which Harry recognised from Snape's memory, and he at last spotted his father. James Potter was lying on his back, resting his head on his hands. His messy black hair looked windswept, and the quidditch robes he was wearing suggested he had just come from a practice.
Sirius, also in quidditch robes, was leaning against the tree, looking out over the lake and chatting with James. Peter was sitting on the grass, frowning at the textbook in his lap. Remus headed over and flopped down beside them. Harry walked closer to listen to what they were saying.
'Hey Moony.' Said James, glancing over at the fourth Marauder. 'What did McGonagal want?'
'Oh, she was just asking me about the second years who were having a noisy party late last night.' Remus said casually.
Sirius smiled proudly. 'We're obviously setting the right example.' He commented to no one in particular. Then a thought crossed his mind and he looked at Remus, scandalised. 'You didn't tell McGonagal who they were?' He demanded.
Remus laughed at his expression. 'No, I didn't see them.'
Sirius looked comforted. Remus moved over to sit beside Peter and peered over his shoulder at the textbook to help with his work. James, staring at the virtually cloudless blue sky, sighed deeply.
'What's up?' Sirius asked James, moving closer and talking quietly so that Peter and Remus wouldn't hear. James pushed himself into a sitting position.
'I dunno Padfoot. It's just that…' He shrugged, not quite able to put what he wanted to say into words, 'I feel guilty about Lily. I know in my heart that we're mean to be together, but…' he trailed off miserably.
Harry suddenly felt sorry for his father. He seemed much less arrogant now, a year or so older then when Harry had last seen him. Harry supposed that Lily's constant rejection had finally registered, and James had realised that not everybody liked him.
James was inspecting his hands with unfocussed eyes. Remus caught Sirius' eye and looked at him questioningly. Sirius mouthed 'Lily' and Remus nodded understandingly. Their attention was drawn to James as he stood up suddenly and started walking away without a word. Harry wished he could follow, and obviously Sirius felt the same as he made to chase after him, but Remus grabbed his arm.
'Leave him Padfoot.' He warned.
Sirius looked after his morose friend. 'I can't just let him wander around like that. He could fall in the lake or walk into a gang of Slytherins without even noticing.'
Remus agreed. 'But we can't let him see us following him.'
Peter looked up from his work. 'James left his bag. See if his invisibility cloak is in there.'
It was there, and Sirius grinned as he pulled it out. 'Good one Wormtail. You coming?'
Peter shook his head as Remus and Sirius disappeared under the cloak. 'I'll look after all your bags. I've got to finish this essay for McGonagal for tomorrow.'
Harry hurried after the sound of Remus and Sirius. James had headed up to the castle, and was almost at the stone steps. The two boys moved as quickly as they could under the cloak, with Harry following not far behind. James entered through the large oak doors, which swung shut behind him. Remus and Sirius, who had been moving much faster then James, reached the doors less then a minute later. They opened them, not thinking what it would look like to any passers by, and hurried in.
Harry skidded to a halt almost as soon as he walked through the doors, and he could hear Remus and Sirius doing the same. James was standing in the middle of the entrance hall, staring at the stairs. Harry followed his father's gaze. Halfway up the stairs was a girl with long, dark red hair swishing down her back. She was wearing black robes and holding some books in her arms. James was staring at Lily, obviously startled out of his thoughts.
Suddenly James started forwards towards the stairs. 'Evans, wait!'
Lily turned around and saw James walking across the entrance hall towards her. With a scowl she turned around and carried on up the stairs.
'No, Evans, please listen. I want to talk to you.' James implored.
Lily stopped and turned around, fixing annoyed green eyes on the boy at the bottom of the stairs. James stopped just before the bottom step and looked up at Lily at the top.
'I've got nothing to say to you, Potter.' Lily said, her tone making it clear she didn't want to be any where near James.
'Evans, I want to say…' James looked down at the step in front of him. 'I want to say I'm sorry.' He said quietly.
Confusion crossed Lily's face and she hesitantly stepped down one stair as if to hear his quiet voice better. She opened her mouth to speak, but seemed completely stumped by the fact that James Potter was apologising. It was obvious by the look on her face that she didn't think this was feasibly possible. Eventually she managed to stutter out, 'What for?' What was meant to be sarcastic in fact sounded very curious.
'I'm sorry for being such a git.' James said quietly, still looking at his feet. Lily subconsciously moved down another step, so as to hear him speak more clearly. 'I think I understand why I annoyed you so much. I'm sorry for not leaving you alone.'
Lily opened her mouth as if she was about to interrupt with a righteous statement, but James continued before she could. 'I should have listened to you when you said no to me, and accepted that you didn't like me in that way. I realise now that I made you hate me by not accepting, and chasing you just made you hate me more.'
Harry was starting to feel embarrassed to hear this coming from his father; it would obviously have taken a large loss of pride to admit this to any one. Behind him, Harry heard Sirius shift uncomfortably.
'I simply couldn't believe that anyone could not love me, and I thought you were playing hard to get and you would go out with me in the end. I see that I am just what you and Severus always called me; an big-headed arrogant jerk.'
Harry was surprised at this random reference to Snape, but remembered hearing words similar to that from the man when describing his father before. Lily also thought that James agreeing with Snape was a bit too much, but it was impossible to suspect his sincerity. She started to speak but James looked up then and caught her eyes, stopping the words.
'Also, I want to thank you Lily. Thank you for teaching me that I am just a boy, and I'm not irresistible. Thank you for deflating my head.'
Lily had come slowly down the stair while he spoke, almost without noticing it. She was now standing the step above James, her head barely an inch higher then his. Their eyes were locked as they stood in a tense silence. Harry found that he was holding his breath. He could see the years of misunderstandings between the two were fading away. They leaned closer and…
The doors to the Great Hall were pushed open and a group of noisy first years came chatting and laughing out. Lily and James both jumped back, looking bewildered and at a loss. Lily let out a little gasp and suddenly turned and ran away up the stairs, leaving James standing alone and confused in the entrance hall.
The memory faded and all turned black as Harry felt himself rising. He landed with a thump in the dark shed and looked at the innocent seeming bottle on the floor.
A/N: I have had that scene with Lily and James stuck in my head for a while now. I had to find some way to fit it in. What do you think? Alex, I hope you like this chapter, I thought of you when I wrote the memory.