Chapter 16 Goodbyes
Harry tried to ignore it, but he could feel it. The gnawing pull towards his time was growing stronger day by day. Today he had woken up and it seemed to take every fiber of his being to keep himself where he was.
Harry told Professor Dumbledore to call everyone into his office. Harry got there after breakfast and saw them all sitting around. He looked at them with a sad smile. "It's today."
Everyone looked extremely saddened. "How soon?" James asked.
"I only can keep myself here a few more minutes. Whatever was supposed to happen did and now I'm being pulled back."
Dumbledore stood. "I think that everyone should say their goodbyes now. I will have to obliviate you all one by one. You will still remember Evan, but you won't realize anything about Harry. Then you will have to leave before Harry disappears."
"But why do you have to erase our memories?" Sirius burst out. "Things could be so much better if we knew."
"And things could go so much worse. I would love to let you remember Harry, but the ripples from changing time could affect the world in disastrous proportions. Especially with Harry being who he is. Just remember death is but the next great adventure.""
"Easy for you to say," Sirius grumbled. "You don't end up being killed by Bellatrix."
"Professor!" Harry warned. "It's starting."
Alice and Frank walked up to Harry.
"Hey," Alice said softly.
"Is there," Harry swallowed. "Is there anything that you would like me to tell Neville for you?"
Frank smiled sadly. "Tell him that you've told us all about him and that we're proud. We couldn't ask for a better son."
Alice added, "Tell him we love him and to never give up hope."
Frank joked weakly. "Tell him to get his act together and find a girl. Personally, I think that Luna sounds nice."
They embraced Harry and walked away. Dumbledore obliviated them.
"What are we doing in here?" Frank asked bewildered.
Dumbledore replied, "You were just saying goodbye to Evan. He is returning home."
"Oh right," Frank said. "Bye!"
Alice smiled at Harry. "Goodbye Evan! I hope to see you again someday."
They left. Remus came up to him next. "Well I guess it's my turn."
"Aw cheer up Moony! As soon as I get back, I'll remind you of Evan."
They gave each other one-armed hugs and Remus began to walk away. Dumbledore once again cast the spell.
Remus turned around. "I just lost my train of thought. What was I doing?"
"You were just leaving, after saying goodbye."
"Right," Remus shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts as he exited the room.
Sirius walked over to Harry. "Well, bye I guess." He pretended to walk away.
"That's all you have to say?" Harry asked.
"Just kidding, kiddo. Listen, always remember that I really care about you. You're the perfect combination of Lily and James. I want you to know that I don't blame you at all for my death. It was my choice to go to the ministry. Be sure to tell Moony that he's the best friend a mutt could have, when you get back."
They hugged each other goodbye and didn't even bother to act uncomfortable. Dumbledore repeated the spell.
"Aw crap! I forgot what I was doing!" Sirius burst out. Everyone hid snickers at Padfoot's different reaction to being obliviated.
"You were about to leave my office, Mr. Black," Dumbledore said.
"Oh," Sirius saw Lily and James next to each other and waggled his eyebrows. "I'll leave you two alone." That was the last time Harry ever saw him.
Lily and James met Harry halfway across the room. "I guess this is goodbye," Lily said sniffling.
"Well actually, I believe that you'll be seeing me again in a couple of years."
"Oh man," James whined. "I'm going to have to clean up your poo aren't I?"
Harry laughed. "I would assume so." Harry felt the pull grow a little stronger. "It's nearly time."
"I love you Harry," Lily cried and wrapped in a hug that Mrs. Weasley would be proud of.
"I love you too," James said. They all gripped each other in a desperate embrace, knowing that they would never have the family that they all wanted.
"I love you both so much," Harry whispered.
Everyone let go. "Obliviate," Dumbledore said.
"What's happening?" James asked Lily puzzled.
"I don't know, Potter! Maybe if you paid attention than you would!"
"You just said that you didn't know either though," James pointed out.
Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Actually you were just saying goodbye to Mr. Jameson. He is leaving in a few minutes."
Lily looked positively heartbroken as it set in that her best friend was leaving her. "Leaving? Will I see you again?" she asked.
Harry smiled at her. "I think I'll be seeing you in a couple of years." They hugged once again and she left.
"You know, Jameson," James began, "You're not so bad." They shook hands and he too exited the office.
"Well sir, I guess it's just you and me," Harry said turning himself around to look at the kindly old man.
"Now Harry, when you get back, remove the memory charm that you will be placing on me momentarily. I'll be seeing you soon."
Harry cast the spell on Dumbledore and felt himself freeze. He gasped for breath as he landed in present day. There was no one in the office and so Harry decided to surprise everyone. He removed the glamour.
