"AVADA KADAVRA!" Three years of pain and hate were contained in those two powerful words. Never before had Harry wanted to kill so badly as then. Everything about the woman in front of him instilled a pure hate in Harry. He had been Harry's last irrational Marauder. Remus was their best friend, but his eyes didn't twinkle any more, his face didn't light up with boyish joy at the memories. Sirius was going to be his home, and this woman took that away from Harry. He could not rest until she was put to rest. A jet of blinding green light streaked from the wooden rod. Its brightness and speed showed Harry's loathing more than words could ever express. Harry's heart beat quickly, and his breath rasped to a fast beat. Three years of suffering finally expelled, he smiled wildly, thrilled that he could put Sirius' memory to peaceful rest. Finally, he had avenged his dad's friend's spirit. Soon, he would avenge his father's and maybe Harry would be able to sleep at night again. Harry's smile quickly vanished though, when he saw, in slow motion, Bellatrix duck and laugh. He watched, horrified, as the green light sailed past her back, rippling her robes in its wake. Harry opened his mouth to shout a warning. Maybe the beam would strike down a Death Eater. Before Harry could gather enough breath in his burning lungs to shout, he watched a flash from a camera and a young man fall to the ground, camera still posed for the last shot.
Harry walked up to the boy that still held the old camera. The camera was pulled up to the young man's blue eyes, one was squinted shut while the other peered intensely through the viewfinder. Harry knelt next to the boy and slowly pried the camera from the cold fingers. Several times, Harry had to pause to gather his resolution. This boy was dead because of him. He would never know the joys of being out of school. He would never feel the touch of a loving woman. Harry sighed heavily, the single exhalation was weighed down with the loss of a million hopes and dreams, with the loss of a wonderful boy, with the pain of everyone who loved him, and with the pain of knowledge, knowledge that he, Harry, had done all those things. He had extinguished a million hopes and dreams, he had lost a wonderful boy, he caused many unbearable pain, pain that he knew, all because he was vengeful. Harry finished gathering the camera into his hands. He stood up slowly. When he looked back down to the boy to apologize, though nothing Harry could say could replace what he had taken away, he saw something wrong with the scene. Harry slipped the neck strap of the camera around his neck and knelt back to the cold ground. He gently configured Colin's body so that his arms were peacefully crossed over his chest, his palms gently resting on his shoulders. Harry swept his fingers over the startling blue eyes and closed the eyelids for the last time. Harry closed his eyes and stood up and walked into the descending fog.
Harry opened his eyes and looked around him groggily. His cheeks were salty with old tears, tears that were shed over the night. At least he was still alive. He tried to see where he was, but it was dark and the canopy of trees blocked out the moonlight above. The scenes of the night before floated into his mind. Giolla, he whispered, remorse dripping from his crackly voice. Even though she had been strangling him, Harry couldn't imagine the thought that he had killed another being.
What is it Harry? Harry sat up suddenly and jerked his head around, looking for the snake.
I thought you were dead! Harry slowly let his heart rise, savoring the idea that he wasn't alone in this dense forest. He kept his eyes searching the ground around him, anxiously looking for a sign of the snake.
Of course not! It takes more than a weak boy to kill me, begging your pardon sir. I merely fell asleep.
Look, Giolla, I'm sorry. But really, I trust Hedwig a lot more than I trust you. Harry's eyes darted to the trees above him. Hedwig! He cried out. Then, he realized that he had talked in parseltongue. "Hedwig!" he called out, abandoning his search for the ancient serpent.
She's gone, Giolla stated simply.
What did you do to her? Harry asked, anger flowing in his veins like a burning fire.
I did nothing. She left. Giolla said. She slithered out of a nearby bush and Harry started at the sudden motion.
Where did she go? Harry demanded. He quickly stood up so that he towered over the snake. Being at eye-level with his greatest enemy's pet didn't seem very safe to Harry. No matter how many times she denied it, Harry could never forget her involvement in Voldemort's terror. She had, after all, carried a piece of his soul for years. Harry still wasn't sure if he had destroyed the horcrux that had resided in her body. Had he just killed Voldemort's body again?
I don't know. Probably to your dear little Ginny, Giolla said.
Who's Ginny? Harry asked, doing his best to feign confusedness.
That won't work on me Potter! I know more about you than even you may know! Harry shivered at the snake's words. The pure evil that had flown out of her and into the air was nearly more than Harry could bear. His scar throbbed.He bit his tongue to stop himself from crying out. He hadn't felt any pain from his scar after he had killed Voldemort, but ever since Giolla...Harry shook his head. She was just a really old snake. Get some sleep Harry. Morning will come soon, and you will be wanting to go see Ginny! Giolla's voice was hypnotizing. Harry started to lie down on the ground.
NO! Harry shouted. He jerked back into a standing position. No, I won't be sleeping until you and I settle our...differences. For one thing, we need to have you scanned and bound, as agreed in the beginning. For another, I need to know why Hedwig attacked you. Harry began pacing. His mind entertained many ideas, but most of them were quickly dismissed.
As for the first, I can say nothing. And as for the second, that insufferable know-it-all bird attacked me merely because I am who I am.
And who are you?
I am Giolla creation of Salazar Slytherin and confrere of Master Harry James Potter.
You are no sister of mine! Harry shouted at the indignation of being called an equal by a serpent.
You speak my language, do you not?
Not by birth.
Not by birth, but by fate. Sometimes, fate is stronger than birth.
But not all the time.
You told me not to call you Master, did you not?
I did, but...
No buts, brother.
I thought you had to serve? Harry asked.
I do, but who says I can't have free speech too?
And if I do? Harry asked, thinking that maybe he could finally get this snake to be quiet and possibly even stop choking him everyday.
Then that is one order I cannot obey. Salazar so wishes it. Harry sighed. Harry said nothing, but walked from the scene. Where are you going Harry?
I need to get some air, Harry said automatically.
But we are outside, Giolla said needlessly. Harry ignored the snake and kept walking. Giolla kept quiet, but silently followed Harry. After a few minutes of wandering in circles, Harry finally strayed from the path. The pair came upon a small pond in the middle of a clearing. A slight breeze played at his hair, but wasn't strong enough to move it across his disfigured face. Harry looked at it from afar and watched the small ripples in the silver orb that swam in the pond. Harry's green eyes floated to the sky above him. It was a full moon. Remus would have transformed tonight, he thought idly. Harry's eyes filled with tears as he thought of his father's last friend. Was he still alive? Harry had seen the man's sweat soaked body in amongst the many others while Harry had tied the Death Eaters, but he was too scared to see if the man lived. Harry slowly walked toward the pond, an irresistible force pulling him. The wind died down, though Harry never noticed. His mind was too entranced by the small circle of mirroring water. His feet touched the edge of the water, sinking into the mud. Slowly, Harry lowered himself onto his knees. Green eyes slowly came into focus in the still water, Harry's eyes. He tried to see his mother's eyes in them, but the eyes were no longer similar. He remembered the picture Hagrid had given him as if the picture were in front of him now.
There were two adults, one man and one woman, with a baby in the woman's bare arms. His mother's smiling green eyes seemed to be laughing at a joke the photographer had told. The bright eyes seemed to have a life of their own as they danced in the afternoon sun. Her robe was sleeveless and the color of the sea, a light blue-green with small rhinestones decorating the hem. Her red hair glinted in the sun, its color matching the color of the leaves in the tree behind the young family. It was obviously mid-autumn in the picture. A few leaves floated in the wind, chasing each other on the breeze. The woman's hair waved gently with the leaves, as if longing to play with them, but sadly attached to the beautiful woman's head. Next to her stood a tall man. His shoulders were squared proudly and one robed arm was loosely draped over the woman's shoulder. The deep green of the loose robe contrasted with his wife's hair and robe, but somehow it seemed to be the perfect color for the day. His smile was enchanting. His straight white teeth flashed between his smooth, glowing lips. His hazel eyes were depthless, though the top layer held laughter. At first glance they seemed to be an ugly brown, but when looked at again, there were flecks of green and brown and even a few gray. His eyes were mainly a golden amber that matched the leaves on the maple trees. However, there were flecks of a springtime green scattered around the dark pupil that were set off by James' flowing robe and a speckle of gray here and there. His black hair looked as if he had just been riding a broomstick. It was swept back mainly, except for a rogue lock that fell down his forehead. The hair was short, but not short enough for his wife to keep it under control. Between his hazel eyes and his snow-white teeth was a straight nose. Overall the face was unmarred. Every crease and line showed the man's life of laughter. Neither one of the couple seemed to have a care in the world. The babe in the woman's arm yawned and smiled happily, reaching up to grasp his mother's baby-soft hair. The man's eyes occasionally flitted from his wife, to his son, and back again.
Harry shook opened his eyes and felt a tear run down his cheek. It hit his robe and left a spot of dark burgundy amongst the rest of the claret cloth Harry was wearing. Harry looked back to the face that was mirrored in the pond. The green eyes held no simple pleasure like his mother's had. One eye had a pink line that ran above it, a line that shone in firelight and pulled tight when Harry closed his eyes. His eyes slowly drifted over the rest of his own facial features. "What have I become?" Harry asked himself. There was a long, dark, line that ran down the right side of his face. Clotted blood roughened the surface around it. His face seemed lopsided; the gash on his cheek seemed to have taken away the fullness of his cheek. The nose had a small chunk missing from it, his lips were chapped and rough, his smile didn't reach his eyes, and his hair was long and matted with twigs, mud, and blood. His skin was pale and sunken. Dark circles haunted the area under his eyes. Harry searched futilely for a resemblance to his family.
You look just like James, except for the eyes; you have Lily's eyes. The words rang in Harry's mind, mocking him.
"Well, I don't look like them now!" Harry said loudly. He abruptly reached his hand into the water and splashed it, breaking up the horrible image that was his face. He stood up, anger flashing in his dull green eyes. Harry wanted to take revenge on the one who had done this to him, the one who had taken his family away from him, the one who had taken away his carefree childhood, the one who had marred him beyond recognition. But that man was dead. Harry pulled his wand out of his robes and aimed it at a bush. His movements were rough and tremulous. His muscles were tense, as if when touched they would snap. "Incendio!" he shouted into the still air. The bush burst into flames. Harry spun around and made a slashing gesture with his wand. Suddenly, a sapling cracked and fell to the ground. He saw a shadow in a bush.
Giolla! he said sharply in parseltongue. When the snake slithered cautiously out of the bush, Harry pointed his wand at the green serpent and made a jerky movement. Before Giolla could react, she found herself zooming away from Harry, going uncomfortably close to several trees. Go! Harry shouted. I don't want to see you ever again!
Harry, think about what you're saying! Giolla pleaded as another tree flew past frighteningly close. Giolla hissed in alarm as suddenly she was dropped to the ground. A sharp pain coursed through the middle of her long body as she landed on a small stone, but it was insignificant to her. Harry fell to the ground, sobbing.
"What am I!" Harry cried out to the night. There was a crack and an ember from the burning bush landed on Harry's face. Harry ignored it as it seared his skin. He deserved the pain. He was a monster. Harry's breath came in ragged bursts. Giolla started to slither warily over to her master, but thought better of it when Harry looked up at her, shooting daggers at her with his eyes. Giolla turned around and glided into the forest giving Harry some time alone. Harry looked back to the ground. Even evil serpents were scared of him. "Dad..." Harry said quietly. He put his head into his hands and closed his eyes.
Harry remained motionless as he tried to remember his parents. Unfortunately, no memories other than the one with blinding green light and the screaming could be recovered. Harry wished that he had gone back to Grimmauld place to grab his treasured photo album before he had set up camp. "I suppose I could get it..." Harry said. His voice was thick and quiet. "No," he quickly decided. "I decided I was never going back, never." Harry stood up and straightened his back. His eyes were a little red, but no tears came. Giolla, Harry called into the night. He knew the snake was nearby; he could feel her presence.
Yes, Harry, Giolla said. Harry didn't bother to try to find the snake. He continued to look at the ground, still ashamed of his own appearance.
I'm sorry, Harry started. He stopped briefly as he gathered his courage to say what he had been thinking ever since Giolla had made her presence known a few days ago.
Harry? Giolla asked, concern in her voice. Harry felt a pang in his gut as he was reminded of Mrs. Weasely's kind words. She had always been concerned for him. Harry had liked having the maternal figure to welcome him home from Hogwarts, to cry when he left for another year of school. Harry bent his head and covered his face with his hands again. Harry, are you okay? Giolla asked. He heard a rustle of leaves as the serpent slithered closer to the boy.
Harry took a deep breath and removed his hands from his face. His dull eyes looked at the snake. I'm fine, he muttered. Were you always with Tom? Harry asked, looking up briefly to the green and silver snake.
Yes, ever since my previous master died.
And when was that? Harry asked, his eyes still reflexively studying the leaf-strewn ground in front of them. It wasn't autumn, yet; the leaves were from years past.
Before he killed your parents, Giolla said, guessing Harry's reason for asking all this information.
Harry looked up sharply. Were you there?
Giolla shifted under Harry's intense gaze. There was no way out of such a pointed question. Yes. That was all she said.
Harry stared at the serpent in a new light. He took half a step back. Hate mingled with fear quickly flared up in his eyes. His mouth opened, as if he was going to ask another question, but nothing came out. Tell me, he finally said. Tell me about what happened.
Perhaps that is a story for another day, one when you're not so upset to begin with, Giolla suggested.
No, I want to know now. Harry's voice was quiet. He spoke slowly as if it was taking all of his self-discipline to ask for the one thing he didn't think he really wanted to hear. Giolla tapped her mouth lightly with the tip of her tail, pondering where to start.
Well as you know, I held a piece of the Dark Lord's soul, but he still wanted to keep me close. I followed him everywhere. One day, while I was napping in front of our fire, a man came into the room and told Master about a prophecy about a child that would be able to destroy him. Master wasn't happy, as I'm sure you can imagine. Immediately, he began to try and find this child.
How did he know it was I? Harry asked, interrupting the story. Why didn't he go after Neville Longbottom?
I don't know, Harry, I am sorry.
But you said you were always with Tom! Harry cried out, frustrated.
Yes, but I was simply not interested. How was I supposed to know that I would have a good master?
Whatever, tell me what happened on Halloween, Harry said, longing to find out once and for all what had happened when his father and mother had died. He had heard taunting stories from Voldemort saying that they begged for their lives, but he didn't believe those stories. Finally, Harry would get to hear the truth.
Well, Master had intelligence that the Potter's were in hiding. The Secret Keeper came to him and told him of their whereabouts. That night, Master went to the house. Inside he found the couple eating dinner. The man immediately jumped up and shielded the woman. He told her to take 'Harry' and run. He tried to take out his wand to battle the Dark Lord, but he wasn't quick enough. Master killed him using the unforgivable curse. The woman screamed and covered you with herself. She didn't beg, When Master told her to move, she refused and tried to disarm the Dark Lord. This made him angry and he killed her. The baby started to cry and the Dark Lord took a moment to revel in his triumph. He then tried to kill you. There was a blinding green light and I fell unconscious. When I woke up, the house was tumbled down. I could hear the baby cry in the still night, but I felt my master's spirit calling me away. So I left the house, leaving the baby alone in the crumbling house. That is all I can tell you Harry. Giolla closed her eyes.
Thank you, Harry said slowly. He looked at the serpent long and hard, trying to figure out what she wasn't saying. After a few moments though, he gave up. He looked at the pond one last time, though he couldn't see his reflection. Harry turned around and walked back to the small clearing where he kept his camp. In the morning he would figure out what he was going to do with the rest of his life. After all, how long could he sit and watch grass grow in a dark forest?
AN: Well there's one more chapter, I'm sorry it took so long, but my life has been ridiculous...like meals have been optional for over a week...practicing my flute has been out of the question, and sleep is a luxury, plus its the end of the nine weeks at school, so teachers are scrambling to get grades in...so yeah, enough of my venting on the people I adore, that's right, you the people who read my story (especially those of you who review!). So anyways, there's another chapter, if it's horrible, let me know please, if you liked it, let me know, and anything in between let me know. Oh and if you review my stories, I make it a point to check out your stories. Often times, I'll read several stories (time permitting) so, reviewing gets you stuff too! (In addition to my adoration :p) Oh, and fyi- I will not begin to write chapter 10 until the play I am working on (why I have no time to breathe) is over. Don't worry that's only a week from now...despite the fact that I'm sooo not ready for it...ok, I am honestly done venting now.
Response to Reviews: Wow, ten for one chapter! No, it's not a personal record, but it's still an awesome number! Let's go for thirteen this chapter! WOOT!
Ketta dragontamer- CoNgRaTs YoU aRe ThE 70 rEvIeWeR tO mY sToRy! YoU aRe An AmAzInG pErSoN! Thank you to you and to all those who made this kodak moment possible! Is my mysterious nature a good thing? I hope so... anyways, maybe Dean will be, maybe he won't be more of a comfort, all I'll say is that he comes back in another chapter. And honestly, I know when Harry's coming back, and no, I won't tell you, I'm making you wait...I know, how horrible of me, I'm sorry...
Selene 147- I'm glad you like my story! I don't suppose I happen to be one of those "brilliant authors" you speak of... wink, wink, nudge, nudge and it's okay that it's a short review, it tells me you like my story and that you took the time to say so, that means a lot to me.
LaxGoalie- I'm glad you like it, and (obviously) I updated
liz- yeah, well actually, no I didn't notice, but I went back and changed it on my comp, but I didn't change it on the internet, you'll just have to deal with it for now...fyi- it's supposed to be Erik. And yes, I know Algae is on strange pet name, but it I liked it, and that's all that matters, lol, jk...I just needed a pet name with a joking aura, and it fit.
Wytil- umm, yeah, I'm not sure what you're talking about there...
The Female Nerd- hey, I get very excited that you were the 60th reviewer, you should be excited too! And as for Ginny's little relationship thing...that will be revealed in upcoming chapters. And I'm not saying anything about guilt on her part, that too will be revealed in later chapters...hahaha, I'm so evil! (lol, not really, but I'm sleep deprived, so my mind's a little...off)
LOTZAstuffINmyHead- I'm really sorry Sez that it took me so long to update, but like I said, life's crazy now. Once I get back into a simpler schedule, updates will be more regular, honest. I'm glad you liked my chapter!
Hallmark Lady!- Gee, Caleb, who on earth is "Hallmark Lady" lol, jk. This chapter was a little shorter, sorry, but I'll try to keep them all about the length of this one or chapter 8. Thanks. And I'm glad you like my story. As I said above, I know when Harry's coming home, and I'm not telling you, so you'll have to be patient! (or check out my oneshot called The New Day in the mean time! (drop a review...please!)
CrazyCarlSoF- Yeah, I know it was emotionless, but I just wanted to get a chapter up, I didn't really pause to add such things, sorry, I'll try to make it better. And as for Ginny, her situation will unfold in later chapters...no worries, mate! And I'm glad you thin my story's going great so far!
Phyre's child13- CONGRATS! YOU'RE THE FIRST REVIEWER OF CHAPTER 8! YOUR DEDICATION IS LOVED! I'm glad you liked my chapter, I'm sorry for the wait for this one too...I must seem like a horrible author, just please give me a chance to rectify my ways! yeah, once again, Eric/k is supposed to be Erik, that was an editing mistake, sorry. And I agree with you, Harry's an idiot for pushing everyone away! Yeah, I needed to add in Fred and George, I'm glad there was comic relief with them. It had been expressed that I needed some of that, so your recognition of that made me happy!
