Hey everyone,
With this chapter I am going to make sure that one of the more common mistakes I made in Fate's Finale, which reached its finale this month, will not occur in this one. Also, I made a decision that concerns most of my CR stories. To Read and To View, Destiny's Saying and Family and Friends will all end once they finish their respective book/movie.
HOWEVER, there are two factors in play that will make sure you won't have anything to worry about. 1. Each of these stories still have several chapters to go and only To Read and To View might end sometime next year, though probably sometime after August. 2. They will all have sequels covering the other books/movies respectively.
I'm not doing this for Preventing Trouble, because it's already three books deep or for this story because it only covers Order, Prince and Hallows. However, I might change my mind and include Preventing after all, make part one about Stone, Chamber and Prisoner and part two about Goblet, Order, Prince and Hallows. But even then the first factor still applies.
So no need for concern,

Venquine1990
Shout-outs to:
V.L. Crawford
Wishfull-star


Chapter 46
Family Christmas

15th of August 1995
The Arena, Potter Place
Even's POV

It really is nice to see the rest of our old group again, yet the knowledge of how far behind they are worries me and so I say: "Perhaps we should try to make things easier for new arrivals." The others turn to me and I say: "There will be more new readers after this, even if not for a while, and we are already halfway through the first book. If they arrive, they will be lost and feel confused.
I suggest that three of us, perhaps myself, Ienzo and young Hermione, each keep a journal, one enchanted so that what one of us writes in their own also appears in the ones kept by the others and that each of us writes a small entry for one chapter. Say Hermione for this one, Ienzo for the next and me for the one that follows and so on and so forth."
The others nod at this and Hermione says: "I'll be more than happy to and maybe I can write small summaries about what happened in the last four years as well." Making us smile at her before Mrs. Tonks says: "Perhaps that's a task better left for tonight before you go to bed." The girl nods and Ienzo takes the book from her as James says: "Be right back." And he leaves as Ienzo reads.

Christmas on the Closed Ward

Instantly young Neville and his grandmother tense up before the boy turns grim and says: "I – I never wanted you to find out, not like that." Making the others look at him in concern before Riku goes to sit with him and says: "Remember what I did for Harry? Maybe I can do the same for our parents." Neville looks at him, a look that resembles that of a lost puppy in his eyes and Ienzo reads on.

Was this … it now…

"Wait, I wonder something." Hermione suddenly interrupts and she goes on: "St. Mungo's has Healer-Patient confidentiality, right? So if Harry were to be secretly admitted, to see if he could be healed of – whatever was causing that connection – they'd be able to cure him, right? So why didn't the Order try that while Harry was right there, that very day?"
At this everyone shares a look and Bill asks: "Why didn't we do that? Were we so focused on dad that we didn't even consider it? But we knew that Harry was suffering from it, so why not try and have him be treated as well?" I sigh and say: "Considering that we don't know the rest of that conversation, I don't think we will ever know the answers." The others grimace and Ienzo reads on.

A truly … dark tunnel.

This makes a lot of the adults grimace and Sirius growls: "Even more evidence that trying to keep him out of all this is just a bad idea. By not communicating and taking his experience into consideration, we bring out his teenage inquisitive nature and give him the chance to interpret what we are actually trying to do all wrong. This all could have been prevented." The others nod and Ienzo reads on.

I'm the … right now –

"I can assure you, my boy, with or without the connection, you are not the weapon that Voldemort is after. If he were, if he were even aware of the connection in the first place, you would need protection for he would try and take you from us. Not to kill you, but to keep you somewhere only he could reach you. To keep the connection you have to him safe." Dumbledore says, trying to sound wise.
"Albus, you're not helping." Sirius snaps, having his son cuddled close against his form, but then his eldest says: "But the connection is gone, so Voldemort won't have a reason for wanting to do that anymore." Yet just by spotting the look shared between his father and the older man, do I know that this might not be as good of a thing as he tries to make it out to be as Ienzo reads on.

"Are you … all right?"

"Her and Ginny were seated next to Harry? Ginny whispered everything in her ear and now she's trying to – DAMNIT! That little stint is going to try and be the one that will comfort and reassure Harry, so that he will rely on her more and they will have easier access to him and an –.""Can we stop with all this negativity, please?" Sirius yells at Ron, making the redhead cringe as Ienzo reads on.

He nodded … was here…

"I have no doubt that I made the same conclusion the night in my office, dear boy, just as I have as little doubt that I am working on a solution to this problem as you are reaching it yourself. In fact, I think I already know what my older self will come up with." Dumbledore says, smiling at his pupil and Sirius asks: "Care to share?" The man nods and says:
"Unless I am very much mistaken or have lost sight of my own ways of thinking, I am quite certain that, as Harry is in that room pacing, my book-self is probably in contact with Severus, asking for his aid in helping young Harry learn Occlumency." This intrigues me, but then a stern voice says: "That is not going to happen." And we see that James has returned.
He moves around, handing Hermione, Ienzo and myself a simple looking leather book and says: "They are linked journals. My grandfather had two brothers of various ages. Through these they kept in contact while at Hogwarts. Money was scarce for them until they each had jobs of their own, so they couldn't quite afford an owl or all of the treats and stuff that it would need."

He then turns to Dumbledore and while Ron seems shocked to hear that his best friend's family, at one point, couldn't even afford to supply an owl, does the man say: "Occlumency, for more than one reason, cannot be taught to Harry through Snape. Not only has that man proven that he sees Harry as nothing more than my clone, but this is also obviously a case of great concern and haste.
Because of this, Snape will more than likely skip a few steps in the lesson plan, not just because he won't want anyone, not even Harry, to suffer Voldemort's mental wrath, but also just to spite my son and through that my memory. Not to mention that Harry is currently constantly being overwhelmed by his emotions, which will only hamper the lessons further."
"Not to mention that the connection is both mental and emotional, as I found out while diving down into Harry's heart. So unless you decide to include meditation lessons in this Occlumency stuff, which I doubt due to the whole thing being a case of haste and importance, those lessons are just going to be a recipe for disaster." Riku adds and then I notice it.

Luna is seated on the highest step of the Arena, the wind is blowing her hair into her face from every angle, yet this does nothing to hide the tears that are streaming down her face. The others also notice the young girl and she says: "Whether he takes these lessons or not, whether we let this happen or not, trouble and pain will happen. Even if we decide to prevent one disaster, another will follow."
This really concerns everyone, yet then the girl sighs and says: "Though, if I have to personally chose – even before I got this chance – I would still advice you to prevent the disaster and just accept the one that follows. It will be the lesser of the two evils, so to say." Everyone nods at this and Harry asks: "When will we know?""Soon." Luna answers before Ienzo reads on.

There was … wizards entirely.

"There is absolutely no way that is ever going to happen." Sirius tells his son sternly and Harry nods, proving he no longer has this desire as Dumbledore comments: "I can assure you, Sirius, that I am quite confident in the fact that my book-self has probably already anticipated and prepared for this." Yet the Lord of the Black line sighs and says:
"I'm sorry, Albus, but I'm willing to believe that of you, but not of book-you. Simply, because book-you seems determined to have zero contact with Harry unless Harry himself demands it and because a lot of book-you's actions so far have proven that you have lost touch with those closest to you. So I'm sorry, but I fear that your intentions won't have the results you desire." At which Ienzo reads on.

Well, if … his face.

Sirius shakes his head at this and mutters: "I knew it, I just knew it.""Sirius, I fail to see the problem here." Kingsley says and Sirius answers: "Phineas' cynicism and his lack of social or people skill. That's what's the problem, especially if you put Harry's emotional state into the mix. That's just a recipe for disaster." The other adults also grimace at this and Ienzo reads on.

"Not running … to him!

"No, and sending Nigellus of all people really isn't helping. No offense, Albus, but the only other person who could have been worse in this situation is Molly. Heck, regardless of his past between us, I would even pick Snape ever Nigellus here – and Nigellus is family." Sirius moans, making Dumbledore sigh and stroke his beard, a clear sign of his own distress.
"I think it's quite obvious what kind of Heartstamp Spell Molly has put on you, Albus. One that increases your focus on the war, your level of endurance under various forms of pressure and at the same time, obviously, decreases your social skills to a level lower than Phineas'. Though it also seems to block your actual knowledge about those you care for."
Andromeda gently tells the man, who shares a look with her and Sirius. Sirius nods at him and says: "I'm needed for my family, but being here is already helping me fight the spell. You're needed on a much grander scale. Your needs outweigh mine here, Albus." Dumbledore nods gratefully and Andromeda smiles at him before she gets to work.

And yet again I feel incredibly amazed and intrigued with how the woman does her job, how she focuses on the spell that she casts and how her body reacts as it absorbs the darkness of the Heartstamp spell and the effects it has on its target. Yet this time, it seems to take the woman less time to get done than it did with Harry and I wonder:
"Is this because she is now used to locating and gathering the effects of the spell, is that because Dumbledore by himself is strong enough to have already weakened the spell somewhat or could there be another explanation?" And while I vouch to myself that I will use our next break to discuss this incredible form of magic with the intriguing woman, does Ienzo read on.

"So that's … be planning -"

"Just because you used to think that the world revolved around you and that everyone should have worshipped you when you were Headmaster, doesn't mean everyone does." James growls, obviously furious over his son's predicament and how others are not helping but hindering the situation and while Hermione looks intrigued over this information, does Ienzo read on.

"He is … inside him.

"Harry love, you are looking way too deeply into this." One of the twins says and the other jokes: "This is our dear brother, Ron, after all.""You know how he gets when it comes to food." The two chorus, but then Ron rolls his eyes and says: "That and I don't doubt that No-Name has advised me to just inform Harry and leave him be. Though why I listened?" He shakes his head and Ienzo reads.

He would … ignored her.

"I'm really in two-battle here." Sirius mutters and he goes on: "On one hand, I'm glad that you're ignoring her, because she's nothing but dangerous. On the other, I hate how this is ruining the first chance we have at spending Christmas together, which is probably the real reason book-me is sounding so happy." His family quickly hugs him from all sides and Ienzo reads on.

Around six … Ron's bed.

"And because Molly and I have been spending so much time together these past few months, am I already under her control enough that when I started getting worried, Molly was able to reassure me and convince me to leave it to them instead of doing my job as father/godfather." Sirius mutters, his face down and pain clear in his voice.
"There's nothing wrong with that." Hermione suddenly says, but while this makes the others gasp and look at her shocked, does Andromeda say: "It's the potions. They're still in her system and might take some time to get flushed out. Personally I expected such a comment much sooner. It's proof that the potions are already losing their effects." And this calms down the ones that gasped in shock.

The woman then turns to Hermione herself and asks: "That being said, would you rather Angelina comes to comfort you about, say, your health potentially getting in the way of you getting the highest scores you can get on your OWLs or your parents or magical guardian?" At this Hermione rubs the back of her head and answers:
"The latter. And I kind of already came to the same conclusion myself the minute the words left my mouth." She then turns to the Potter-Black family and says: "Sirius is right – that is, in saying that all of this isn't right. It really should be him up there instead of us and it really is wrong that Molly is working so hard to both break them apart and get them closer together.
And I already figured out why she is trying to do both as well. She wants them closer together, because then Sirius dying, sorry for being blunt, will hurt Harry more. But she wants them further apart, because that will make Sirius emotionally confused and wanting and will mean he is more likely to make a mistake, perhaps even a fatal one. Again, sorry for being blunt."
The Potters all grimace as the realization that the girl might be onto something hits them and instantly the twins and Lea are with them, offering comfort and support and making sure that Harry and Sirius are in the center of their little circle. "You sure have a good brain in that head of yours, young lady." Dilan then comments, sounding both passive and impressed and Ienzo nods before he reads on.

"I came … of himself.

"It's clever and even a little brave of her that she's willing to use this evidence to comfort Harry, but at the same time do I know two things. One, she is just doing it to get closer to Harry, so he will be less observant around her and will be less likely to notice it if she decides to increase the effects of her little spell work. And two, she's not entirely right or wrong, just limited."
Bill says, grimacing and Moody goes on: "Still, considering that things are about to get better and more positive, I might as well screw the good mood one last time." He turns to the adults that are in the Order and says: "If we had been better guards, more open and public in showing our support of the kid, he would have come to us about this. He would have admitted to listening in and we could have been the one to comfort him instead of that witch."
At this Kingsley, Remus, Tonks, Dumbledore, Arthur and his son all grimace, yet they also nod and Dumbledore says: "Let us hope that, with my Heartstamp Spell removed, I will regain my own social skills and will start trusting everyone who I care for again, that it will make me more open and willing to confide what I know in those that deserve to know." Everyone nods and Ienzo reads on.

"That dream … his voice.

Everyone smiles at the boy, even Ienzo, Dilan and Aeleus, who don't even know Harry bar the fact that he is Sora's brother and Sora says: "Okay, seeing what Moody said and what we just read, let's make a promise. Even if No-Name or Ginerva comes up, we are not going to bring the mood down by commenting on it unless the book itself does so. Deal?" Everyone nods and Ienzo reads.

How could … larger, pile.

This actually makes both James and Augusta frown, but Sirius lies a comforting hand on his mate's arm and says: "Don't worry yourself, love. I'm sure it's the Fidelius. That it's keeping out gifts from those who aren't aware of where Harry is." Both look appeased and Sora rolls his eyes as he says: "So much for the deal.""Hey, I was reassuring them." Sirius argues, we all laugh and Ienzo reads.

"Good haul … a page.

Harry sends his brother a guilty grin and then says: "Sorry, Sora, but that just further proves that the Heartstamp spell is in effect.""Why do you say that?" Hermione asks aghast and Harry answers: "Because for my thirteenth birthday, you gave me a broom serving kit, which is more something along my tastes. This is more something along yours." The girl concedes to this and Ienzo reads on.

Sirius and … his bed.

Here Sirius turns to the twins sternly and says: "Let me make one thing very clear. From this day forth, no matter how close your bond with my son, you will never again Apparate into his bedroom. That is an intrusion of privacy and seeing what room book-him is sleeping in, he doesn't need you guys joining in on that act." The twins nod solemnly and Ienzo calmly reads on.

"Happy Christmas … or anything."

At this Harry sits up and hisses: "He didn't." And instantly it's quite clear that the boy is beyond angry. "Harry, love, you do know who sent those things, right?" Lea asks, but Harry growls: "Doesn't matter. You don't return your parents' gift. You don't." And even without how the boy repeats the last two words is it quite clear how important this is to him as Ienzo reads on.

"We tried … him free!"

Yet Ienzo stops and looks up as he asks: "Is something the matter?" And we see him looking at Sirius, who mutters: "Something's wrong. When Harry described what was going on with the cleaning up from Christmas, Kreacher wasn't mentioned once, even though he was back when we read about the cleaning we all did over summer." The others grimace and Luna sighs out loud.
We turn to her and she says: "He is one of four, though that is partially of his doing and partially your own." And she looks straight at Sirius as she says this, who groans and says: "When I told that filthy elf to get out. He took that literally and left Grimmauld all-together. The reason we're not reading about him is because he's no longer there."

"But where could he possibly go? Aren't you the only family he has left to serve?" Hermione shrieks as she asks, but Sirius shakes his head and says: "Remember the Family Tree in one of the earlier chapters. Narcissa is still alive and Kreacher was always loyal to her. Not to mention that Lucius, like my dear late mother, loves and serves Voldemort."
The girl looks horrified and then Dumbledore shocks us all and says: "Sirius, I owe you my sincere apology. It is quite obvious that I, too, am one of the four, whether that is directly or indirectly. Yet I know this, because I am sure that my keeping you and Kreacher, if not Kreacher and the Order, this closely together is what made me one of four."
Everyone looks at the man in various levels of shock and horror, but then Andromeda hums and says: "Well, what do you know. You've only been cleaned of the spell for a few minutes and already you're turning back into your old self. I'd say it's safe to say that that spell only had a come and go effect on you, Albus, that your magic was strong enough to fight it from time to time."
I smile at this, happy to have my answer to the questions I was asking myself while the woman was at work and others also smile at either her or the old man and Moody says: "Good, the sooner we have our caring, careful, but genius leader back, the sooner we can finish this war for good." And even Luna nods in agreement to this, which really seems to boost everyone's moral as Ienzo reads on.

"It isn't … hopes up."

Hermione glares at the man over this, but Sirius says: "Look, I know book-me is currently breaking my son's deal and all, but if you want, I'll use our next break to share some of my history with Kreacher with you. Maybe if you know what he was like, with or without my mother's orders, you will realize that he's not worth your time or effort." The girl nods reluctantly at this and Ienzo reads.

Fred, George … good grace.

At this I notice the three Chasers share a glance and then they turn to all of the other kids and Katie asks: "Hey, I know that we're already in the middle of August and all, but how would you like to join us for our Summer tradition next year?" The kids all look intrigued and Hermione asks: "What do you girls do then?" And Angelina happily answers:
"Every other year we spent July full-time in the Magical world and August full-time in the Muggle. It really is a lot of fun, especially when you realize just how different, yet also diverse the two worlds are. Where the Magical world has Quidditch and Wizard's chess and all, the Muggle world has Disney park, movies and video games. And trust me, you've never eaten, until you've eaten pizza."
At which, to the amused shock of some of those around us, Dilan, Aeleaus, Riku, Sora and Lea all nod in agreement before Lea says: "And you've never had ice-cream until you've tasted Sea-salt ice cream.""You're joking, right? That sounds awful." Ron is actually the one to exclaim, but Lea smirks at him and says: "Be right back." Shocking us all.

Yet before we can stop him, does he actually phase out, surrounding himself in the corridor of darkness. "HAS HE LOST IT? WE'RE BACK IN TIME! WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE OTHER WORLDS! WHY WOULD HE TAKE SUCH A RISK? FOR ICE-CREAM!" Kairi screams sounding hysterical, yet to all of our relief, does the teen return only a few seconds later.
"What were you thinking?" Riku snarls and yet the teen remains calm and says: "That none of us were anywhere near Twilight Town while you two were in your Mark of Mastery exam, of course. The closest any of us got to that was me going to the Mysterious Tower and I'm pretty sure my past self has already left that place to train with Merlin, so no harm done."

This calms the others down somewhat, yet then suddenly Lea makes a painful exclamation and Harry snaps: "Are you dimwitted or something? We just read of how annoyed and frustrated I got over dangerous things happening to me and those I love without people informing or reassuring me and then you go and pull this dumb stunt?" And Lea actually turns red in apology.
"Right, did not think that through." He mutters and Riku smirks as he says: "You really should have kept that little fact memorized." And then something happens that really makes it hard for me not to laugh. Harry frowns at his mate with a pout of concern on his face and then huffs and goes to sit with his family, pulling them close in such a way there's no place for Lea to sit.
Lea spots this as well and pouts at the sight, but Harry just angrily glares at him and the teen sighs before he goes to sit with Ienzo, Dilan and myself. "Welcome back, pall." I can't help but quip and Lea glares at me. Yet I take too much amusement out of the whole situation and think: "He needs to learn to command his dominance some more." As Ienzo reads on, sounding just as amused.

The journey … Muggle wounds -"

Everyone who comes from this world grimaces and cringes at this and then Katie asks: "Mr. Weasley, how old are most Trainee Healers and at what age do they usually graduate?" The man looks thoughtful and says: "Most do between the age of 23 and 26, really. Why do you ask, Katie?" Making the girl wince and she says:
"Because surgery training usually has people graduate at age 31, meaning that this guy – was way too young to be properly educated or equipped for work like that. Though I do admit that stitching someone up is something most Muggle doctors with a few years of experience can do, but seeing as how we're talking of a Trainee – I'm not helping my case here, am I?" Yet to this I can't help but say: "Au contraire, I find your information most intriguing."
Ienzo nods and says: "Most of us knew that, if we were to come to this world, we would basically walk into a world that is really two worlds in one. It was definitely one of the reasons why Even and I agreed to join Sora and the others. Though I will admit, getting to know someone actually related to Sora instead of just being his friend also played a part." Harry smiles at him and he reads on.

Mrs. Weasley … tearoom is?"

"But that doesn't make any sense. Why sow skin back together if you just have to remove the stuff later and undo the work you've done?" Ron asks confused and Hermione answers: "Because stitches allow for the skin to grow back together over time and because the thread that is used is usually of a material that fuses alongside the skin, like hair."
Ron looks at this weirded out, but then Harry says: "Ron, please try to remember that this is a Muggle thing. Muggles can't wave wands and have skin heal itself magically. They need alternative methods and this is one of them. Besides, would people who aren't even into the medical field like Hermione know about them if they weren't already tested and proven to work well?"
Ron looks at his best friend in shock and mutters: "Point taken." Hermione beaming between her two friends and Harry shortly raising his eyebrows up and down at the both of them. And while the book has proven that their bond might suffer some hardships and they haven't spent much time together lately, is there no mistaking their close bond even now, impressing me as Ienzo reads on.

"Fifth floor … would you?"

"I'm sorry, what?" Ienzo asks, having read that last bit with clear shock and confusion and Harry rolls his eyes as he says: "Gilderoy Lockhart. A fraud of a man who used the great victories of others to make himself famous, but who got hit with his own Memory wiping spell in our Second after we tried asking him for help. Long story, for another day." Ienzo nods and reads on.

"Hasn't changed … did I?

"I'm starting to wonder how well that spell worked. Or are spells like that supposed to lessen in effectiveness over time?" Ron asks curiously, but Harry shakes his head and says: "No chance. Lockhart would not have dared take such a risk, not with the gamble he was playing with all those actual heroes." Ron nods in agreement to this and Ienzo reads on.

Well, how … the corridor.

And while Ron and Hermione grimace at this, do I notice Harry and Neville sharing a look. "I really never wanted you guys to find out like this. I – I should have told you, confided in you. You guys always managed to keep what you actually did a secret so well, I – I should have trusted you." Neville stammers and Riku goes to sit with his younger brother as Ienzo reads on.

"Let's not … her wand.

Yet while Harry, Ron and Hermione share a confused, concerned look at this, as if the sound of the plant sounds familiar to them, yet they are asking the others if the they can remember why, does Sirius turn to the other Order members and ask: "Does Bode even like plants? I thought he was more of a poster and picture book kind of guy."
"He is – and that's not from us." Kingsley frowns and Tonks pulls out a small notebook of her own as she says: "That's it. From now on, I'm writing down everything that might be suspicious or dangerous. The more we have written down, in more ways than just the books, the more likely we are able to prevent some casualties." At which her two partners nod in agreement.
"It's Devil's Snare." Neville then suddenly says and the look of dawning comprehension on the faces of his three dorm mates really intrigues me. Yet I don't focus on it as Neville sounded frightened and worried, but then his gran says: "You know how protective I am of them, Neville. You need not concern yourself, I assure you." The boy calms down and Ienzo reads on.

"And – oh … to say."

This makes Riku turn to his grandmother in confusion and he asks: "Why would you want Neville to be like dad? From what I've heard so far of him he sounds like he'll do fine just being himself. He's certainly growing into someone I'm proud to call family." The woman actually looks down at him sternly, but Riku just glares back at her and Ienzo shrugs as he reads on.

And she … parents, Neville?"

"It's not like I liked talking about Aunt Lily and mum before I found out the truth." Harry softly mutters and when the woman retorts: "There is no shame in –." Does Harry level her with a stare and state: "There is a difference in feeling ashamed of the past and not wanting to constantly be reminded of how painful it is.
Which is something I did every time I looked in the mirror and Neville whenever he thought about you. And you don't fool me, Mrs. Longbottom. I recognize a hidden tone of grief when I hear one. You're not past grieving over your own losses either, but you're trying to ignore that and in doing so are trying to turn Neville into something he simply can't be; a clone."
The woman now glares at the boy furiously, yet it seems her respect for his role as host is keeping her from lashing out. And Harry takes advantage of this as he crosses his arms and says: "The Weasleys gave Ron Charlie's old wand simply because they couldn't afford to buy him a new one until they won the lottery. You and Neville don't have the same excuse.

Also, I think you need to read something. It might open your eyes to who you are, unknowingly imitating with that behavior of yours." And with that does he walk over to Ienzo, who silently hands him the book. He then walks back and seems to page back all the way to the beginning before handing the woman the book, who snaps it out of his hands and reads.
Yet she seems to instantly find what Harry is looking for as her eyes widen and she looks up. Harry nods at her and says: "Exactly. You're doing the exact same thing Molly accused Sirius of back in the summer of the book. The only difference is that, with him, Molly was wrong. Can you same the same with me and Neville?" And the woman remains silent. At this Harry gives the book back to Ienzo, who nods and continues to read.

Neville took … is it?"

"And you're doing a mighty fine job honoring their sacrifice yourself, Augusta." James suddenly says and the woman turns to him as he says: "I may not know exactly what happened, but I'm willing to take a well-educated guess. The Lestranges came to Frank and Alice, but their real target – was Neville. And those two went down, protecting him.
Yet it is your upraising – yours, not theirs – that turned Neville into the boy we just read about. Can you honestly say that is what they would have wanted you to do?""They're not dead!" The woman shrieks and James retorts: "No, but they haven't healed either, have they?" And again the woman falls silent, this time her face showing how much that statement hurts.

"Maybe I can heal them." Riku suddenly mutters and everyone turns to them as he says: "It – it might be that, after they were tortured, their hearts were shattered or perhaps the connection between their hearts and minds were. Perhaps if I Dive in, like I did with Harry, then – instead of severing the connection like I did before – I can mend it."
"But – but you – you hardly even know them." Augusta argues, yet I can easily tell that her heart isn't in it, that she's arguing simply because she doesn't want to get her hopes up. Yet Harry seems to have mellowed out and says: "No, but he is their son. Maybe if he goes down into their hearts, he can reach a point where they will recognize them.
Spark something within them that will make them a little more conscious, a little more able to aid in their own healing process. I'm not saying it's a guarantee, but – seeing what he was able to do with me, severe a connection that tied me to the darkest wizard of the century." Augusta looks at the boy as if he is her last lifeline or something and my heart goes out to her as Ienzo reads on.

Neville's mother … behind them.

I look at Riku at this and he nods at me, proving that he and I have come to the same conclusion. "Harry is right.""That most certainly is a good sign." Ienzo mumbles and Augusta turns to him as he says: "Familiarity. She vaguely remembers Neville, perhaps eating or chewing on that gum just before the attack. It proves that Harry's theory might hold ground."
"Wait, why might?" Hermione asks and Ienzo says: "One should never speak of a theory with certainty until it has been tested, especially when this theory concerns something alive or in close bonds with others. Personally, I am currently in conflict with myself. I believe my own words, but wish not to bring up the hopes of our friends, lets I get proven wrong."
The girl nods, looking grim and even a little guilty, as if feeling bad for asking her question and Riku asks: "Would anyone be opposed if I go check on them once we break?" To which we all shake our heads and Sora says: "Whenever you want to leave, just tell us." And both his own friends and Harry and his nod in agreement to this before Ienzo reads on.

"I never … you know!"

This is met with people groaning, slapping a hand over their faces or looking up into the sky in exasperation. "I guess the book was a little done ending on cliff-hangers." Dean mutters, yet then Luna looks up and says: "Another one is coming. From this point on, we cannot break. We must keep reading." And her tone has never sounded more ominous, dreadful and filled with pain.


Luna, what did you hear?
Who am I kidding, we all know what she heard. And trust me, I really don't like what I just set myself up for. It means there will be no more break chapters between now and the chapter in which Sirius dies. It's going to be 15 chapters of annoyances and me trying my hardest to bring light to one of the darkest books of the series.
Also, who of you guessed how Ginny is going to come back? I gave quite the little hint this chapter, though it's not a direct one. Heck, while writing this AN, I had to wreck my own brain to remember where I put it. Anyway, this chapter is long enough without me rambling, so –
See ya'll later,

Venquine1990