Can this be real?

CHAPTER 9

A\N

Firstly – Thank you so much to all the favorites and reviews!

I really appreciate it all, just having someone read this is already a huge bonus to me, having someone comment, so much better!

I am sure I do not have to remind everyone – but HP and the characters so not belong to me, only the plot to this story, and yes, they can act a little ooc, but this is fiction!

I replayed his words over and over in my mind over the next few days.

"I performed the Sectumsempra on myself."

We sat in silence after his admission, Harry with his head dropped, and me sitting like a statue. I expected something like that, an attempted suicide, but to perform the Sectumsempra? Knowing what it did to Malfoy?

Harry explained that he was on the floor, pain all over his body, but he could not even shout for help. Blood was all over the floor, but for a brief moment, he felt at peace, knowing he was finally going to end his suffering. But then he started to feel the pain, real pain, and he regretted his actions. He knew he was in trouble, but taking one's own life is not the solution, that you cannot run away from your problems. At that stage he tried to call for help, but he was too weak. The pain started fading and he lost consciousness, and when he awoke, he was healed from all injuries. He was still on the floor but the blood was gone. For a moment he thought he had a bad nightmare, but his clothes were still torn and the event left scars over his body, testament that he really did do something foolish.

We spoke some more, and Harry also admitted that although he got scared that night, it was not enough to get himself together. He started to wonder who healed him, what did he do to deserve to be saved. It only added a new sort of torment for Harry.

After reviewing my notes on the situation, I finally came up with a plan that could hopefully help Harry get on the path to recovery.

Harry need to accept the events; accept his part in saving the wizarding world, the death of heroes and his survival. He needs to understand that his life does indeed have a purpose, that he is loved and respected by all his friends.

Step one is to find out what happened in that study that night. How did Harry survive the curse?

I did some research in the library when Harry was not using it, not wanting him to find out what I am planning, just in case it does not work. During the last few days we acted as normal, and during the night we talked about his feelings. It was not easy for Harry to express his emotions, but it was getting easier. The highlight of each session is not only knowing that Harry is slightly improving, realizing that to talk about his feelings instead of bottling everything up is half the battle, but is the kiss at the end. Each night Harry would take my face in his hands and place a soft kiss on my lips, his lips lingering a mere few seconds, but the feeling lasting forever.

I am going to start with my plan tonight. Ron managed to drag Harry out for a man's night out and I have the library to myself for a few hours at least.

I make sure that the door is firmly lock, putting a silencing charm on the room just in case. The spell was a bit unclear what will happen, but just in the event that it is noisy, it is better safe than sorry.

"Revelio Secreta"

Reveal your hidden secrets, so basic, so essentially easy that this spell has not been used in thousands of years, and for good measure,

"Specialis Revelio"

Immediately the room was filled with blue, red and green lights, swirling through the room. After a minute or two everything was eerily quiet and I could not see anything different. I scanned the room a couple of times; looking for anything amiss and only after my third scan did I notice it. Remus Lupin's eye moved!

I ran across the room, standing in front of his portrait. He did not moved, nothing! I leaned closer, pressing my face closer, trying to see something.

"BOOO!"

I fell backwards, my heart jumping out of my chest, all the while hearing laughter all around me. The portraits were alive!

"Remus Lupin! That was not funny!"

"Come on Hermione, you know it was!"

"Yeah, perhaps just a bit. But first explain how this is possible? This is not a wizard portrait, you should not be moving"

"Really, no wonder we cannot move from here. Sirius here next to me, has been driving me mad"

"So?"

I am getting impatient. As nice as it is to hear their voice again, I had a time limit.

"Oi, missy! Treat the dead with a little more respect, why don't yah"

I just threw Fred one of my evil glares.

"Shut it, Fred! I have a little bit of a time issue here guys, so a little bit of information will be greatly appreciated."

"Well, Miss Granger, we are not entirely sure ourselves how this happened. First thing I remember is Mr Potter on the floor, screaming his head off like a little girl"

"Now, Severus, you know that is a lie"

"Harry did not even open his mouth Snape"

"Boys! Enough of that. Please go on Professor Snape"

"As I was saying, Mr Potter was on the floor, stupidly casting a Sectumsempra again, this time on himself! Even though I knew it would be futile, I tired to cast the healing spells, but of course it did not help."

"That is until we all stepped up and helped old Snape here. We all cast the spell and that's that"

How did this happen? Harry being healed, the portraits coming alive, it all does not add up.

I look around Professor Dumbledore, but his portrait is as unmoving as before.

"What is wrong with Professor Dumbledore?"

"No one knows. He did not come alive with the rest of us."

Mmm, perhaps Dumbledore performed some last magic? It doesn't make sense, but there is no other explanation at this stage. Surely a powerful wizard such as himself, should have come alive with the rest of them?

"Hermione"

I turn slowly to the source, Harry's mom.

"Yes Mrs Potter?"

"Please call me Lily. How is Harry really doing? For the last few weeks I had to watch my son suffering, and I could not do anything"

I suddenly realized that they most likely saw Harry and myself here night after night!

"No use trying to act all innocent now! We all know what a naughty girl you really are!"

"Fred!"

Lily and I shouted at the same time.

"Just saying"

"He is doing better, Lily, but I do not understand why you did not tell him yourself? He has been beating himself up night after night, blaming himself for all of your deaths! At least you could have eased his mind!"

"We tried so many times, but for some reason, every time we tried to talk to Harry, we froze up, literally, only being able to move when he was not looking, and even then, no sound."

"Maybe your spell removed whatever block was on us?"

I let out a sigh, things really was never easy.

"Perhaps, but I am not sure. What we have to figure out now is how to help Harry"

We sat for the next hour, deciding what the best method will be to tell Harry that they are awake in their portraits.

"Hermione?"

Harry was standing in the doorway, sporting a stupid grin on his face. He tried to walk forward but he failed miserably, being to drunk to support himself. I rush towards him, helping him to the sofa.

"Harry, what were you thinking! Were Ron?"

"Don knuww, don caaarreee" a drunk Harry was really not a pretty site.

"Drinking is never the solution Harry; I should know that better than anyone" Hearing Sirius voice, Harry's head turned to the portraits.

"I'm sooooo drunk, even Sirius is talking to me 'Mione! Sirius. Haha, He's dead but talking to me!" and just like that, the famous Harry Potter passed out, drunk.