Author's Note: I appreciate the reviews :) As with many others, I think the reviews are what keep the interest to keep updating the stories. I believe all but one review for this past chapter was positive and full of anticipation for the obvious upcoming confrontation between Harry and Severus. There was concern in one review that I lost the essence of Harry's character in the last chapter so allow me to clarify for a moment. I agree that under normal circumstances, Harry would not have acted the way he did, however, the chapter was designed to show what COULD happen when someone depressed, upset and angry could run into judgment issues when drinking alcohol. Since the last chapter was Harry's first foray into drinking something stronger then Butterbeer, and since once he got past the first strong hit he started feeling "better," it would not be outside the possibility that he would become unaware that he was losing control of his normal tendencies. The anger he was feeling was also now being transferred to the people that Harry knew were supposed to protect the wizarding world which would not be unusual. I promise I am not going to turn Harry into a raging alcoholic :)
Chapter 7: Family Time
Disclaimer: While I am borrowing many of the characters created by J.K. Rowling, all rights to those characters remain solely with her. I am neither receiving nor soliciting any monetary recompense for this story.
"Harry....come on kiddo, time to wake up."
Harry heard the voice and opened his eyes slightly, trying to figure out where he was and who was talking to him. A blurry form took shape and Harry gasped. Sitting up, he launched himself into Sirius' arms nearly knocking him over, clinging to him in near desperation and starting to cry.
"Hey kiddo," Sirius soothed as he gently rubbed Harry's back, "what is it?"
Harry just shook his head.
"Come on Harry, talk to me or I am going to feel insulted that as soon as you see me you burst into tears," Sirius said jokingly.
"Of course he burst into tears you mangy mutt," came another voice. "Who wouldn't, looking at your ugly mug."
Harry pulled back slightly and glanced over his shoulder, and gasped again.
"D-dad?" he questioned, his voice shaking, more tears making their way down his pale cheeks. Sirius released him and gave him a gentle push towards James.
Taking Harry into his arms, James gently kissed the dark mop of hair now laying against his chest. "That's me son," James said gently, holding Harry close, rocking him slightly as Harry's tears continued.
A few minutes went by before Harry calmed, James just holding him and riding out the storm. When Harry pulled back and wiped his eyes on his sleeve, James chuckled. "You know that drives old Snape nuts," James said, running his hand through Harry's already messed hair.
"James," came a woman's voice from behind Harry, "will you please refer to him as Severus?"
Harry turned. "Mum?"
Lily put her hands on his shoulders, looking him over for a moment before pulling him into her arms as only a mother could. "Hi sweetheart," she said softly kissing the mussed hair. "You've gotten yourself into quite a bit of trouble haven't you?" she questioned wryly.
"Erm, trouble?" Harry said, stepping back as Lily released him. Harry faced his parents and noticed that Sirius had a grin on his face.
"Yes trouble young man," James chimed in. "While I wouldn't normally have anything against anyone trying to drive Sn- er Severus nuts," James corrected himself at Lily's scowl, "you managed to go the extra length," James finished, trying, but failing, to sound stern. You deliberately disobeyed Sna-er, Severus' orders, got drunk out of your head the first time you had a drink and started a fight with two aurors." Suddenly James smiled and gave Harry a friendly punch on his upper arm. "You would have done the marauders proud," James finished.
"James!" Lily exclaimed, which had both Harry and James flushing bright red and caused a burst of laughter from Sirius. "Aw Lils, he's right," Sirius laughed, dodging a shove from Lily.
"I side with Lily," came another voice, causing all three to turn as one. "Remus," Harry breathed. Harry took three hesitant steps towards Remus, whose hand was being held by Tonks. Remus dropped Tonks' hand and opened his arms in invitation. Harry took two more steps and found himself wrapped in Remus' arms. Shaking and trying to hold back renewed tears, Harry wrapped his arms around Remus, holding tight as he rested his head on Remus' shoulder. Remus brought his hand up to gently massage Harry's neck while the other rubbed Harry's back as Harry lost his battle with his tears and started crying, apologizing over and over again.
"I'm sorry Remus, I-I'm sorry!"
Remus glanced up to see James holding Lily in a light embrace, tears sliding down her face as she observed her son.
Turning his attention back to Harry, Remus soothed.
"Shhhh Harry, there is nothing to apologize for, it's OK."
Tonks raised her hand and laid it alongside the hand Remus was using to rub Harry's back. At her touch Harry looked up, the tears sliding down his cheeks. "T-Tonks?" Harry stuttered. "Wotcha' Harry," Tonks replied softly, smiling and bringing her hand up to gently wipe away Harry's tears.
A few more moments and Harry was able to get himself under control, enough to start asking questions.
"How are all of you here? What is this place? Is Fred around; is he OK?"
"We can't really tell you that sweetheart," Lily said gently. "It is another state similar to the one you came to just before the final battle. Your emotions and, well, state of health, allowed us to call you here so we could talk. It's easier for us to bring you here than for us to appear in the physical world. Fred is fine. He's probably off somewhere causing all sorts of grief. He's turned this place upside down a few times with his shenanigans."
"So I am actually...here?" Harry questioned.
"Well, not physically, no. Your subconscious mind is acting as a conduit for us to access. Your physical self is asleep in Hogsmeade, specifically," and here Lily's voice got stern, "in the holding cell at the auror's Hogsmeade office."
Harry flushed again and dropped his chin, scuffing the toe of his shoe against the ground.
"Harry," James said, "your emotions, your anger and frustration, are going to get you into more trouble unless you get a handle on things. Severus is correct," here James grimaced as though admitting that caused him great pain, "in that you are not to blame for what happened that final night. There were over 100 people involved in that fight. The entire auror office wouldn't have been able to protect everyone."
Harry's eyes teared up again.
"But Remus, and Tonks," Harry began only to be interrupted by Remus.
"Harry, James is right. There is no way you could have protected everyone. We all knew what we were getting into and we all knew what could happen. You were no more responsible for the deaths of those fighting than anyone else who survived. You need to let this go and move on," Remus finished gently, reaching up and brushing the tears off Harry's cheek.
"How?" Harry questioned shakily, "h-how? Every time I see Teddy, or the Weasley's or other family members of those who are no longer alive, I can't get rid of the feeling that I should have done more!"
"Harry!," James said sternly. "Look at me."
Turning around, Harry looked at James, sheer misery coming off him in waves.
Pulling Harry into his arms, James voice softened as he stroked Harry's hair rocking him as Harry started to cry again.
"You did more than anyone ever could have expected. You got rid of Voldermort once and for all. The people that died, as they came here that night, all were watching and hoping you would win. They were happy when you defeated Voldemort. They do not blame you for their deaths; you shouldn't blame yourself."
James continued to console Harry, allowing himself to comfort his son as he had always wanted to do, but was unable. Lily wrapped her arms around both Harry and James, holding them close to her heart. Tonks was standing between Sirius and Remus, holding hands with Sirius and leaning her head on Remus' shoulder; Remus had his arm wrapped around Tonks' shoulder. They watched, not a dry eye among them, as the Potter family finally became one. James and Lily were talking softly to Harry; Remus could see Harry's head moving in response to their words.
After a few long moments, Lily reluctantly let go and stepped back. James gave Harry one last kiss and then he too stepped back.
"We can't stay any longer," Lily said sadly, looking at Harry "we've pushed the time longer than we should have as it is. Harry, trust Severus, talk to him. Above anyone else, he knows what you are feeling and going through. He can help; you just have to give him the chance."
"You realize we won't be separated long right?" Harry said, drying his tears. "He's going to murder me."
James chuckled. "I doubt it Harry," James sobered a bit. "I won't deny the fact that he is going to be less than happy with you but you need not fear him. I can also tell you that the hangover you are going to have is going to be a doozy. Next time, stay away from the fire whiskey."
"There had better never BE a next time," Lily said, her voice stern again.
"Mum, "Harry turned to Lily, a pleading look in his eyes. "Couldn't you know, talk to him or something and tell him not to kill me; to let me off or at least go easy on me? Maybe limit things to lines or detention or something?"
"Not on your life buster," Lily returned, trying to keep the smile off her face and failing miserably. "You've earned this lesson fair and square and I daresay it will be no worse than what we would have done. If you ever do anything like this again though, I'll talk to Severus all right but it won't be to get him to go easy on you. I'll have him hunt you down even if you are 150."
Harry sighed, "worth a try."
At this James, Lily, Sirius, Remus and Tonks all laughed. Sirius ruffled Harry's hair again.
Lily's smile faded as she put her hand to Harry's cheek. "We are so proud of you sweetheart. Never forget that we love you and we are watching. You can talk to us anytime and even though you may not know it, we are there," she finished, giving Harry one last hug.
Harry suddenly felt exhausted. "Mum?" he questioned.
"It's Ok sweetheart," she said, as Harry sank to the ground. "Close your eyes and sleep."
The last thing Harry remembered was a bright light and then everything went dark.