What Said Is Said
Disclaimer: See chapter 1. The children's song belongs to its writers, producers and was the theme song for "Lambchop's Play Along" which also belongs to its writers, producers, etc.
The quote was from "Hamlet," Act 1 scene 5.
Reviews are welcomed, flames aren't.
A/N: Warning the song used in this chapter is hazardous to one's mental health, especially to those that have small children. --GF and the Frau
Chapter 34: The Song that Never Ends
Harry sighed as he made his way down to the dungeons. Do one good deed and now he has to suffer a fate worse than death – Occlumency with Professor Snape, and if Harry had his way, not for long.
Now don't get Harry wrong, in the old time line Snape was a right bastard to the Gryffindor, but in this new one . . . Well, let's just say deténte was in effect. Professor Severus Snape, Potions Master Extraordinaire, tried not to give Harry any detentions as who knew what mischief the boy could do. Filch flat out refused to have anything to do with the boy since second year, when he claimed Harry was trying to steal Mrs. Norris' affections.
The boy just couldn't be made to take any detention seriously. He always found something fun about it, and he just had to sing and dance his way through whatever punishment he was given. Plus, the boy just could not be made to sit still, period.
After Arthur Weasley was nearly killed by that snake, Dumbledore in his wisdom, or lack thereof, insisted that Harry learn Occlumency. Harry insisted he didn't need it but the old headmaster would not take 'no' for an answer.
Both Harry and the professor were convinced this was just one more way to find out the secrets the boy was hiding.
0o0o0o
What happened next would haunt Severus Snape for years. He started plotting ways to get back at the meddling old fool for forcing him into this situation. Now, if only he could get that blasted song out of his mind!
Potter stood in front of him and he entered the boy's pathetic mind with a swift 'legilimens.' Once inside, all he could see were colorful moving drawings of flowers and trees swaying. A bright yellow sun shone down above them which actually had a face and it was smiling! Blue birds were flitting to and fro and, of course, everyone was singing:
This is the song that doesn't end,
Yes, it goes on and on, my friend.
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was,
and they'll continue singing it forever just because...
Nowhere could he find the brat's inner thoughts or memories. The song was nauseating and it just would not stop!
This is the song that doesn't end,
Yes, it goes on and on, my friend.
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was,
and they'll continue singing it forever just because...
"Arrrrrggggggh!" he shouted, picking up a jar and throwing it at the stone wall. "GET OUT OF MY MIND! POTTER! WHAT IN MERLIN'S BLOODY BLUE BALLS . . .!"
Harry smiled up at him. "So does this mean I don't have to take these lessons?"
"GET OUT! OUT! THE LESSONS ARE CANCELLED! IF THE BLOODY DARK LORD WANTS TRY? LET HIM! OUT!" Snape roared, frothing at the mouth.
After that, nothing the headmaster could do or say would convince Severus Snape to continue the 'remedial potions' lessons. The man did not want to be in the same room with Potter and if the headmaster was so insistent on teaching the brat, then he should do it himself.
0o0o0o0
Dear Sirius,
You know watching Lambchop's Play Along as a child has now paid off. Neither Snape nor the headmaster can get into my mind. Guess they just can't appreciate how irritating some children's songs can be. You'd think they've never watched cartoons as a child. I can honestly say they will be a long time getting that song out of their minds.
On a more interesting note, I'm still dreaming about that corridor. I know what's at the end and why I'm dreaming of it. I don't have to like it, but still, it's annoying. I wonder if I can drive ol' snake face crazy too? Now that Remedial Potions have been canceled. . .
Besides I really don't have the connection anymore, so I don't see the reason for the lessons in the first place. Oh well, as father always says, "the time-line must be preserved."
Next bit of news. Seems ol' Umb*tch wasn't just content with damaging me with that foul pen, she also has several others in detention. And of course, all the staff is letting her go her merry way. Stupid if you ask me. Did you know what ol' McGonagall told me? She said to keep my head down and my mouth shut! Can you believe that?
Anyways, the goblins and the house elves are having a field day. The toad woman still hasn't figured out who's doing it. Everyone is blaming the Weasley twins but even they aren't that good.
Uncle Snuffles, it's getting close to 'that time.' Please be careful. I know I'm not allowed to say anything but . . . Be careful.
--G
0o0o0o0
Harry stood on the Astronomy Tower peering up into the starry late spring sky. Going through his mind was the trip to the Ministry. The scene of watching Sirius fall through the Veil replayed itself just like it happened as it did in the old time line. The possession, the battle and then the trashing of the Headmaster's Office, all happened again as it had before.
Harry sighed. At least it was given that ol' Tom hadn't developed Harry's bardic gift, that came from the soul and not the blood. Thank Merlin!
Now that the excitement had calmed down, everyone was asleep and Hogwarts was quiet, except for Harry. He stood on one of the ramparts surveying the ground beneath him as the night sky cast everything in shadows.
"Child," came Jareth's voice behind him.
Harry gave a sad smile as he turned to face his father. "I couldn't save him, Father and it hurts."
"At least, child, you got your wish. You now have a childhood worth remembering," Jareth said, coming closer, holding out his hand.
Harry took the offered hand and stepped down. "Thank you for that, but it still hurts."
Jareth pulled his son closer. "The time-lines have almost converged. You'll be seeing him again."
"When will this end?"
"When the time-line converges to the point you were wished away. Then you are free do what you must when you choose."
0o0o0o0
Severus Snape stood in the shadows wondering just who this strange being was. The magical power he gave off was enormous. At least, the Potter boy seemed relatively calm. For once none of his usual impulsive behavior was evident. He watched as the being calmed the grieving teen.
Dumbledore had ordered Severus to keep a discreet watch over the boy after he had finally allowed Harry to escape his demolished office. Most of the trinkets that dotted the shelves were destroyed. Even the portraits had fled, fearing their demise as well.
The fact that Harry hadn't been too surprised about the prophesy had the headmaster worried. It was as if the child had already known it and wasn't concerned. Who could've told Harry?
No, what had set Harry off was the death of his godfather. It was strange, as far as he knew, Harry hadn't known Sirius for very long. Why then should he be that upset about his demise? He'd spoken of this to Severus when he sent the man after Harry.
Severus stepped out of the shadows. "Just who are you?" His wand poised to fire off a spell.
"Ah," said the being. "is this the bard you were telling me about?"
"Yes sir," Harry said. "He's quite talented but his gift has been bound."
"Just who, what are you?" Severus sneered, not lowering his wand.
The being produced a crystal. "I am more than your pitiful magic can deal with, and more than your mind can comprehend." The crystal rolled around his fingers in an hypnotic display.
Harry stepped out of the protection of his father's arms and walked forward. "Come on Professor Snape before you do something foolish."
For the split second that Severus Snape was distracted, Jareth threw the crystal. It broke in mid toss and a shower of fairy dust filled the night sky. A grey owl appeared where the strange being once stood. Both wizards watched as it flew into the Forbidden Forest.
Harry gave a slight smile as he turned to go inside.
Severus grabbed the teen and snarled. "Just who was that?"
"That, sir, was my father. The man that took me in and gave me more than this world could ever give."
"He isn't human," the professor started to say, only to be interrupted by the brat.
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy, sir."
"Indeed, Mr. Potter," Severus sneered, ushering the boy back inside. "Indeed. 20 points from Gryffindor for being out after curfew."
0o0o0o0o0
Harry took the train back to London. His thoughts were going faster than the speed of the Hogwarts Express. His friends around him were trying to give him some comfort about the passing of his godfather. The key word was trying. Harry knew his father had something planned, he didn't know just what. Something was niggling his mind but for some reason he could not quite figure it out.
At the station, members of the Order of the Phoenix were waiting for them.
"Where's your relatives, Potter?" demanded a strange man with a whirling eye and a wooden stump for a leg.
"Uhm?"
"The Dursleys. Don't they come and pick you up?"
"Uh sir, I don't know you but for your information. I don't live with the Dursleys. Never have."
"Ah Harry," came a silky voice.
"Uncle Cory!" Harry shouted, quickly turning back to the sputtering Order members. "Sorry got to go!"
"I thought Albus said he lived with his sister's family?"
"That man isn't even human," said the gruff man known as Alastor Moody. They watched as Harry happily walked off with his uncle. Both were exchanging pleasantries as they got lost in the bustling crowd of King's Crossing.
0o0o0o0
Well, this is an interesting chapter. The next chapter is when the time line converges. When Frau and I first started this story we didn't think it would take 30 some chapters to go full circle. Neither one of us really wanted to rehash the storyline but as with some stories, they tend to have a will and a life of their own. After the next chapter, everything will be AU.
Frau and I have never liked the last two books and so we won't be using them. We will give a glancing nod to bits and pieces but that's all.
As far as we can figure this story is about three quarters of the way done.
Until next time. --GF and Frau