Oh my god, I'm sooooo sorry for the wait! Has it really been over a month? I'm so sorry, but finals are coming and I'm busy preparing, so as much as it pains me to say this, the next chapter MAY (but not indefinitely) also be delayed. This chappie's a bit more light-hearted than the others, but the next few upcoming chapters is where the action and fun really starts rolling... :oD
Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers; you make me sing and dance and keep writing! I adore getting them! They're all so sweet and oh my god, MORE MORE MORE keep 'um coming, please! I see a lot are reading (over 7000 clicks to this story so far! OMG I'm in Heaven!) but you've got to REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!
Thanks to all who did last chapter! Haunted, darkmarkgirl, hedwig136, Gabwr, Aisha-ladimoon, twilightscalling, Baldur, BiggestDumbledoreFan, and Hermionegirl4ever. Thank you soooooo much, m'dears! Totally luv ya. Comments to your reviews are after the story.
Oh yes, and the gravestone dates I completely made up. You'll have to ask JK Rowling for the real dates.
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling. Maybe one day I'll die and be reincarnated as her, but the odds are against me :o) -LOL-
It Ends Now
Part 16: "Halloween"
Harry opened his eyes and groaned, sore all over. How completely ironic compared to last time he awoken in the Hospital Wing! This time, the boy was in a heck of a lot more pain.A blurried person stood in front of him and Harry squinted to try and make them out.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, you're awake! So glad you decided to join us back in the world of the living!" the mediwitch proclaimed teasingly, giving Harry his glasses that he promptly placed on his face. Then the boy sat up, holding back a wince as his sore joints protested against the movement.
"And how are we feeling today?"
" 'We' are feeling fine," Harry chuckled. "Maybe a little achy...but..." In truth, his stomach burned ferociously and his muscles throbbed, but Harry wasn't about to admit that. Madam Pomfrey, being the persceptive nurse she was, saw right through this.
"Yes, that's to be expected," she gingerly broached, unsure if Harry remembered what had happened with him and Voldemort yet, but she wasn't about to remind him. If Harry did, he was doing a perfect job masking his feelings.
The middle aged matron bustled over to her cabinets and withdrew several phials of healing potions. Then she returned to Harry, who was desperately trying to hold back a grimace due to the combined irritation of having to gulp down all this bad tasting medication and at the pain inflicted by his injuries.
Madam Pomfrey shoved the vials into his hands, perching herself on the edge of his bed. "Drink these quickly. One is a painkiller and will help alleviate some of the discomfort you are feeling." Harry did as he was told, making a face as the sour liquid ran down his throat. The mediwitch's eyes softened as she gave Harry a swift look-over.
"I'm thinking perhaps I should put your nameplate over this bed and reserve it for you, you are here so much. Or maybe a plaque above the bed commemorating your survival through your Hogwarts years after graduation," she only half-joked.
If I survive...
Harry pushed these negative thoughts aside and met Madam Pomfrey match for match.
"Or you could just move me in here permanently! That'd save you all the hassle," he teased. Madam Pomfrey gave a ringing laugh and Harry smirked cheekily at her.
"Perhaps! You already constitute most of my time; I have no clue who'll keep me this busy when you're gone... maybe a little Potter?" Harry blushed at the subtle slyness of the comment and chose to ignore it all together. Gods, he did not want to have that conversation with his nurse!
"I'll miss you too, Madam Pomfrey."
"Why you little charmer, you!" And Madam Pomfrey did something she'd never done before- she tousled Harry's hair in what he would classify as an affectionate way.
"Potter, I've seen you so much over the years that I seem to have grown fond of you!" Harry blushed. "Just see to it that I don't see you as often." She winked and Harry knew that she meant well; neither wanted Harry to be a permanent resident of the infirmary. She wanted Harry to live and be healthy, but both knew perfectly well this was wishful thinking. Harry was the Chosen One. And that name came with a price.
"I'll be in my office if you need me," she informed, getting up and sweeping out of the ward and into a conjoined room attatched. Harry settled back into the pillows and let slumber claim him. The fatigue from the memory replacing was still there, mixed with the pain killer dosage that always left him a bit dazed.
oOo
"It's up to...tell, Ron!"
"I...know, I... but Harry..."
The sound of his friend's arguing voices permeated Harry's consciousness and slowly drew him out of the abyss. Harry groaned, the pain pulsating worse and worse as he became more aware of his surroundings. Someone pressed a cool glass to his parched lips and he gulped it down greedily; thirstily. Harry opened his eyes.
Ron and Hermione sat in chairs beside his bed, looking nothing short than frazzled and anxious. Madam Pomfrey was waving her wand over him in examination. She noticed he was fully awake.
"I laced a bit of pain-reliever potion into the water I just gave you, just so you know, Harry. I'll give you 15 minutes to talk to your friends." Then she left.
Harry turned to his friends expectantly, but both seemed keen on avoiding his gaze. Hermione fiddled with a loose piece of string on the starched white bedspread.
"Yes?" Harry prodded, unnerved by their silence. Ron shot Hermione a nod as if to tell her to get on with it. Hermione cleared her throat, obviously nervous.
"Harry...we... we never really got to talk to you about the memories we saw..." she began slowly. Now it was Harry who looked away.
"I don't want to talk about it," he said loudly and clearly.
"We know you don't, and it's your life, but just hear me out. You're our best friend ever and we love you and care about you. But you can't keep everything bottled in to rot you from the inside out. If you ever want to talk or tell us anything, we'll listen," Hermione said earnestly.
"Boy, Harry, you had us scared there in Transfiguration yesterday. McGonagall nearly had a coronary!" Ron joked humorously, trying to lighten up the conversation. "She's already been up to see you just to make sure you were OK."
Suddenly and out of the blue, Hermione exclaimed:
"Damn Voldemort!" Harry and Ron looked over at her in shock. Her cheeks were flushed red in anger. Harry's mouth popped open and Ron jumped up and back in exaggerated fear. It was the first time either had ever heard Hermione openly swear. Ron brandished his wand and centered it at a nonplussed Hermione.
"Who are you and what have you done with Hermione!" he shouted. Harry couldn't hold back a snicker as Hermione's face contorted in annoyance and she pushed Ron.
"Shove off, Ron!" Ron grinned cheekily and pocketed his wand.
"Alright then, all funny business aside, what's got your wand in a knot?"
"Voldemort," the girl seethed as Ron muttered under his breath 'No kidding'. "It's not fair! What he does to Harry is just cruel and unfair!" Harry cocked an eyebrow.
"Oh, so you think I should politely ask Voldemort if he can not shoot killing curses at me for a moment so I can power-up and be in a fair advantage?"
"No, it's just... Urgh! Why does he always focus on you? Why can't he leave you alone?"
Harry swallowed loudly. He knew perfectly why. The prophecy. And Dumbledore had asked Harry to tell Ron and Hermione at some point... Harry knew that time had come. They deserved as much.
"I s'pose it's because of the prophecy," Harry tried to say nonchalantly as he deliberately stared out the opposite window. He didn't want to see their faces when the truth came out. He felt his chest constrict with fear, wondering what their reactions would be. Would they reject him? Part of Harry hoped so, then they wouldn't be in danger because of him.
"W-what?" Ron's voice said shakily.
"But it broke!" Hermione protested. "You were dragging Neville up the stairs in the... the dias room (Harry flinched) and it broke! No one heard what it said, you said so yourself!"
"I lied," Harry stated simply in a voice barely above a whisper, but he was heard just fine by his two friends in the near-silent room. "Dumbledore did. And he told me."
"What is it?" Hermione questioned in a hushed voice. Harry took a deep breath and recited the words that had been plaguing him constantly since he'd heard them the first time.
When he was finished, he chanced a look over at the other two. Ron had gone pasty white and Hermione had a hand over her mouth. Apparently, Neither can live while the other survives was not lost on either of them.
"But...but Harry...this means..." Ron stuttered. Hermione let out a sort of whimper, then pulled Harry into a bone-crushing hug.
"Is there a way it isn't you?" Ron near-pleaded. Harry shook his head.
"My scar 'Marks me as his equal', so it's final. I'm the Chosen One."
"Are you scared?" Herminoe whispered.
"Scared? Of course I'm scared! I'm destined to kill or be killed by the Darkest Wizard of our age! How can I bloody not be? I don't stand a chance!" Harry vented, letting loose some of the feelings he had bottled up.
"Yes, you do. You have us on your side. You have Dumbledore. Hell, you have the whole bloody Order! And we're not going to let you fail," Ron burst out, fierce determination shining brightly in his eyes. Harry was taken aback at this. All along, he'd been thinking this was his battle, to face alone. But thanks to Ron, he saw things clearer. He would not be the solitary one. His friends and protectors would be at his side till the end. Sure, he was the one to defeat Voldemort, but who said no one else could deal the slimy git a few knocks as well? Harry was positive the Order could cause ol' MouldyVort more damage than he ever could.
"Thank you. You... don't know how much this means..." Harry softly thanked, gratified as his eyes travelled to each in turn.
oOo
A week later, Harry was finally released from the infirmary by Madam Pomfrey, under strict orders that he was not to over-exert himself and stop whatever he was doing if he felt faint. Harry also had to take rejeuvination potions every night to gain back his zapped strength. And so it was with great joy that he left the Hospital Ward, accompanied by Ron and Hermione.
Classes went smoothly by without incident, the same as always, besides the mountain of homework Harry had to complete from his absence. Luckily for him, the teachers took pity (especially McGonagall)... well, all except Snape. Letting Harry off easy would have been as rare as seeing him hop around on one foot, smiling geniunely and throwing out candy to Gryffindors. Never. But even the gloomy Potions Master's scathing remarks couldn't dampen Harry's high spirits. Soon enough, it was the last period of the day before dinner- Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid.
A perfect ending to a perfect day, Harry voiced aloud to his mates as the trio traveled down to the familar hut. Smoke billowed out of Hagrid's chimney and into the frosty air- cold weather was fast approaching, and all the students had taken to wearing their heaviest cloaks to keep out the chill. It wouldn't be long till Hogwarts grounds were covered in pure white snow. Harry could tell it was going to be a frigid winter- it was only the middle of October and already the weather was this way.
"It would be the perfect ending to a perfect day," Ron agreed to Harry's comment. "Just as long as Hagrid doesn't have Skrewts for today's lesson, or some other dangerous creature." Harry could only concur.
Hermione looked out over the top of the Forest. "I wonder how Grawp is?"
"I don't know, but I don't really want to either," Ron replied darkly.
"Thank God Hagrid forgot about those English lessons he'd been planning for him-" Harry had to stop and catch his breath, wheezing.
"You OK, Harry?" Ron immediately inquired, he and Hermione halting their trek to flank Harry worriedly. The boy smiled weakly, breathing better now as he straightened up.
"Just have to catch my breath is all. I never realized how long a walk it is down to Hagrid's from the Common Room..."
"Harry, you shouldn't be taxing yourself! You should be resting after walking all day; you're still healing! Hagrid would understand if we didn't-"
"NO!" Harry exclaimed, breaking Hermione off in mid-scold. He seemed to gather his wits and spoke in a calmer voice and lower tone. "I'm fine, Hermione. Really. I can make it to Hagrid's; I'm not weak! I just need a break or two..."
"No one's calling you weak, Harry," Ron mumbled, but was sure Harry heard him.
In the end, Harry's stubbornness won out and they all finally made it down to Care of Magical Creatures in one piece. Harry, however, was once again huffing a bit. Malfoy sneered jeeringly as he approached, a few minutes late. Crabbe and Goyle just glared at him stupidly from beside Malfoy.
"Having trouble, Potty?"
"Shut up!"
"Quiet, y'all!" Hagrid's voice boomed. He stood in front of a large enclosure and clapped his hands for attention. The noise echoed around the edges of the Forest.
"Now, I gotta real treat fer y'all today..." The giant paused for dramatic pause, thinking people to be baiting their breath in anticipation. In reality, the effect was quite the opposite. People exchanged nervous glances. Anything Hagrid was excited about was usually illegal or dangerous. "I've found a very rare, Crumple-Horned Snorkack!"
To most, this was met with confusion and blank stares. But the trio's mouths dropped open. Those things were real? Harry made a mental note to tell Luna about their lesson, if she didn't already know. So it wasn't one of her odd fantasies...
The Crumple-Horned Snorkack was a dog-sized creature, very hairy and golden like a hag. Perched crookedly on its head were two very long, sharp looking horns. Harry fancied they were very useful when impaling things in one good swipe. Many people seemed to be thinking along the same line, for the distance between the Snorkack and the students lengthened as many edged away in caution. The creature snorted, rearing its shaggy head and roaring. More scooted away, the Gryffindor threesome included. Luckily, Hagrid didn't seem to notice so took no offense.
"Everyone, meet Snuckles," Hagrid said cheerily to the class and gesturing to the Snorkack. The poor man had no idea the effect this had on Harry. The boy gasped for breath; his lungs didn't seem to be working properly and he felt as if someone was squeezing his chest, or filling it to the brim with ice cold water. Vaguely, he felt Hermione grab his arm as his footing slacked, limbs useless.
Snuckles... Snuffles...Sirius...
"Harry, he didn't know, Hagrid didn't mean to, he had no clue..." Hermione whispered furiously in Harry's ear, saying this so fast it sounded like a hiss. Harry gulped and nodded, blinking away his mysteriously blurry vision and trying to get his breathing back to normal.
"It's OK, mate," Ron tried to comfort, his hand also clutching Harry under the elbow. "D'you wanna sit down? No one will notice or care, they know you've been in the Hospital. Uh oh, Hagrid's looking-!" All too late, Hagrid took in Harry's white features and addressed him.
" 'Arry, you alright? Look'in a bit peaky there..."
Harry swallowed, not trusting his voice for fear it would crack, but speaking anyway. "M'fine. Just a bit tired; still healing, you know..."
Hagrid believed the alibi, continuing on with teaching. Harry stayed silent the rest of the time, lost in his own morose thoughts. The hole he'd thought was healed back been cracked again...
oOo
A gust of wind kicked up, blowing Harry's unruly hair into his face. The boy brushed it away with a trace of irritation.
"OK, team. It's our big one. The first game with Ravenclaw... after all our practices, our team's as good as gold. We can win this!" he exclaimed. The Gryffindor House team cheered, stirred on by his pep talk. As one, they traveled down to the Pitch, each sporting their brooms. Ominous, heavy gray clouds loomed overhead, weighing down the sky and looking ready to downpour at any given moment. Today was Halloween, and the atmosphere seemed to fit the gloominess Halloween was famed for. Harry tried to forget what had happened this day; push it to the back of his mind...
They entered the Pitch to thunderous clapping and cheering. Harry beamed up at where Ron and Hermione were screaming themselves silly.
"GO GRYFFINDOR! GO HARRY! GO GINNY!" they yelled. Harry waved at them and out of the corner of his eye saw Ginny do the same. Madam Hooch blew her whistle, the sound magically amplified to reach across the whole field.
"Captains, shake hands," she ordered, and Harry moved foward to grasp the Ravenclaw Captain's hand, a surly boy named Roger Corpsie, who shared the same name as the former (now graduated) Ravenclaw Captain, Roger Davies.
"Mount your brooms!" Hooch barked, and the teams followed command. Harry could feel his anticipation rising, and his broom vibrated slightly as if it too felt the same way. Both were ready to take off at breakneck speed.
The quaffle was released, and the game began.
Harry launched into the air, hair flapping wildly and heart pumping with excitement. It was an exhilarating feeling, this, and all Harry's cares and worries flew away as he did. He had not a care in the world at this moment, not even Voldemort. This was where he truely belonged.
His eyes scanned the Pitch for any sign of the snitch, but even his skilled eyes could not spot the winged ball. He did a few loop-de-loops to let off some of his feelings, then contented himself to watching his team in action for a moment.
The new players were playing splendidly, despite minor mistakes, but it was only their first game and Harry knew that the initial nervousness and hesitation associated with the first game would disappear with time.
Ravenclaw chaser Rose Rolden shot off at the Gryffindor goal posts, quaffle in hand. Steven lugged a bludger at her, but the petite girl shifted her broom and it flew harmlessly past. Almost at the goal post, Rose threw it hard at the left wing. Ron, with fierce determination shining in his eyes, lunged at the ball and caught it. Harry cheered mentally for Ron. His confidence level had really soared since Gryffindor's win last year.
Ron tossed the red ball to Ginny, who in turned passed it to Maria, who flung it at Katie. The pigtailed 7th year tucked it under her experienced arm and shot off at Ravenclaw's goals, then centered and threw. The Ravenclaw Keeper, who'd been expecting a feint, was hovering closer to the left goal. When the ball began spinning at the right post, the Keeper hurled himself at it but was too late. The ball went through the circular goal to joyous screaming and thumping in the Gryffindor section. Gryffindor 10, Ravenclaw 0. And they were only five minutes into the game.
Harry dragged his attention back to searching for the snitch. At one point he had spotted a flicker of gold, but it turned out to be a Hufflepuff's hairpin. Soon the score was Gryffindor 80, Ravenclaw 50. They had been playing for 45 minutes already, and Harry reckoned he should probably look harder and watch the game less.
Skimming the Pitch with narrowed eyes, Harry kept a look-out for the snitch, all the while keeping a close tab on the new Ravenclaw seeker. Cho had resigned after falling behind in her schoolwork. Harry didn't mind; he was over her now. Her emotional mood swings got to him and irked the boy to no end. The new seeker was a fifth year boy, an amateur compared to Harry. He had much to learn about the game, and the concept of secrecy when finding the snitch, as Harry discovered not a minute later. The tweedy boy shot off after the snitch he'd seen, even though it was far away from him and closer to Harry, which gave it totally away. With ease, Harry levelled himself in the direction of the snitch, then shot off at it. Unexpectedly, the snitch changed direction and rocketed off towards the ground. Harry descended and so did the skinny fifth year, but evidently his nerves couldn't take the dive and he let Harry be the one to break his neck in the steep descent.
Harry smirked as he observed this. Spineless wimp. Then he directed his attention back to where the snitch was descending fast.
10 feet till the ground.
5 feet till the ground.
3 feet.
2 feet.
The snitch moved up at the last minute and so did Harry, pulling up spectacularily amist screams from the crowd. Even the other seeker was open-mouthed in awe and to Harry's disgust, something fast approaching adoration. Great, Harry thought, another Colin Creevey to add to the We Love Harry Potter club.
Harry's hand closed over the snitch and he pumped the air in celebration. They'd won, and his team had played amazingly.
Quidditch Cup, here we come, Harry thought happily as his beaming teammates flew at him, cheering. Ron thumped him on the back and the beaters whooped.
"Amazing dive, Harry!" Maria squealed. Ginny kissed his cheek then pulled away, turning red in embarassment. Harry blushed as red as a firetruck.
"Oi, that's my sister! Gross!" Ron cried. If possible, Harry and Ginny flushed harder.
"Shut up," Harry snapped good-naturedly, and Ginny growled menacingly at her brother.
"Ronald, why don't you just go snog Hermione in celebration or something, rather than teasing us?" she scowled, yet said the comment sweetly.
Ron joined in on the blushing game.
oOo
That afternoon before the Halloween Feast saw Gryffindor Common Room ina full blown party. A few seventh years had even managed to obtain some FireWhiskey from the kitchens, and now many students were passed out all over the place. Hermione was beside herself with fury, docking points left and right to the dismay of Ron, who's been trying to sneak some.
"NO, Ron!" Hermione shrieked, yanking the bottle he'd been about to swig from the red-head's hands.
"Aw, but 'Mione, I've never had any before..." Ron whined pathetically with puppy dog eyes in place. However, they had no effect whatsoever on Hermione, who stiffened up angrily at his words.
"And you never will as long as I'm around!" she snapped fiendishly. The girl whirled around and tore another glass out of a third year's grasp. "10 more points from Gryffindor, and if I catch you with another, it'll be 30! Honestly, the nerve! Whoever did this is going to pay big time! Giving underage wizards an illegal substance... (Hermione clicked her tongue) Just wait till McGonagall comes up here, she'll have kittens! This whole Common Room is going to have detention for the rest of their school year!"
Harry sighed, a headache coming on from all the noise. He rubbed his temples and unbeknownst to Ron and Hermione, snuck up into his dorm and collapsed onto his four-poster bed.
"It's a madhouse down there, isn't it?" a quiet voice asked. Harry looked up and saw Neville leafing through a Herbology book.
"Yah. Some seventh year managed to swipe FireWhiskey, and you can imagine the ruckus... Hermione's gone crazy in rage..."
Neville nodded, small smile in place. He could definitely picture Hermione at her worst, and pitied anyone who was currently on her bad side. Then he stood up.
"I've got to return this book to the library before Madam Pince hunts me down and eats me for dinner for not giving it back yet. It's overdue," he joked, brandishing Godfrey Gillson's Guide to Gillyweed Usage. Harry chuckled and Neville left.
Harry turned to his trunk and noticed his photo album laying atop his invisibility cloak. A sad look crossed over Harry's face and he retrieved it. Today was the 15th anniversary of their murder. While ignorant others may have been rejoicing over the 15th anniversary of You-Know-Who's downfall before his second return to power, Harry was mourning the loss of his parents. He turned the pages of the album in total silence, basking in the look of love on his parent's faces, frozen in time, as they gazed up at him kindly and all smiles. They did not know of the horror that would await them this very night. If only they could see him now...
The longing became so much that Harry had to shut the book and reverently put it away before he began bawling his eyes out. He needed to talk to someone, was what he really needed at the moment. Someone who shared his current pain...
A glint of silver caught his eye and Harry recognized Sirius' old mirror also in his trunk. Maybe he could talk to Remus. Surely the werewolf must be feeling the same way; James and Lily were his closest friends besides Sirius (Wormtail no longer counted, and Harry also tried to forget that this was also the night the rat had solded out his friends, thus bringing about their deaths. Harry hoped he rotted in Hell for it).
Harry took the mirror into his hands and held his face close, breath fogging the glass. "Remus Lupin."
No response. A little louder. "Remus Lupin."
Still nothing. Perhaps he was on Order duty. Obviously he didn't have the mirror on him. Harry's face fell. He had wanted the man to cheer him up with stories about the Marauders in their glorious, prank-filled school days, before they had had to worry to much about the threat of Voldemort and involvement in the Order.
It was as Harry was putting away the mirror that his scar burned as if being touched with a white hot poker. Harry dropped the mirror in his agony to let his hands fly his his head, a streak of dismay going through him as he heard through his haze of pain the distinct sound of glass shattering. The mirror was broken again, but this time not purposely. Suddenly, just like in the summer while flying with the Weasleys, Harry was drawn into a vision, but this time all he got were glimpses of things happening because of the Occlumency he was trying to use to block them out, but they affected Harry nonetheless.
He saw through Voldemort's eyes a Death Eater initiation, where a new Death Eater received the Mark and Cruciatus, then bowed to his Master and bent to kiss the creature's robes... The scene switched.
He saw chaos; people screaming and running in every direction as buildings burned and collapsed. One flaming one in particular caught Harry's eyes and he felt nostalgic, but then everything went black and he was back in the dorm room, panting.
"Reparo," he hissed at the broken mirror, then the boy lunged off his bed, racing downstairs and ingoring the babble of people calling to him and offering him FireWhiskey as he whoosed past. Harry ignored them, eyes wide as he ran to get Dumbledore.
He passed Ron and Hermione, who went,
"Harry, what-" but by that second word Harry was gone and out the Fat Lady's portrait, racing at breakneck speed down corridors and somehow avoiding collision. His heart beat wildly; he knew that had been a true vision; he could just tell.
Dumbledore was exitting the Gargoyle staircase to head down to the Feast just as Harry skidded to a halt in front of him. The old Headmaster took one look at the pale, panting teen who's scar looked more pronounced than usual and said,
"Why don't we head back into my office, hmm?"
"Please, sir."
Harry followed Dumbledore up the revolving staircase, fidgeting as it rose. The old man beside him regarded this with some concern. He looked down.
"Are you alright, dear boy?"
"Fine," Harry's automatic reply was, even though he reached up to rub his still-prickling scar. Dumbledore made no response, but thought that he would very much like to obliviate the word 'Fine' from this child's vocabulary. The staircase stopped and Dumbledore reached out an arm to lead Harry into the office.
"Please sit down," Dumbledore requested as he did so behind his desk. "Lemon drop?"
Harry gladly took the pro-offered candy so as to take his mind off the pain still present in his scar. Oddly, as he sucked he felt calmer as the sticky sweet melted in his mouth. A small smile played on Dumbledore's lips as he watched Harry become visibly less agitated. His tense shoulders relaxed. The old Headmaster steepled his fingers together, waiting for Harry to begin talking.
"Sir, I had a vision... well, two actually but both were just glimpses because I was trying to use Occlumency to block them..." Harry began.
"What were they of?"
"Well, the first was a Death Eater initiation for a new Death Eater, but I couldn't see any of their features because they were hooded. The second was where Death Eaters were burning a town."
Harry shuddered. "It was horrible. People were screaming and dying. There was this one house that seemed... familar, almost. I don't know why."
Dumbledore nodded somberly. "The attack the Order was aware of. We sent some people out to try and quelm the violence and capture the Death Eaters, but by the time we arrived they were gone and most of the town, demolished. I'm sorry, Harry, but it was Godric's Hollow. Your parent's house was one of those burned. It is gone."
Harry felt his heart drop and stomach constrict.
"Why?" he croaked.
"Apparently, Voldemort knew the effect this would have on you and purposely sent you that vision. He also wanted people to know that he was back and in power; striking terror into people by burning the place where his so-called downfall had been," Dumbledore stated with sympathy weaved into his voice.
Harry looked down because tears began filling his eyes. He dared not look up and show Dumbledore. He heard a creak, and so cautiously looked up to see Dumbledore crouched right in front of him. He place a wrinkled hand on Harry's knee.
"Dear boy, never be afraid or ashamed to cry. Especially in front of people. It is not a sign of weakness," he whispered softly. Harry nodded, letting a few of the tears he'd been holding back spill over. Tenderly, the old man wiped them away with the pad of his thumb.
"Professor, do you know what I'd always hoped? To one day be able to visit Godric's Hollow, just once. To be able to see and go into the house my family and I had once been happy in... but now..." Harry's voice grew softer and more strained with each word, until at the end he was sobbing at what he'd lost. The sadness of his parent's anniversary of their murder and the loss of Godric's Hollow were too much for the already burdened teen.
Dumbledore gathered the child into his arms and rocked him back and forth, making soft, soothing noises as he let Harry empty out his sorrow with tears. He felt his robes and beard grow wet as Harry burrowed his face into them, small body wracked with each sob.
At last, Harry calmed and pulled away, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "I'm sorry."
"No, my Harry. I am your mentor and confidant. I care for you. You are like a grandson to me, child, and I do not want you apologizing for something you don't need to be sorry for," Dumbledore objected kindly. Harry nodded, giving a light sniffle.
Dumbledore's eyes brightened a little. "There is something I can show you that may make you feel better, if you'll permit me. Forgive an old man's senility, but I had forgotten until now that your parents had been buried here at Hogwarts."
Harry's eyes widened. "Here?"
"Hogwarts has an old graveyard a little into the Forest. It is hardly known of because we do not want our students vandalizing it. If you would like, I can show you now."
"Yes, sir!" Harry complied, anticipation mounting as he bound from the chair. "Lead the way!"
oOo
"Sir," Harry said as they walked, the sunset casting rich colors over the grounds in a beautiful myriad, "how did you get my mum and dad's bodies out from our house?"
"Hagrid did, just before the house caved in. He was the one that got you out as well. We brought their bodies to Hogwarts and gave them a proper burial. What was left of your house was, as you know, destroyed just a little while ago," Dumbledore explained, and his eyes held no twinkle as he talked, as if thinking of sadder times. Harry was silent as he mulled over it all.
"Ah, here we are," the old man broke through Harry's thoughts. They were standing in front of a small boulder.
"Er... Sir, it's a rock," Harry stated confusedly and a bit lamely. Had Dumbledore finally lost it? But the old man chuckled, eyes dancing merrily as he moved foward to touch the rock.
"Very astute. It is a simple glamour charm. The password to reverse the spell is 'Fantomous'. Best only tell your intermediate friends, Harry." Dumbledore turned to the boulder and spoke loudly, hand resting gently on it. "FANTOMOUS!"
Suddenly, the stone sank into the ground and out of nowhere materialized large gates and beyond, a moderate-sized graveyard. Harry suppressed a shudder at the feeling of death weighing over the place and let Dumbledore lead the way, sticking close behind the man. This place gave the boy the creeps, and he could see why the Headmaster preferred to keep it undetectable. It wasn't even on the Marauder's Map!
Dumbledore stopped in front of two headstones, and Harry peeked around the man to read them, the tears willing in his eyes as he did so. They were really there.
"James Potter, loyal and loving friend, husband, and father. 1964-1984. Prongs; Marauder forever."
"Lily Potter, caring and loving friend, wife, and mother. 1965-1984. Sweet and charming till the end; a Marauder's dream come true."
Harry couldn't hold back the wave of anguish at seeing their names carved into the gravestones for eternity. It made it seem so final; so sad. For the second time that night, he broke down, crumpling to the ground to touch the two markers. He was actually sitting on the ground under which his beloved mother and father were lain... Mere feet separated them, and yet they were unattainable. Harry would never get to touch them again, but now he could at least be this close to them.
Understandibly, Dumbledore kept his distance, knowing Harry needed time to grieve alone.
After an interminable hiatus, Harry stood and left his parents' graves to explore the graveyard, all the while trying to dry his tearstained face. Dumbledore watched on politely, noticing as Harry stopped nearer to the other side of the cemetary, in front of a headstone with a griffin carved into it.
"Professor!"
Dumbledore came up beside him. "I see you have found the Four Founder's graves."
"Godric Gryffindor was buried here?" Harry breathed, tracing the name.
"Indeed he was. As was Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and even Salaazar Slytherin, although he died elsewhere and was brought to the school afterward."
"Wow," was all Harry could say. "I'm actually standing on the Founder's graves..."
Dumbledore chuckled softly at the awe in Harry's voice, but he also noticed the way the sky was turning a darker periwinkle and all the colors were fading. Dusk had set and soon it would be dark.
"While this is all well and good, Harry, I'm afraid we must be going back to the Feast now." Dumbledore winked. "I hear there is an excellent batch of treacle tart to be served and we wouldn't want to miss that, would we?"
A/N: Thanks for sticking with me all this time, everyone! Really! Means so much. I'm just letting you know, so as to get more readers hopefully, I will periodically be switching the characters from Harry/Voldemort to Harry/Dumbledore, so if you can't find the story, it will either be on one or the other. The next few chapters is where the fun REALLY begins... Part 17 is called "Wormtail". Let the musings begin!
Here are the comments, reviewers! Starting this chapter I will reply to your reviews after the story, and when I recieve them. Then you can recieve more credit and appreciation for taking the time to review!
Haunted: I'm really glad chapter 15 was well worth the wait! Hopefully this chapter suits you... let me know if ya liked it! (wink and grin). So sorry for the wait :o)
darkmarkgirl: Oh... I'm so flattered! Thanks for the review! Sorry for the evilness of doing that cliffie last chappie. :o)
hedwig136: Thank you:o) And remember... you rock MY socks off! (big grin)
Gabwr: Thanks! I'm so flattered :o) Keep those reviews coming; looooove yours!
Aisha-ladimoon: Yah, sorry about Voldy last chappie! He was quite evil... But I'm happy too Dumbledore got to Harry! I hope you liked this chapter and thanks sooooo much for your reviews, especially the long ones! Means a lot :o) Sorry for the wait!
twilightscalling: Please don't die on me! I always await your review :o) Sorry for the wait and I'm really glad you liked chapter 15. Kudos!
Baldur: Welcome! I'm so glad you like my story and hope you loved this chappie as well! That's amazing, reading this whole thing in a day. I'm happy you liked it that much :o)
BiggestDumbledoreFan: Thank you! Glad you like it and thanks so much for reviewing my other Harry Potter fic, "Love of the Light Child". :o)
Hermionegirl4ever: Wow, that is the nicest and coolest compliment anyone's ever paid me! Thanks! Glad you love my story and keep on reviewing :o)
Cookies to you all! THANK YOU!
Review, and you too can have cookies (tee hee, I'm such a sweet tooth).
Luv- Angel