The Dance Keeperoliver Pray for the fallen Chap 2

A/N: Since you all asked for it, and sooner than I anticipated, Here is chapter 2 of the Dance. However, if you are looking for a light at the end of the tunnel here, I'm afraid you won't find it. How long it will stay dark, I have no idea. And with that, I bring you Pray for the fallen.

TD-}

Ron, Hermione and Ginny made their way back to the common room to try and console each other. The Memorial service had taken a lot out of them, and they needed to try and find a way to hide them selves from other mourners.

They each carried the letter sent to them by Harry. Hermione thought about what she should do with hers. She felt they should know the truth, but, was it too early to share it with them. She was going over it in her mind, when Ginny pulled her letter out, "Hermione, I want you to read the letter Harry left for me. I think it will explain a lot about his feelings. I'm afraid that I caused him to feel the way he did. I don't know if he felt I betrayed him or if he thought that he was too late to let me know his feelings about me. Either way, it was my taking up with Michael that got him to thinking of leaving, Now, I wish he had, as he would still be a, a, a-live." Ginny was crying as she ended her talk.

Hermione took Ginny in her arms to calm her, but, she didn't think it would do the trick. She was in the same state as Ginny. She looked at Ron, and saw if anything, he was worse. She feared he was going into shock. "Ron, are you alright?" She sobbed out to him. He didn't answer, "Ron. Ron. RON ANSWER ME!"

Ron shook his head, "He's dead Hermione. Harry's dead, and we didn't even get to say goodbye. How could he leave us like that. What are we going to do?"

"What are we going to do? We are going to live, that's what. Harry may have thought about leaving, and that would have hurt, but instead he died so that we all may live. So that is what I intend to do. As should you and Ginny. We will all miss Harry, but, he will always be with us, in our heart. A place of honor, always to be remembered as our friend, not our savior. Ginny, I had doubts about showing you this letter Harry left for me, but, now I think you have to read it." and she pulled Harry's letter from her robes. Ginny took it and read it.

Tears welled up in her eyes, "It's true then, I did cause him to feel the way he did. All because of that Prat. If I ever see Michael again, I will hex his bits off."

For the first time the girls heard Ron snicker, "You may be too late for that Gin. I heard some claws talking about how they handled the git. And would you believe it was Luna who was the worst of the lot. Ya, Gin, your friend who wouldn't hurt a fly. The girl with the most vivid imagination a person could have. It seems she thought the prick had too big of an ego, so she shrunk it, where it would do the most good."

The girls laughed at what Ron said. It just didn't sound like Luna. From there it was each of them telling stories of Harry, and the things he managed to get into.

Ginny told them of his bravery in the chamber, which she managed to keep hidden In her mind until just then.

Ron told them of how Harry tricked Malfoy into making a fool of himself in front of Moody, and how Moody changed Draco into a ferret.

Hermione told them of how Harry had comforted her after her and Ron had the fight that caused it all.

Unfortunately, this got Ginny crying again, and Hermione wanted to hit herself over the head for what she caused. Ginny pulled her into a hug, "Hermione, don't worry about it, it's just that I didn't know what Harry did when he left. I didn't know if he was coming back, and Michael walked up and asked me to dance. I accepted and from there it became more serious. I don't know how, or why, but Michael began to win my heart over. I forgot all about Harry. He even tried to talk to me, but I waved him off, and told him later. He had just asked for my forgiveness, and I waved him off. I'm not that cruel of a person Hermione. Ask Ron. Sure, I have my moments, but the person has to really upset me to set them off. Harry never did this to me. He was always considerate when we talked. He never raised his voice, like I did. And do you know what, he never thought of me as Ron's little sister when we talked."

Hermione let her mind go into overdrive. "Ginny, we need to get you to see Madam Pomfrey. I think I know why you had this change of heart. Come Ron, you can go with us, then we will make a trip to the kitchen and you can have a snack." and the three left.

This was about the time that Professor Flitwick went looking for his missing student, Michael Corner. He had not been seen in over ten hours. The first place he looked was the dorm, and when he went to the sleeping chamber, he found him curled up in a ball, hiding his face. He didn't respond to his name being called. He almost passed out when he was shaken. Filius then saw him for the first time, and was shocked at his condition. He was black and blue with bruises over most of his body, and he would not take his hands from his nether region. "Who did this to you Mr. Corner?"

"Everyone." Michael answered.

"Everyone being who, all your dorm mates?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Harry Potter."

Filius stood back from the boy. He had heard about his and Miss Weasley getting into an argument about this very same thing, and he said some pretty damning words to her. He took his arm, and took him down to the common room to confront his peers.

The rest of the Claws were sitting around the fire, after just leaving the Memorial service for Harry. Many were on the floor, including Luna. Large tears welled up in her eyes as she thought of the brave person who gave his life for us to live. She turned her head when she hear footsteps coming down the staircase that led to the boys chambers. She saw the tiny Professor leading a sore Michael, who was still holding his nether region. She smiled at the scene. She was happy with what she had accomplished with the git. He deserved that and more.

When the Professor got the facts straight from the students, he was outraged, "One point from Ravenclaw for fighting with a fellow house mate. Now , I suggest you go see Madam Pomfrey about your bruising. Hurry along now." And Michael left.

When the door closed behind Michael and his footsteps were heard walikng down the hallway, Filius turned to his Claws. "One hundred points to Ravenclaw for sticking up for someone from another house." He looked around the room, and saw it was spotless, "And one point for keeping a spotless common room." and he left the claws to their own.

TD-}

Hermione had been right, Ginny had been fed a love potion, and it was a continued practice over the next four months. Ginny was blind with rage. Harry was dead, and it was all because of an idiot who wanted a trophy date with someone that Harry liked. That was how she heard Dean say it. She thanked Dean when he told her what he heard, about the fight in the stands after the final challenge.

Poppy had given her a potion to end the feelings given her by the potion. She felt clear of mind for the first time in months. She saw how she treated Harry during that time, and felt ashamed and angry. If Michael was in there at this moment, he would be toast.

Unfortunately for Michael, it was at this moment that he chose to enter the ward. Ginny saw him, and fired the strongest Bat Bogey hex she ever managed. Poppy went to the student, with out even scolding Ginny for what she had done. She check Michael and said, "I'm sorry Mr. Corner, there is noting I can do for , until these Bats are quite done with you, and I can't reverse the spell. I don't know it. Just take a seat and relax. " Poppy snickered. Michael had been rolling around on the floor fighting off the bats flying around his face. He found out that they don't really hurt, but they drove a person mad with the noise they made, and the wings slapping you in the face, leaving the green slime behind where ever they hit.

TD-}

The day of Harry's funeral was the worst day of their lives. The three sat together to be there should one of them break down. Ginny took her place in the visitation line, and when she got to the casket, she pulled Harry's wand from her robes, "I was going to keep it Harry, to remember you by, but than thought how could I ever forget you. So here is your wand Harry, and I hope you are better now that you're with your mum and dad."

When all three broke down as Harry's casket was lowered in the ground, they were joined by hundreds of others. Even Fred and George, who did not have a serious bone in there body, could not hold back the tears. Sirius, Remus and Tonks were to the back and held each other for comfort. Sirius had been freed when the body of Peter Pettigrew was found in a graveyard outside of Little Whinging in Hangleton. Sirius still refused to sit near anyone, as he was not yet accepted in public.

Molly and Arthur were openly crying at the loss of one they would liked to have called son. Though Molly seemed strict with her children, she was always fair with them, and never beat them. She showed them all love from her heart. The Weasleys had never been rich, but somehow they got by, and never were found wanting. If it was needed, somehow they got it. For the twins, that was about to change.

Once it was over, the crowd left, and the Weasley's plus Hermione and Luna made their way back to the Burrow. They had not even got settled when someone else made his way across the field. Albus Dumbledore knocked on the door, and was allowed in by Arthur. He joined the rest in the sitting room. Fred and George, Before he left us, Harry wanted me to do something. As you know, there was a prize for winning the tournament. Harry wanted this to go to you two. However, there was also a reward for bringing to justice Lord Voldemort, and his Death Eaters. Unfortunately that included Professor Snape. It seems that this was taken as a last will for Harry, in a sense. You are not allowed the contents of his vaults in Gringotts, but anything he earned from the tournament is yours. That is the 1,000 galleons for the tournament, and 1,000,000 galleons for Voldemort, and his Death Eaters. The galleons have been deposited in the Weasley family vault. He also wished to leave you something as well Miss Granger. It seems that the Potter family had a quite extensive library in the vaults of Gringotts. He left those for you, except for one volume, which he left for you Miss Lovegood. I didn't know he knew you, but it is yours just the same. He handed the book to Luna, and she cried so hard, tears were falling to the book she held. It was titled, 'The Truth Behind Nargles, Wrackspurts and Faeries'.

She opened the book, and cried even more when she saw a note to her left by Harry.

Luna

Though we met just briefly, you left an impression on me, with your honesty, frankness, and loyalty.

It is because of these traits that I leave you this book. Don't let Hermione get her hands on it, as she will never give it back. In it you will find that there is truth behind your strong beliefs. It will also give you locations to where they could be found.

I hope this leads you to a world of adventure Luna, and if possible. To a world of romance as well.

From a friend;

Harry Potter

Luna ran her hand over the print of Harry's note, and felt something tug at her heart. Caring for someone she hardly knew.

The entire gathering of friends and family were all weeping openly for their loss. Then Albus did one more thing that baffled them all.

"Miss Weasley, it has come to my attention that someone has done you wrong. Michael Corner gave you a love potion with out your knowledge. That crime is punishable by a life sentence in Azkaban. I am asking you, is this what you want?"

Ginny got a disgusted look on her face for a second, then it eased off. "I hate the son of a bitch Professor, but in truth, I wouldn't want to see him spend a life time in that hell hole. Is there another sentence less dramatic?"

"Yes, but you may not like it."

"Should I be afraid to ask what it is?"

"Yes, you should."

"Do you think I should ask anyway?"

"You could ask, but it doesn't mean you have to accept it."

"Then tell me what it is."

"If you think so, then in lieu of a life sentence, it would cost him a life's debt to you."

"What would that mean." Ginny asked as she heard gasps coming from all around her.

It was Luna who said, "Ginny, you don't want this. It would be easier if you sent him to prison."

"What? How could it be better if he was alive and free of prison?" Ginny was worried about what the answer might be.

Arthur answered Ginny this time, "Sweetheart, if you were to accept this, this boy would be tormented for the rest of his life, if he was not able to pay you back. His suffering would be enough to kill him, yet because of the debt, he can not die. If you should die early for some horrible reason, he would die too. It is a fate worse than death. Luna is correct, a life sentence would be more humane."

"But to be the one to say this would be like killing him with a slow death. How can that be humane?"

"Ginny, Michael set this upon himself. Either way he will be facing a slow death, unless he could find a way to save your life and possibly forfeit his own. Another thing is if he sets up a situation where he looks like he saved you from death, he will die a most horrible death." Albus told her.

"Very well, send him to Azkaban. Tell me Professor, how is it he was tried so quickly?"

Albus smiled, "Because it had to do with Harry. When the Wizengamut heard what he was charged with, they wanted to get it over with quickly. The same happened with Sirius Black. When Peter's body was found, they had a trial, and freed Sirius right away, not that it helped. Sirius is in a very bad way right now. Remus and Tonks are doing their best to get him thru it."

TD-}

The fog was lifting that was clouding his thoughts. His vision was coming back to him. He didn't know where he was. What was worse, he didn't know who he was. His memory was a complete blank. It was like he was starting life all over again, and he could fill his mind with new memories. He just needed a name to start with.

He was lying on his back on a marble floor, naked, yet not cold. For some reason, his nakedness did not bother him. He stood up and looked around him to see where he was. Since he had no memories, the place would not look familiar, but he could learn from the experience. However, all he saw was white. There was no color to this place at all.

He looked down, and saw his pale skin and now wished he had something to cover him. He felt out of place being the only piece of color here. All of a sudden, his body was wrapped in a clean white set of robes that made him feel better. Even his Feet and Hands were covered, so that he would not see his skin. He walked into the white surroundings looking for anything that could be a sign of where he was.

Nothing. Everything was a blank.

He felt so alone, that he wished there was someone to talk to. Then he heard a voice coming from the mist up ahead of him. Through the mist he saw two figures walking towards him. One was taller than the other, and as they came closer, he saw the shorter one was a female. She had long red hair, and was very pretty, and young, though older than himself. How he knew this he didn't know, it just felt these two were older than him.

As the view became clearer, the female spoke to him first, "Hello Harry. You may not know me, but I am Lily Potter, your mother. This is your father James."

"Hello Harry, my son. I wish we could have met under different circumstances."

"You call me Harry as if this were my name. Is it?"

Lily tilted her head to the side as if in question. "Yes Harry, that is your name. Harry James Potter."

"Then why can't I remember this? And where are we? If you are my mum and dad, then why can't I remember you?"

"We died when you were quite young Harry. You were only 15 months old at the time." James answered.

"So, does that mean I am dead? How did I die?"

"A very evil person that killed us did this to you. However, you are not dead, yet."

"Then why am I here talking to those who are supposed to be dead? This does not make any sense to me at all."

"All we can tell you Harry is that if you wish to live, you can go back. If you wish to be dead, then you can come forward with us. We aren't even allowed to give our views. We cannot be a factor in your decision. That is why we have not hugged you. Believe me when I say we both want to hug you, and smother you in kisses."

"But you can't because it may influence my decision. If you were my real mum and dad, then you wouldn't care if it did or not. You would want me by your side. There fore, I can't believe you."

"That is the way it was meant to be son. You form your own opinion. Your mum and I would want nothing more then to have you by our side."

"Why don't I have a memory of anything about who I am or who you are?"

"For the same reason we can't hug or kiss you Harry. Your decision has to be your own, and not anyone else decision."

"Then I must go back and find out who I am. I can not stay here with no memories. If I have to start over and make new memories, then so be it. You say my name is Harry James Potter, than I will go back as Harry James Potter, and hope that someone will find me, or recognize me."

"If this is what you wish Harry, then I wish you luck. We will always love you Harry, and will wait for your return, though may it be a hundred years down the road." and with that, Lily and James were once again covered my the white mist, taking them from Harry's sight. Harry turned and headed the other way.

On the other side, Lily and James made it back to their residence, and Lily broke down in ears. "He didn't know us James. He didn't know his own mum and dad. What kind of a cruel person is fate that would not allow a child to know his own mother and father."

James just held Lily to get her past her current emotional state. His was not much better, but one of them had to remain strong for the other.

TD-}

It was dark. Very dark. And suffocating. He felt enclosed. He reached his hand out, and came in contact with something solid. He began to panic. He didn't know where he was, but he had to find a way out. He felt around to find something that might help him. He found a stick. "Bloody hell, what the hell am I going to do with a stick. What I need is light." And the tip of the stick glowed, giving him some light. He looked at the stick and wondered where the light came from. He looked around at his confines and was shocked at the closeness of the box. Then the air began to get real thin, and it was getting harder to breath. Still holding the stick, he said I need out of here." and the next thing he knew, he was sitting on the ground staring at a stone that had a name on it. "Harry James Potter – 1980 to 1995 – A truer friend has never lived, he gave his life for all he cared for. Rest in peace Harry"

"Shit, I can't use this name if every one thinks him dead. Now what?"

He turned to the stones net to this one and saw the name James Potter. And the next one down was Lily Potter. "It seems they were telling the truth. I'm sorry mum and dad, for not believing you. And I'm sorry for what I have to do, but I am stealing your names to have my own. From here on, I will be known as James Lily. I don't think I will need a middle name."

James got up and placed a kiss on is hand, then on his dad's headstone. Then he did the same for his mum. Once he was done, he turned and left the cemetery, vowing to return later, after he found a life.