167Disclaimer - I do not own this amazing universe or the HP characters. Only Serenity is mine. And if you try to take Serenity *cracks knuckles and laughs evilly* YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! The universe and characters belongs to JK Rowling, who (incase you didn't know) is a goddess. Have fun :D
I've decided to miss out the talk with Dumbledore and the others that last chapter was leading to because, to be bluntly and fairly honest, I couldn't be bothered. We all get the picture though, Harry leaves the Dursleys, Sirius gets unofficial custody and everyone is happy and all smiles - got it :) Also, I don't know if I mentioned it but if I have a sequel it will not be another reading the books fic. It shall purelly be based on the trio going back to Hogwarts and the development of Harry as a person and hero.
Thanks again to everyone who reads this fic ... I love you all and if I could, I'd give you every single chocolate flavour Bertie-Beans I could. Which, I admit, are very far an few between.
Fancy Changing The Future?
Harry exited the Gryffindor-esque room quietly, his mind racing with disbelief yet extreme joy. He had done it! He had finally escaped the Dursleys. Admittedly, it was the result of humilitating and shameful hours of questioning by his headmaster and overly concerned dogfather/friend/honourary uncle. It was unfortuante that the discussion about his previous living arrangments had turned out to end in dire dramatics and unnerving agression. However, he was now free from the Dursleys!
With a fond smile, Harry remembered the way Tonks had held his hand all the way through their talk. He relished in her security and comfort, portraying this as clearly as he could by offering his own hand to the immense torture of her deathly tightening grip. According to his bruised fingers, Tonks was likely going to prank the Dursleys; prank them so hard they would most likely wish they had never been brought into this earth. But with faces like theirs, he supposed they must think that an awful lot.
As he walked into the kitchen/reading area, he noticed everyones eyes following him. He sent them a beaming smile which lit up his face and shone clearly through his emerald green eyes. He never knew how happy he could be, but now he knew what memory would be used to fuel his Patronus charm. Sirius, whom was walking behind him, was beaming just as greatly. Although he still was not released from the prison that is Grimmauld Place, he now had Harry to keep him company in the summer and Christmas holidays.
Harry stopped midway to the table which everyone was gathered round and stated, his voice laced with amusment and relief, "Members of the Harry Potter guard, stand to attention," He yelled, in a great likeness to Muggle drill sergants. The specific members of the Order shot up and saluted Harry, trying to keep the smiles threatening to burst on their face at bay. Harry slowly began to pace in front of them. "Since the beggining of summer, you have had to face traumatic and fearful events which greater men ..."
"And woman!" Tonks interrupted. Harry shot her a look and Tonks replied by sticking her tongue out at him. Rolling his eyes, Harry continued.
"Which greated men and woman have never survived with their sanity intact. On a weekly basis, you have had to guard Harry Potter. Whilst Harry Potter is not usually considered a sight for sore eyes, any witness can agree that the Dursleys could cause a blind person to scream in pain." Harry paused whilst many around the room snorted and voiced their agreement.
"You have achieved a great achievement by remaining sane and well. The exception to that would be Tonks. However, it is still unknown whether she was born as such."
"Hey!"
"I must thank you for your wonderful job at keeping me safe from major threats. Dumbledore and myself wish to express this gratitude by moving me permanently to Grimmauld Place, needing no one to watch the Dursleys." Harry finsihed. After a moment of stunned silence, applause thundered around the room and all of the guard were whooping and shouting and jumping and goodness who knows what else. Harry even caught a few slumped on the ground in relief, tears of joy leaking from their eyes. He was crushed by hugs of grateful order members as many had the terrible experience of meeting, or even just looking, at Harry's relatives.
Whilst the celebrations took place, Serenity transfiguired chouches from chairs and conjoured party food from air. No one was at all bothered by the fact that the celebration was not that Harry no longer was living at the Dursleys. It was more of a way to relieve the stress and tension that the war had suddenly thrust on their shoulders. Even if Voldemort had not attacked millions of towns and cities, they were now on high alert, hoping against hope that their families wouldn't be the first casulties, the first victims.
Harry, whom was now dancing along to the music Serenity had helpfully supplied, watched the fire with a critical eye. He had noticed that the party was a distraction from Serenity. How he knew, he didn't know or ponder about. He was keeping an eye out for one of Serenity's jokes. However, his eyes kept on travelling to the dancing green flames in the fire. 'Wait ... green flames?' Harry thought. Quickly, he grabbed his wand (which was useless, but the intruder wouldn't know that) and pointed at the fire. Everyone had noticed as the music had suddenly stopped and a chilly breeze floated thorugh the room.
After a tense and silent 20 seconds, a sneering Snape walked into the room. As he looked around the room, his eyes flashed with confusion and hidden horror. However, the greasy potions masters face remained impassive. "If you don't stop pointing that wand at my face Potter I'll put you in detention for the rest of your schooling days!" Snape drawled calmly, although he was eyeing the wand cautiously. After all, he was a Slytherin; he had a healthy dose of self preservation.
Yet still Harry didn't move his wand. He didn't look angry. Instead, he looked absolutely enraged.
"Harry, I must ask you to keep your wand away from any Hogwarts member of staff." Dumbledore demanded. His voice was still soft and jovial, but it held the undertone of seriousness. Harry, extremely reluctant, moved his wand away from the smirking proffesor. "I'm glad to see you could join us Proffesor Snape." Dumbledore girnned. Snape just muttered something under his breath which suspisiously sounded alot like 'manipulative old goat.'
"Can someone please explain to me what the devil is going on here?" (an: A Very Potter Musical - watch it!) Snape asked the Headmaster. Before any one could reply, George and Fred leapt into the air, gasping and clutching at their hearts.
"He ..."
"He ..."
"He said please!" They yelled together. All the other students followed their lead in panicking and Ron even fainted. Tonks even sobbed.
"It's the end of the world I tell you! Say your last goodbyes!" The students who were taught by Snape were running round and murmuring goodbyes to each other. Fred and George went up to Harry and saluted him.
"We'd like to tell you before our inevitable passing that you've done a bang tidy job of being bloody brilliant." The twins said. Harry though, was not part of the theeatrics. He was stood, looking emotionlessly at his potions professor.
"Why is the Death Eater here?" Harry snarled, his eyes flashing in anger. Gasps echoed around the room as the adults looked at the young boy in shock. Dumbledore looked dissaprovingly at Harry.
"Harry my boy, I can assure you that Proffesor Snape is not on the dark side and I trust him with my life." Dumbledore finished. Harry's eye twitched as he looked at the sneering man who was grumbling obsene phrases and insults that Harry couldn't be bothered listening to. He wasn't actually looking at the man, more at the mans arm. Right on his forearm he knew without a doubt that a tattoo; no, a brand, was burned into his skin. The malivent skull and the twisting and hissing snake were wound together in an inky black and whenever Harry even saw a glimps of any Death Eaters mark, he felt the need to attack.
He felt a calming presense next to him, taking his arm in her hands and pulling at it gently. Tonks' voice was whispering comforting words to him but he couldn't make out exactly what she was saying. His mind was hazed with such rage that he surprised he didn't blow anything up. He wouldn't usually be reacting to Snape like this, he knew for a fact that to wind Snape up successfully you just had to act Marauderish. The problem was that ever since Cedrics death he had been forced to view Moldieshorts memories of previous attacks. Seeing the dark mark just made him revisit the murders and rapes. And to think Snape had that mark branded onto him willingly. His insides boiled.
Before he had a chance to speak though, a note fell from the ceiling. It swayed lightly, carried by the invisible wind, it's presence not effecting the eery silence. Harry grabbed the note out of the air quickly, his reflexes sharp. He struggled to stop the pure rage from escaping, his hands shaking as a result. Opening the letter, he frowned at the contents. He read it slowly, processing the information, but not willing to speak it aloud.
Dear Harry,
I want you to stop being so terrible to Mr Snape (I refuse to call him proffesor because, from what records we could obtain, he didn't teach much.) I understand that he's a death eater but I can swear down on my magic and life that Mr Snape died for the light. He is a spy for Dumbledore currently and he gives his life to help in the future.
Don't worry - I don't expect you to be friendly with him and braid each others hair. God forbid Harry Potter and Severus Snape getting on. I just don't want you to attack him. You're too noble to attack him when he's defensless but in your anger you might do something you regret. So calm down!
Ever your hero,
Serenity ... xxx
Harry smiled slightly, shaking his head fondly thinking of Serenity. He crushed the note in his hand, his anger only disapating slowly. He may not be able to attack Sanpe, and he may be on their side, but it did not mean he would trust him. Harry patted Tonks hand, which was still clutched to his arm, reassuringly. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair.
The room had returned to how it once was, the chairs neatly around the table and the food gone. Snape still looked confused although he covered it behind a mask of indifference. Harry looked at him, studying him. He knew that Snape had saved him in his first year and maybe a few more times than he'd like to admit. However, he was also the reason Sirius was on the run. He let a childish grudge blind his judgement. Harry tried to find something physical which would prove to Harry that Serenity was right, that he was indeed a spy for the light. But every inch of him reeked of dark and evil. Coming to a decision, he sent a sharp and reluctant nod towards Sanpe and sat down as far away as he could, Tonks following him worriedly.
"You sure your good?" She asked him softly. Harry nodded, smiling at her concern. After a moment, she just sighed and sat next to him, not pushing him to talk about his feelings or smothering him with understanding. Tonks didn't understand his motives but she didn't let that push aside her concern. Her quiet support was refreshing and he revelled in it.
The room was still quiet, only a few people conversing about irrelavent things. Dumbledore cleared his throat, hoping that the issue had been resolved.
"Well Proffesor Snape, we recieved books from someone from the future about the very near future. Apparently, we need to change what happens." Dumbledore explained. Snape's brow furrowed.
"I see. May I ask as to why the Gryffindor Trio and Tweedle Dee and Dum are here? I was unaware they were part of the Order." Snape sneered at the students. He noticed how Harry didn't react, still talking quietly to Tonks. If he were not in complete control of his body, he was sure his eyes would have widened comiclly. The two people in question were sat comfortablly facing the other. There hands were interwined, although it didn't seem like they noticed. What surprised him though was Potter. His body was not tensed, like he was accustumed to seeing on the boy. He was relaxed but not slouching, leaning forward ever so slighlty so he could be nearer to the young metamorph. He understood it was a subconcious reaction but it still shocked him slightly. The pair looked like another he had witnessed, a couple who caused his insides to burn with jealousy. He was brought out of his musings by a chiding Headmaster.
"Really Severus, I thought you would know by now that most action happends around Harry. Therefore, the books are from his perspective." Severus could no longer keep his mask in place. Horror poured from his eyes. Then ...
"I refuse to read about some spoilt brat and his time breaking the rules!" He got up and stomped (much like a three year old) his way over to the fire. Throwing floo powder into the flames he shouted an unrecognisable location. However, just before anyone could warn him, he stepped into the fire and got launched back out again. He flew across the room and into the awaiting chair that Serenity had kindly put out for him. Whilst he tried to shake of the dizziness, he failed to notice the slowly creeping chains that confined him to the chair.
After 5 minutes of struggle, he swallowed his pride and ignored the sniggering Order members and students. "Headmaster, I'd appreciate if you got me out of this infernal death trap!" He roared. Unfortunately, when he said this, the chains tightened. 'Damn you Potter!' he screamed in his mind.
"I am afraid I can't do anything. My wand does not work in the conditions are generous host has made for us." He went on to explain to Snape about Serenity. He looked over at Molly Weasley who kept on looking over her shoulder jerkily. She seemed extremly paranoid about this grudge that Serenity insisted on holding. He was determined to not end up like the snivelling red head.
A note fell down and hovered in front of the bound potions master.
"Don't mess with a Potter ..."
Then, the note burst into flames. Breaking the obvious tension in the room, George picked up the waiting book and exclaimed "Is everyone sitting comfortably ..." He paused, waiting for a response. When he looked at Snape he burst into laughter as the poor man was gagged, unable to even cough.
He cleared his throat and continued. "Now everyone is sitting comfortably, let us begin."
The Advance Guard
Okay, I get why you might be annoyed - it's a short chapter. But to be honest, I just couldn't think of what to include. I tried writing this chapter 5 times but it all sounded so forced. Finally I was able to produce this chapter.
It's been a long while since I updated but I've been revising for resits in Chemistry. (Loathe as I am to admit it, it's my worst subject. One, that sadly, I need to become a doctor.)
I shall now explain in further detail about the sequel I plan on having. It shall not be another reading the book fic because to be honest - one is enough. Also, with my pairing and how I plan to end the fifth book (which will not be canon, so all you canon lovers - sorry) it would be impossible to do book six or seven. Therefore, it will be a fic about the trio going back to school with there future knowledge and changing it all. Tonks will also play a big part in the sequel, even if she doesn't stay with Harry. (After all, I am extremely undecided about alot of pairings.)
Please review because honestly, it makes my day seem worthwhile. Also, it bigs up my ego. I love you all and I hope your all having lovely times reading this fic ...
Tattie byes -
Vickie1996