A/N: Harry is not longer speaking or is doing so minimally. Italics are his motions with his head and eyes, conveying his thoughts and such.
Chapter 19:
Between the Ticks of Time
"Sssh," Luna attempted to comfort him. Harry stared bloodshot eyes out of the window, done to the Quidditch pitch. Luna had come immediately from the Ravenclaw dorms to the infirmary where Harry was. That was all he knew--his adopted sister was safe. They had not heard word from her father, but a gut feeling told Harry the man was dead. Both had signed the paperwork only a week before, before. "You need some sleep."
"She's right Harry." He turned and looked at Lupin, the last of the original Marauders. "You need to eat, sleep." Harry stared at the man for a moment. "You want me to teach you?" Harry nodded, glad his message got across. He pointed at Lupin then at himself. "To be like me?" Harry nodded once more. "A werewolf?" He shook his head. "A marauder?" Harry nodded, a smile, the first smile in ages. Lupin could not help but smile back it seemed. "It'd be my honor. On one condition though." Harry gave him a questioning look. "You shower and get something to eat and maybe a little sleep. We'll start tomorrow if you'd like." Harry nodded once more and stood from his chair.
"You welcome Harry," Luna said as she was surrounded in a bear hug. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, telling her simply that he'd be there for her too. "Thank you." She said as he brushed away some tears.
Harry walked out of the infirmary, despite Madame Pomfrey's screams. He still was dressed in his Quidditch uniform, still held the gun at his back and his katana at his side. His mind began to replay everything last night, learning from his mistakes. Never again would he lose someone because of his mistakes. Hermione was taken because she loved him. No more. There will be no more deaths, not if he had any say it in. And as of that moment, he had a great deal of say.
"Harry?" He had reached the Gryffindor tower without incident and had managed to not speak to anyone, or rather have anyone speak to him. But once he met Ginny, he could see she needed him at the moment. Holding out his arms, she threw himself into them, crying deeply into his shoulder. He led her to the couch and sat her down. "You'll be back?" He nodded and headed up to sixth year boys shower. He changed out of his Quidditch uniform and into a set of clothes left on his bed.
The clothes were lightweight, appeared to be comfortable and allow him to move agilely in them. Harry remembered seeming something similar to them on one of his rare occasions of watching television. A karate movie was on, and it was a boy about his age maybe younger. He wore an outfit similar to this. However the main difference was that a holster was on the bed for the gun Harry still carried with him as well as the sheath for the katana. He quickly dressed in the clothes and placed the gun back in its holster. He threw his robe on as he made his way out the door.
He made his way back to the common room silently, but was unsuccessful. Apparently now the whole school was trying to comfort him, and all he wanted to do was keep the fuel alive and going. He had a vow to keep and no one was going to slow him done.
"Harry, come on, relax," Dean said, stepping in front of him. Harry growled slightly causing everyone to move out of his way.
He made his way toward Ginny, but did not sit down. The young girl looked up at him, in expectation. He brushed a lone tear off her cheek before kissing it. "I'm sorry," he whispered in a hoarse voice. He pulled back and made his way toward the Fat Lady.
Harry walked down to the kitchen without incident. The word had spread among the students no doubt of his power and the show he put on last night. All the better to leave him alone.
"Harry Potter, Dobby is so glad to see you," the small elf said as he attached himself to Harry's legs. He rubbed the wool covered head, a jolt as he remembered Hermione's skills of knitting hit his heart. He reached into his pocket to touch the watch, and felt a calm over come him.
Harry pointed toward the dishes the elves were preparing for dinner. "Right away Harry Potter sir," Dobby said with excitement. Harry moved toward a stool at one of the counters and sat down. He felt a sudden impact to his legs once more; he looked down to see Winky attached, tears covering her eyes.
"Harry Potter sir, Harry's miss is gone, sir," Winky said, holding onto his legs tighter. He nodded, letting a single teardrop on her head. She looked up, and saw the sadness within his eyes. He gave her a befallen smile before patting her head. "Winky will get Harry Potter some Butterbeer." Harry gave her another pat on the head as Dobby brought him some food. He gave the elf a smile as he took the sandwich off the plate.
Slowly he began to eat, allowing himself to savor this last few moments of peace before having to return and finish what he had started. He left hand went to the pocket that held the watch. He removed it, and opened it for the first time.
Tick, tock, tick, tock.
Harry looked in wonder at the picture of him and Hermione, as they lay nestled before the fire in the Common Room. Colin must have taken it one night when they feel asleep. He choked back his tears as he watched his picture self pull Hermione closer, playing with his hair. He turned to the cover of the watch to see the inscription.
"Every tick of the clock counts the reasons I love you. It's magical and will never die, just like our love. - Hermione Jane Granger"
Harry smile grew as he touched the inscription. A sense of hope and warmth filled him like whenever she held him. He choked back another set of tears as he placed the watch back in his pocket. He finished his sandwich and his Butterbeer without a second though and thanked both Dobby and Winky for them.
He head slowly to the Headmaster's office. Now the rest of the castle was up and they all seemed to be avoiding him. All but one.
"What the matter Potter? Your Mudblood gone off and left you for some Weasel?" Malfoy said. Harry felt the anger rising in his chest, but instinctively felt his hand touch the watch. He calmed down slightly. "What the matter Potter? Too scared without your worthless Mudblood here to protect you?"
Harry withdrew the gun from its holster and turned on Malfoy. He held out his left hand and motioned for Malfoy to come closer. The ferret was lifted off the ground and Harry held him a good foot off the ground, the steel barrel held against the blond head.
"Alright, I'll stop," Malfoy said, squirming in Harry's grasp. "Please just don't hurt me. I'm not a Death Eater, please, put me down." Harry continued to stare at him. He took his left hand off of Malfoy's throat, but he remained in the air. He took Malfoy's right arm and pulled up the shirt . There was no mark, only a ring of bruises. He looked at Malfoy, a question dancing in his eyes. The boy nodded and he set Malfoy down. "My father, he…" Malfoy's voice trailed off, but that was all Harry needed to hear. He nodded once more before stepping way.
"Thank you," he said. Harry looked back at Malfoy as he put the gun in the holster. He turned around and continued on his walk toward Dumbledore's office. "I'm sorry, Harry." He did not turn around to acknowledge the comment, but it registered.
"Welcome Harry," Dumbledore said as Harry entered the office. The gargoyle had moved automatically, as if sensing his approach. All the better for him. "Please have a seat." Harry nodded and sat down in front of the Headmaster. "I'm removing you from the current curriculum for the time being, Harry. Current matters are too important to let slip out of our grasp." Harry nodded, showing his understanding. "Tomorrow," Harry shook his head, "today then, you will begin your Animagus training as well as summoning your familiar." Harry gave the headmaster a questioning look. A what? "It's a magical creature that aids in defending its master. I shall be assisting you in such. Any questions?" No. "good then you already know your teacher, shall we begin?" Lupin walked into the room, sadness filled his eyes. Yes.
* * * * *
The Death Eaters had been inactive for more than a month, allowing Harry time to train. To the surprise of his mentors, both Lupin and Dumbledore, Harry had mastered his animagus form within the first two weeks, and could sustain the form for almost an indefinite time period. Before them sat a majestic jaguar, a jungle cat known for its stealth and speedy attack. A lightning bolt shaped scar was the only evidence of the cat being human. For weeks Harry had trained using the stealth of the animagus to increase his own attacks. Often he would be forced into the Room of Requirement and then forced to finish off the "Death Eater" inside to leave. As days grew shorter, and nights grew longer, more "death Eaters" were added, and more stipulations were added as well. However, with every curveball that gave him, Harry was able to come out on top.
Now however, he needed to summon his familiar, and though he had the power, the memory required was too painful for him to even express. He needed to draw upon his greatest joys and greatest fears. He need to draw all of his powers into on single being, and give it life. The fears were no problem; he was living them every moment of every day. He had to draw upon his joy, and each time he tried to do so, he felt a bit more of himself die, as he never tried to work through it all, and though others did try, he would not let them.
Again.
"But harry-" Dumbledore started.
Again.
"Alright," Dumbledore said, helping him off the ground. Harry picked the watch out of his pocket and stared into it. Hermione looked so peaceful, and in his heart, he knew she still was. She was still alive, and he'd find her. But now... now he had an oath to fulfill.
He began to wave his hands in a clock like fashion, starting at twelve and moving clockwise back to twelve. "Miutetfir." His hoarse voice whispered. A small puff of smoke appeared in front of him. Concentrating, Harry spoke once more allowing the gray smoke to take a more solid form. "Uchialaninmiute!" He spoke for forcefully, focusing on Hermione held safely in his arms, her gentle giggle and laughter that lit up his world. His everything, his joys and fears were with her…………
"Well done Harry," Dumbledore said as Harry slumped to the floor. The smoke was no more. A brown otter sat on its hunches before him, with clear brown eyes. It scurried over to him, a playful look upon its face. Harry smile to himself as he picked it up.
Hermione, my Hermione. His eyes danced as the otter and he played with a ball Harry conjured.
"Harry, you're ready," Dumbledore said with a sigh. Harry looked up and soon understood. His mentor, his grandfather, did not want him leave, not because of his safety but rather because if Harry left and went through with his oath, his innocence would be completely gone.
Yes. Harry stood, taking the otter in his arms. He placed her around his neck, allowing her to rest peacefully as she slept.
"I will not stop you, Harry, though I will pray for you," Dumbledore said as he held out his arms. They shared a small embrace as Harry said his goodbyes to the headmaster. "But I do ask that you be careful, your new sister will undoubtedly be worried about you." Harry nodded. Luna's father had been found dead, and it was his turn to act as comforter as she held onto him and stayed close to him afterward. "Go down to the entrance, there are some that are going with you I believe." Harry gave a questioning look, but picked up the bag he carried everywhere with him. It contained a change of clothes, emergency portkey and a small medical kit. Slinging it over his shoulder, he made sure his gun was firmly strapped into the holster and his katana in its sheath, strapped to his back.
Harry made his way out to the entrance to find two faces he had not expected. Serge stood with a large bag on his back, he knew that man was coming, but the two he did not expect were Ginny and Malfoy. Ginny was dressed in a muggle camping attire, and held what appeared to be a Beater bat in her hands; Malfoy was dressed in his Quidditch attire, his black cloak covering the padding and such. Harry shook his head at the sight of them bickering.
"They came because they said they have their own revenge to execute," Serge said to Harry. Harry nodded. Unofficially, he was leading the group, but for the record and for the rest of the world, the responsible adult was the leader. "What do you want me to tell them?" Harry looked at Serge for a moment before turning and walked in the direction of the forbidden forest. "You're the boss."
The world was quiet around him as he made his way to Hagrid's hut. Only a week before he had Sirius's motorcycle brought out for his use. He had almost mastered riding it normally and was decent with it in the air. He straddled the bike and placed his pack into one of the saddlebag. He placed his otter into the other. Grabbing the leather, heavily padded jacket Sirius also left him, Harry smirked as he thought of what he could do in the air to those bastard, those Death Eaters.
"They're ready, they don't like it but their ready," Serge said coming back to Harry. "We're ready to leave when you are." Harry nodded and started the bike. The motor roared to life as he kicked the kickstand up and rode up to where Ginny and Malfoy were waiting.
"We're going with you," Ginny said, standing her ground. "Whether you like it or not." Stared at her, questions dancing in his eyes as she spoke. "They took my brother from me."
"My father owes me Potter," Malfoy said. He spoke without emotion, but rather a sense of underlying hatred. Harry nodded and turned to Serge.
"Hey, as long as I'm not looking after their asses all the time," Serge said, shrugging his shoulders. Harry nodded and opened his mouth to speak.
"Wait for me!" Harry turned to see Luna running toward them, a bag in one of her hands. He stopped the bike and got off. "I'm coming with you." She stood in front of him now, the dreamy look hidden beneath her adamant face.
"You can't be serious, she doesn't even-" Malfoy said. Harry cut him off before he could get any further.
"She goes; you pull your weight, you can stay." He got back onto the bike, and patted the seat behind him. Luna smiled slightly and hopped on. He handed her a helmet as he started the bike once more. She placed hers on, then he placed his, one that covered all but his eyes by black.
"Where does my bag go?" She asked. He pointed at saddlebag with his in it. "Thanks."
"How are we going to follow you?" Ginny asked as Harry began to ride off. He pressed a small red button that was over the gas cap of the motorcycle, causing it to lift off the ground.
"By broom," Serge said as Harry flew into the air, circling them. He looked down at them, smiling slightly. Serge handed both Ginny and Malfoy their brooms, or rather Malfoy his broom. Ginny was able to ride Harry's Firebolt as he was riding the motorcycle. Serge simply floated into the air on wings he constructed shortly after handing out the brooms. Malfoy and Ginny were in the air, after a few moments of situating their belongings.
"Alright. Good, the ground rules," Serge said, looking over at Harry. He nodded as Serge began to lay down the law. "Number one, Harry is in charge, but you get your orders from me. Two, any disobedience and you will be sent back to Hogwarts at your own expense. Three, all actions are none disagreeable. What were are out to do is something that has not been done for a long time. You follow our orders and you'll live. You watch out for yourself and everyone else. Do I make myself clear?"
"What are we doing exactly?" Ginny asked. Harry looked at her.
Death. Harry's eyes spoke the word as he began to fly south. He knew they were going to follow him; they had no choice now. Luna clung to his back as they rode along. He knew she wanted to say something but never did. Serge flew ahead, keeping watch.
"Where are we going?" Malfoy asked after an hour and half of flying south.
"Germany, to Voldemort's last known stronghold," Serge said as they hit a squall. "Hold tight to your stuff; don't want any of it blowing away and giving our position out."
"What are we going to do once we arrive there?" Ginny asked. Harry looked back at her. She and Malfoy were flying close together to keep warm. He had charmed his jacket earlier to do so and was glad as it helped keep Luna warm as well.
"Kill," Serge said, flying ahead once more. Conversation died down after that, or rather Harry could no longer hear it. He concentrated on his training. The last month his mind did not change from what it was before the incident, but he rather began to research known Death Eaters, or ones from the previous war. As they stopped for camp that night in a secluded forest area, Harry walked off. He had planned this stop.
"You're not going off Harry," Serge said, stopping him. "You and I know that Hermione will not want you to be a killer. The best way to stop the Death Eaters are at the source. Cut off the head and the body will die. Understand?" Harry nodded. "Good, then listen as I tell you where they went."
They're alive. His eyes lit up as Serge led him back to the fire.
"Yes, but you and I both know that before didn't we?" Serge sat down. "They are in Another World, Harry. I know you saw that beach there. From what I know that is the nexus of the world, the entrance so to speak. They passed through and it had to be the amulet that protected them both."
What?
"The amulet, the one you gave Hermione, was a magical one that was originally used to hop through time, back in my world," Serge said. "Schala, Kid, the woman you met in the globe wore it as well before she came here. That is why I left Another World, in search of her."
Can I go there?
"I think so," serge said. He stared into the fire as it began to die. "You still have those elements I gave you right?" Harry nodded. "Well, maybe in combination with that watch she gave you, you might be able to. I'd have to talk with Guile when we return. He's Schala's brother you know?" Harry gave Serge a questioning look. "It's a rather long story, one that I don't know if I have the heart to live through again, but Guile jumped through time and ended up in mine where Schala had landed as well. Only problem was, he was living in another time before doing so, and lived a longer life than she did."
How do you think we'll do?
"Depends on how well they act," Serge said. They both looked at Ginny and Malfoy who were talking quietly at the edge of the fire. Luna was sitting on the blanket Harry had given her to use. She was reading a book that she had brought with her. Harry could barely make out the title of the book. It must have been a Muggle book because he had never heard of the title before. "I believe Luna can hold her ground, she's been taken lessons from McGonagall as well as Hermione. I've seen her fight, and she'll do fine. But it's what hasn't been said between Malfoy and little Weasley. There is some tension between them and I know its either going to save us, or kill us in the end. I'm about two seconds away from telling to go roll in the hay." Harry chuckled silently at this. "What's this, he's laughing? Saints preserve us. There may be hope for him yet."
Thanks.
"Anytime, beside, you should check up on Luna," Serge said standing up. "I'm gonna find us something to eat." Harry nodded and looked over at Luna. She looked as though she wiped her eyes, giving Harry a bit to worry about.
"Hey Harry," Luna said, putting the book aside.
You okay? Harry looked at her as he sat, smiling lightly.
"Yeah, just…" Her voice trailed off. "I just never got to tell him." Harry wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. "I know that I shouldn't worry about it." Harry jerked her back and shook his head. "I should be worried?" He nodded. "But why?" He stared at her a moment or two allowing her to think about it. "Because I love him."
It's your emotions. Harry turned and stared into the fire. Using his arm, he drew her close as she began to cry softly. He drew her closer as a cool wind blew through the area. He could see Ginny and Malfoy still talking, but they were closer, with Malfoy's arm around Ginny. He was going to have a talk with him about that.
"Thank you Harry," Luna said, as she let herself relax against his chest.
"Already moving on Harry?" Ginny asked from across the fire. Harry looked at the younger girl. "Found yourself a new girlfriend?"
"Harry don't," Luna said as he stood up. He walked forward and stepped through the fire, his boots treading deeply into the burning wood. He felt the flames bite his legs slightly but ignored it.
"Ginny, why did you go and say that?" Malfoy moaned. She gave him a glare.
"You know just as well as I do that-" Harry cut her short by the gun placed against her forehead. He stared at herm, death dancing in his eyes.
"Potter put that gun down," Serge's voice rang through the clearing. Harry made no moves to put the gun down, on the contrary, he pulled the trigger back on the revolver. "Harry, I'm warning you put the gun down."
"Never accuse me of being unfaithful," Harry whispered. His voice had grown small from the month of minimal to none use. "Never." He let the gun fall and he walked back through the fire. Holstering the gun, Harry concentrated on his soul, his animagus form, transforming into it with ease.
"Harry, wait!" Luna cried out. He made no moves to turn around. He ran into the forest. It felt wonderful to be moving so gracefully in the woods. His eyes adjusted to the night, allowing him to stare deeply into the woods instead of running blindly.
The smells were overwhelming; he wanted to stay like this, like he was forever. Never return, never... tick, tock, tick, tock...The clock sounded in Harry's soul as he looked up at the moon. It must have been a spectacle to see a jaguar upon his hunches staring longingly into the moon. He took a deep breath and began to head back toward their camp. He sat back and listened to them. Serge was looking directly at him. That however was not a problem. The man did not have night vision like Harry did.
"What the hell was that all about?" Luna asked. It appeared that they all had a moment of silence or something as he left.
"You tell me," Ginny asked, standing up. Harry sniffed the air. Stench of betrayal filled it. With the combination of ferret included. Harry held back a growl. Malfoy was hiding something; something that could be their undoing or Riddle's………
"He was comforting me," Luna said. "And I was doing the same for him."
"No you weren't you were hoarding in on him," Ginny nearly screamed. "You were trying to seduce him."
"Like you've been trying to do this entire time?" Luna shot back. Ginny's face flushed, or at least Harry thought so. He knew she was trying to move in on him. It was visible whenever he was around her. This only confirmed his suspicions. Harry figured it was time to step in. Changing back into his form, he walked out of the trees and into the light. He looked at Serge, nodding slightly before going to his saddle bag.
"Alright, looks like I'm the interpreter, so I can say this," Serge said, stepping between Ginny and Luna. "Want to know what is going on between them don't you? Makes you feel useless because he did not come crying to you like you did to him? Thought maybe you two could console each other and grow lovey dovey, correct?" Ginny nodded as she sat back down. Harry took out his otter and sat down, playing with the little girl. "First off, she went to him, because she knew he needed someone to talk to. Not cry on, not be cried upon, someone to talk to. As you can see, Harry hasn't done much talking."
"But she was trying to move in on him," Ginny said, embarrassment replaced by anger.
"No, she was consoling her brother, and he was doing the same for her," Serge said. "You were too wrapped up in your own grief to even read a newspaper. It has been a month since her father's death, and I've talked to her about, and you haven't talked to her about it. From what I can understand you were close friends last year, why not this year?"
"Because..." Ginny's voice trailed off as she looked at Luna. Then back at Harry. Harry looked up from his game he was playing to see Luna standing, holding her arms close to her body. It was obvious she was embarrassed and held out his hand for her. The young Ravenclaw too it, and slide down next to him
"Say it, it'll feel better," Serge said. Ginny glared at him, but her gaze changed onto Harry.
"Because I was jealous that he grew closer to her then he did to me."
"Doesn't feel better?" Serge asked.
Shut it. Harry sent a glare toward Serge as the older man turned away.
"I'm sorry Luna, I didn't know," Ginny said. Harry looked at Malfoy who looked torn. Despite his previous tendencies, he nodded at Malfoy who put on arm around Ginny, trying to comfort her. He did not trust the boy, nor should he. Malfoy put an arm around Ginny to which she leaned into the slight embrace.
"Alright, time for chow," Serge said. Harry nodded and placed the otter on his lap. Taking a piece of the fruit that Serge gave him, he gave it to the otter and allowed her to enjoy his meal. Harry laughed silently as the otter played with her food before finishing it.
"Not eating, Harry?" Ginny asked. He shook his head as he lay back down. Staring up into the stars, he knew somewhere, Hermione was looking at the same ones, or at least he hoped so. Concentrating on the clock in his hands, he felt the otter climb onto his chest. His fingers ran across the engraved words as he stared into space, hoping to someday meet up with her again.
* * * * *
They traveled for another week, only stopping every night to rest and relieve themselves. Harry had wanted to press on, but with others traveling with him, the idea was not up to debate. He knew they were depending on him, and he on them. Luna and Ginny feel back into their pattern of best friends, leaving Harry often with just Serge and Malfoy. Harry spent most of his time alone, training either his lightning abilities or combat ones. Malfoy was gaining some training, minimal as most from Serge as he often pestered about wanting to not rely on "pot-head."
They were now only a few miles away, deep into what Serge called enemy territory. Harry was crouched behind a tree, his sights on an old German castle. He looked to the skies, calling upon a strong storm to give them cover. Serge had taken Luna, Ginny and Malfoy to the other side, allowing him to attack solely upon this entrance. Harry padded the gun holster on his right hip and drew his katana with his left. Standing erect, Harry began to make his way toward the entrance, His otter had done some scouting but the results were inconclusive.
"Who's there?" A Death eater guard screamed against the wind. Harry smirked as he stepped with the lightning, allowing his face to become more prominent with each stroke. Harry tapped his watch and let the world slow down around him. Tick...tock...tick...tock...Harry ran forward. The Death Eater appeared to be turning around as if to call for back up.
No need for that. Harry sliced the hand that held the wand off, watching it shrivel up. More zombies. Time began to flow freely once more as struck the undead once more, an arc of light following the blade. The arc cut through the door, shattering it all into splinters. Harry covered his face as it exploded, but did not hesitate to enter. His otter began to search the place, sending him sketchy maps of the rooms. Harry smirked to himself as he looked down one of the hallways. They were coming. More undead for him to kill, or rather allow to rest. There was no stopping him now…
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