Echo in My Mind

Chapter 10: Sirius's Memory

"Love is stronger then death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death-"

Anonymous Quotes.

~*~

Harry stumbled as his feet came in contact with the solid ground of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. He suddenly felt exhausted as his fingers left the quill that was their Portkey. All of the day's hardships were catching up to him and it left Harry feeling sick. He felt an odd tugging at his heart, and it seemed to be pulling him back to the Portkey. And back to Ginny, he thought instantly. Even though he knew that these strange feelings were side effects of his connection with the redhead, Harry was positive it wasn't just that. He wanted Ginny with him, especially since he was back here.

"Harry!" came a shrill cry. "Come here, dear."

Harry turned to find himself in the kitchen of the Order Headquarters. Mrs. Weasley was coming towards him, surveying him as she went. Harry hugged her, kissing her cheek and saying a quick hello. When Mrs. Weasley stepped back she glanced him over once more, and she couldn't help but notice the way his shirt hung off him.

"Harry, dear, have you been eating all right?"

"Of course I am, Mrs. Weasley. There's nothing to worry about," Harry lied, instantly feeling horrible for doing so.

Narrowing her eyes in scrutiny and suspicion, Molly sighed. She beckoned them to the table with her hand.

"I have warm stew for dinner, since I doubt you've eaten. Harry, bring a bowl from the table over here please, it'll be your portion."

Harry looked down. "Actually, Mrs. Weasley, I've already eaten at Hogwarts. I'm just knackered. Could I be shown my room, please?"

"If you're sure," Mrs. Weasley said. "Remus, lead him up, you know where the room is. Professor Dumbledore, could I interest you in some stew?"

Dumbledore declined politely, saying he had a room full of people to return to. Mrs. Weasley asked him to send her regards to Ron, Ginny, and Hermione, then turned back to her cooking as the Headmaster Portkeyed out.

"Come, Harry," Remus said, leading the teenager out the door.

Harry stared around him as they walked through the quiet hall. The place had been cleaned up magnificently since the last time he'd been here and it no longer seemed so sinister. He noticed that they weren't even trying to be quiet as they neared the portrait. Harry looked at where it was on the wall and did a double take when he saw an empty space.

"Remus," Harry said as he stopped walking. "Where's Mrs. Black?"

Remus came up behind him and sighed. "Her portrait came right off as soon as she heard her son was dead. We're not sure why but we think it's because the last of the Blacks in this household is gone."

As Harry's brain registered the words Remus had just said it truly hit him that he was standing in Sirius's home, only Sirius wasn't there. He suddenly felt tears welling in his eyes, and he buried his head in Remus's shoulder, desperately willing himself not to cry. Remus held him as he tried to regain control.

"Harry, can you - can you talk to Sirius for me?"

Harry let out a shaky, "Yes."

"Ask him if he's really sure he wants me to take over his duty, he'll know what I mean."

"Sirius..."

There were a few moments before the response came.

"Harry? How's it going?"

Harry couldn't hold back anymore as he began to cry into Remus's shoulder. The tears soaked through the cotton of the older man's shabby robes and gray shirt.

"F-fine, Sirius. Remus has a question for you."

Sirius had moved to the window in the kitchen and stared out it, wondering how Harry could lie like that. His godson was clinging to Remus like a lifeline as he cried. It didn't take much for Sirius to realize they were at Grimmauld Place, he'd recognize that house anywhere.

"Okay, shoot."

"He wants to know if he should take over your duty... what's he talking about?"

Sirius sighed. "Tell him yes, and let him explain."

Harry was still crying softly. "Thanks, Sirius."

Sirius continued to watch the exchange of words between the two living beings.

"He said yes," Harry mumbled into the shirt. "Now explain."

"Sirius told me before he died that if anything ever happened to him he wanted me to take over his position as godfather of you, as long as you wanted it," Remus said quietly.

Sirius looked on as Harry pulled away from Remus, staggering back until he hit the wall. The surprise etched on Remus's face eerily mirrored the look on Sirius's.

"You - you'd be my -" Harry stuttered.

Remus nodded.

Harry was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion again, however this time it was his own. It hit him for the first time that Sirius, no matter how much he talked to him in his head, was not coming back. The will that was to be read in two days was real. Harry felt sick as he realized how much time he'd wasted in six months. He should have been mourning the death of Sirius, not moving on and getting involved with Ginny. He should have been remembering Sirius instead of forgetting about him and getting involved with school and Quidditch. His lungs constricted and his throat closed up as he thought about how self-centered he'd been, forgetting about Remus and helping him to get through this as well. He couldn't breathe anymore...

Sirius yelled out Harry's name as the boy crumpled to the ground.

~*~

Blaise didn't return to the Slytherin common room that night. After bidding Draco goodnight at the entrance hall so he could perform his Prefect's duties, she scampered down to the dungeon, ready to prepare the rest of the potion. By two o'clock in the morning the potion was ready to simmer. Blaise yawned, trying desperately not to fall asleep. If she fell asleep and missed the exact second the potion was done then the entire preparation would be ruined.

Blaise checked the clock she had put in the dungeon. In a dark green light the time read 2:12 A.M. Yawning again she took out her newest sketch, using it to occupy her until the potion was done simmering.

This sketch was of Draco right after the Gryffindor-Ravenclaw Quidditch match. Though Draco had been cheering for Ravenclaw he still couldn't hide the look of smugness as Harry caught the Snitch. Blaise had captured that look, turning it into a beautiful sketch that she was just now putting the finishing touches on. Using her finger she gently smudged the charcoal under Draco's eyes, showing the shadows he so often had from lack of proper sleep. She shadowed his face in all the right places from where the sunlight had hit him. Then she put the picture down and simply stared at it.

This is the person I have to pretend to kill...

She sighed and sat back, thinking about the match and Draco. All game he had been making snide comments about Cho and her flying style. He'd been muttering moves for Harry to try all game as well. Though he'd groaned along with the rest when Cho had gotten the Snitch kicked out of her grasp, he hadn't groaned about that. He groaned because Harry hadn't gotten it.

And what if this potion's gone horribly wrong. What if that's one of the last memories I'll ever have of him?

Without a sound Blaise dropped her fingers from the edge of the sketch. Using just a thought she banished it back into its drawer. Yawning and stretching Blaise waited for the potion to be done.

Three hours later Blaise conjured an alarm clock just in case she fell asleep.

By seven o'clock in the morning Blaise had the potion bottled and headed to the Great Hall to slip it in Draco's drink.

~*~

Giving a completely fake yawn, Draco sat down next to Blaise at breakfast. To put up appearances he idly chatted with her about last night's Prefects patrol. He talked on about how he'd caught two fourth years having a snogging session up in the Astronomy Tower. Blaise didn't respond in any way and he pretended not to notice.

Draco knew not to pick up his drink until the proper time as he took up his fork and began to eat. He had to wait for Ginny to enter the Hall with Orli and catch their attention so they could keep track of the time until an hour had passed.

Ginny walked into the hall not even three minutes later, her eyes downcast as Orli followed her. Draco noted she looked upset about something, most likely Harry. Shrugging he returned to his breakfast though he kept his gaze on Ginny, waiting to catch her attention. After a few moments she looked up and he nodded. She gulped and looked back down. He made sure she checked her watch before bringing his eyes down to his goblet.

Screwing up his little bravery, Draco took a large swig of his juice. It tasted much more sour than normal and this was the sign he had just drank the potion.

"Great juice, Blaise, don't you agree?" he said, acting nonchalant.

Blaise nodded beside him and Draco knew she didn't trust her voice. This was a nerve-wracking situation to be in, pretending to kill someone and praying the potion was just right. Draco would not have wanted to be in Blaise's position at all, and he felt horrible for her because she had been forced into it.

The two finished the rest of their meal in silence. Blaise hardly ate, destroying her eggs instead of bringing them to her mouth. Though his stomach churned, Draco surprised himself by getting most of his breakfast down with little trouble. He stood as he wiped his mouth with a napkin and set it down on the table.

"I'm going to go flying. It's clear skies, perfect for it. Do you want to come?" he asked Blaise.

The only response was a shake of her head. Shrugging and pretending to act surprised at his girlfriend's quietness, Draco left the table.

He made sure to catch Ginny's attention one last time, nodding once more. She gave him a weak smile before returning to her breakfast, which, similarly to Blaise's, was being torn apart and mashed by a fork.

Merlin I hope this works...

~*~

Ginny collected Orli from her breakfast fifteen minutes before they were due on the Quidditch Pitch. Ginny herself hadn't eaten a thing since she was too worried to eat. Not just about the plan but about Harry as well. She had received an owl this morning saying that Harry had passed out last night and was still out cold. Remus had said something about lack of oxygen and some startling news but Ginny couldn't pay attention to the letter. Instead she had shoved it in her pocket and focused on the Plan.

With shaking hands she led Orli to the Gryffindor Tower, instructing the younger girl to wait outside the Fat Lady while she grabbed her broom and Harry's. Orli hadn't moved an inch when she returned, brooms in hand, showing that the young girl was just as scared as she was. Trying not to race down the halls as fast as her heart was beating, Ginny led Orli down to the Quidditch Pitch.

"You do remember the way this goes, don't you?" Ginny asked nervously as they neared the castle doors.

Orli replied with a short nod. Her small body was trembling with both anticipation and fear. Ginny winced as she realized she hadn't been able to keep the waver out of her voice.

"It'll be fine, all you need to do is run to Madam Pomfrey."

All the young girl could do was nod. By this time they were halfway to the Pitch and Ginny's insides were doing the twist. No matter how many times they had gone over this plan she couldn't help thinking something would go horribly wrong. She couldn't shake the feeling that Voldemort somehow knew about this whole thing and would capture Blaise, Draco, and Harry in one huge sweep, sending them all to their deaths at the same time.

Ginny began to take large gulps of air, attempting to calm herself. Harry would be calm if he were here. Be like Harry...

Yeah, a voice in her head chided, sounding much like the old Malfoy. But Harry's passed out right now, so what good is that going to do you?

Ginny swore softly as they stood outside the entrance to the Quidditch Pitch.

"Let's go, Orli."

Orli grabbed Ginny's hand and held it tightly, crushing Ginny's fingers, but the older girl found she didn't mind. It gave her a sense of security, knowing there was someone with her. Orli could do thought magic, a rare thing in a witch or wizard, and Ginny would trust this girl with her life, age notwithstanding.

Ginny didn't even have to push open the gate to the field because Draco had already done that. With a long sigh she nearly dragged Orli through the snow and suddenly stopped short.

Draco lay in the snow, sleeping, but just as the potion's description said he looked as if he was dead. Ginny knelt down next to him, peering closely to make sure his chest rose and fell, which it did. She checked quickly for a pulse and a heartbeat and didn't feel anything. Pressing harder with her fingers she picked up the faintest of pulses. She breathed a sigh of relief.

"Orli," she whispered, "Go get help."

~*~

Harry woke to a dark room. His heart was beating painfully hard in his chest and his shirt clung to him with cold sweat. He'd just awoken from a horrible nightmare that involved chases, dueling, and the Department of Mysteries Veil. He was fairly sure he'd been screaming and wondered why no one had come up to investigate.

He stood up and the world tilted dangerously as he grasped the bedpost for support. His head held a dull ache that was slowly spreading through his body. Throughout his dream his scar had been searing periodically but Harry couldn't make anything of it. He didn't notice he still had yesterday's clothes on, which were now rumpled beyond saving, as he staggered downstairs for a meal, not sure which one it would be.

As he reached the bottom set of stairs he could smell Mrs. Weasley's cooking. The richness of the sausage and frying bacon made Harry's head spin and he felt like throwing up the few contents of his stomach.

"Harry!" Tonks called from the bottom of the stairs, now in his line of vision. "Come join us."

Harry opened his mouth to respond but his scar suddenly erupted in pain. Bile rose in his throat so fast he could barely keep it down as he ran for the loo.

He's happy... why is he happy?

If he strained hard enough Harry swore he could hear Voldemort laughing in his mind but all he could hear were the sounds of his retching into the toilet. He didn't notice his entire body was shaking with tremors.

The shuffling of feet could be heard outside the door.

"Harry? Are you okay?"

Remus waited about five minutes, unable to block out the sounds of Harry's retching. He was about bust down the door when he got an answer.

"I'll be fine in a while, Remus. I'm just not feeling terribly well right now. Leave, I'll be fine, I swear."

Remus sighed, knowing it was no use to argue. "Call if you need me for anything."

Harry heard him walk away before another round of retching consumed his attention.

Don't tell me the plan went wrong...

~*~

"Hello, Remus," Hermione said as she entered Grimmauld Place's kitchen four hours later.

"Hello, Hermione."

Hermione set her bag down on the floor. She politely declined Mrs. Weasley's offer of food. Instead she looked around the room.

"This place cleaned up nicely," she said as an offhand comment. "Where's Harry?"

Remus sighed. "He's upstairs, check the bathroom first. Last I was up there he was still vomiting."

Hermione's brow furrowed in concern for her best friend.

"What happened?"

Remus shrugged. "Ask him, I really don't know. He was fine one minute and the next he was running for the loo."

Frowning Hermione took off up the stairs. As she passed the loo she didn't hear any noise and the door was partially open, indicating the room was unoccupied. Not knowing which room Harry was in she just kept walking until she came across a slightly open door with sounds emitting from the other side.

"You'll never get her..."

Worried, Hermione pushed open the door. She found Harry tangled in his sheets, tossing and turning, mumbling mostly incoherent things. His face was pale with sweat and his scar stood out vividly.

"Get out of my head..." he hissed.

All of a sudden Hermione could hear another voice in the room.

"Come, Harry. You've been trapped in the dark before, what's so scary about it now? No Sirius to guide you?" a voice literally hissed.

"Get the hell out, Tom," Harry muttered.

Hermione gasped in shock as she realized what was going on. Dear God, his magic is out of control.

"Your Mudblood is calling you, Potter."

"What the-"

Then Voldemort was expelled from Harry's mind as he finally mustered the strength to build his Occlumency shield up again. Harry's eyes snapped open and he sat up. His eyes blinked as he adjusted to the small amount of light. He paused before speaking as he saw Hermione's scared face.

"What are you doing here, Hermione?" Harry said in a low tone.

"Remus said you were sick this morning," Hermione said, smoothly cutting off Harry's question. "Are you feeling all right?"

"What's it to you?"

Hermione sighed. She edged further into the room, shutting the door behind her. The only light source left was the candle burning away on the desk. Without a word she made her way over to Harry's bedside and sat on the edge of the mattress.

"Harry, I'm your best friend, your sister. I have every right to be concerned about you. I love you and I hate seeing you hurting like this. You used to talk to me. What happened?"

Hermione felt instead of saw Harry lay his forehead on her shoulder in the near dark. He groaned softly and her hand came up to gently lift his head off her shoulder. Sensing he had a headache Hermione began to massage his forehead, and to Harry it felt like feathers dusting away the pain.

"I've had horrible headaches all week," he said quietly. "Voldemort's so happy and it's just making me miserable. I don't know how I've managed to hide it from Ginny for so long."

"Harry, you should have told us. What happened to your Occlumency shield?" Hermione asked worriedly.

"I was too weak to keep it up," Harry responded.

Hermione stayed silent knowing that her comments would not be welcomed. She continued to massage Harry's head, feeling him relax to the point where sleep nearly overtook him.

"I heard your dream, Harry," Hermione said.

She felt Harry's forehead crease in confusion under her fingers. He tensed, and she could tell he was reawakening.

"How?"

"That's what I don't know. All of a sudden I could hear your conversation with You-Know- I mean, V-Voldemort." Harry squeezed her hand. "I've never heard or read about a wizard projecting dreams like that before. We should talk this over with Remus, Harry. He needs to know so more Occlumency lessons can be arranged. Professor Dumbledore ought to know as well, maybe he knows something we don't."

Harry groaned. "Why does the unexplainable always happen to me?"

"Come on downstairs with me and we'll think of some explanations," Hermione said, laughing. "I'll even make you a cup of tea."

Begrudgingly Harry sat up further and allowed Hermione to drag him up to a standing position. He just felt so tired, as if he hadn't slept in days. Even the darkness of his mind was filled with images of horror that kept him from getting a full night's sleep.

"Do you want to take another shower to get you more awake?"

Harry shook his head, the still wet hair Hermione had noticed flew around it. "Tea sounds good. Tea with Firewhiskey sounds better."

Hermione laughed along with him and led her best friend down the stairs.

~*~

Both Ginny and Ron had no problems landing from the Portkey trip to Grimmauld Place. Ginny was nearly bursting with worry and anticipation to see Harry. Ron found it a little discontenting that his sister could barely be apart from Harry while Ron and Hermione had no qualms about personal space and alone time. Sometimes he felt Harry and Ginny were getting too close for comfort. He sighed and rolled his eyes as Ginny grabbed his hand and yanked him over to the door. She knocked three times.

"Ginny, dearest, and Ron!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed at the door.

She smothered them both in one huge hug, effectively cutting off their air supply for a few minutes. Ron was the first to squirm out of his mother's grip. Mrs. Weasley released Ginny a few seconds later.

"Well, it looks like you've both been eating all right. Don't you dears watch what Harry eats? I've never seen him so thin and wan-"

"Molly! Keep your comments on Harry's health to yourself. He's here now and he's fine so let him be," Remus's voice sounded from the kitchen.

Ginny brushed past her mother, heading for the kitchen. She walked through the threshold, stopping to take in the sight. Remus, Hermione, and Harry all sat at the island countertop. Harry's hair was still partially wet, curling around his ears as it dried. He fingered his teacup idly, not even noticing she was there. Hermione took a long swallow and Remus summoned a bottle. Ginny squinted to read the label on the bottle better, Ogden's Finest Firewhisky. She watch silently as Remus poured some into his and Harry's cups, as Hermione declined, laughing.

"I've already had three rounds of laced tea, Remus, and I'm feeling slightly tipsy!" she giggled from atop her stool.

Ginny rolled her eyes and took a step. She closed the space between herself and Harry quickly, putting her arms around his neck. His eyes refocused slowly, coming back to reality from his stupor.

"Hey, Gin," Harry murmured, swiveling in his seat to face her.

"Hi, Harry," Ginny replied quietly, hopping onto his lap and reacquainting herself with his slender-armed embrace.

He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, loving the feel of her smooth skin beneath his lips. Ginny lay her head on his feeling suddenly tired. Harry reached around her to knock back another cup of spiked tea as Ron came into the room.

"Hello, Remus, Harry. Hi, Hermione," Ron said as he kissed his girlfriend.

"Harry," Ginny whispered in his ear. "Can we go upstairs and talk alone?"

Harry nodded against her, sending chills up her spine. She slid off him and turned to pull him off the stool as well. Harry turned back to Remus as they were about to exit the kitchen.

"Remus, we're going to go upstairs for a while. Save us some tea, would you?"

Remus nodded with a hint of a smile lighting his features. Harry and Ginny left, making their way up the stairs slowly.

"I missed you," Ginny said as Harry led her up.

She tugged Harry's arm gently as he paused on the step above her. He came back down and before either of them knew what was happening Harry was pushed up against the wall, being snogged senseless. The spark ignited between them, emotions flooding each other's senses.

Not knowing how they made it up the stairs they crashed through the door to Harry's bedroom. They collapsed on the bed, Harry's weight pinning Ginny down on the crimson sheets. His arousal was steadily growing and his magic began to react as the temperature rose in the room and the candles flared with a soft orange glow.

Hands roamed, clothes were discarded in a careless way and the outside world was completely forgotten. All the Weasleys could have been camping outside the door but Harry and Ginny couldn't have cared less. They had wanted this so long, waited for this so long, and there was no power on earth to stop them now.

Moans mingled with the creaking of the bedsprings; candles were going berserk, spreading light and heat to such an extent that the very air threatened to catch fire... All the suppressed pain got released, all the demons of the darkness banished... fear, nightmares and sorrow far away... Nothing existed but the two of them, their entwined bodies, and their joined souls. Their love. Love that glowed like a burning supernova, love that buffeted them like a raging storm... love that finally exploded like a crate of Weasleys' Wildfire Whizzbangs.

Reality came crashing down on Harry at that point. He rolled off her, suddenly getting the distinct feeling they were being watched.

James had pulled a shocked Lily and a foolishly grinning Sirius away from the window ten minutes earlier.

He lay back and panted quietly. The candlelight danced on Ginny's sweaty body. Her eyes focused again as reality seemed to hit her as well. She turned her head, eyes wide, and gaped at him.

"We..."

Harry didn't say anything. He couldn't say a word. Any capabilities of speech seemed to have left him. They both knew they hadn't expected it to be this way. Neither could understand how it had gotten so far out of hand.

Ginny sniffled, curling herself into Harry's chest.

"What were we thinking..." she sniffled again. "No charms or anything... Oh, Harry..."

Quietly Ginny preformed the strongest after-event contraceptive charm she knew, since Mrs. Weasley had made sure they knew them all. Harry didn't question her as she did it. All he did was hug her to him quietly and use a quick cleaning spell. Right now he was especially glad underage magic went undetected in this place because of Dumbledore's special wards.

"Ginny..."

"Just don't leave, Harry," Ginny whispered. "Stay right there for me."

Harry wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight as she clung to him.

~*~

Draco woke to find himself surrounded by light. Light shone from the ceiling, through the curtains that encased his bed, and reflected off the floor. If he didn't know any better, Draco would have sworn he'd left Earth.

As it was, he was in the hospital wing playing dead. He wondered if Ginny and Ron were still here. After Ginny had done her part in getting him here, she and her brother were supposed to Portkey out to join Harry and whoever else happened to be at the location. Draco hadn't been informed about anything more than that.

He checked the watch on his wrist. Blaise should have appeared by now to take him away.

"Let's go," whispered a voice.

Draco jumped, staring around for the source of the noise. He couldn't see anything except for a silver ripple in the air. He stared more closely.

"Blaise?" he whispered.

"Yes, it's me, we don't have much time. Get out of bed as quietly as possible and come over here."

Not questioning her orders, Draco slid away from the covers and slipped into his shoes at the side of the bed. He hadn't a clue how they were going to slip out of the hospital wing unnoticed. Even Madam Pomfrey had been fooled into thinking he was dead. While she was checking him over Dumbledore had stood in the shadows, rigging the tests so he would appear to not be breathing and have no pulse. If Pomfrey saw Draco up and walking the possibilities of flaws to their plan would be endless.

"How are we getting out of here?" he hissed.

Blaise didn't respond. She merely tossed his Invisibility Cloak at him, which Draco caught with deft Seeker's hands. He threw it carefully over his body, concealing himself in its silky folds. Then he stared at Blaise, waiting for further orders.

"Keep tight hold of your cloak, we're going by Portkey."

Blaise threaded a chain through her fingers and held out the other end to Draco, who entwined his fingers in it as well. Three seconds later they were being whisked away.

When they landed, both gracefully and without stumble, they found themselves in a hallway. Vaguely Draco thought he remembered this place from his very early childhood. Blaise knocked on the door three times and looked around before removing her hood from her face.

Draco was slightly surprised when Remus Lupin opened the door.

"Ah, I see you've made it."

~*~

Remus sighed and sat back in his chair at the kitchen table. All the children had eaten dinner. Ron and Hermione had disappeared upstairs a while back. Blaise had taken Ginny into the library to discuss something that had happened between her and Harry earlier that day, presumably what had her hiding her pale face in Harry's oversized sweatshirt. Harry and Draco sat on stools at the bar, a bottle of dulled Firewhisky between them, a few various shot glasses, and a Quidditch simulator of miniature figures that would do the plays you told them to. It served as their Christmas gift to each other. Neither boy had been keen on shopping for the other so they each paid half to share the simulator.

The werewolf watched the two teenagers. Draco poured himself a shot and knocked it back slowly as they watched a Chaser's maneuver from Puddlemere United. Molly had made a fuss when Remus left the boys the bottle to finish off. She had yelled that he was acting like Sirius, which had immediately quieted Remus and had left Harry with a very subdued look on his face. Tonks had left the room in tears. After that Molly had apologized profusely, though the damage had been done already, and she relented and left the bottle.

Harry, who had been drinking small amounts of Firewhisky all day, was now thoroughly drunk. Remus knew his new godson had done it on purpose. Sirius's will was being read the next day.

Remus didn't know exactly how he felt about the will. Evidently there was no avoiding the situation but he still didn't want to hear it. It would finalize the exact thing Remus had come to terms with, but still wanted to believe was a lie. Sirius was dead and wasn't coming back.

Tipping his chair so the front two legs left the ground, Remus leaned and closed his eyes. He missed Sirius, who had been his last living friend. Wormtail no longer mattered to him. All he had left was Sirius, and Sirius was gone.

Thinking about it he realized that he did have others left. He had Harry, who was beginning to open up to him more and more, seeming desperate for a last link to his parents and Sirius, as well as a godfather to talk to. He also had Tonks, who seemed to flirt with him a lot. Whether to help her get over her grief over Sirius or because she actually liked him, he didn't know. Either way he comforted her when she needed it.

Opening his eyes and turning his attention back to Harry and Draco, he observed them again. Draco was putting another move in for the Seekers to do and poking Harry until he watched it with him. Discreetly Remus took out his wand and cast a sobering charm on the boy but he didn't think Harry noticed.

"Draco!" a voice sounded from the stairs. "We need to go, hurry!"

Draco turned in his seat and stared out the door. "Where are we going, Blaise?"

"Dumbledore's taking us away from here, somewhere safer. We're going to Greece," Blaise said from the doorway as she moved closer to Draco. "Grab your things, we're leaving now."

Harry sucked in a long breath. "Are we going to be able to communicate with you, warn you of danger and all?"

"Headmaster said there would be a way of communication and that he'd explain it later. Goodbye Harry," Blaise replied, hugging him and kissing him on the cheek.

Harry hugged her in return and clapped Draco on the shoulder. "Be safe," he said in a low and serious tone.

"We will," Draco said.

He followed Blaise out the door and into the entrance area. Moments later they were gone and Harry was left to stare at the door.

~*~

"We are gathered here for the reading of the Last Will and Testament of Sirius Black," Dumbledore started solemnly. "Now this may be a surprise to those of you without magical upbringings but wizarding wills are told through the ghostly form of the person themselves. Family members will be stated first, followed by another others who will be mentioned."

Dumbledore stepped back as Sirius's ghostly form appeared out of a glowing orb. Tonks's head fell onto Remus's shoulder and he let out a small sigh. Ginny's hand made a grab for Harry's but he swatted her away.

"When I was younger," Sirius's form began to speak; "I always thought I'd live to a ripe old age with James, Lily, and Remus. After the incident that philosophy changed slightly, but I still believed I'd have Remus at my side until I died. Well, Remus, I hope, was there as I fell, though much earlier in life than I had intended. Harry, I know you're blaming yourself, but don't. You can't stop fate.

Remus, I presume you've already taken over my position as Godfather of Harry, since if you waited like I asked it has been six months. I would like to leave you thirty percent of however much money is in the Black Vault and any other various vaults my family may have hidden from me. All the old Marauders things will be left in your care, and I hope that you will show them and pass them on to Harry when the time is right. Lily gave me her old school photo albums and I want to pass those on to you. Keep the old jokesters' memories alive, Remus. Whatever you do don't cry either, that goes for all of you. Stay strong for each other. Remus, you were one of the best friends a man and a dog could ever have. Live your life to its fullest.

"Tonks, my sweet little clumsy cousin. I still remember when you were just a little girl. Keep the jokes going at the dinner table for me. I'm going to leave you thirty percent of the money in the Black Vault and others as well. Make sure Remus gets some new clothes with his share, and get some new ones yourself. Also there are quite a few family heirlooms left, stored in boxes up in the attic. I'm leaving those to you and do with them what you wish. Though this may be the most inappropriate time to say this please get your act together and start dating Remus. If you could do one last thing for me, please let it be that. The two of you deserve much more than being lonely."

Most everyone was crying at that point. Tonks had her head buried in Remus's shoulder and was bawling. At some point either Remus or Harry had reached out to grasp the other's hand. Tears rolled down both their cheeks. Ginny, finding no solace in Harry, curled up into one side of her brother as Hermione took the other. The others were in similar positions. Sirius's form turned to Harry now, indicating it was his turn.

"Harry, dear Harry. Molly was right, you know. You looked so much like James that sometimes I did feel as if I had my best friend back. But your eyes, Lily's eyes. I know you must hear that a lot but it's true, so true. Now in some twisted way I know you're blaming yourself for my death. DON'T. Even if you were there and watched me fall, DON'T. Remus, make sure he isn't beating himself up. Ginny, since you seem to be the only one who can knock some sense into his thick skull make sure he gets that message. Kind of odd, don't you think, that it's always the redheads that get to the Potter men. Harry, if you have any sense at all, you will date Ginny and marry the girl. She may be over that silly schoolgirl crush but that doesn't mean there aren't any feelings left. I know you have something towards her, Harry, so act on it if you haven't already. How I wish I could still be there to see you grow up... I'll find a way to see it all, trust me, I will.

"However for the time being, I'm gone, and I have things to get rid of. Your parents entrusted me with many things when they died, things that will fall into your possession once you turn seventeen courtesy of Remus. Though I was supposed to wait to give you the box I'm leaving you, I figure now is as good a time as any. The box will be given to you when this is through. I'm also leaving you twenty percent of the riches of the Blacks, though I dare say you won't be needing any of it once you see the sum of money your parents - oh dear, I'm not supposed to be telling you any of that. I'm also leaving Grimmauld Place and the Black Manor in Greece to you. It's stunning in Greece, I suggest you take some time away and go there. There are quite a few memories of my child and young adulthood that I would like to give you, most of it piled in boxes in the attic that Dumbledore will be glad to give you. I would also like you to have my motorcycle, which I hope you'll fix up and put to good use. Remember, Harry, that I love you and always will, even though I'm gone. Lead an excellent life and never forget me. You're like the son I never had.

"Ginny Weasley, my dear little redhead. Follow your heart and I pray it will lead you to Harry. I know it sounds as if I'm setting you two up, but I have a sort of intuition with these kinds of things. Harry's a good lad, watch him for me. You were such a sweet friend to me while you knew me.

"Ron, always the loyal one. Stay with your friends and your girlfriend, and if you have one, it had better be Hermione. Your support is greatly welcomed be everyone. Molly and Arthur, my only wish for you great people is to keep Harry happy like you've been so good at doing in the past. I am giving you, as a family, thirteen percent of the Black wealth. Don't kill me twice over when you find out about how much that actually is! Ginny, I have some precious jewels, many emeralds included, that I am leaving you. Also since you seem to have a knack for little drawings I'm going to leave you my old sketchbooks and a new one I was going to give to you as a birthday gift. Ron, I know I have some old Cannon's paraphernalia that's calling your name. I leave it all to you.

"Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of your age. Any challenges you'll face you'll rise to the occasion and go beyond, I have no doubt. Stay loyal to those you love. I'm leaving you five percent of the Black money. Also in your possession will be the entire library, minus a few key books and scrolls I'm bequeathing to our dear old Dumbledore. Did you hear that, you eye twinkling old man? You know I owe it all to your brilliance. I also know you don't want the money I set aside for you. The books and scrolls are marked off. Also there are a few other documents and old paintings that might spark your interest as well. Keep them in good condition.

"To any other blood related Blacks, I leave you the remaining two percent of the wealth. Fight over it, kill off yourselves, I honestly don't care. Just get out of my hair and the hair of my true family.

"Tonks, on a final note to you, I'm leaving you the rest of the Black estates. Divvy them up. Keep the one in the south of France, it's another beautiful place. Share it with Remus. I love you both.

"Harry, I honestly can't find the words to describe how I feel towards you. I love you so much, never forget that. And please, as a last favor, stop crying. Stay strong for me, Harry. Once again, I love you."

Sirius's ghostly form began to disappear from view. Harry sobbed into Remus as the older man hugged him tight. Ginny, through her tears, vaguely felt as if she and her family were intruding on something private. She gave both Remus and Harry a squeeze on their shoulders and put a hand on Tonks's back. Then she turned and left, the others following her.

It wasn't until about fifteen minutes later Harry emerged from the room, Remus guiding both him and Tonks out. The older man gave Harry a push towards Ginny.

"Go, Harry. Let Ginny comfort you, she's much better than I am," Remus whispered, giving Harry another slight nudge when he didn't move.

Looking very much like a wounded puppy Harry shuffled over to Ginny and nearly collapsed on her. If it had been any other situation Ginny would have thought it to be hilarious how pathetic he was acting. Now, however, Harry looked more lost then he had in months. Without asking Ginny guided him into their room.

Harry had received his own room during this stay and Ginny had migrated into it, making it as much her temporary home as his. This left Ron and Hermione alone in the other room. Mrs. Weasley knew about this and was furious, though she had no power to stop Ginny from being near Harry.

At the door Harry finally tore away from Ginny. He flung himself onto the bed, landing on his stomach and burying his face in a pillow. Gingerly, the redhead sat down on her unused cot, a few feet over from Harry. Barely a moment later Harry whispered for her to come over. Unsure of what he wanted Ginny lay down next to him. Neither of them moved.

Suddenly Ginny had a flash of an idea. Slowly she leaned over and kissed Harry's neck, sucking the soft skin. Her hands began to work his shoulders as if she was massaging out the pain. Soon she felt the tenseness begin to ebb away as Harry relaxed. When she felt he was fully relaxed and calm because she could no longer sense or see any signs of crying Ginny allowed her hands to leave his shoulders as her head fell back on the pillow.

It wasn't until minutes of silence had passed that Harry finally turned his head towards her. The look his eyes possessed made Ginny want to scream at him and tell him not to be sad, to shake him until he saw it wasn't his fault. Looking in his eyes was like looking at a shattered piece of glass, the sharp edges and different pieces unable to fuse back into one. It was broken beyond repair, just as Harry was. There were so many emotions, grief, despair, sadness, anger, hatred, and a horrible sense of guilt that Ginny could feel radiating off Harry in waves. She reached over and pulled Harry to her, letting his head rest on her chest. When he began to cry quietly she didn't stop him.

Vaguely she wondered why she wasn't crying herself. She had gotten to know Sirius quite well and missed him terribly. Ginny knew the answer was because she had to stay strong for Harry, but she was tired of it. She wanted to grieve as well and she suddenly hated Harry in that moment for stealing her right to grieve away from her. Oddly enough Harry seemed to sense that and pulled away from her. He was still crying and Ginny felt like smacking him for being like that. She wanted to hurt him so badly, make him run and scream and beg for something, anything, she wasn't even sure. All Ginny knew was the uncontrollable fury she felt building inside her that was directed towards the boy she loved.

Love, ha! Look what love did to this kid!

Harry had backed up off the bed at that point. His senses were going haywire on him as his magic reacted badly to Ginny's fury. Ever since the newest magic had been released Harry had been having a lot of trouble around strong emotion. Even his own emotions would trigger the magic. He was affected so deeply by even the smallest ache in his scar. He worked, trying countless things, but nothing could quell the magic once it got started. He was incredibly perceptive of other people's emotions, the stronger they were the more they hurt him.

Right now, as Harry stumbled into the wall, Ginny's fury was hurting him. His head ached something terrible and his stomach churned. Sharp pains were forming around his eyes and his ribs and his legs felt like they were going to give out any second. Ginny's emotions were far too strong for him to handle and, as he began to choke and gasp for air, he realized that if he couldn't get away it would kill him. He could barely see through the clouded mist in his eyes as something exploded into flames in the room.

Harry heard Ginny scream but he was about ready to pass out. His oxygen supply was depleting rapidly and the smoke filling the room was doing nothing to help him. Her fear washed over him in cold waves and he felt as if he was drowning. Harry was in so much pain that he welcomed suffocation.

The door banged open. Magic flew about the room. All Harry felt was more and more pain. He couldn't handle the amount of magic and he coughed loudly, hacking up blood as he tried to inch towards the door where there was breathable air.

Am I dying?

~*~