Unlikely Situation

                                      Unlikely Situation

                                          By: Sweets

Legal disclaimers: All of the characters in this story belong to J.K. Rowlings.

I am making no money out of this. I am doing it to satisfy my own muse.

Author's note: This is my first Harry Potter fanfiction. I would like to take a moment to thank

the three authors whom helped me out of writer's block by writing wonderful stories that got my creative juices flowing once more.  Ady, Jona and Xanthia Morgan thank you guys so much.

 I'd also like to thank my friends at alt.fan.Harry-potter for lending their opinions on what

 could and could not technically happen in the Harry Potter realm:  Tamar, Shadow, Allan Bartley, Robert Carnegie, Darmark, Joe, JAB and the rest of them.

 Love ya guys.

Time line: After Goblet of Fire or as many refer to as book 4.  

     Chapter 1

     Everything was the same as always at 4 Privet Drive.  Harry was in his small room next to his cousin Dudley's and was listening to him snore.

  Ever since Cedric had died, Harry not only blamed himself but also had horrible nightmares about that night and Voldermort. 

     Harry had just recently woken from another such nightmare in which Cedric blamed Harry for the whole thing.

He could still hear Cedric's voice echo...it's your fault Harry...it's all your fault.

Harry was wondering now if he should write to Sirius or to Dumbledore to let them know about the re- occurring nightmares.  Every night he decided against it since his scar never hurt.

     "It was only a dream. Wasn't it Hedwig?" Harry asked his owl as he turned to look at her. He was answered with a small hoot.

 She had just returned from her nightly hunt.  Harry turned away from Hedwig and layed on his back.  Hedwig taking this as her cue, flew over to Harry and landed on his stomach stretching out her talon for him to stick a letter on it.

" You really think this is worth writing about?" he asked her as he started sitting up. She cooed softly and flew over to where the parchment was on his desk and looked at him as if saying yes I expect you to write to someone and I won't take no for an answer.

Harry sighed in defeat and grabbed for his glasses. He then stumbled over to the desk and turned on his lamplight.   He took his quill to some parchment and thought.  Then he started scribbling down his letter.

 Dear Sirius,

I hope things are well with you. I know last year you had told me to keep you updated on anything strange that had happened.

 Every night since I've been back here I've been having nightmares about Cedric and Voldemort. I keep hearing Cedric blame me for his death and Voldermort laughing about it.

 I haven't written of this before since my scar never hurt but I haven't slept a full night in weeks.  If you can believe this I am writing this under the insistence of Hedwig.

I think she has been returning earlier from her hunting than usual to spy on me.  Ut-ho Uncle Vernon is waking up if he catches me with the light on at this hour I don't even want to think about what he might do.

I hope you are safe.

Harry

Rolling it up and tying it to Hedwig's leg as quickly as possible he turned out the light. He held his breath listening.

He heard a toilet flush and steps going back the other way towards the other bedrooms. Harry sighed, "That was too close girl." He said.

He let her stand on his fingers, which she nipped at affectionately. As he opened the window he said "Take this to Sirus alright?" She looked at him one last time and took off into the night.

 With that done he closed the window and lied back down on the bed.

    

     It had been over a week he still had no relief from his nightmares and Hedwig still hadn't returned.

 Harry had dark circles under his eyes that seemed to get darker every day.  Harry had been wishing for Hedwig to return hopefully with help that he needed in the response.  He took one long glance out of his window

 before going downstairs to breakfast. He wasn't really hungry but he knew it wouldn't be much of a breakfast. The nurse at Dudley's school insisted that he stay on a diet for the summer that the school nurse had put him on during the year, he was at an unhealthy weight. Just so Dudley wouldn't feel bad about others eating normally around him...or in Harry's opinion to avoid the biggest temper tantrum to date the whole family was on this supposed diet.

     Harry had heard from the kitchen before he entered Dudley complaining about breakfast.  He sighed and went through the door that would lead to the kitchen.  He sat down at the table to a small slice of grapefruit. Of course as usual his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and cousin Dudley had not taken any notice of Harry's condition, nor did they seem to care.

Harry finished his slice and took his setting to the sink.  He threw out the rind of the grapefruit and washed his plate and spoon. After that he went back up to his room without a word and looked out the window again.  

     He saw an owl coming towards the window. Unfortunately it wasn't Hedwig it was a big barn owl. He opened the window and the owl landed on Harry's bed.  Harry untied the letter and the owl took off out the window again.  Harry opened the letter and glanced at it. It was a list of books and supplies he'd need for the upcoming year as well as the usual reminder about the Hogwarts express.

 Harry put it under his floorboard and plopped down on his bed.  He was looking up at the sealing and he dropped off to sleep. The dream started out fine. He saw himself, the Weasleys and Hermione they were at the Quidditch tournament. Except it changed very rapidly to Cedric and himself touching the tri wizard cup together. Harry was once again reliving the events of that fateful night when Voldermort came to power.  This time however, when the forms of all that Voldermort had killed tried to keep him busy so Harry could get away he didn't make it and was hit with the Curcio curse.

     Harry bolted up right on the bed sweating and shaking. It took him a few moments to realize where he was and that he was safe. He listened as his heart rate went from rapid to normal.  He straightened his glasses and looked out the window again. From where the sun was positioned he could tell that he wasn't sleeping that long.  He was inwardly hoping to see his owl but he did not.  He was pulled out of his thoughts by a commotion downstairs.

     "Mum it's not fair.  I want it.  Please mum all the other kids have it."  Dudley was complaining.

    "Dudleykins I will get it for you for Christmas I promise." His aunt tried to placate him.

     "But mum I want, I want, I want it please!!!!" Dudley whined again.   By this time Harry had walked to the edge of the staircase just to watch the scene unfold. His aunt was looking beaten. She paced across the floor several times and then she looked at her son. Even in his tantrum state his mother could see no wrong in him.  She walked over to Harry's Uncle Vernon.

     "Vernon aren't you going into London today?" she asked sweetly.

     " Yes but Petunia you don't expect me to.." he was cut off by her

     " But you don't want your son to be the laughing stock of his class when he goes back do you? DO YOU?" she said looking at him sternly.

     "Alright I'll pick up the dratted dream cast when I go." He submitted.  Dudley's face lit up with the look that said I know how to get what I want.  Harry just laughed a tiny bit. Dudley saw him and gave him a sneer that wasn't totally unlike Snape.  It made Harry give a slight shudder at the thought that there could be someone that could actually be as bad or worse than the greasy haired potions master. 

     Harry returned to his room to hear tapping on the window. He was so happy he thought it was Hedwig, but it was Ron's owl Pig.  He opened the window and pig flew in. The little owl went round and round his head as if on a caffeine high.   Harry grabbed the little owl in his hands.

     "Hold still just for a moment please Pig." Harry said as he successfully untied the letter from his leg. Harry put Pig in Hedwig's cage momentarily so he could read Ron's letter.

     Harry,

I was just writing to say hello. It's been a while since I've heard from you or Hermione for that matter.  I wonder where she's off to? I hope she isn't off in Bulgaria with that git Krum. Did she say anything about it to you when she sent you your birthday present two weeks ago? How are you doing? Dad and Percy are so busy at the ministry that we hardly see them anymore.  I heard dad saying the other night that Fudge is still refusing to believe that You-Know-Who is back.  It's been very quiet so far though. But I'm sure that you know that.  Anyway any word if you can come to us this summer? Let me know. Please owl soon.

  Ron

    Harry went over to his desk and scribbled quickly to Ron.

     Ron,

It was great hearing from you.  Things here are very quiet as well. It's getting kind of boring. I haven't heard from Hermione either since my birthday that is, and no she didn't mention if she was with Krum or not. Have you tried sending Pig to her? I don't know about this summer. As we both know

Sirius and Professor Dumbledore said for me to stay put here. I hope I get word soon that says I can come to you. I'll let you know. I know it's been quiet since my scar hasn't hurt at all since the end of school.

  Harry

     He looked it over. He was wondering for a moment weather to tell Ron about the dreams, after a moment of thought he decided against it. If the dreams didn't stop by school time he would tell Ron and Hermione together. He rolled it up and took Pig back out of the cage. He had to hold Pig with his legs in order to tie on the letter. As soon as his legs loosened Pig flew twice over his head and out the window.  With that done he had nothing to do but either stay in his room reading his Quidditch Through the Ages book that Ron had given him or go downstairs. Neither at the moment seemed appealing.  He loved Quidditch dearly but he couldn't bring himself to enjoy it at the moment since his thoughts went to Cedric when he thought about it. He once again decided to lie back on his bed and look at the sealing.  He was just overwhelmed about all that had happened. He tried not to think about that and concentrate on something else. His mind floated back to Ron's letter. He knew that Ron was jealous of Vicktor Krum though he wasn't one hundred percent sure why.  He had a good idea that Ron was starting to feel the way about Hermione as he did about Cho. At the though of Cho Chang the beautiful girl a year ahead of him in Ravensclaw who was the seeker for her team as Harry was for the Gryffindors. The thought of her was pleasant for only a moment then it all rushed back to him. The way Cedric had taken Cho only months before to the Yule Ball. Then how Cedric had also played Quidditch with his house team. Finally it lead him to the night when he and Cedric grabbed for the tri wizard cup together. He saw everything again as it happened. Then he heard Cedric's voice again it's all your fault Harry...You killed me....it's all your fault. Harry bolted up into a sitting position. He was shaking and he was in a cold sweat. He hadn't even realized he had fallen asleep during his daydreaming.   

 

 

     Two days later he came up from breakfast to hear tapping at his window. 

He ran to his room to see Hedwig there.  He felt like he couldn't get the window open fast enough.  Hedwig flew in and landed on his shoulder.

 He stroked her chest and sat down on the bed so he could untie the letter. He unrolled it quickly but carefully.

 

  Harry,

 I am glad that you thought to write me about this. I wish you'd have written to me sooner about this. You must remember that Cedric's death was not your fault. There was no way you could have known or prevented it from happening. However, it seems that a letter won't really help this situation much.  I have decided that since my task for Dumbledore has been completed that I will come see you in person. I would appirate to you immediately but that proves to be too dangerous to the both of us. I will meet you in the Dursleys' back yard at 1am in four days. We will talk then.  If anything else happens within that time please send Hedwig to me again.

 Sirius

     Harry couldn't believe his eyes. His godfather was going to come and see him in person.  He was filled with happiness and worry. If anyone saw him it could mean trouble for Sirius. Harry also knew that Sirius had means and ways of protecting himself.  Since Sirius was an animagius he could transform into padfoot a big black dog more affectionately known to Harry and his friends as Snuffles.  Harry tried to calm down and relax. Sirius would be there

soon and hopefully would be able to help Harry control the dreams.

The night before Sirus would be there was a terrible night for Harry.  He would usually have one nightmare and stay awake for the rest of the night, but this night he wanted to sleep. He didn't want to run the risk of sleeping through the time to meet up with Sirus.  This night he had three nightmares. Each worse then the one before, and he'd wake up sweating and with his heart beating rapidly.  By two am he had given up on sleep all together. He kept his light off however, since if his uncle or aunt woke up he'd be in hot water since they knew he couldn't use his magic outside of school.

     The hours dragged on.  By the time breakfast had come Harry was exhausted he barely managed not to tip his small slice of grapefruit on the floor.  He did manage to finish and wash his setting. He was up in his room and he fell into another restless sleep.

    It was dark he could hear laughter and unforgivable curses being cast. Then he heard screams. They were a boy's screams, to be more specific they were Cedric's. Harry ran as fast as he could to the screams but as he was nearing the screaming victim he heard Avada Kadavra. The next instant he was looking at Cedric. It's all your fault Harry...all your fault.

     "NOOOOOOOO...." Harry screamed as he woke up. The sweat had soaked through his top and sheets.  Harry got up and stripped his bed. He put on the only fresh sheet left. Then he decided that he should take a shower it would help him wake up a little. He didn't want to sleep anymore. He was afraid of what would happen in his sleep.

     By the time he had finished making his bed, had his shower and changed it was almost time for lunch. Harry walked into the kitchen and saw that Dudley and Aunt Petunia were already eating. Harry sat down at his place to a small bed of lettuce with a scoop of low fat cottage cheese. He ate his un appetizing lunch and washed his setting as usual.

      He went back up to his room, and saw Hedwig sleeping peacefully in her cage. He wished he could sleep like that. He was also getting a bit excited since Sirius would be there in a few more hours. He took a look in his mirror the dark circles seemed to him to be drooping down to his mouth.

     Harry didn't even remember eating dinner but all to soon the inhabitance of the house were asleep. Harry was sitting on his bed reading Quidditch Through the Ages watching the pictures move back an fourth.  He kept an eye on the time. At ten to one he opened the window so Hedwig could come back in and left his room quietly closing the door behind him.  He knew that if he

used any of the stairs he might be heard by the creaking of the floor. He did something that most kids would get yelled at for but not him. He slid down the banister and landed soundlessly on the floor. He walked through to the kitchen holding the door and putting it back in place with out letting it swing. He then went to the back door, unlocked it and opened it slowly and as quietly as he could. He stepped into the night air and didn't see anything. He felt a small amount of worry that Sirius was in trouble or something terrible had happened.

      Just as his imagination started running away with him he heard something he turned to see a giant black dog. Harry inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. He walked over to the dog and waited for the dog to give some sort of direction. He just stared at Harry.

     "Oh. We can use the shed over there. I had to clean it out last week, so at least I know there's room to sit." Harry whispered to the big dog. The dog followed his lead. As soon as they were both in the shed and the door was closed, there was a popping sound and gone was the dog and in his place was Harry's godfather Sirius.

     Sirius then took out his wand and muttered "Lumos" casting light into the dark shed. "That's better don't you think?" he added as he finally got a look at his godson. "Harry... the look isn't becoming." He said after looking over his godson in a humorous manner. Though he was worried.

     " I thought it would just go away after a while but it just isn't. Last night was the worst." Harry's composure slipped and he gripped Sirius in a hug that was so much like a child terrified of the dark.  Sirius hugged his godson back.

     " Harry I can't do much from the shed and taking you away would be dangerous right now. Do you have your invisibility cloak handy?" Sirius asked him. Harry just nodded yes. "Okay then go back up to your room and throw it down to me alright?" He asked. Harry nodded and then said.

     "I'll leave the door open so you can come in but please just lock it on your way up or I'll have a lot of explaining to do come morning." With that said he left the shed and walked back quietly and cautiously through the house. When he made it to his room he threw his trunk open. He grabbed the invisibility cloak from the top of the pile in his trunk. He then appeared at the window. There was once again a black dog sitting on the ground looking up expectantly at the window. Seeing Harry he backed up a bit and the invisibility cloak floated down and landed square in the dog's face. Harry saw this and laughed a bit.

     Five minutes later Harry heard a creak on the floor near the door of his room.  He saw the door then close with no one apparently there and knew that it was just Sirius in the cloak.  A moment later he got the cloak thrown on his own head.

     " Hey" whispered Harry. Sirius grinned at him a bit and said

     "Fair is fair. I saw you sniggering from down there." Harry grinned and nodded in submission. "Now I think it's time for you to go to sleep Harry." He added. Harry just looked like he had grown another head. "It will be alright. I'm right here." He said trying to placate his godson. He took the invisibility cloak back from Harry and put it back on. "Just incase" he whispered.  He kept his head visible and looked at Harry. Harry just lied down on his bed. He fell almost instantly asleep. Sirius watched on and the waiting began. 

   

      Harry was in the middle of a forest kind of area. Ron, Hermonie and many other witches and wizards he didn't know were all running farther into the area.  Out of nowhere the dark mark was cast high in the sky. Then in a flash he was in a cemetery. He was tied to a headstone. He heard Voldemort say                    "Kill the spare." A moment later a flash of green light headed toward

 Cedric. When the light disappeared Cedric lied there dead. Harry then saw the knife cut his arm and Voldemort stood over him. Instead however, of touching Harry he punched him hard in the face. Then in another flash Harry was in the middle of the wand duel with Voldemort and his parents shadows came out and his father said

     "Harry I'm very disappointed in you. You let Voldemort rise back to power." His mother then added

 " I'm ashamed to have you for my son." This intermingled with Cedric's saying

     "It's all your fault I'm dead Harry...all your fault."

     Harry cried out and sat bolt up right in the bed. Sweat had gone through his shirt again and made his already unruly hair stick to his head. He was shaking when he felt a hand on his shoulder and Sirius's face appeared in thin air.

     "Harry it's all right. It 's only a dream it's over now." Sirius said trying to calm Harry. It didn't really work. Harry put his face in his hands. "Come on Harry lay back down." At that Harry went rigid.

     "Please Sirius don't make me. I can't go through it again just yet. Please." Harry pleaded to his godfather. Sirius wrapped Harry in a hug. To anyone who might have seen this it would look quite strange. A boy sitting there shaking and a floating head talking to the boy. About twenty minutes later Sirius had coaxed Harry into lying back down. After Harry had dozed off to sleep, Sirius went over to Harry's small desk and took a leaf from his book and picked up

the abandoned quill and scribbled a quick note. 

     "Hedwig are you up to doing a favor for me?" as in answer to Sirius's question the snowy owl jumped over to the desk and hooted softly while sticking out her leg. Sirius tied the letter and whispered to Hedwig. She took off out of the window and into the night. Sirius then turned his attention back to his godson. He watched once again as Harry twisted and turned back and forth in his bed plagued by another nightmare.