12

Chapter XII: The Awakening

(Harry P.O.V)

Sweat was beating down his brow, and Harry clutched his wrist tightly in a desperate attempt to control his quickening pulse. He didn't have a mirror, but Harry was certain the look on his face must have depicted sheer horror from the seemingly continuous loop of seeing his family being murdered before entering the world of memories that certainly weren't his. His eyes felt heavy, and his body was tight as with a ragged breath he whispered into the nothingness, "Where am I?"

"You're okay Potter," A voice he recognized well called out, "You're in the infirmary. Took quite the fall from your broomstick. You've been out for two days."

Harry turned to the blonde witch at his bedside. For a moment, he felt he must be dreaming, if he had been expecting to see a Greengrass sister at his bed, it certainly wasn't the older one. But before Harry could even speak, Daphne lifted a bar of chocolate to his face as she spoke, "It helps with post-dementor attack symptoms. Eat."

Harry nodded gratefully, wanting to think of something cheeky to say, but not being able to come up with anything. Despite all the sweat on his body, Harry still felt as if he was freezing, a moments after he had taken the bar from Daphne, his trembling hands dropped it, "Shit," he muttered beneath his breath as he tried for the candy multiple times, his shaking hands fumbling it.

Quickly, Daphne took the bar from his bed before unwrapping it and breaking off a piece before turning back to Harry, "Here," She said with an outreached arm. Harry looked at her in confusion before Daphne rolled her eyes and sighed, "You're trembling too much to eat right now, so I'm going to feed you, open up Potter before I shove it down your throat."

Harry grinned slightly, letting out a small chuckle before he opened his mouth enough for Daphne to slide the first chunk of the bar in his mouth. As Harry began to chew, a feeling of warmth began to fill his body, and as he swallowed the piece, Daphne had broken off another chunk and fed it to him. Finally, as Harry trembling started to subside, he turned to the blue-eyed witch as he spoke, "What happened to me?"

"I'd like to know myself," Daphne said, "Story goes you were flying when dementors attacked you and you plummeted to the ground. Professor McGonagall stopped your fall and Professor Lupin sent the dementors away, but nobody could wake you up."

Harry looked at the blonde-haired witch in confusion before he spoke, "My broom, is it okay?"

"Your Firebolt?" Daphne asked in a mixture of confusion and outrage, "You were attacked by dementors, fell nearly a thousand feet, and your first concern is if your broomstick is alright?"

"It was a gift," Harry said with sincerity he had never heard from the boy. Normally, Harry was very proud and seemingly unaffected by most things, but clearly, Harry was still in a haze as he continued, "From people who are important to me. I just want to know if it's okay."

"It's fine," Daphne said calmly, "I saw Astoria with it, I'm pretty sure she's keeping it safe in Gryffindor Tower."

It was quiet for a moment, and Harry had momentarily lost himself staring at Daphne. He wasn't sure why she was here, he didn't exactly expect that she and he had that kind of relationship, but not wanting it to be over, Harry muttered the first thing he could think of, and feeling the dryness in his throat he spoke hoarsely, "I'm thirsty,".

He smiled thankfully as he watched Daphne located the water pitcher and filled a cup for him, handing it to Harry as he downed it quickly, clearly more parched than he had originally believed. "Thank you."

"How long was I out?" Harry said as he looked around the room, "Judging by the number of gifts it looks like I've been gone for years. Mostly flowers though," Harry said trying to force a smile, "So points of originality on the chocolate princess."

Daphne smirked at his feeble attempt at flirtatious banter, "Sorry to destroy your fantasy Potter, the candy is from Professor Lupin. He had instructed anyone who was watching you to give it to you once you woke up."

"As for your second question," Daphne continued, "Nearly three days now. I'm sure everyone will be relieved to see you up and about again. Your fangirls, in particular, were going crazy."

"Ugh," Harry said collapsing back in bed, "Kill me."

Then he heard the most beautiful sound he had ever experienced, Daphne's laugh. It sounded like music to him, a beautiful, soft and simple symphony that Harry couldn't help but smile upon hearing. The girl seemingly never laughed, always being so serious all the time, but Harry was convinced he wanted to hear it more often. Slowly though, curiosity overtook him and in a tired motion, Harry turned to face the blonde, "What's so funny?"

"You," She responded curtly, "Isn't every guy's dream to have a hoard of women ready to pounce them and do whatever they say? How come you get so upset about it?"

Harry simply shrugged, "Besides the fact that people regardless of their gender that can't think for themselves are irritating?" Daphne nodded signaling for him to continue, "I guess it's mostly annoying because the boy they are all infatuated with doesn't exist. The Boy-Who-Lived, The-Boy-Who-Lived, that's what they are all obsessed over, like my family dying is something to be celebrated. They are all fawning over a person that doesn't exist. They think I'm some sort of storybook character instead of me. I'm not really the Boy-Who-Lived, Vanquisher of the Dark Lord, etcetera, etcetera. I'm just some normal guy who likes causing mischief with a lightning bolt on my forehead, I'm just Harry, but none of my 'fangirls' as you put it seem to care much for just Harry."

"Don't get me wrong, it's fun never having to worry about getting a date to things, but I'm sort of into you so it's not even a top priority," Harry said lightheartedly trying to get Daphne's mind off the honest moment he had not been intending to share with the Blonde Slytherin.

He watched as Daphne's face softened for a moment, "Alright, what's just Harry's favorite color?"

"Why?" Harry asked slightly confused.

"You said you were irritated that people don't show interest in who you actually are," Daphne responded casually, "You and my sister are very close, I figure I should at least make an attempt to learn a bit about the person she's insistent on hanging around."

"Then why ask for my favorite color?" Harry asked still a bit lost.

"Because it's something that there is no reason to lie about," Daphne spoke honestly.

Harry thought for a moment before agreeing with Daphne. There was no secret agenda that could be made regarding that type of information, except maybe a flurry of girls wearing purple accessories but who cared? Harry cleared his throat as he spoke, "It's purple, like a dark purple, not lilac."

"Fascinating," Daphne said with a coy smile.

"And why is that Princess?" Harry asked equally as coy.

"Because according to Witch Weekly Magazine the Boy-Who-Lives' favorite color is blue," Daphne said with a smirk, "There go all the Ravenclaws who thought they had a better chance at getting with you."

Harry actually chuckled at Daphne's hidden but surprisingly funny sarcasm and attitude, before he asked, "What about you? What's your favorite color?"

"Why do you ask?" Daphne said the same passive expression on your face, "Don't tell me you're interested in getting to know the 'real me'." She said throwing up quotations around the word.

"And if I said I was?" Harry asked calmly.

"I'd tell you to quit while your ahead," Daphne said with a chuckle, "My life's not all that charming and just because there may be more to you than I originally thought doesn't change my opinion that you're a major headache."

Harry smirked as with a light chuckle he spoke, "Cold Princess, where's my injury pity."

"I fed you chocolate, didn't I?" Daphne said with a smirk of her own.

"Fair enough Princess," Harry said with a smile, "There's still plenty of time for you to fall hopelessly in love with me."

Daphne laughed slightly as she shook her head, "Not a chance, Potter."

However, before Harry even had a chance to respond, the doors of the infirmary opened and without even being able to properly I.D. the person, a blur of glossy black hair barreled towards him, leaping from the ground like an Olympic long jumper and slammed into Harry with a tight hug. Harry was thankful he had the ab strength to prevent him from falling over as he heard light sobbing in his ear. "You're awake," The girl Harry realized now was Astoria whispered, "You're finally awake. I was so worried that you weren't ever going to wake up. Hogwarts isn't any fun without you."

Harry rubbed the girl's back as he smiled, "Don't worry Astoria, I'm fine. It's going to take a lot more than Casper the friendly ghost to take me out."

He could feel a smile pressed against his cheek from Astoria as she spoke, "I got an O on my demonstration of Avifors spell, Professor McGonagall was very impressed. I also managed not to burn my cauldron in potions last week."

Harry smiled as he placed his hand softly on the top of her head, "That's awesome short-stack, I'm so proud of you."

"Mr. Potter," Another voice called out from the dark infirmary, one Harry didn't recognize, "It's good to see you are finally up. Professors Lupin and McGonagall were getting quite concerned."

Harry turned to face the voice. There was a lady with a calm and caring face. She was an older woman, but her face remained unwrinkled and young, only her curly grey hairs kept beneath a pristine white bonnet gave away her age. Her kind blue eyes examined Harry as her lightly tanned hands pulled on her red and white robes adjusting them as she approached. "You certainly gave us all quite a fright Mr. Potter."

"Who are you?" Harry asked in confusion.

"Madam Pomfrey, the matron of this hospital wing," She said with pride, "It is my job to take care of students that injure themselves at Hogwarts. Though I do appreciate the company, I would like it if you wouldn't place yourself in my care by a repeat performance Mr. Potter."

"Trust me," Harry groaned, "It wasn't fun for me either. Not exactly looking to repeat the experience."

Madam Pomfrey grinned slightly before turning to the girls, "I'm sorry girls, but visiting hours are over, it's time you two be off to your common rooms. You can visit him tomorrow if he hasn't been discharged."

Harry watched as Astoria's hug around him tightened, but Daphne simply took her sister's hand and guided her off the bed, "Harry's going to be okay, Madam Pomfrey is the best medi-witch Hogwarts has ever seen."

"Fine," Harry watched as Astoria pouted, "But if you're not a breakfast I'm coming back first thing tomorrow."

Harry smiled and nodded, "I'll do my best to be there."

That seemed to be enough for Astoria as she began to walk towards the exit. Harry watched as Daphne gracefully moved across the room following her sister. Harry was in utter disbelief at how even her walk seemed to entrance him. Daphne had just made it to the front door of the infirmary before she turned around to face him one last time, "It's green. Emerald Green. That's my favorite color."

With that, Daphne left, and Harry stared at the door, a dumb grin on his face until he heard Madam Pomfrey speak with a humorous tone, "I'm assuming I should return all of these flowers and love letters back to sender."

Harry just fell back into the infirmary bed as he chuckled before he closed his eyes and after two days of nightmares, a tonic of dreamless sleep allowed him to rest with is last thought being of the blonde-haired witch with icy blue eyes.

(Sirius P.O.V)

Sirius had been relieved when Harry had awoken. He had wanted to transform back and hug his godson, but the opportunity alone never came. Instead, Sirius had watched with a grin on his face as Harry and the Blonde witch who Harry clearly fancied had a conversation that reminded him much of Lily and James. However, with Harry now resting instead of being in a coma, Sirius had exited the infirmary under the cover of darkness and ventured through the secret passageway until he had reunited with Lupin, the two of them now sitting in the Headmaster's office. "Tom," Dumbledore had said, a cautionary look momentarily taking his face, "You're certain he was muttering the name, Tom."

"Yes," Sirius said, "Even clearer with my dog ears. I don't know why, but Harry was muttering the name Tom, and it certainly wasn't in a very pleasant tone. Who is Tom?"

Dumbledore rubbed his fingers to his temples before he lifted his wand, and in golden letters, the words Tom Marvolo Riddle had appeared in the air, "What I am about to share with you is to be spread to no one, this information while it may seem trivial is very sensitive."

Sirius and Remus both nodded, Dumbledore was certainly well-known for keeping secrets, but Sirius was more concerned for his Godson's health than anything else. A sinking pit began to form in his stomach however, as Dumbledore began to shuffle the words around creating a phrase that made Sirius snarl in anger, "I am Lord Voldemort."

"Him," Sirius whispered angrily, "How could Harry know his real name, I didn't even know he had a name."

"It does make sense though," Remus said pensively, "What kind of mother would name their child Voldemort? Still, I have to agree with Sirius, how would Harry possibly know that name?"

"He wouldn't," Dumbledore muttered, "Which means that Voldemort is getting stronger than I thought. I believe that Harry has stumbled across and mental link with Voldemort which means that the Dark Lord is no longer an apparition, he's created a host body."

"Are you saying that Voldemort can read Harry's mind?" Sirius said in horror, "He'd know everything then. How are we supposed to train Harry to fight him if he'd know everything we're doing?"

"Padfoot," Remus said softly placing a hand on his shoulder, "Getting panicked is going to help solve the situation." Remus then turned to Dumbledore, "What about occlumency? Would it be possible to stop Harry's mind from being invaded then?"

"Possibly," Dumbledore said stroking his beard, "But even then, I don't believe it was Voldemort reading Harry's mind, I believe it was the other way around."

"Why would the Dark Lord allow Harry into his mind?" Sirius asked trying to keep his cool.

"To garner sympathy possibly," Dumbledore said, "Although I'd hazard to guess that he himself was unable to stop Harry's probe or unaware of it happening. After all, there is little known about mental links or why they are created."

"You see, Tom Riddle is not apart of Voldemort's life he would want to remember," Dumbledore said, "He became Voldemort after casting aside what he believed was his weakness and his history would never be something he would willingly share. Harry has provided us a great chance into looking through the Dark Lord's mind without him even being aware of it happening."

"So, you want Harry," Sirius said, "A boy of 13 to master the arts of legilimency and occlumency so he can go on a wild goose chase through the mind of a psychopath like Voldemort. That's your plan?"

"Sirius," Dumbledore said, "You must understand the opportunity it gives us. Voldemort is returning to power, which means as I suspected, the diary was not the only Horcrux. However, neither I nor anyone else knows exactly how many Horcruxes there are, or where they are hidden. Nobody but Voldemort and Harry has direct entry into his mind."

"During his prime," Dumbledore continued, "I would dare say that the Dark Lord's ability in Occlumency and Legilimency were near impossible for even a wizard like myself to crack. But now he's weakened and a boy with no practice in the discipline has been able to penetrate his mind. It is an opportunity like no other."

Sirius grit his teeth. The worst part of working alongside Dumbledore was that for as selfish and secretive as he was, the man made some compelling points. In fact, had it been anyone but Harry with the ability to do this, he would have been encouraging the plan, but now, he was feeling cold. Harry was his godson, he was as good as blood to him, and the idea of Dumbledore wanting to use him as a Horcrux magnet made him feel angry. There were risks in association with Legilimency and Occlumency, the most dangerous of them being irreparable madness, and yet, Sirius was lacking other options.

"I want him learning occlumency first," Sirius said.

"Sirius, please, see reason. We must cap-" Dumbledore started.

"He learns occlumency first," Sirius growled, "I know the opportunity this gives us. I know it may be a way of stopping the Dark Lord for good. But Harry is my son, my son! And if you think that I'm going to allow him to walk into the hellish void that must be Voldemort's mind, without the proper training than you've got another thing coming."

Dumbledore turned to Remus hoping for the werewolf's support, but Remus stood by Sirius, agreeing with the decision before Dumbledore sighed, "It could take years for Harry to master both arts. Perhaps I could focus on teaching him legilimency while Severus-"

"Absolutely not!" Remus and Sirius spoke together.

"Please," Dumbledore said, "Severus isn't the man he used to-"

"I don't give a damn what kind of man he is," Sirius said forcefully, "I don't care if you trust him, I don't care if he was pardoned by the minister of his crimes, I don't care about any of that, no man who carries the Dark Mark on his arm is ever going to be allowed anywhere alone with Harry. Am I clear, Headmaster?"

"Please, Sirius, you must see the big picture, Harry must learn what Voldemort knows, for the greater-"

"Fuck the greater good," Sirius said angrily, "Harry is my greater good. He's all I have left of my brother, my best friend. I allowed him to come here because you are the greatest wizard who ever lived, and if the prophecy is true Voldemort is going to come for him and I want him to be fully prepared. But if you are just going to use him and throw him aside like a tool, then I'll pull him out of here, and if the Dark Lord comes, I don't care what it costs, I swear to you I'll take him to hell with me before I let him lay a finger on Harry."

Sirius' grey eyes glared into Dumbledore's before with a sigh, the elderly wizard spoke, "You are dooming the wizarding world by not being able to see the forest for the trees."

"I won't sacrifice Harry," Sirius said firmly, "No matter what you say."

"Very well Sirius," Dumbledore sighed, "Though there is very little you could do to stop me, I will honor your wishes as a show of good faith. Though perhaps you or Remus could begin inducting Harry in the practices of legilimency yourselves to help accelerate the process."

"I'm sorry Headmaster," Remus said softly, "But will all due respect, I have another task I would like to teach to Harry first, the Patronus charm."

"Remus," Dumbledore spoke, "I understand the emotional turmoil that you've gone through from Harry's encounter with the Dementor, but Cornelius gave his word that it wouldn't happen again, and surely learning to defend oneself from dementors cannot be as important as uncovering the secrets of Voldemort."

"You're right, of course," Remus said through gritted teeth, "But as Sirius has made clear, our priority is Harry's safety, and you and I both know not to trust Fudge as far as we can throw him."

"Do as you please," Dumbledore said, a hint of frustration in his voice, "But understand the risks you are putting the wizarding world in for your own desires. The fate of the greater good should outweigh any personal sacrifice."

"We've sacrificed enough," Sirius said solemnly, "Harry won't be one."

(Harry P.O.V)

Astoria hadn't been lying about where she'd be had Harry not been discharged before breakfast. He had just finished the process of packing up everything he needed before whispering for Kreacher, who while refused to show it did have a look of relief on his face, moved most of the junk to the garbage and the other important letters to the Hogsmeade House. Madam Pomfrey had made him down a few more awful tasting vials before assisting him to the door.

Despite his persistence that Madam Pomfrey didn't need to help him walk, he certainly appreciated the help when Astoria who still looked a little disheveled tackled him right at the entrance of the infirmary. Harry had managed to stay on his feet, but it certainly felt odd to feel ground below him as he had spent the last two days feeling completely weightless.

Astoria clutched him tightly in her hug as Harry smiled down at the girl who whispered, "Never again."

"I'm sorry," Harry said honestly, "I'll try to be more careful, okay?"

Astoria nodded, and when she pulled away, he noticed that Astoria wasn't the only visitor he had. Leaning up against the corridor wall was Michael, a look of forced apathy on his face that was betrayed by the tired bags under his eyes. Harry gave him a head nod before he spoke, "Corner, you alright, you look like you're about to cry."

"Shut up Potter," Michael said a smirk on his face as the two embraced into a brotherly hug, "I'm just glad you're alright. Would've been a real pain trying to replace you with a new partner in crime."

Astoria groaned beneath her breath, "Boys. Can't you just tell him you missed him?"

"Nope," Corner said before both he and Harry chuckled as together, the three of them walked towards the Great Hall, a burning desire to eat some solid food filling Harry inside.

The smells of the Great Hall had filled him with joy, both he and Astoria were basically eating champions, though they held themselves with higher manners than Ron who wasn't a slouch in feasting himself, but the scent of fresh breakfast wasn't the only thing that welcomed him back to the 'land of the living'.

Before Harry could even get his bearings, Two arms slung around his neck and Harry had to fight off a laugh as the twins ruffled his hair, "Welcome back Harry," George said.

"Been far too quiet without you around," Fred spoke warmly.

"Missed you guys too," Harry said with a smirk, "Or I would've if I was conscious."

Both Fred and George smiled before the rest of the quidditch team appeared, the first was Wood, "Potter, hope you haven't gotten cold feet about joining the team."

Katie, Angelina, and Alicia all glared at the quidditch captain but Harry simply laughed, "No way. I earned my spot on the team, I intend to keep it."

Harry normally wasn't the biggest hug guys, but as the newly formed Gryffindor House team formed around him, Harry didn't really seem to mind. However, his joy, unfortunately, couldn't go uninterrupted as his joyous reunion with Gryffindor House was ruined by an irritating voice behind him, "Hello, Potter."

"Malfoy," Harry spoke not even bothering to turn around.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on your tremendous quidditch performance," Malfoy spoke, "It really had everyone's jaws falling to the ground."

"Ah, a pun," Harry said with boredom, "Didn't think you were smart enough for those."

"Don't be such a downer Potter," Draco said, "It's only appropriate that we Seekers be civil with each other, how else will we keep sportsman-like conduct." It was only through the surrounding laughter did Harry realize that Malfoy hadn't approached the team alone but surrounded by the Slytherin Quidditch team and his cronies Crabbe and Goyle.

Finally, Harry turned, sending Malfoy a look that spoke, Piss off or you'll regret it, but Malfoy clearly didn't get the message as the Blonde Git, feeling emboldened by his team grinned, "Oh don't look at me that way Potter," Draco said with a grin, "It's so scary I might- I might just- faint."

Harry rolled his eyes as the Slytherin team busted out into laughter as Draco gave what Harry could only assume was his best impression of him as he fell towards the ground, his goons Crabbe and Goyle stopping him from hitting the floor before helping him to his feet where Draco gave a sarcastic bow. However, Harry certainly knew how to give it, and after being knocked out for a few days, his sarcastic muscle was more than ready to put on a show.

Slowly, he began to clap for Malfoy as the boy looked at him with irritation, "Wow Draco, Bravo!" Harry said with a shit-eating grin, "Who would have known you were such a thespian? Perhaps you should drop out of Hogwarts and join the muggle theater, you're certainly a much better actor than wizard."

"How dare you!" Draco said pulling out his wand, "Don't you ever insinuate that I belong in the muggle world Potter. I'm ten times the wizard you'll ever be!"

"Insinuate," Harry said in shock, "Very big word, I'm impressed Malfoy. Even more impressive considering you're an idiot who hasn't seemed to learn anything from the last time you pulled your wand on me."

Before Harry had time to fully notice, each member of both teams with Astoria and Michael included had their hands hovering over their wand, waiting for a fight to breakout before McGonagall spoke, "Put those wands away now, or it will be detention for everyone."

Harry looked down at Malfoy, "Your move Malfoy, what's the play?"

The stand of lasted a few more seconds, but eventually, Malfoy blinked and a faint smile appeared on Harry's face as Malfoy spoke, "Let's go, Potter's not worth it."

"Smart choice," Harry said smugly.

"This isn't over Potter," Malfoy hissed, "I promise you that."

"Bring it Malfoy," Harry said as with an easy grin, he watched as Malfoy and his crew slithered away