Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 16

Teddy waited a few more moments, allowing everyone to process the sudden change of events.

"We chose this moment in Harry's timeline in an attempt to save you, Sirius," said Teddy quietly, breaking the heavy silence. "Even then, I'm not so sure if we can."

Sirius was offended by this but swallowed his retort as Remus gave him a pointed look. Remus knew exactly what his son was inferring. His friend was reckless and eager for action - they may be only prolonging Sirius' death. 

Teddy glanced at Dumbledore's grim expression and wondered if his brilliant mind was connecting the pieces on why keeping Harry in the dark was foolish. 

Minerva was still trying to grasp how no one had seen six students out of bed and had somehow gotten to the Ministry of Magic without detection. Where could she have been in this mess?

Teddy stood up and walked over to the basin, the second vial ready in his hand. 

"The Only One He Ever Feared."

"Ginny... Ron..." whimpered Mrs. Weasley, tears pouring down her face. 

Rightfully so, the Weasleys were all frighteningly pale to see the state of Ron and Ginny in the last memory. 

"As I said, Molly," said Teddy gently, pouring the silvery liquid into the basin. "They will be okay."

Teddy put his head into the basin and the others followed.

They were now in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic. Harry was hiding behind the Fountain of Magical Brethren as Bellatrix was standing near the telephone booth - a wild grin on her face. 

"Did you love him?" said Bellatrix in a mock-baby-voice. "Come out and play, little Potter!"

To the horror and shock of many, Harry had whipped his wand around the statue and yelled, "Crucio!"

Bellatrix screamed and was knocked off her feet, but she immediately sent a counter-jinx towards Harry which blew up the head of the wizard statue. The grin on her face had vanished. 

"First time?" she yelled, slowly walking for a better angle around the fountain, there was no ounce of humor in her voice. "You need to enjoy the pain writhing in your victims, Potter! Allow me the honor to give you your first lesson... Crucio!"

Harry had ducked just in time and it was the Centaur's bow that spun and crashed into a wall.

Sirius was pale as he watched, seeing the pain and hatred consume his god-son. 

It seemed like none of the observer's were even breathing, too immersed in the scene playing before them. 

"Roll the prophecy to me, boy!"

Harry's hand went to his forehead, and many realized with a start there were tears in his eyes. He then let out a most chilling laugh, causing many of the observer's to shiver. "It has been destroyed! Your Master knows and he is not happy!"

Bellatrix sent another jinx causing Harry to roll out of the way. Everyone realized it was fear they were now seeing in the witch's face. "LIAR! CRUCIO! CRUCIO! ACCIO PROPHECY!

Harry dodged and laughed again, but he was now crouched with his palms over his eyes - tears streaming down his cheeks. He was in pain, many soon realized and they had the urge to raise their wands in caution. "You will be punished! He can't hear you!"

Wind blew through the atrium just then and in the flesh, stood Lord Voldemort.

For some, this was the first time they were seeing the dark wizard and fear frizzled like electricity in the air. But still, none of the observer's moved.