Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 29

Harry's cruel laughter echoed in the Prophecy Hall, his wand pointed at Sirius Black. There was a nasty cut under the man's right eye and a bruise forming on his cheek.

"I'll never tell you," said Sirius, his expression twisting in defiance and anger.

Harry walked closer, his black cloak swishing behind him. His long white fingers closed around Sirius Black's neck, forcing the wizard's dark eyes to connect with his.

"You will," he said, with a manical grin.

He stepped back. "CRUCIO!"

Harry was flat on his back on the floor once again, shaking from head to toe while Teddy Lupin looked down at him in concern. "Did it show Voldemort torturing Sirius?"

Harry could only nod - it felt so real. No wonder he went to the Ministry to "rescue" his god-father. It scared him how Voldemort could implant such a realistic vision into his head. Perhaps he should've taken Occulumency more seriously...

"We don't have much time then," said Teddy, holding out his hand for him to take.

Harry was lifted into a standing position once more.

"What do you mean?" asked Harry, dread coiling in his stomach.

"Once Voldemort realizes you're not coming... he will enter the Ministry himself to retrieve it. And he will find the fake you planted earlier this year. We need to be prepared."

His mouth felt dry. "He wouldn't... enter Hogwarts, would he?"

Teddy's face was too impassive for his liking.

"Hogwarts is well protected, but he will most likely try to enter your mind. Attempt possession."

Harry swallowed. "I'm not ready. My Occulumency is rubbish and -"

"We have to let it happen," said Teddy, cutting him off and putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You'll find out why. Trust me, Harry."

Let it happen?!

Teddy tilted his head, studying him. "Did you want to stay here for the last memory?"

Harry shook his head. He would see Cedric, Bertha Jorkins, the old man... his parents.

Teddy nodded in understanding, following Harry out of the room, absentmindedly touching the permanent scar on his cheek. It had been rather careless to tell Harry what happened, so even if he hadn't asked to be obliviated, Teddy may have done it anyways.

Victoire Weasley murmured several diagnostic spells under her breath, healing the bruises and cuts. She grimaced. "That scar is cursed Teddy, it won't ever heal."

He waved his hand to produce a mirror, looking at the angry line on his cheek. "Well perhaps it shows I am not a wizard to be trifled with. If I lose an eye on this next mission, think Aunt Hermione could create a magical eyeball like Mad-Eye Moody's?"

She did not find his nonchalance amusing as she tapped his medical documents with a frown, giving him clearance to still be active in the field.

"I'm so proud of you. You're seventeen and already have an apprenticeship," he said softly, pulling her to him where he sat so she stood between his legs.

She didnt say anything and he cupped her face, forcing the icy blue eyes to look at him. "It's going to be okay, Vi."

"It was too close this time."