Ashes of Betrayal
"One should rather die than be betrayed. There is no deceit in death. It delivers precisely what it has promised. Betrayal, though … betrayal is the willful slaughter of hope."
–Steven Dietz
Prologue
Drip
The sound of water dripping filled the empty silence as a lone figure walked down the dank stone hallway. He had shaggy black hair with cold, hopeless, and bloodshot blue eyes which took in everything. The last time he was here, he never had the chance to observe the emptiness that the place represented. Coldness drifted everywhere, penetrating through the warmness of the figure's inner warmth.
Drop
The occasional moans had covered the eerie silence but they halted moments ago. The corridor the man walked led to the securest part of Azkaban, a part that no one but the worst of criminals lived. Azkaban… wizard prison… lone island in the middle of nowhere… but more importantly, it was also known as hell on Earth.
Drip drop
A shiver ran down the man's spin as a Dementor glided by. Memories of the past flashed through his blue eyes, devoid of any emotion but pain. Betrayal and hardships marked this man's life but now he knew what people were thinking of when they convicted him. He never knew until now, that being on the receiving end of the ridicule could feel so much better than on the side doing the ridiculing. At the very least there's no guilt… no internal pain… no self-hatred… no, there was just hatred and loathing of the deepest kind to those that left them here.
A bitter bark of laughter ripped from his throat as silent sobs once again overcame him. Just yesterday, the tears welled up inside him with the terrible news that a single letter brought during a meeting with the Order… the worst, and best, letter he had ever received.
Click
Sirius Black continued walking in what could be considered the worst moment of his life. Worst than when Lily and James died… worst than his twelve year imprisonment in this very same prison… no he had just about sank to the lowest level that he could reach.
Shuffle
Betrayal. He knew the word, oh yes he knew it well. For twelve years he rotted in Azkaban for the false charge of murder on his best friend. All believed him to be a murderer. Friends… family… mentors… it was all the same. He swore to never let that happen to anyone he knew, to always give them the benefit of the doubt. But with that, he felt even worst than before. The person he was sent to retrieve today is no one other than Harry Potter.
The-Boy-Who-Betrayed-Us-All… traitor… disgrace to the wizarding world… he's been called all of those… but the one that filled Sirius' heart with most grief was "godson." On the day of Harry's trial and conviction, Sirius had disowned Harry as his godson and that was the moment he wished he could take back more than anything… maybe even more than changing secret keepers with Peter Pettigrew…
Plop
Turning the corner, he stopped at the cell at there very end of the hallway. The cell of the godson he had betrayed along with the rest of them. Godson…a sob wretched from him at the title… he knew he didn't deserve it… he never did. He condemned his godson to the same fate that befell him.
Putting the charmed iron key into the door, Sirius black opened what had been the highest secured cell ever. The rusty steel door clinked as it unlocked and opened with a creak on the door hinges, much in need of a greasing charm.
The sight that fell before him was worst than what he had imagined when he steeled himself for the worst. Entering the room Sirius walked slowly, as if in a dream, towards the Boy-Who-Was-Betrayed. Reaching Harry, he dropped onto the frozen stone floor and felt his breathing increase rapidly. Panic-stricken and in pain from his past actions, Sirius just knelt on the ground of Azkaban and stared at the face of his ex-godson, not noticing the tears that streamed down his face.
Memories flashed through Sirius' mind of the Harry he knew before all of this. He thought of the Harry that would smile and joke around with his friends and keep the threat of Voldemort in the back of his mind to enjoy life. All of that was gone now with the person before him.
"My fault…it's my fault," he whispered as his voice cracked from the pain and remorse. Right now, he wanted nothing better to do than find a dark room and rock back and forth while crying his heart out.
Months, even years, from today he would still have the image of his godson's emotionless face photographed into his memory.
In the two and a half years that Harry had survived in here, his physical image had taken a turn for the worst. While never a large boy for his age, he lost most of his extra weight. But it was not his body that was the most distinguishing feature despite the sullen look in his face and shadows under his eyes. It was not even his hair, still the unruly mop of ink black despite it being just past his shoulders, but it was his eyes.
The same emerald green eyes that used to sparkle with life were now dull and lifeless. It was as if there was no soul in them for no emotions or recognition flashed through them. What was vibrant, and the thing that drew people in, was replaced with lifeless copies. Even when Sirius moved, the eyes did not move from their empty staring at the wall, not even a flicker.
Gingerly Sirius reached out and touched Harry's shoulder, as if afraid to knock him from his trancelike state. However, he received no response from Harry. It was as if he was no longer aware of the world around him, but rather in his own shell…his own world.
"Merlin James, I'm so sorry. I failed you. I failed Harry," he said softly as another heartbroken sob trembled through his body.
"Come on Harry, stand up and let's get out of here," Sirius whispered even as his voice cracked halfway through. Quickly he wiped his tearstained face and softly whispered to Harry, "Please stand up Harry, let's get out of here."
Obediently, Harry obeyed shocking Sirius, until he realized that Harry could follow orders but was not aware of it. More tears threatened to fall once more as Sirius supported Harry and the pair made their way out of Azkaban.
On the way to the exit, thoughts swam across Sirius' mind. Merlin what can I do? I'll happily take him in to help his recovery but every time I look at his silent blank look, I'll just crack from guilt. We did this. There's nothing we can do to apologize. At least I had the animungus form to hide from the Dementors, but Harry had nothing! He's sixteen damn it! Even I was twenty-two then I went into Azkaban! I don't even know his mental state considering his reaction to the vile things. According to Moony, he reacts badly to them from the bad memories of his life.
There Sirius hit the other snag in his life. Remus Lupin had been killed in battle shortly after Harry's imprisonment. He was heartbroken and believed to the end that Harry was innocent. His grief made him reckless and that was what cost him his life.
Looking back at Moony's certainty of Harry's innocence Sirius felt even guiltier. Remus, someone who was not as close to Harry on a personal level, believed his innocence while Harry's own godfather had condemned him. Moony, Prongs, Lily, I'm so sorry. I failed him and he's all I've got left. I should have listened to you Moony… I'm sorry.
They soon reached the main entrance and exit for the prison. After checking out with a Ministry Auror, Sirius reached for the portkey to transport them towards Hogsmeade, just outside of Hogwarts' wards. With his right arm supporting Harry, Sirius reached into his robes and took out the quill portkey.
"Vindication and forgiveness," Sirius whispered, activating the portkey. With the familiar tug at the navel, Sirius Black and Harry Potter left the grim and desolate island of Azkaban and entered the Wizarding World.
Shaking his head for a moment to gather his surroundings, Sirius looked around the path and saw Hogwarts in the distance. With one last look at his companion, Sirius started walking on the path of towards Hogwarts when a familiar voice spoke out from behind him.
"Well, well, we meet again cousin," taunted a female voice from behind. Turning around, Sirius saw that it was no other than Bellatrix Lestrange, his cousin.
"Accio wand," Bellatrix said lazily with a smirk. Sirius found his wand out of his pocket and in her hands.
"My, my cousin, you really should keep better watch of your weapons," she taunted mockingly, "Now if you'll continue walking, I believe we have a show to catch at Hogwarts!"
Sirius looked at Harry nervously. "Don't worry about Mister Potter either; he's a main part of the show. After all, who has the chance to kill those responsible for his imprisonment?" she said with an evil grin.
After once final glance at the wand in Bellatrix's hand, Sirius trudged up the path with Harry right next to him. From some of the walking, Harry had gained the usage of his joints and could now walk normally. Merlin, what could be happening? The Death Eaters wouldn't dare attack Hogwarts would they? A minute later, Sirius could see what Bellatrix meant by "show." Everywhere on Hogwarts' grounds, sparks of green and red could be seen. Robes of black were everywhere along with the blood red of Order and Auror members.
However, it seemed that the Auror and Order members were losing. Death Eaters held their enemies at wand point and soon gathered the Order and Aurors into a large mass. The Death Eaters soon erected barriers to keep the wandless members from going anywhere.
Looking at the entranceway of Hogwarts, all could see that the students were held behind barriers as well. They were blasting away at the wards with whatever they could but it proved to be pointless. It was not these that drew people's attention. At the very center of the grounds stood a blue-tinted bubble with two of the strongest wizards alive fighting it out.
Suddenly, Voldemort cast a curse at Dumbledore's direction. The yellow streak knocked Dumbledore's breath out and in that one instance, Voldemort disarmed the greatest symbol for the Light. On every wall, people banged against the barriers for the Dark Lord to release Dumbledore. Tears ran down their faces as they envisioned the end of the Headmaster. However, Voldemort just held Dumbledore at wand point and did not cast the Killing Curse.
"No," Sirius whispered in shock. He was knocked out of his thoughts as Bellatrix pushed him into the one-way barrier holding the Aurors, Order, and staff members as well.
"Now Mister Potter, let us go pay our respects to the Headmaster and the Dark Lord," said Bellatrix with mad like glee in her eyes. They made their way over to the ring at the center. Harry walked in a daze like trance but they both reached the bubble and Harry crossed it while Bellatrix stayed outside.
"Ah Harry, I'm so glad you could make it," Voldemort said with a wicked smile, "Do you see where you precious hero stands? He stands at the hand of defeat! Look around at all those that betrayed you, what do you see? They all kneel before my hand! Will you join me Harry? Join me and feel the power you've always wanted!"
And then Harry did something that shocked everybody. Harry knelt before Voldemort and said, "I do milord; I wish to join you. I wish to show those that betrayed me years ago what the consequences of that are today." Harry looked up and Voldemort could see the intensity in his emerald eyes, shadowed as his once were in power lust and murderous intent. Azkaban had made his face more sullen and it brought out the intensity of revenge in them.
"YOU TRAITOR! WE WERE RIGHT! THAT LETTER WAS A HOAX!" yelled Ron while banging against the barriers. Hermione looked at him with revulsion as tears fell down.
Laughing, the Dark Lord motioned for Harry to stand. "I knew you would want revenge but I did not expect that you shall join me! This truly is the end for the Light!" he exclaimed evilly. "As celebration for your new loyalty, I want you to kill Dumbledore!"
"Yes milord, I will require a wand."
"Accio Potter's wand!" Voldemort exclaimed while pointing his wand at Hogwarts. Moments later, Harry's wand came speeding towards them. Voldemort caught it as it approached him and handed it to Harry saying, "My gift as a symbol for years of loyalty to come. I knew the bumbling idiot would not break your wand. He hoped that someone would be able to use it for it is my wand's brother. Pity his plan did not work for no one could wield it!" he said cackling.
Looking at the wand, Harry felt a surge of power from the years of nonuse. It flowed around him, cracking the air in power. It is this show of power that fills Voldemort with glee. All that power, all at my disposal!
"I shall need something to practice on milord," Harry said with a look of impatience in his eyes.
"Why of course! How careless of me; Bella, fetch one of the runts over there that know our dear guest here can you?" Bellatrix grinned and went over to the barrier holding the children. Before now, most were silent in disbelief. However, with Bellatrix's movement, they all snapped out of their daze and yelled words to keep Bellatrix away.
Walking over, she found that the closest person who had a personal history with Harry was Ginny Weasley. Using a quick pulling charm, she captured Ginny despite others trying to keep her with them. Roughly dragging and pushing Ginny through the bubble, she went back to standing guard outside. The elder woman was stronger than the red head despite her best efforts to get free.
"Now Harry, practice for two years is a long time for not using magic!"
After his final inspection of the wand, Harry pointed it towards Ginny's wide brown eyes.
"Harry why are you doing this?" she whispered from the ground. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she looked in his flashing dark green eyes.
"Why you ask?" started Harry sarcastically, "Let's see, you betray me and sentence me to two damn years in Azkaban! Funny how even my so called friends believed that I would do such a thing! Well I served the sentence so I might as well carry out what I was convicted off!"
"Harry pleas––" but she was but off as Harry said, "Avada Kedavra!" A jet of vivid green shot towards Ginny and she fell on the ground–dead. Her bright red hair sprayed around her head like a halo of red against the green background of the grass. Looking at her face, it seemed as though she was in a peaceful sleep, if one did not know better.
It seemed that with her death, the audience snapped back into the truth unfolding before their eyes. Cries of outrage sprang from the confines.
"You BASTARD!" shouted Ronald Weasley, "How could you do that?" he shouted in fury. Right next to him, Hermione Granger felt tears falling down freely. She was quiet but staring at the unmoving body.
Harry laughed bitterly. "You ask how I can do such a thing Weasley? Well I'll tell you. How does it feel that your betrayal comes back to haunt you? Did you seriously think that your actions with have no consequences? If you did then you are sadly mistaken. But don't worry, you'll be joining her soon enough!"
As soon as Harry finished what he said, cries of outrage and sadness screamed at him.
"I should have left you in Azkaban! I can't believe that I was ever sorry for betraying you! You shame the memory of James and Lily! You NEVER deserved them as parents!" roared Sirius, banging at the confines of the wall in fury.
Harry ignored them and returned his attention to Dumbledore and Voldemort, who had been watching with triumph and amusement in his eyes. Dumbledore just looked at Harry with disappointment and sadness at his kill.
"Now Mister Potter, I believe that Dumbledore here would just love to join that filthy blood traitor in the next world. What was it that you said Dumbledore? Ah yes, 'death is but the next great adventure' wasn't it Dumbledore? Well good news for you, you can go and enjoy that 'great adventure'!" Laughing evilly, Voldemort turned towards Harry, signaling to go ahead and kill Dumbledore.
"Any last words Headmaster?" Harry asked leveling the wand towards Dumbledore. Dumbledore raised his sky blue eyes and looked Harry in the eye defiantly.
"Even if you do kill me, which I do not think you can, the Light will always win. Someone else will come and you both will be defeated," he said with conviction and confidence emanated from his eyes.
"Well it's a pity that there's no one, isn't it Headmaster? I wish you luck in the next world! AVADA KEDAVRA!" Harry yelled shooting a stream of eerie green towards Albus Dumbledore. However, the strangest thing occurred before the beam could hit its target. At the last moment, the Killing Curse literally bent and ricocheted back, almost in a "U" shape. Before everyone could figure out what had happened, Voldemort's scream penetrated the air before dropping dead.
No one moved and the extreme silence was deafening; none wanted to break the silence. With the death of the Dark Lord, all the barriers dissolved into nothing leaving all to stare at Harry and Voldemort's corpse.
"NO! MASTER!" yelled Bellatrix. Her scream knocked everybody back into the present. Soon, the battle commenced with the Aurors and Order members fighting with renewed vigor. A few of the more fanatic followers charged up to Harry to seek revenge for defeating their leader.
"Potter! You shall pay for what you did to the Dark Lord!" Bellatrix spat while launching a few Cruciatus Curses. Harry nimbly dodged them and the other curses the other Death Eaters sent his way.
"STUPEFY!" he hissed in Parseltongue. No one knew, not even the Dark Lord, but through their connection, Harry learned more than his years at Hogwarts could ever achieve. There was virtually no block but to dodge it since the counter curse would require it to be spoken in Parseltongue, which Harry was quite sure he was the last one left.
The battle was practically nonexistent. With the help of Dumbledore, the Aurors and Order rounded up all the Death Eaters quickly. So occupied with the Death Eaters in front of him he never noticed a long blond haired Death Eater sneak up on him. Just after the last of the ones facing him were stunned, Harry felt white hot, burning slash marks at his back and fell into darkness with no thought but one. Finally, my parents can rest in peace knowing I've sought revenge on their murderer.
Waking up, Harry felt like the Knight Bus had taken him all around the world a hundred times–extra bumpily. Most sore were his back but it was bearable. Finally taking at look at his surroundings, Harry could see about five Order members look at him. They were also fully trained Aurors and based on their face, they were between throwing him back into Azkaban or thank him relentlessly.
"Ah Mister Potter, I assume you have put us in a conundrum. While we are thankful to you for getting rid of Voldemort, we are also torn by the murder of Ginny Weasley," said Dumbledore seriously. The twinkle in his eyes was gone as he motioned towards the prone figure on the hospital wing bed just across from his.
Around her sat her family along with Hermione. All were sad and from the look in their eyes, betrayed that they believed him responsible, regardless of his vanquishing the Dark Lord. Ron in particular glared at him with unrestrained anger. Mrs. Weasley's wails could be heard in the rather crowded room.
Gingerly, Harry stood up. He felt that the wounds were not too bad and was a mild sore. Slowly, he made his way over towards Ginny's bed. He was fully aware of the room's eyes which followed him. Spying the wand at her bedside, Harry picked it up and pointed it at her.
"GET AWAY FROM HER! DIDN'T YOU DO ENOUGH DAMAGE ALREADY? CAN'T YOU JUST LET HER REST IN PEACE YOU BASTARD!" screamed Ron. His red face showed his anger as he stood up and made his way over, only to be stopped by Dumbledore. Harry had to force himself to not roll his eyes. It was typical of Ron to act without all the information, not to mention act recklessly.
"ENNERVATE!" Harry hissed in Parseltongue. He was well aware that everyone in the room had their eyes on him with their wands in their hands. Slowly, Ginny's eyes flickered until they opened. She looked around in confusion but was soon snatched by Mrs. Weasley in a bone crushing hug. Everyone was clearly shocked and Harry just deposited the wand back where it was and walked over to Dumbledore.
"I trust news of my freedom has been told to the public?" he asked blandly to Dumbledore.
"Yes my boy, and I'm so sorry that we did not––" he started sadly.
"Save it," Harry interrupted with a flicker of anger across his eyes, "I believe you have my wand? There's no need to ask about the rest of my things as I saw Weasley and Granger 'take care of them.' Also I trust my Gringotts' account has been restored?" There was no emotion in his eyes or voice as he said this, Dumbledore noted sadly with guilt.
"Yes my boy," he said as he handed Harry back his wand, which he pocketed, "we're so sorry for our disbelief in you. Not just the first time but just now with Miss Weasley," he added.
Harry shrugged, "It's not the first time so I guess you could say I'm used to it. I'm just your weapon for war and when I've outlived my use, there's no need to look after me." Harry noted with satisfaction that the Headmaster's eyes looked at him with guilt, sadness, and regret. Halting Dumbledore's response, Harry just shrugged once more and turned towards the doors to leave.
"Harry, we're so sorry! Please, Ron and I didn't mean what we said in the trial room!" begged Hermione. She was sobbing madly as she pled to Harry for forgiveness. Looking next to her, Harry could see Ron's face transform form anger to confusion but his pride kept him from apologizing.
"Don't feed me the lies Granger!" he snapped, "I know perfectly well you meant it when you prosecuted me in that court room! That's not to mention the fact that you burned all my possessions, which I might remind you, are all I've got of my parents! I guess the invisibility cloak wasn't enough but you and Weasley," he spat the name, "had to burn my photo albums as well!"
Not really caring that all in the room were practically outright sobbing, Harry continued to the door.
Just before they opened, Harry was graced with the sight of Severus Snape walking in with Sirius Black. Had he not been so angry at his ex-godfather's betrayal, Harry would have wondered how both could have put up with the other's presence.
Sirius' eyes widened upon seeing Harry and the pained look of regret showed in his eyes and face. Looking at the Weasley and Hermione audience and lingering on Ginny, his eyes showed his comprehension of what had happened prior. Tears weld up in his eyes and self hatred showed as Sirius opened his eyes.
Glancing at Snape, Harry saw that he was as usual unreadable demeanor.
"Harry," Sirius started, "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I should have believed that you were innocent but I didn't even bother to look into it when Moony showed such confidence that you were not guilty. Also, I guess I can't learn from my mistake for making the same once again earlier."
Harry laughed mirthlessly. "It's funny how the people closest to me all believed me guilty when others weren't." Harry shook his head and looked at Snape. His piercing eyes softened a bit, "Thank you Professor for believing in me even if you could do nothing," he said softly. Everybody in the room threatened to fall over in shock, even Snape himself. Snape nodded dumbly in correspondence.
However, the most shocked was Sirius but far. His eyes popped out of his head and his gapping mouth opened and closed rather similar to a fish out of water.
"WHAT! What did Snivellus do to show that he believed in you!" Sirius asked without thinking, which was a rather idiotic thing to do by the flashing emerald eyes before him.
"What he did, Black," Harry ignored the flinch at his usage of his ex-godfather's surname, "was that he told me after the trial that he thought I was INNOCENT and offered advice on using Veritaserum! I'm sure you remember that trial right? The one where you prosecuted me yourself! The one where you disowned me as your godson! Funny how life works out isn't it?" Harry roared coldly. He ignored the tears falling from Sirius' eyes and continued walking out of the doorway. He furthermore ignored the shaking hand his ex-godfather used to wipe the tears from his face.
Before he could reach the doorknob, Dumbledore's voice reached him.
"Harry, should we talk about all this when you come back for term?" he asked, "All this anger isn't healthy and we want to earn back your trust," he finished firmly. Harry turned around sharply and looked at Dumbledore like he had just announced that Voldemort was his long lost brother and they plan on taking over the world.
"You must be insane if you think I'm coming back to this learn here after what we've been through!" he said incredulously. As Dumbledore opened his mouth, Harry beat him to it, "To make this simple, I, Harry Potter, hereby withdraw my enrollment at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"You will need to finish your education," Dumbledore added vehemently. He was trying desperately for Harry to return, even to the point of begging, to show how sorry he was.
Harry laughed while shaking his head in his bad luck for persistent people in his life. "Then I will just have to finish it elsewhere wouldn't I Headmaster?"
Harry ignored the sad look from Dumbledore and the others, not to mention tears in most places, and gave up trying to get through the doors.
"Permit me exit of thisss cassstle in the name of Sssalzar Ssslytherin," hissed Harry in Parseltongue. The spell was invoked by the late Salazar Slytherin when the wards were constructed. Voldemort had discovered this in Slytherin's journal but was wary to try it for he would be by himself in the Headmaster's domain.
Feeling a shift in the wards shift slightly, Harry apparated without as much as a backwards glance.
A/N–Hey hope you enjoyed this! Updates might be slow as computer time is decreased dramatically (dear old mum thinks I spend too much time on the computer)… well, I recommend reading Betrayed by kateydidnt, or Redemption by krtshadow since they are loads better than my story! I could only HOPE to be half as good!
DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!
Disclaimer–J.K. Rowling owns all! She's awesome! I make absolutely no money on this!