10 October 2008 @ 12:28 am
A True Hero (Harry, PG, Drabble)  
Title: A True Hero
Author: [info]sdk
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Harry
Rating: PG
Genre: Gen
Length/Word Count: Drabble, 100x3
Warnings: DH Canon-compliant

Summary: Harry's been to Hogwarts since the final battle, but never to the Headmaster's office, not once in eight years.
Notes: Written for [info]harry100's prompt, Hero (thus the creative title). No one looked over this before posting, so please forgive and point out any typos or errors. Comments and concrit are much appreciated!
Disclaimer: The following is based on fictional characters that I don't own doing fictional things in a fictional world that I didn't create. No copyright infringement intended, no money's being made.


A True Hero

The stone gargoyle isn't as tall as Harry remembers, and the wall curves snuggly around him as the spiral staircase groans and comes to life, circling him toward the Headmaster's door. He's been to Hogwarts since the final battle, but never here, not once in eight years.

But it feels like it was just yesterday.

Harry closes his eyes and he's back in the shack, the air full of dank wood, the scent of blood clinging to his robes, the frantic whispered words, look at me- Then all that's left are empty black eyes and a vial of misty memories.

~

The stairs grind to a halt. Harry stares at the brass handle, but can't bring himself to touch it, to release the latch of the last barrier that stands between him and the wall full of portraits that hang inside. He listens to them murmuring to each other; it must be the portraits because he knows the office is otherwise empty.

But strain as he might, he can't recognise the one person's voice who he's here to see. He isn't sure if that would make this easier or harder.

Why am I here? But Harry knows it's a stupid question.

~

Harry's second son was born yesterday. Albus Severus. He still hasn't told Ginny that he snuck in the middle name when filling out the birth certificate.

He was the true hero.

He's practised these words for their inevitable row, but he knows it's going to be a lot harder to win her over than it was with James. He's never told her of the black eyes that haunt his dreams or the memories of the man who loved his mother and died trying to save her son.

He is a true hero.

Harry swallows his fears and opens the door.



-Fin-



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Keeper of the Cocks: Bravest Man[info]torino10154 on October 10th, 2008 05:03 am (UTC)
Absolutely perfect! I love that he snuck in the middle name. *g* Wonderful work.
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쉘리 I whip my hair like Bang Bang: hp - snape hot for teacher[info]sdk on October 10th, 2008 01:29 pm (UTC)
Thank you! Somehow I never saw Ginny as being too pleased with Harry's name choices for their kids, but especially this one.

Glad you enjoyed it. :D
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alisanne[info]alisanne on October 10th, 2008 11:26 am (UTC)
*sigh*
At least Harry finally recognized Severus as the true hero he is.
Lovely, dear!
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쉘리 I whip my hair like Bang Bang: hp - harry sleepy gof[info]sdk on October 10th, 2008 01:31 pm (UTC)
Yes, I imagine he finally did, what with the name choice for his son. ;)

Thank you! :D
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Lilith: hp-magic[info]lilithilien on October 10th, 2008 02:31 pm (UTC)
WOW! That was incredibly powerful. I love the mood you establish in the first part, how you set up the passage of time with the gargoyle being smaller, really underscores the seriousness that's kept him away for so long. And then the flashback in the shrieking shack (you do say "all that's left is empty black eyes and a vial of misty memories"...shouldn't that be "are left"?) reels you in.

Harry stares at the brass handle, but can't bring himself to touch it, to release the latch of the last barrier...

This is wonderful imagery, putting this physical check on his emotions.

And then the end ... poor Harry, Ginny's going to have a cow!
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쉘리 I whip my hair like Bang Bang: hp - harry young sad[info]sdk on October 10th, 2008 02:45 pm (UTC)
Yay! I'm so glad you like it, and that what was in my head actually came across. This is such a great comment, thank you!

And then the end ... poor Harry, Ginny's going to have a cow!

Yeah, I just can't write Harry having to do anything with Ginny unless they're fighting or going to. In my head this is the straw that broke the camels back so to speak...just gotta figure out some way to explain Lily... ;)

But on a serious note, I honestly can't see Ginny being very happy with the names Harry's chosen for their kids over all.

you do say "all that's left is empty black eyes and a vial of misty memories"...shouldn't that be "are left"?

Oh, yes, you're right! *facepalm* I will fix that now, thank you! (Just gotta find another word to delete in that first section so it can be 100 again.)
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Sebastian: Dan - Waiting[info]kabal42 on October 10th, 2008 04:30 pm (UTC)
It's beautiful, dear. So strong. I don't have enough words.
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쉘리 I whip my hair like Bang Bang: hp - harry looks up[info]sdk on October 10th, 2008 05:49 pm (UTC)
Thank you! Not having words is an incredible compliment. ♥
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colorful_sin[info]colorful_sin on October 14th, 2008 06:23 pm (UTC)
Oh. *happy sigh* I love the feel of this.
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쉘리 I whip my hair like Bang Bang: actors - dan equus smile[info]sdk on October 20th, 2008 05:24 pm (UTC)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. :D
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[info]quitegrey on October 24th, 2008 10:00 pm (UTC)
An epilogue-compliant fic, very nice. ;) Great twist with Harry being nervous about going to the Headmaster's Office not because of Dumbledore, but because of Snape. I really like that.
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