Harry Potter and the Burden of Becoming

Harry Potter and the Burden of Becoming

Chapter 15 - Blood on the Hogwarts Express

~~~***~~~

Save for the flicker of candlelight dancing off the walls, the room was dark. Harry was sitting on the edge of the bed; Gabriella was rubbing his back. He was looking down at his forearm tracing the sharp cuts of the snake's head and the two crossed lightning-bolts. Her hands were warm as they stroked the hair at the back of his neck.

"It'll be okay, you know," she whispered.

"As long as I'm with you, everything's okay," he said quietly and then turning to her they kissed. Her hair hung down around her neck, a silver lightning bolt glinted the candlelight from below her ear. Her black eyes were twinkling and her smile captivating. His gaze took her in. "You're so beautiful, have I told you?"

"Yes," she said with a grin. "And have I told you how handsome you are?" She stroked his face bringing a finger down to the cleft on his chin.

"No, I don't think so." said Harry with twinkling eyes.

"I especially like your snake," she said taking his arm in her hand and kissing his new scar, and then pecking at his arm up to his neck. She nibbled at his ear until he started laughing and pushed her away.

"Stop," he began to giggle, "that tickles." He stood up and walked over to the mirror. He looked at his bare chest and flexed like a muscle-builder. "Not bad I'd say," he joked.

"Not at all," she replied standing up behind him and grabbing him by the waist. "Although it's your eyes that do me in. I like red eyes."

"Red eyes?" he asked. He glanced back to the mirror. There he stood with Gabriella holding him from behind smiling. But shining back at him were two red eyes. His heart skipped, for as he stared, his appearance once again began to change. His hair thinned as his face flattened. The red eyes became more snakelike and his nose disappeared into two thin slits. "Voldemort," he whispered.

"I've always loved your eyes, My Lord." The voice was thin; the hands now claw-like around his stomach. In the mirror behind him was Bellatrix Lestrange.

"NO!" he screamed. The room began to spin. He was surrounded by Death Eaters in dark cloaks. They were closing in on him.

"What is it My Lord?" they called. This wasn't Gabriella's room; hands were grabbing him; it was somewhere else. "What is it?" he heard again. They were shaking him. A farmhouse? "What is it Harry?"

He woke from the dream to find himself on the floor next to his bed at Grimmauld Place. Ron had him about the shoulders.

"Harry, you were screaming. Is it, is it happening again?" His eyes were filled with fear. For a moment Harry didn't move trying to take in that the here and now was real. "It's back," Ron breathed. Harry looked down to see the scar on his arm raised and red. "It's a snake Harry!" His voice was shaky.

"Yes," Harry returned waiting for the room to stop spinning, "and a sword, and this," he pointed to the base of the handle, "two lightning bolts. That's not an evil symbol, Ron. It's a symbol to destroy evil, or ignorance... I don't know." Ron helped Harry back onto his bed.

"It's not the Dark Mark?" he asked again.

"You saw it in the sky, didn't you?" Harry was becoming irritated. "That's what blazes black on the arms of the Death Eaters! Does this look like that?" Harry shot his arm out in front of Ron. Ron didn't need to look again.

"No, Harry, I'm sorry." Just then there was a knock and Hermione came into the room. Harry quickly covered his arm with the sheet.

"Come on you two! Mrs. Weasley has breakfast ready and then it's off to the train." She looked around at Harry's room. He'd only made half an attempt to pack the night before. "I can't believe you two are just sitting around talking, when you've so much to do! Well, I'm not helping do you hear me? Harry, get dressed and get down to breakfast or Ron's mom will go through the roof! We only have a couple hours." They heard her footsteps descend the stairs outside. Ron stood up.

"I'm already packed. I'll give you a hand after we eat," he offered. You gonna be okay?"

"Yeah, just a nightmare, that's all," Harry answered slipping on his glasses, but he was still trembling.

"Harry, you can skip breakfast if you want. I'll tell Mum you're a bit ill."

"No. I'm fine, really. Just give me a minute to get dressed." Harry took a deep breath. "I'll be okay." He walked over to his trunk picking some things off the floor along the way. Ron hesitated and then left him.

Harry walked by the mirror to his room and for a moment was afraid to look at himself. Finally, he took in his reflection. It was just Harry looking back. He bent nearer to the mirror staring closely at his eyes. The same green he had always seen flashed back at him. He took off his glasses and stared even closer, concentrating. "It was Voldemort," he thought, "Voldemort's eyes." It was as if he was in a trance, galvanized by his own gaze, oblivious to the world around him. And then the green began to change. He didn't blink as the colour turned almost brown, then yellow. The pupils began to thin as the colour went orange and then red. Still he gazed intently. "I can see you Tom," he whispered. The door to his room opened.

"You coming, mate?" Ron called. Harry quickly turned away, shielding his face.

"Uh, yeah, just a few more minutes." His voice was hoarse and high.

"Well, she's served everyone else. You don't have too many more." Ron again left the room and Harry quickly dressed.

"What were you thinking, you idiot!" he whispered to himself. He looked back to the mirror. The green had returned. "Oh! Aren't we lucky! What if they had stayed that way?" he yelled at his reflection. He looked to his arm and the scar too had faded to oblivion. "What is going on Harry?" He put on his trainers shaking his head. "I wish Tonks were here," he whispered.

When Harry walked into the kitchen he found it somewhat crowded. Remus was speaking with Arthur Weasley in the corner. Sturgis and Alastor were seated with Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Mrs. Weasley was at the stove, and when he walked closer, her brow furled. He was expecting admonition, but instead saw concern.

"Harry, what's wrong?" With a flick of her wand the pans stopped moving and the flames lowered. She walked over to him and held her hand to his forehead. "You're white as a ghost! Ron, why didn't you say he was ill?" She took Harry by the arm. "Come over here dear... sit down." She escorted Harry to a spot adjacent to Sturgis Podmore.

"Honestly, Mrs. Weasley, I'm fine," Harry pleaded. "I just didn't sleep well is all."

"Let me get you some tea," she said as Sturgis put his hand to Harry's forehead.

"Listen to Molly boy, she'll do you right," said Sturgis with a wink. A moment later, Mrs. Weasley had a cup of tea and a small plate of food.

"Here, dear, try to eat a little something."

"Where's Tonks?" Harry asked scanning the room.

"Oh, she's been extremely busy lately," Mr. Weasley answered, "You'll see her soon enough. Now, try and eat. I don't want you to miss the first day, if you can help it, and we only have about an hour until the cars arrive."

Harry tried to eat. He felt as if everyone were watching him... bite by bite. "Your last meal," he thought, "before execution." But worse than that was the creeping feeling that this would take him one step further from Gabriella. Was it even possible to change his mind? Dumbledore said that they would find a way, but how Harry couldn't imagine. Finally, Harry lost his appetite completely.

"I better pack," he said. Ron and Hermione stood up to join him.

"There's one more thing, Harry," Mr. Weasley said, "before you go." He stood silent for a moment and then brought the words to his mouth. "Buckbeak. We could let him go now if you wish, but I think it wiser to wait for the darkness of night. I can release him when I get home." Harry simply nodded. He had spent time every day with the creature, but this morning he couldn't find the courage to say goodbye.

Despite her earlier protestations, Hermione, along with Ron, helped Harry pack. He noticed her take note of the dragonhead in his trunk. She read the inscription, looked at Harry and when she saw his glance decided not to ask and simply placed it in his trunk.

The Ministry provided two cars that expanded to fit everyone quite comfortably. Harry noticed that they were somewhat nicer than the one's he had been in before. Mad-Eye went in the first car with Arthur, Ginny and Hermione. Sturgis and Mrs. Weasley rode with Harry and Ron. Remus stayed behind. His final words to Harry were simply, "Trust in Dumbledore."

They arrived early to the station and it was fortunate they did. It was more crowded than Harry had ever seen it. Teenagers were everywhere. It was evident from their attire that some sort of school competition was going on. The adults left the cars first and then called the others out. They gathered their trunks and gear and were slowly making their way to Platform 9-3/4s. Mad-Eye was fit to be tied.

"This is bloody insane!" he yelled. "Let's take him back and fly him in tonight."

"Shhh," hushed Mrs. Weasley, "They'll here you."

"They can't hear a bloody thing!" he yelled back. And he was right. The competition turned out to be a band competition. Different schools were hoisting banners with #1 or CHAMPS on them. Many of the students were playing their instruments: trumpets, flutes, and drums. The place was a madhouse and the guards were having a terrible time trying to control this many students in one place.

When they reached Platform 6, a small fight broke out between two rival schools. One kid was using his drumsticks to attack someone in a tiger mascot suit. In seconds, three kids wearing orange and black were pummeling the drummer.

"Stay close!" Arthur Weasley yelled. But it was difficult moving all the gear they had through the melee. Moody and Mrs. Weasley started moving ahead with Hermione and Ginny. Suddenly an entire marching band cut in front of Harry, Ron, Mr. Weasley and Sturgis. By the time the group cleared, the others were ahead and out of sight.

"Arthur," Sturgis called ahead, "take the point. I'll watch from back here." They had just made it past Platform 7 when Harry heard a distant voice calling his name. He looked around, but shook his head. Was he imagining it? They made it a few feet further, when he heard it again, this time closer. Harry stopped to scan the crowd, but it was impossible to see further than five feet.

Again they pressed on, making their way through a sea of multi-coloured competitors. Suddenly something, someone, hit Harry from the side. He tried to gain his balance, but his foot stepped back on his trolley and he tumbled over backward, held tight by the assailant. Ron saw the attack and pulled for his wand, but Mr. Weasley grabbed him by the arm and held him fast. Harry was flat on his face, and when he turned over he saw who was holding him tight--Gabriella Darbinyan.

Her eyes were on fire and a smile that could span the ocean splashed on her face. She grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him hard. "I thought I'd never find you in this madness," she said and kissed him again.

"Gabriella?" Harry stammered. "You're here, but, but how?" If it were possible her smile widened further.

"Don't be silly," she said helping him to his feet. "You told me Harry, at least about King's Cross. I was able to get the day from Fred the night they packed your gear. He said you'd be leaving today at 11 o'clock sharp. I wasn't sure. When they said no train left at eleven, I thought... but I... I found you!" And she wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. And, as if rekindled anew, Harry held her fast to him.

"You're brilliant! Have I ever told you that?" he said grinning from ear to ear. A silver lightning bolt dangled from her ear. Her hand stroked his hair and held his face.

"You're ill," she said. "What's wrong?" He looked into her eyes and could feel the tears well up in his own. It was his turn to press his lips to hers.

"Nothing now," he answered softly.

"Harry," Mr. Weasley called. "We really must be going. We have some time, but not too much." Ron stood next to his father a bit stunned by what he was seeing. Gabriella looked over at him.

"You must be Fred & George's brother." Ron's mouth dropped open. "I hope you're not as cheeky as they are."

"This, Gabriella," introduced Harry, "is my best friend and classmate, Ron Weasley." Gabriella took Ron by the hand.

"I take it that you're an incurable criminal too?" she joked. Ron just stood gazing. "Doesn't say much, does he?" she said to Harry.

"This is Ron's father, Mr. Weasley, and this is another friend Mr. Podmore." Sturgis held out his hand to Gabriella.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance my dear," he bowed. Her eyes held his and her head tilted slightly to one side.

"Have we met before?" she asked.

"It is possible," Sturgis replied, "I've been to many places."

"Really Harry," Mr. Weasley again reminded, "we must be going." They began to inch their way to Platform 9-3/4s. Harry turned to Gabriella.

"They're right, we have to go." His face had fallen.

"I'll see you on to the train," she said brightly looking down at her watch. "Just a few more minutes." Harry pushed his way between two tuba players shaking his head.

"You can't. It's, uh, well... it's a special train for, you know, criminals. They won't let you on. They don't even want you to see it." He stopped in front of a bass drum. "You'd better leave from here," he said as he took her hand. Gabriella looked down. A tear fell on Harry's sleeve. "No... no, please don't cry," he said taking her cheek in his hand. "This... this was wonderful." He held her as a swirl of colours blurred by. The day was warm and the sky an azure blue. For the first time since he'd left Privet Drive, Harry felt warm inside. He looked deep into her black eyes.

"Thank you," he said, "for giving me my soul back." He held her tight and then whispered in her ear, "But keep my heart safe in your special box." They kissed once again and then Harry turned to leave.

"When will I see you?" she yelled.

"Soon! I promise." Harry yelled back.

"Christmas?"

"Christmas!" he called, and in an instant Gabriella disappeared in a mass of coloured uniforms.

They made it to the platform without too much struggle. Harry kept glancing back to see if he could see her, but she had gone. The four of them slipped through the gate and out to the platform where the Hogwarts Express blew steam into the air. Mad-Eye was waiting as they came through.

"I was just about to go back and check on you. She leaves in ten minutes. What took you so long?"

"Just crowded, Alastor," replied Mr. Weasley. "Just crowded, that's all."

Mrs. Weasley walked over with Hermione and gave Ron and Harry a hug.

"Be careful, all three of you, do you hear me?" She was on the verge of tears.

"Don't we always Mum?" said Ron with a smirk.

"Your mother's right," added Mr. Weasley. "They'll be out to get both of you this year. Keep your eyes open and don't wander off alone. Is that clear!" They both nodded. "Hermione, do your best to keep them out of trouble, will you?"

"I suspect that will be impossible Mr. Weasley," she said. "But I'll do my best." She hugged Mr. Weasley goodbye and the three stepped on to the train.

"Where's Ginny?" Harry asked.

"She found Dean, or he found her. He saved her a seat in one of the compartments." Ron went scarlet.

"Dean?" he yelled. "Dean? She's not here five minutes and he's already making a move."

"Oh, get over it Ron," Hermione sighed. "He made that move ages ago." There was an awkward pause, as she stood next to Ron, looked down at her shoes and then back up to Harry.

"I know, I know," he said. "You've got to go to the prefect carriage. Don't worry, I'll manage." Ron and Hermione headed up the corridor as visions of last year's train fiasco filled Harry's mind.

Once again he had arrived late, and once again all the compartments had been taken. He was about to give up hope when he knocked and entered what felt like the last compartment on the train. It was filled with Ravenclaws. Three sat on one side, Padma Patil, Anthony Goldstein, and a small kid Harry didn't recognize. On the other side were Marietta Edgecombe and Cho Chang. Cho was reading a book and as she looked up her eyes brightened.

"Harry!" she said with a grand smile.

"Er, the train's pretty packed, I was wondering if..."

"Sure," Cho rang out. "Here, let me give you a hand with that." She reached to help Harry with his trunk and her hand touched his as they placed it in an overhead compartment. "You can sit here." She slid over a bit next to Marietta, but seemed to deliberately crowd Harry's side a bit more. Harry sat.

"Harry," said Cho, "I'd like you to meet my brother, Jim." Sitting directly across from Harry was a thin, black-haired boy with round glasses, much like his own. "This is Jim's first year." The wisp of a child held out his hand to Harry, and Harry took it in his own. The shake was firm and the smile affable. Harry was finding it hard to believe that he was ever that young.

"Good to meet you Jim," Harry said. "Are you excited about school?" Jim nodded but seemed too nervous to speak. "Got your wand?" Again he nodded and then from inside the vest he was wearing he pulled a holly wand about ten inches long. Harry pulled out his wand as Jim's eyes widened. Harry smiled. "That's a great wand, mine's holly too." A grin grew across Jim's face and finally he spoke.

"Thanks," he said. "I picked it out at Ollivander's, or as he says, it picked me."

"That's where I bought mine," Harry replied.

"Strange man, Mr. Ollivander," Jim continued, "I've never seen...." And he went on and on for quite some time. Telling everyone in the compartment about his wand-buying experience, and how he couldn't decide what kind of animal to bring to Hogwarts, and how he really liked Ravenclaw and all, but he thought maybe Griffindor would be a better house, and how he hadn't had a chance to try his wand out, and that he wasn't sure holly would be any good, because Cho's was willow, but now he was sure. Cho leaned in to Harry.

"He hasn't said two words since we left the house this morning, Harry," she whispered in his ear. "He's been petrified." And then looking into his eyes, she smiled and said, "Thanks." And Harry felt her slide just a bit closer. His face began to redden.

The six students talked back and forth pleasantly for quite some time. Much of the conversation was about Harry's new broom and Quidditch. By the time the lunch trolley came and went, even Harry and Marietta were getting along. He was finding it about the best trip to Hogwarts he'd ever had. About mid-afternoon the compartment door slid open and Ron stuck his head in.

"There you are!" Ron's eyes first caught Harry's and then he surveyed the rest, taking note that Cho was practically in Harry's lap. "Why aren't you with the Gryffindors?"

"Everything was taken; the train's packed."

"Tell me about it," Ron sighed. "There's a lot of new students this year, parents thinking their kids will be safer at Hogwarts with Dumbledore. It's meant no lunch for the.... Hey! You!" he yelled down the train, "You can't...." and Ron disappeared.

As the afternoon wore on, Harry and many of the others were becoming drowsy. The conversation started to slow and the rhythmic cadence of the train and track soon had Harry asleep.

He was on the beach. The day was warm and the sun bright. He lay on a towel in the sand, his eyes closed.

"You're starting to turn red, do you want some suntan lotion?" she whispered.

"Sure," he whispered. The squirt on his chest was cold, but the hands warm as they spread the lotion across his neck, chest, and down his arms.

"What's this on your arm? It's quite exotic," she said and he felt her lips press to his.

"That? I told you about that in the letter," Harry answered. He was feeling quite warm.

"What letter?" she asked. The sun was bright in Harry's face. He held his arm over his brow to shield his eyes. Kneeling beside him with her hand to his chest was Cho.

"Cho?" he stammered.

"Of course, Harry," she said, and bent down to kiss him again. The train jerked and Harry awoke.

He was leaning against the wall of the car with Cho at his side asleep, her head against his shoulder, and her hand holding Harry's in his lap. His eyes surveyed the car. Everyone else was asleep as well. She had pressed so close to Harry perspiration was beading on his forehead. Still, for a moment he sat there stroking her hand with his. She truly was beautiful. A smile fell across his face and gently he tried to rouse her.

"Cho," he whispered softly, "Cho." Slowly her eyes opened and realizing her position she pulled back releasing Harry's hand.

"I'm, I'm sorry," she whispered straightening her hair. And then looking at Harry she moved the hair in his face behind his ear. "That's a cool earring."

"Yeah, thanks," said Harry, thinking back to Gabriella. He then reached to her hand and held it in his. "Cho, you're the most beautiful girl at Hogwarts." She blushed. "You're smart, and athletic, and, well, damn near perfect." For a moment he held her eyes in his. "It's just that, well, there's something you need to know. This summer I..." The door suddenly slid open.

"What's this Potter?" Malfoy drawled. "The Gryffindors boot you out?" Harry released Cho's hand and slipped his other behind his back. His wand had fallen from the back of his pocket and was stuck in the cushion behind him. Cho stood.

"Go back to your snake den, Draco," she hissed.

"Still having the girls do your dirty work, Potter?" he spat. "What's the matter? Don't tell me, the famous Harry Potter has wet himself again!" Crabbe and Goyle appeared in the doorway. By this time everyone was awake.

"What's going on?" Jim asked. Cho put her hand on his shoulder to keep him seated.

"This must be another Chang," Malfoy pressed. "I can tell by the slant eyes, can't you Potter? Oh, but you like that sort of disfigurement, don't you, Potter, being a scarhead and all." Cho drew her wand, but Malfoy was ready. The spell hit her squarely in the chest and flew her backwards. Her head crashed into the glass of the car window shattering it. Marietta screamed. Padma, Anthony and Jim turned to help. Wind roared into the car as Harry stood in front of Malfoy.

"Well, Potter, looks like you forgot something," drawled Malfoy once more with a sinister grin. He was looking down at Harry's wand lodged in the seat. "This should be easy then -- first your girlfriend and now you. Let's see how well you can fly out the window without your broom!" He lifted his wand as Harry grabbed him by the collar.

In an instant, Crabbe and Goyle were flying backwards against the other side of the corridor. The door slammed shut sealing Malfoy in. He looked back confused. Still, Harry held tight.

"Tell me Draco," he hissed through gritted teeth, "do you want forgiveness?"

"Today you're going to die Potter!" Again he lifted his wand.

"I thought not," Harry spat, knowing his eyes were growing red. At that moment Draco let out a scream. His wand fell from his hand to the floor. With his left hand Harry was lifting him off the ground. There was a look of horror on Malfoy's face. "What's the matter, Draco? Your dad's quite used to these eyes."

"P-P-Potter, stop-p it. You're ch-choking me." Malfoy was gasping for air.

"You're not going to die. It's time you understood, Draco." And Harry held his right hand to Malfoy's face. The Slytherin screamed in agony, piercing everyone's ears. There was a pounding on the door. Harry could hear Hermione's voice yelling to be let in. Still, Malfoy screamed. Finally, Harry let go, and Malfoy crumpled to the floor. The door slid open as Harry turned to Cho.

"Is she okay?" he gasped. Marietta, tears streaming down her face, was holding Cho in her lap. Blood was splattered across her blouse. Anthony was busy holding his shirt across the back of Cho's head and trying to heal the wound with his wand. It wasn't stopping the flow of blood.

"It's pretty bad," he said.

"Harry, what's going on?" Hermione yelled stepping over Malfoy, his face to the floor, as she entered the compartment.

She surveyed the scene. "Don't move her!" she yelled and darted into the corridor. Within seconds she appeared with an older, white-haired witch Harry had never seen before. The woman stepped over Malfoy and went to Cho's aid immediately. She was carrying a small box, opening it to reveal a silver sphere. The witch looked at Marietta.

"It's a portkey," she said calmly. "Take her hand dear, on the count of three. One, two, three." In a flash, the witch, Marietta and Cho were gone. Hermione leaned down to Malfoy.

"What happened to him, Harry?" Harry was staring at a puddle of blood on the floor by Anthony's knee when he heard Hermione cry out behind him. He turned to see that she had laid Malfoy on his back. He was still unconscious. She held her hand up to her mouth as she rose looking from Malfoy and then to Harry. Her eyes caught the tip of Harry's wand jutting out between the seat cushions. "How, Harry?" she gasped. Harry looked down at his right hand. It was red and blistered. Then he looked at Hermione.

"It's time he knew," he said flatly. Ron appeared in the door as Crabbe and Goyle were slowly getting to their feet. The three Gryffindors looked back down at Draco Malfoy. The right side of his face was distorted and red with blisters. But clearly visible in the swollen mass was the thin outline of a sword surrounded by a snake. It was a mark that no magic would ever remove again.