Harry Potter and the Burden of Becoming

Harry Potter and the Burden of Becoming

Chapter 19 - Hidden at Honeydukes

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The castle corridors were deserted as Harry quickly made his way down from the owlery. He was rushing to make it back to the Gryffindor common room before curfew. The last thing he needed was to get caught by Filch and lose fifty points for Gryffindor. He was passing by the spiral staircase to Dumbledore's office when it opened up. Draco Malfoy stepped out and, seeing Harry before him, the blonde stopped. His head was no longer covered. Now, a simple flesh colored patch hid the scar beneath.

"Hey, Draco," Harry called, briefly waving his right hand. "Love to chat, but I've things to do." And he continued to walk briskly down the corridor, half wondering when Malfoy's hex would strike his back. Instead, Malfoy ran up beside him and kept pace down the corridor.

"Your precious Dumbledore couldn't remove it," he drawled. "How pathetic is that? And we're supposed to feel so safe with that old fool watching over us."

"I already told your crony, Draco," Harry said calmly as he started up the stairs. "There's only one person in the school who can remove the scar."

"And I suppose that's you!" Malfoy spat. "Okay, Potter, what do you want?"

"And I already told you, Draco," Harry continued as they began down the corridor to the portrait of the Fat Lady. "I can't remove the scar."

"You're a liar!" Malfoy screamed reaching for his wand. But before his hands ever touched it, Harry spun and had his wand pointed directly between Malfoy's eyes.

"I don't have time to play tonight, Draco," he whispered. Calmly Harry flicked his wand and uttered, "Expelliarmus." With a flash, Draco's wand flew fifty feet backward down the corridor. "Perhaps tomorrow, Draco, goodnight." Harry turned, walked to the portrait, whispered the password and passed through.

As he entered the common room, the first site to catch his eye was Dean and Ginny studying together by the fire. Everyone else had gone to bed, probably making up for the lack of sleep the night before. He'd half expected to see Hermione and was half glad she wasn't there.

"Hi Harry," Ginny said brightly. "Did you get your letter off?"

"Yeah, thanks Gin." Harry walked over to the two holding hands. "Here's your quill." On Dean's notes he saw intricate doodles of a girl flying on a broom. Not so much doodles, rather detailed drawings done in black ink. It was clearly Ginny Weasley. "Puts Goldstein's sketches to shame," Harry thought. He turned to Dean. "Chaser, or Seeker?" he asked pointing to the artwork. Dean smiled blushing slightly.

"Chaser I think," he said with a grin, adding a bit of shading to one of his drawings. When he lifted his quill, the figure flew to a ring tossing the Quaffle through. "She'll give Katie a run for her money this year, I'd say." Ginny shoved Dean on the side smiling.

"As if," she said holding Dean's gaze in her own. Dean broke off a piece of chocolate he had with him and placed it in her mouth. Harry excused himself and started up the stairs. Ron and Goyle were already asleep, or at least pretending to be asleep. Harry undressed and crawled into bed. Goyle let out a small sigh, and Harry had to smile.

As Harry's head hit the pillow, he realized it had been days since he'd concentrated on clearing his mind. The lack of practice and emotions of the day made tonight's efforts more difficult. The last thing he let go of was the vision of a white owl flying toward the waxing moon.

As Harry looked on, the moon turned full, and he heard a howling out on the grounds below. Smoke still billowed from the chimney of Hagrid's hut and, as it filled the air, the moon flushed blood red. There was a flapping of wings in the distance, a rhythmic swoosh... swoosh... swoosh... deep, even, heavy strokes. Not the wings of an owl. Suddenly the air was filled with flame and two glowing eyes were coming toward Harry. He stepped back from the window... swoosh... swoosh... swoosh. A Hungarian Horntail filled his view. Just before it was upon him, it turned sharply upwards, spinning to its left in a giant arc across the glowing sky. Another burst of flame shot from the creature's mouth, which opened wider and wider until it swooped and swallowed the burning moon in its mouth. Instantly all was dark. Just the sound of crickets filled the air. "I know this place," Harry thought.

And then he heard a voice calling his name. "Harry?" And again louder, "Harry!" It was Dean rocking his shoulder. "Come on sleepy head, you'll miss breakfast if you sleep any longer." Harry looked around. He was in bed, the morning light filling their room. Neville was just waking as well.

"Where's Goyle and Ron," he asked.

"They left about twenty minutes ago," Dean answered. "They're getting downright chummy if you ask me. At least I hope they are. Maybe it'll get Ron off my back." Harry sat up rubbing his eyes. Neville wandered down the hall to the shower.

"Dean, if it's one thing you don't need to worry about, it's Ron Weasley. He's all bark and no bite," Harry said dismissively. "Anyway, it doesn't bother Ginny, it shouldn't bother you." Dean sat down across from Harry.

"It does bother me, Harry," he said earnestly. "I... love her. I don't know. We might have a chance to make something of ourselves in a few years. How can that happen if I don't have the support of her family?"

"There are seven Weasley children, Dean," said Harry firmly. "Getting them to agree on what to eat for breakfast in the morning is damn near impossible. Don't expect one-hundred percent approval." He stood and started for the shower. "Her parents like you, that's what counts."

"They do?" Dean brightened. Harry smiled nodding. "Really?" Harry left Dean grinning, and punching the air in a sign of victory.

As Harry entered the Great Hall for breakfast, he saw that Hermione had an open space next to her. Ron sat across the table. He was scanning for somewhere else to sit when Katie Bell called him to sit down next to her. With Angelina graduating, she had been selected to lead the team this year. Harry felt he'd been slighted a bit. He knew far more about Quidditch than Katie.

"Morning Harry," she said with a smile. "I heard you bought a new Caduceus, is that true?" Harry nodded. "Fantastic!" she whooped. "There's only one other in the whole school." Harry's eyes looked up over his buttered toast. He was a bit surprised. "Malfoy," she said answering his unspoken question. His eyes rolled into the air. She leaned closer to him much as Anthony Goldstein had done in Basic Apparation, her voice becoming almost conspiratorial. "Listen, I want to have tryouts this weekend. We can't wait any longer to get a team together. We won last year, but by shear luck. The whole school was out of whack. We have to be on top of our game this year, Harry. We've got to!" Her voice was a bit high pitched. Oliver would have been proud.

"The thing is," she continued, "I know some of the others might think they're on the team just because they played last year. But there's no way Ginny Weasley's better than you at Seeker."

"Katie," Harry began, "I should tell..."

"Just hear me out Harry," she cut him off. "I see you at Seeker, me at Chaser and, well, I know he's your friend and all plus he seemed to get it together last year so Ron at Keeper. That leaves two Beaters and two Chasers to look for at tryouts.

"I gave my Firebolt to Ginny," Harry said putting a slice of ham in his mouth. The bit of news had Katie recalculating in her mind. And while Katie was performing her own bit of Quidditch math, Harry was wondering about Ron. He looked down the table. Hermione had left and Ron was looking back at them. Certainly he knew what they were talking about. Could he hear Katie's mind? Harry waved at Ron to come over. If he was going to listen, he might as well do it properly.

"Okay, she's in at Chaser. But that's still three positions." Ron sat down next to Katie.

"Okay, Ron," Harry said, "You're in at Keeper, Ginny's in at Chaser. Tryouts are Saturday for the other three. Start asking around and see if anybody's been working on their flying this summer." A grin broke out across Ron's face and then a look of eagerness.

"What about Goyle?" he asked.

"What about, Goyle?" Katie rolled back.

"He's played Beater," Ron returned. "He's pretty good at it."

"You're not serious," Harry howled. "He'd throw the game in about two minutes, knocking a Bludger right at the back of my head!"

"Well, he said he was interested is all," Ron replied.

Katie was quiet. The wheels were turning again. "We only have the one game this term," she said pensively. "Ravenclaw." She looked over at the Ravenclaw table. I hear they hexed him and his friend, Crabbe, pretty good as they tried to protect Malfoy. Crabbe just left the hospital wing. As much as Malfoy hates you, Harry, maybe Goyle hates Ravenclaw more. I don't know. We can let him tryout anyway."

"But..." Harry started.

"Let's just let Goyle fly Saturday, Harry. No harm looking is there?" Harry looked at Katie and then shot Ron a look of pure lightning.

"You're the captain, Captain," Harry quipped. "I've got to go, class is about to start." He stood up and so did Ron. They both had Charms this morning. Harry looked at Ron, and Ron looked back. But instead of turning to go, Harry walked toward the head table, leaving Ron to shrug and walk away. Professor Flitwick was just preparing to go teach the very same class.

"Professor," Harry called. "May I have a word, sir?" Professor Flitwick smiled and nodded. "Any news, sir? About Cho?" The smile left his face and he walked over to Harry placing a hand on his arm.

"Walk with me, Mr. Potter," Professor Flitwick said. The two left the Great Hall and started down the corridor. Professor Flitwick opened a door and the two walked into an empty classroom. Professor Flitwick was one of the more emotional teachers at Hogwarts, but there was no sadness on his face that Harry could read. Yet, what it was he couldn't tell. He asked Harry to sit, and the words started his heart racing.

"You've always impressed me, Harry," Professor Flitwick said sitting in a chair next to him. "I don't think I've ever told you before. I've seen all too well what you've been through. Particularly last year." A hint of fire flashed in his eyes. Again he held Harry's arm. "You saved Cho's life. You know that, don't you?" Hearing the words that she would live, Harry thought he'd be jubilant. But, why then were they here? Why not just say Cho's fine and she'll be at school tomorrow? His palms began to sweat.

"And?" Harry asked. "When does she come back?" At these words, Professor Flitwick's eyes began to fill with tears.

"Not for awhile, I'm afraid." He paused. "Her brain has been badly injured, Harry. She's not... she's not Cho anymore." Harry stood up.

"What do you mean she's not Cho anymore?" he asked, his voice shaking. "Marietta said she was asking about me when they went in to St. Mungo's. She said... the healer said...." He had to sit again.

"I know she meant a great deal to you, Harry," Professor Flitwick squeaked. "You meant a great deal to her too. The healers call it a lasting echo in the brain. It's all she does right now... ask about you. She doesn't know her name. She doesn't recognize her family. She only asks 'Is Harry okay?' over and over again."

"I've got to see her then!" Harry exclaimed. "Let her know I am okay, maybe... maybe..."

"Yes, yes, the healers have mentioned that, but not yet. It's still too soon. Perhaps you can see her in a week or two, if the behavior continues." Professor Flitwick rubbed his eyes with his hands. "We must be getting to class, Harry. It has not been a very fine start this year, and I'm afraid it promises to get worse." Harry stood with Professor Flitwick, his knees were weak, but still he felt like doing something, anything.

"Professor?" Harry asked. "Malfoy? Aren't they going to do something with him for what he did to her? Let him join his father?" Professor Flitwick shook his head.

"I'm afraid not," he replied. "The accident occurred on the Hogwarts Express and hence school grounds. The Headmaster has decided to wait, pending Cho's final outcome."

"Wait?" Harry sputtered. "Wait for what? For him to kill someone else?"

"Now Harry," Professor Flitwick chided. "As hungry for power and attention as Mr. Malfoy is, even I don't believe he'd deliberately try to kill someone." He stood. "Come now, we're both going to be late." Just before they left, Professor Flitwick looked once more in to his eyes. "I'm sorry Harry, but I have to ask. Did you put the scar on Mr. Malfoy's face?" Looking back at Professor Flitwick, Harry did not answer. "There are only a handful of students at Hogwarts who could accomplish the feat. There is none I know of that could keep me, or the Headmaster from removing the mark."

"I can't remove it," Harry answered. Professor Flitwick nodded his head. He was turning the words in his mind.

"Very well," he said.

They walked together down the corridor to the Charms class. Just before they entered Professor Flitwick held Harry's arm one last time. "Harry, let the Headmaster sort this out. It's not your job." Harry only shrugged following Professor Flitwick into class.

The Charms class was full. Owing to the fact that Professor Flitwick was an excellent teacher, quite a few students had made it into his N.E.W.T., including Ron. A quick scan of the class saw Hermione with Ron saving a seat in front and a thin longhaired blonde next to an open seat in back. This time Harry specifically selected to sit with Malfoy.

"Potter, really," Malfoy drawled. "Your mudblood girlfriend saved you a seat in front. Don't ruin this class for me too." He was as arrogant as ever.

"You didn't kill her, Draco," Harry whispered through gritted teeth. "She's going to live." Malfoy glanced at Harry, for an instant, he thought he saw a look of relief, or was it disappointment?

"Whatever," Malfoy sneered.

"Only problem is, you've put her in St. Mungo's forever," Harry hissed. "You killed her brain, Draco. Now, it's your turn."

"Stop it Potter," Malfoy snapped. A few students glanced back to look; one was Anthony Goldstein. Malfoy lowered his voice. "I don't know where you come off calling me by my first name, but stop it. I hate you and you hate me. Leave it that way."

"Never be afraid of a name, Draco," Harry chimed feeling the blood boil in his veins. "I explained that to your father last year, just before, well you know." Along with the rest of the class Malfoy's wand was laying out on the table before him. He reached down gripping it, his knuckles turning white. In the front, Professor Flitwick had begun demonstrating a charm to make inanimate objects move in an animated way. Harry's mind flashed to the statues in the fountain at the Ministry of Magic that saved his life last year.

"Tell me Draco, does it hurt? Does the snake sink its fangs into your cheek at night, or does the sword drip blood from your chin." Draco pulled his wand in close. "You do look pretty horrific you know. A freaking monster is what McGonagall saw, wasn't it? You could see it in her eyes. You can see it in everyone's eyes, Draco. What does Pansy think? Merlin knows I think..." Malfoy jumped to his feet, but Harry remained seated keeping his back to Malfoy.

"Perfect," Harry breathed to himself, still facing away from Malfoy. The commotion caused students in front of Harry to look back. Professor Flitwick looked up as well. Malfoy's words reverberated throughout the class.

"Stupefy!"

A searing pain hit Harry between the shoulder blades, and everything went black. In the next instant, a bright light began to fill Harry's eyes. He was at the pool. In the water was Gabriella in a black and red two-piece suit.

"They tell me that you're brave, Harry," she said, and then smiled up at him from the water. "Jump in then... chicken!" She splashed him. The water hit Harry's legs and began to burn. Red welts began to spring up all over.

"Here, let me take care of that," Emma called from behind him. She was dressed in black robes and a blue glow emanated from her wand.

"What's she doing Harry!" Gabriella screamed. "She's... she's some kind of witch! Stop her Harry, stop her!" Harry stood up telling Emma she had to leave. Suddenly he slipped and began falling, falling backwards towards the water and Gabriella. He was waiting for the burning heat. Instead a wave of cold filled his body. Extreme cold. He was getting uncomfortable, freezing, the cold felt like...

He opened his eyes. Professor Flitwick was leaning over Harry, Hermione at his side.

"Well done Ms. Granger," he squeaked. "Mr. Potter, can you stand?" Harry's head was clearing. He knew he could stand, but then remembered his cause.

"Malfoy? Where's Malfoy?" he groaned.

"Mr. Malfoy has been sent to see the Headmaster," Professor Flitwick replied irritably. "I can't believe he just stunned you in the back." Harry made a half-hearted move to stand, but deliberately fell back to the floor, holding his head. Professor Flitwick turned to Ron. "Mr. Weasley, escort Mr. Potter to the hospital wing. Let Madame Pomfrey know that it was a stunning spell." Ron nodded and reached down to lift Harry.

For a moment Harry hesitated, but he had things he needed to do and this would make it simpler. He reached up and let Ron pull him to his feet. Once they were outside the class and the doors shut, Harry let go of Ron and began walking rapidly down the corridor.

"You're not hurt?" Ron asked a bit confused.

"Well, I was just stunned in the back, wasn't I?" said Harry in a biting tone. "But I can walk. Why don't you just go back to class? I'll be fine."

"Professor Flitwick said to take you to the hospital wing," Ron said.

"Well, I'm not going to the hospital wing, so that would be kind of pointless wouldn't it." Harry began to pick up his pace. "How long was I down?"

"Just a few minutes."

"And how much of a head start does Malfoy have?" They were nearly running.

"Not too much, why?" Harry didn't reply. They were headed to the corridor leading to Dumbledore's office when Ron figured it out. "You're going to attack Malfoy!"

"Wow! You're a mind reader," said Harry with a smirk. "Now, leave!" he spat. "I told you we're through. The sooner you get that through your thick scull the better." But Ron would not leave. Together, they rounded the corridor in the final hall when they saw Malfoy. Quickly, Harry pulled in behind a column. He did not want Ron here for this. Maybe he should have asked for someone else. The hall to Dumbledore's office was deserted. From the windows high above, the morning sun lit up the fine paintings and tapestries hanging on the walls. There was no time to wait. Harry pulled his wand. This time, Malfoy would be hit in the back.

"Stupefy!" he cried, but before the words even left his lips, Malfoy seemed to buckle in pain reaching for his face. Harry felt an almost empathetic searing rise into his right arm, pinching him about the neck. He fell to one knee.

"Stupefy!" cast Ron. The streak of red light was intense and this time true, striking Malfoy in the back before he could turn to see his assailants. Malfoy collapsed to the ground. Groaning, Harry rose back to his feet.

"Okay Ron, you're in it now," said Harry through gritted teeth. "I'll watch, Malfoy. Go get my cloak from my trunk and get back here fast!" Ron sped away as Harry turned to Malfoy and whispered, "Mobilicorpus." Then he hid Malfoy out of the way behind a huge planting box. Minutes later Ron returned, his brow wet with sweat, Harry's cloak in his hands. Carefully, the two placed it over Malfoy's body and proceeded down the corridor. They had just made it to the statue of the one-eyed witch when class got out.

Harry whispered, "Dissendium," just as a throng of third years turned their way. A moment later, the two were in the cavern beneath Hogwarts and all was quiet.

"Whoa," Ron breathed. "Where is this place?"

"It's time for you to go now Ron," Harry breathed heavily. "I've got it from here. He should be out for a few more minutes. That'll be all the time I need."

"Look," Ron said, "let me just make sure you finish what you're doing safely, and when we're back... whatever." The redhead shrugged his shoulders. Harry looked down the empty and dark cavern. He could use the help, particularly if Malfoy woke early.

"Okay, let's go." Ten minutes later, they had parked Malfoy's body in the basement of Honeydukes. They covered their tracks as best they could and began their way back to Hogwarts.

"Brilliant, Harry," said Ron beaming. "He was sent to the Headmaster, but instead leaves school for Hogsmeade. They'll kick him out for sure!" Harry nodded, but he was not smiling. For once he knew he'd played the better hand, but there was no joy in his triumph. "With Malfoy out, Dumbledore's vision of school unity might just come true," Ron said climbing back up the stairs behind the one-eyed witch. The two dusted themselves off and walked out into the corridor.

"I'm off to the hospital wing," Harry said. "I've got this period free, then lunch. I'll just have Madame Pomfrey look me over so I have my alibi."

"To the hospital wing then!" said Ron. He smiled at first then, seeing Harry's eyes, his own face fell. "We'll just say I dropped you off at the door. I'm late for..." But Ron had the period free too. "Well, I'll go see what we missed in Charms." And he walked the other way down the corridor.

The hospital wing still had some students recuperating from the first night at Hogwarts. When Madame Pomfrey saw Harry she was immediately concerned. Too concerned, Harry thought. It was as if she'd been waiting for him to enter.

"Mr. Potter," she called, "over here, over here, lie down." How did she know he was hurt? "Don't just stand there let me have a look." Harry removed his robes and sat down on one of the beds. "Ms. Granger was here quite some time ago looking for you. She said you had been stunned in the back! Why didn't you come straight away?" Harry's heart quickened. What more had Hermione said?

"I was a little nauseous," he said. "Ron helped me make it to the bathroom. I felt better after a drink of water though. In fact, I'm feeling much, much better now."

"Certainly, dear. Let me see your back." Harry lifted his shirt. "Yes, there's where it hit you. This is going to hurt, I can promise you that." She held up her wand. "But, it will be over in a flash. Hold still you're very bruised." A tingling sensation prickled the center of Harry's back, and then what felt like a knife plummeted down his veins to the fingertips on his right hand.

"Aye!" Harry yelled. For a moment he felt an overwhelming urge to crush the healer between his hands, but before he could act Madame Pomfrey was walking away.

"It's still a bit red, one moment," she said. "Let me see..." Madame Pomfrey walked to a cupboard and pulled out a bottle of some potion. The door opened, it was Hermione.

"Harry, you're here!" she panted, perspiration beading on her forehead. Clearly, she'd been running. "I just saw Ron on the way to lunch and he said you'd made it to the hospital wing. He said you two..." Harry shot her a stabbing glance and she stopped abruptly. "...you two made it here as fast as you could."

"Yes," Harry said. "I was a bit sick, but I'm fine now."

"Let me determine that, Mr. Potter," Madame Pomfrey scolded. She walked around Harry to apply the potion. "Oh my!" she exclaimed. "I... I don't understand. It was as red as a beet just a minute ago." Her finger rubbed the skin between Harry's shoulder blades. "It's perfect," she breathed. "That's not possible." After a few more seconds, Harry pulled his shirt down.

"Perfect sounds pretty good to me Madame Pomfrey," he said brightly. "Don't you think Hermione?" Hermione smiled, but a bit nervously.

"Perfect is a wonderful diagnosis," she said. "You're a miracle worker, Madame Pomfrey, a miracle worker." Helping Harry off the bed, she grabbed him by the right arm.

"Don't!" he grimaced. His shirtsleeve had been pulled up somewhat, and he quickly pulled it down. But a glance at Hermione's eyes and Harry knew she'd seen it. At least she'd seen part of it. Harry tried to laugh. "Don't pinch like that Hermione." Madame Pomfrey looked at him incredulously.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay, Mr. Potter?" she asked reaching for his right arm. Harry pulled away.

"Absolutely, Madame Pomfrey." He smiled broadly, wondering what could possess him to want to hurt her in any way. "Just caught my funny-bone is all. Hermione's right, you are a miracle worker." Harry grabbed Hermione's arm this time. "Let's go Hermione, I'm starved." Harry tossed his robes back on and the two left Madame Pomfrey examining the unused potion in her hand.