Permanent Scars

Chapter twelve

The next day, Draco awoke determined to do something about Potter's visits.

He decided that his best course of action would be to catch Dumbledore at breakfast and ask him to tell Potter not to come around again.

He quickly got dressed and hurried towards the Great Hall.

He entered the hall, walked determinedly past the students eating their breakfasts, and made a beeline straight for the teacher's table. As he passed by the house tables, he could hear a flurry of curious whispers. They hadn't seen him at breakfast in the Great Hall for months.

Snape, assuming Draco wanted to speak to him said, "What can I do for you, Draco?"

Draco barely glanced at him and continued on until he was directly in front of Dumbledore. He stood in front of the Headmaster, anger washing over him.

"Professor Dumbledore, I need to speak to you. It's about Potter," he said, trying to control his rage.

Dumbledore looked up at Draco, then replied serenely, "Come to my office after your last class. We can discuss it then."

Draco could feel his rage boiling over. Desperately, he tried to keep it under control. He demanded, through clenched teeth, "I don't want to talk about it later; I want to talk to you about it NOW."

The students, at the sound of Draco's raised voice, turned and stared at the teacher's table. They were curious, wondering what was going on.

Snape came from behind the table and grabbed Draco's arm roughly. He pushed his face near Draco's and hissed, "Mister Malfoy, you are never to speak to the Headmaster like that in my hearing again. Do you understand me?"

Snape turned and looked angrily at the murmuring students until they looked away and resumed their breakfast. He then began to pull Draco forcefully away from the table.

Dumbledore stepped in and said, "Severus, please release Draco. Perhaps now would be a good time to discuss this issue."

Snape, glaring balefully at Draco, released the crushing grip he had on his arm. Dumbledore motioned for Draco to follow him. As they walked past the house tables, every head in the Great Hall turned interestedly to watching their progress.

The only person not watching them walk by was Harry. He had overheard Draco's conversation with Dumbledore. He realized that most of the Great Hall had heard it too. They knew that Draco had come down from his room especially to tell Dumbledore that Harry wasn't welcome. Harry's could feel his face grow hot with humiliation. He sat there, staring down at his plate.

Dumbledore and Draco continued out of the Great Hall, then up the stairs to Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore opened the door to his office with a wave of his wand, then beckoned Draco inside.

As soon as they were seated comfortably, Dumbledore started, "Now then, Draco, what seems to be the problem?"

Draco flushed in embarrassment, remembering his earlier conduct, then replied, "I don't want Potter coming to my room any more."

"I see," Dumbledore responded gravely. "Why is Harry's company unacceptable?"

Draco breathed deeply, trying to keep his temper. "Potter is the worst person you could have sent. I can't stand the sight of him. Every time I see him I think about the accident."

Dumbledore said kindly, "When we harbour anger against someone, the only person we hurt is ourselves. Anger is like a boulder on our shoulders. When we give up the anger, we feel freer. I think you should forgive Harry, not for him, but for yourself. Anger and hatred will infect and infest every part of your life, if it isn't gotten rid of."

Draco looked stunned. "Professor, you can't expect me to forgive Potter. Why should I? If I forgive him, it's the same as saying I think what he did was okay."

Dumbledore's face had a serious expression. "Draco, forgiving Harry is not the same as saying what he did was okay. Harry was careless and that caused you a lasting injury. Nothing could make that right. By forgiving Harry, you are freeing yourself from being a continual victim of the accident. As long as you harbour bitterness about what happened, the accident will always be a controlling factor in your life."

Draco sat there. He didn't know what to say. Hating Harry wasn't affecting his life... was it?