Permanent Scars

Chapter thirteen

Harry was on his way out of the door, after Transfiguration class, when Professor McGonagall stopped him.

"Potter, I would like you to stay after class. There is something we need to discuss."

Hermione and Ron looked at Harry in shock. What could McGonagall want?

Seeing the worried look on Harry's face, Ron said bracingly, "Maybe she just wants to talk to you about our chances at next week's Quidditch match."

Hermione added, "I'm sure it's nothing. She gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. "We'll wait for you outside, okay?"

Harry nodded his agreement. He watched his friends leave, and then slowly walked up to the desk, wondering what this was all about.

Professor McGonagall said briskly, "I've had an owl from Professor Dumbledore. You are to go to his office immediately after classes finish."

Harry asked, worriedly, "Did he say what this is about?"

Professor McGonagall frowned. "No, he did not. Now, you better hurry, or you'll be late for your next class."

Harry walked quickly to the door, where Hermione and Ron were waiting expectantly.

"What did McGonagall want?" Ron asked, concerned.

"It's PROFESSOR McGonagall, Ron," Hermione said severely.

"Whatever," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "So, what did PROFESSOR McGonagall want?"

Harry replied, "She told me that Dumbledore sent her an owl. He wants to see me after classes today."

"I bet it has something to do with yesterday. We all saw Draco at the teachers' table talking to Dumbledore, and now you're getting called into his office. I bet Malfoy is trying to make trouble for you," guessed Ron.

"Why would Malfoy try to make trouble for Harry? Harry hasn't done anything to him," reasoned Hermione.

"You mean, besides causing the accident that scarred him for life? Come on Hermione, you know Malfoy would love to see Harry suffer."

Harry, looking glum, continued walking down the hallway. This whole thing had gotten way out of hand. He had offered to go have supper with Malfoy to give himself some peace of mind. He thought that if he could just be there, making sure Malfoy didn't try to cut himself again, then maybe the nightmares would stop. But, it had all gone wrong. Malfoy hated having him there. Harry didn't want to go back. He felt like his presence, instead of helping Malfoy, was only hurting him.

Time always seemed to speed up when you're dreading something and it was the same for Harry. Before he knew it, it was time to meet with Dumbledore.

He walked towards Dumbledore's office, hoping that it wasn't Malfoy that he wanted to talk to him about. Dumbledore opened the door, and ushered Harry in.

"Welcome, Harry. I'm glad you could come." He said warmly.

Harry sat down, still feeling anxious.

Dumbledore continued, "The reason why I asked you here is because Draco has come to see me. He asked me to bring your visits to an end."

Harry sighed, relieved.

"However," said Dumbledore, "I feel that the visits should continue."

Harry looked up at him, horrified. Was Dumbledore really suggesting that he continue to see Malfoy?

He pleaded, "Professor Dumbledore, I was wrong to ask you to send me in the first place. He doesn't want me there. I am just making things worse."

Dumbledore looked at Harry solemnly and said, "Draco is going through a lot right now. I believe he still needs someone to be with him."

Harry said vehemently, "Professor, Malfoy might need somebody to be with him, but I'm not that somebody. I thought I could help him, but I'm only making things worse. You don't understand what he was like when I was there."

He continued, "I walked in, and he was okay, but then, I said something, I don't even know what, and he went crazy. He started throwing things around. There was flying glass everywhere. He trashed his entire room."

Dumbledore looked grave, and sighed.

"Draco has told me that when he sees you, it brings back memories of the accident. Naturally, this is upsetting for him. He would rather you not continue your visits because he doesn't want to deal with the pain. Hating you is easier than working through what happened. That is exactly the reason WHY I want you to continue the visits. If he doesn't work through the pain and bitterness he's feeling, he'll always be trapped. I know you didn't purposefully cause the accident, but it happened. You hurt Draco deeply, but this is your chance to help him heal."