Harry Potter and the Slytherin Connection

Chapter 16

Fear

Ron was waiting for them.

"Blimey!" shouted Ron. "Where the hell have you two been."

Hermione was looking worriedly at Harry. Ron turned to him too.

"Harry?"

"I'm all right," said Harry, and once again, didn't mean it. The guilt that had been making him sick was back. The fear that Voldemort would win was real.

Ron wasn't happy with Harry. Hermione had told him about the new contract and Ron made it known in no uncertain terms that he wasn't happy about. Hermione apologized profusely. Harry said nothing.

"What's wrong with him?" said Ron, looking at Harry.

Hermione told him about the magical transfers between them and what Voldemort had said.

"I think he's a little worried," said Hermione.

Harry stared at her. "A little worried," echoed Harry. "Don't you get it?" Harry was still in the grips of the most powerful horror he had ever felt. It was like a magical bond circled his chest. That the bond between Voldemort and himself was too strong. That Voldemort could win. There seemed no way out for him. "I can't win," said Harry hollowly.

"Harry, come back," shouted Ron as Harry rushed out of the common room.

He ran blindly through the school and ended up in Myrtle's bathroom again. Collapsing into a corner, Harry buried his face in arms. He wished he had a mother he could go to the ache in his chest doubled.

But Voldemort had taken her away from him. He had taken his father away too. And now, Voldemort wouldn't stop until he had taken Harry too.

"What's the matter, Harry?" said Myrtle. She wasn't crying.

Harry didn't look up. He was afraid he'd start crying if she did. "Voldemort."

Myrtle sighed. "So the heir of Slytherin is making more people cry?" said Myrtle. "Don't let him, Harry. I've been crying for 50 years because of him."

"I wish I was dead."

"DON'T SAY THAT!" shouted Myrtle. "You have everything anyone could want. You're young and handsome. You're one of the most powerful wizards in the school, probably in the world. You have good friends. You have Sirius Black."

"Sirius," echoed Harry and finally looked up.

"Why aren't you out showing off in front of the girls? Playing tricks on the Slytherins like Sirius did?"

Why didn't you come to me?

A fresh wave of guilt flooded over Harry. Voldemort had done it again. He had Harry's emotions so screwed up, he didn't know who he was anymore.

Don't let him take you away from me.

Harry got up.

"That's the spirit," said Myrtle.

Harry wasn't paying attention anymore. He splashed his face with cold water and stared at his reflection. "Pull yourself together, Harry," he told himself.

Are you in a hurry to face your destiny?

Time is on your side.

Anything can happen.

A 15 year old boy stared back at him but his eyes showed a vast amount of experience. Memories of pain, worry, desolation, neglect and loneliness reflected back.

"You're not alone anymore," said Sirius from the door.

Harry dropped his head to stare at the sink. He didn't even wonder how Sirius had found him. Ron and Hermione would have went straight to him and they would have checked the map.

"I know, Sirius," said Harry. "Sometimes I just hate being Harry Potter."

"We'll come along then, Jack. I have some property in Bulgaria-"

Harry laughed. He couldn't help it.

"Thanks, Sirius."

Harry felt better by breakfast. He was determined not to let Voldemort screw up his life anymore than it already was and that included not letting him manipulate his emotions again.

Like Sirius had told him, "If James could do it so can you." And so Harry would.

Ron and Hermione didn't mention the night before or the contract, so Harry started detailing how he and Sirius were going to move to Bulgaria.

Ron thought it was extremely funny and started calling him Jack.

When the mail came, Harry was glad there was nothing for him.

Ron choked on his toast though when he read the letter from his mother.

"What is it, Ron?" said Hermione.

Ron looked up at them with wide-eyed astonishment. "Percy's getting married."

"That's wonderful," said Hermione. "What's wrong with that?"

Harry started laughing at Ron's amazement. "Oh come on, Ron. He's not THAT bad."

Ron shrugged. "I can think so if I want. He's my brother," said Ron. "And neither of you ever had to share a room with him."

Harry could remember all the arguing he heard at the Leaky Cauldron when they had all stayed there before their third year.

"You're both invited by the way. And you can each bring a guest."

"When's the wedding?" said Hermione.

"Over the Easter break."

"Why so quick?" said Hermione.

"Maybe ole Perc knocked her up," said Fred, falling to a seat by Hermione.

Hermione turned red. Harry tried not to laugh.

Ginny who was sitting a couple spots down the table stood up and smacked Fred in the head which George and Ron found hysterical.

"What's going on?" said Catherine as she approached the table now too.

Harry was still smiling as he looked up. "Family squabble," said Harry. "Ginny," Harry called and she looked over at him. She was still standing. "I think you won that round."

"They should lay off Penelope," said Ginny. "She very nice and I'm finally going to have a sister."

Harry grinned at her then looked at Catherine as she nudged him.

"Oh," said Harry as he moved over to make room for her to sit down.

"Did you hear about the dance?" said Catherine.

"Dance? What dance?" said Ron.

"I heard about it too," said Hermione. "But it's probably just a rumor."

"Well, in case it isn't," said Ron. "Will you go with me?"

Hermione stared at him and Harry burst out laughing.

"Well you told me to ask you before anyone else did and not as a last resort."

Hermione was turning red again. She threw a napkin at Harry. "You, stop laughing."

Harry stopped but was still smiling. "Well, are you going to answer him or not?"

When Hermione started to look around for something else to throw at him, Harry got the hint. "All right, I'm sorry." He got up.

"Hi, Harry."

Harry turned and smiled at Cho as she stopped beside him. "Hi Cho."

"Are you going to demolish me too on Saturday?" said Cho.

"What do you mean?" said Harry, confused. He looked at Fred. "Do we have a game on Saturday?"

George started laughing.

"A game?" said Catherine with interest. "Quidditch?"

"Honestly, Harry, for team captain, you certainly should pay attention to the schedule," said Fred.

"Are you captain of the team?" said Catherine.

"Harry is the team," called Ginny.

Harry felt himself starting to turn red.

"Harry is the best seeker in the school," said Cho.

Harry turned to her and she winked at him.

"Try not to embarrass me too bad, ok, Harry," she said and walked away.

Hermione burst out laughing as she got up and collected her stuff. She laughed all the way to Transfiguration and Harry got annoyed.

"Just what is so funny?" said Harry.

"How's it feel to have three women fighting over you?" said Hermione.

She walked into the classroom and Harry turned to Ron, puzzled. "What's she talking about?"

"No idea. Must be a girl thing," said Ron. "Come on, let's get to class."

Half way through class though, pain erupted in Harry's head. His hand hit his scar and the entire class jumped.

Harry looked at Sirius. He wasn't sure he could face Voldemort so soon. True, he had conquered the fear, well suppressed it anyway, but he wasn't sure he could endure another emotional trauma.

Voldemort signaled again and Harry stood up and went to Sirius' desk. Sirius' face was fraught with concern.

Harry leaned over the desk. "I don't know if I can do it," said Harry.

"You have to, Harry," whispered Sirius. "The contract."

"I know, but-"

Another signal. Harry sighed.

What a nightmare.

Harry stared into the fire. He felt Voldemort approaching from behind him and Harry remembered something else. Don't address him. Don't address him. He reminded himself and hoped that Voldemort wouldn't play his little semantics game.

Harry turned to face him. Voldemort didn't stop until he was right in front of Harry, staring down at him, searching his face.

"Good," said Voldemort. "I can see you have conquered your fear."

"Let's just say I suppressed it."

"I was worried, which is why I called you," said Voldemort.

"You were worried?" said Harry.

"Of course, Harry. I know how upsetting the truth can be."

The burning in his head was getting annoying so Harry took a step back. "Well I had a nice little chat with one of the first people you killed and she sort of snapped me out of it."

"Oh," said Voldemort with interest. "Who might that be?"

"Myrtle," said Harry. "She still haunts the girls bathroom."

Voldemort chuckled. "Harry, tell me you don't go around visiting the girls' bathrooms."

"That's the only place in the school to guarantee anyone privacy," said Harry. "And she rarely cries in front of me anymore. She even helped me work out a clue for the Triwizard Tournament," admitted Harry. "Although if she knew she was actually helping you, it may have killed her again."

"So the ghosts at the school do like you," said Voldemort. "And for the record, I didn't kill Myrtle, the Basilisk did."

"Who let it out?" said Harry.

"Well that was a long time ago," said Voldemort. "Back when I hated all Muggles."

"And you don't now?"

"Let's just say, I can't be bothered with them now."

"But you condone Lucius' torment of them," said Harry.

"Lucius is a purist and a bit fanatical about it," said Voldemort. "But he amuses me with his exploits." Voldemort was still searching Harry's expression. "You are quite safe though. You're mother might have been born to Muggle parents but the Potter line is purer than most. And don't worry about your friends. The Weasley line goes way back also."

"What about Hermione?" said Harry.

"Regardless of blood line, Harry. All your friends are protected through you by me."

"Protected from everyone but you."

"Harry, Harry, you have them protected through the contract, remember."

Harry almost flinched. Voldemort brought up the contract. "Now that you know I'm not going to need years of therapy to get over my traumatic experiences, can I go back to school now?"

Harry had hoped the sarcasm would amuse him enough to let the matter drop. He was wrong.

Voldemort did chuckle though. "If you ask properly," said Voldemort.

Harry tried a different approach. "May I leave your exalted presence now?"

Voldemort laughed again. "Oh, I like that one, Harry, indeed I do, but do try again."

"May I leave now," said Harry and added the word with as much loathing as he could, which was quite a bit, "Master."

Harry couldn't quite tell if it amused him or not. Voldemort reached out and took hold of Harry's face.

"So it's to be that way, is it," said Voldemort. "Not at all or with contempt enough to anger me."

"You weren't very specific," Harry managed to say. "What did you expect?"

Voldemort let go of his face and Harry staggered back.

"I expect the respect I deserve," said Voldemort.

"Respect," choked Harry, "From me?" Harry laughed. He had to. "Be glad I use your name. There are a whole lot of other things I could call you."

Voldemort smile at this, totally puzzling Harry. He reached out and touched Harry's cheek. "Oh, I know, Harry. I know," he said. "And there is one thing that you will call me that will please me very much."

Harry stared at him. He didn't like that sound of that ominous threat. And Harry considered it a threat.

"But since you have a problem with using the word master, I will delete that clause from our contract."

"Can you do that?" said Harry.

"Oh yes. I have said it, you have heard it. That clause is now gone," said Voldemort.

Harry eyed him suspiciously. Voldemort chuckled.

"Harry, don't you trust me?"

"No," said Harry bluntly.

"Smart boy. But ask your lawyer," said Voldemort. "She'll tell you."

"Then I can go now?" said Harry.

"Yes, Harry," said Voldemort then he chuckled. "You may leave my exalted presence."

Harry left before he could laugh over that. He apparated back in front of Sirius' desk.

"All right, Harry?" said Sirius.

Harry turned around. The class was looking at him, but he was too curious. "Hermione, can someone delete part of a contract just by saying it in front of the other person?"

Hermione looked puzzled. "If the other person agrees," she said. "Yes. Why?"

Harry laughed as he moved back to his desk. "He doesn't like the way I say it," said Harry.

Both Ron and Hermione caught on and they laughed too.

The rumor about the school dance turned out to be true, they found out at dinner. It was to be the day before the Easter break.

"So, who you going to ask, Harry?" said Hermione.

Harry had been staring at his Divination homework as if it were in a totally different language. "No one," said Harry absently. He looked up at Hermione. "Did you ever give Ron an answer?" The two of them were alone in the common room. Ron was serving detention for Snape.

Hermione's blush gave Harry his answer. He smiled at her and looked back down at his notes.

"Why not?" said Hermione. "I know a few girls who would love to go with you."

"Hermione," said Harry without looking up. "You know I can't ask anyone to the dance."

"Tell me why not?"

Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He looked up at her. "You know that it isn't safe being my friend," said Harry. "Voldemort's already used Sirius, Ron and you. Imagine what he'd do if he found out I had an interest in a girl." Harry sighed again. "How could I do that? She'd be an instant target for him to use to control me."

Hermione looked stricken for a minute. "But the contract has all your friends protected," she insisted.

"My friends, yes," said Harry. "But there is no stipulation about girl-friends. Voldemort could play one of little semantics games and find a loop hole. Just like we did."

"So what are you going to do?" said Hermione.

"Well, I had to go the Yule Ball last year with someone, but I don't this time. I thought I'd just go by myself and dance with everyone," said Harry. "And hope that no is mad that I didn't ask them. You will save me a dance, won't you?"

"So Harry Potter can dance now?" said Hermione.

Harry knew she was teasing. "Sirius said he'd teach me," admitted Harry. "And I'd like to have some fun before I have to go back to be tested like a laboratory rat."

Hermione frowned at him. "You know, I'm really starting to detest that man."

"Join the club," said Harry.

Harry got some odd stares from some of the girls he knew but they stopped about a week later, as if Hermione had mentioned that Harry was going to the dance alone. Harry hoped she wasn't saying why, but he was grateful that he didn't have to suffer through telling anyone who asked him no, because no one asked him.

His first dance class was fun. They had made room in the DADA classroom and Remus, Ron and Hermione were there. Sirius and Remus decided Ron needed lessons too after watching him attempt to dance with Hermione.

"Come on, Harry," said Remus, after he had stepped on Hermione's foot again. "Your father was a natural at this. Your mum too."

There was a knock at the door and Professor McGonagall popped her head around the door. "Oh dear. Am I interrupting something," she said.

"Not at all, Minerva," said Sirius, trying not to laugh. "Dance lessons."

Professor McGonagall's brows rose and she entered the room looking with interest at Harry and Hermione.

They all welcomed her back to school, Harry suppressing his disappointment that Sirius wouldn't have to teach anymore. McGonagall did, however, inform Sirius that the headmaster wished him to remain at Hogwarts until the end of the school year. An explanation didn't follow but Harry assumed it had something to do with Voldemort.

The lesson continued with McGonagall supervising.

"Stop looking at your feet, Potter," said McGonagall. "Miss Granger stop trying to lead."

Sirius stood up. "Perhaps an example," said Sirius. He held out his hand to McGonagall. "Professor, would you like to show them how?"

McGonagall looked flustered for a second then put her hand into Sirius'. Remus looked like he was biting his lip very hard to keep from laughing. He put the music back on and Harry watched.

They made it look so simple. Professor McGonagall was pointing out little things as Sirius lead her around the classroom.

Ron jumped out of his chair and grabbed Hermione's hand. "I think I got it."

"Very good, Mr. Weasley," said Professor McGonagall who seemed to have taken over the lesson now.

It was true too to Harry's dismay. Ron looked perfectly at ease now dancing with Hermione.

Harry's face must have shown his disappointment because Prof. McGonagall frowned at him. "Come here, Mr. Potter," said McGonagall. She took his left hand and put his right hand on her waist. "No look at me."

Harry looked at her face. She gave him sort of an odd smile as she laid a hand on his shoulder. He felt her push against his left hand and Harry took a step.

"You know, your father was an excellent dancer," said McGonagall, not releasing Harry's eyes. "I think he made a point of dancing with all the women teachers at every dance just to show off. Of course Sirius did too. The pair of them were quite irrepressible. And of course, Remus just leaned back and laughed."

Harry continued to look into McGonagall's amused expression, only some what aware that they were circling the room. He saw Ron and Hermione circling toward them and sort of shifted direction to keep from hitting them, but he kept his focus on what McGonagall was saying.

"Didn't Remus dance?" said Harry.

"Course he did," said McGonagall. "He just loved watching the pair of them. Your mother used to get frustrated with them and grab Remus to dance with. That of course always got your father's attention."

Harry turned them again.

"He was quite possessive by their last year, even with his friends."

Harry was so interested in what he was hearing, he hadn't noticed that the music had stopped.

"Very good, Mr. Potter," she told him with a smile.

Harry looked around. Both Sirius and Remus were smiling at him. "What did I do?"

"You were dancing," said Hermione, looking proud. "And quite well."

The next few lessons were just as fun and just as productive. And the dance was fast approaching.

"Are you avoiding me, Harry?"

Harry turned and saw Catherine staring at him with a somewhat hurt look.

"No," said Harry. "Why would I?"

"Maybe because I still don't have a date for the dance," said Catherine.

Harry blinked at her, hoping he wasn't turning red. "You mean no one has asked you?"

"I was hoping you would," said Catherine.

"But-But, I thought Hermione had told you, er," Harry started stammering pathetically.

Catherine stared at him. "You mean it's true," she said. "You really don't want to ask anyone because you're afraid it will put them in danger."

"Well you saw him," said Harry. "Just what you saw him do to me, put you and your father in danger."

Catherine suddenly looked horrified. "He's ruining your life," she whispered.

"My life?" muttered Harry, feeling cynical. "What the nightmare I wake up to every morning?" He saw her expression and was instantly sorry. "I'm sorry. I just don't want to put people I care about in danger." He caught her gaze. "You will save me a dance or two or three won't you?"

Catherine smiled, something he said making her feel better. "Of course, Harry. If I can get through all your other female admirers."

Harry laughed that one off but not an hour later he found another girl staring at him as if he were some sort of monster.

"Hi, Cho," said Harry. He immediately saw that she was irritated and when he found out why, he started going through the whole explanation again. "I'm sorry, Cho. I should have-"

"Oh, Harry," said Cho, looking distraught. "I'm sorry. I should have realized-"

"Don't Cho," said Harry, feeling awkward. "How could you know? Just promise to save me a dance."

Cho gave him a brief hug. "I will Harry," said Cho. "I will."

Harry stared at her as she moved off down the corridor. Then he went hunting for Hermione. He told Hermione what happened and she looked as if she was going to burst out laughing.

"Hermione," Harry begged.

"I'm sorry, Harry," said Hermione. "But I told you." She cast a sideways glance at him. "You're not going to even get a chance to sit down at the dance."

Harry felt like strangling her, but true to her prediction, Harry was dancing every dance - each with a different girl. He couldn't say he wasn't enjoying it though. As long as they kept up a steady flow of conversation and Harry didn't think about his feet, he never missed a step.

Harry finally got the chance to escape and get something to eat. He fell into a chair next to Ron who looked at him with a combination of jealousy and awe.

"What?" demanded Harry, hoping he wasn't going to get a dose of Ron's bitterness.

"Nothing," said Ron, watching Harry pile some food onto a plate. "I'm just impressed."

Harry cast him a glance. "Dare I ask?"

"Well you seem to be - well it looks like you're having -"

"Spit it out, Ron."

"Well, until you looked at me, you were smiling," said Ron. "You were having a good time."

"Sorry," said Harry. "It's just-"

"I know. The way I acted so jealous last year, I don't blame you."

Harry started eating. "Forget it Ron. It isn't easy being my best friend but no one could do it any better than you do."

Ron was silent for a few minutes after that. His eyes seemed to be searching the dance floor.

"Who are you looking for?" said Harry.

"Hermione," said Ron. "I haven't seen her in a while."

"Lost her have you?"

Ron smirked at him, probably because Ron had said the same thing to Viktor Krum last year in his jealousy. And since Hermione had turned herself out quite stunningly tonight, Harry could guess Ron was just as jealous again, even if she had come with Ron.

"Oh, no," muttered Ron.

"What?"

"She's dancing with that Cretan from Ravenclaw."

Harry turned to see Hermione dancing with the Quidditch captain of the house. Harry didn't consider him a Cretan but could understand Ron's point.

"Help me, Harry," said Ron. "Go rescue her. I'll look like a fool if I try to cut in."

Harry almost laughed, then almost choked on it.

Don't blow this for me, Sirius.

I need you, Sirius. Please come.

"Just like I would do for you, Harry," Sirius had said.

Ron had just asked him...

Harry got up and grabbed Pavroti. "Dance with me for a second, Pavroti" said Harry pulling her toward the dance floor. "I have to rescue Hermione."

Pavroti appeared pleased as Harry led her around the floor toward Hermione. Then she seemed pleased again at the partner Harry was going to present her too.

"Wow, thanks, Harry," she said.

Harry smiled at her. "No, thank you for helping so quickly."

"You didn't give me much choice."

"Sorry," said Harry but he was still smiling. He stopped beside the other couple and tapped Roger's shoulder. "Mind if I cut in?" Harry didn't wait for an answer. He grabbed Hermione and twirled her away.

"Oh, thank you, Harry," sighed Hermione.

Harry grinned down at her. "It wasn't me. Ron got all jealous and asked me to save you."

"He did?" said Hermione, turning red but looking pleased all the same.

Harry wanted to laugh but a nudge on the shoulder stopped him. He turned his head and saw Ron. "Mind if I cut in?" said Ron.

Harry did laugh then. He passed Hermione to Ron and looked down at his new partner.

"So this is what it takes for me to dance with famous Harry Potter."

Harry laughed as he wrapped an arm around Ginny and spun her away from Ron. "Where have you been, Ginny?" said Harry. "I've been looking all over for you. Of course I wanted to dance with you."

Ginny's face took on that becoming reddish glow again. "I haven't been hiding. But my toes may never recover from dancing with Neville so much."

Harry laughed again.

"Harry?"

"Yes, Ginny?"

"Is it true?" said Ginny. "What Ron said about why you wouldn't ask anyone to the dance?"

"Yes," said Harry.

"Um."

"What is it?"

Ginny looked up at him hesitantly. He met her gaze. "Would you have considered asking me?"

Harry stared at her. Her face was turning pink again and he finally understood what Hermione had said about having three women fighting over him.

"Ginny, your family is the only family I've had before Sirius," said Harry. "They took me in when I had no one. You're like my sister."

"I'm not your sister," said Ginny almost venomously. "I've got enough brothers."

"I know," said Harry.

"Then what's wrong with me?"

Harry blinked at her. She sounded like him for crying out loud. "Nothing," he insisted. "There's nothing wrong with you." He felt defensive on her part now that she was looking up at him with a dejected expression. Harry wished he didn't know how it felt.

He let go of her hand and gently raised her chin. "Ginny," said Harry. "You are brave - you stood up to Voldemort for me. Loyal - you comforted me and supported me when I ran away. You're also strong and compassionate."

Harry felt her hand fall onto his shoulder and lightly brush his hair by his ear. A jolt of electricity went through him as if he had just been hexed.

Still those eyes looked up at him as if she would die if he let go of her. His arm tightened around her instinctively.

"Harry, I-"

Pain exploded in Harry's head and his hand left her face to hit his scar.

"Are you all right?"

"Walk with me," said Harry. Ginny took his arm and they moved toward the hall. Harry's hand went to his head again and he felt Ginny's hands tighten around his arm.

Once they were outside the castle, Harry let go of Ginny and slumped against the wall.

"He's calling you, isn't he?"

"Yes."

She made a strangling noise. "You have to go, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Oh, Harry," cried Ginny.

"It's all right," said Harry. "I shouldn't be long. Tell Ron to wait up for me. OK."

"I will."

"Thanks, Ginny," said Harry. "And," he reached out and touched her face, then couldn't think of anything to say. "Well, thanks."

What a nightmare.

Harry stared into the fire. He could all ready feel Voldemort approaching. Turning as Voldemort hit the flinch zone, Harry said, "Well that was rather rude of you."

Voldemort's eyes traveled over Harry in his dress robes. "Ah, the dance," said Voldemort. "Were you enjoying yourself?"

"Actually, yes," said Harry. "Your signal scared the hell out of my dance partner though."

"Oh dear," said Voldemort. "Who was it? I'll have to send the dear girl a note."

Harry almost laughed. "Yeah, I might tell you," said Harry. "What do you want, Voldemort?"

"Ah, I see Hermione has told you that the contract has been successfully modified."

"She did. Can we get on with it? I still have a few dances left if I get back on time."

"Harry, Harry, are you in a rush to leave me?"

Harry blinked at him. "Let's see." He looked at his left hand. "A room full of pretty girls." Harry looked at Voldemort then at his right hand. "Or you? Let me think."

Voldemort smirked.

"I'll be seeing you tomorrow anyway," said Harry. "I'd like to get back."

Voldemort puzzled Harry by smiling again.

"Why did you call me?" said Harry curiously.

Voldemort chuckled again. "The arrangements for you and Catherine coming back to camp tomorrow. Since she can't apparate, you will take the train with her and I will arrange to have you both picked up."

"Fine," said Harry very glad it was something as simple as that. "Can I go now?"

Voldemort grabbed his face. "You're not being very nice, Harry."

"So who said I was nice," said Harry, as he slowly slid to his knees.

Voldemort laughed. "Go back to school, Harry," said Voldemort.

Harry was too frustrated and too irritated to return to the dance so he apparated back to the common room.

He looked around the empty room and hung his head. Harry's trunk was all ready packed. We went up to the dormitory and sat down on his bed. Rowan flew into his chest.

Harry looked down at her. He ruined the dance for me anyway, thought Harry.

Rowan made a sad, beautiful noise.

Harry fell onto his bed, Rowan still holding onto his arm.

"My life is a nightmare," said Harry.