An Orchid By Any Other Name

Chapter 6- The duel

Harry skipped down the steps, feeling intoxicated. Everyone and everyplace seemed beautiful and new, and he knew he could make everything work out between Draco and Ron too. As he approached the second floor landing above the entrance hall, he heard Ron shrieking, obviously hurt. He broke into a run, anxiety suddenly seizing him. Did the duel already happen? Why is Ron up here if they were meeting at the lake? As Harry left the corridor and turned the corner, he could see Ron on the floor, curled up against the back wall, twitching.

"Ron! What happened? Where is Draco?" Ron didn't answer.

"I'm over here Potter. Came to see the action? I wondered why you didn't show up sooner. Maybe you could have saved him." Draco pointed his wand at Ron. "Again, shall we Weasley? Crucio."

As Ron screamed again, Harry pointed his wand at Draco.

"Expelliarmus!" Draco dodged the spell, but he had to lower his wand and Ron became quiet again.

As Harry ran towards Draco, Draco turned to him, wand in hand."Impedimenta!"

Harry flew back against the wall. Scrambling back to his feet, he saw Draco preparing to curse Ron again."STUPEFY!" shouted Harry, heart full of rage, and when the jet of red light from Harry's wand met Draco's chest, it didn't just stun him, but hurled him backwards with its force, right over the railing and down to the entrance hall below.

"NOOOOOO!" Harry heard a revolting CRACK as Draco's body connected with the marble floor. A crowd assembled around Draco, and Harry, looking down, saw a pool of blood forming under his head. His eyes staring blankly ahead, Draco was still. His left sleeve was pulled up, revealing a red scar on his inner forearm portraying a skull with a snake coming out of its open mouth.Harry ran back to Ron, rolling him over. "Ron! We have to get out of here!" Ron was alive and conscious, but he didn't turn to look at Harry, or even make any sign that he had heard him. "RON!... COME ON... RON!" Ron was catatonic. I need help! Where is everyone? Why didn't they stay with him? Harry looked around wildly and saw Dumbledore striding over to him and Ron. "Go to my office, Harry; the password is 'gingersnap'. I will meet you there as soon as I can. Run."

Professor Dumbledore looked worried, and Harry did as he was told. He saw Hermione, Ginny, and Neville running up the stairs as he entered the stairwell opposite. Harry ran through the halls, weaving between groups of students as they made their ways to their common rooms from the great hall. He had almost reached the stone gargoyle that guards the headmaster's office when he heard Orchid calling him from behind. She was running too, and tears were in her eyes. By now, some kids were stopping to watch them with curiosity. They clearly had not heard about Draco yet.

"Harry!"

"Come on, Orchid; in here," said Harry. "Gingersnap."

Students stared as the gargoyle sprung aside and they went upstairs.

"Orchid- I don't know what happened- I just wanted to stop him-"

She interrupted him. "I know, Harry. I saw Draco and Ron, and Professor Dumbledore told me to find you. What's going to happen now?"

"Well, I'm a murderer, Orchid! I killed your cousin! They're probably going to throw me in Azkaban. ...I'm so sorry. Now your life is ruined too."

"Harry, have hope. Everyone knows you were just defending your friend, and, I mean, Draco was using an unforgivable curse on him. You only used a stunning spell; it's not your fault he fell. There were witnesses. They all saw the dark mark on his arm too; the Ministry will have to believe you." She embraced him. "Anyway, we're bound now... even if that means we have to live in exile, I'll be happy with you. I love you."

"I love you too. I knew you'd understand." Harry kissed her as tears streamed down his cheeks. He held her silently and they wept together. It was not until some fifteen minutes later that Dumbledore came in.

"We have little time to talk, so listen now. Harry, you'll have to leave Hogwarts in the morning, go into hiding at least until I can make sure the ministry will protect you legally. Yet, it is not the law you have to be frightened of... it's the Death Eaters. Voldemort is known for richly rewarding a Death Eater who avenges the death of a comrade. Of course, they wanted to kill you anyway, but now their anger and ambition will be even greater. You can go to Grimmauld place; it is empty since we moved headquarters. I'm afraid it would be unwise to send you along just yet, Orchid. I will think of a plan, and send word to both of you as soon as it is safe. If all goes well, you can be back here in a matter of days. On the other hand, you should both be prepared for the worst. Do you need to ask me anything?

"Ron, Professor, is he going too be okay?"

"No, I'm afraid there is only a very slight chance of recovery. He has already been moved to St. Mungo's."

Harry could not help but cry aloud again. He felt like vomiting. Dumbledore dried his eyes too.

"I have to go inform Mrs. Malfoy. Please- do not stay in here too long; I am sure I will be back soon with the minister and others. I will send you an owl tomorrow to Grimmauld place. Be careful."

Orchid waited while Harry got himself together. She held his hand and smoothed his hair. When Harry thought of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Ron's brothers and Ginny, and he had to fight back the tears repeatedly. Finally, he stood up and held Orchid around the waist. "When you are with me, I can't help but have hope. Without my love for you, what would I have? You are a precious gift. I don't even deserve you."

"Shhhh... You're my true love and my treasure! You won my heart, Harry, and now I'll be with you always. ....Let's go- Dumbledore's right; you aren't safe here now."

Harry led her to the seventh floor, walking quickly and quietly. Luckily, all the students had been sent to their dormitories and the corridors were completely empty.

"So, what is this Room of Requirement, anyway?" Orchid asked. Harry explained as they made their way up the stairs..