It Felt Right

Chapter 6

The news spread so fast and as expected, when the sun set that very day, the whole school knew that Harry was in the hospital wing. He had been there for more that twelve hours and yet he was still unconscious. Harry was in a crucial condition when he was brought up there. His nose was bleeding and there were cuts on his forehead. His glasses broke and his shoulder was unattached. Ron took him there and Hermione was surprised that Ron could even carry Harry from the tower to the infirmary. All the way, Hermione was cursing herself for being so hard on Harry and for not using a much softer spell.

Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were waiting at the infirmary when both Ron and Hermione arrived there. They were startled, but prepared for the worst. They knew Professor Dumbledore would be there. He was the headmaster and constantly eyeing the school for any trouble. Ron put Harry down from his shoulder and lay him on the bed. Madam Pomfrey was busy treating Harry.

"There is nothing you two could do around here," said Madam Pomfrey to Ron and Hermione. "You did well by bringing Harry as fast as possible."

"But we want to stay and keep an eye on him," said Ron, holding Harry's arm and looking at Harry with sadness in his eyes.

"Harry needs to be alone, Ron," interfered Professor Dumbledore, his voice as calm as usual and looking at Harry at the end of the feet. He walked over to Ron and continued, "Maybe we should respect Madam Pomfrey's opinion and be off with that," continued Professor Dumbledore, touching Ron's shoulder.

Ron didn't move and instead of following Hermione and the rest towards the door, he took a chair and sat right next to Harry, holding his hand firmly. "I need to stay with Harry. It was my fault and I'm sure you know that Professor," said Ron, slowly turned his face towards Professor Dumbledore and then back at Harry.

Hermione began to cry again. "I was the one who was holding the wand, Ron," said Hermione, unable to finish her sentence completely. Then she looked up at Professor McGonagall who was staring at her and continued, "I didn't mean to, Professor."

"There-there Miss Granger," comforted Professor McGonagall to Hermione. "I'm sure you didn't."

Professor Dumbledore studied Ron for a while and then signaled Professor McGonagall to depart. They were bringing Hermione to Professor Dumbledore's office for questioning.

*******

After several hours, Harry was still sleeping, but at least he was clean. Ron fell asleep at the corner of the bed, his head placed on top of his arm. Then, there was a movement. Harry's eyes were opened, but closed again as the dim light was shinning directly to his eyes. He tried to open them again and gazed around. It was morning, but had not reached dawn. He looked around and recognized the place. When he turned his face to the left, he saw a person, still in his same old cloth, sleeping by his bedside. Harry moved his hand and gently shook Ron's arm. Ron woke up and blinked his eyes at Harry.

"Harry, you're awake," said Ron, holding Harry's arm.

Harry smiled and his nose began to turn red and his eyes watering.

"No-no, don't Harry. It is my fault. I am so sorry for doing this to you," said Ron as he stood up and sat beside Harry.

"No, I shouldn't have done that to you, Ron. You're my friend. How could I have done that?" replied Harry, tears running down his cheeks. "I hate myself."

Ron was pleased to hear that. Harry really treasured his friendship and at the same time adored his relationship with Draco Malfoy. They were silent for a moment as Harry wiped his tears away.

"How's Hermione?" asked Harry, watching Ron for a good answer.

"I don't know. She's been questioned by Professor Dumbledore, no doubt about that," replied Ron, looking at Harry. "I've been here waiting for you, Harry. I didn't go out and check how she's doing," explained Ron when he saw the surprised look on him.

"Oh," replied Harry, staring at the ceiling. "But why? Why have you been waiting for me?" asked Harry, confused.

"Well, because I've hurt you," supplied Ron, fixing his hair.

"I'm sorry, but you lost me there. Was I not the one pushing you up to the air and ready to jinx you?" asked Harry, trying to get his body up and placing a pillow behind him.

Ron was irritated. "You don't have to repeat that. I know what you did to me, but that was because I send your paper back to Malfoy and he read it and he was mad because you don't seem interested in it," replied Ron, caressing Harry's hair gently.

"You gave my paper back to Malfoy?" asked Harry, bewildered at what he was hearing.

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, you didn't ask, silly. And if I were to explain it to you, I wouldn't have the chance."

There was silent between them and Harry was once again having a headache. The sun had risen and the windows were partly showered with the ray of light. Then, suddenly, Harry remembered something.

"Err...Ron. How did you know I was not interested in Malfoy's offer?" asked Harry, waiting for a reasonable reason.

Ron who was staring outside the window sat still.

Before Ron could answer, someone came running inside the room and searching wildly for someone or something. He looked like someone Harry recognized and before Harry could identify whom the person was, he heard the boy spoke.

"Blimey! It's dark in here."

"Ron?" asked Harry as soon as he heard the voice.

"But it couldn't be. Ron is with me."

"Harry? Is that you?" asked the boy, coming nearer to the bed.

Then, true as he looked, it was Ron Weasley. Harry was shocked to see Ron Weasley sitting next to his bed and Ron Weasley standing at the end of the bed.

"What's wrong with me? Did I knock the wall too hard?"

"Harry- Oh, sorry. I didn't know you have company," said Ron, giggling and looking curiously at the person sitting close to Harry. He looked quite the same like him- red haired and small.

"It's- It's okay...It's you," replied Harry, ready to faint.

"What?" asked the true Ron. Then gracefully, Ron stood up from Harry's bed and turned his face towards the boy.

"Arghh!! Is- is that me?" asked the boy, whimpering. "Is that how I really look?"

"What?" asked Harry, jerking his head from both of the boys. He was expecting more like 'who is that?'

"I look good," replied the other boy, moving his head up and down the figure standing.

Then, suddenly, Ron who was with him from the beginning was shinning and sparks of fireworks appeared from his leg and worked his way up to his head, circling him. The clothes did not seem to change, but the color of the skin was turning pale and smooth. However, before the transformation was complete, the boy was ready to run.

"No- wait!" yelled Harry, his hand forward and was ready to get off the bed.

The boy did not wait for Harry and went away, banging the door behind him. Harry fell to the floor because he was too weak to stand up. His legs were failing him altogether. The other Ron was shocked, but came to Harry's rescue. He held Harry's hand on his shoulder and helped him to the bed once more.

"Ron? Is that really you?" asked Harry, eyes randomly looking over at the boy.

"Harry, it is me. Now, I don't know who that was, but I'm sure I am me," replied Ron, touching his face for assurance himself.

Harry's headache was hurting him again. There was this smell of beer around him and he looked at Ron.

"Have you been drinking?" asked Harry, pushing Ron gently backwards.

Ron giggled and nodded. "I couldn't believe it myself, Harry. I drank a glass and next thing I know, I wanted more," said Ron, placing his hand on his mouth. "And guessed who I saw in that bar, Harry?" asked Ron, his eyebrows raised. Harry looked at Ron and shrugged.

"Malfoy. Yes, Draco Malfoy, alone without his loyal defensive servants," replied Ron, his expression changed. "I don't think he saw me, but I don't recall he was drinking too," continued Ron, staring at the other beds.

"What happened, then?" asked Harry, interested in the story.

"Huh? Oh," said Ron, tracing his eyes back on Harry. "Well, I had a couple more of butterbeers and I was laughing like mad."

"About what?" Harry asked, curiously.

"Just," replied Ron. "About life and my terrible love life," continued Ron. "Or maybe about your damn paper, Harry."

Harry was silent. Ron was having hiccoughs now.

"You have my paper?" asked Harry, trying to sound innocent.

"Yes, but it is no longer there if you want it back."

Typical. It was lucky that Harry was weak.

"I fell from the chair, drunk and I saw Malfoy came reaching his hand for me minutes later," said Ron, ashamed of what he was saying.

"What did he do? Did he hit you?" asked Harry, angrily.

Ron shook his head. "No, he didn't. He left me there after taking something from my pocket robe."

Harry's eyes widened. He ran a hand through his hair slowly.

"He knew about the paper. But how?"

"Erm...I think you need your rest, Harry," said Ron, breaking the silent. "I'll just go now. And Harry," trailed Ron, looking miserable. "You won't tell anyone that I drink, will you?"

Harry smiled and nodded his head.

"Thanks, Harry."

*******

Earlier on, after Harry was safely placed in the hands of Madam Pomfrey, Hermione followed Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall to the headmaster's office. Once the door was opened, all the pictures of great wizards on the wall were still sleeping and dozing off with few light snoring. The sorting hat on top of the shelf was not, however. It was looking and watching Hermione who was sobbing quietly. As they reached Professor Dumbledore's table, Hermione was seated on the chair in front of the desk and looked at the headmaster who was attending to the phoenix bird in the cage. It turned into flames minutes later and Hermione shrieked.

"Nothing to be afraid of Miss Granger. It will be reborn soon," said Professor Dumbledore, waiting for the bird to appear. Instead, from the ashes at the bottom of the cage, out came a baby phoenix bird chirping. Smiling, Professor Dumbledore went to his seat and brought his hands together on the table. Professor McGonagall was standing beside him.

"As you already know, Miss Granger, what happen to Harry is quite clear to every professors in this castle," said Professor Dumbledore, handing out tissues to Hermione. He looked at Hermione and smiled. "No, you won't be expelled," continued Professor Dumbledore, nodding his head towards Hermione, red eyes looking at him. She was relieved, but still afraid of what will happen to Harry. Professor Dumbledore nudged at Professor McGonagall to speak.

"However, your behavior and the others who are included will not be tolerate, Miss Granger," said Professor McGonagall, sadly. "I'm afraid I have to take fifty points from you...each."

Hermione raised her head and looked at Professor McGonagall in shocked.

Professor Dumbledore took a long breath and rested his back on his seat. "Minerva, I think that will do. I will see you in the morning, but I do have something to tell Miss Granger in person, if you don't mind," said Professor Dumbledore, looking at Professor McGonagall seriously. Professor McGonagall did not mind. She simply nodded and walked passed Hermione with a tap on her shoulder.

When the door was closed behind them, the pictures on the wall were yawning and some were already eyeing them. Professor Dumbledore stared at his bird then at Hermione.

"Your friend, Ron, is not hurt Hermione," said professor Dumbledore, smiling as he surveyed her through his half-moon glasses. Hermione flinched from the headmaster's confident information and started opening her mouth to speak. But, she was cut off.

"In fact, he is not really Ron Weasley," said Professor Dumbledore. "That person simply turned himself into him and had everything planned."

Hermione was not crying now. "Polyjuice potion?"

Professor Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, Hermione. He uses polyjuice potion for that."

"But who would do such a thing and why?" asked Hermione, unable to think straight.

Professor Dumbledore touched his long silver beard and said, "It is Draco Malfoy, but for what reason I'm afraid I don't know."

*******

Harry was released from the hospital the next day and Ron and Hermione were already waiting for him outside. Fred and George were there too. They were explaining something to Ron, but Hermione was left out. She leant against the wall with her bag at her legs. When Harry closed the door, Hermione came shouting his name.

"Harry! How are you?" asked Hermione, helping him to walk.

The others look and came forward to see how he was doing. Hermione said something that Ginny was unable to come, but sent her best wishes. Harry nodded and being the center of attention, he was feeling a bit shy. He stopped right in front of Ron and wanted to say something, but Ron spoke sooner.

"It doesn't matter, Harry. Hermione told me everything. I understand," said Ron. "What are friends for?"

Harry smiled. "Alright, Harry?" asked Fred. "Do you need our help? I'm sure we have something from the Snackbox," continued George, rummaging through his bag.

"No. I'm fine, George," replied Harry, thankful for the offer. "I think I want to go back now. Thanks for the warm welcome, guys."

"I'll come with you, Harry." Hermione followed Harry. Harry looked at her and she continued, "I have something to tell you." She looked at the others, then at Harry. "It's very important."

"If it's important, then I should come along, right?" Ron interjected. He looked at both of them. "Right?" continued Ron when there was no answer from his friends.

"Yes, generally it should involve you, Ron, but," Hermione said, looking at Harry, then at Ron again. "This is different. Harry needs to know it alone."

"But you know it," said Ron, not ready to lose. "Then how is it possible for Harry to keep it his secret if you know it?"

Harry looked at Hermione with the expression of 'Do something, fast!' Hermione frowned and sighed. "It's not really a secret. I didn't say that. I just said it's important for Harry to hear it out in person from me without any interference from anyone."

Ron looked hurt from Hermione's reply, but kept quiet. "Then you'll tell me then afterwards?" asked Ron. Hermione smiled and nodded. They started walking and Ron and his brothers watched them until they were gone.

*******

"Look at our points, Hermione," asked Harry, staring at the main board that showed the houses' points. Some of the Gryffindorians were there and they kept on shaking their heads out of disappointment. Harry ran a hand through his hair and looked at Hermione.

"What did you want to talk about, Herm?" asked Harry, walking away from the place and heading towards the quidditch field. The Slytherin team was having their practice and Harry stopped from continuing his steps. He didn't want them to say he was spying on their strategies again. But, as he turned his body, he could see that Draco was not there. Harry sighed and left the place.

Hermione who walked at Harry's right side began to speak. "Harry, I know this might sound unbelievable, but it was not Ron who you nearly strangled in your room." She bit her lower lip and waited for Harry to say she was going berserk. Harry stopped walking and looked at her.

"How did you know? You were not there," replied Harry, his voice lowered down.

Hermione was confused. "There? Where, Harry?" asked Hermione, tightening her grip on the bag. Harry explained again what he and Ron saw when the boy changed and at the end had ran outside the room.

"So, it is true what Professor Dumbledore says," replied Hermione, staring at the floor.

"What, Hermione? Do you know who that person it?" asked Harry, closing to Hermione.

She looked at Harry and let out a sighed. She felt sad for she had to be the one breaking the bad news.

"Yes, Harry, I know," Hermione said, "It is Malfoy."

*******

Harry was given an excuse the whole day on Monday due to the event that had happened to him. He was relieved and went to thank Professor Dumbledore for being there for him when he was nursed. They talked and Professor Dumbledore asked him to control his temper for it brought nothing, but destruction. Harry agreed to it and after that, he went out and started walking down the hall. When he took a corner, he bumped himself with someone the same height as him.

"Watch it!" said the boy, high pitched.

"Malfoy?" asked Harry, looking from the boy's back.

Draco stopped and turned his body to face Harry. "Well, if it isn't the Boy-Who-Lived." He smirked, then continued, "Saved again, are we not?"

"It's not funny," replied Harry, his temper rising.

"Do you see me laughing?" replied Draco, sarcastically.

"I know it was you in my room. It was you who carry me to the infirmary and it was you who used Polyjuice potion," said Harry, pointing a finger at Draco's chest.

Draco looked at the finger and then at Harry. He came forward. "Guilty as charged, Potter," said Draco. "Yes, it was me. So, sue me."

Harry was so tensioned. Draco would never take his words seriously and no matter what the situation was, he always made it sounds so simple.

"Do you realize that I nearly killed you?"

"But, you didn't"

"And I could have lost you that day!"

"But, you didn't"

"And you won't know how I feel about you..."

"But, I know"

"And...and...I'll regret that for my entire life if it ever happen..."

Harry's eyes were filled with tears now. He wouldn't allow them to go down, but it came without asking. Draco took a step nearer to Harry and gently pushed Harry's finger down. Carefully, he closed the space between them and gave Harry his warm and passionate hug- a hug of a lost and desired lover. Harry did not respond to it for a moment, but when Draco tightened his grip around Harry's waist, Harry nuzzled to Draco's neck and cried. Draco was feeling overjoyed and he never felt that way before. He tilted his face towards Harry's right ear and whispered, "Nothing will ever happen to me, Harry. Nothing." Harry managed a smile and brought his arms around Draco's back.

*******