Harry Potter and the Scar of Fate

Chapter 6

Cards on the Table

Life was soon back to normal. With Quidditch and classes taking up most of his time, Harry's hands were full. Hagrid had even brought Grawp to class one day. The giant had learnt a lot and had become quite friendly. And he'd taken a liking to Hermione as well. This made everyone laugh, and Hermione blush.

Before they knew it, it was Christmas. Ron and Hermione went home. Draco stayed back. Harry had quite a pleasant time with Kathy and Draco. Kathy was loving Hogwarts. Initially, there had been some problems with a Muggle-born in Slytherin, but Kathy had managed to endear herself to everyone, even the teachers. Of course, being Harry Potter's protégé was a huge help.

On Christmas morning, Harry woke up late. In fact, it was Dobby who woke him up with his usual gift, a pair of socks. Harry gave Dobby half a dozen clothes, and the house elf went away, his eyes leaking with joy.

Harry looked at the huge pile of gifts at the foot of his bed. People he hadn't even heard about were sending him gifts. He grinned, remembering the events just before the end of te. Voldemort had also sent him a note, wishing him a Happy Christmas and asking for a meeting. Harry frowned. What could Voldemort want now? He immediately sent a note saying that he would arrive at the Riddle House at 5 pm. He proceeded to view his other gifts.

The moment he stepped out of the Gryffindor tower, Kathy rushed at him.

"Thank you so much! It was lovely! Did you like my gift?"

Harry smiled and nodded. He had given her a pretty dress robe and she had given him a quill which had a snitch on top.

"It was excellent, dear."

Kathy beamed at him. "Draco and Ron and Hermione also sent me gifts! Wasn't it sweet of them?"

Harry looked appraisingly at the girl he loved as his little sister. She had grown. She was no longer pale. Her cheeks were pink, and her eyes glowed with happiness. She was rather pretty, he thought. He smiled grimly to himself. He would have lots of problems in the future, namely, boys.

As soon as Kathy went to her friends, promising to be back in a minute, Harry told Draco about his appointment and told him to keep Kathy out of the way for him. Draco nodded.

At five, Harry Apparated to his grandfather's house. Voldemort stood up to greet him. Harry was surprised to see him alone. There were no Death Eaters visible in the vicinity.

"Well?" Harry said, by way of greeting.

"Harry, I wanted to tell you all my plans."

"Why?"

"Isn't it apparent? I want you to help me!"

"No way!"

"Listen to me first, then decide. I'm sure you'll agree with me."

Voldemort outlined his schemes. Harry listened in awe, wishing fervently Hermione was there. The old fool's finally cracked, he thought to himself.

"Will you help me?" Voldemort asked hopefully.

"No."

"Why?"

"I do not approve of killing, Lord Voldemort."

Voldemort smirked. "Pray tell me, then, why did you kill the Weasley?"

"That's none of your concern."

"Language, Harry. Anyway, if you don't help me, I'll unleash anarchy all over the world. Help me, Harry. For once, I am planning to do something actually good, merely for your sake. If you don't help me, I'll reverse my plan."

Harry paled. He couldn't let him do that. But he couldn't help him kill all those people, even though they did deserve death. He shook his head.

"Are you sure, Harry? All of them are your enemies. And mine, too. Why don't we join forces? With or without your help, I'll kill them anyway. But your help will make it a lot faster. And I'll spare your lot if you help me."

Harry shook his head. "No, I can't. I know that these people should be punished, but killing them so callously...I don't think that is a good idea, Grandpa. Don't do it. We can send them to Azkaban...you can order the Dementors to go back. They'll deserve that. What you say is too cruel. Too bloody. And I'm not fond of bloodshed."

"You think you'll ever be able to convince the jury of their guilt? You're so naïve, my boy...they'll never listen, Harry, not even to you. I told you the details of theircrimes. How can you even think that they deserve to live?"

"They're not worse than you."

Voldemort's face contorted with anger. "You dare to compare me with those? Get out of my house this instant! We're mortal enemies from this instant, Harry Potter. I swear I'll kill you if it's the last thing I do. We shall meet again soon, and that will be in a battle."