When they arrived at Hogwarts Harry stayed rather distant from Ron and Hermione. His mind wandered to the conversation in the cabin. Was he really that angry that he had to blow up at his friends? they were only looking out from him...and he had shoved them away. He sighed they must think he was truly insane. As Harry got off the train he barley nodded to Hagrid as he made his way to the castle with all the other students.
Ron and Hermione walked beside each other glancing behind them every now and again to make sure Harry hadn't disappeared. Ron looked at Hermione with a grave expression. He was really worried about Harry. What had the Dursley's done to him that could have caused this. "What do you think Dumbledore is going to do?" he said softly.
Hermione only shrugged "I really don't know what Dumbledore can do Ron. Its not like he can forbid Harry to go back to the Dursleys...can he?" this had her thinking. As always Hermione was over thinking things, trying to figure out every possible outcome. But this, this had her stumped. "What if he makes Harry stay here?"
"I don't think that students are allowed to stay at the castle during the summer" Ron said. "Maybe he could come stay with me?" he suggested with a bright smile but Hermione shook her head. "Your parents would have to legally adopt him" this whipped the smile off Ron's face. "We will have to wait and see i guess" He threw another glance over his shoulder at Harry.
Harry's hands were shoved in his pockets as he trudged along behind everyone else. Watching the ground he nearly tripped and a few people away you could hear Malfoy snickering "Whats wrong Potter? Sick of losing everyone that cares about you? Realize that you truly are alone?" He laughed again
Looking over at Malfoy, Harry's face darkened. "Shut up Malfoy" he snapped
"Make me Potter" he growled back. Eyebrows knitting together into a scowl. "Or does that go against everything a Gryffindor stands for?"
That was the last straw, Harry felt something inside him snap, the rational part of him was gone, he could only feel his anger as he lunged himself at Draco. Dropping his wand on the ground he slammed Draco into the ground. Many of the students dove to get out of the way others crowded around them to see what was happening. "Get off me Potter!" Draco yelled but Harry had his hands around his neck, all his anger at the Dursleys was fueling his actions. Draco wasn't about to take this lying down, he slammed his fist into Harry's face. Losing his grip on Malfoy's neck he hit him numerous times with great force, more force than he knew he had.
Hermione noticed a group of kids gathering in a big clump, running over she noticed Harry on the ground with Draco. "Harry stop!" she screamed at him as the two boys rolled around trying to strangle each other. Draco's robes were torn and he was covered in dirt. Harry hadn't suffered as much damage but he had a cut across his cheek, opposite to the bruise. Draco's eyes were dark and it occurred to Hermione that he was out for blood. As soon as Draco pulled his wand out Hermione ran to get Hagrid before harry seriously got hurt.
When Draco pulled out his wand everyone froze, including Harry. He reached for his own wand only to find that it wasn't there. Panic started to creep into him, it would be very easy for Draco to kill him right now. He made a quick movement, as Draco was now on top of him, and thrust his knee upwards. Pain flashed across Draco's face but he did not budge 'Dammit!' Harry thought. He knew now that this was a huge mistake, but he realized now why he must have done it. He knew if he lost Draco would not hesitate to kill him. Maybe that's what he wanted but now every muscle in his body hurt and he knew that his face was even more beat up that it was before, and if her survived this no doubt he would be expelled. He closed his eyes, hearing yelling in the distance he wondered why Draco hadn't made his move yet. He was sadly disappointed not 3 seconds later as Draco was hefted up off him and held in the air by Hagrid. "That's enough!" he said
Harry could feel to strong hands gripping him by the shoulders and yanking him to his feet, not bothering to be gentle. A sound of pain escaped Harry. And he instantly regretted it because the blonde boy now thought that he had won. "To bad Potter, you never were a good fighter"
"Can it Malfoy!" Harry yelled and tried to escape from the grip that was holding him, but the grip only tightened, making Harry stop. He looked to see who was holding him and his eyes widened to see Severus Snape standing there. An angry expression on his face. Knowing that Snape had just go involved Harry suddenly wished that Draco had killed him...it would definitely be quicker and less painful than this. Trying to keep his balance as Snape dragged him to the castle was no easy. While everyone filed into the Great Hall, Harry found himself in Dumbledore's office.
The old man stood which his back to Harry when Snape pulled him in. "Albus" he said as he finally released Harry. Draco, upon orders, had followed Snape to the Headmasters office. "These two decided it would be funny to try and kill each other." His voice was stiff as if he found something amusing by this statement.
Albus slowly turned to face them, taking in both Harry's and Draco's appearances, then looking at Snape he gave a brief nod. "What happened" he said, voice sounded calm but it was still strict enough to know it was an order.
"Draco-
"Potter started it-"
"And then he-"
"Shut up Potter!"
Dumbledore sighed and rubbed his temples "Enough!" he said, voice loud and commanding. It was almost as if his voice vibrated off the walls. The sound alone made Harry freeze in place, even though his muscles ached they tensed up. Once again Harry found himself rubbing at the cuts on his wrist unconsciously. Both Severus and Albus seemed to notice and they both shared a confused glance before Albus returned his attention to the now two cowering boys. He had no doubt in his mind that it was the young Slytherin who had caused the issue but he couldn't state this opinion out loud. While Draco was standing there doing his best to show no fear, Harry seemed to be staring at the floor, like he was waiting to be hit or something. Albus sighed "Both of you will serve one week detention with Professor Snape."
Harry's head snapped up and he fixed his gaze on his potions teacher. He gulped, Snape had hated Harry since his first day at Hogwarts and Harry had tried his best to stay away from him as much as possible. And now he was sentenced to spend a week with him?! He was doomed. When the potions master set his cold menacing gaze on Harry he quickly averted his eyes.
Draco didn't seem all that worried about it, in fact he caught himself grinning at Snape before turning his attention back to Dumbledore "Yes sir" he said all hints of joking gone. Dumbledore took a deep breath. "You may go Draco." as soon as the words had left his lips Draco was already headed for the door.
He paused as he passed Harry "See you 'round. Potter" then he fled from the room.
Dumbledore took a seat behind his desk, motioning for Harry to sit down as well. When Harry obliged he seemed to relax a bit. "Harry. Are you alright my boy?" he asked. His eyes were gentle, his face showed nothing but warmth. Still though the question took his off guard, and it showed when Harry answered automatically.
"I'm fine sir" he said but despite his words he was still rubbing at his wrist, causing it to bleed a bit again. Severus, who was watching from his position by the door, raised an eyebrow. What was wrong with this boy. he thought silently to himself.
"Are you sure Harry?" Dumbledore's eyes also rested on Harry's wrist. When Harry noticed he swiftly stopped and pulled his sleeve farther down so they couldn't see the blood. "I'm alright sir...Honest" he slowly rose from his chair. He really just wanted to get out of here and go to the Great Hall with his friends.
Dumbledore sighed "Alright Harry. But if you ever want to talk, you have people who care about you here." When Harry didn't respond, he motioned for him to run along. Harry bowed slightly before running out of the room.
Severus walked over to where Albus stood. "What was that all about?" he said slowly. Looking at the door where Harry had run out he found himself questioning the boy. He never could figure the Gryffindor out.
Dumbledore merely shook his head. "I don't know Severus. But something isn't right."
