Hey all! So, I might have to break my rule of post-a-day :( tis the horrible season of midterms for poor university folk *sigh* I will definitely post a chapter in the next few days, though, just not everyday. Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot
Chapter 07 - Guilt
Harry had finally stopped making a fool of himself, publically, at least, yet the rumour mill could not be suppressed. Apparently, news that he was now dating a Slytherin, one of Malfoy's best friends, no less, warranted more gossip than he could have imagined. Even the madness of the Triwizard tournament paled in comparison to the treatment he was currently receiving from the Hogwarts students.
Slytherins were threatening him on pain of death if he dared hurt their beloved prefect. Ravenclaws were analyzing the couple's compatibility, and declaring their conclusions to all who would listen. Hufflepuffs couldn't help but stare in awe and wonder, at the sight of a Gryffindor brave enough to cross house boundaries for a woman; it fulfilled all their hopelessly romantic ideals.
Unsurprisingly, it was the Gryffindors that were responsible for perpetuating the cycle. They were of mixed opinion on the subject of the new couple extraordinaire. Some, namely the girls, declared it to be romantic and exciting. Others were less jubilant. The younger ones believed such a union to be blasphemous and the rest were divided into two categories: either the grudging supporters or the vehemently opposed. Everyone had an opinion. And they felt obligated to inform him of that opinion regularly.
Thankfully, he now had two formidable witches on his side. Hermione smiled and wished him well. It was a much milder response than he had expected. Ron, however, was not so meek in his response. He informed Harry, rather vocally, that he was a lucky sod to get a girl like Pansy. It was a response Harry had not expected, but gladly accepted.
This time, though, none of the rumours bothered him. He was too wrapped up in the new relationship. Six weeks passed for Harry in a world that consisted only of Pansy. His every thought, seemed to revolve around her, whether she was with him or not.
So, one afternoon, Harry was walking back from the Quidditch pitch when he was accosted by three Gryffindors mid stride. They unceremoniously dragged him into an abandoned classroom and locked the door behind them.
"Uh, is there a reason you guys dragged me in here?"
"Yes, Harry, there is," Hermione replied sternly.
"Right. And you kidnapped me, because...?"
"Because, Harry Potter, you are being a self-absorbed sod, and we've had just about enough!" Ginny scolded, looking every bit like Molly reincarnated.
"Yeah, you prat," Ron added for emphasis.
"Harry, consider this your intervention," Hermione stated.
"What? That's ridiculous, what on earth do I need an intervention for?"
At that, the door opened admitting several other Gryffindors who took up stance behind the three orchestrators of the affair.
"Harry, we love you, we want to support and help you," Hermione started, taking over position as mediator.
"Uh..."
"Shut it, Harry," Ginny interrupted.
"Do you recognize everyone in this room, Harry?" Hermione asked, in a gentle but firm tone.
"Of course!"
"They are your friends, Harry,"
"And unless you want to be hexed six ways to Sunday, you'd bloody well better pull your head out of the clouds and remember we all exist!" Ginny threatened, daring him to object.
Looking at all the faces of his friends standing in front of him, Harry noted their sincere looks. Faces of the friends who'd followed his command, joined his crazy schemes, and even risked their lives for him.
Guilt settled heavily over him. In all his excitement over Pansy, he'd abandoned his friends.
He'd forgotten what the weight of guilt felt like; an anchor of disappointment.
Thanks for reading! Leave a review, please. :)
