Chapter 11: The Truth Comes Out
By Tuesday, Ron and Hermione were speaking to each other again, though there remained an awkward tension between them. Harry was wrestling with his feelings for Ginny versus his feelings for Hermione but his thoughts still lingered on the Dursleys. He knew he would have to eventually tell his friends the truth. Hermione, especially, deserved to know that there were finally Aurors looking for her parents. Harry wasn't sure why he kept putting off the inevitable. He was coping with the loss of the Dursleys reasonable well. However, it was the knowledge that people were dying because of him that bothered Harry the most. Who was after him? What did they want? Who would they kill next? The questions cycled through Harry's mind over and over again but he could not answer them. He assumed the murderers were Death Eaters seeking revenge on Harry but the ones who would be powerful enough to both allude the entire Auror department, as well as commit such heinous acts, had been killed in the Battle of Hogwarts or captured and sent to Azkaban. Whoever they were, Harry was sure it wasn't anyone who was in Voldemort's innermost circle, but his gut also told him that these were very powerful and very dark wizards.
That evening, Ron, Harry, and Hermione made their way up to Professor McGongall's office for Transfiguration. Harry had managed to convince McGonagall to let Ron and Hermione also take the private class. She had resisted at first, but conceded when Harry said that he would learn better and feel less pressure if Ron and Hermione were there. They were currently working on human transfiguration. In their last lesson, Harry had managed to turn Ron's hair from red to purple, much to Ron's amusement. Hermione had changed the color of Harry's eyes and given him a thick moustache. Ron, on the other hand, had mispronounced his incantation and instead of giving Hermione shorter hair, hair over her entire body making her look more like a werewolf than a human. She didn't speak to him for two days.
When they arrived at McGonagall's office, she was sitting at her desk, writing with a rather large, black quill. Without looking up, she told them to take a seat and she would be with them in a minute. The three Gryffindors sat down and pulled parchment, quills, and ink bottles from their bags as they waiting for McGonagall to finish what she was doing and begin the evening's lesson. McGonagall continued to write for another few minutes before carefully folding the parchment and placing it in her desk. Then, she got up and walked over to where Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat quietly.
"Before we start, I wanted to see how you three were doing. Miss Granger, had there been any news on your parents?" McGonagall asked.
Hermione, with a confused look said, "No, Professor. The Ministry hasn't sent anyone to begin looking yet, which isn't surprising considering the recent attacks."
"Mr. Potter didn't tell you that the Minister sent Aurors on Sunday to find your parents?" McGongall said, looking quizzically at Harry.
"What? No! Harry?" Hermione exclaimed in anger. "You know I've been worried about my parents! You know how long I've been waiting for the Minister to send Aurors after them! I can't believe this! I can't believe you!"
Hermione was standing now, her face red and tears were forming in her eyes. Harry sat in silent shock. He knew Hermione was concerned about her parents and missing them terribly and he knew she would not be happy when she found out he had not told her right away about the Aurors being sent but he never expected her to be so upset.
"Honestly, Harry. After everything we've been through, everything we've told each other, this… This is the one time you don't tell me something right away? How could you be so thick?"
Hermione reached down to grab her bag to hit Harry with it, but before she could, McGonagall stepped between them.
"Miss Granger, that is enough! Sit down!"
The tone in McGonagall's voice made Hermione freeze and then obediently sit down, still glaring at Harry. Satisfied that Hermione wasn't going to beat Harry, McGonagall turned towards him.
"Now, Mr. Potter, I'm not sure why you chose not to tell Miss Granger about her parents but I can only assume you have not said anything to Miss Granger or Mr. Weasley about what happened over the weekend. I will not force you to tell them but, if you wish, I am willing to postpone tonight's lesson so that you can explain to them certain recent events. Otherwise, I will start the lesson and will not be responsible if Miss Granger attempts to transfigure you into a rock so she can kick you."
Harry squirmed uneasily in his chair. This was not how he imagined telling Ron and Hermione about the Dursleys' death. Admittedly, he had not figured out how he would tell them but it certainly wasn't going to be here, with McGonagall looking on and Hermione ready to hex him. Harry knew he had no choice but tell his friends the truth and hope that they will forgive him. That Hermione will forgive him.
"Hermione, I'm sorry for not telling you about your parents right away. I should have and you have every right to be mad at me," Harry began, "but to explain why the Ministry is looking for your parents meant telling you something I-I just wasn't ready to talk about at the time."
Hermione's glare softened slightly. Ron kept looking back and forth at the two of them, while McGonagall leaned against her desk, silently watching.
"The truth is, Professor McGonagall came and woke up me up early Sunday morning because the attack on the Muggle family that was reported in the Prophet wasn't a random attack, which is why the name of the family wasn't released."
Harry paused a moment, wringing his hands anxiously. Images of the Dursleys passed through his mind and the guilt of their deaths washed over him. Hermione was no longer glaring at Harry but had that look she got when she was trying to figure something out. Taking a deep breath, Harry continued.
"The family that was murdered was… the Dursleys."
Hermione gave a small gasp and Ron's eyes widened in disbelief. McGonagall closed her eyes as soon as Harry said the Dursleys name but did not move.
"From what Kingsley could find out, four people entered the house and killed them. Three were hooded and one looked like a teenager. Kingsley thinks it is the same people who burned the Muggle village and that they are trying to get my attention. Probably wanting revenge. He's afraid they'll keep killing people who are connected to me until I leave Hogwarts to try and find them. That's why he sent Aurors after your parents, Hermione, to keep them safe. They've also increased the protections at the Burrow. I'm – I'm sorry I didn't tell you both. I wanted to be able to say that I had a plan for stopping whoever is attacking and that I could guarantee no one else would get hurt… or die… because of me. Too many already have…"
Harry fell silent as he tried to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall. No, he had to be strong, even if he didn't have a plan, he had to show them that he was strong and in control. He had to show them that somehow he would fix this and no one would ever have to die for him again.
Silence followed. Harry sat, staring at his hands. Hermione stared at him, her mind trying to comprehend everything her best friend told him. Ron leaned back in his chair, looking glum. McGonagall stayed where she was, her eyes now open and filled with concern for trio. Hermione was the first one to speak. She reached over and grabbed Harry's hand, causing him to look up at her.
"This is why you avoided us on Sunday isn't it?"
Harry nodded and Hermione gripped his hand tighter.
"Harry, we'll figure this out together, just like we always have. You're not alone in this."
"Yeah, mate," Ron added.
Once again, Harry was reminded of how lucky he was to have such loyal friends. Suddenly, the unknown Death Eaters did not seem as big a threat to overcome as they had five minutes ago. For seven years Harry, Ron, and Hermione had overcome every challenge, every obstacle, every potential life-ending danger that had come their way. Harry knew that together, they would face overcome this one as well.
McGonagall watched her three favorite students carefully as they began to talk about the details of the attack and attackers, forgetting that McGonagall was even there. She couldn't believe how much they had grown in eight years or that they had managed to even survive. Despite her stern personality, McGonagall had a very caring and compassionate soul that was not always adequately expressed in her facial expression or tone of voice. The truth was, she loved her students very much, especially Harry, Ron, and Hermione. She would never admit to having "favorites" but those three held a special place in her heart.
"Achem," McGonagall coughed, reminding Harry, Ron, and Hermione of her existence. "I think it may be best to go ahead and let you three go for the evening but I expect you to read chapter 6 and write a summary of it for next week. Mr. Potter, if you would stay for a few minutes, I have something to discuss with you."
Hermione shot Harry a worried look that did not go unnoticed by McGonagall.
"Don't worry Miss Granger, it is not more bad news. Mr. Potter, I'm sure, will fill you and Mr. Weasley in on the main details later."
Ron and Hermione put away their things and left the room. Harry proceeded to gather his things as well, while McGonagall sat down behind her desk.
"What did you need to speak with me about, Professor?" Harry asked.
"Mr. Potter… Harry, I wanted to first let you know that your uncle's sister has set a date for the funeral. Should you wish to attend, the Ministry will provide you some escorts and you will, of course, also be excused from classes for the day. Though, I can understand if you would not want to attend," said McGonagall.
"Thank you, I know that you think it may be too dangerous for me to go but I think it is only proper if I do attend the funeral," Harry replied, "In the end, they were still my family."
"Please don't misunderstand me, Harry. Though there is some danger in going to the funeral, my belief that you might not want to attend was because of how they treated you all these years." Tears formed in McGonagall's eyes. "I was there the night Dumbledore left you with the Dursleys. I had been watched them that day and knew they were not the kindest of people. From what I have been told, they did not seem to care about your well-being in the least. If it wasn't for the blood magic protecting that home, I would have taken you in myself. I hope you can forgive me for not finding a better home for you to grow up in."
Harry was dumbstruck. He had not expected McGonagall to be tearing up, much less apologize for Harry having to live with the Dursleys.
"Professor, there is nothing you need to apologize for. I'll admit, pretty much every summer since coming to Hogwarts I have hated having to be at the Dursley's, but I do understand why Dumbledore wanted me to stay there. Even though Privet Drive was my physical home, Hogwarts – the students and the professors – have been my real family and my real home. Without this place, I never would have been able to defeat Voldemort."
McGonagall smiled. "Well said. You have turned into a very fine young man, Harry. I'm proud to have been a part, albeit a small part, in helping you grow, which brings me to the other issue I wanted to discuss."
Harry, sensing they may be talking for a while, pulled up a chair.
"Harry, I know that eventually, you are going to try and leave the castle to go after the people who murdered the Dursleys. Don't try and say you won't," McGonagall held up a hand as Harry tried to open his mouth to disagree, "we both know that you won't idly sit back while others are in danger. You're actions last year are proof enough that you can handle yourself and, as it is, you are also of age and are only at Hogwarts this year to get the N.E.W.T.s needed for Auror training. So, should you decide to go after the attackers, I won't stop you."
"I'm sorry, Professor," Harry said, shaking his head, "I swore I just heard you say that you won't stop me if I try to find the Death Eaters."
"You heard me correctly, Potter. But, should you decide to leave, I have two requests. The first, you inform me of when you plan on leaving as far in advance as possible so I can make arrangements for your schooling. Second, you allow me to assist you. I may not be able to go with you, but as Headmistress I have some influence with the Ministry, should you wish to not have the Ministry know what you are doing, and I have many connections in the wizarding world who might be of service to you, for shelter and protection." McGonagall's voice dropped into a whisper, "I can't sit back this time and watch your body be brought back to the castle without knowing I did everything I could to make sure you stayed alive."
Harry thought back to the battle. McGonagall's scream echoed in his mind. It was a mixture of grief, disbelief, pain, and guilt.
"Professor, it is not your fault that I, well I guess I did technically die even though I wasn't dead when Hagrid carried me up to the castle. But there was nothing you could have done to stop it, you saved so many lives at the castle by just being there, fighting along side them. If I hadn't gone into the forest, hadn't let Voldemort cast the killing curse, we wouldn't have been able to win."
"Just promise me, Harry. Promise that you will tell me ahead of time when you are leaving and allow me to help, please," the usually stern, tight-lipped face was now contorted with worry and desperation. She had not told anyone that she had been constantly plagued by nightmares since the battle. The image of Harry's unmoving body being carried by Hagrid had woken her up in sweat and tears more than she cared to admit to herself. In that moment, she had felt, not the loss of a student, but the loss of a son.
Harry wanting to ease the Headmistress' anguish said, "I promise, just don't tell Mrs. Weasley or she's likely to kill us both."
McGonagall let a small laugh escape her lips, causing Harry to smile as well. However, she quickly resumed her controlled, tight-lipped form.
"Very well then, Mr. Potter. The funeral is Friday, I will arrange to have your Defense Against the Dark Arts classes covered and will inform your teachers that you will be absent that day. The Minister will send you a letter tomorrow informing you of what time your escorts will be arriving to the castle. Also, you are permitted to bring one other person with you. If you don't have any questions, you are free to return to the Gryffindor tower."
Harry nodded, thanked McGonagall, and left the room. He wasn't surprised to find Ron and Hermione waiting for him at the bottle of the staircase leading down from the Headmistress' office.
"What did McGonagall say?" Ron asked as they walked together.
"She told me the Dursley's funeral would be Friday. Ministry is going to provide some Aurors to accompany me and she's going to find someone to cover my teaching responsibilities," said Harry, leaving out that he was allowed to bring one person with him. "Then she made me promise that if we decide to leave the school to go looking for the Death Eaters, I have to tell her ahead of time and let her assist in any way that she can."
"What?" said Ron, incredulously, "She's giving us permission to leave and is willing to help us do it? If it wasn't McGonagall, I would think it was a trap."
"No, she means it. McGonagall's willing to let us leave as long as we let her help. She's got contacts that she thinks would be helpful to us. She said she knew that if we made up our minds to leave, she wouldn't be able to stop us anyway," Harry said.
"Well, that's true," Hermione chirped in, "remember 5th year? But, Harry, are you planning on leaving soon?"
Harry shook his head. "No, we have no plan and no information, other than what the Daily Prophet has told written and what Kingsley told me the other night. He is supposed to keep me updated but I'll see if I can get any information out of the Aurors who are escorting me on Friday. Truthfully, I'd rather not go looking for them if we don't have to. I mean, the Ministry is something we can trust now that Kingsley is in charge and people like Umbridge are gone."
"Aw, come on, Harry, where's your sense of adventure," joked Ron, before winching when Hermione hit his arm.
"We have enough to worry about without going off trying to find people that want to kill Harry! The N.E.W.T.s are only 7 months away!" Hermione said.
"There's the Hermione we know and love!" Harry laughed.
When they reached the Gryffindor Common Room, there wasn't a soul in sight. Ron yawned and said he was going to bed early. Harry decided to settle by the fireplace and get his homework done for his Friday classes. Plus, he needed to make sure he had an up-to-date lesson plan for whoever played the role of substitute. Hermione had followed Ron upstairs, but soon came back down, dressed in blue and white-stripped pajama pants and a white t-shirt, carrying her Charm's book, some parchment, ink, and a quill. She sat down on the end of the couch, closet to the arm chair Harry had curled up in, and started to flipping through the pages of the book, looking for the section on supersensory charms.
Harry put down his quill and watched Hermione for a few minutes. He was contemplating whether to ask her to accompany him to the Dursley's funeral. He knew that it would make more sense for him to ask Ginny, she was his girlfriend after all, but he didn't feel right asking her. Hermione was the only person Harry felt like he could show his vulnerable side, his weakness, and his guilt. She would, of course, tell him the Dursley's death was not his fault, that it wasn't weak to grieve or show emotion at their funeral, but she would also understand why he felt that way. She would patiently listen and not feel uncomfortable if tears formed in his eyes. That is just who Hermione was. Hermione had been his best friend for nearly eight years now, had fought alongside him, nearly died more than once, and still, she refused to leave him. If Harry was going to ask anyone to the funeral, it was Hermione.
"Hermione…" Harry began, setting his things on the ground.
"Hmm?" said Hermione, not looking up from her book.
"Um, listen. McGonagall told me that there would be enough Aurors escorting me that I could bring one other person along. You know, for emotional support or whatever."
Hermione looked at Harry now, giving him her full attention.
"I just wondered if, you know, you wouldn't mind going with me. I mean I'd ask Ron but I dunno if he'd want to be at another funeral so soon after Fred's and we both know how he is when it comes the emotional stuff," said Harry quickly.
Hermione cocked her head to one side and asked, "What about Ginny?"
Harry had expected Hermione to ask him that question. "I know it's kind of the same reason. You know, another funeral so shortly after Fred's..."
"Harry, you know Ginny cares about you, she'd want to be there for you," argued Hermione.
"I know. I know. I-I… The thing is, Hermione, I'm not good with this kind of stuff, you know I don't like showing my weaker side and, truthfully, you're the only person I feel like I can be 100% myself, good and bad, strong and weak…" Harry's voiced trailed off.
Hermione stayed quiet for a few minutes, watching Harry carefully, her mind trying to find the right words to say. The things Harry was saying about her should be how he felt about Ginny. Those were things you said about the person you were dating. Though, Hermione conceding to herself, it could also apply to best friends. Yet, Hermione remembered the jealous looks she got from Ginny when she and Harry had sat the kitchen table working on lesson plans. Hermione loved Ginny like a sister and considered her a close friend. She didn't want to do anything that might jeopardize their friendship, or Harry and Ginny's relationship.
"Harry, I still think you should at least ask Ginny." Hermione thought she saw a look of disappointment in Harry's eyes. "Then if she can't go or doesn't want to, though I can't imagine why she wouldn't want to, I would be glad to go with you."
Harry tried to keep a straight face as he nodded in agreement. He knew Hermione was right, as always. Ginny would have been furious if he had not at least asked her if she wanted to come. Still, Harry found himself staring at Hermione, who had turned her attention back to her book, and fighting the urge to beg her to come with him.
As it turned out, Ginny could not go with Harry. She had a Potions test that day and, although Ginny didn't tell Harry this, she knew that Hermione would be the better person to go. The truth was, the person who came back to her after the battle was not the person she had fallen in love with. Ginny could feel the distance between them grow everyday and no matter how many hours they spent together, they just didn't seem to be in sync. She wasn't sure exactly when, but Ginny had a distinct feeling in her heart that their relationship would be ending soon.