DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter. Harry Potter is the creative works of JK Rowling.
Many thanks to juliedecarson for beta'ing this chapter.
Thanks to everyone who is reading this story. Thanks as well to everyone who has included this (or my other stories) in their favorites or C2's.
Many more thanks to those who take time to review & let me know what they think of this story. I love receiving the feedback & knowing that people are enjoying it.
TRUTH IS IN THE BLOOD
CHAPTER 12
HARRY'S DECISION
Harry had tried to respond to Hermione's letter, but all he managed to write was 'don't blame yourself'. Every time he put his quill to parchment his mind starting thinking about what Neville had written. He couldn't get it out of his head. He finally sighed and decided to give up. He needed some more answers and he needed them now.
Since the headmaster wasn't due for a visit, Harry decided that he would have to visit the headmaster. Of course, since he hadn't been given permission to leave the bed, much less the infirmary, that meant sneaking out. Harry looked around the room for Madam Pomfrey. Since there was no sigh of her, he decided that now was as good a time as any. Just as Harry was about to slip out of his bed to leave the hospital wing and head up to the headmaster's office, she entered.
"Madam Pomfrey?" Harry asked, as he lay back down in the bed, trying to make it appear like he hadn't been sneaking out. "Could you please let Professor Dumbledore know that I would like to speak to him?"
"Certainly, Mr. Potter," she replied, with a knowing glance, "as long as you stay in that bed and take these potions."
"Madam Pomfrey, I'm surprised at you," Harry joked, "You know that I would never leave unless you said I could."
"Mmm-hmmm," She murmured in disagreement before motioning to him to drink the potion.
Harry made a face right before he swallowed the awful tasting potions. If they didn't work so well, Harry would be sure that they wouldn't be worth the taste.
A few minutes later, the headmaster appeared in the doorway.
"Harry, if this is about a letter from Miss Granger, I haven't received anything."
"Actually, sir, Hedwig delivered one to me from her."
"And were you right about what she had to say?"
"Um, not exactly," Harry said. Actually, not at all, Harry thought. He still couldn't believe how wrong he was in his assessment of Hermione's reaction. Even more shocking was how upset she was about what happened and how responsible she felt for it. And he still needed to respond to her, Harry thought with a grimace. After all she did for him last year to make sure that he felt guilt free about Sirius's death, he would do the same for her regarding Voldemort's latest attack. He wasn't exactly sure what to write, but he knew he had to try. He decided to write her as soon as these other matters on his mind were settled.
"Actually, sir, I have a few more questions I would like to ask you about what we discussed earlier."
"Harry," the headmaster sighed, "I already told you, I don't know if you were adopted. However, there is a way we could find out if you would like."
"There is? We can? Why didn't you mention this earlier?" Harry asked in shock. "No, wait, we'll talk about that later. I actually wanted to talk about something else."
"Certainly, Harry," Albus said, taking a seat next to Harry's bed. "How can I help you?"
"Well, I was wondering, what happens now?" At Dumbledore's inquiring look, Harry clarified, "I mean, you said that we don't have to appoint new guardians, but where am I going to live once I leave this bed?"
"Ah, that is assuming Madam Pomphrey will let you leave," Dumbledore teased, the twinkling returning to his eyes now that his student asked a question he knew he could answer.
"That's not funny," Harry growled. "I hope you won't let her keep me here until September."
"I will do what I can," Albus stated, before becoming serious once again. "I am hoping that in a few weeks we can move you back to the cottage. Since it was expected that you would spend this time with your family, it is currently unavailable. Until then, you will have to stay here. If that is okay with you?"
"Here as in Hogwarts, or here as in the infirmary?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Hogwarts," was the only reply Harry received, but that was all that he needed.
Dear Hermione,
Please, please, please don't blame yourself for this attack. I don't. And you didn't fail me. You are a wonderful friend and protector. It is impossible to count the number of times you saved my life (and my sanity). Trust me, this wasn't your fault-or anybody else's, except Voldemort's. He even obliviated the Death Eaters so that no one could tell what his plan was.
Our main focus was on the school and the train. We came up with some great defenses (mostly thanks to you and Ron). I have every reason to believe that each and every one of them would have succeeded. And even though they weren't tested, that doesn't take away from what we did. As I said before, we created some great plans. I don't even know if the professors could come up with plans that equaled ours (I know for a fact that none of the DADA professors we had in our first five years could-excluding Moony, of course).
Now about the blood wards: We had every reason to trust that they would hold. The main reason for this was because of the fact that Dumbledore had faith in them. If Dumbledore didn't question them, why would we? Another reason was because even if we had questioned their effectiveness now that Voldemort had my blood in his veins, we would've immediately dismissed the idea, thinking that if the wards would let him in for that reason then he would've breached them by now.
Again, I repeat, this is not your fault! If anyone should feel bad it would be me.
You wouldn't let me feel guilty for Sirius's death and I won't let you feel guilty for this.
I don't want to hear another word about you being stupid. You are the smartest witch I know. And trust me, you spend plenty of time in your books and focusing on what is important. After all, isn't the most important thing people?
I admit, it might have been a good idea to have someone escort me home. After all, even if Voldemort didn't 'welcome' me home, he might have attacked on the way. We know that he has no problem attacking innocent muggles.
Like you, I am grateful that the order was there, in fact, Ginny mentioned that her mum is baking Dung a chocolate cake to thank him for helping me.
Harry paused for a moment and chewed the quill of his pen as he thought about what else he could say to Hermione to make her understand that it wasn't her fault and that no one, especially him, would blame him for not thinking about Voldemort attacking him at home.
"Pig?" He asked as he spotted a small owl entering the infirmary. Harry immediately noticed the parchment around the owl's leg. Why was Ron writing to him again? Harry couldn't help but wonder if something had happened. As soon as the small owl calmed down, Harry untied the parchment an opened it.
Dear Harry,
Sorry for my earlier letter. I just couldn't believe my stupidity (don't worry, I won't go on for two parchments about it again). I had finally run out of things to say which was why it ended so abruptly. Luckily, Ginny had sent Pig to me with a letter. I immediately wrote this reply and sent it with him to you. I didn't want you to worry about me. I am fine and you have enough to worry about.
Harry snorted in agreement. Merlin was she right about that. She wasn't even in the same country as him, yet somehow she knew that had plenty on his mind. Of course, she was probably thinking more along the lines of fighting with Voldemort rather than trying to figure out if Voldemort was telling him the truth about his adoption.
I am very glad that you are okay, and once more, I apologize for not taking better care of you and making sure that you returned home safely. I still can't believe that none of us thought about Voldemort attacking your home!
Sorry, back again, just had to take a break before I started ranting again. I hope you utilize the extra time at Hogwart's wisely. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore would allow you access to the library. I know you said that you are fine, and I'm sure the Prophet is exaggerating (I suppose we should be glad that Rita Skeeter didn't write that article, I can only imagine the twists that she would have put on it), but I am also confident that Madam Pomfrey won't let you leave until you are 100 percent recovered, so if you can't leave the infirmary, I just wanted to tell you that I'm sure Madam Pince would send some books to you if you ask. In fact, I think that this would be a fine time to read Hogwarts, a History. I highly recommend it.
Anyways, how did your relatives take the news of the attack? I know they don't like magic, so they probably weren't too pleased. I hope they don't blame you. Do you have to go back there? After all, the only reason why you went was because of the blood wards, and obviously that is superfluous now. Ooh, wouldn't it be great if you could spend the entire summer at Hogwarts? I know that none of the professors are there during the summer, so it might not be possible, but think of the reading you can do.
I am quite envious of the opportunity that would present. I am almost tempted to use my emergency portkey to join you; however, I know that that is not the responsible thing to do. But I will tell you that if anything else happens, I will be there in a minute.
Take care and stay safe.
Oh, yes, I almost forgot, try to stay out of the way of the professors, I'm sure that they are quite business trying to complete year-end paperwork.
Love, Hermione
PS Contact Madam Pince and do some reading; or better yet, start your summer assignments!
Harry shook his head in laughter as he finished Hermione's letter. Now that was the Hermione he knew and loved, he thought with a grin. It seems like his impression of her wasn't too far off the mark, after all. At least, it wasn't once she calmed down.
Harry grinned again, at least now it would be easier to finish his letter to her.
I just got your second letter. I'm glad you didn't go on for another two pages about how stupid you were, especially since it isn't true. I'm also glad that you are feeling better, but I can tell that you are still blaming yourself for this and thinking that this is your fault. Your 'breaks' so that you didn't rant again, kind of gave it way. All I can say is that if I'm right, just read the first part of this letter again until you are convinced that you are not to blame. If that doesn't work, well, let's just say that I won't hesitate to tell Fred and George to prank you until you believe it. They are always looking for victims, I mean test subjects.
Don't worry about me worrying about you. I'll always worry about all of you, especially while Voldemort is still around. Just knowing me puts you guys in danger, but the five of you especially so, since you are the ones who know me the best. I don't know what I would do without any of you. Ron and Neville are like the brothers I never had, and you and Ginny are like my sisters. Luna, well,
Harry paused as he tried to think of a way to label his relationship with Luna. He finally shrugged and finished the sentence by writing what he was thinking.
Luna is just Luna, there really isn't a way to categorize her, is there? Besides, I'd rather worry about you guys than worry about Voldemort. And even after he's gone, I'll still worry about all of you; after all, you are my family. Consider it a brother's prerogative.
As for my summer, I'll spend some more time here before going back to the cottage. Hopefully some of you guys can join me again. The good news is that I never have to see the Dursley's again. In fact, I don't even know where they are! The only way Dumbledore could get them to move was if he promised never to tell me their new location. At least something good came from Voldemort's attack.
Harry smirked as he wrote that last line. Something good, but also a whole lot of bad, Harry thought as once again started thinking about what Voldemort said as well as what the headmaster had told him this after noon. Once more, many questions filled his mind. Shaking his head, he put those thoughts to the side as he finished his letter to Hermione.
I had a feeling that you would suggest I use the time at Hogwarts to read through every book in the library or to start my summer assignments. I wasn't planning on spending my first week of the holiday reading or doing work, however, it might not be a bad idea, since a) I am alone and bored and b) I am stuck in the infirmary and don't have much else to do.
I should be able to get some work done before Madame Pomfrey releases me. I have a feeling that she is keeping me here as a favor to the other teachers to make sure that I don't get in their way. That is fine with me, since it cuts down on chance encounters with Snape.
I hope that you enjoy your summer and hopefully I will see you soon at the cottage. Take care and remember: Constant Vigilance.
Harry
After a last glance at the letter, Harry rolled the parchment and tied it around Pig's leg, asking him to deliver it to Hermione. He then spent the remainder of the afternoon thinking about his conversation with Dumbledore.
"Sir?" Harry asked as the headmaster joined him for breakfast the next afternoon, "You mentioned something about being able to see if I'm adopted?"
"There are ways to confirm whether or not Voldemort was telling the truth," the headmaster admitted.
"What if he was?" Harry asked fearfully.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if I discover that I was adopted, will that change anything?"
When Albus didn't reply but just peered at Harry over his spectacles, Harry continued, "Like the prophecy?"
"Since you have been 'marked as an equal', then we are too assume that the prophecy still applied to you, regardless of your parentage."
"Oh."
"It didn't seem to matter to Voldemort," the headmaster added. At Harry's inquiring look, Albus explained, "The fact that you were adopted; he knew the truth and he still came after you."
"But he didn't know the whole thing," Harry protested.
"Exactly."
"Well, why don't we tell it to him?" Harry asked, "Then he'll leave me alone."
"Are you sure about that?" The headmaster inquired.
"Well, I know that you don't want him to learn it, but it would make him leave me alone."
"Perhaps," Albus stated as he continued to peer at Harry, as if trying to make him think things through.
"He'll realize that I couldn't possible be the child in the prophecy," Harry stated excitedly, finally thinking that he had a chance at a 'normal' life, "Even if I was marked by that curse. He would realize that if I wasn't born to Lily and James Potter, who defied him three times, that the prophecy couldn't be about me."
"And Voldemort would…" Dumbledore stated quietly, leading Harry to complete his sentence.
"Voldemort would leave me alone and I'll have a normal life," Harry said triumphantly.
"And…"
"And…" Harry paused as he thought of what else Voldemort would do. The grin disappeared from his face as he realized what would happen next. "And Voldemort would begin his pursuit of Neville."
"I imagine so," Albus quietly agreed. "That is assuming that he ignored the part that you were marked as his equal. Even if Voldemort believed that you are not the child in the prophecy, he will always see you as a threat and try to eliminate you."
"Why?" Harry murmured quietly, once more wondering why it always involved him.
"Because you have defied him and defeated him more than anyone else."
"Including you?" Harry asked in disbelief.
"Including me," Albus confirmed.
Harry sat back and pondered those words. Did this mean that he was more powerful than the headmaster? Nah, Harry decided, it just meant that he was more unfortunate than most. After all, most of his classmates had never seen Voldemort, let alone meet him so many times. Of course, Harry thought, it also meant that he was luckier than most that he was able to escape each of those times.
"Harry? Do you want to know the truth?"
"I don't know."
"Why not?"
"Well, it would be cool to discover that I'm related to you, and even better if I found out that I was related to the Weasley's, but what if it shows that I'm related to Malfoy?" Harry said in disgust.
"What if it does?" The headmaster challenged.
Harry just looked at the headmaster without answering.
"None of that would change who you are," Albus continued.
"Really?" Harry asked doubtfully. "Can you imagine the boy-who-lived being called 'Harry Malfoy'?"
"What's in a name?" Dumbledore stopped when Harry laughed.
"Sorry, sir. It's just that Luna said something similar."
"Ah, Miss Lovegood," Albus stated fondly. "I admit it would not be ideal if we discover that you are related to the Malfoy's, however, since most purebloods are related, it is a possibility."
"And with my luck, definite," Harry concluded.
"Now why don't you rest and think about what you want to do."
"Sir? I've already decided."
"Harry, you really should think about this," Albus cautioned. "There is no rush to decide the matter tonight."
"Sir," Harry said as he ignored the headmaster's advice. "I don't want to know whether or not it is the truth. In fact, I don't even want anyone to know that it might be possible. Promise that you won't inform the Order of recent events."
Albus looked his student straight in the eye; he could see the determination on the teenager's face. "I promise. However, may I ask why you do not wish to know?"
"Lily and James Potter were the best parents I could've had. I can't imagine trying to replace them now. A few years ago, I would've loved the idea that there might have been somewhere out that I could call family, but I'm almost seventeen, an adult in the wizarding world. It's a bit too late to have the happy childhood I always wanted, especially with this prophecy hanging over me.
"If I was adopted and my true parents are pro-Voldemort, than it is possible that they would turn me over to him. If they are against him or neutral, then knowing me would just put them in more danger. I won't do that.
"Besides, I have the only family I need," Harry concluded as he thought about the Weasley's, his friends, and the headmaster.
Albus stared at Harry again, before replying, "I understand. I think you made a wise decision."
END CHAPTER 12 HARRY'S DECISION
What happens to change Harry's mind about finding out the truth?
How does he find out the truth?
(You know that he's going to…eventually!)
UPCOMING:
CHAPTER 13 VOLDEMORT'S REVENGE (doesn't that sound like fun!)
CHAPTER 14 SOMETHING HAPPENED
CHAPTER 15 NOW WHAT?
CHAPTER 16 OH FUDGE
CHAPTER 17 HELP (Okay, this chapter was moved back by 2-obviously. Guess it really doesn't matter that I couldn't find Dung)
9/8/2005
