CHAPTER 20: I'm a freak!
A/N: Hey guys, welcome back. Sorry once again for the delay. This chapter went through multiple rewrites but don't worry, we're nearly at the end. I previously said that after this there were only 2 chapters left plus the epilogue. Well, if I were to do that then this chapter would've been well over 17k and that's just a lot I thought for one chapter. So, I cut it in half and the next chapter will be what was initially going to be the second half of this one. So, just so there is no confusion, we'll have the next chapter which will cover the entire backstory of Harry's life including some major revelations unfolding in the present, the case will be cracked open. Then, the chapter after that will be entirely from a different character's POV, and then the last chapter will be the confrontation. AND, we're not done yet, following that will be the epilogue which will cover the next 10 YEARS.
1998
March 21
Interior, Sixth floor, Hogwarts - Night
Hermione was strolling through the corridor at a crisp pace, stopping every few seconds to peer inside either a classroom or a broom closet to make sure everything was orderly and that no unwarranted shenanigans or rule breaking was going on at this late hour.
She closed the door to an empty classroom and resumed walking. She reached the end of the corridor and stopped in the middle of the intersection, spared a quick glance in either direction before turning left.
Her footsteps echoed in the silence of the night, creating an almost ominous reverberation accompanied by the floating candles gliding just under the ceiling.
Three lines appeared on her forehead as a frown marred her features and her gaze sharply turned towards the wooden door that stood at five meters to her left from where a thudding sound followed by a muffled laughter reached her ears.
She heaved a tired sigh, aggravation creeping in her expression as she stomped over to it. She tried to twist the knob, but it was locked. Rolling her eyes, she took out her wand and pointed it at the handle. "Alohomora"
A soft clinking sound let her know that her spell had worked and a second later she pushed the door open with a lot more force than required.
"AAAH!" The shriek made her stop at the threshold but didn't stop her from whispering "Lumos" The tip of her wand lit up and she pointed it straight forward. Her eyes turned comically wide, and her jaw split wide open in shock and disbelief at the scene before her.
The girl who was draped over the back of the chair with her bare arse lifted in the air was mirroring her expression as she stared back at her. Her arms were dangling from the side of the chair and her white shirt was rucked past her chest, leaving her tits bare to the cool night air, as evident by her pink stiff peaks protruding from the pale mounds of flesh.
Although that by itself painted quite the picture that one didn't often get to witness on a daily basis, it wasn't however the most shocking part, at least not to Hermione if one were to pertain her reaction based on her eyes which were trained on the second figure in the closet.
He was no longer bent over with his face right above the girl's arse and a rolled up white paper with one end pointed at his nose and the other pointed at the edge of the trail of the white powder splayed right above her ass crack but was standing to his full height and staring at her with a glazed and hooded look in his emerald orbs.
He swiped his tongue across his lower lip whilst never breaking eye contact. He looked down at the girl who was still gaping at Hermione with her neck craned at an awkward angle before his eyes traveled down her body and landed on the line of white powder. He placed his hand on her right arse cheek and a tiny remnant of the powder leaked into her crack as she gave a little jolt from his touch and the angle of her hips shifted slightly.
He dropped to one knee, pushing her hips down further till the cleft of her arse was level with his nose. He poised the rolled up note above her crack and snorted it all in one long whiff before placing both his hands on her cheeks and spreading them open.
"Harry..." the blonde-haired girl voiced his name with a hint of nervousness in her tone as she pushed up on her elbows and looked over her shoulder at him.
He paid her no mind for his eyes were glued to the remainder of the powder sprinkled in her cleft with some of it even gathered around her puckered hole.
The next second he shoved his face between her cheeks and cleaned the mess with a long stripe of his tongue. "Oh fuck!" she squealed, as he swirled his tongue around her arsehole before kissing it.
He pulled back and patted her arse, indicating her to get up, which she did. Her cheeks were flushed, but not from embarrassment as her eyes were brimming with lust when she turned around to face him. She closed her eyes and leant up to kiss him but her lips came into contact with her skirt, which she found out after opening her eyes. She frowned, grabbing the piece of clothing from his hand.
He tilted his head towards the door. "Time to go, sweetheart"
She turned her head and her eyes turned wide when they landed on Hermione, as if she'd forgotten all about her. "Oh, you're still here"
"Yes, I'm still here" Hermione gritted, finally coming out her shock as she glared at her. "Hundred points from Hufflepuff for inappropriate behavior"
"Hundred points!" she exclaimed, as she put on her skirt. "Oh, come on, Hermione. Surely, you're taking the mick."
"I can assure you that I'm not" spat Hermione.
"Are you fucking serious!"
"Very" she growled.
"This is totally preposterous! We're not the first students to get caught in a broom closet and we're not going to be the last ones either and I might I add you're included in that list, multiple times too. Also, we all made a pact, remember. That we won't go above 20 points. 100 points is totally unreasonable!" she adjusted her shirt down her torso and buttoned up the two top buttons before smoothing her collar.
"I don't give a flying fuck about some stupid pact that I made in fifth year" snarled Hermione. "Go to your room if you don't want me to add a detention" she stepped to the side and pointed at the door.
"What - you can't do -"
"Oh yes, I very well can" she barked. "Don't test me" she bit out with her arm still pointing towards the exit. "Now, Hannah"
Hannah shook her head in disbelief. "And what about Harry, aren't you going to take points from him or are Gryffindors fool proof when it comes to breaking rules. Seriously Hermione, didn't took you for having double standards when you're the one who's been championing about equal rights for the past couple of years." she harrumphed. "Didn't know all that equality bullshit stopped with elves."
Hermione's eyes narrowed into slits. "I will deal with him later"
"Why later? Why not now? Why wait till I'm gone, hmm?"
"Because I haven't yet decided the worst possible outcome that's going to make his life absolute hell. You're right, I do have double standards when it comes to breaking rules where Gryffindor is involved. I couldn't care less when students of any of the other houses do it but my blood boils when students of my house are involved in whatever fuckery they manage to land themselves in. So, I can assure you that he will not be spared with something as meager as a point deduction but if it will help you sleep better at night, fine. 100 points from Gryffindor for inappropriate behavior. Satisfied. Now, leave" she once again pointed at the door.
Hannah turned to Harry who was leaning against the back wall with his hands folded across his chest. "See you tomorrow?" she asked.
He shrugged his shoulders in response.
She sighed, turning back around before walking out of the closet.
Hermione kept staring at the ground long after Hannah had left and only lifted her gaze when Harry walked over to her.
"Find me when you've decided on the worst possible outcome to make my life hell" he whispered, leaning close to her ear before brushing past her, rendering her once more stupefied as she watched him leave till he rounded the corner.
Present time
Interior, The English Rose Café, Westminster, London – Morning
Harry was seated at a round table situated next to the glass window, staring out into the street with a rueful smile on his lips as he watched a young mother, in her early twenties, trying to calm her son who was sobbing hysterically. He was holding an empty ice-cream cone while the melted chocolate dessert was splashed on the concrete floor next to his shoes.
His mother smoothed his curly blonde hair from his forehead and gave it a light peck before picking him up. Harry's eyes were trained on them till they disappeared out of sight.
"Sir"
Harry jerked his neck around and saw John standing before him.
"John!" Harry stood up and shook his hand with a firm grip. "Morning"
"Good morning, sir" John pulled back the chair opposite him and sat down.
Harry took his seat back and lifted his left hand towards the waiter who was serving a table few rows away. He snapped his fingers to gain his attention and the waiter shot him a polite smile with a little nod whilst lifting his forefinger up.
Harry turned back to John who had his gaze turned down at his folded hands. His entire body posture seemed tense.
Harry eyed him speculatively for a moment before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "What happened" his voice just above a whisper as he opened his eyes.
It wasn't a question.
John's eyes snapped back to his. "Uh...wh - what do you – n-nothing - "
Harry lifted his hand. "Plain words, John." he cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes sir." John cleared his throat and inhaled a long breath. He stared at Harry for a few seconds before opening his mouth. "As I told you that the minister kept your wand in his office" Harry nodded as John took a brief pause. "Well, I was wrong, apparently"
"What do you mean?" Harry asked in a gravelly voice.
John twiddled with his thumbs nervously as he avoided Harry's penetrating stare.
"John..."
John sighed before looking back at him. "It wasn't their sir."
Harry waited for him to continue but John kept averting his gaze back to his folded hands. "John! For fuck's sakes man! Tell me where the fuck is my fucking wand!" Harry brought his right hand down on the table in a forceful slap that sent the water bottle flying in the air.
The waiter coming over to their table halted in his step as he watched, wide-eyed, the bottle shattering into pieces as it hit the floor. All eyes instantly turned to their table as Harry shot up and dragged John up the collar before pulling him towards the exit. He shoved a hundred-pound note in the waiter's hand on his way out.
He continued leading him down the footpath before turning into a narrow lane that was about a meter wide. He pushed him against the wall before letting go of his robe.
"Now, speak" he growled, inching close to his face. "And don't you fuckin stutter one more time or I swear I'll pull your fucking tongue right out"
John vigorously nodded his head as sweat drops rolled down his forehead.
"I hadn't been to the minister's office in over a month." John panted. "But the last time I was, I saw your wand in the glass cabinet where he keeps his most treasured belongings. But today when I went..." John shook his head. "It wasn't there. So, I asked him, when he returned from his morning meeting with the Swiss minister, as casually as I could you know, because I didn't want to raise suspicion." He turned his head to the side, gazing deeper into the lane. "Sir-" He shook his head before turning his gaze back to Harry. "They are doing tests on it right this moment down in the department of mysteries"
Harry's eyes widened and he stepped back till his back hit the wall.
"It's been going on for weeks now. The minister sent it to the Unspeakables to see what makes the wand of Harry Potter so special" he finished bitterly. "He desperately wants to know the secret behind the wand that vanquished the dark lord." He shook his head morosely. "If only he could understand that it was the wizard holding the wand that held all the power and that the stick just followed his command" scoffed John.
He tilted his gaze skywards before dropping his eyes to Harry. "Sir" he whispered; his eyes turned wide as he saw Harry's hands shaking. He took a step towards him and lifted his hand forward but stopped when Harry retreated further away.
The raven-haired wizard's breath was coming in short puffs as he laid one hand on the brick wall to steady himself.
"Sir..."
"Tell me that's not true...tell me..." Harry trailed off, putting his hands on his knees, his hair obscuring his face.
John's eyes shone with sympathy as he crouched down before him. He laid a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I hate to say this sir but that's not the end of it"
A moment later he found himself staring into blazing emerald orbs. An involuntary gasp escaped his lips as he hastily stood straight up and backed a few steps as Harry loomed over him.
"What more...TELL ME!" Harry's booming voice shattered the windows high above on the upper floors of the brick stoned buildings on either side of them.
John's face lost all its colour as he tried to form words, his mouth opening and closing without emitting any sound.
"They found something...they called it...a hidden core"
A lightning flash, deep blue in color, flashed through Harry's eyes. It didn't go unnoticed by John for he took another couple of steps back.
"The minister said no one knows what it is or its purpose. He even brought in the most skilled wandmakers from all over the country including Olivander's son, Philip, and even he said that he's never seen anything like that. The Unspeakables had been groveling day-in day-out for the last week to find answers but are yet to make any breakthroughs. He said that if they don't find any answers in the next couple of days then he is going to bring in the Archaeology and the Elder magic team from IMA."
The words were not yet out of John's mouth when Harry pounced on him. He thrusted him against the wall, the back of his head smacking against the wall, tearing a pained groan from his mouth and a second later he was sliding down the wall before he dropped to the ground.
He gasped short heaving puffs, dumbstruck by the chain of events as he craned his neck every possible way to locate Harry but realized that he was all alone in the alley.
"No!" he whispered, searching through his pockets for his wand with fumbling hands, realizing it was gone. "No, no, no, no, no, no...FUCK!"
He jumped to his feet and took out his Halfway mirror, spurting a few loud coughs as he turned it on with a few clicks of his fingers. A white screen popped up before he shouted "HERMIONE GRANGER"
Interior, Atrium, Ministry of Magic – Day
He was marching down the hall with long, powerful strides, his cloak billowing behind him. Every eye in the Atrium was trained on him, every mouth agape, gawking at him as if he was an alien being, not belonging to this world. Some expressions held apprehension, some seemed intrigued, some appeared to be fearful and some, a very little portion, had grinning smiles stretching their lips into horizon.
But he didn't care for any of them, not one bit, for he was focused on his mission, whatever it was only he knew but his eyes were burning with pure unbridled, unhinged, unadulterated rage.
A group of four wizards jumped away when they saw him stomping towards them.
"Merlin! That's Harry Potter!" exclaimed one of the wizards as Harry walked past them.
"What do you think he's doing here. Last I heard he was fired from the force" asked another, turning to his colleagues.
"Maybe they hired him back" shrugged the blond-haired wizard.
The last member of the group who had been silent up until now and had been staring contemplatively at Harry's retreating form before he disappeared in the crowd looked over his shoulder at his friends. "I don't think that's the look of someone who just received the good news that he's got his job back"
Harry reached the elevator hallway and pressed the button of one. He ran a hand through his hair as he waited, his foot constantly tapping on the floor in agitation.
Just then a slew of security personnel dressed in purple uniform swam into the hallway, cornering him from every direction. A large gold S was embroidered over their chest.
"Mr. Potter" a large man with a white beard stepped forward, his right-hand outstretched in a placated manner. "Sir, you need to leave the building right now. You know the minister's orders sir, you're not allowed anywhere near the ministry till your sentence has been lifted and you're only halfway through yet, there's still another six months left before you can step inside the ministry. Please, Mr. Potter, sir" he added when Harry just kept glaring at him.
Harry swept his gaze across every single one of them as he spoke. "If any one of you don't fancy going home to your families with broken bones, I suggest you leave right away" he growled.
"Mr. Potter, please sir" the security officer took another step forward towards him. "You must leave" he pleaded.
Panic and trepidation were etched on every officer's face as they didn't move an inch from their spot.
"Oh yeah" jeered Harry, widening his arms in a taunting manner, "Make me"
By now a healthy crowd had formed in the corridor leading up to the hallway with some people sticking their heads out from behind the wall to sneak a peek.
"Sir, if you don't leave right now, I would be forced to take action" the head of security shouted in a resolute voice.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at him just as the steel bars to the elevator opened.
"Then take it" Harry smirked malevolently. "What's stopping you" he took several steps forward towards him and several frightened wizards backed off.
"Sir!" he pointed his wand at Harry. "I'm warning you!"
Harry just kept moving forward, each step creating a resounding echo.
"Mr. Potter, stop right there!"
The wizard had nowhere left to go as his back hit the concrete pillar and his entire team spread out as far as possible. He cast a desperate eye around his team as his throat bobbed.
Harry was now less than a meter away from him when a jet of red stream hit him on upper left side of his torso, right above his ribcage and sent him flying in the air and crashing into the wall. His head made a thudding impact as it made first contact.
Everyone, including the spectators stared at his crumpled form with absolute horror. Then, as if a puppet master was controlling them, they all whipped their heads towards the preparator who cast the spell.
He was a relatively young wizard, anywhere between early to mid-twenties. He had spiky blue hair and wore gold earrings. He had nose ring, and his entire neck was covered with tattoos that ranged from fire breathing dragons to a yellow guitar pointing upwards near the base of his neck.
However, at this precise moment, his legs were trembling, and his wand slipped from his shaking hand to the floor. The man standing to his right put his arms around him before his knees could hit the ground and leaned his weight against himself.
The attention on him didn't last long as a low chuckle reverberated around the hall and everyone's heads whipped back around to the man lying on the ground on the opposite side, his head facing the wall.
Harry shifted his arms which were sprawled over his head till his hands were next to his shoulders and lifted his upper body slowly off the ground. His face was now pointing to the ground and a drool of blood was leaking from the side of his face that was blocked to everyone's view on to the white marble floor. He pushed himself up and stopped when he was on one knee. His left arm was resting over his bent knee and with his free hand he wiped the blood from his face which was now coming in rivulets.
The moment he turned his head the hall was filled a cacophony of loud gasps.
The right side of his forehead was split open by a gash that ran deep. It started from his hairline and crossed over his scar and eyebrow and ended just above his eye.
His eyes locked onto his attacker who had now tears streaming down his cheeks and was shaking more than a young witch's arse on a Saturday night in the club.
"Mr. Potter" the head of security walked in the middle as Harry stood up. "Sir, what just happened was a terrible mistake. Let's not take this any further, I beg you" His voice cracked at the last word.
Harry moved his gaze towards him and lifted his bleeding eyebrow. "Oh, you can beg all you want, Hopkins." growled Harry, blood spilling from his mouth that had some people turn their heads away in horror. His teeth were painted red as he cracked a wicked smile.
He coughed and a gusset of blood spilled from his mouth as he once again dropped to one knee.
Hopkins took a couple of steps towards Harry "Mr. Potter, this is just a sample of what your actions could lead to if you don't concede. Look around" he motioned his arm toward the crowd who were watching him with rapt attention. "This could lead to a bloodbath. You don't want that. Not again"
Harry's head snapped up and a lesser wizard would've dropped dead by the look on his face.
Hopkins' gaze turned sympathetic. "Yes, I'm talking about that." he lifted his hands. "I'm sorry for bringing it up but sir, you must understand I'm only bringing it up to make you realize of what the consequences of an all-out public duel could lead to."
He stopped when he reached Harry and moved his arm to place his hand on the kneeling wizard's shoulder. The moment his hand made contact, Harry's right hand thrusted up and latched onto his neck in a chokehold before he stood up.
Hopkins eyes bulged wide as he watched Harry tower over him. He opened his mouth to form words but all that came out were quaking noises as saliva ran down his chin.
"How dare you…" snarled Harry. His eyes glowed red for a miniscule as he lifted Hopkins off the ground.
The rest of the security ran into action towards them, their wands pointed forward, but they only crashed into an invisible wall the moment they were ten feet away.
"What the fuck!" shouted a female wizard as everyone landed hard on their arse.
They all got up and looked at each other.
"What the fuck was that!" yelled a wizard with a burly moustache.
"It's some sort of an energy field."
"He created a fuckin ward!"
"No" said a wizard with clipped back black hair as he waved his wand in intricate patterns. "I'm checking for runes and it's not a ward. Kaitlin's right. It's some sort of energy field. We just need a blasting curse with lots of power to break through it"
"Then what are we waiting for! He's choking Hopkins to death"
"How the fuck is he even doing this! That too without a fucking wand"
"That's not what fucking matters" yelled Kaitlin. "Everyone, at my signal perform Bombarda with as much as concentration and power as you can muster"
They all took a couple of steps back.
"Alright! 1, 2, 3...BOMBARDA!"
A beam of blue light shot through every security member's wand. It collided with an invisible force in the air and soon a transparent black globe started forming that created a perimeter around Harry and Hopkins whose eyes were bulging out of his sockets.
The impact of the spell against the dome created a loud 'ZZZZZ' noise as it was trying to scorch its way through the energy field but for now was having little to no effect.
"MOVE! GET OUT THE WAY!"
The crowd shuffled around as someone pushed their way forward. The security team turned their head towards the horde but kept their wands pointing forward. The disturbance was now causing people to protest loudly as they were unceremoniously pushed around.
"Hey! Stop whoever is doing that!" shouted someone.
"No one fucking move!" yelled another.
"What's happening down there!" shouted an old wizard whose head popped above everyone because of his height advantage.
"It's some stupid, dumb witch!"
"Don't let the bitch through or she'll push us straight in the line of fire" screamed a panicked wizard who was standing at the front and kept one eye on Harry and Hopkins who were still in the same pose.
"YOU FUCKING MORONS! I'M HERMIONE GRANGER! LET ME THE FUCK THROUGH!"
At once everyone started creating as much as space possible as they could, and a gap started forming near the middle of the line.
"Move away! Move away! Let her through!"
A few seconds later two columns were created and a gap as wide as an average person was formed in the middle.
Running footsteps echoed around the area as Hermione cut her way through the middle. She stopped once she was out and locked eyes on the two figures in the middle where her ex-husband was squeezing the life out of the head of security.
It only took her a few seconds to snap out of her shock before her eyes rove over the rest of the scene.
Her face turned pale as she realized what was happening.
"Stop!" She made a beeline towards them. "Stop or you'll all die!"
The spell work died instantly as they all turned to her.
"What do you mean!" demanded Kaitlin.
"A blasting curse will do nothing you dumb imbeciles!" Hermione glared at every single one of them. "A few seconds more and your own spells were retreating to you with such speed that you wouldn't have realized what was happening much less get out of the way.
All their eyes turned wide at her words.
"Now, step the fuck back!" she shouted.
They all followed her command and backed off.
Hermione turned her attention back to Harry and her eyes turned wide as she saw Hopkins' face now resembling a tomato.
Her breathing turned harsher as she exhaled a few shallow breaths before lifting her palm and gently placing it on the dome.
"Unhh!" A hiss escaped her lips as her hand sizzled as if put on a burner. Smoke wafted from beneath her palm as she shut her eyes tightly.
Her breathing turned even more ragged as tears leaked from the corner of her eyes.
"Harry..." she moaned as she pressed her hand more firmly. "Let me in...please - aah!" a pained cry tore through her parted lips as the outside of her hand started turning red.
"Happy memories sweetheart...think happy memories...you have plenty of them...it's not all pain and darkness, Harry...we made plenty of good ones too, didn't we...go and fetch them...you have to...please, for me"
Her eyes snapped open following a loud thud and she saw Hopkins crumpled form lying on the ground. She breathed a sigh of relief as he twitched before sitting up on his elbow and coughing while holding his neck.
Her gaze shifted to Harry whose head was tilted down and he swayed on the spot. She gasped loudly when he turned around and she got to see the other side of his face. The entire half of his face was caked in blood.
"Oh god" she put her other hand over her mouth. "Harry please, let go darling, let me in" she whispered, as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Let me in, Harry, please" she cried.
Harry lifted his gaze towards her, his eyes were entirely black, deep pools of emptiness.
She wiped at her face as a loud flashlight went off. She looked over her shoulder and shot a death stare towards the woman who held a camera in her hand. She instantly put it down and lifted her hands in apology.
Hermione turned her head back round.
"Think of the good stuff, baby...t-think about of when we got together" she smiled through her tears at him. "Think of the time you pursued me" she let out a forced chuckle. "Remember how annoyed I used to get...remember when I told you it was all pretend...r-remember our first real date...remember how I embarrassed you" she smiled wistfully. "Remember Cedric, Harry..." she whispered, as her hand continued to burn. "Remember his love...your parents love...they love you, Harry...your whole family loves you..." her face screwed in anguish as she spoke the next words. "Remember Kai, Harry...remember our son...you were his hero...it wasn't your fault, Harry...it never was and never will be...I'm so sorry...for everything but for now you need to let it all go and just focus on the good stuff...do it for Rose..."
The dome started to disintegrate and choked sob escaped Hermione's mouth as a huge, relieved smile came over her face. She pulled her hand back, her palm entirely black.
She reached Harry before he could drop to his knees and put her arms around his chest. "C'mon, let's get out of here"
"My wand..." murmured Harry, he sounded extremely weak. "They have my wand"
"I know baby but not now...we'll get it back later"
"Promise" he sounded childlike in his plead.
Hermione turned her head to avoid his gaze as fresh tears ran down her cheeks. "Yes, I promise" she said, before facing him. "But now, we need to leave. I need to take you to the hospital"
"No-no hospital"
"Yes hospital, Harry" she scowled. "I can't treat you anywhere else. You've lost a lot of blood so stop arguing and for once just listen to me"
"I listen to you" his slurred.
"Oof!" he leaned entirely on to her, and she barely kept her balance. "Hang on" she took out her wand and casted a levitation charm on him.
"Sorry, I got late. I couldn't apparate so I had to run to the Leaky Cauldron for the nearest floo" John came running towards them. His eyes turned wide as they landed on Harry. "What happened"
"Long story" muttered Hermione as she glanced over at the security team who were now tending to Hopkins.
"Everyone get back!" shouted John, motioning the crowd to create space as they kept staring with open mouths at Harry who was now unconscious.
Hermione was cleaning the blood off him with a trail of her wand.
They reached the atrium and Hermione stepped inside a chamber. John handed her a handful of floo powder as she carefully maneuvered Harry inside.
"I'll be with you after I sort this mess out"
"Alright" Hermione nodded, before throwing the powder. "St. Mungo's!"
They vanished behind a swirl of green flames.
1998
March 21
Interior, Head girl dormitory – Night
Cormac looked up from the book splayed across his lap when the door opened and Hermione walked in. "Hey, you're back" he smiled warmly, closing the book before leaning to the side and putting it on the nightstand.
"Yeah" sighed Hermione.
A frown came over his face as he watched her lazily trudge to the other side of the room. She pulled her jumper off as she reached the coat rack mounted on the wall. She hung it one of the hooks before removing her skirt and hanging it beside the jumper.
"Everything alright" he asked in a concerning voice. "You look like you've just come from dealing with a bunch of over excited first years"
She pressed her fingers against her temple and lightly massaged it, closing her eyes in the process. "No"
She rubbed her hands over her face before running them through her hair.
"Then what's got my pumpkin's mood so down" he stood up and walked over to her. He put his arms around from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Just give me the names and I'll go and deal with them right away" he kissed her shoulder as he smoothed his hands over her stomach.
"No, it's nothing like that. I'm just tired" she let out a sigh before glancing at him over her shoulder and offering him a reassuring smile.
"Promise?" he whispered, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Hmm" she wound her arm around the back of his head and pulled his head forward before giving him a quick peck. "Go on. I'll join you in a moment"
He nuzzled his nose over her neck and inhaled a deep breath. "God, you smell amazing"
She gave him a light pat on the head before giving him a light push. "Go on" she smiled.
He gave her knicker clad arse a light pat in return before walking back over to the bed and situating himself under the cover.
"What took you so long anyway. You're half an hour late"
"I...got held up" she removed her bra and put it in the white basket sitting directly under the rack.
"Oh" he smirked, folding his hands behind his head. "Who were they?"
"No one" she murmured, removing her knickers before depositing them in the basket.
"Oh c'mon, baby. You always tell me. You know I love a little gossip."
"They mean nothing to you Cormac. You can't tease them, they're not in your circle." she walked over the dresser lined against the wall adjacent to the rack and took out a pair of pink boy shorts and a loose fitted red t-shirt.
Cormac's eyes narrowed as she put on the t-shirt. "I told you to not wear that." He sent a venomous glaring at the t-shirt.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Grow up, Cormac. Plus, I don't have anything else to wear. I forgot to send my nightwear to laundry. Remind me to do it first thing in the morning"
"You could wear one of mine" he argued, ignoring her last statement.
"Cormac-" she put her hands on her hips after tugging on the shorts that rode high on her arse. "Not now. I simply do not have the strength"
"Fine" he pouted, folding his hands over his chest and looking away.
"Cormac don't be like that" she walked over to his side of the bed and crawled over him before shifting around and getting under the covers. She adjusted her pillow before laying down and facing him.
He mimicked her position as she tucked her hands under head. He lifted his right arm and put it around her shoulder, pulling her in till their faces were just centimeters apart.
"I just don't like you wearing your ex-boyfriend's clothes. Is it too much to ask" he raised both eyebrows.
She smiled dryly. "No, it's not but you know it means nothing. I don't wear it because it holds some kind of sentimental value to me, I just find it extremely comfy."
"I'll lend you all my t-shirts before class tomorrow and I'm going to burn this one"
"You are an idiot" she smiled. "Plus, I told you Theo didn't lend it to me. I just borrowed it one night and forgot to give him back when we broke up"
"Can you please not say his name while we're in bed together"
"Hey, you brought him up" she pulled away but didn't remove her left hand from where it was lightly stroking his chin.
"Fine, fine" he pulled her back in and nuzzled her nose with his. "So" he wiggled his eyebrows. "Who were they"
"Cormac" groaned Hermione.
"I don't understand what's the big deal. I mean you tell me every time so it tells me it must be someone special"
"Fine" huffed Hermione. She rolled onto her back and shifted slightly so there was a bit of a gap between them. She laid an arm over her head as she let out a long sigh. "It was Potter and Hannah"
Cormac's eyebrows shot to his hairline as a stunned expression crossed his face.
"Wha- Saint Potter!" he exclaimed.
"Trust me he's no saint" murmured Hermione.
Cormac choked on a laugh. "Well, that is a shocker. We all thought he was asexual"
Hermione turned her head towards him. "You are all halfwits"
"C'mon now, don't tell me you didn't think so"
"No, I didn't because that would be absurd and if he were the signs would've been apparent. He's an 18-year-old boy and I wouldn't be surprised if the thought of sex doesn't flash through his mind at least three times a day."
"Yeah, now that you mention it..." Cormac scratched his chin. "I forgot he'd been hellbent on chasing after you for the first half of the year"
"No shit sherlock. Ten points for such astute deduction" she turned her eyes back to the ceiling.
"Hey, it's nothing to get mad about" he frowned. "Before tonight no one ever saw him with anyone and plus if he was seeing someone, it would be all over Hogwarts in a heartbeat. It would've been the top of the gossip mill."
"Whatever" Hermione shifted to her side with her back to him.
"Hey, what's this about" Cormac put his hand on her shoulder but she shrugged it off.
"Nothing, I want to sleep"
"Hermi-"
"I want to sleep, Cormac!"
He stared at the back of her head for a moment before dropping on to his back and shifting till he mimicked her position.
The clock on the wall facing Hermione continued to tick along, seconds turned into minutes, minutes turned into hours, hours led to morning light, but Hermione didn't sleep a wink.
The following night
Interior, Potions classroom, Dungeons – Hogwarts
"Here"
Harry lifted his head to find Severus holding a plate of chicken and cheese sandwiches with a side of potato chips.
He stared at the plate for a few seconds before shaking his head and went back to scrubbing the floor.
"Eat"
"Fuck off"
A slow smile appeared on Snape's face as he walked over to his desk and placed the plate up on it before walking around it and talking a seat.
"You know, sometimes it's wise to keep your mouth shut, especially when you already find yourself in such a hopeless state." He picked up a sandwich before leaning back on the chair and placing his feet on the desk. "Something your mother used to say when we were young, I never forgot it" he took a bite and moaned in delight. "She used to say, when you've nothing good to say...just don't say anything" he smirked when Harry lifted his head and shot him a dark look. "Oh Harry, you missed a spot" he pointed on a spot at the floor but Harry ignored him.
Severus took another bite as Harry drenched the cloth in the bucket before shifting backwards a few paces on his knees and scrubbing it along the floor with round motions of his arm.
Severus turned his gaze back towards him and stared at him for a long period of time, a stoic expression on his face but his eyes were burning with emotion.
"That's enough" he cleared his throat before continuing. "You can leave now."
Harry stood up abruptly and bent down to pick up the bucket when Severus stopped him.
"Leave it. I'll put it back"
Harry cast a brief glance in his direction, his eyes dropping down to the plate for a quick second, which didn't go unnoticed by Snape, before he turned around and walked out of the room.
Interior, Astronomy tower, Hogwarts- Night
Harry pushed open the gate and turned right. He walked over to the railing before taking out a pack of cigarettes from his inside pocket. It was empty except for one, which he stuck between his lips before lighting it up with a flick of his fingers.
"Impressive" came a voice from his left before Dumbledore appeared from the shadow and into the moonlight.
Harry paid him no attention as he took a big puff, the smoke coming out of his nose.
The old man stopped next to him and put his elbows on the railing.
Silence enveloped them as they both stared at the waterfall glistening in the distance.
"This was your grandmother's favourite spot in the entire world" Dumbledore sighed happily. "Oh, she loved this place, Harry."
Harry took another drag and rubbed the side of his forehead with this thumb.
Dumbledore turned to him with a smile.
"If she is up there and watching right now, I bet you she regrets nothing more than not seeing you grow up. She got some time with Cedric but you were only seven when she passed away" he paused, shifting a little so he was facing Harry. "You would've loved her. She would've spoiled you rotten" he chuckled to himself.
"I'm done" Harry said abruptly as he threw the fag. His jaw was clenched tightly.
Dumbledore blinked his eyes a few times as a light frown made his wrinkles more pronounced. "I don't-"
"I'm done" Harry said again, this time with a lot more force. "I don't care whether we lose or win, I don't care whether that noseless motherfucker dies tomorrow or if he lives for another century, I don't care. I'm FUCKING DONE!" he roared.
A blanch expression formed across Dumbledore's face.
"If I come across him ever again, I will kill him but I'm done being a part in all this, whatever this is." he scoffed, shaking his head. "You know what I realized these past couple of days..." he looked away and chewed the inside of his lip. A few seconds later he looked back at him and said "I don't care about anyone" he shrugged his shoulder. "I'm serious...I don't care about mum or dad...or you or Sirius or Remus or Severus or anyone else...no one...I won't blink an eye if any of you die tomorrow and you know what..." he walked over to him. "All of you are to blame for that" he whispered, as his eyes filled up. "Not me, oh no, no, no, no, no, no sir-no. Not me...because I was a kid...a fucking kid" tears were rolling down his cheeks. "Who just wanted to avenge his brother's death, that's it. That's the only reason I ever joined the squad. Nothing else mattered. But no...that wasn't enough for you all because Harry we have to think about the world, we have to think about the bigger picture. Now's not the right time, Harry. This is bigger than you, this is bigger than Cedric. WELL NOT TO ME!" His eyes were blazing red now.
"Harry-" Dumbledore took a step forward.
"STAY THE FUCK BACK OR I SWEAR I'LL DO SOMETHING" he heaved deep galloping breaths. "You molded me into a fuckin neurotic killing machine. I'm so fucked up you have no idea." he let out a bark of laughter that sounded very maniac.
"No, you're not" Dumbledore retorted as he closed the distance between them and put both hands on his shoulders. "You're a beautiful boy, nothing more, nothing less, with the purest of heart." his voice turned hoarse.
"You know nothing" snarled Harry, as he pushed him away. "I'm a sick, twisted person enjoys nothing more than the thrill of killing. If that's what counts for the purest of heart then the world truly is fucked up..." he schooled his features to a hard glare. "Tell me grandfather" he shot him a dark smile. "Do rapists have the purest of heart"
Dumbledore's eyes turned wide and a sharp breath left his lips.
"That's right" nodded Harry, smiling wickedly. "That's what I thought, what I wanted to see...that look of revulsion...oh how the tables have turned. It's the same look that girl had"
"Harry..."
"What, didn't think I had it in me. WELL NEITHER DID I. But I do...I came this close to going all the way" he held his pointer finger and thumb less than a nail's width away.
Dumbledore let out a huge breath of relief and closed his eyes for a brief moment.
"Harry, listen to me. The fact that this troubles you so much is evidence enough that you and Voldemort are not one."
"NO, IT DOESN'T BECAUSE I WISH I HAD GONE THROUGH WITH IT."
"Harry, that is not true. You're only trying to force yourself in to believing it to not deal with the guilt"
"And how do you know, huh!" growled Harry. "Are you fucking inside my head, no!" he jeered, before he broke down once more. "God, I'm so fucked up." he put his hands over his face and turned away. "I'm a freak!"
He whipped back around and glared at Dumbledore. "It's all because of you." In a flash he was standing right before him. "You made me like this...because you couldn't do it yourself." spat Harry. "Why didn't you ever go after him, huh? Why did you always stay hidden inside the castle like a pussy ass coward. I know why...because you're afraid, afraid that you'd fail, because you couldn't give people false hope because you knew that you couldn't beat him, can't have that now can we." Harry looked him up and down in disgust. "The great Albus Dumbledore...turns out it was all smoke no fire. What a pathetic excuse of a farce you've built. So, you made me into your scapegoat" He leaned closer to him. "You know what, I don't think it was sickness that killed grandma"
"Harry-"
"I think she just couldn't handle living with you anymore"
"Don't-"
"So, she offed herself because she couldn't bear it anymore"
'THWACK!'
The slap resounded many seconds after it made contact with Harry's cheek.
His head was turned sideways as he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. He turned back to his grandfather who was staring at him with a pained expression as tears filled his eyes.
Harry nodded his head. "Thank you, I needed that" He then took out his wand. "Just like you need to see this"
"HARRY, NO!"
Harry snapped the wand in half as Dumbledore lunged towards him. The old man froze on the spot as he stared in complete shock at the wispy smoke tendrils flew out of the broken stick.
"This is for you" Harry pulled his arm back before throwing his broken wand over the railing and into the dark abyss.
He picked up his broom which was leaning against the wall before mounting it. He kicked off the ground and zoomed away at a breakneck speed.
Dumbledore titled his head back and shut his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks. He took off his glasses before wiping them away.
"You can come out now, Miss Granger"
A sharp intake of breath indicated of another person in the vicinity, someone who had been eavesdropping the entire time, hidden in the dark.
A few seconds later the sound of footsteps was heard before the gate opened and a figure came into view.
Dumbledore turned towards her as Hermione stood next to the gate with a frightened expression etched on her face. She was nervously rubbing her hands together.
"Headmaster, I-I didn't mean to – I'm so sor-"
Dumbledore stopped her rambling by raising his hand. He put his glasses back on and gave her a reassuring smile that slowly turned melancholic.
"You my dear, are the key now."
Hermione's eyebrows furrowed in confusion by his words as she opened and closed her mouth multiple times. "Sir..." she finally managed.
"I'm afraid if anyone can bring him back and show him his true self, it's you. If only you would listen to what your heart's been trying to tell you for quite a while now."
Dumbledore tilted his head forward slightly as he peered at her from the above the rim of his glasses. He flashed her a warm smile before disapparating in silence.
A/N: You know the drill guys. Comment below and let me know your thoughts and I'll catch you on the flip side.